Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; Wisdom is here taken for the theoretical part, to know the truth of things, as appears by the opposition of manners in the next verse. It may be meant of wisdom in general, knowledge of the truth; for many philosophical truths are contained in this book. But it hath a special eye to the knowledge of God and Divine truths. And it signifies an exact knowledge of things by their causes, or other properties, whereby we may be able to distinguish between real and apparent truths. The word "instruction" properly signifies the manner of teaching by which wisdom is attained. It is set after wisdom, because that is the end and perfection of instruction, and therefore more worthy than the means. "The end is first in intention, last in execution." Men think of dwelling before they think of building. It signifies such instruction as is communicated to boys, joined with correction, for the word imports both. "Understanding" means words of weight worthy to be understood, and well understood by those that delivered them; coming from men of great understanding, and making them such that learn them. Acute sentences, full of good matter, fit to pass for authentical like current money. Doctrines taught by this verse are — 1. Wisdom is to be gotten out of Scripture. 2. Divine truths are far more excellent than other truths. 3. There is need of wisdom to guide both the understanding and the will. 4. Divine truths must be inquired into as well as Divine precepts. 5. Pains must be taken to distinguish real truths from apparent. Because they are hard to distinguish, they are worth distinguishing. 6. Instruction is the means to get wisdom out of Scripture. 7. Hearing Divine truth without understanding doth men no good. 8. Knowledge of trivial things is of little worth. 9. Knowledge of Divine truth will do us much good. It will bring us acquainted with God more fully than the creatures can. (Francis Taylor.) Parallel Verses KJV: To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;WEB: to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; |
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