To Understand a Proverb - Proverbs 1:6

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels”, and in chapter one and verse six of Proverbs Solomon said the reason a wise man will hear and increase learning is, “to understand a proverb, and the interpretation” where we read,

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The verse begins, “To understand a proverb, and the interpretation;”. Solomon began with the words, “to understand a proverb” or “to discern, consider, perceive and have insight into a parable, proverbial saying, aphorism, similitude or sentences of ethical wisdom and maxims”, “and the interpretation” which means “and the satire, mocking-poem or song and enigma”. Solomon said a person who is increasing in learning and attaining wise counsels is able to discern and have insight to proverbial sayings and the enigma within them.

The verse continues, “the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” Solomon added the words, “ the words of the wise” or “the speech, utterance, business, acts, matters, cases and manners belonging to people who are cunning, subtle, skillful, shrewd, learned and prudent”, “and their dark sayings” which means “and their, the wise people's, riddles, difficult questions, enigmatic sayings or perplexing sentences”. Solomon said a person who is increasing in learning and attaining wise counsel will be able to “understand” the speeches and manners belonging to people who are shrewd and prudent, and they will “discern” their riddles and difficult questions.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon knew being a person who learns and wants to learn allows them to comprehend proverbial sayings, maxims and difficult questions from people who are skillful and prudent. God gave us His word to reveal Himself, His Son Jesus and His manner of living. He has given us the knowledge of sin, judgment and salvation through His word, and when we ask Him, He will open our minds and hearts to receive His “wise” words. Jesus came into the world to die on the cross and be resurrected from the dead three days later so that we may have a personal relationship with Him. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and cause us not only to “understand” wise sayings but also to have a passion and desire to “understand” what they are and mean for our lives.

Next time Solomon says, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".