Proverbs 1:4

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about being simple, naïve:

Proverbs 1:4 (ESV)

to give prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the youth—

If you are "simple," you need the wisdom God's provides: Discernment. Discernment, or prudence in some translations, is defined as the ability to make practical decisions. The simple, or naive, are void of practical decision making ability. This is where God's wisdom comes to the rescue. When God provides wisdom (through His Word) it doesn't come stagnant. God's Wisdom comes with an active assistant: The Holy Spirit. So, the youthful person, who lacks the ability to make practical decisions can be assisted by the Holy Spirit who will give them prudence, knowledge and/or discretion. In this first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon is outlining the reasons to study his collection of proverbs. The study of proverbs gives us all relief, because we all, in one way or another, are simple/naive. The reason Solomon wrote these proverbs was for us to study, learn and to leave the world of naivety and practice discretion. There is no reason for us to remain navie other than laziness. It is not based upon age or experience. Leaving the world of naivety is based upon study of God's Word.