Dumbing Down Wisdom

(Pro 16:21 KJV)  The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Does anyone want to be considered “prudent” (discerning NASB) (995) today?  This is a word that has an interesting progression.  As you can see the KJV has “prudent” and the NASB of 1977 has “discerning.”  That is still too demanding for modern readers.  The newest revision of the NASB has “understanding.”  Notice how the dumbing down process continues. 

This word demands a depth of understanding that is embedded in the rock of moral righteousness.  It is not just “do you understand” but “do you get it.”  It means that you look beyond the superficial and put things in the context of eternity.  It is possible to become a child of God based on John 3:16 but if that is all you know thirty years later, you have a problem.

So?  Take where you are and build on it.  As they say, Rome was not built in a day.  Neither were the mature, wise saints of God.  Get started on the journey if you have pulled off for a nap.