Proverbs 19:25-27 (ESV)
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Discipline and punishment are necessary to instruct the one who mocks wisdom. Even the simple can gain insight by watching the scoffer face the consequences of her foolish behavior. The wise person responds to good advice and learns from the mistakes and sound choices of others. But the shameful son is an utter embarrassment to his parents and the community. His self-indulgent actions create financial problems for his father and leave his dependent mother in a state of need. Obsessed with his desire for personal gain, he would go so far as to evict his parents if he could seize their property. The more this son deviates from sound teaching, the more his heart becomes hardened to wisdom. Because he fails to earnestly seek the mind of the Lord as revealed through his word, he is caught in a spiritual drift. The path of wisdom is an uphill course; to remain on it requires hard work and continual effort.