John Gill Commentary Proverbs 19:25

"Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge." — Proverbs 19:25 (ASV)

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware
That is, give reproof to a man that scoffs at religion, and makes a jest of all that is good; for though it may be of no use to him who will despise it, yet it may be observed, and be useful to another that hears it; who, though void of understanding, yet not hardened in impiety as the other, but open to conviction, "will become cunning" ^F24 , as it may be rendered; or learns wisdom, and becomes hereby a knowing and understanding man; he hears another reproved, and fears, and becomes a wise man; so that though reproof may be lost on one, it succeeds in another, which is an encouragement to give it;

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and reprove one that has understanding, [and] he will understand
knowledge ;
he will grow wiser and wiser; he will improve in the knowledge of things; see (Proverbs 9:8) .

FOOTNOTES:

• F24: (Mrey) "astutus efficetur", Pagninus, Montanus; "astutus fiet", Junius & Tremellius, Cocceius; "astutior fiet", Michaelis; "solertiam parabit", Schultens.