A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Read it in contextThe Beginning of Knowledge
Start reading at Proverbs 1:1 (Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 1:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
1:1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
1:2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
1:3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
1:4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
1:6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 1:1–9:18): The teacher or parent addresses a son or pupil; Wisdom and the opposing seductive voices are personified within the instruction. These speeches train hearers rather than narrate a gathering of every person used as an example. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Beginning of Knowledge. Read Proverbs 1:1 through Proverbs 1:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Beginning of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 1:7).
Start reading at Proverbs 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.