Proverbs 1:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

NIV: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;

NASB: To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,

CSB: For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings;

NLT: Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.

KJV: To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

NKJV: To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

The four steps of awareness, in Proverbs, are learning, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Learning is acquiring raw information. Knowledge is information that has been remembered for future use. Wisdom is the capacity to make right choices, based in knowledge and information. Understanding is a deeper form of wisdom, which can be passed along to others.

This verse begins the purpose statements of the book of Proverbs. The first purpose is to learn. However, it is more than just picking up random facts; it is the recognition of wise teaching. The "to" phrases used in verse 2 are "to know" and "to understand." Solomon is not jumping ahead in the learning-knowledge-wisdom-understanding process. He is simply instructing the reader that this book is written to help them recognize and discern wise instruction. In essence, the book of Proverbs is a tool. The principles it gives can be used to measure other instructions.

Proverbs 1:1–7 outlines the four distinct ''to'' statements, or purpose statements of the book of Proverbs. This section culminates with the identification of the only source of true wisdom, the Lord Himself. The purpose of the book of Proverbs is to recognize wise instruction and apply knowledge wisely. Most importantly, this all begins with a reverent fear of the Lord and the rejection of foolish ways.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 11/23/2024 3:16:45 AM