Raising Kids in the Age of Foolishness

There are enough fools in the world!

Raising Kids in The Age of Foolishness: Eleven Verses About the Naïve

The book of Proverbs refers to the naïve person in those terms in fourteen verses, two of which are repeats. A brief overview will lay a foundation for a more detailed study of the concepts that make up the character of the naïve, providing us with an agenda and strategy for bringing our children to a state of wisdom.

“To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion.” (Prov.1:4) This verse describes the gifts we must impart to our children: prudence, knowledge and discretion.

“How long, you naive ones, will you love simplistic thinking?” (Prov.1:22) A step towards wisdom requires the naïve to give up their love for simplistic thinking.

“For the waywardness of the naive will kill them….” (Prov.1:32) Since death is the end for the naïve, parents must do everything within their power to train their children.

“And I saw among the naive, I noticed among the youths, A young man lacking sense...” (Prov.7:7) It is imperative for instilling wisdom to recognize the child’s lack of sense.

“You naive ones, understand prudence….” (Prov.8:5) The impartation of understanding goes beyond mere knowledge if wisdom is to be attained.

“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!” (Prov.9:4, 16) The naïve person must be trained to recognize the enemy who always targets the most vulnerable.

“A woman of foolishness is boisterous; she is naive and knows nothing.” (Prov.9:13) The seducer of the naïve person is just as naïve as their prey.

“The naive believes everything, But the sensible person considers his steps.” (Prov.14:15) The heart of the matter with the naïve person is gullibility.

“The naive inherit foolishness….” (Prov.14:18) Often naivete and foolishness are inherited from parents.

“Strike a scoffer and the naive may become clever….” (Prov.19:25) Naïve people can learn from the consequences of others, but their learning does not result in wisdom, but rather a deeper entrenchment into foolishness. Also see Prov.21:25, “When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise….”

“A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.” (Prov.22:3) The naïve person is a foolish risk taker. Also Prov.27:12.

These eleven insights into the nature of a naïve person will serve as the basis for a parental strategy to instill wisdom in our children.  THERE ARE ENOUGH FOOLS IN THE WORLD.