To give prudence to the simple,
Knowledge and discretion to the youth –
Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
And the one who understands obtain guidance (Prov 1:4-5, ESV).
We’ve already seen that Solomon wrote Proverbs so we might know wisdom (partly by recognizing those who speak it) and live wisely. Solomon’s third purpose for writing is found in verses 4 and 5. He desires nothing less than the transformation of the simple person (“the youth”) into a wise person (who has “prudence”), and of a wise person (“one who understands”) into a wiser person (one who will “increase in learning”).
Remember that the simple person is the one at the crossroads. This person has not yet decided which fork in the road to take: the one moving toward the Lord (wisdom), or the one moving away from the Lord (folly). Solomon here offers a push in the right direction. His proverbs will help us to move toward wisdom.
Remember also that the wise person is not someone who has achieved enlightenment or some sort of spiritual heightening. Rather, the wise person is just one who is moving in the right direction. If you are moving closer and closer to the Lord, you are wise. Solomon’s proverbs will inject supplements into your tank so the fuel can burn cleaner and last longer and move you down the road more quickly.
Tomorrow we’ll expand on how to respond to this call to transformation.
Jake Swink says
The Bible’s total ability to transform someones life is just uncanny. It can take anyone and through careful study transform their lives in a closer image of Christ (through the work of the Holy Spirit of course). I can’t believe how much studying thing bible as transformed my life alone.