Proverbs 1:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

NIV: let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—

NASB: A wise person will hear and increase in learning, And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

CSB: let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance—

NLT: Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance

KJV: A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

NKJV: A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

This is a transition verse. Unlike verses 3, 4, and 6, verse 5 does not contain one of the purpose ("to") statements. Instead it shows the transition from wisdom to understanding. The first three stages—knowing wise teaching, receiving that instruction into knowledge, and acting wisely—now take a dramatic turn. Solomon is going to give his children a directive which comes with this wisdom.

Once one is wise and increases in knowledge, they now have a responsibility to pass that knowledge on. The ideal motivation of seeking wisdom is not so much obtaining it for ourselves, but attaining a position where we can guide others. Those who have knowledge and understanding have an inherent responsibility to guide, or give "wise counsel." We should not bottle up our wisdom and hide it. We must train others, likewise, to live wisely.

For those who have earned their experience at great cost, as Solomon did, this is a very heart-felt request. Especially when dealing with our own children, we desperately want to be sure they do not make the same mistakes we did. In no uncertain terms, we "beg" them to pay attention to our advice, which is based on hard experience.

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.