Proverbs 1:5-6

 

let the wise listen and gain instruction,
and the discerning acquire wise counsel
by understanding the proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Proverbs 1:5-6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB
 
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Proverbs 1:5-6 King James Bible (KJV)
 
(Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,
and let the discerning acquire guidance!)
To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,
the sayings of the wise and their riddles.
Proverbs 1:5-6 New English Translation (NET)
 
let the wise listen
The Hebrew word for "wise" here is "חָכָם" (chakam), which refers to someone who is skillful, experienced, and knowledgeable. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). The call to "listen" implies an active, intentional effort to hear and understand. Listening is a humble acknowledgment that one does not know everything and is open to learning. This is a timeless principle, emphasizing that wisdom is not static but dynamic, requiring continuous growth and openness to God's guidance.
 
and gain instruction
The phrase "gain instruction" uses the Hebrew word "לָקַח" (laqach), which means to take, receive, or acquire. Instruction here is more than just receiving information; it involves internalizing and applying it to one's life. The wise person is encouraged to actively seek out and embrace instruction, which often comes through discipline and correction. This reflects a heart posture that values growth and transformation, aligning with the biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
 
and the discerning
The term "discerning" is translated from the Hebrew "בִּין" (bin), which means to understand, perceive, or consider. Discernment involves the ability to see beyond the surface, to grasp the deeper meaning or truth in a situation. It is a gift that allows individuals to make sound judgments and decisions. In a biblical context, discernment is closely tied to spiritual maturity and the ability to distinguish between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
 
acquire wise counsel—
The phrase "acquire wise counsel" uses the Hebrew "תַּחְבֻּלוֹת" (tachbulot), which can be translated as guidance or strategy. This suggests that wisdom involves seeking advice and learning from others, particularly those who are godly and experienced. The idea of acquiring counsel underscores the importance of community and the collective wisdom found within the body of Christ. It is a reminder that no one is an island, and that seeking counsel is a sign of strength, not weakness. This aligns with the biblical teaching that plans succeed through a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 15:22).
 
to understand
The Hebrew word for "understand" is "בִּין" (bin), which implies more than just a superficial comprehension. It suggests a deep, insightful discernment that penetrates the surface to grasp the underlying meaning. In the biblical context, understanding is often associated with wisdom, a gift from God that enables one to live righteously and make sound decisions. This understanding is not merely intellectual but spiritual, requiring a heart aligned with God's will.
 
a proverb
The term "proverb" comes from the Hebrew "מָשָׁל" (mashal), which refers to a short, pithy saying that conveys a moral or practical truth. Proverbs are a key feature of Hebrew wisdom literature, designed to provoke thought and reflection. They often use metaphorical language to illustrate life principles, encouraging the reader to ponder and apply these truths to their own life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, proverbs were a common method of teaching, valued for their ability to distill complex ideas into memorable phrases.
 
and a parable
"Parable" in Hebrew is "מְלִיצָה" (melitsah), which can also mean an enigma or allegory. Parables are accounts with a deeper meaning, often used by Jesus in the New Testament to reveal spiritual truths. They require the listener to engage actively, seeking the hidden message within the narrative. In the Old Testament, parables served a similar function, challenging the audience to look beyond the literal account to discern the moral or spiritual lesson.
 
the words of the wise
This phrase highlights the teachings and sayings of those who possess wisdom, often regarded as elders or sages in the community. In the Hebrew tradition, wisdom is highly esteemed, seen as a divine attribute imparted to those who fear the Lord. The "words of the wise" are not just human insights but are believed to be inspired by God, offering guidance and instruction for righteous living. These words are timeless, transcending cultural and historical boundaries to speak to the hearts of believers across generations.
 
and their riddles
The Hebrew word for "riddles" is "חִידָה" (chidah), which refers to enigmatic sayings or puzzles that require contemplation and insight to solve. Riddles in the biblical context are not mere entertainment but serve a didactic purpose, challenging the listener to engage deeply with the text. They are a form of wisdom literature that encourages critical thinking and spiritual reflection, inviting the seeker to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within. The use of riddles underscores the complexity and depth of divine wisdom, which often surpasses human understanding.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
****************
 
Verse 5:
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning": This suggests that even those who are already considered wise should continuously seek to learn more. The pursuit of wisdom is never-ending; there's always more to learn.
 
