Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֣י׀
H4970
מָתַ֣י׀
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
תְּֽאֵהֲב֫וּ
will ye love
H157
תְּֽאֵהֲב֫וּ
will ye love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
4 of 12
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
וְלֵצִ֗ים
and the scorners
H3887
וְלֵצִ֗ים
and the scorners
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
Cross References
Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Proverbs 21:11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.2 Peter 3:3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,Matthew 9:13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.Luke 19:42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Historical Context
Continues wisdom's public proclamation (vv.20-21), now challenging hearers directly. The threefold classification reflected observable categories in Israelite society - the teachable naive, the cynical mockers, and the willfully ignorant.
Questions for Reflection
- Which category best describes your posture toward divine wisdom - naive, mocking, or resistant?
- How is God calling you from your current category toward true wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom poses three rhetorical questions targeting different categories of fools. The 'simple' (peti) love simplicity, 'scorners' (lets - mockers) delight in scorning, and 'fools' (kesil - dullards) hate knowledge. This taxonomy distinguishes the naive who lack wisdom, the proud who mock it, and the obstinate who actively oppose it. Each represents progressive hardening against truth. The questions indict both intellectual and moral rebellion against God's wisdom.