Proverbs 1:2-4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

To know wisdom Written to help men to know, thoroughly and practically, both human wisdom, to conduct their affairs properly in this life, and especially divine wisdom, showing them their duty to God and man, and making them wise unto salvation; and instruction The instructions delivered, either by God or men, in order to the attainment of wisdom. To perceive the words of understanding Those words which are the effects of a good understanding, or which give a man that true understanding whereby he can discern between truth and error, between good and evil, in order that he may choose the former and refuse the latter. To receive the instruction of wisdom Willingly to receive the wise and salutary counsels of others, which is a good step to wisdom, and a part of it. This is opposed to the instruction of fools and of folly, of which he speaks Proverbs 16:22, and Proverbs 19:27. For folly hath its school, where multitudes of scholars attend, who are very apt to learn its lessons. Justice, judgment, and equity That is, to receive the instruction which teaches men just judgment, or equity, namely, their whole duty to God, their neighbour, and themselves. To give subtlety Or, rather, prudence, as this word, ערמה, is used Proverbs 8:5; Proverbs 8:12; although it is frequently taken in an evil sense for craft and subtlety; to the simple To such as want wisdom, and are easily deceived by others, and therefore most need this blessing; to the young man Who wants both experience and self-government; knowledge and discretion That they may gain so much knowledge as will enable them to conduct themselves and their affairs with knowledge and discretion.