to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about understanding proverbs; it highlights the need to grasp the way wisdom is communicated, including its "dark sayings." This implies that true wisdom often comes in veiled or challenging forms, requiring us to dig deeper to uncover its profound meaning.
to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, laying out its purpose and the kind of wisdom it aims to impart. The verses leading up to this one explain that the proverbs are for gaining wisdom, instruction, and discernment. This verse then elaborates on that goal, stating the collection's aim is to unlock the meaning behind wise sayings, figurative language, and even riddles.
The Book of Proverbs isn't just a collection of old sayings. It's designed to equip you to understand wisdom itself, even when it's presented in tricky ways.
Proverbs 1:6 lists several types of wisdom expressions: 'proverb,' 'saying,' 'words of the wise,' and 'dark sayings.' The Hebrew words for these (like 'm'litsah' and 'khidah') suggest they can be complex, obscure, or even riddles.
The Goal: Deeper Understanding
The ultimate goal here isn't just to hear these words, but to understand them. This means grasping not just the surface meaning, but also the deeper truths and the practical application. It's about gaining the ability to unlock wisdom, no matter how it's packaged.
Think of understanding proverbs like learning a new skill. This verse suggests that 'wisdom' isn't just something you're born with; it's something you cultivate.
The verse implies that by engaging with and understanding the 'proverbs' and 'words of the wise,' you gain the capacity to understand more. It's like a muscle that grows stronger with use.
From Simple to Complex
This progression from a basic 'proverb' to 'dark sayings' shows that the wisdom in Proverbs is layered. It's meant to challenge you, to make you think critically, and to engage your mind fully. The ability to 'interpret' these sayings is presented as a key outcome of seeking wisdom.
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Understand the original words
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.
This verse speaks of opening the mouth in parables and uttering 'dark sayings of old,' which directly parallels the concept of understanding 'dark sayings' in Proverbs 1:6 and highlights the ancient tradition of conveying wisdom through riddles and obscure statements.
John 16:25Jesus tells his disciples, 'I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but will tell you plainly about the Father.' This connects to Proverbs 1:6 by showing a later fulfillment where the 'dark sayings' and 'riddles' of the Old Testament are ultimately explained and made clear.
Mark 4:13Jesus asks his disciples, 'Are you so foolish? Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?' This emphasizes that understanding one 'proverb' or 'parable' is key to unlocking the meaning of others, mirroring the purpose described in Proverbs 1:6 of gaining the ability to interpret various wise sayings.
Ecclesiastes 12:11The 'words of the wise' are described here as 'goads' and 'fastened securely.' This offers insight into the enduring and impactful nature of the wise sayings mentioned in Proverbs 1:6, suggesting they are meant to prod us toward truth and remain firmly embedded in our minds.
pulpitProverbs 1:6: "To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."
Verse 6. - To understand a proverb. This verse carries on the idea which is stated in ver. 5. The end of the wise and intelligent man's increase in learning and prudence is that he may be thus enabled to understand other proverbs. Schultens, followed by Holden, takes the verb לְהָבִין (l'havin) as a gerund, intelligendo sententias. This rendering does not represent the end, but points…
clarkeProverbs 1:6: "To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."
Dark sayings - חידת chidoth, enigmas or riddles, in which the Asiatics abounded. I believe parables, such as those delivered by our Lord, nearly express the meaning of the original.
The verse isn't just about understanding proverbs; it highlights the need to grasp the way wisdom is communicated, including its "dark sayings." This implies that true wisdom often comes in veiled or challenging forms, requiring us to dig deeper to uncover its profound meaning.
This chapter kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, laying out its purpose and the kind of wisdom it aims to impart. The verses leading up to this one explain that the proverbs are for gaining wisdom, instruction, and discernment. This verse then elaborates on that goal, stating the collection's aim is to unlock the meaning behind wise sayings, figurative language, and even riddles.
This chapter kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, laying out its purpose and the kind of wisdom it aims to impart. The verses leading up to this one explain that the proverbs are for gaining wisdom, instruction, and discernment. This verse then elaborates on that goal, stating the collection's aim is to unlock the meaning behind wise sayings, figurative language, and even riddles.
"to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles." — The verse isn't just about understanding proverbs; it highlights the need to grasp the way wisdom is communicated, including its "dark sayings." This implies that true wisdom often comes in veiled…
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Last reviewed October 2026