Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 1:5 in Multiple Translations
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:
(The wise man, hearing, will get greater learning, and the acts of the man of good sense will be wisely guided:)
Wise people will listen and gain in learning, and those who have good judgment will gain skills in guidance,
A wise man shall heare and increase in learning, and a man of vnderstanding shall attayne vnto wise counsels,
(The wise doth hear and increaseth learning, And the intelligent doth obtain counsels.)
that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:
A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that understandeth, shall possess governments.
Those who are wise should also pay attention to these proverbs, in order to become more wise, and those who understand these teachings will receive good advice/guidance.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
חָ֭כָם
וְ/י֣וֹסֶף
לֶ֑קַח
וְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
תַּחְבֻּל֥וֹת
יִקְנֶֽה
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
wise
N-ms
וְ/י֣וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לֶ֑קַח
leqach
H3948
teaching
N-ms
וְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
Conj | V-Niphal
תַּחְבֻּל֥וֹת
tachbulâh
H8458
counsel
N-fp
יִקְנֶֽה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:5
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
N-ms
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וְ/י֣וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לֶ֑קַח
leqach
H3948
"teaching"
N-ms
This word refers to teaching or instruction, and it can also mean learning or insight. In the Bible, it is used to describe the teachings of God or the wisdom of a teacher, like in Proverbs 1:8 where it says to heed the teaching of a father.
Definition: 1) learning, teaching, insight 1a) instruction (obj) 1b) teaching (thing taught) 1b1) teaching-power 1b2) persuasiveness
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: doctrine, learning, fair speech. See also: Deuteronomy 32:2; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 1:5.
וְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Conj | V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
תַּחְבֻּל֥וֹת
tachbulâh
H8458
"counsel"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for guidance or plan, often referring to good advice or wise counsel, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It involves steering or managing a situation. This concept is important in biblical decision-making.
Definition: 1) direction, counsel, guidance, good advice, (wise) counsel 1a) direction, guidance 1b) counsel 1b1) good or wise counsel 1b2) of the wicked
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: good advice, (wise) counsels. See also: Job 37:12; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 1:5.
יִקְנֶֽה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:5
Context — The Beginning of Knowledge
3and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.
4To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,
5let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel
6by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:1 | Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:15 | I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. |
| 4 | Job 34:16 | If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words. |
| 5 | Job 34:10 | Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:98–100 | Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
| 7 | Job 34:34 | Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say: |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 25:16 | While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:32–33 | Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
Proverbs 1:5 Summary
This verse is saying that even if we think we're already smart or wise, we should always be open to learning and growing. We can do this by listening to advice and seeking out wise counsel from others, as well as by studying the Bible and learning from its teachings (Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 9:10). By doing so, we can become even wiser and more discerning, and make better decisions in our lives. This is an important part of following God and living a life that honors Him (Proverbs 1:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wise to 'listen and gain instruction' in Proverbs 1:5?
This phrase means that even those who are already wise should be open to learning and growing in wisdom, as seen in Psalm 119:66, where the psalmist asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment.
How can the discerning acquire wise counsel according to Proverbs 1:5?
The discerning can acquire wise counsel by seeking out wise and experienced advisors, as well as by studying the proverbs and parables in Scripture, such as those found in the book of Proverbs itself.
Is it possible for someone who is not wise to become wise by following the advice in Proverbs 1:5?
Yes, it is possible for someone who is not wise to become wise by following the advice in Proverbs 1:5, as well as by fearing the Lord and seeking wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
How does Proverbs 1:5 relate to the rest of the book of Proverbs?
Proverbs 1:5 sets the tone for the rest of the book, which is focused on imparting wisdom and instruction to its readers, as stated in Proverbs 1:2-4, and encouraging them to seek wisdom and fear the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and throughout the book.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'listen and gain instruction' in order to grow in wisdom?
- How can I cultivate discernment in my life, and what are some ways I can 'acquire wise counsel'?
