For the waywardness of the simple will slay themThe term "waywardness" refers to a deviation from the correct path or moral direction. In biblical context, it often implies a willful disobedience or rebellion against God's commandments. The "simple" are those who lack wisdom and discernment, often characterized by naivety or ignorance. This phrase warns that such a lifestyle leads to self-destruction. The Hebrew word for "simple" can also mean "open-minded" in the sense of being easily influenced or led astray. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that wisdom and understanding are protective, as seen in
Proverbs 4:6-7, which emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom. The concept of being "slain" here is metaphorical, indicating spiritual death or ruin rather than physical death. This reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death, as stated in
Romans 6:23.
and the complacency of fools will destroy them
"Complacency" suggests a false sense of security or satisfaction, often leading to neglect of spiritual vigilance. In biblical terms, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction, as seen throughout the book of Proverbs. This complacency is dangerous because it blinds individuals to their spiritual peril. The destruction mentioned is both a natural consequence of foolish living and a divine judgment. This is consistent with the biblical narrative that emphasizes the need for constant spiritual alertness, as echoed in1 Peter 5:8, which warns believers to be sober and vigilant. The destruction of fools is a recurring theme in Proverbs, highlighting the inevitable downfall of those who reject God's wisdom. This serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to seek wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of complacency and folly.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The SimpleIn the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, often lacking wisdom and discernment. They are easily led astray due to their lack of understanding.
2.
FoolsThis term is used throughout Proverbs to describe individuals who reject wisdom and instruction. Fools are characterized by their complacency and refusal to heed correction.
3.
WaywardnessThis represents a turning away from the path of wisdom and righteousness. It is a deliberate choice to follow one's own desires rather than God's guidance.
4.
ComplacencyThis is a state of self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. In Proverbs, it is often linked to a false sense of security that leads to destruction.
5.
DestructionThe ultimate consequence of rejecting wisdom and living in complacency. It signifies both physical and spiritual ruin.
Teaching Points
The Danger of WaywardnessStraying from God's path leads to spiritual and sometimes physical peril. It's crucial to seek wisdom and stay aligned with God's teachings.
Complacency as a Silent KillerComplacency can lull us into a false sense of security. We must remain vigilant and proactive in our spiritual growth to avoid destruction.
The Importance of Seeking WisdomActively pursuing wisdom and understanding is vital. It requires humility and a willingness to learn and be corrected.
Consequences of Rejecting WisdomIgnoring God's wisdom has serious consequences. We must recognize the importance of heeding divine instruction to avoid ruin.
The Call to DiscernmentDeveloping discernment helps us identify and avoid the paths that lead to destruction. This requires regular engagement with Scripture and prayer.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:32?
2.How does Proverbs 1:32 warn against complacency in our spiritual lives?
3.What are the consequences of "the complacency of fools" mentioned in Proverbs 1:32?
4.How can we actively avoid the pitfalls described in Proverbs 1:32?
5.Connect Proverbs 1:32 with another scripture warning against spiritual complacency.
6.How can Proverbs 1:32 guide our daily decision-making and spiritual growth?
7.How does Proverbs 1:32 define the consequences of complacency for believers?
8.What does Proverbs 1:32 suggest about the fate of the simple-minded?
9.How does Proverbs 1:32 challenge the idea of spiritual security without active faith?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What does the Bible say about backsliding?
12.What does 'Eat, Drink, and Be Merry' mean?
13.In Job 5:3, how could a fool suddenly flourish only to be cursed, and does this reflect any historical or archeological anomaly?
14.How can we show mercy to others daily?What Does Proverbs 1:32 Mean
ForThe word “For” links this verse to the previous warning that those who reject wisdom will “eat the fruit of their own way” (Proverbs 1:31). It grounds the principle that divine justice is built into life itself, echoingGalatians 6:7—“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.”
the waywardnessWaywardness pictures a deliberate turning aside, a restless drifting from God’s path (Proverbs 14:14). Like a ship without a rudder, such wandering is never neutral;Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the heart, left unchecked, “is deceitful above all things.”
of the simpleThe “simple” are the naïve—those open to any influence yet unwilling to commit to wisdom (Proverbs 14:15). Their neutrality becomes complicity, just asHebrews 2:1 warns, “We must pay closer attention… so that we do not drift away.”
will slay themThe result is fatal. Sin is not merely harmful; it is lethal (Romans 6:23).Proverbs 5:23 echoes, “He will die for lack of discipline.” Ignoring God’s paths invites self-destruction.
