to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
We have here an introduction to this book, which some think was prefixed by the collector and publisher, as Ezra; but it is rather supposed to have been penned by Solomon himself, who, in the beginning of his book, proposes his end in writing it, that he might keep to his business, and closely pursue that end. We are here told, I. Who wrote these wise sayings, Pro 1:1.
Commenting on Proverbs 1:1-6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation,.... This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", &c. are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with Pro 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...
To understand--so as to . . . such will be the result. interpretation--(Compare Margin). words of the wise--(Compare Pro 1:2). dark sayings--(Compare Psa 49:4; Joh 16:25; and see Introduction, Part I).