What does Proverbs 4:5 mean?

Proverbs touts the value of wisdom, placing far above any material possession (Proverbs 3:13–15). Wisdom, as used here, comes as the result of learning, which leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to wisdom: the ability to act according to a truthful, godly perspective. The word in this verse translated as "insight" by the ESV shares the same Hebrew root as the term translated "understanding" in verses such as Proverbs 1:2, where both forms are used. That term implies absorbing wisdom to the point that one can pass along its meaning to others.

David told his son Solomon to get wisdom and insight, and he commanded him not to forget or reject his words. Later in life, it seems Solomon drifted from this advice (1 Kings 11:4), only to return to better understanding after extensive experience (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

At first, however, this fatherly advice seems to have served Solomon well. After he became king, God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. The Lord said, "Ask what I shall give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Rather than asking for power, wealth, or something worldly, Solomon asked for something he'd been taught to consider far more valuable. He responded, "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" (1 Kings 3:9).