Proverbs 1:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

NIV: for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

NASB: To understand a proverb and a saying, The words of the wise and their riddles.

CSB: for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

NLT: by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

KJV: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

NKJV: To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.

Verse 6 relates the final purpose statement of Proverbs: "to understand." Solomon encourages his children to reach the level of understanding outlined in the previous verse. This requires passing that knowledge along to others. The first purpose of Proverbs is to discern right teaching. The second purpose is to live according to appropriate character traits founded in that teaching. The third purpose is to give back a good example by acting wisely. The final purpose is to be intentional about teaching others, restarting the cycle of learning. In short, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is empowering us to obtain understanding, so that we may pass on wisdom to the next generation.

A key term for understanding all of Proverbs is the Hebrew word hidah. This is most often translated as "riddle," or, in the KJV, as "dark saying." Hidah refers to a figure of speech or other indirect statement. Specifically, it means a statement which requires careful interpretation. According to the book of Proverbs, a key component of wisdom is the ability to correctly interpret statements which may or may not be meant to be taken in a simple-minded way.

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.