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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 1:6 by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/1-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_01_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 1:6 - The Beginning of Knowledge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/1-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/1-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm" title="Proverbs 1:5">◄</a> Proverbs 1:6 <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="Proverbs 1:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To understand a proverb and a saying, The words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] <i>or</i> an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom, and all kinds of riddles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and a figure; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />in understanding proverbs, clever sayings, words of the wise, and their riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For understanding a proverb and its sweetness, "" Words of the wise and their acute sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For understanding a proverb and its sweetness, Words of the wise and their acute sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and an enigma: the words of the wise and their parables.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He shall turn his soul to a parable and to its interpretation, to the words of the wise and their enigmas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />To comprehend proverb and byword, the words of the wise and their riddles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />To understand proverbs and figures of speech; the words of the wise and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To perceive proverbs and parables and the words of the wise and their riddles.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />To understand a proverb, and a figure; The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and will understand a parable, and a dark speech; the saying of the wise also, and riddles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=28" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">The Beginning of Knowledge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: lə·hā·ḇîn (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">by understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: mā·šāl (N-ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">the proverbs</a> <a href="/hebrew/4426.htm" title="4426: ū·mə·lî·ṣāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Satire, a mocking poem. From luwts; an aphorism; also a satire.">and parables,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the sayings</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: wə·ḥî·ḏō·ṯām (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">and riddles</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a></span><br />Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11-12</a></span><br />He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, / so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7-10</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-5</a></span><br />In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15-17</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">2 Peter 3:15-16</a></span><br />Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. / He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-3.htm">Psalm 49:3-4</a></span><br />My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. / I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21-22</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.</p><p class="hdg">a proverb</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10-17,51,52</a></b></br> And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11,34</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all <i>these</i> things are done in parables: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/8-30.htm">Acts 8:30,31</a></b></br> And Philip ran thither to <i>him</i>, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? … </p><p class="hdg">the interpretation</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:11</a></b></br> The words of the wise <i>are</i> as goads, and as nails fastened <i>by</i> the masters of assemblies, <i>which</i> are given from one shepherd.</p><p class="hdg">dark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a></b></br> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a></b></br> I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34,35</a></b></br> All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/4-39.htm">Acute</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Allegory</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">Enigmas</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Figure</a> <a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">Proverbs</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">Sweetness</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Acute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Allegory</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-13.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">Enigmas</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Figure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs</a> <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Sweetness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">The use of the proverbs</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">to avoid the enticing of sinners</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom complains of her contempt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">She threatens her contemners</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>to understand</b><br />The Hebrew word for "understand" is "בִּין" (bin), which implies more than just a superficial comprehension. It suggests a deep, insightful discernment that penetrates the surface to grasp the underlying meaning. In the biblical context, understanding is often associated with wisdom, a gift from God that enables one to live righteously and make sound decisions. This understanding is not merely intellectual but spiritual, requiring a heart aligned with God's will.<p><b>a proverb</b><br />The term "proverb" comes from the Hebrew "מָשָׁל" (mashal), which refers to a short, pithy saying that conveys a moral or practical truth. Proverbs are a key feature of Hebrew wisdom literature, designed to provoke thought and reflection. They often use metaphorical language to illustrate life principles, encouraging the reader to ponder and apply these truths to their own life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, proverbs were a common method of teaching, valued for their ability to distill complex ideas into memorable phrases.