Proverbs 1 · Verse 2

Proverbs 1:2

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
Proverbs 1:2, King James Version

Proverbs 1:2 in other translations

BSBfor gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight,
WEBto know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
ASVTo know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;
YLTFor knowing wisdom and instruction, For understanding sayings of intelligence,
DARBYto know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
BBETo have knowledge of wise teaching; to be clear about the words of reason:
WebsterTo know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

What does Proverbs 1:2 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:1-4

Pr 1:1-33. After the title the writer defines the design and nature of the instructions of the book. He paternally invites attention to those instructions and warns his readers against the enticements of the wicked. In a beautiful personification, wisdom is then introduced in a most solemn and impressive manner, publicly inviting men to receive its teachings, warning those who reject, and encouraging those who…

Read the full comment on Proverbs 1:1-4 →

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 2 To know wisdom - That is, this is the design of parabolical writing in general; and the particular aim of the present work. This and the two following verses contain the interpretation of the term parable, and the author's design in the whole book. The first verse is the title, and the next three verses are an explanation of the nature and design of this very important tract. Wisdom - חכמה chochmah may mean here, and in every other part of this book, not only that Divine science by which we are enabled to discover the best end, and pursue it by the most proper means; but also the whole of that heavenly teaching that shows us both ourselves and God, directs us into all truth, and forms the whole of true religion. And instruction - מוסר musar, the teaching that discovers all its parts, to understand, to comprehend the words or doctrines which should be comprehended, in order that we may become wise to salvation.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Proverbs 1:1-6

The lessons here given are plain, and likely to benefit those who feel their own ignorance, and their need to be taught. If young people take heed to their ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by his word and by his Spirit. Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and he…

Read the full comment on Proverbs 1:1-6 →

Proverbs 1:2 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

לָדַ֣עַתla.Da.'atto learnH3045
חָכְמָ֣הchokh.mahwisdomH2451
וּמוּסָ֑רu.mu.Sarand disciplineH4148
לְ֝הָבִ֗יןle.ha.Vinto teachH995
אִמְרֵ֥י'im.Reiwords ofH561
בִינָֽה\׃vi.NahunderstandingH998

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 1:2

  • Proverbs 7:4

    Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

  • Deuteronomy 4:5-6

    Behold, 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. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

  • Proverbs 17:16

    Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17

    And 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. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • 1 Kings 3:9-12

    Give 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? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

  • Proverbs 16:16

    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

  • Proverbs 4:5-7

    Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

  • Proverbs 8:5

    O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4:5-7; 7:4; 8:5; 16:16; 17:16; De 4:5,6; 1Ki 3:9-12; 2Ti 3:15-17

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 1:1

    The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

  • Proverbs 1:2

    To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

  • Proverbs 1:3

    To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

Read all of Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:2 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Para entender sabiduría y doctrina; para conocer las razones prudentes;
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		pour connaître la sagesse et l’instruction, pour discerner les paroles d’intelligence;
German
Elberfelder 1871		um Weisheit und Unterweisung zu kennen, um Worte des Verstandes zu verstehen,
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		ad sciendam sapientiam et disciplinam;