Bible Strands
Proverbs 1:4
To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The speaker addresses the naive and the young, framing this instruction as a prerequisite for the subsequent call to the wise and discerning to listen and gain counsel.
The words — The Hebrew פְתָאיִם (peta'im) literally means "naive people," while מְזִמָּה (mezimah) translates to "discretion" or "cunning," establishing the target audience and the specific cognitive shift required.
The thread — The text explicitly commands the simple to learn shrewdness in Proverbs 8:5, and the focus on youthful guidance aligns with the inquiry in Psalm 119:9 about keeping a way pure.
Why it lands — The verse demands that readers treat wisdom as a transferable discipline, actively receiving instruction to replace inexperience with calculated judgment before seeking further counsel.
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
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 8:5 O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
- Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
- Psalms 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.
- Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
- Proverbs 8:12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
- Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
- Proverbs 9:4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Psalms 34:11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
- 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?