Proverbs 8:5
Proverbs 8:5 in Multiple Translations
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.
Become expert in reason, O you simple ones; you foolish ones, take training to heart.
If you're immature, learn how to grow up. If you're stupid, learn what makes good sense.
O ye foolish men, vnderstand wisedome, and ye, O fooles, be wise in heart.
Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,
You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take notice.
You people who do not know how to do things that are smart to do, get sound judgment; you foolish people, get good understanding!
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:5
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 8:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָבִ֣ינוּ
פְתָאיִ֣ם
עָרְמָ֑ה
וּ֝/כְסִילִ֗ים
הָבִ֥ינוּ
לֵֽב
הָבִ֣ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
פְתָאיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-mp
עָרְמָ֑ה
ʻormâh
H6195
craftiness
N-fs
וּ֝/כְסִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Conj | Adj
הָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:5
הָבִ֣ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
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.
פְתָאיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
עָרְמָ֑ה
ʻormâh
H6195
"craftiness"
N-fs
This word means craftiness or trickery, but can also imply good sense or discretion. It is used in the Bible to describe both positive and negative actions.
Definition: shrewdness, craftiness, prudence
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom. See also: Exodus 21:14; Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 8:5.
וּ֝/כְסִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
הָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
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.
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:5
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
3Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
4“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.
5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
6Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. 7For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:22 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? |
| 2 | Acts 26:18 | to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ |
| 3 | Revelation 3:17–18 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:4 | To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, |
| 5 | Psalms 19:7 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 | Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. |
| 7 | Psalms 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 1:28 | He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, |
| 9 | Isaiah 42:13 | The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies: |
| 10 | Isaiah 55:1–3 | “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
Proverbs 8:5 Summary
This verse is calling out to people who may not have a lot of wisdom or discernment, urging them to learn and grow. It's saying that even if we feel like we don't know much, we can still become wise and shrewd by seeking understanding and listening to good advice (as seen in Proverbs 12:15). Being shrewd doesn't mean being sneaky or dishonest, but rather being wise and prudent in our decisions and actions. By following God's wisdom and guidance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and make better choices (as seen in Psalm 119:66).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'simple' in Proverbs 8:5?
In this context, being 'simple' refers to a lack of wisdom or discernment, as seen in Proverbs 14:15, where it says, 'The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.'
Is being 'shrewd' the same as being cunning or deceitful?
No, being 'shrewd' in Proverbs 8:5 means being prudent and wise, as seen in Proverbs 10:8, where it says, 'The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.'
How can fools 'gain understanding' as mentioned in this verse?
Fools can gain understanding by humbling themselves and seeking wisdom from God, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where it says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.'
What is the relationship between this verse and the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger section where Wisdom is personified, calling out to people to listen and gain understanding, as seen in Proverbs 8:1-4, where Wisdom cries out to the sons of men.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to learn to be more shrewd and wise?
- How can I balance being wise and shrewd with being kind and compassionate towards others?
- What are some ways I can 'gain understanding' and grow in wisdom, according to this verse?
- How does this verse relate to my own experiences of feeling 'simple' or lacking wisdom, and what can I learn from it?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:5
O ye simple, understand wisdom,.... The Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, particularly the doctrine of salvation by Christ; it is the highest wisdom to know Christ and him crucified: and they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:5
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. O ye simple, understand wisdom; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
Ye simple; who want knowledge and experience, and are easily deceived. Ye fools; wilful and obstinate sinners.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
Proverbs 8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.Ver. 5. O ye simple.] If ye be not set in sin, resolved of your way, as good as ye mean to be; if yet there be any place left for persuasion. And ye fools.] Ye that have already made your conclusion, and are wiser in your own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
(5) O ye simple.—See above on Proverbs 1:4 for an explanation of “simple,” as also of “wisdom” (‘ormah) there translated “subtilty.” Ye fools.—(khesîlîm), see above on Proverbs 1:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
Verse 5. O ye simple] פתאים pethaim, ye that are deceived, and with flattering words and fair speeches deluded and drawn away. Ye fools] כסילים kesilim, ye stupid, stiffnecked, senseless people. That preaching is never likely to do much good, that is not pointed; specifying and describing vices, and charging them home on the consciences of transgressors. Where this is not done, the congregation is unconcerned; no man supposes he has any thing to do in the business, especially if the preacher takes care to tell them, "These were the crimes of Jews, Romans, Greeks, of the people at Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Laodicea, and of heathens in general; but I hope better things of you, who have been born in a Christian land, and baptized in the Christian faith." Thus he arms their consciences in double brass against the good effects of his own teaching.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:5
5. wisdom] R.V. subtilty. See Proverbs 1:4, note. Proverbs 8:6-9. The plainness of her speech.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:5
THE THINGS TO WHICH WISDOM INVITES, Proverbs 8:5-21. 5. O ye simple… fools — These terms in our version may be unnecessarily strong.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication According to Renewed Knowledge by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past year as a time of both blessings and challenges in their walk with God. They express a belief that God is doing something significa |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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(Proverbs) ch.8:17 - 10:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in both the business world and in spiritual life. He references the biblical story of Adam being to |
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Four Types of Leprosy by Andy Brink | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the temporary nature of our physical bodies and the certainty of standing before God to give an account of our lives. He urges listeners to |
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A Class of Sinners Excluded From Mercy. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the warning in Isaiah 27:11, emphasizing the error of assuming God's mercy without repentance, highlighting the consequences of neglecting spiritual un |
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The Ruler of the Waves by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, illustrating how His presence does not exempt believers from earthly troubles, as seen in the discip |
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Clement's Zeal by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome passionately addresses the crowd, rebuking them for their rejection of God's counsel and truth, despite it being clearly presented to them through heralds. He lamen |