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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 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 1:5 - The Beginning of Knowledge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/1-5.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/1-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/1-4.htm" title="Proverbs 1:4">◄</a> Proverbs 1:5 <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm" title="Proverbs 1:6">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </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 />let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person will hear and increase in learning, And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let the wise man hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire guidance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel <i>and</i> the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; and that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction-<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the wise listen and increase their learning; let the person of understanding receive guidance<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will attain to sound counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />(The wise hear and increase learning, "" And the intelligent obtain counsels.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> (The wise doth hear and increaseth learning, And the intelligent doth obtain counsels.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The wise one will hear and he will add learning: and he understanding, shall obtain guidance:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that understandeth, shall possess governments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By listening, the wise shall become wiser and the intelligent shall possess governments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wise by hearing them will advance in learning, the intelligent will gain sound guidance, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wise man will listen and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to leadership;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise man will listen and will add to his wisdom and the intelligent will gain leadership<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning, And the man of understanding may attain unto wise counsels;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For by the hearing of these a wise man will be wiser, and man of understanding will gain direction;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=22" 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">4</span>To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">let the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: wə·yō·w·sep̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">and gain</a> <a href="/hebrew/3948.htm" title="3948: le·qaḥ (N-ms) -- A learning, teaching. From laqach; properly, something received, i.e. instruction; also inveiglement.">instruction,</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: wə·nā·ḇō·wn (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">and the discerning</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: yiq·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">acquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/8458.htm" title="8458: taḥ·bu·lō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Direction, counsel. Or tachbuwlah; from chabal as denominative from chebel; properly, steerage, i.e. guidance or a plan.">wise counsel</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.…<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="/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="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></span><br />Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Proverbs 19:20</a></span><br />Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></span><br />Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a></span><br />For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<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="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9-10</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-98.htm">Psalm 119:98-100</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:</p><p class="hdg">wise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></b></br> Give <i>instruction</i> to a wise <i>man</i>, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just <i>man</i>, and he will increase in learning.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Proverbs 12:1</a></b></br> Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof <i>is</i> brutish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10,16,34</a></b></br> Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, <i>that he should do</i> wickedness; and <i>from</i> the Almighty, <i>that he should commit</i> iniquity… </p><p class="hdg">a man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">1 Samuel 25:32,33</a></b></br> And David said to Abigail, Blessed <i>be</i> the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/25-16.htm">2 Chronicles 25:16</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that <i>the king</i> said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/psalms/150-2.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/120-3.htm">Add</a> <a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/psalms/119-24.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Counsels</a> <a href="/ezra/3-13.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/psalms/147-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/job/37-12.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/psalms/145-19.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/135-17.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/psalms/144-13.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/psalms/74-23.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/psalms/119-7.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/ezra/7-16.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/psalms/119-130.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/psalms/119-99.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-22.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Add</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-19.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-25.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Counsels</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Wisely</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 /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>let the wise listen</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of humility and openness in the pursuit of wisdom. In biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Listening is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the need for receptivity to God's word and guidance (<a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>). The wise are those who recognize their need for continual growth and are willing to learn from others, including God’s revelation through Scripture and the counsel of godly individuals.<p><b>and gain instruction</b><br>Instruction in the biblical sense often involves correction and discipline, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a>, where the Lord's discipline is described as an expression of His love. The Hebrew word for instruction can also imply training or teaching, suggesting a process of growth and development. This aligns with the cultural context of ancient Israel, where learning was often through oral tradition and mentorship. Gaining instruction is an active process, requiring effort and a willingness to be shaped by God's truth.