To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
Parallel translations
- WEB to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
- BSB for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight,
- ESV To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
- 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 quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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 unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
- Deut 4:5–6Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
- 2 Tim 3:15–17And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Kgs 3:9–12Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
- Prov 17:16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
- Prov 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
- Prov 4:5–7Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
- Prov 8:5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
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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.