Proverbs Chapter One Continued...

Proverbs 1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

One who is simple does not have to remain so, Proverbs teaches us there is a gaining of wisdom and discretion James 1:5. (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Gives generously to all without finding fault; this is one of the "greatnesses of God". He is generous without finding fault.

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

The key word here is receive… This wise man is a man who knows how to receive instruction; he is void of personal pride and he can be corrected. The perfect example of this is Apollo’s, a man who could be corrected and instructed by those who some might have perceived as his inferiors. A man of understanding can lead and guide people into the right path. He knows the path that is blessed and the path that is cursed, this of a great value since he can instruct others on how to avoid the pitfalls of life, this man has clarity and is able to direct his and others ways with wisdom.

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

Jesus said to those that were His, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries...” Matt 13:9-11. To some understanding is give but to others it is not. God gives wisdom to those who are good in His sight (Eccl 2:26). We want to qualify for understanding and wisdom and knowledge. One cautionary note here, along with wisdom must come the discipline to perform it. One can possess the wisdom to know how to do something wisely but lack the discipline to do so.