Bible Strands
Proverbs 1:22
“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom speaks to the simple, scoffers, and fools at the city gates during her public proclamation (Proverbs 1:21). She poses urgent rhetorical questions to them immediately before offering conditional promise of instruction (Proverbs 1:23).
The words — The Hebrew מָתַ֣י (ma.Tai) and עַד־ ('ad-) frame the verse as a prolonged "how long" inquiry. The term פְּתָיִם (pe.ta.Yim) literally denotes "naive people" whose defining trait is actively loving פֶ֥תִי (Fe.ti), or "naivete."
The thread — This pattern of rejecting discipline appears in Proverbs 1:29, where the same group hates knowledge and refuses to fear the LORD. Proverbs 5:12 records their later confession of hating reproof, while Psalms 1:1 contrasts their path with the blessed man who avoids the counsel of the wicked.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that persistent attachment to foolishness is a deliberate choice, not mere ignorance. It requires the reader to examine whether they are actively loving their own shallow patterns or delaying repentance until instruction is withdrawn.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Cross-references
- Proverbs 1:29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.
- Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
- Proverbs 5:12 and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!
- John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
- 2 Peter 3:3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
- Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
- Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Luke 19:42 and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.
- Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.
- Proverbs 6:9 How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?