Proverbs 1:5-7
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that true wisdom isn't about knowing everything, but about actively seeking more knowledge and sound guidance. It points to "wise counsels" not as mere advice, but as skillful navigation for life, like a captain steering a ship through challenging seas.
This passage introduces the collection of Proverbs, stating its purpose is to impart wisdom, instruction, and discernment. The verses immediately following this one explain who will benefit from these sayings: the wise who are willing to learn more, and those with understanding who seek guidance for navigating life. The author, Solomon, aims to equip readers with the knowledge to grasp wise sayings, proverbs, and the cryptic words of the wise.
You might think wisdom literature is just for beginners, but this verse hints at something much bigger. It’s a call for all levels of wisdom.
Solomon isn't just speaking to the naive or those just starting out. He's addressing 'the wise' person. This is a crucial point: true wisdom isn't about arriving at a destination; it's about a continuous journey of growth.
The Lifelong Learner
The verse tells us a wise person 'will hear and increase learning.' This implies a humility and openness that welcomes more instruction. It's not about knowing everything, but about being willing to be taught, constantly adding to your understanding. This isn't just about acquiring facts; it's about a deeper engagement with truth that refines your perspective and sharpens your insight.
What does it mean to 'obtain guidance'? It's not just about knowing things; it's about knowing how to navigate life's complexities.
The second part of the verse speaks of 'the one who understands obtain[ing] guidance.' This isn't abstract, theoretical knowledge. The original language suggests practical navigation – think of the skill needed to steer a ship through tricky waters.
Skills for Life's Journey
This 'guidance' refers to wise counsels, practical maxims, and sound judgment. It's the ability to discern the right path, make sound decisions, and skillfully manage oneself and relationships through the challenges of life. Understanding, in this context, means applying knowledge to live well, not just accumulating it.
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.
mashal · Hebrew Noun
A pithy, often metaphorical statement intended to impart wisdom and discern truth about life and conduct. It is a common literary form in biblical wisdom literature used to provoke thoughtful reflection.
chidah · Hebrew Noun
A dark or intricate saying that requires insight to interpret; it implies a deeper, often hidden meaning that tests the understanding of the hearer.
yirah · Hebrew Noun
A reverential awe, respect, and submission toward the holiness, power, and authority of God. It is the foundational posture of the heart that leads to true wisdom and covenant obedience.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 1:5, stating that instruction given to a wise person will make them even wiser, highlighting the continuous growth that understanding brings.
Matthew 13:12Jesus uses a similar principle, saying that those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. This spiritual law shows that receptivity leads to greater spiritual insight and understanding.
Ecclesiastes 10:10This verse speaks about the practical application of wisdom, comparing an unwise tool to a sharp axe. It underscores the idea that understanding and applying knowledge ('wise counsels') is crucial for effectiveness.
1 Corinthians 12:28This passage, discussing spiritual gifts in the church, uses a related Greek word for 'governing' or 'managing,' similar to the 'wise counsels' in Proverbs, emphasizing the skill and guidance needed in leadership and life.
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 verse highlights that true wisdom isn't about knowing everything, but about actively seeking more knowledge and sound guidance. It points to "wise counsels" not as mere advice, but as skillful navigation for life, like a captain steering a ship through challenging seas.
This passage introduces the collection of Proverbs, stating its purpose is to impart wisdom, instruction, and discernment. The verses immediately following this one explain who will benefit from these sayings: the wise who are willing to learn more, and those with understanding who seek guidance for navigating life. The author, Solomon, aims to equip readers with the knowledge to grasp wise sayings, proverbs, and the cryptic words of the wise.
This passage introduces the collection of Proverbs, stating its purpose is to impart wisdom, instruction, and discernment. The verses immediately following this one explain will benefit from these sayings: the wise who are willing to learn more, and those with understanding who seek guidance for navigating life. The author, Solomon, aims to equip readers with the knowledge to grasp wise sayings, proverbs, and the cryptic words of the wise.
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The LORD is the personal covenant name of God (Yahweh), signifying His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and the source of all revelation.
ewil · Hebrew Noun
Moral or spiritual ignorance resulting from a rejection of God’s wisdom. A fool is characterized not by lack of intelligence, but by a stubborn choice to ignore divine truth.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Practical skill in godly living and the ability to apply divine truth to the circumstances of life. In Scripture, it is inseparable from obedience and the fear of God.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Correction, discipline, or chastenings meant to lead a person toward maturity and godly character. It often implies a process of training that can involve difficulty.
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;…" — The verse highlights that true wisdom isn't about knowing everything, but about actively seeking more knowledge and sound guidance. It points to "wise counsels" not as mere advice, but as skillful na…
