To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation - connected in construction with Proverbs 1:1, as are the other infinitives, Proverbs 1:2, "To know;" Proverbs 1:3 "To receive;" Proverbs 1:4, "To give subtilty," etc. "The interpretation" (Hebrew, Mªliytsaah (H4426); cf. Introduction). As an interpreter should express his meaning with elegance, the term comes to mean an elegant and eloquent speech: a pointed saying. Gesenius explains it 'a saying that needs an interpreter; an enigmatical saying.' The Chaldaic and Vulture translate as the English version. In Habakkuk 2:6 it occurs in connection with the Hebrew here translated "dark sayings" ( chiydotaam (H2420)); but there the English version translates the two together, "a taunting proverb" (perhaps the translation there more literally would be the setting forth of enigmatic sayings, making the application clear as an interpreter would). As "dark sayings" answer in parallelism to "proverb," so "the words of the wise" to "the interpretation." The wise interpret in plain words the obscurity of parabolic sayings, which are couched in this form by the Holy Spirit, in order to stimulate reflection. In Proverbs 1:2-3 is set forth what is to be learned; in Proverbs 1:4-5, by whom; in Proverbs 1:6, from whom, and from what kind of sayings.