Be Prudent - Proverbs 22

 Proverbs 22:3

The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,

But the naive go on, and are punished for it.

This is the same proverb in 27:14 ...

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

Perhaps this is where our forefathers came up with the quote: Curiosity kills the cat. When we see danger, the better part of wisdom says to run, hide, or, at the minimum, be cautious.   That is what the "prudent" do - those filled with wisdom.   However, the "naive" (those who pride themselves on their lack of sense) simply run toward the evil like a fly to honey.   As a result the naive get what they deserve for their lack of prudence - punishment.   Perhaps, David, in his sin with Bathsheba, taught Solomon this truth.  It would be supposed that David was last in regard to naivety, but in truth, his sin with Solomon's mom, is the exact thing this proverb is talking about.  He saw the evil and ran right into it.  He was punished for it.   He did the same, even later in his reign, when he numbered the people to show his personal might rather than a trust in God.  Based upon this verse, naivety doesn't have to be based upon age.  Even a seasoned veteran in faith can succumb to it and be punished for it.   Whereas a young man can act with extreme prudence and know what to do (take the story of Paul's nephew who warned him and the soldiers of a plot to kill Paul in the book of Acts). If you see evil don't be naive.  If you are naive and you "go on," expect the punishment you deserve.  The end of your folly is well deserved.