How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

PROVERBS 1:22KJV
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Proverbs 1:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 1:22 mean?

Proverbs 1:22 asks how long naïve people will continue to love being simple-minded, how long mockers will enjoy their mocking, and how long fools will hate knowledge. The verse calls out three groups—those who are easily misled, those who make fun of wisdom, and those who reject learning—challenging them to reconsider their attitudes.

In Proverbs 1:22, it is Wisdom herself speaking, addressing people who are ignoring her call. The verse sets up a contrast between those who stubbornly resist wisdom and the invitation to change. This is part of a larger speech where Wisdom urges listeners to turn from foolishness and embrace understanding.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 1:22

  • "Simple ones" and "simplicity" both use פְּתָיִם (pĕthayim / pĕthî) and פְּתִי (pĕthî), meaning someone who is naïve, gullible, or inexperienced. This word does not mean "simple" in a positive sense, but rather someone open to being misled.
  • "Scorners" is לֵצִים (lêtsîm), referring to people who mock or ridicule wisdom and correction. Their attitude is not just ignorance, but active disrespect.
  • "Delight" is חָמַד (chāmad), which means to take pleasure in or desire something. The verse points out that mockers actually enjoy their mocking.
  • "Fools" is כְּסִילִים (kesîlîm), meaning people who are stubbornly foolish, not just lacking knowledge but actively rejecting it. "Hate" is שָׂנֵא (śānē’), a strong word for deep dislike or rejection, showing that these fools are not neutral—they are opposed to knowledge.

Why Proverbs 1:22 matters

  • Proverbs 1:22 clarifies that ignoring wisdom is not just a passive mistake but often a chosen attitude—people can actually love being naïve or take pride in mocking what is wise.
  • The verse highlights that wisdom is not just for the naturally gifted; anyone can choose to listen or refuse, making the call to change personal and urgent.
  • This verse sets up the rest of Proverbs 1, where Wisdom warns of the consequences of ignoring her, making it clear that the choice to reject wisdom has real effects.

Where else these words appear

“scorning” Hebrew H3944 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
  • Isaiah 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.

“ones” Hebrew H6612 · used in 18 verses

  • Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
  • Proverbs 7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
  • Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

“delight” Hebrew H2530 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
  • Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

“scorners” Hebrew H3887 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
  • Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
  • Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.