CRITICAL NOTES.—
Proverbs 1:5. Wise counsels, or “capability to guide,” literally “helmsmanship.”
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Proverbs 1:5-6
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A WISE MAN
I. He will hear. He shows that he values what he has already attained by giving heed to those who are able to add to his knowledge. Those who know the most are the most open to receive fresh knowledge.
II. The necessary consequence of this willingness to hear is a growth in knowledge. The wise man “will increase learning.” There is an absolute promise in connection with spiritual wisdom. “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have” (Luke 8:18). He who has wisdom to give heed shall have his wisdom increased by giving heed. To those who are willing to hear, that which was once dark and difficult becomes clear and plain. They “understand a proverb and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark sayings.” This hearing implies more than a mere reception of sound. It includes a desire to translate precepts into deeds. Many who can understand the grammatical construction and literal meaning of the Divine oracles cannot apprehend their spiritual signification because they do not desire to submit to their guidance. This was the condition of many of the Scribes and Pharisees in the days of our Lord. They saw and yet were blind (Matthew 13:13; John 9:39). “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,” etc. (John 7:17).
III. This growth in knowledge gives a man a guide for his own life and enables him to guide others. (For “wise counsels,” see Critical Notes). Such a man will not sound all the mysteries of life or of God, but enough will be made plain to give him a compass by which to steer; and he will be able to lead others. A diligent pupil will by-and-by be fit for a teacher. How fully was the truth of these verses exemplified in the history of the Apostles. What dull pupils they were at first, and even until after their Master’s resurrection. (Luke 24:25.) But their willingness to be disciples—learners—fitted them at length to “go and teach all nations.” (Matthew 28:19.) Continuing in Christ’s Word, they came to “know the truth,” according to His promise. (John 8:31.)
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Proverbs 1:5. True wisdom is never stationary, but always progressive; because it secures the ground behind it as a basis for further advances. “He who is not adding is wasting; he who is not increasing knowledge is losing from it,” says Rabbi Hillel.—Fausset.
As long ago as the time of Melancthon it was recognised as a significant fact that wisdom claims as her hearers and pupils, not only the simple, the young, and the untaught, but those who are already advanced in the knowledge of the truth, the wise and experienced. It is indeed Divine wisdom in regard to which these assertions are made, and it is precisely as it is within the department of the New Testament with the duty of faith, and of growth in believing knowledge, which duty in no stage of the Christian life in this world ever loses its validity and its binding power. Compare Luke 17:5; Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 1:11; Colossians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 3:18.—Lange’s Commentary.
Proverbs 1:6. If the law be dark to any, the fault is not in the lawgiver, but in those that should better understand it.—Trapp.
The sayings of the wise are but words (two or three words), and it is their shortness that maketh them to be dark. Now, David says: “I will incline mine ear unto a parable”—there is his study to understand; “I will open my dark saying upon the harp”—there is the interpretation. It is not David, but He who came from David, that there is spoken of, and who, despising inanimate instruments, having made this world and the little world man, and by His Holy Spirit having compacted his soul and body, doth praise the Lord by an instrument of many voices, and to this instrument man doth sing the knowledge of His truth. Wherefore to understand the words of His wise prophets and penmen, we must go to Him.—Jermin.