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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 8:5 O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_08_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 8:5 - The Excellence of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/8-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/8-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/8-4.htm" title="Proverbs 8:4">◄</a> Proverbs 8:5 <a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm" title="Proverbs 8:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You naive ones, understand prudence; And, you fools, understand wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220O naive ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“O naive ones, discern prudence; And, O fools, discern wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />O simple ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand a heart <i>of wisdom</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“O you naive <i>or</i> inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence <i>and</i> seek astute common sense; And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good sense and sound judgment can be yours. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />O ye simple, understand subtilty; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You gullible people, learn how to be sensible. You fools, get a heart that has understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Are you immature? Learn to be mature. Are you foolish? Learn to have sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Understand prudence, you na茂ve people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You who are naive, discern wisdom! And you fools, understand discernment! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Understand, you simple ones, prudence, "" And you fools, understand the heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Understand craftiness, ye simple: and ye foolish, understand the heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take notice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />O little ones, understand discernment. And you who are unwise, turn your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You naive ones, gain prudence, you fools, gain sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So that the simple ones may understand prudence and the fools understand in their heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That children may understand subtlety and the feeble minds may know in their heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />O ye thoughtless, understand prudence, And, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/8-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1321" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">The Excellence of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: p̄ə·ṯā·yim (N-mp) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">O simple ones,</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: hā·ḇî·nū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">learn</a> <a href="/hebrew/6195.htm" title="6195: ‘ā·rə·māh (N-fs) -- Craftiness, prudence. Feminine of orem; trickery; or discretion.">to be shrewd;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ū·ḵə·sî·lîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">O fools,</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: hā·ḇî·nū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">gain understanding.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22-23</a></span><br />“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? / If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4-6</a></span><br />“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. / “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. / Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></span><br />A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Proverbs 1:4</a></span><br />To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2-6</a></span><br />if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O you simple, understand wisdom: and, you fools, be you of an understanding heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a></b></br> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4</a></b></br> Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a></b></br> The law of the LORD <i>is</i> perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD <i>is</i> sure, making wise the simple.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/141-6.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Prudence</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-30.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Prudence</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">the fame</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">and evidence of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">The excellence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">the nature</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">the power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">the riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">and the eternity of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>O you simple</b><br />The term "simple" in Hebrew is "pethi," which refers to those who are naive or inexperienced. In the context of Proverbs, the "simple" are not necessarily lacking intelligence but are those who are open to influence and instruction. This call is an invitation to those who have not yet committed to a path of wisdom or folly. The Bible often contrasts the simple with the wise, urging them to seek wisdom and discernment. Historically, the simple were often the young or those new to faith, needing guidance to navigate life's complexities.<p><b>learn to be shrewd</b><br />The Hebrew word for "shrewd" is "ormah," which can also be translated as prudence or craftiness. In a positive sense, it implies being wise and discerning, able to make sound judgments and decisions. This is not about deceit but about having the insight to understand situations and act wisely. The Bible encourages believers to be shrewd in their dealings, as seen in Jesus' instruction to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>). This wisdom is a gift from God, cultivated through study, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<p><b>and you foolish</b><br />The "foolish" in Hebrew is "kesil," referring to those who are morally deficient or who reject wisdom. In the book of Proverbs, the fool is often depicted as one who despises instruction and correction, choosing instead the path of folly. The fool's rejection of wisdom leads to destructive outcomes, both spiritually and practically. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of foolishness, urging individuals to turn from their ways and seek understanding.<p><b>gain understanding</b><br />The Hebrew word for "understanding" is "binah," which involves insight, discernment, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Understanding is more than knowledge; it is the application of wisdom in daily life. The pursuit of understanding is a central theme in Proverbs, as it leads to a life that honors God and benefits others. This call to gain understanding is an invitation to grow in spiritual maturity, aligning one's life with God's will and purposes. The historical context of Proverbs, as wisdom literature, emphasizes the importance of understanding as foundational to a life of faith and obedience.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">O ye simple.</span>--See above on <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm" title="To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.">Proverbs 1:4</a> for an explanation of "simple," as also of "wisdom" ('o<span class= "ital">rmah</span>) there translated "subtilty."<p><span class= "bld">Ye fools.</span>--(<span class= "ital">khesilim</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>see above on <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm" title="How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?">Proverbs 1:22</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">O ye simple, understand wisdom.</span> "The simple," those not yet perverted, but easily influenced for good or evil. See on Proverbs 1:4, where also is explained the word <span class="accented">ormah</span>, used here for "wisdom;" equivalent to <span class="accented">calliditas</span> in a good sense, or <span class="greek">πανουργία</span>, as sometimes employed in the Septuagint; so here: <span class="greek">νοήσατε ἄκακοι πανουργίαν</span>, "subtlety." <span class="cmt_word">Ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.</span> For "fools" (<span class="accented">khesilim</span>), the intellectually heavy and dull, see on Proverbs 1:22. The heart is considered the seat of the mind or understanding (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Proverbs 15:32</a>; <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Proverbs 17:16</a>, etc.). Septuagint, "Ye that are untaught, take in heart (<span class="greek">ἔνθεσθε καρδίαν</span>)." The call thus addressed to various classes of parsons is like the section in <a href="/1_john/2.htm">1 John 2</a>, "I write unto you. little children," etc. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/8-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">O you simple,</span><br /><span class="heb">פְתָאיִ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·ṯā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6612.htm">Strong's 6612: </a> </span><span class="str2">Simple, perhaps open-minded</span><br /><br /><span class="word">learn</span><br /><span class="heb">הָבִ֣ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be shrewd,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרְמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6195.htm">Strong's 6195: </a> </span><span class="str2">Trickery, discretion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you foolish,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gain understanding.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָבִ֥ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:5 You simple understand prudence (Prov. 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