Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "wise counsels" carries the imagery of skillful seamanship, suggesting that true understanding isn't just knowing facts, but gaining the practical "navigation skills" needed to steer through life's complexities. This isn't about abstract theories, but about the seasoned wisdom that allows someone to manage themselves and others effectively amidst life's unpredictable currents.
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage opens the book of Proverbs, setting the stage for a collection of wisdom meant to guide all people, not just the unlearned. It asserts that even the wise and discerning should actively seek out and absorb these teachings to deepen their understanding and gain practical guidance for navigating life. The verses emphasize that true wisdom involves a continuous process of learning and refinement, not a static state of knowing.
Think wisdom is just for geniuses or the elderly? Think again. This verse says even the wisest among us need to listen up.
The very nature of wisdom isn't a final destination, but a continuous journey. Proverbs 1:5 starts with a simple, yet profound, statement: 'Let the wise hear...' This isn't just for those who know nothing; it's for those who already possess some wisdom.
Beyond the Basics
It's one thing to know things, another to know what to do with them. This verse points to the practical outcome of true understanding.
Proverbs 1:5 doesn't stop at just acquiring knowledge. It connects understanding with obtaining 'guidance.' This isn't abstract theology; it's about practical, life-steering wisdom.
Navigating Life's Waters
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Understand the original words
tachbuloth · Hebrew Noun
Skills for navigating life, including the ability to steer a ship; it refers to wise counsel or tactical strategy for living righteously.
This passage echoes the core idea of Proverbs 1:5, stating directly that giving instruction to a wise person will make them even wiser, reinforcing the principle that true wisdom is about continuous learning and growth.
Matthew 13:12Jesus uses a similar principle when speaking about spiritual understanding: 'For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance.' This parallels how those who are receptive to learning (like the wise man in Proverbs) gain deeper insight and understanding.
James 1:5This verse speaks to the source of guidance and wisdom, stating, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... and it will be given to you.' It connects the pursuit of understanding mentioned in Proverbs 1:5 with a reliance on divine wisdom.
1 Corinthians 12:28In the context of spiritual gifts, Paul mentions 'helps, and government' (or 'guidance' in some translations). This connects to the 'wise counsels' in Proverbs 1:5, highlighting the practical, guiding wisdom needed to navigate life and serve others effectively.
bensonProverbs 1:5: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:"
Proverbs 1:5-6 . A wise man will hear — Is not self-conceited, as fools are, but willing to learn from others, and, therefore, will attend to the following instructions; and will increase learning — Thereby he will gain this great benefit, he will increase in knowledge and wisdom. This he adds, to show that this book is useful and necessary, not only to the ignorant, but…
pulpitProverbs 1:5: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:"
Verse 5. - A wise man will hear, and will increase learning. The change of construction in the original is reproduced in the Authorized Version, but has been rendered variously. Thus Umbreit and Elster, regarding the verb יִשְׁמַע (yish'ma) as conditional, translate, "if the wise man hear;" on the other hand, Delitzsch and Zockler take it as voluntative," let the wise ma…
The Hebrew word for "wise counsels" carries the imagery of skillful seamanship, suggesting that true understanding isn't just knowing facts, but gaining the practical "navigation skills" needed to steer through life's complexities. This isn't about abstract theories, but about the seasoned wisdom that allows someone to manage themselves and others effectively amidst life's unpredictable currents.
This passage opens the book of Proverbs, setting the stage for a collection of wisdom meant to guide all people, not just the unlearned. It asserts that even the wise and discerning should actively seek out and absorb these teachings to deepen their understanding and gain practical guidance for navigating life. The verses emphasize that true wisdom involves a continuous process of learning and refinement, not a static state of knowing.
This passage opens the book of Proverbs, setting the stage for a collection of wisdom meant to guide all people, not just the unlearned. It asserts that even the wise and discerning should actively seek out and absorb these teachings to deepen their understanding and gain practical guidance for navigating life. The verses emphasize that true wisdom involves a continuous process of learning and refinement, not a static state of knowing.
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance," — The Hebrew word for "wise counsels" carries the imagery of skillful seamanship, suggesting that true understanding isn't just knowing facts, but gaining the practical "navigation skills" needed to st…
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Last reviewed October 2026