<p><b>and the discerning acquire wise counsel</b><br>Discernment is the ability to judge well, a quality highly valued in Scripture (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). It involves understanding and insight, enabling one to navigate complex situations with godly wisdom. Wise counsel refers to advice that aligns with God's principles and purposes. In the historical context, kings and leaders often sought counsel from prophets and wise men (<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a>). This phrase underscores the importance of seeking guidance from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in biblical truth, reflecting the communal aspect of wisdom in the biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>Refers to individuals who are already knowledgeable and understanding, yet remain open to further learning and instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_discerning.htm">The Discerning</a></b><br>Those who possess the ability to judge well and are encouraged to seek wise counsel to enhance their understanding.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The primary audience of the Proverbs, representing God's chosen people who are called to live by His wisdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_proverbs.htm">The Book of Proverbs</a></b><br>A collection of sayings and instructions designed to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a></b><br>True wisdom begins with the willingness to listen. Even those who are wise must remain teachable and open to new insights.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuous_growth_in_wisdom.htm">Continuous Growth in Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not a static achievement but a lifelong journey. The wise and discerning are encouraged to continually seek instruction and counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wise_counsel.htm">Seeking Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Surrounding oneself with wise advisors is crucial. The discerning should actively seek out and value the input of those who are knowledgeable and godly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_learning.htm">Humility in Learning</a></b><br>A humble heart is essential for gaining wisdom. Recognizing that there is always more to learn is a mark of true wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_of_wisdom.htm">Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom should lead to practical application in daily life. It is not merely theoretical but should influence decisions and actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_direction.htm">What is spiritual direction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_science_lessen_religious_reliance.htm">Why does scientific progress reduce reliance on religious explanations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proverbs_22_6__why_do_some_kids_stray.htm">Proverbs 22:6: How do we reconcile the promise of a child never departing from a proper upbringing with real-world examples of children abandoning their faith? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">A wise man will hear.--</span>That is, if he listen to these proverbs. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm" title="Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.">Proverbs 9:9</a>.) It is not the young only who will derive profit from them.<p><span class= "bld">A man of understanding.--</span>Or rather, <span class= "ital">of discernment.</span><p><span class= "bld">Wise counsels.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">arts of seamanship: i.e., </span>guiding himself and others aright through the "waves of this troublesome world."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.</span> The change of construction in the original is reproduced in the Authorized Version, but has been rendered variously. Thus Umbreit and Elster, regarding the verb <span class="hebrew">יִשְׁמַע</span> (<span class="accented">yish'ma</span>) as conditional, translate, "if the wise man hear;" on the other hand, Delitzsch and Zockler take it as voluntative," let the wise man hear," ete. The principle here enunciated is again stated in <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a>, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser," and finds expression under the gospel economy in the words of our Lord, "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance" (<a href="/matthew/13-12.htm">Matthew 13:12</a>; cf. 25:29; <a href="/mark/4-25.htm">Mark 4:25</a>; <a href="/luke/8-18.htm">Luke 8:18</a> and Mark 14:26). <span class="accented">Learning</span>; Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">לֶקַח</span> (<span class="accented">lekakh</span>), in the sense of being transmitted or received (Gesenius, Delitzsch, Dunn). A man of understanding (LXX., <span class="greek">ὁ νοήμων</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">intelligens</span>) is a person of intelligence who lays himself open to be instructed. <span class="accented">Wise counsels</span>; Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">תַּחְבֻּלות</span> (<span class="accented">takh'buloth</span>). This word is derived from <span class="hebrew">חֹבֶל</span> (<span class="accented">khevel</span>), a ship rope, a denominative of <span class="hebrew">חֹבֵל</span> (<span class="accented">khovel</span>), and only occurs in the plural. It signifies those maxims of prudence by which a man may direct his course aright through life (cf. <span class="accented">regimen</span>, Arabic). The imagery is taken from the management of a vessel, and is reproduced in the LXX. <span class="greek">κυβέρνησις</span>, and the Vulgate <span class="accented">gubernatio.</span> "Navigationi vitam comparat" (Mariana). The word is almost exclusively confined to the Proverbs, and occurs in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>; <a href="/proverbs/12-5.htm">Proverbs 12:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18</a>; and Proverbs 24:6, usually in a good sense, though it has the meaning of "stratagem" in <a href="/proverbs/12-5.htm">Proverbs 12:5</a>. In the only other passage where it is found it is used of God's power in turning about the clouds; cf. <a href="/job/37-12.htm">Job 37:12</a>, "And it [<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the bright cloud] is turned round about by his counsels (<span class="hebrew">בְּתַחְבּוּל תָוּ</span>, <span class="accented">b'thakh'bulothau</span>)." It is the practical correlative of "learning," in the first part of the verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-5.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">{let} the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭כָם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listen</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and gain</span><br /><span class="heb">וְי֣וֹסֶף</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·w·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">instruction,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶ֑קַח</span> <span class="translit">(le·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3948.htm">Strong's 3948: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something received, instruction, inveiglement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the discerning</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝נָב֗וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ḇō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<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">acquire</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְנֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wise counsel—</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחְבֻּל֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(taḥ·bu·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8458.htm">Strong's 8458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Steerage, guidance, a plan</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:5 That the wise man may hear (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:6" /></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>