Proverbs 8:5 — Word Study
WLCהָבִ֣ינוּ פְתָאיִ֣ם עָרְמָ֑ה וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים הָבִ֥ינוּ לֵֽב׃
BSAO simple onespᵉthîy [easily influenced, naive] learnbîyn to be shrewdʻormâh [understand prudence, have good sense] O foolskᵉçîyl [stupid, rejecting God] gain understandingbîyn [of the heart, with discernment, wisdom]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הָבִ֣ינוּ | understand | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine plural |
| פְתָאיִ֣ם | O naive people | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| עָרְמָ֑ה | prudence | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים | and O fools | Conjunction |
| הָבִ֥ינוּ | understand | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine plural |
| לֵֽב׃ | heart | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. |
| KJV | O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. |
| ASV | O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart. |
| YLT | Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart, |
| WEB | You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart! |
| BBE | Become expert in reason, O you simple ones; you foolish ones, take training to heart. |
Where they part company is in their rendering of the call to understanding — see How Translations Differ.
The verse contains two main clauses, each addressing a different group and urging them to take action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבִּין
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 8:5
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Call of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 8:5 is a part of a larger discourse where wisdom calls out to those who are naive and foolish, encouraging them to learn and gain understanding. This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment and prudence in life, contrasting the wise with the foolish. The surrounding verses further elaborate on the value of wisdom and the consequences of rejecting it.
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 | Proverbs 9:4 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. |
| 3 | Psalm 19:7 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
| 4 | Psalm 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 5 | 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: |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בִּין, ha.Vi.nugenerated
The verb בִּין (biyn) is a Hiphil imperative, urging the listener to understand or discern. It conveys the action of mentally separating and knowing something, which is crucial in the context of gaining insight and wisdom.
This word encompasses a range of meanings, including perceiving and considering. It is used in various contexts to highlight the necessity of understanding, particularly in Proverbs, where wisdom often calls for discernment.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the imperative call to understand, using terms like understand (BSB, KJV, ASV) and gain understanding (YLT, WEB, BBE).
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse comprises two main clauses, each beginning with an address to different groups: פְתָאיִ֣ם (naive ones) and כְּסִילִ֗ים (fools). Each clause has a verb urging action: הָבִ֣ינוּ (understand) and a corresponding object.
The structure emphasizes the imperative nature of the call, with a direct appeal to both the simple and the foolish, highlighting the urgency of gaining understanding.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בִּין as νοήσατε (noēsate), which carries a similar imperative meaning of 'understand'. This choice reflects a consistent call to discernment in both the Hebrew and Greek texts.
The Greek translation broadens the Hebrew meaning slightly, emphasizing the act of perceiving and comprehending, which aligns with the overall message of wisdom in Proverbs.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 8:5 calls out to those who are naive and foolish, urging them to learn and gain understanding. Wisdom emphasizes the importance of discernment and good sense, contrasting the wise with the foolish.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Being naive refers to a lack of wisdom or discernment, making one easily influenced by others.
Fools can gain understanding by heeding the call of wisdom and actively seeking knowledge and discernment.
Understanding is portrayed as essential for making wise choices and living a life aligned with God's wisdom.
This verse serves as an introduction to the broader themes of wisdom, urging the simple and foolish to seek understanding throughout the chapter.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek greater understanding and discernment?
- How can I avoid being naive in my decisions and actions?
- What practical steps can I take to gain wisdom and understanding?
- How does this call to wisdom challenge my current understanding of foolishness?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers reference this verse to discuss the nature of wisdom and the importance of understanding in the life of believers.
Those among us who are ambassadors of Christianity sufficiently declare that they are debtors to Greeks and barbarians, to wise men and fools (for they do not deny their obligation to cure the souls even of foolish persons),Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
“For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” Therefore, they who do not hold the truth of the faith in heart and mouth do not receive salvation in baptism.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
Understand, you simple ones, craftiness, etc. It is evident concerning the Lord, that when he was in the world, he spoke the word to every age, sex, and condition;Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 8:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleO 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
Read John Gill on Proverbs 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryO 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.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleYe simple; who want knowledge and experience, and are easily deceived. Ye fools; wilful and obstinate sinners.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 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.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 8 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. wisdom] R.V. subtilty. See Proverbs 1:4, note. Proverbs 8:6-9. The plainness of her speech.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 8 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleTHE THINGS TO WHICH WISDOM INVITES, Proverbs 8:5-21. 5. O ye simple… fools — These terms in our version may be unnecessarily strong.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 8 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
You who are naive, discern wisdom! And you fools, understand discernment!
Tyndale line
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.
O ye simple, understand subtilty; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
O ye foolish men, vnderstand wisedome, and ye, O fooles, be wise in heart.
Strictly literal
O ye simple, understand prudence; and ye foolish, understand sense.
Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,
Understand, you simple ones, prudence, || And you fools, understand the heart,
Learn, O ye simple, to understand prudence: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
You who are naive, learn wisdom; and you who are foolish, you must get an understanding mind.
