Proverbs 21:11 - When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
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What does "Proverbs 21:11" mean?
Proverbs 21:11 states, "When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge." Let's break down its meaning:
"When the mocker is punished..." A "mocker" (also translated as "scoffer" or "scorner") is someone who is arrogant, disrespectful, and rejects wisdom and authority. They ridicule what is right and good. The punishment they receive can be anything from negative consequences for their actions to public humiliation.
"...the simple gains wisdom." The "simple" (also translated as "naive" or "inexperienced") refers to someone who is easily led astray, lacking discernment, and prone to making foolish choices. When they witness the negative consequences that befall the mocker, they have an opportunity to learn. Seeing that mocking and rejecting wisdom leads to bad outcomes, they can become wiser and avoid similar pitfalls. This is learning by example, even if it's a negative one.
"When the wise is instructed..." A "wise" person is someone who already has a foundation of knowledge and understanding, but they are also open to learning more. They are humble enough to recognize that they don't know everything. Instruction here refers to teaching, correction, or even gentle advice.
"...he receives knowledge." When the wise person receives instruction, they are able to take it to heart and expand their understanding. They are receptive to new ideas and willing to refine their thinking. This verse suggests that wise people actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow, and they benefit greatly from it.
In essence, the proverb illustrates two ways people learn:
1. Learning from the mistakes of others (the mocker): The simple can gain wisdom by observing the negative consequences that befall those who reject wisdom and mock authority. This is a more passive way of learning.
2. Learning through direct instruction and guidance: The wise actively seek out knowledge and readily absorb instruction, furthering their understanding. This is a more active and intentional approach to learning.
The verse highlights the importance of being teachable and open to learning, whether it's through observing the mistakes of others or actively seeking out knowledge. It contrasts the fate of those who reject wisdom (the mocker) with those who are receptive to it (the wise).
Proverbs 21:11 - When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
What does "Proverbs 21:11" mean?
Proverbs 21:11 states, "When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge." Let's break down its meaning:
"When the mocker is punished..." A "mocker" (also translated as "scoffer" or "scorner") is someone who is arrogant, disrespectful, and rejects wisdom and authority. They ridicule what is right and good. The punishment they receive can be anything from negative consequences for their actions to public humiliation.
"...the simple gains wisdom." The "simple" (also translated as "naive" or "inexperienced") refers to someone who is easily led astray, lacking discernment, and prone to making foolish choices. When they witness the negative consequences that befall the mocker, they have an opportunity to learn. Seeing that mocking and rejecting wisdom leads to bad outcomes, they can become wiser and avoid similar pitfalls. This is learning by example, even if it's a negative one.
"When the wise is instructed..." A "wise" person is someone who already has a foundation of knowledge and understanding, but they are also open to learning more. They are humble enough to recognize that they don't know everything. Instruction here refers to teaching, correction, or even gentle advice.
"...he receives knowledge." When the wise person receives instruction, they are able to take it to heart and expand their understanding. They are receptive to new ideas and willing to refine their thinking. This verse suggests that wise people actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow, and they benefit greatly from it.
In essence, the proverb illustrates two ways people learn:
1. Learning from the mistakes of others (the mocker): The simple can gain wisdom by observing the negative consequences that befall those who reject wisdom and mock authority. This is a more passive way of learning.
2. Learning through direct instruction and guidance: The wise actively seek out knowledge and readily absorb instruction, furthering their understanding. This is a more active and intentional approach to learning.
The verse highlights the importance of being teachable and open to learning, whether it's through observing the mistakes of others or actively seeking out knowledge. It contrasts the fate of those who reject wisdom (the mocker) with those who are receptive to it (the wise).