Proverbs 21:11 Commentary and Bible Study

The thought is similar to Proverbs 19:25. When the scorner is punished, the simple observes and watches God’s judgement, and learns from it – the scorner and the simple are not the same person. In the second half of the verse it could again be the simple who also observe the instruction of the wise – ‘he [the simple] receiveth knowledge’ – or it could be the wise themselves who benefit from their own instruction – ‘he [the wise] receiveth knowledge’. Who is it that receives knowledge? The answer depends on what is the main point of the proverb. Is it to show us the ability of the wise to profit from instruction in contrast to the scorner whose punishment only serves as a lesson for another, or is it to show that the simple learn from two things: both the punishment of the scorner and the instruction of the wise. Is the proverb a contrast between the wise and the scorner, or is it not a contrast at all but an observation about God’s strategy in teaching the simple. The second view of the verse certainly contains more surprise and shows the manifold wisdom of God. It goes without saying that the wise learn when they are instructed, but what is surprising is that the simple also learn. Seeing the simple also referred to in the second half of the verse, the lesson for us is that God makes provision for the simple in many ways because he does not want them to remain in their simplicity. The scorner is often abandoned by the Lord. His position is very dangerous, but God still uses his evil state to bring good to others. What he needs is sharp punishment. However there is little prospect of saving the scorner himself; his punishment serves more as a warning for others who might be inclined to go the same way. They look on with fear, and reflect on the fact that the scorner has met with his deserved end and that God has judged him in righteousness. They may have been inclined to go the same way, but now they turn back. On the other hand when the simple observe the instruction of the wise and how profitable that instruction is for them, they desire the same blessing for themselves. All God’s wise government of men works for their good. Such, Solomon tells us, is the purpose of the Book of Proverbs: ‘To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion’ (Proverbs 1:4). The simple see that wisdom is to be coveted for it saves men from many pitfalls, and brings them to enjoy life and an eternal inheritance.