Proverbs 1:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:4 articulates a core objective of the book of Proverbs: to impart essential wisdom and practical discernment to those who are most in need of guidance. Specifically, it aims to equip the naive and easily swayed with prudence and shrewdness, while providing young individuals with foundational knowledge and the capacity for thoughtful, sound judgment. This verse underscores the practical, transformative purpose of divine instruction, moving individuals from inexperience and vulnerability to a state of informed and wise living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:4 is an integral part of the introductory section of the book, spanning [Proverbs 1:1-7](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1:1-7 - Introduction to Wisdom"). This opening prologue establishes the authorial voice (Solomon, though the book contains other contributors), the overarching purpose of the collection, and the intended audience. Verses [Proverbs 1:2-3](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2-3 - Purpose of Proverbs") immediately precede this verse, broadly stating the book's aim to give "wisdom and instruction," "understanding words of insight," and to teach "righteousness, justice, and equity." Proverbs 1:4 then specifies *who* receives this wisdom and *what specific qualities* they gain, acting as a concrete elaboration of the general principles laid out previously. The entire prologue culminates in the foundational declaration of [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"), asserting that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," thereby grounding all practical wisdom in a right relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre prevalent across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia, which focused on practical advice for living well. In ancient Israel, wisdom literature was often attributed to royal figures like Solomon, signifying its importance for governance and societal order. The emphasis on "the young man" reflects a patriarchal society where young men were preparing to assume roles of responsibility in family, community, and economic life. Their proper instruction was crucial for the stability and prosperity of the clan and nation. Education was largely familial or communal, and wisdom teachings, passed down through generations, served as a moral and practical guide for navigating the complexities of life, avoiding pitfalls, and achieving success within the covenant community. The cultural expectation was that wisdom was not innate but acquired through diligent instruction and experience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **accessibility of wisdom**, indicating that divine insight is not just for the intellectually elite but also for the "simple" and the "young man"—those who are often most vulnerable or inexperienced. Secondly, it emphasizes the **practicality of wisdom**, demonstrating that its purpose is not abstract knowledge but tangible qualities like "subtilty" (prudence) and "discretion," which enable sound decision-making and ethical living. Thirdly, it underscores the **transformative power of instruction**, showing how the teachings of Proverbs can change an individual from a state of naivete to one of discernment and foresight. This aligns with the broader theme of the **path of wisdom versus the path of folly** found throughout the book, urging the reader to choose the former, as exemplified in [Proverbs 4:10-19](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Two Paths"). Ultimately, the verse reinforces the book's central message that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is essential for a flourishing life, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10-12](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10-12 - Wisdom's Invitation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Subtilty (Hebrew, _ʻormâh'_):** This term (H6195) derives from a root meaning "to be bare, shrewd, subtle." While it can denote negative cunning or guile (as in [Genesis 3:1](/genesis/3-1 "Genesis 3:1 - The Serpent's Cunning")), in the context of wisdom literature, especially when given to the "simple," it carries the positive connotation of **prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity**. It refers to the ability to discern situations, anticipate consequences, and act wisely to avoid danger or achieve good outcomes. It is not about deceit but about intelligent circumspection and practical wisdom.
* **Simple (Hebrew, _pᵉthîy'_):** The word (H6612) describes someone who is open, naive, easily persuaded, or lacking in experience and discernment. This is not necessarily a derogatory term but rather identifies a state of vulnerability. The "simple" person is like an open door, susceptible to both good and bad influences because they lack the critical judgment to distinguish between them. The goal of Proverbs is to close that door to harmful influences by equipping them with the "subtilty" mentioned.
* **Discretion (Hebrew, _mᵉzimmâh'_):** This word (H4209) is rich in meaning. While it can refer to an evil plot or device (as in [Proverbs 12:2](/proverbs/12-2 "Proverbs 12:2 - The Righteous and the Wicked")), in the positive context of wisdom, it signifies **thoughtful planning, foresight, and sound judgment**. It is the capacity to devise good plans, to think ahead, and to make considered choices that lead to beneficial results, rather than acting impulsively or carelessly. For the young man, this quality is crucial for navigating life's complexities and making responsible decisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To give subtilty to the simple":** This clause highlights the immediate and practical benefit of wisdom for the most vulnerable. The "simple" ( _pᵉthîy_ ) are those who are naive, easily deceived, or lack discernment. The purpose of Proverbs is to "give" ( _nâthan_ , H5414, to impart or bestow) them "subtilty" ( _ʻormâh_ ), which in this context means prudence, shrewdness, or the ability to navigate complex situations wisely and avoid pitfalls. It is about transforming gullibility into discernment.
* **"to the young man knowledge and discretion":** This second clause specifies the benefits for another key demographic: the "young man" ( _naʻar_ , H5288), typically one who is beginning to make independent life choices. For them, the book aims to provide "knowledge" ( _daʻath_ , H1847), which is factual understanding and insight, and "discretion" ( _mᵉzimmâh_ ), which is the capacity for thoughtful planning, sound judgment, and foresight. This pairing emphasizes the need for both intellectual understanding and the practical ability to apply that understanding in making wise decisions for one's future.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:4 employs several effective literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses, each presenting a recipient and the specific qualities they are to gain. This structure emphasizes the dual audience and the complementary nature of the wisdom imparted. The verse functions as a **Purpose Statement**, clearly articulating the didactic intent of the entire book that follows. It also utilizes **Metonymy** by using "subtilty," "knowledge," and "discretion" to represent the broader concept of wisdom and its practical application. The implied contrast between the initial state of "simple" and "young man" (lacking these qualities) and their desired state (possessing them) serves as a subtle form of **Antithesis**, a common feature in Proverbs, highlighting the transformation wisdom brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:4 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of divine wisdom as an active, transformative force in human lives. It underscores that God's wisdom, as revealed in Scripture, is not merely theoretical but intensely practical, designed to shape character and guide conduct. This verse sets the stage for the entire book, which consistently presents wisdom as a pathway to life and folly as a path to destruction, echoing the foundational choice presented in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life"). It highlights God's gracious provision of instruction to lead His people from naivete and impulsiveness to discernment and responsible living, ultimately for their flourishing and His glory.

