Proverbs 1:22

LB Notes: 1. How does the proverbs help in our daily life? The book of Proverbs is a sort of Manual for Life. It gives us principles that apply to everything a man says and thinks… to reactions, attitudes, decisions, justice, work, home life and relationships. We can be totally obedient to God’s laws, and still not be wise in our lives. If we do make wise decisions, then our lives will be more abundant because, in being wise in GOD’S ways, we are “seeking first HIS kingdom and righteousness” which results in His providing all we need.

Note 2: Proverbs weren’t meant to be counted as “promises,” like some of the other scriptures are. They are general “guidelines or principles” and not iron-clad laws. In other words, the proverb that says “the righteous will be healthy and wealthy and the wicked will die young” is not a “promise,” but a probability. Proverbs are good principles to live by, but God is always wiser than we could ever be and sometimes, He makes exceptions when He has a good reason or lesson to teach (which we don’t always see until later.)

Proverbs 1:22 (NKJV):
22 “ How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?

For scorners delight in their scorning,

And fools hate knowledge.

Remember in the verses we’ve studied before, that “Wisdom” was portrayed as a woman that was calling out for the young and/or immature to come to her. God IS “Loving Wisdom,” and His longing is that we would seek or aspire to grow and not “love simplicity.” He WANTS to bless us, and He WANTS us to learn to seek Him first because THAT scripture IS a promise.

You can see the principles of Hebrew poetry in this verse very clearly. The first line asks a question that starts the idea. It is, again, talking of those who are just young and/or immature.

The second line is stronger and talks of people who are like so many we see in gangs or cliques (which are often just high class gangs.) They sit around in a group and scorn (cut down others) and sort of “egg each other on…”

The third line uses even stronger language, stating that “fools” (those that actively hate and avoid wisdom) also hate to get knowledge. Remember, knowledge is the acquiring of facts while wisdom is using those facts in practical ways to live a Godly life. Remember Matt. 7:24 - 27 talks of those who build on God's foundation (rock) and those who don't:

Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)
Build on the Rock 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”