Proverbs 1:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

for endowing with caution those who don't think and the young person with knowledge and discretion.

Berean Standard Bible:

To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,

American Standard Version:

To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

To give^{H5414} subtilty^{H6195} to the simple^{H6612}, to the young man^{H5288} knowledge^{H1847} and discretion^{H4209}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 1:4

Proverbs 1:4 is part of the introduction to the Book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings and instructions attributed primarily to King Solomon, although other authors are credited with some of the proverbs as well. The Book of Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Hebrew Bible, along with Job and Ecclesiastes, and was likely compiled and edited over a long period of time, with its final form taking shape around the 5th century BCE or later.

The verse itself encapsulates the didactic purpose of the entire book: to impart wisdom to the inexperienced or naive, symbolized by the "simple" and the "young man." The term "subtilty" here refers to the ability to discern and understand, to navigate life's complexities with prudence. "Knowledge" implies a body of information and understanding, while "discretion" suggests the capacity to make judicious decisions.

In its historical context, the verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of passing wisdom from one generation to the next, often through a series of pithy, memorable sayings. These instructions were meant to shape the character and conduct of young men, particularly those being groomed for leadership roles within the family, society, or religious institutions. By providing "subtilty to the simple," the proverbs aimed to refine one's judgment, ensuring that even those without natural acuity could learn to act wisely.

In summary, Proverbs 1:4 articulates the core mission of the Book of Proverbs: to educate and equip individuals, especially the young and inexperienced, with the wisdom necessary to live a life marked by understanding, knowledge, and sound judgment. This verse sets the stage for a collection of sayings designed to guide the reader in the pursuit of a virtuous and successful life, as defined by the moral and practical insights of biblical wisdom.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6195
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עׇרְמָה
   Transliteration: ʻormâh
   Pronunciation: or-maw'
   Description: feminine of עֹרֶם; trickery; or (in a good sense) discretion; guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6612
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פְּתִי
   Transliteration: pᵉthîy
   Pronunciation: peth-ee'
   Description: or פֶּתִי; or פְּתָאִי; from פָּתָה; silly (i.e. seducible); foolish, simple(-icity, one).
   
4. Strong's Number: H5288
   There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נַעַר
   Transliteration: naʻar
   Pronunciation: nah'-ar
   Description: from נָעַר; (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latitude in age); babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man).
   
5. Strong's Number: H1847
   There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דַּעַת
   Transliteration: daʻath
   Pronunciation: dah'-ath
   Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).
   
6. Strong's Number: H4209
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְזִמָּה
   Transliteration: mᵉzimmâh
   Pronunciation: mez-im-maw'
   Description: from זָמַם; a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity); (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly.