Proverbs 1:4 kjv
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Proverbs 1:4 nkjv
To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion?
Proverbs 1:4 niv
for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young?
Proverbs 1:4 esv
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth ?
Proverbs 1:4 nlt
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
Proverbs 1 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 19:7 | The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. | God's word makes the simple wise. |
| Ps 119:130 | The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. | Scripture brings light and understanding. |
| Prov 8:5 | O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. | Wisdom invites the simple to understand. |
| Prov 9:4 | Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, | Wisdom's invitation to the simple. |
| Prov 14:15 | The simple believes every word, but the prudent man considers well his steps. | Contrast between simple and prudent. |
| Prov 2:6 | For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. | Source of true knowledge and understanding. |
| Prov 3:21-22 | My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul… | Benefit of retaining wisdom and discretion. |
| Prov 22:17 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge; | Exhortation to seek and apply knowledge. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach… | God freely gives wisdom to those who ask. |
| Phil 1:9-10 | that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment… that you may approve things that are excellent. | Growth in knowledge and spiritual discernment. |
| Heb 5:14 | But solid food belongs to those who are of full age… who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. | Discernment comes with maturity. |
| Col 1:9-10 | praying… that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord… | Seeking knowledge of God's will for worthy living. |
| Rom 12:2 | And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. | Renewal of mind for discernment. |
| Prov 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. | Importance of early instruction for youth. |
| Eccl 12:1 | Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come… | Urgency for youth to seek God. |
| Titus 2:6-7 | Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; | Instruction for godly conduct in youth. |
| 1 Tim 4:12 | Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. | Youth encouraged to be an example. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness… | Scripture's comprehensive purpose for instruction. |
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. | Foundational principle of wisdom in Proverbs. |
| Job 28:28 | And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ | Fear of the Lord as true wisdom and understanding. |
Proverbs 1 verses
Proverbs 1 4 Meaning
Proverbs 1:4 succinctly outlines a core purpose of the book of Proverbs: to impart wisdom and practical guidance to specific audiences. It states that the wisdom contained within is intended "to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth." This means providing those who are naive, easily swayed, and unformed with the insight, understanding, and foresight necessary to navigate life wisely, discern truth from error, and make sound moral choices. The aim is not merely intellectual enlightenment but the development of practical wisdom and discerning character.
Proverbs 1 4 Context
Proverbs 1:4 stands within the opening seven verses of the book of Proverbs, which collectively serve as an introduction, setting forth the book's overall purpose, value, and audience. This section emphasizes that the book is not merely a collection of wise sayings, but a structured body of instruction designed to impart profound life principles rooted in the fear of the Lord. Verse 4 specifically identifies who most urgently needs this wisdom and how they are expected to benefit, expanding on the general purpose stated in verse 2 to explain how specific characteristics are to be developed. Historically and culturally, the instruction in Proverbs reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of "wisdom literature," where experienced sages (often fathers) conveyed moral, ethical, and practical life lessons to their apprentices or children. This knowledge was essential for communal flourishing and individual uprightness in a covenant relationship with God.
Proverbs 1 4 Word analysis
- to give: Indicates the proactive impartation of wisdom, signifying that it is not naturally inherent but must be taught and received. It highlights the didactic nature of the Proverbs.
- prudence: (Hebrew:
orma, עָרְמָה) Refers to shrewdness, practical sagacity, and keen discernment. While it can sometimes carry a neutral or even negative connotation of craftiness (e.g., in some contexts implying deceit), here, linked with 'knowledge' and 'discretion', it denotes sound judgment, wisdom in action, and the ability to foresee and avoid pitfalls, navigating life with caution and discernment for positive outcomes. - the simple: (Hebrew:
pethiy, פֶּתִי) Describes one who is naive, easily influenced, open to suggestions without critical discernment, gullible, or unsophisticated in their understanding of the world. This is not necessarily a derogatory term but rather signifies someone unformed, impressionable, and therefore in crucial need of guidance before their character is set. - knowledge: (Hebrew:
da'ath, דַּעַת) Refers to factual comprehension, intellectual understanding, moral discernment, and often implies an intimate, experiential familiarity rather than mere head-knowledge. It encompasses recognizing truth and understanding consequences. - discretion: (Hebrew:
mezimmah, מְזִמָּה) Means purpose, plan, design, or deliberation. In this positive context, it signifies good judgment, sound thought, and the ability to devise and execute appropriate courses of action; thoughtfulness leading to sound decisions and foresight. - the youth: (Hebrew:
na'ar, נַעַר) Broadly means a young man or maiden, or someone in the process of formation, learning, and maturation. This implies an individual who is intellectually and morally unshaped, often impulsive, and vulnerable to external influences and peer pressure, thus in particular need of principled guidance for their developing character and life choices.
Words-Group analysis:
- to give prudence to the simple: This phrase emphasizes guiding the naive to become wise in their practical choices, preventing them from falling into error due to inexperience or credulity. It’s about cultivating wise discernment and cautious foresight in those prone to impulsiveness or manipulation.
- knowledge and discretion to the youth: This pairing stresses that youth need both the facts of truth (knowledge) and the moral capacity for sound judgment and responsible planning (discretion). It addresses the crucial period of character formation, equipping them to make informed and virtuous decisions that shape their future. The aim is to move them beyond mere information to true practical wisdom and principled action.
Proverbs 1 4 Bonus section
The pairing of pethiy (simple) with na'ar (youth) is significant, highlighting distinct yet overlapping audiences who are particularly amenable to wisdom's instruction because they are not yet entrenched in folly. The pethiy lacks experience and sound judgment, making them vulnerable. The na'ar is young, inexperienced, and often rebellious or rash by nature, but also highly teachable. The book of Proverbs acts as a parental instruction manual, particularly from father to son, emphasizing that godly character and successful living are not accidental but the result of intentional, divine instruction applied in practical life. This highlights a universal principle: human beings are not born wise but must be taught and choose to walk in wisdom, which begins with reverence for the Lord.
Proverbs 1 4 Commentary
Proverbs 1:4 clarifies that the wisdom presented in this sacred text is highly practical and targets specific needs within society. It is for those who are simple (pethiy) – not necessarily foolish, but unformed, impressionable, and susceptible to deceptive influences. For them, Proverbs offers orma (prudence), which is the ability to navigate life shrewdly and discerningly, avoiding folly's snares. Additionally, it addresses the na'ar (youth), who, despite their potential, lack developed understanding and foresight. To them, the book offers da'ath (knowledge) – not just information, but deep understanding – and mezimmah (discretion) – the moral and practical judgment to plan wisely and act appropriately. This verse underscores that biblical wisdom is not theoretical; it actively transforms character, equipping individuals to live uprightly, make good choices, and fulfill God's purposes, protecting them from the pitfalls of inexperience and immaturity.