* [Proverbs 2:10-11](/proverbs/2-10 "Proverbs 2:10-11 - Wisdom's Preservation")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")
* [Psalm 19:7](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7 - The Law of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:4 serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is not an inherent trait but a cultivated discipline, a gift to be sought and applied. For us today, it challenges the notion that experience alone guarantees discernment; rather, true wisdom comes from intentional engagement with God's truth. It encourages us to embrace a posture of humility, acknowledging our own areas of "simplicity" or youthful impulsiveness, regardless of age, and actively seeking the "knowledge and discretion" that God's Word provides. This verse calls us to be lifelong learners, open to instruction, and committed to growing in practical wisdom that enables us to navigate life's complexities with integrity and foresight. It also places a profound responsibility on those who possess wisdom to impart it to others, especially the younger generation, guiding them away from folly and towards a life of purpose and godliness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still exhibit "simplicity" or a lack of discernment, making me vulnerable to poor choices?**
* **How am I actively seeking "knowledge and discretion" from God's Word and wise counsel in my daily life?**
* **What responsibility do I have to impart wisdom to the "young men" (or young people in general) in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "subtilty" in Proverbs 1:4, as it can sound negative today?**

Answer: In modern English, "subtilty" often carries a negative connotation of cunning or deceit. However, in Proverbs 1:4, the Hebrew word _ʻormâh_ (H6195) is used in a positive sense. It refers to **prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity**—the ability to discern situations, anticipate consequences, and act wisely to avoid danger or make sound decisions. It's about practical intelligence and circumspection, not trickery. The context of wisdom literature consistently uses this term to denote a valuable quality that helps the naive or "simple" ( _pᵉthîy_ ) navigate life effectively and avoid being led astray. This positive meaning is also seen in [Proverbs 8:5](/proverbs/8-5 "Proverbs 8:5 - Wisdom's Call to the Simple"), where Wisdom herself calls out to the simple to gain prudence.

**Who are the "simple" and the "young man" in this verse, and why are they specifically targeted?**

Answer: The "simple" (Hebrew: _pᵉthîy_ , H6612) refers to those who are naive, inexperienced, easily persuaded, or lacking in critical discernment. They are open to influence, both good and bad, because they haven't yet developed the wisdom to distinguish between them. The "young man" (Hebrew: _naʻar_ , H5288) typically refers to someone in the formative years of adolescence or early adulthood, who, while perhaps not entirely "simple," often lacks life experience, foresight, and the developed judgment needed for independent living. These two groups are specifically targeted because they are the most vulnerable to folly, impulsivity, and destructive choices. The Book of Proverbs aims to provide them with the foundational wisdom, knowledge, and discretion necessary to make wise decisions, avoid pitfalls, and live a flourishing life from an early age, thereby shaping their character and future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:4, in its declaration to impart wisdom and discernment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom literature points to a path of righteousness and understanding, it is in Christ that all wisdom and knowledge are perfectly embodied and fully accessible. He is not merely a wise teacher, but the very **Wisdom of God** personified, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God") and [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom"). For the "simple" and the "young man" of any age, Christ provides the true "subtilty" (prudence) and "discretion" that the Proverbs commend. Through Him, we gain not just intellectual knowledge but a transformative understanding that reorients our lives. In Christ, we find the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are All Treasures")). He is the one who makes the "simple" wise by giving them a new heart and mind, and He guides the "young" into a life of true discernment and purpose through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who teaches all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the pursuit of wisdom in Proverbs ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:5

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Psalms 119:9

¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.

Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Psalms 119:130

¶ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Proverbs 9:4

Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Proverbs 9:6

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 8:12

¶ I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.