To impart prudence to the simpleThe term "prudence" in this context refers to the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. In biblical times, prudence was highly valued as a virtue that enabled individuals to navigate life's complexities wisely. The "simple" are those who are naive or inexperienced, often lacking in judgment or understanding. This phrase suggests that the teachings of Proverbs are designed to provide guidance and insight to those who are unlearned or easily led astray. The concept of imparting wisdom to the simple is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Psalm 19:7, which states that the law of the Lord makes wise the simple. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God’s desire to elevate the understanding of all people, regardless of their starting point.
and knowledge and discretion to the young
"Knowledge" here refers to an understanding of truth and the ability to discern right from wrong. "Discretion" involves the capacity to make sound judgments and decisions. The focus on "the young" highlights the importance of instilling these virtues early in life, as youth is a formative period where foundational beliefs and habits are established. In ancient Israel, education and moral instruction were primarily the responsibility of the family, with parents teaching their children the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This aligns with the broader biblical principle that wisdom and understanding are to be sought after and cherished (Proverbs 4:7). The emphasis on teaching the young also points to the future, as the next generation is prepared to lead and uphold the values of their community. This passage underscores the timeless importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to live righteously and effectively in a complex world.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The SimpleRefers to those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking in judgment or understanding. In Hebrew, the word "simple" (pethi) suggests openness to learning but also vulnerability to folly.
3.
The YoungThis group includes youth or those who are immature in their understanding. The Hebrew word "young" (na'ar) can refer to a child or a young man, emphasizing the need for guidance and growth in wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of PrudencePrudence involves careful and sensible decision-making. It is essential for navigating life's complexities and avoiding pitfalls.
Value of Knowledge and DiscretionKnowledge is more than information; it is understanding that leads to wise actions. Discretion involves the ability to make sound judgments and maintain self-control.
Guidance for the YoungYoung people are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding early in life. This foundation will guide them through challenges and opportunities.
Openness to LearningBoth the simple and the young are called to be open to instruction. A teachable spirit is crucial for growth in wisdom.
Role of MentorshipMature believers are encouraged to mentor the young and the simple, sharing their experiences and insights to help others grow in wisdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:4?
2.How can Proverbs 1:4 guide us in gaining "prudence" in daily decisions?
3.What role does "discretion" play in living a life pleasing to God?
4.How does Proverbs 1:4 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom?
5.In what ways can we teach "knowledge" to the younger generation today?
6.How can we apply "prudence" and "discretion" in our interactions with others?
7.How does Proverbs 1:4 define wisdom and its importance for the inexperienced and young?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:4?
9.How does Proverbs 1:4 relate to the overall theme of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.Is keeping secrets aligned with biblical teachings?
12.Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?
13.Why does Proverbs 6:16-19 say God hates certain behaviors if 'God is love' elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 4:8)?
14.How can Psalm 1's vision of immediate justice be reconciled with biblical accounts like Job, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?What Does Proverbs 1:4 Mean
To impart prudence to the simple“to impart prudence to the simple” (Proverbs 1:4)
• Prudence is practical, foresighted wisdom that guards us from gullibility. When the Lord says His Proverbs give prudence, He promises ordinary people real-time skill for daily choices (Proverbs 8:5; 14:15;Matthew 10:16).
• “The simple” are the untaught—open, impressionable, and easily led astray (Proverbs 22:3). God does not abandon them to naivety; He offers a solid foundation so they no longer “believe every word” (Proverbs 14:15) but learn to “walk circumspectly” (Ephesians 5:15).
• This prudence shows up in:
– Thinking before acting (Proverbs 13:16).
– Testing ideas against God’s revealed truth (Acts 17:11).
– Choosing companions wisely (Proverbs 12:26).
– Anticipating consequences (Proverbs 27:12).
• The promise is immediate: as the simple absorb God’s Word, they gain discernment right where they live—at home, school, work, or church (James 1:5).
and knowledge and discretion to the young“knowledge and discretion to the young” (Proverbs 1:4)
• Youth are energetic but inexperienced. Scripture pours “knowledge”—truth about God, self, and life—into their hearts (Psalm 119:9;2 Timothy 3:15).
• “Discretion” is the ability to sift options and choose the morally excellent path (Proverbs 2:11). For young believers, this looks like:
– Resisting peer pressure (1 Corinthians 15:33).
– Handling money, media, and relationships with holy restraint (Proverbs 6:20-24;Titus 2:6-8).
– Speaking words that build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
– Planning for the future without forgetting the Lord (James 4:13-15).
