Proverbs 1:22

simple unwary, see Proverbs 1:4 above, note.

love simplicity when you stand in need of that subtilty, which wisdom offers you (Proverbs 1:4). When war is at the gates, you are not safe without armour. "Parvuli, diligitis infantiam," Vulg.

scorners The word is, with few exceptions, peculiar to this Book, in which " -the scorners" appear as a class of defiant and cynical freethinkers in contrast and antagonism to -the wise." The root-principle of their character is a spirit of proud self-sufficiency, a contemptuous disregard for God and man (Proverbs 21:24). It is impossible to reform them, for they hate reproof and will not seek instruction (Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12). If they seek for wisdom they will not find it (Proverbs 14:6). It is folly to argue with them (Proverbs 9:7-8). They are generally detested (Proverbs 24:9), and in the interests of peace must be banished from society (Proverbs 22:10). Divine judgements are in store for them, and their fate is a warning to the simple (Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 19:25; Proverbs 19:29; Proverbs 21:11)." Kirkpatrick on Psalms 1:1, in this Series.

fools The Heb. word here used for "fool" signifies, heavy, dull, gross. See Proverbs 17:21, note.

simple, scorners, fools The enumeration covers the field: the simple, from whom recruits are too easily drawn to the army of evil; scorners, the proud leaders of the host; fools, the rank and file of the host.