Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 1:1 and 1:4 (New International Version)

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:…4 for giving prudence to the simple,

I love the phrase giving prudence to the simple. I had to study the word prudence.

From http://dictionary.com,

prudence, noun, caution with regard to practical matters; discretion. Prudence, calculation, foresight, forethought imply attempted provision against possible contingencies. Prudence is care, caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead

The proverbs of Solomon gives a simple-minded person forethought, caution, the ability to set aside provisions against possible contingencies. These are powerful; these are things that are not found in the simple, the unprepared, the naive.

I can sit and feel that this doesn’t apply to me. I am educated, sophisticated, and accomplished. Look at me now; I am writing a blog on the Internet. I am not simple – or am I?

Compared to the power, cleverness, and deviousness of Satan am I not simple? I now have much greater respect for the proverbs of Solomon and their power.