Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:5
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom addresses the sons of men in the immediate moment after her public call to all people (Proverbs 8:4) and before her declaration that she will speak noble things (Proverbs 8:6). She speaks to those identified as simple and foolish at a point where her instruction is being offered directly.
The words — The verse centers on פְתָאיִם (peṯāʾîm), literally "naive people," and עָרְמָה (ʿarmâ), meaning "prudence" or "shrewdness." These terms establish the contrast between uncalculated gullibility and deliberate caution.
The thread — The address to the simple and foolish appears in Proverbs 1:22 and Proverbs 9:4, where the same group is repeatedly summoned to abandon their current course. The call to gain understanding and turn from darkness to light is later echoed in Acts 26:18.
Why it lands — The text commands those prone to gullibility to actively acquire prudence and understanding rather than assume these qualities will arrive passively. It requires a conscious decision to replace naive living with calculated discernment.
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
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Cross-references
- 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?
- Proverbs 9:4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
- Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
- Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Proverbs 1:4 To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,
- 1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,
- Psalms 94:8 Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?
- Isaiah 42:13 The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies:
- Isaiah 55:1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!