Don't Get Smacked Up Side the Head 

by Cloyce Sutton II

For today — Proverbs 19.25:

Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

This intriguing proverb has as its main point the effects of corrective discipline upon different people. Three types of people are contrasted — the scoffer (one who mocks or scorns), the naive (the simpleton, the gullible), and the one with understanding. Two types of corrective discipline are also contrasted — corporal punishment for the scoffer and reproof for the wise.

How does each person respond? First, the scoffer learns nothing. The proverb begins by observing punishment inflicted on the scoffer, but then it says nothing about the effects upon him. This implies that there are none. In other words, some people, no matter how severely punished do not learn from their mistakes. They will pursue their stubborn course no matter what. Elsewhere in Proverbs, the scoffer is presented in just this way — Proverbs 9.7-8; 15.12; 21.24.

Second, the naive learns from the scoffer's punishment. Here, someone who is inexperienced and perhaps even gullible learns, not from the mistakes of others, but from the punishment of others. He becomes "shrewd" (sensible, prudent; ie, he will learn the lesson). He reasons that if others are slack and get punished, he will be punished if he is slack in his own work.

Third, the man who is wise and understanding will learn from mere reproof (rebuke, reasoning, argumentation). He doesn't need to be beaten. A simple word of advice will create the necessary correction. As we would say, "A word to the wise is sufficient."

There are two things that impress me about this proverb. First, that punishment DOES HAVE a corrective or deterrent effect on others. In our culture punitive discipline is frowned upon in favor of rehabilitation. This proverb reminds us that sometimes punishment of one offender can deter another person from making the same mistake.

Second, the truly wise person is humble enough to be corrected. If a problem is pointed out, he willingly changes. If he sees others making mistakes, he learns from it. Not everyone has this kind of humility, which simply says that not everyone is this wise.

For today, learn from the mistakes you see.

Have a Godward day!

 

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