Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
man will hear
H8085
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
man will hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְי֣וֹסֶף
and will increase
H3254
וְי֣וֹסֶף
and will increase
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
3 of 7
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לֶ֑קַח
learning
H3948
לֶ֑קַח
learning
Strong's:
H3948
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, something received, i.e., (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inve
וְ֝נָב֗וֹן
and a man of understanding
H995
וְ֝נָב֗וֹן
and a man of understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
5 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.1 Corinthians 10:15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.Job 34:16If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.Job 34:10Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.Job 34:34Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.2 Chronicles 25:16And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom traditions often portrayed the sage as having arrived at complete understanding, but biblical wisdom maintains perpetual learner status, acknowledging only God possesses exhaustive knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does humility foster continued learning in your walk with God?
- What new area of biblical wisdom are you currently seeking to grow in?
Analysis & Commentary
True wisdom paradoxically increases the wise person's hunger for more knowledge. This counters both arrogant complacency and despairing ignorance. The 'wise counsel' (Hebrew 'tachbulot') suggests skilled navigation, showing that growth in wisdom enables better life stewardship under God's providence.