Proverbs 21:11 (ESV)
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
Proverbs is direct and clear about one thing: Scoffers (scorners) are not corrected by truth. They refuse to listen to it. In the entire book of Proverbs the scoffer is not shown to be able to change from their hard ways. We are also warned to not try to change them. We are even told that when we try to change we will get to ourselves shame. So, we might think we don't do anything and we ignore them. But, the above proverb says otherwise. According to this proverb, when we correct a scoffer they will never be corrected, but the naive (the “simple”) one, who is standing nearby, will be corrected. On the other hand the wise, when they are instructed, will receive the knowledge they get from the correction. The greatest contrast between the scoffer and the wise man is their ability to be corrected. The scoffing, scorning person, is one to be avoided and be warned against. The scoffer will never be corrected. But, the naive one can be corrected ... sometimes by seeing the stripes laid against the scoffer. The "naive" one, or "simple" one in the book of Proverbs is an impressionable and redeemable person. Their hearts have not become cold and hard. Solomon lets us know that the Simple One turns into a Fool and the Fool, eventually into a Scorner. We are to give truth to the Simply One and the Fool. We are to punish the Scoffer with the hopes, that in God's grace, the Simple One will become wise.
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