It all started with this verse:
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
And I asked myself, “what, then, is wisdom?”
I decided to go to the beginning of Proverbs to see if “wisdom” can be identified.
Proverbs 1:1-6 declares the purpose and intent of the book is to impart wisdom. So that’s a good start.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
From this verse I’ve gleaned two things:
- Wisdom begins with a healthy respect, reverence and awe of the Self-Existent and Eternal God. The fear of the Lord is acknowledging how big He really is. A little respect goes a long way.
- Argumentative, simplistic fools consider wisdom and the discipline of instruction as insignificant and contemptible
I’ve now established a basic binary view of people categories: those who value wisdom and those who do not. Those who do not value wisdom are “simple”.
A basic word study reveals that wisdom is tied to the discipline of instruction; meaning that wisdom is more than simply “knowing” – wisdom applies knowledge.
The personification of wisdom is described in Proverbs 1:20,21 as calling aloud in public to gain the attention of the simple, inviting them to gain wisdom.
Proverbs 1:22
How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
The words “simple” and “simplicity” are of the same Hebrew origin meaning “silly” or “seducible”. Further amplification of origins indicates “to be (wide) open; spacious; roomy”. A modern descriptor might be “an airhead” – one who is easily seduced, gullible and/or deceived. Picture a fishhook and worm – the simple take the bait.
Simplicity is more than passive indifference to the value of wisdom. Simplicity actively opposes wisdom. Wisdom’s call is met with open contempt, mockery and indignation.
It may rightly be said this post emphasizes more what wisdom is not rather than what wisdom is. But that’s all I’ve got for now.
Simple Thoughts 