John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation , etc.] This may be connected either with the first verse, “the proverbs of Solomon”, etc. are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with ( Proverbs 1:5), a wise and understanding man, by hearkening and attending to what is here delivered, will not only attain to wise counsels, but to the understanding of proverbial sayings, and to see into the “elegancy” f12 , the eloquence and beauty of them, as the word signifies; and be able to interpret them to others in a clear, plain, way and manner; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings ; the words and doctrines, not of the wise philosophers and sages of the Heathen world, but of men truly wise and good; and especially of the wise inspired writers of the Scriptures, whose words come from one Shepherd, ( Ecclesiastes 12:11); and the enigmas or riddles contained in their writings, which are so to a natural man, obscure phrases and expressions, things hard and difficult to be understood, yet to a spiritual man, that judgeth all things, plain and easy, ( 1 Corinthians 2:14,15 2 Peter 3:16).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The lessons here given are plain, and likely to benefit those who fee their own ignorance, and their need to be taught. If young people tak heed to their ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gai knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important point of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by his wor and by his Spirit. Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and he is made to us wisdom.
Original Hebrew להבין995 משׁל4912 ומליצה4426 דברי1697 חכמים2450 וחידתם׃2420
