21:11

This proverb is similar to 19:25. See the notes on that verse. It contrasts the results of disciplining or educating different kinds of people. It also contrasts the ways that different kinds of people gain wisdom or knowledge.

The parallel structure pairs “a mocker” with “a wise man.” But the main contrast is between the learning ability of a person who is simple and a person who is wise. No contrast is intended between the parallel phrases “gain wisdom” and “gets knowledge.”

11a
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom ;

11b
when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

As in 19:25, the parallelism is not exact. The parallel lines function together to imply several things:

(a) A “mocker” learns nothing when he is punished.

(b) A “simple” person does not learn from simply listening to instruction, but he does learn from observing the punishment of the mocker.

(c) A “wise man” learns far more easily than a simple person. He is able to learn from verbal instruction. He does not need to see someone else being punished.

21:11a

When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom: For the words mocker and simple, see the notes on 19:25a. Also see mocker and simple in the Glossary.

is punished: In 19:25a, it specifies that a mocker is beaten or flogged. Here the punishment is not specified. But it is probably a harsh physical punishment that will make an impression on the inexperienced or naïve person.

Some other ways to translate 21:11a are:

When the scoffer is punished, the naïve becomes wise (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
If you punish a scornful person, someone with little experience may learn a lesson from it.

If it is difficult to understand the contrast between the two ways of learning, consider changing the order of the two clauses. For example:

A naive person becomes wiser ⌊only⌋ if ⌊he sees⌋ a scornful person being punished.

Also see the last meaning line in the Display for 21:11a.

21:11b

and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge: This line refers to giving additional insight to a person who is already wise. When such a person is instructed (literally “caused to have insight”), he gains even more knowledge about how to deal with the situations he faces in life.

he acquires knowledge:

Some other ways to translate this line are:

if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
One who is wise will learn from what he is taught (Good News Translation)

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