From Ignorance to Insight: The Journey of the Wise

A Commentary on Proverbs 1:5 (KJV)

If you want to be wise, you will put a priority on learning and surrounding yourself with wise counsel. That’s the key theme of Proverbs 1:5, which reads…

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (Proverbs 1:5, KJV)

The Hebrew word for wisdom is חָכָם (chakam) which means “skill” or “expertise.” A wise person is a person with skill, insight, and expertise. And that is the type of person all of us should strive to be.

The word behind “hear” is יִשְׁמַע (shama) and it carries the connotation of “to obey” or “to listen attentively.” The word יָסַף (yasaph) means “to add,” “to increase,” or “to continue.” In this context, it describes a person continually seeking to learn and grow.

The verse ends with a reference to “wise counsels.” The Hebrew term behind “wise counsels” is תּוּשִׁיָּה (tushiyah). This comes from the root יָשָׁר (yashar), which means “to be straight” or “to be right.” It refers to wise advice or guidance that is trustworthy and reliable.

Putting all this together, Proverbs 1:5 is telling us that wise people pay attention to trustworthy and reliable sources of wisdom — and soak up as much learning as they can.

Does that describe you?

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