Proverbs 1:5

Letters to the Faithful - Proverbs 1:5

Berean Standard Bible

let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

King James Bible

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Hebrew Text:

יִשְׁמַ֣ע חָ֭כָם וְיֹ֣וסֶף לֶ֑קַח וְ֝נָבֹ֗ון תַּחְבֻּלֹ֥ות יִקְנֶֽה׃

Transliteration:

Yishma' ḥakham veyosef lekach, venavon taḥbulot yikneh.

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let the wise listen

This phrase emphasizes the importance of humility and openness in the pursuit of wisdom. In biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Listening is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the need for receptivity to God's word and guidance (James 1:19). The wise are those who recognize their need for continual growth and are willing to learn from others, including God’s revelation through Scripture and the counsel of godly individuals.

and gain instruction

Instruction in the biblical sense often involves correction and discipline, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12, where the Lord's discipline is described as an expression of His love. The Hebrew word for instruction can also imply training or teaching, suggesting a process of growth and development. This aligns with the cultural context of ancient Israel, where learning was often through oral tradition and mentorship. Gaining instruction is an active process, requiring effort and a willingness to be shaped by God's truth.

and the discerning acquire wise counsel

Discernment is the ability to judge well, a quality highly valued in Scripture (1 Kings 3:9). It involves understanding and insight, enabling one to navigate complex situations with godly wisdom. Wise counsel refers to advice that aligns with God's principles and purposes. In the historical context, kings and leaders often sought counsel from prophets and wise men (2 Samuel 16:23). This phrase underscores the importance of seeking guidance from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in biblical truth, reflecting the communal aspect of wisdom in the biblical narrative.

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Hear, O beloved children of the Most High, you who walk the paths of this world with hearts yearning for truth and souls seeking the light of divine understanding! Let the words of the ancient wisdom, spoken through the sacred breath of Proverbs, stir your spirits and awaken your minds, for it is written, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance” (Proverbs 1:5). This is no mere utterance but a clarion call, a divine summons to all who would draw near to the fountain of wisdom and drink deeply from its eternal springs. The Almighty, in His boundless mercy, extends His hand to every soul, bidding you to rise from the slumber of complacency and pursue the treasures of knowledge, discernment, and righteousness that He has laid before you.

Consider, O people, the majesty of wisdom, which is not a fleeting gift but a living flame, kindled by the Creator Himself within the heart of those who seek Him. It is not enough to hear the words of truth; you must let them take root in the fertile soil of your soul, where they may grow and bear fruit that endures. The wise do not rest upon their laurels, nor do they boast in their own understanding, for they know that wisdom is a journey, not a destination—a path that winds ever upward, calling the humble to ascend with open ears and contrite hearts. To hear is to live; to listen is to learn; and to seek guidance is to walk in the footsteps of the righteous who have gone before us.

O you who dwell in the hustle of cities, in the quiet of fields, in the halls of learning, or in the humblest of homes, know that wisdom is not reserved for the mighty or the learned alone. It is the inheritance of all who fear the Lord, who turn their faces toward Him in reverence and awe. The scholar and the laborer, the young and the old, the rich and the poor—all are invited to this sacred feast of understanding. The Lord does not withhold His counsel from those who seek it, nor does He turn away those who approach with sincerity. His wisdom is a river that flows without ceasing, a light that pierces the deepest darkness, and a guide that leads through the storms of life.

Yet beware, beloved, for the path of wisdom is not without its trials. The world, with its clamor and distractions, will tempt you to turn aside, to chase after shadows and fleeting pleasures. It will whisper lies, telling you that wisdom is burdensome, that understanding is too costly, or that guidance is unnecessary for those who trust in their own strength. But these are the snares of folly, cunningly laid to entangle the unwary. The wise heart discerns the difference between the eternal and the ephemeral, between the voice of God and the noise of the world. Cling, therefore, to the truth that sets you free, and let not your steps stray from the way of righteousness.

What, then, shall you do to increase in learning, as the proverb exhorts? First, humble yourselves before the Lord, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Approach Him with a heart ready to receive, not with pride that demands answers, but with faith that trusts His timing. Seek His Word, which is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Meditate upon it day and night, for it is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold. Surround yourselves with those who walk in wisdom, for as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Listen to the counsel of the godly, for their words are seasoned with grace and truth. And above all, pray without ceasing, for the Spirit of God Himself will teach you, guiding you into all truth and revealing the mysteries of His kingdom.

