Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 1:5
A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
5. A wise man will hear ] Or, That the wise man may hear, R.V., making the clause a continuation of the direct statement of the design of the Book.
learning ] Lit. taking, and so that which is taken, or learned. He will increase his store. , LXX. sapiens sapientior erit, Vulg.
wise counsels ] Or, sound counsels, R.V. The figure of steering a ship, involved in the Heb. word for counsels, is preserved in the rendering both of the LXX. ( . Comp. , 1Co 12:28), and of the Vulg. gubernacula. “Skill and facility in the management of life. Comp. Pro 11:14; Pro 12:5; Job 37:12.” Lange, Comm. ad loc.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But it is not for the young only that he writes. The man of understanding may gain wise counsels, literally, the power to steer his course rightly on the dangerous seas of life. This steersmanship, it may be noted, is a word almost unique to Proverbs (compare counsel in Pro 11:14; Pro 12:5; Pro 24:6).
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Pro 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.
The increase of knowledge
I. No man is so wise but he may learn more. And that both in theoretical and practical knowledge, how to think better, and how to do better. Be not content with that measure of knowledge ye have, but labour still for more.
II. Much knowledge comes in at the ear. Hearing and seeing are by Aristotle called the learned senses, because by these doors learning enters into the soul. Yea, and lips also. The ears are the conduit pipes of wisdom to convey it to us.
III. The Scripture brings in increase of knowledge. Because–
1. It is the highest book in the world.
2. All heavenly wisdom in other books comes from thence, as waters in rivers from the fountain.
IV. Scripture learning is the best learning. It is the most profound knowledge. It is the most profitable.
V. Natural parts well used help much in religion. Pauls learning was a great help to him, and Solomons high reach. It is a wonder what may be attained by industry and Gods blessing upon it. (Francis Taylor.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 5. A wise man will hear] I shall not only give such instructions as may be suitable to the youthful and inexperienced, but also to those who have much knowledge and understanding. So said St. Paul: We speak wisdom among them that are perfect. This and the following verse are connected in the old MS. and in Coverdale: “By hearyinge the wyse man shall come by more wysdome; and by experience he shall be more apte to understonde a parable and the interpretation thereof; the wordes of the wyse and the darke speaches of the same.”
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Will hear; is not self-conceited, as fools are, but willing to learn from others; and therefore will attend to the following instructions.
Will increase learning; and thereby will gain this great benefit, to grow in knowledge and wisdom. This he adds to show that this book is useful and necessary, not only to the simple, but also to the moist wise and knowing persons.
Unto wise counsels; not to deep speculations, but practical consideration; to the art of governing himself or others well and prudently.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
5, 6. Such writings the wise,who pursue right ends by right means, will value.
learningnot the act,but matter of it.
wise counselsor theart and principles of governing.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
A wise [man] will hear,…. With great attention, and hearken to the proverbs and wise sayings herein delivered; for here are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom, as well as instructive to young men and simple ones;
and will increase learning; or “add” k to his stock of learning; or, as the Targum,
“will add knowledge;”
see 2Pe 1:5; or, “will be wiser”, as the Vulgate Latin version. This is said to show the excellency of this book, and the extensive usefulness of it; indeed wise men will get knowledge where fools cannot, and increase learning where others can get none: there are few books but a wise man will get something out of; and especially such a book as this, and as the Scriptures are;
and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels; a man of a spiritual understanding arrives to the knowledge of the wise counsels of God; the doctrines of the Gospel, which are the “whole counsel” of God; are recondite wisdom, the hidden wisdom of God, which no wisdom of man is comparable to. It is the wisest scheme that was ever formed, and which the wit of man could never have devised, even salvation by Jesus Christ; and which was laid in God’s “counsels of old”, which are “faithfulness” and “truth”; the knowledge of which is attained unto by one that is spiritually wise. Moreover, a man that thoroughly understands the things contained in this book is fit to be a counsellor of others in things human and divine; in things moral, civil, and spiritual: he is fit to be in the cabinet council of princes, to be a counsellor of kings; yea, to have the reins of government in his hands. “He shall possess government”; so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions: or, “he shall possess the helm” l; sit as a pilot there, as the word may signify, and steer the ship aright in which he is; whether it be his family, or the church of God, or a city or corporation, or a kingdom: this book, rightly understood by him, will furnish him with rules to do all things well and wisely.
k “addet”, Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens. l “gubernacula possidebit”, V. L. “metaphora a nauclero desumpta”, Schultens.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
CRITICAL NOTES.
Pro. 1:5. Wise counsels, or capability to guide, literally helmsmanship.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Pro. 1:5-6
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A WISE MAN
I. He will hear. He shows that he values what he has already attained by giving heed to those who are able to add to his knowledge. Those who know the most are the most open to receive fresh knowledge.
II. The necessary consequence of this willingness to hear is a growth in knowledge. The wise man will increase learning. There is an absolute promise in connection with spiritual wisdom. Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have (Luk. 8:18). He who has wisdom to give heed shall have his wisdom increased by giving heed. To those who are willing to hear, that which was once dark and difficult becomes clear and plain. They understand a proverb and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark sayings. This hearing implies more than a mere reception of sound. It includes a desire to translate precepts into deeds. Many who can understand the grammatical construction and literal meaning of the Divine oracles cannot apprehend their spiritual signification because they do not desire to submit to their guidance. This was the condition of many of the Scribes and Pharisees in the days of our Lord. They saw and yet were blind (Mat. 13:13; Joh. 9:39). If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, etc. (Joh. 7:17).
III. This growth in knowledge gives a man a guide for his own life and enables him to guide others. (For wise counsels, see Critical Notes). Such a man will not sound all the mysteries of life or of God, but enough will be made plain to give him a compass by which to steer; and he will be able to lead others. A diligent pupil will by-and-by be fit for a teacher. How fully was the truth of these verses exemplified in the history of the Apostles. What dull pupils they were at first, and even until after their Masters resurrection. (Luk. 24:25.) But their willingness to be discipleslearnersfitted them at length to go and teach all nations. (Mat. 28:19.) Continuing in Christs Word, they came to know the truth, according to His promise. (Joh. 8:31.)
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Pro. 1:5. True wisdom is never stationary, but always progressive; because it secures the ground behind it as a basis for further advances. He who is not adding is wasting; he who is not increasing knowledge is losing from it, says Rabbi Hillel.Fausset.
As long ago as the time of Melancthon it was recognised as a significant fact that wisdom claims as her hearers and pupils, not only the simple, the young, and the untaught, but those who are already advanced in the knowledge of the truth, the wise and experienced. It is indeed Divine wisdom in regard to which these assertions are made, and it is precisely as it is within the department of the New Testament with the duty of faith, and of growth in believing knowledge, which duty in no stage of the Christian life in this world ever loses its validity and its binding power. Compare Luk. 17:5; Eph. 4:15-16; Col. 1:11; Col. 2:19; 2Th. 1:3; 2Pe. 3:18.Langes Commentary.
Pro. 1:6. If the law be dark to any, the fault is not in the lawgiver, but in those that should better understand it.Trapp.
The sayings of the wise are but words (two or three words), and it is their shortness that maketh them to be dark. Now, David says: I will incline mine ear unto a parablethere is his study to understand; I will open my dark saying upon the harpthere is the interpretation. It is not David, but He who came from David, that there is spoken of, and who, despising inanimate instruments, having made this world and the little world man, and by His Holy Spirit having compacted his soul and body, doth praise the Lord by an instrument of many voices, and to this instrument man doth sing the knowledge of His truth. Wherefore to understand the words of His wise prophets and penmen, we must go to Him.Jermin.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(5) A wise man will hear.That is, if he listen to these proverbs. (Comp. Pro. 9:9.) It is not the young only who will derive profit from them.
A man of understanding.Or rather, of discernment.
Wise counsels.Literally, arts of seamanship: i.e., guiding himself and others aright through the waves of this troublesome world.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
5. As to the other class, of more advanced and comparatively educated pupils, being already trained to thought and study, he has confidence that they will, from habit and education, hear, attend to his instructions, and so add to their acquirements; and thus, being already of more mature understanding, ( nabhon, see Pro 1:2, discriminating,) they shall attain unto, get, gain, or establish their counsels, or well-concerted designs. The term rendered wise counsels (steersmanship, or capability to guide) is somewhat obscure, and has given the critics trouble. The general sense of the verse seems to be an expression of confidence that this class of persons will, by means of his instructions, increase in their acquisitions, and so succeed in their ardent and deliberate pursuit of useful knowledge as to obtain the power to steer their course safely through life.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Ver. 5. A wise man will hear. ] Hearing and seeing are by Aristotle called “the learned senses,” because by these doors learning, yea, life, entereth into the soul. Isa 55:3 David Chytraeus, when he lay dying, lifted up himself to hear the discourses of his friends that sat by him, and said that he should die with better cheer if he might die learning something. a
And will increase learning.
a ” Si moribundus etiam aliquid didicisset. ” – Melch. Adam.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
will hear. Illustrations: Eunuch (Act 8:27, Act 8:39): Sergius Paulus (Act 13:7); the Bereans (Act 17:11, Act 17:12); Apollos (Act 18:24-28).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
wise: Pro 9:9, Pro 12:1, Job 34:10, Job 34:16, Job 34:34, Psa 119:98-100, 1Co 10:15
a man: 1Sa 25:32, 1Sa 25:33, 2Ch 25:16
Reciprocal: Exo 18:24 – General 1Ki 10:1 – prove him 1Ki 10:3 – told her Ezr 10:5 – arose Job 34:2 – General Pro 10:8 – wise Pro 10:14 – lay Pro 12:15 – but Pro 15:14 – heart Pro 18:15 – General Pro 21:11 – when the wise Jer 17:23 – nor Dan 12:10 – but the wise Hos 14:9 – wise Mat 13:23 – good Luk 11:36 – the whole Act 10:33 – are we Act 17:11 – more Act 18:26 – expounded 1Co 14:31 – all may learn 1Jo 2:21 – because ye know not
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 1:5-6. A wise man will hear Is not self-conceited, as fools are, but willing to learn from others, and, therefore, will attend to the following instructions; and will increase learning Thereby he will gain this great benefit, he will increase in knowledge and wisdom. This he adds, to show that this book is useful and necessary, not only to the ignorant, but also to the most wise and knowing persons; and shall attain unto wise counsels Not to deep speculations, but practical knowledge and wisdom, the art of governing himself, or others, well and prudently. To understand a proverb, &c. That is, the interpretation of a proverb, or the meaning and use of the wise sayings of God or men: to know this practically, and for his direction and benefit; for practice is the great design of this book. The words of the wise, and their dark sayings Such as are hard to be understood by inconsiderate and carnal men; but may be found out by diligent and humble inquiry, and prayer for divine teaching.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of {f} understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
(f) As he shows that these parables containing the effect of religion concerning manners and doctrine, belong to the simple people: so he declares that the same is also necessary for them who are wise and learned.