Don’t Be a Fox

(Pro 19:25 KJV) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

At first reading it seems a good thing for the “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a) to become “beware” (become shrewd NASB) (6191).  But based on the context I wonder if this is a good idea.  Of all the words used to define this “crafty” is probably the best.  It means sneaky.  The KJV gets at the point.  Discipline to someone who rejects the things of God does not bring the awareness leading to repentance but the sense of self preservation that makes them look out for traps.  They become aware so that they can continue to sin.

Picture some modern computer games.  Players have multiple lives because their survival does not count on knowing principles and ethics but making arbitrary choices.  Thus the first lives are consumed learning whether you should turn right or left at a certain point.  All you do is learn to navigate the early moments of the game so you can reach the prize later.

So?  Keep in mind that this is not a game to God.  It isn’t enough to be good at finding your way through the maze.  Each of us needs to become seekers of truth not manipulators of the computer.