and the complacencyComplacency speaks of smug security, a lazy confidence that things will always remain comfortable (Amos 6:1).Zephaniah 1:12 portrays those “who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will do nothing, good or bad.’” This spiritual lethargy dulls urgency for repentance.
of foolsFools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).Psalm 14:1 notes their defining trait: practical atheism—“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Their arrogance cements them in rebellion (Proverbs 12:15).
will destroy themComplacent folly ends in ruin.Matthew 7:26-27 contrasts the house on sand, collapsing under judgment, with the wise man’s secure foundation.Luke 12:20 records heaven’s verdict on the rich fool: “This very night your life will be required of you.” Destruction is both temporal and eternal.
summaryProverbs 1:32 lays out a sober equation: drifting hearts (waywardness) plus undiscerning minds (simplicity) or smug hearts (complacency) plus stubborn minds (folly) equals death and destruction. Wisdom’s call is urgent because the consequences are irreversible. Choosing God’s path is not optional add-on; it is the difference between life and ruin.
(32)
The turning away of the simple. . .--
i.e.,from God. (Comp.
Jeremiah 2:19.)
Prosperity of fools--i.e.,the security, apathy of dull, stupid people (khesilim),who cannot believe that God will fulfil His threatenings. (Comp. Psalms 73 throughout.)
Verse 32. - Wisdom now brings her address to a close by contrasting the destruction and ruin of the foolish, and the security of those who listen to her voice.
The turning away;מְשׁוּבָה (
m'shuvah), from
שׁוּב(
shuv), "to turn about, or to return" (which is used metaphorically of conversion), here means
defection, turning away; and hence apostasy (
aversio Vulgate, Chaldee Paraphrase, Syriac;
perversitio, Cast. Version); the "backsliding" of
Jeremiah 8:5;
Hosea 11:7. Abea Ezra understands it to signify "ease," as in the marginal reading; but there seems no warrant for taking the word in that sense. The LXX. renders the passage quite differently,
Ἀνθ ῶν γὰρ ἠδίκουν νηπίους φονευθησονταί "For because they wronged the young, they shall be slain;" so also the Arabic. The turning away is from the warnings and invitations of Wisdom, and implies
rebelliousness against God.
The prosperity. The word in the original (
שַׁלְוָה,
shal'vah)
is here used in a bad sense, and means "carelessness, indolence," that carnal security which is induced by prosperity and worldly success, as in
Jeremiah 22:21, "I spoke to thee in thy prosperity (security), but thou saidst, I will not hear" (cf.
Ezekiel 16:49, where it is translated "idleness." So Dathe translates, "Incuria ignavorum eos perdit." The Chaldee Paraphrase and Syriac Versions read "error." It occurs in a good sense as "tranquillity," "security," in
Proverbs 17:1 and
Psalm 122:7. The derivation of the word is from
שָׁלָה (
shalah). "to be tranquil, to be safe, secure." Marines remarks that it is more difficult to bear prosperity than adversity, because we endure adversity, we are corrupted by prosperity, and prosperity or ease makes fools mad. The false security of the prosperous is illustrated by our Lord in his parable of the rich fool (
Luke 12:16-21). The LXX. differs again from the Hebrew in the second clause of this verse,
καὶ ἐξετασμός ἀσεβεῖς ὀλεῖ;
i.e. the carefully considered judgment of God concerning them shall destroy them. The LXX, is followed by the Arabia.
Them;
i.e. the fools themselves, and not other sinners, as Ben Ezra says, though the apparent security of fools, the impunity with which they seem to go on in their wickedness, and the success of their plans, may lead others to destruction.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe waywardnessמְשׁוּבַ֣ת(mə·šū·ḇaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4878:Turning back, apostasyof the simpleפְּתָיִ֣ם(pə·ṯā·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6612:Simple, perhaps open-minded{will} slay them,תַּֽהַרְגֵ֑ם(ta·har·ḡêm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2026:To smite with deadly intentand the complacencyוְשַׁלְוַ֖ת(wə·šal·waṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7962:Quietness, easeof foolsכְּסִילִ֣ים(kə·sî·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, fool{will} destroy them.תְּאַבְּדֵֽם׃(tə·’ab·bə·ḏêm)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6:To wander away, lose oneself, to perish
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:32 For the backsliding of the simple will (Prov. Pro Pr) 