• God’s goal is not merely informed teenagers but Spirit-directed men and women whose lives “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
• By embracing this verse, the young exchange impulsiveness for stability, echoing Paul’s challenge: “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
summaryProverbs 1:4 declares that God’s wisdom is intensely practical: it transforms the simple into prudent people and equips the young with knowledge and discretion. As we drink in these Proverbs, we gain clear-eyed insight, moral courage, and the daily skill to honor the Lord in every decision.
(4)
Subtilty('
Ormah)
.--Used in a bad sense (
Exodus 21:14) for "guile." For the meaning here, comp.
Matthew 10:16 : "Be ye wise as serpents;" comp. also the reproof of
Luke 16:8, that "the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light;" and St. Paul's advice to "redeem the time "(
Ephesians 5:16),
i.e.,seize opportunities for good.
Simple.--Literally,those who are opento good impressions and influences, but who also can be easily led astray. (Comp.Proverbs 8:5;Proverbs 14:15.) . . .
Verse 4. -
To give subtilty to the simple. In this verse and the following we are introduced to the classes of persons to whom the proverbs will be beneficial The
ל with the infinitive,
לָתֵת (
latheth) shows that in construction this proposition is so ordinate with those in vers. 2 and 3, and not dependent as represented by
ἵνα δῷ (LXX.)and iut
detur (Vulgate).
Subtilty; Hebrew,
עַרְמָה (
ar'mah), from the root
עָרַם, (
aram), "to be crafty or wily," properly means "nakedness" or "smoothness;" hence in a metaphorical sense it expresses "the capacity for escaping from the wiles of others" (Umbreit). We have this idea expressed as follows in
Proverbs 22:3, "The prudent man (
עָרוּם,
arum) foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself." In the Arabic Version it is rendered by
calliditas, "shrewdness," in a good sense. The Hebrew
ar'mah, like the Latin
calliditas, also means "craftiness," as appears in the use of the cognate adjective
arum in
Genesis 3:1, where we read, "The serpent was more subtle," etc. For "subtilty" the LXX. has
πσνουργία, a Greek word which appears to be employed altogether in a bad sense, as "trickery," "villainy," "knavery;" but that scarcely appears to be the meaning of the Hebrew here, since the aim of the Proverbs is ethical and beneficial in the highest degree. The Vulgate
astutia, the quality of the
astutus, beside the bad sense of craftiness, also boars the good sense of
shrewdness, sagacity, and so better represents the Hebrew. "Subtilty may turn to evil, but it also takes its place among the highest moral gifts" (Plumptre).
The simple; Hebrew,
פְתָאִים (
ph'thaim), plural of
פְתִּי (
p'ti) from the root
פָתַח (
pathakh), "to be open," properly means the open-hearted,
i.e. those who are susceptible to external impressions (Zockler), and so easily misled. The word occurs in
Proverbs 7:7;
Proverbs 8:5;
Proverbs 9:6;
Proverbs 14:18; and Proverbs 27:12. The LXX. properly renders the word
ἄκακοι, "unknowing of evil." The same idea is indirectly expressed in the Vulgate
parvuli, "the very young;" and the term is paraphrased in the Arabic Version,
iis in quibus non est malitia ("those who are without malice"). The Hebrew here means "simple" in the sense of inexperienced.
To the young man knowledge and discretion. The Hebrew
naar (
נַעַר) is here used representatively for "youth" (cf. LXX.,
παῖς νέος; Vulgate,
adolescens) in general, which stands in need of the qualities here mentioned. It advances in idea beyond "the simple."
Knowledge; Hebrew,
דַּעַת (
daath),
i.e. experimental knowledge (Delitzsch); insight (Gesenius); knowledge of good and evil (Plumptre). The LXX. has
αἴσθησις, which clasically means perception by the senses and also by the mind.
Discretion; Hebrew,
מְזִמָּה (
m'zimmah), properly "thoughtfulness," and hence "circumspection" or "caution" (Zockler), or "discernment," that which sets a man on his guard and prevents him being duped by others (Plumptre).
Αννοια was probably adopted by the LXX. in its primary sense as representing the act of thinking;
intellectus (Vulgate), equivalent to "a discerning" (see the marginal "
advisement").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
to impartלָתֵ֣ת(lā·ṯêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setprudenceעָרְמָ֑ה(‘ā·rə·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6195:Trickery, discretionto the simple,לִפְתָאיִ֣ם(lip̄·ṯā·yim)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6612:Simple, perhaps open-mindedknowledgeדַּ֣עַת(da·‘aṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847:Knowledgeand discretionוּמְזִמָּֽה׃(ū·mə·zim·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4209:A plan, evil, sometimes goodto the young—לְ֝נַ֗עַר(lə·na·‘ar)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainer
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:4 To give prudence to the simple knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr) 