<p><b>and a parable</b><br />"Parable" in Hebrew is "מְלִיצָה" (melitsah), which can also mean an enigma or allegory. Parables are accounts with a deeper meaning, often used by Jesus in the New Testament to reveal spiritual truths. They require the listener to engage actively, seeking the hidden message within the narrative. In the Old Testament, parables served a similar function, challenging the audience to look beyond the literal account to discern the moral or spiritual lesson.<p><b>the words of the wise</b><br />This phrase highlights the teachings and sayings of those who possess wisdom, often regarded as elders or sages in the community. In the Hebrew tradition, wisdom is highly esteemed, seen as a divine attribute imparted to those who fear the Lord. The "words of the wise" are not just human insights but are believed to be inspired by God, offering guidance and instruction for righteous living. These words are timeless, transcending cultural and historical boundaries to speak to the hearts of believers across generations.<p><b>and their riddles</b><br />The Hebrew word for "riddles" is "חִידָה" (chidah), which refers to enigmatic sayings or puzzles that require contemplation and insight to solve. Riddles in the biblical context are not mere entertainment but serve a didactic purpose, challenging the listener to engage deeply with the text. They are a form of wisdom literature that encourages critical thinking and spiritual reflection, inviting the seeker to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within. The use of riddles underscores the complexity and depth of divine wisdom, which often surpasses human understanding.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Interpretation.--</span>Or an obscure thing which needs interpretation, so corresponding to "dark sayings."<p><span class= "bld">Dark sayings.--</span>Literally <span class= "ital">knots, </span>intricate sayings, like Samson's riddle (<a href="/judges/14-12.htm" title="And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you: if you can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:">Judges 14:12</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To understand a proverb.</span> This verse carries on the idea which is stated in ver. 5. The end of the wise and intelligent man's increase in learning and prudence is that he may be thus enabled to understand other proverbs. Schultens, followed by Holden, takes the verb <span class="hebrew">לְהָבִין</span> (<span class="accented">l'havin</span>) as a gerund, <span class="accented">intelligendo sententias.</span> This rendering does not represent the end, but points to the proverbs, etc., as means by which the wise generally attain to learning and prudence. <span class="cmt_word">And the interpretation;</span> Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">מְלִיצָה</span> (<span class="accented">m'litsah</span>). It is difficult to determine the exact meaning of this word. By Gesenius it is rendered "enigma, riddle;" by Bertheau and Hitzig, "discourse requiring interpretation:" by Delitzsch, "symbol; by Havernick and Keil, "brilliant and pleasing discourse;" and by Fuerst, "figurative and involved discourse." By comparing it with the corresponding words, "dark sayings," it may be regarded as designating that which is obscure and involved in meaning; compare <span class="greek">σκοτεινὸς</span> <span class="greek">λόγος</span> (LXX.). It only occurs here and in <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Habakkuk 2:6</a>, where it is rendered "taunting proverb." The marginal reading is "an eloquent speech," equivalent to <span class="accented">facundia</span>, "eloquence." Vatablus says that the Hebrews understood it as "mensuram et pondus verbi." <span class="cmt_word">The words of the wise;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the utterances of the <span class="accented">khakhamim</span> (<span class="hebrew">חֲכָמִים</span>). This expression occurs again in <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17</a>, and also in <a href="/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9</a>:19 and Ecclesiastes 12:11. In the latter they are described as "goads and as nails fastened by the ministers of assemblies" (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> "authors of compilations," as Mendelssohn), because they cannot fail to make an impression on everybody good or bad. The expression, as used in <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17</a>, implies that other than Solomonic proverbs are included in this collection. <span class="cmt_word">And their dark sayings;</span> Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">וְחִידֹתָם</span> (<span class="accented">v'khidotham</span>). The Hebrew <span class="accented">khidah</span> (<span class="hebrew">חִידָה</span>), as <span class="accented">m'litsah</span> (<span class="hebrew">מְלִיצָה</span>)# its parallel in the preceding hemistich, designates obscure, involved utterances. It plainly has the sense of "enigma" (Fleischer, apud Delitzsch). Compare <span class="greek">αἰνίγματα</span> (LXX.), and <span class="accented">aenigmata</span> (Vulgate), which latter is followed by the Chaldea Paraphrase and Syriac (see also <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a>, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter <span class="accented">dark sayings</span> of old"). Gesenius derives it from the root <span class="hebrew">חוּד</span> (<span class="accented">khud</span>), "to tie knots," and hence arrives at its meaning as an involved or twisted sententious expression, an <span class="accented">enigma.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">to understand</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָבִ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the proverbs</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֭שָׁל</span> <span class="translit">(mā·šāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and parables,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְלִיצָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·lî·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4426.htm">Strong's 4426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Satire, a mocking poem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sayings</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and riddles</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחִידֹתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥî·ḏō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:6 To understand a proverb and parables (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>