Wise Men Hear and Increase Learning - Proverbs 1:5

The book of Proverbs begins with the words, “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, and judgment, and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion”, and in chapter one and verse five of Proverbs Solomon said, “a wise man will hear, and will increase learning” where we read,

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;

and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

The verse begins, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;”. Solomon began with the words, “a wise man will hear” or “a skillful, shrewd, crafty, cunning, subtle, learned and prudent person whether male and female shall listen, obey, perceive and give attention with interest”, “and will increase learning” which means “and shall add, do again and join to teaching, persuasiveness, doctrine and fair speech”. Solomon shared how the person who is skillful and learned shall add to their doctrine and persuasiveness.

The verse goes on to say, “and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” Solomon continued with the words, “ and a man” or “and a person whether male or female” “of understanding” which means “pertaining to discernment, perception, observation, insight and intelligence” “shall attain unto wise counsels” or “will get, acquire, possess and obtain good advice, direction, steerage and guidance”. Solomon said a person who has discernment and intelligence will acquire and possess good advice and direction for their lives.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon knew people who were shrewd and skillful would listen to doctrine and teaching, and when they have discernment, they will obtain good advice and direction for their lives. God wants us to be “wise”, and when we listen to His instructions, advice and guidance for our lives, we not only please Him, but also have the best life we can live. God loves us, and He proved His love for us by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us His ways and “wise counsels” by His Holy Spirit and Solomon's proverbs.

Next time Solomon says the reason a wise man will hear and increase learning is, “to understand a proverb, and the interpretation”, 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".