The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.
Most of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon to pass wisdom on to his sons. Solomon begins by giving his sons the purpose and objectives of his writing:
- To know wisdom and instruction.
- To perceive the words of understanding.
- To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity.
- To give prudence to the simple.
- To give knowledge and discretion to young men.
Solomon doesn’t want his son to simply hear what he is about to say. He wants his son to meditate on these Proverbs so as not to forget them. The young man who pays attention and internalizes these truths will be greatly blessed. (Proverbs 8:32-34; Psalm 1:1-4; 119:1-2)
However, these Proverbs are not only for young men. Solomon points out that all wise men and men of understanding can benefit by attaining wise counsel. We often think we know more than we do. Gaining wisdom requires enough humility to realize that you need to ask questions.
Albert Barnes notes that the phrase “will attain wise counsels,” means literally, the power to “steer” his course rightly on the dangerous seas of life. Certainly Solomon, as all parents, want there children to be able to steer their lives with wisdom throughout their lives. “Steering your life rightly” is the goal of Proverbs. If you pay attention, you will learn to steer the greatest ship of all: the ship of your life.
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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 1:7;10:1; Psalm 1:1-4
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“To admit ignorance is to exhibit wisdom.” – Ashley Montagu
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