Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Parallel translations
- WEB Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
- BSB Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
- NKJV Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.
- NASB Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.
- NLT Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Judgment is ready for scoffers and fools. Those who mock wisdom will face certain consequences.
Overview
This proverb declares that penalties are prepared for scoffers and beatings for the backs of fools, affirming that persistent mockery and folly meet sure correction. It closes the chapter's reflections on the fool with a sober warning of accountability. The certainty of judgment on stubborn rebellion magnifies the mercy of the gospel, which offers escape through Christ to all who turn from folly to wisdom.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Prov 26:3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
- Prov 10:13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
- Prov 9:12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
- 2 Pet 3:3–7Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
- Acts 13:40–41Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
- Prov 18:6A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
- Prov 3:34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
- Isa 29:20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
- Isa 28:22Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
- Prov 17:10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
- Heb 12:6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
- Prov 7:22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 19:29 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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