Bridges on Proverbs 21:11
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 21:11
 
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11.  When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
 
This Proverb in substance has been given before (Chapter 19:25) as an instructive illustration of the LORD's providential discipline. No stroke of his rod is without its effect. The blow that strikes one, reaches two — the scorner for punishment; the simple for improvement. The scorner describes a character far more common than is usually conceived. It includes much more than the gross outbreaking of the revolting heart. Under a more decent external garb, often do we see the utter want of that awful reverence for God, that humility of mind, that submission of our will, that prostration of desire, which is the glory and happiness of those above, who “cast their crowns before the throne.” The very idea of the grace of God is an object of scorn and contempt. We wonder not therefore that the daring offender should be marked out for punishment. And yet, if (as is too frequently the case) the punishment be without fruit to the scorner (Isaiah 1:5. Jeremiah 5:3), it reads a lesson of wisdom to the simple, who had been, or were, in danger of being misled by his evil example. (Psalm 64:7.) Nay — even the man of God learns a lesson of love mingled with wholesome trembling, from this awful dispensation — “Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.”
The wise, though already taught of God, through his daily teaching thankfully receives increasing knowledge. (Chapter 1:5.) Among his most fruitful lessons are the instructions of the rod — instructions (mark the difference of the term) — not punishment. Often does the teaching rod seal the teaching law . And the well-disciplined child is ready with his acknowledgments — “Blessed is the man, whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel; my reigns also chasten me in the night season. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.”
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 19:25
25 ¶ Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. {will beware: Heb. will be cunning}
 
 
Isaiah 1:5
5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. {revolt...: Heb. increase revolt}
 
Jeremiah 5:3
3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
 
 
Psalm 64:7
7 ¶ But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. {shall they...: Heb. their wound shall be}
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 119:119, 120. Compare Hebrews 10:26-31.
 

 
Psalm 119:119, 120
119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. {puttest...: Heb. causest to cease} 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
 
Compare
Hebrews 10:26-31
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
 
 
Proverbs 1:5
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 94:12; 16:7; 119:71.
 

 
Psalm 94:12
12 ¶ Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
 
Psalm 16:7
7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
 
Psalm 119:71
71 ¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.