O beloved, consider the life of the one who heeds this call. Such a soul is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season, its leaves never withering. Wisdom brings peace in the midst of chaos, strength in the face of adversity, and joy that no circumstance can steal. It is a shield against the arrows of temptation and a compass in the wilderness of doubt. The one who seeks understanding will find not only knowledge but purpose, not only guidance but grace, not only wisdom but the very presence of the God who gives it freely.

And to you who feel unworthy, who believe your steps have wandered too far or your heart has strayed too long, hear this: the mercy of God is greater than your failings, and His wisdom is deeper than your doubts. He calls you still, not because of your merit, but because of His love. Return to Him, and He will meet you where you are, ready to restore, to teach, and to guide. The invitation of Proverbs is not for the perfect but for the willing, not for the sinless but for the seeking. Take hold of it, and let it transform you.

Therefore, rise up, O people of God! Let your ears be open, your hearts be ready, and your feet be swift to follow the path of wisdom. Increase in learning, grow in understanding, and seek the guidance that leads to life everlasting. For the Lord Himself is your teacher, your counselor, and your king. Walk in His ways, and you will find rest for your souls. Amen.

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O Eternal and Most Gracious God, Creator of heaven and earth, whose wisdom is the foundation of all that is good and true, we come before You with hearts bowed low, seeking the light of Your divine understanding and the guidance of Your boundless love. You are the source of all knowledge, the fountain of all discernment, and the giver of every good gift. We stand in awe of Your majesty, and we lift our voices in humble adoration, asking that You pour out Your Spirit upon us, that we might grow in wisdom and walk in the paths of righteousness.

Almighty Father, You have called us to hear and increase in learning, to listen with open hearts and to seek the counsel that leads to life. We confess that too often we have turned aside, distracted by the noise of the world, swayed by fleeting desires, or hindered by our own pride. Forgive us, O Lord, for the times we have neglected Your truth or wandered from Your ways. Renew within us a hunger for Your wisdom, a thirst for Your guidance, and a passion to know You more deeply. Let Your voice be the melody that guides our steps, and let Your light shine upon the shadows of our doubts.

We pray for all Your children, scattered across the earth, from the mightiest to the meekest, from the scholar to the laborer, from the young who dream to the aged who reflect. Grant them ears to hear Your call, minds to grasp Your truth, and hearts to embrace Your will. May those who lead seek Your wisdom to govern justly; may those who teach impart Your truth with clarity; may those who toil find strength in Your guidance; and may those who suffer discover hope in Your presence. Unite us, O God, in the pursuit of understanding, that we may reflect Your love and glorify Your name in all we do.

O merciful Lord, we lift up those who feel lost, whose hearts are heavy with burdens or whose paths are clouded by uncertainty. Speak to them, we pray, with the gentle whisper of Your Spirit, drawing them near to Your heart. Let them know that Your wisdom is not distant, nor Your guidance reserved for the few. Open their eyes to see the beauty of Your truth, and grant them courage to follow where You lead. For the weary, provide rest; for the broken, offer healing; and for the wandering, extend Your hand to guide them home.

Teach us, O God, to walk humbly with You, to listen intently to Your voice, and to cherish the counsel of those who walk in Your ways. Surround us with communities of faith, where wisdom is shared, where love abounds, and where truth is upheld. Guard us from the snares of folly, from the temptations that lure us from Your path, and from the pride that blinds us to Your grace. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may discern what is right, pursue what is just, and live what is holy.

We ask, O Lord, that You make us vessels of Your wisdom, instruments of Your peace, and bearers of Your light. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our actions rooted in love, and our lives a testimony to Your glory. May we grow daily in understanding, not for our own gain, but for the blessing of others and the honor of Your name. Guide us through the trials of this world, sustain us in the moments of doubt, and lead us ever closer to the eternal joy of Your presence.

All this we pray in the name of Your infinite love and boundless mercy, trusting in Your promise to lead those who seek You and to fill those who hunger for Your truth. May our lives be a song of praise, a reflection of Your wisdom, and a witness to Your unending grace. Amen.