Subtlety to the Simple - Proverbs 1:4

The book of Proverbs begins with the words, “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity”, and in chapter one and verse four of Proverbs Solomon said the proverbs were given, “to give subtlety to the simple” where we read,

To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

The verse begins, “To give subtlety to the simple, ...”. Solomon began with the words, “to give subtlety” or “to bestow, grant, provide, ascribe, devote and consecrate shrewdness, craftiness and prudence” “to the simple” which means “toward people who are foolish, open-minded and silly”. Solomon shared how his “proverbs” would provide people who are foolish and silly with shrewdness and prudence.

The verse continues, “... to the young man knowledge and discretion.” Solomon added the words, “ to the young man” or “toward the lads, lasses, youthful people, servants and adolescent” “knowledge” which means “perception, skill, discernment and understanding” “and discretion” or “and purpose, device, intent and witty invention”. Solomon said his “proverbs” would cause people who are children and youthful to have perception, skill, discernment, purpose and witty invention in their lives.

When we consider Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how he knew people who were foolish and silly needed to have the “wisdom” of Jehovah God. Younger people will gain skill and shrewdness by observing and keeping the sayings within this book. God used Solomon to give us His wise ways of living, and because He loves us so much, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we yield our lives to Him, not only will He forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life, but He will also teach us His ways regardless of our prior knowledge or experience and whether or not we are youthful, inexperienced and foolish.

Next time Solomon says, “a wise man will hear, and will increase learning”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".