"and the one who understands obtain guidance": This indicates that understanding should lead to action. Those who have knowledge should use it to make better decisions or guide others.
 
Verse 6:
"to understand a proverb and a saying": Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that convey wisdom or truth. This verse encourages the reader to delve into these sayings to grasp their deeper meanings.
 
"the words of the wise and their riddles": Here, "riddles" refer to metaphorical or enigmatic language often used in proverbs, which requires insight to fully comprehend. The wise not only share straightforward advice but also teach through more complex, layered forms of expression.
 
Overall, these verses emphasize the value of wisdom, learning, and understanding. They advocate for an ongoing educational process where one not only accumulates knowledge but also applies it in insightful ways to decipher and appreciate the deeper meanings behind words and teachings. This passage from Proverbs sets a tone for the book, which is to instruct in wise living and understanding, particularly through the nuanced art of interpretation and application of wisdom.
 
*********************
 
A wise man will hear,.... With great attention, and hearken to the proverbs and wise sayings herein delivered; for here are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom, as well as instructive to young men and simple ones;
 
and will increase learning; or "add" (k) to his stock of learning; or, as the Targum,
 
"will add knowledge;''
 
see 2Pe_1:5; or, "will be wiser", as the Vulgate Latin version. This is said to show the excellency of this book, and the extensive usefulness of it; indeed wise men will get knowledge where fools cannot, and increase learning where others can get none: there are few books but a wise man will get something out of; and especially such a book as this, and as the Scriptures are;
 
and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels; a man of a spiritual understanding arrives to the knowledge of the wise counsels of God; the doctrines of the Gospel, which are the "whole counsel" of God; are recondite wisdom, the hidden wisdom of God, which no wisdom of man is comparable to. It is the wisest scheme that was ever formed, and which the wit of man could never have devised, even salvation by Jesus Christ; and which was laid in God's "counsels of old", which are "faithfulness" and "truth"; the knowledge of which is attained unto by one that is spiritually wise. Moreover, a man that thoroughly understands the things contained in this book is fit to be a counsellor of others in things human and divine; in things moral, civil, and spiritual: he is fit to be in the cabinet council of princes, to be a counsellor of kings; yea, to have the reins of government in his hands. "He shall possess government"; so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions: or, "he shall possess the helm" (l); sit as a pilot there, as the word may signify, and steer the ship aright in which he is; whether it be his family, or the church of God, or a city or corporation, or a kingdom: this book, rightly understood by him, will furnish him with rules to do all things well and wisely.
 
(k) יוסף "addet", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens. (l) תחבלות יקנה "gubernacula possidebit", V. L. "metaphora a nauclero desumpta", Schultens.
 
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation,.... This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", &c. are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with Pro_1:5, a wise and understanding man, by hearkening and attending to what is here delivered, will not only attain to wise counsels, but to the understanding of proverbial sayings, and to see into the "elegancy" (m), the eloquence and beauty of them, as the word signifies; and be able to interpret them to others in a clear, plain, way and manner;
 
the words of the wise, and their dark sayings; the words and doctrines, not of the wise philosophers and sages of the Heathen world, but of men truly wise and good; and especially of the wise inspired writers of the Scriptures, whose words come from one Shepherd, Ecc_12:11; and the enigmas or riddles contained in their writings, which are so to a natural man, obscure phrases and expressions, things hard and difficult to be understood, yet to a spiritual man, that judgeth all things, plain and easy, 1Co_2:14.
 
(m) מליצה "facundiam", Montanus; "eloquentiam", Tigurine version; "elocutionem", Mercerus, Gejerus.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
*****************
 
Of course, it's not just the naive or the young that need instruction, but also those who deem themselves wise and/or not in need of instruction. If we think we already know all we need to know, then we truly need to study Proverbs, because our attitude shows that we really don't know or understand anything.
 
And yet, there is also a paradox at work here. In order to gain wisdom and understanding, one must be wise. Say what? Impossible? Not really. Wisdom itself is multi-faceted. On the one hand, wisdom comes from learning and listening to the wise counsel of others. On the other hand, wisdom is knowing that there is much to learn. Wisdom is knowing that we don’t know everything. Wisdom is the willingness to learn and to listen. So yes, one must be wise in order to be wise.
 
********************
 
Cross References:
 
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
 
Luke 8:10
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
 
2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.