Proverbs 1:6
Proverbs 1:6 in Multiple Translations
by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
To get the sense of wise sayings and secrets, and of the words of the wise and their dark sayings.
understanding the proverbs and puzzles, the sayings and questions of the wise.
To vnderstand a parable, and the interpretation, the wordes of ye wise, and their darke sayings.
For understanding a proverb and its sweetness, Words of the wise and their acute sayings.
to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings.
Then they will be able to understand the meaning of proverbs and parables/metaphors, these wise sayings and ◄riddles/sayings that are difficult to understand►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/הָבִ֣ין
מָ֭שָׁל
וּ/מְלִיצָ֑ה
דִּבְרֵ֥י
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
וְ/חִידֹתָֽ/ם
לְ/הָבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מָ֭שָׁל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms
וּ/מְלִיצָ֑ה
mᵉlîytsâh
H4426
mockery
Conj | N-fs
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
וְ/חִידֹתָֽ/ם
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
Conj | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:6
לְ/הָבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
מָ֭שָׁל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
וּ/מְלִיצָ֑ה
mᵉlîytsâh
H4426
"mockery"
Conj | N-fs
This word means a satire or mocking poem, often used to describe the taunting songs of the enemy. It can also refer to a riddle or enigma, like the ones found in the book of Psalms. The Bible translates it as 'taunting' or 'interpretation'.
Definition: satire, mocking poem, mocking song, taunting, figure, enigma
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: interpretation, taunting. See also: Proverbs 1:6; Habakkuk 2:6.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וְ/חִידֹתָֽ/ם
chîydâh
H2420
"riddle"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:6
Context — The Beginning of Knowledge
4To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,
5let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel
6by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:2 | I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, |
| 2 | Mark 4:11 | He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, |
| 3 | Psalms 49:4 | I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp: |
| 4 | Acts 8:30–31 | So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. |
| 5 | Mark 4:34 | He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples. |
| 6 | Hebrews 5:14 | But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. |
| 7 | Matthew 13:34–35 | Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” |
| 8 | Matthew 13:10–17 | Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 12:11 | The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. |
| 10 | Matthew 13:51–52 | Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” |
Proverbs 1:6 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 1:6, is telling us that if we want to be wise, we need to understand the proverbs and parables, which are like little stories or sayings that teach us important truths. By studying these, we can gain wisdom and make good choices in life, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:13-18. It's like having a special tool to help us navigate life's challenges, and it's available to anyone who is willing to listen and learn, as encouraged in Matthew 11:25. As we reflect on this verse, let's remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, and that seeking wisdom is a lifelong journey that requires humility, prayer, and a willingness to learn from others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of understanding proverbs and parables?
Understanding proverbs and parables helps us gain wisdom, knowledge, and discretion, as stated in Proverbs 1:6, and is essential for making wise decisions in life, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-18.
How can we acquire wisdom and understanding like the wise?
We can acquire wisdom and understanding by listening to and gaining instruction from the wise, as stated in Proverbs 1:5, and by fearing the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.
What is the significance of riddles in the Bible?
Riddles in the Bible, like those mentioned in Proverbs 1:6, are used to convey important truths and wisdom in a way that requires contemplation and reflection, as seen in the example of Samson's riddle in Judges 14:12-19.
Can anyone understand the proverbs and parables, or is it only for the wise?
While Proverbs 1:5 says that the wise should listen and gain instruction, Proverbs 1:4 indicates that the book of Proverbs is also intended to impart prudence to the simple, suggesting that anyone can benefit from understanding the proverbs and parables with an open heart and mind, as encouraged in Matthew 11:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some proverbs or parables that have personally impacted my life, and how have they helped me make wise decisions?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the sayings and riddles of the wise, and what role does prayer and meditation play in this process?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom gained from Proverbs 1:6 to my relationships and daily interactions, and how can I share this wisdom with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wise counsel, and how can I find trustworthy advisors who fear the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation,.... This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
The interpretation, i.e. the interpretation of a proverb, by a figure called hendiaduo, or the meaning and use of the wise sayings of God, or of men; to know this practically, and for his direction and benefit; for practice is the great design of this book. Dark savings; such as are hard to be understood by inconsiderate and ungodly men, but to be found out by diligent and humble inquiry.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
Proverbs 1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.Ver. 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation.] Or, The sweetness thereof; there being nothing so sweet to a good soul as the knowledge of dark and deep mysteries. See Psalms 119:103 where the same word is used. The little book of the Revelation was in John’ s mouth sweet as honey. And their dark sayings.] Dark to those that are acute obtusi, that have not their "senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Legum obscuritates non assignemus culpae scribentium sed inscitiae non assequentium, saith he in Gellius. If the law be dark to any, the fault is not in the lawgiver, but in those that should better understand it. Heb. Melitsah; unde fortasse Graecum ìåëé, et Latinum mel. - Rivet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
(6) Interpretation.—Or an obscure thing which needs interpretation, so corresponding to “dark sayings.” Dark sayings.—Literally knots, intricate sayings, like Samson’s riddle (Judges 14:12).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
Verse 6. Dark sayings.] חידת chidoth, enigmas or riddles, in which the Asiatics abounded. I believe parables, such as those delivered by our Lord, nearly express the meaning of the original.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:6
6. This verse intimates that the aim of the Book is to confer an initiation which will make its possessor free of all the mysteries of the Wise. By understanding these proverbs he will acquire the power of understanding all proverbs. (See Mark 4:13, and Speaker’s Comm. on this verse.) interpretation] So R.V. marg., and Vulg. interpretationem. So too Gesenius, “properly, interpretation, and so what needs an interpretation, an enigma.” But it is better to render, a figure, R.V. text. σκοτεινὸνλόγον, LXX. aculeate dicta, Maur. Comp. Habakkuk 2:6, the only other place where the Heb. word occurs. the wise] Lit. wise men. There is no article. But perhaps the reference is to a recognised class of what we should call philosophers. See Introd. ch. i. p. 9.
Comp. Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 24:23. dark sayings] Or, riddles, R.V. marg. The word is rendered riddle both by A.V. and R.V. in Ezekiel 17:2. The LXX. has αἰνίγματα in Proverbs and διήγημα in Ezekiel. The Vulg. has �nigma in both places.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:6
The book has yet a further scope; these proverbs are to form a habit of mind. To gain through them the power of entering into the deeper meaning of other proverbs, is the end kept in view. Compare Matt. 13.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:6
6. To understand a proverb — Mashal, (see note on Proverbs 1:1;) perhaps taken here for all the various kinds of composition under that name, such as poems, allegories, enigmas, apothegms, and
Sermons on Proverbs 1:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Youth Ministry by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and plan of the College and Careers ministry. Their purpose is to see unbelieving students become committed followers of Jesus Chr |
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In Defense of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his intention to share a story and reveal hidden truths. He emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's glorio |
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New Beginnings - Gideon's Army I by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges and how God allowed areas of resistance to remain in the land so that the younger generation could learn war. The preacher |
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Parables of Jesus - 01 Entering God's Kingdom by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher begins a series of studies on the parables of Jesus, specifically focusing on three parables about entering God's kingdom. The first parable discussed |
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The Revelation of the Mystery by Charles S. Price | Charles S. Price preaches about the unveiling and revelation of God's plan in the Last Days, where some are given the knowledge of the mystery of the Kingdom of God while others re |
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Miller's Year Book - July to December by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture in daily life, illustrating how a single verse can guide, comfort, and inspire throughout the day. He discusses the imp |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 6 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the necessity of preparing and arming oneself for the inevitable evil day of affliction and death. He emphasizes that this evil day is grievous to th |