From the Latin
O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take notice.
Simplified
If you're immature, learn how to grow up. If you're stupid, learn what makes good sense.
Become expert in reason, O you simple ones; you foolish ones, take training to heart.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely in their wording for this verse, with all six words matched. This agreement indicates a consistent transmission of the text across these ancient witnesses.
הָבִ֣ינוּ פְתָאיִ֣ם עָרְמָ֑ה וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים הָבִ֥ינוּ לֵֽב׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 8:5
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--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).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
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
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine pluralHVhv2mp
פֶּ֫תִי (pethiy) refers to a state of being simple or foolish, with implications of being open-minded or naive. It encompasses both an adjective describing a person as simple-minded and a noun indicating simplicity or lack of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:22. The term is derived from a root meaning to be open or seducible.
פֶּ֫תִי adj. simple, poss. as open-minded
base
[פְּתִי] n.f. simplicity (i.e. lack of wisdom), Pr 1:22.
ref
H6612a פֶּ֫תִי simple, poss. as open-minded H6612b פְּתִי simplicity
6612 pthiy peth-ee'
or pethiy {peh'-thee}; or pthaeiy {peth-aw-ee'}; from 6601;
silly (i.e. seducible):--foolish, simple(-icity, one).
see HEBREW for 06601
פֶּ֫תִי (pe.ti) — simple.
adj
simple, foolish, open-minded
פְּתִי (pe.ti) — simplicity.
simplicity, naivete
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
עָרְמָה (ormah) refers to craftiness and prudence, encompassing both trickery and discretion. It is a feminine noun derived from a related term, indicating a range of meanings from guile to wisdom. The entries consistently highlight its dual nature, applicable in both positive and negative contexts.
עָרְמָה n.f. craftiness, prudence
base
H6195 עָרְמָה craftiness, prudence
6195 `ormah or-maw'
feminine of 6193; trickery; or (in a good sense)
discretion:--guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom.
see HEBREW for 06193
עׇרְמָה (or.mah) — craftiness.
shrewdness, craftiness, prudence
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
→ General scriptures concerning Job 34:3,4; Ps 39:1; 112:5; Pr 6:1,2; 8:12; 11:13,15,29; 12:8,16,23; 13:16; 14:8,15,16,18; 15:5,22; 16:20,21; 17:2,18; 18:15,16; 19:2; 20:5,16,18; 21:5,20,23; 22:3,7,26,27; 23:1-3,9; 24:6,27; 25:8-10; 26:4,5; 27:12; 29:8,11; Ec 7:16,17; 8:2,3; 10:1,10; Ho 14:9; Am 5:13; Mt 5:25,26; 7:6; Lu 14:28-32; Ro 14:16; 1Co 6:12…
- Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace
- Exemplified by Christ
Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21
- Intimately connected with wisdom
- The wise celebrated for
כְּסִיל (kciyl) refers to a fool or a stupid person. It is derived from a root meaning 'fat' and is used figuratively to describe someone who is foolish, simple-minded, or arrogant. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, emphasizing a lack of wisdom or understanding.
כְּסִיל 70 n.m. stupid fellow, dullard, fool
base
H3684 כְּסִיל
3684 kciyl kes-eel'
from 3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or
silly:--fool(-ish).
see HEBREW for 03688
כְּסִיל (ke.sil) — fool.
fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aampa
- All men are, without the knowledge of God
- Deny God
Ps 14:1; 53:1
- Blaspheme God
- Reproach God
- Make a mock at sin
- Despise instruction
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--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).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
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
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine pluralHVhv2mp
The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.
לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the sea
elsewhere of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific reference to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
[various]
for the man himself
as seat of appetites
as seat of emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.
ref
H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea
. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific reference to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. [various]
. for the man himself
. as seat of appetites
. as seat of emotions and passions
. seat of courage
H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash
3820 leb labe
a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very
widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;
likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,
consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),
(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X
heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X
themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,
wisdom.
see HEBREW for 03824
לֵב (lev) — heart.
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
לֵב (lev) — Leb.
§ Leb- = "heart of"
(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
hart (lebh, lebhabh; kardia): The different senses in which the word occurs in the Old Testament and the New Testament may be grouped under the following heads:
1. Various Meanings:
It represents in the first place the bodily organ, and by easy transition those experiences which affect or are affected by the body. Fear, love, courage, anger, Joy, sorrow, hatred are always ascribed to the heart--especially in the Old Testament; thus courage for which usually ruach is used (Ps 27:14); joy (Ps 4:7); anger (De 19:6, "while his heart is hot," lebhabh); fear (1Sa 25:37); sorrow (Ps 13:2), etc.
Heart
According to the Bible, the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life. “Heart” and “soul” are often used interchangeably (Deut. 6:5; 26:16; comp. Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33), but this is not generally the case.
The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise (1 Kings 3:12, etc.), pure (Ps. 24:4; Matt. 5:8, etc.), upright and righteous (Gen. 20:5, 6;