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In this essay, Gonzalo Cataño examines the ideas on the State defended by the notable thinker and Colombian socialist leader: Gerardo Molina. The article presents a brief biography, followed by a study of his ideas concerning the functions of the State. Although a critical tone predominates all way through the article, it must be remembered that the limitations of an intelligent analyst of the public subjects are always more instructive than the correct considerations of a trivial expositor of the policy. The paper defines Provident State -- also known as Welfare State or Supportive State-- as a State that guarantees minimum standards of income, health, food, housing, education and labor, as political rights, not charity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]