Proverbs 1:4: Seizing Has Responsibility

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

This verse continues the purpose of SEIZING each of the items in Proverbs 1:3. 

Once you have seized instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, the result is to put, set, apply, also means to pay wages. There is a responsibility to growing in wisdom—you are to give it to others. 

The word, "simple" has the idea of one who is naive, who believes whatever is taught whether wisdom or folly. So there is a responsibility to share wisdom so that discernment is developed and practiced. That the younger will gain the power of devising, discretion.

As I read this verse, I think of the young people throughout our society. They do not have discernment, they are naive and will follow the any crowd and anything that may sound good. I've seen videos of young people attending rallies and protests. When those young people are asked what they are protesting, many don't know, or give false information. They are simply caught up in the frenzy of the moment and whatever cause catches their attention. They have no discernment for the Truth. 

If I truly want to seize instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, then I need to continue with the responsibility that comes with it, and GIVE. The ability to give, will only come as I develop a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Proverbs 1:3: Seizing the Full Truth!

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; Proverbs 1:3 (NKJV)

The main verb in Proverbs 1:3 is RECEIVE. 

Receive: seize, take

What is to be seized? 

• Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction
• Wisdom: have insight, comprehension
• Justice: righteousness, as ethically right
• Judgment: matters of justice, standard
• Equity: evenness, uprightness; in ethical sense, uprightness, equity, as taught in the school of wisdom

When I think of the word seize, I think of grab onto with strength, not wanting to let go. As I read the list of what I am to seize, I had to stop at the first one, "Instruction". The order of these words is important as they build upon each other.

The meaning of instruction isn't just hearing or reading and manual. No, this word has the meaning of being disciplined and corrected. I am to seize being disciplined? Yes, when I am confronted with my sin, then I can confess my sins and then have a closer relationship with God Almighty. 

Once I am willing to accept and seize Instruction (discipline), then my heart can be ready to seize Wisdom. Comprehension of Truth. 

As I comprehend the Truth, I'll righteousness—ethically right actions will begin to follow. Then I'll have a clear understanding and be ready to seize judgment—God's standard. Then the uprightness in the ethical sense will be grasped. 

It all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For once I have a reverence for God, I'll be willing to accept His discipline and make headway on seizing the full Truth!