Bible Strands
Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses the young and simple in the opening of Proverbs, positioning this verse as the immediate next step after stating the book's purpose to impart prudence and discretion.
The words — יִשְׁמַ֣ע (yish.Ma') = let him listen and לֶ֑קַח (Le.kach) = insight.
The thread — The motif of the receptive person gaining further understanding appears in Proverbs 9:9 and Proverbs 12:1, while the appeal to reason for self-judgment runs through 1 Corinthians 10:15.
Why it lands — The text commands the already prudent and discerning to actively listen so they may increase their insight and acquire further wise directions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Cross-references
- Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
- Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.
- 1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say.
- Job 34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
- Job 34:16 If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.
- Psalms 119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
- Job 34:34 Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say:
- 2 Chronicles 25:16 While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”
- 1 Samuel 25:32 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day!