Proverbs 1:22-23 — It's that Simple

READ THIS: Proverbs 1:22-23

22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

The book of Proverbs talks about three types of people: the wise, the foolish, and the simple. Verse 22 highlights that last group: the simple. I like to think about the "simple" as the "gullible" which is really all of us. If you're a sinner (hint: if you're reading this you are) you probably don't have to think too long to remember a time when you fell for a sin you or others thought that you could never fall for. Proverbs 14:15 says "the simple believe anything but the prudent give thought to their steps." In other words, the simple person does not give much thought to what he/she believes or how he/she operates, and they instead fall for anything. 

When wisdom asks "how long will you love your simple ways?" I think this could be read as, "how long will you continue to speak and act without thinking?" How long will you continue to participate in activities that only lead to sin? The gullible (or susceptible) easily fall into the trap of participating in mindless discussion and activities that cause them to stumble but the wise knows better than to put themselves in positions where they will act in ways that are contrary to God's will. Can you see the distinction here? 

Now read verse 23 again. In many ways this is a call to humility. A humble, repentant heart is one that sets itself up to receive the instruction of wisdom. Has a teacher, parent, or coach ever told you it's important to be teachable? That's exactly what this passage means here. Teachability requires humility. It's not easy, and it requires a certain level of self-awareness, but it leads to wisdom in the end. The simple ignores the fact that he/she needs instruction but the wise humbly listens to the counsel of others and applies it to his/her life. 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What are the "simple ways" you are susceptible to (tend to fall for) in my own life? Are there any activities you engage in that, while not sin themselves, often leads you to a place where sin is easier/more desirable? 

2. Ask yourself "am I teachable?" Do I receive "rebuke" well? Or am I stubborn thinking that I know what is best for me?

 

TRY THIS:

 

Proverbs is full of so many seemingly random admonishments and life tips. Check out this video from the Bible Project which provides an overview of the book and helps to connect some of the dots into a bigger picture!