To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
All Commentaries on Proverbs 1:4 Go To Proverbs 1
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
There are, as you know, certain vices forming contraries to the virtues by a clear distinction, as imprudence to prudence. There are also some which are only contrary because they are vices but which have a sort of deceptive resemblance to virtues, as when we set against prudence, not imprudence, but craftiness. I am now speaking of that craftiness which is more commonly understood and expressed in an evil sense, not as our Scripture ordinarily uses it, which often gives it a good meaning; hence we have “wise as serpents” and “to give subtlety to little ones.” … In the same way, injustice is contrary to justice by an evident antithesis, whereas the craving for vengeance puts on a show of justice but is a vice.
