for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight,
Parallel translations
- WEB to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
- KJV To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
- NKJV To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,
- NASB To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,
- NLT Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The proverbs aim to impart wisdom, instruction, and the ability to discern wise words. They matter because Scripture defines their purpose: shaping us to think and live wisely.
Overview
This verse states the book's goal: to know wisdom (skill in godly living) and to understand words of insight. Biblical wisdom is not mere cleverness but practical righteousness rooted in God. It prepares the reader for a life that reflects God's order, fulfilled perfectly in Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:30).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Prov 7:4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman,
- Deut 4:5–6See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.
- 2 Tim 3:15–17From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Kgs 3:9–12Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
- Prov 17:16Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
- Prov 16:16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
- Prov 4:5–7Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.
- Prov 8:5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
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The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 1:2 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.