Proverbs 1:4-7

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

In this case, subtilty refers to prudence. It was seldom a compliment to be called, "simple." To be simple meant that one could not grasp difficult concepts, perhaps not even function successfully in the world. The simple man was intellectually deprived and ostracized as deficient.

However, Solomon declares that even the simple, by mastering the proverbs he teaches, can learn the art of prudent living. The person with the least capacity for intellect can become as wise as the wisest sage by living by practical, eternal principles of truth.

To be young is to lack the experience necessary to be wise. When we are young, we are still learning and becoming. We don't have the frame of reference necessary to appreciate the truth we receive. Paul had to remind Timoth not to let people despise his youth. It was their natural inclination to dismiss him as a youngster, wet behind the ears.

Yet, by taking these practical words of truth and applying them, the teacher says, even those who are young and inexperienced can know both knowledge and discretion. Not only can they receive and process information, but they can use that information to live at a level beyond what their years might indicate they can.

The Proverbs can accelerate maturity.

5 - A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

If Proverbs can benefit the young and simple, what can they do for the wise and understanding?

Solomon suggests that the teachers become students again, that they hear and increase, that they add to their learning and benefit from guidance.

It is a humbling thing for one who perceives himself/herself as older and wiser to seek and take advice. It is a strain for that person to sit in the seat of a learner, but the truly wise do so. Those who have understanding understand one thing above all else: there is much more that they don't know than that they know. There is far more wisdom to attain than any ten men or women possess.

6 - To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

We must hear and we must learn to understand. Understanding comes through practice and application. We can learn by rote and recitation, but we receive the full weight of the Word through refelction in our hearts, rehearsal in our experience, and regurgitation through our actions.

Solomon mentions styles of presentation. Through exposure and practice, we come to recognize these and gain skills in the art of interpration. There is nothing that helps us more to become lifelong students than study. Leaders and readers who become feeders. We read; we apply; we teach. That is the pattern. When we have moved from the first step to the third, we are ready to repeat the first and have eneter the ring where we can wrestly with truth and be joyously overcome by it.

For the last year, I have made a chapter of Proverbs part of my morning discipline. It is changing my life by deepening my understanding of truth and is equipping me for each new day.

7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We shall return to this pivotal thought in the next meditation, but this is the truth upon which hinges all truth. Worship God and everything else follows.