Proverbs 1:4

“To give subtlety to the simple, etc.] Men of mean abilities, weak capacities, shallow understandings, incautious, credulous, and easily imposed upon: these, by attending to what is herein contained, may arrive to a serpentine subtlety; though they are simple and harmless as doves, may become as wise as serpents; may attain to an exquisite knowledge of divine things and know even more than the wise and sage philosophers among the Gentiles, or any of the Rabbins and masters of Israel; or any of the princes of this world, whose wisdom comes to nought; and become very cautious and circumspect how they are drawn aside by the old serpent the devil, or by such who lie in wait to deceive; and…”

“simple--one easily led to good or evil; so the parallel. young man--one inexperienced. subtilty--or prudence (Pro 3:21; Pro 5:21). discretion--literally, "device," both qualities, either good or bad, according to their use. Here good, as they imply wariness by which to escape evil and find good.”

“This verse points out the two classes for which the book will be useful: (1) the “simple,” literally the “open,” the open-hearted, the minds ready to receive impressions for good or evil Proverbs 1:22; and (2) the “young,” who need both knowledge and discipline. To these the teacher offers the “subtilty,” which may turn to evil Exodus 21:14 and become as the wisdom of the serpent Genesis 3:1, but which also takes its place, as that wisdom does, among the highest moral gifts Matthew 10:16; the “knowledge” of good and evil; and the “discretion,” or discernment, which sets a man on his guard, and keeps him from being duped by false advisers. The Septuagint renderings, πανουργία panourgia for…”

“Simple - Such as want wisdom. Young man - Who wants both experience and self - government. Proverbs 1:5”

“1:4 The simple are like empty containers. Wisdom and folly compete to fill their minds and hearts (see 9:1-18).”

“subtlety: Pro 1:22, Pro 1:23, Pro 8:5, Pro 9:4-6; Psa 19:7, Psa 119:130; Isa 35:8 to the: Prov. 7:7-24, Pro 8:17, Pro 8:32; Psa 34:11, Psa 119:9; Ecc 11:9, Ecc 11:10, Ecc 12:1; Ti2 2:22; Tit 2:6 discretion: or, advisement Proverbs 1:5”