- What are some proverbs or parables in Scripture that have taught me valuable lessons, and how can I apply them to my life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a fear of the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7, and how will this impact my pursuit of wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:5
A wise [man] will hear,.... With great attention, and hearken to the proverbs and wise sayings herein delivered; for here are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom, as well as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: A wise (man) will hear, and will increase learning - (Proverbs 9:9.) "Learning" -
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
Will hear; is not self-conceited, as fools are, but willing to learn from others; and therefore will attend to the following instructions. Will increase learning; and thereby will gain this great benefit, to grow in knowledge and wisdom. This he adds to show that this book is useful and necessary, not only to the simple, but also to the moist wise and knowing persons. Unto wise counsels; not to deep speculations, but practical consideration; to the art of governing himself or others well and prudently.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:Ver. 5. A wise man will hear.] Hearing and seeing are by Aristotle called "the learned senses," because by these doors learning, yea, life, entereth into the soul. David Chytraeus, when he lay dying, lifted up himself to hear the discourses of his friends that sat by him, and said that he should die with better cheer if he might die learning something. And will increase learning.] "Take heed what you hear: unto you that hear shall more be given." Only ponder and apply what you hear. For they that do otherwise are like the wolf, who never attain to any more divine learning than to spell Pater ; father, but when they should come to put together, and to apply it to their souls, they say agnus , lamb, - their minds running a-madding after the profits and pleasures of the world, and they thinking those little less than mad that "run to and fro to increase knowledge." " Si moribundus etiam aliquid didicisset." - Melch. Adam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
(5) A wise man will hear.—That is, if he listen to these proverbs. (Comp. Proverbs 9:9.) It is not the young only who will derive profit from them. A man of understanding.—Or rather, of discernment.Wise counsels.—Literally, arts of seamanship: i.e., guiding himself and others aright through the “waves of this troublesome world.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
Verse 5. A wise man will hear] I shall not only give such instructions as may be suitable to the youthful and inexperienced, but also to those who have much knowledge and understanding. So said St. Paul: We speak wisdom among them that are perfect. This and the following verse are connected in the old MS. and in Coverdale: "By hearyinge the wyse man shall come by more wysdome; and by experience he shall be more apte to understonde a parable and the interpretation thereof; the wordes of the wyse and the darke speaches of the same."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:5
5. A wise man will hear] Or, That the wise man may hear, R.V., making the clause a continuation of the direct statement of the design of the Book. learning] Lit. taking, and so that which is taken, or learned. He will increase his store. σοφὸςσοφώτεροςἔσται, LXX. sapiens sapientior erit, Vulg. wise counsels] Or, sound counsels, R.V. The figure of steering a ship, involved in the Heb. word for counsels, is preserved in the rendering both of the LXX. (κυβέρνησινκτήσεται. Comp. κυβερνήσεις, 1 Corinthians 12:28), and of the Vulg. gubernacula. “Skill and facility in the management of life. Comp. Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:5; Job 37:12.” Lange, Comm. ad loc.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:5
But it is not for the young only that he writes. The “man of understanding” may gain “wise counsels,” literally, the power to “steer” his course rightly on the dangerous seas of life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:5
5. As to the other class, of more advanced and comparatively educated pupils, being already trained to thought and study, he has confidence that they will, from habit and education, hear, attend to
Sermons on Proverbs 1:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 4 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon delves into the themes of affliction, abortion, and the importance of listening to God, Jesus, and nature. It reflects on the suffering experienced in communist countri |
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Francis Schaeffer on Education by Francis Schaeffer | Francis Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of protecting Christian schools from having their curriculum controlled by those who have negatively influenced public schools. He stres |
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Teach Me to Listen by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of listening to God amidst the chaos of life, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Samuel who responded to God's call with a willin |
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Learning From the "Masters" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of learning from literary 'masters' to enhance our speaking and writing skills. He explains that effective communication involves elements like |
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To Ministers of the Gospel of All Denominations. [#6] by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses ministers of the Gospel, urging them to overcome the fear of changing their opinions on religious matters. He highlights the unreasonable public sentiment |
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Helping With the Problems by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the myriad of problems faced by earnest young people as they navigate the complexities of life, highlighting their need for guidance and understanding. He st |
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |