Proverbs 1:6

6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their ¹riddles.

Proverbs 1:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation
This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", &c. are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with ( Proverbs 1:5 ) , a wise and understanding man, by hearkening and attending to what is here delivered, will not only attain to wise counsels, but to the understanding of proverbial sayings, and to see into the "elegancy" ^F13, the eloquence and beauty of them, as the word signifies; and be able to interpret them to others in a clear, plain, way and manner;

the words of the wise, and their dark sayings;
the words and doctrines, not of the wise philosophers and sages of the Heathen world, but of men truly wise and good; and especially of the wise inspired writers of the Scriptures, whose words come from one Shepherd, ( Ecclesiastes 12:11 ) ; and the enigmas or riddles contained in their writings, which are so to a natural man, obscure phrases and expressions, things hard and difficult to be understood, yet to a spiritual man, that judgeth all things, plain and easy, ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 1 Corinthians 2:15 ) ( 2 Peter 3:16 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 (huylm) "facundiam", Montanus; "eloquentiam", Tigurine version; "elocutionem", Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 1:6 In-Context

4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,

5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching;

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 12:8; Psalms 49:4; Psalms 78:2; Daniel 8:23