Wolves, Doves and Serpents

(Proverbs 1:6 KJV)  To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

What is an “interpretation" (figure NASB) (4426)?  My first thought about the NASB translation would be a math problem but that is a term from my childhood.  The definition says it is a satire or a mocking poem.  This would be the proverb of the secular.  This is an important point for us.  We are to understand the reasoning of the world.

Remember the words of Jesus,

(Matthew 10:16 KJV)  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

It would seem there are different types of knowledge, sacred and profane, and we should be able to understand both types.  I think we can safely assume that those whose world is the profane will not accept our view or understanding.  We see their world, they deny ours.  They are often not even aware of it.  Picture someone who smokes.  I have always found it amusing that people who smoke think that no one can tell.  They are so saturated in the smell that they don’t recognize it.  People of the world are that way.  They are so saturated in their thinking they don’t see any other.  Another example is in what we might call media bias.  As a conservative I am perfectly aware of what the liberals are saying.  You can’t avoid it.  It is everywhere.  Liberals tend to think they are being non-partisan because they are totally unaware of the other viewpoint. 

So?  Remember that the point of this book is to equip you for living in the real world.  Study it because it will give you the tools to deal with life.