Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

How long, ye simple ones {H6612}, will ye love {H157} simplicity {H6612}? and the scorners {H3887} delight {H2530} in their scorning {H3944}, and fools {H3684} hate {H8130} knowledge {H1847}?

"How long, you whose lives have no purpose, will you love thoughtless living? How long will scorners find pleasure in mocking? How long will fools hate knowledge?

“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And scoffers delight them in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge?

Commentary on Proverbs 1:22 (KJV)

Proverbs 1:22 is a poignant cry from personified Wisdom, directly addressing those who stubbornly resist her invitation. It falls within the introductory chapters of Proverbs, which lay the groundwork for understanding the book's purpose: to impart wisdom, instruction, and understanding. This verse serves as a direct challenge, highlighting the spiritual and intellectual complacency that prevents individuals from embracing truth.

Context

The book of Proverbs begins with a clear statement of its aim: to teach wisdom, discipline, and understanding (Proverbs 1:2). Following the foundational principle that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, Wisdom herself is presented as crying out in public places, inviting all to listen and learn (Proverbs 1:20-21). Verse 22 is her direct lament and question to three specific groups who ignore her urgent call, setting the stage for the warnings and consequences that follow, particularly in Proverbs 1:24-27.

Key Themes

  • The Call of Wisdom: Wisdom is not passive; she actively seeks out those who need her, offering guidance and insight. Her question in this verse is a plea for self-awareness and change.
  • Rejection of Wisdom: The verse vividly describes three distinct categories of people who choose to reject knowledge and understanding, each with their own peculiar attachment to folly.
    • The "Simple Ones": These are the naive, easily swayed, and dangerously complacent. They "love simplicity," preferring ignorance or a lack of moral discernment, making them vulnerable to deception.
    • The "Scorners": These are arrogant mockers who delight in ridiculing truth, righteousness, and those who pursue them. Their "scorning" is a deep-seated pleasure, a defiant rejection of authority and wisdom.
    • The "Fools": Unlike the simple, who are merely naive, or the scorners, who are actively hostile, the fools are stubbornly resistant and morally obtuse. They "hate knowledge," seeing it as an inconvenience or threat to their chosen path of self-indulgence and moral laxity.
  • The Urgency of Choice: The question "How long...?" implies a limited time for repentance and a coming judgment for those who persist in their folly.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Simple ones" (Hebrew: petha'im): This term refers to those who are open, naive, or easily persuaded. They lack discernment and are susceptible to both good and bad influences. Their "simplicity" is a dangerous state of spiritual immaturity and lack of critical thought, as seen in Proverbs 14:15.
  • "Scorners" (Hebrew: letsim): These are mockers, scoffers, or arrogant individuals who disdain wisdom and righteousness. They are characterized by their cynical and contemptuous attitude towards divine instruction and moral rectitude.
  • "Fools" (Hebrew: kesilim): This term is often used in Proverbs to describe someone who is not merely unintelligent, but morally dull, obstinate, and actively resistant to instruction. They are set in their ways and have no desire to learn or grow, highlighting why they "hate knowledge," as also suggested in Proverbs 15:5.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:22 challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards knowledge and wisdom. Are we among the simple, content in our ignorance or complacency? Do we, like the scorners, find amusement in ridiculing spiritual truths or those who earnestly seek them? Or are we like the fools, actively resisting instruction and preferring our own misguided ways over the path of wisdom?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is not automatically acquired; it must be sought, embraced, and loved. It calls us to shed naivete, abandon cynicism, and cultivate a humble, teachable spirit that delights in knowledge and understanding, leading to a life aligned with God's truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 1:29

    For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

  • Proverbs 5:12

    And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

  • Psalms 1:1

    ¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • Matthew 11:30

    For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

  • 2 Peter 3:3

    ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

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