This verse is about discipline and correction. There are two categories spoken of here; the scorner and the person of understanding. The scorner is an individual who has no regard for anything civil, let alone godly. He is motivated by the selfish and shallow desire of doing what he wants to do, when he wants to do it. Solomon says that for the scorner, fear is their only restraint. This individual only does what is asked after his will is broken by the pain or fear of consequence. This type of discipline is exhausting and draining. However, Solomon says that there is another category in which the administration of discipline can be energizing and rewarding. He says that the one who has understanding will grow in knowledge as he is reproved. His will is not being broken by the pain of consequences; rather, it is being transformed by the correction and knowledge that is being received. As you consider this, in which of the two categories have you chosen to live? Is your will being transformed by the knowledge and correction that is given to you through the Word of God, or do you hold on to a selfish, stubborn heart until the pain and fear of consequences become too heavy for you to bear?