1:5
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
5a let the wise listen and gain instruction,
5b and the discerning acquire wise counsel
There is an ellipsis in 1:5b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the verb “listen” from 1:5a. For example:
5b and the discerning ⌊listen and⌋ acquire wise counsel
1:5a–b
At this point, the author interrupts the series of purpose clauses in 1:2–4 and 1:6. In this verse, he directs his advice to people who are wise and discerning. He exhorts them that they also should pay attention to the proverbs. Some versions translate these exhortations as third-person commands. For example:
Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. (New Living Translation (2004))
Other versions translate them as statements, so the exhortation is only implied. For example:
Wise people can also listen and learn. (New Century Version)
Make sure it is clear in your translation that the author is giving advice to the wise. He is not just stating what the wise will do.
listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel: In these parallel phrases, the readers are advised to listen to the proverbs in order to learn more and receive guidance. The command listen (implied in 1:5b) tells how the readers will add to their learning and receive guidance.
1:5a
the wise: The Hebrew word ḥakam, which all English versions translate as wise, refers to a person who is skilled in doing what is right. Wise people know what is right and wrong. They understand what will lead to a good result, and they act accordingly.
listen and gain instruction: The commands to listen and gain are not two separate commands. To gain instruction gives the purpose for the command to listen. In some languages, listen applies only to oral instruction. In such a case, you may want to use a term such as “pay attention” or “heed.” Another way to translate 1:5a is:
As for wise people, they should also heed these proverbs so that they will continue to learn.
1:5b
the discerning: The Hebrew word nabon, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as the discerning, refers to a person who has either binah “insight” or tǝbunah “good sense.” All three words are related to the root bin “to understand/perceive.”
A nabon is a person who can understand and interpret ideas and can draw conclusions. He is also a person who is sensible and competent. He can act in an appropriate way when he needs to make a decision or solve a problem. He is able to discern the difference between right and wrong, between a good decision and a bad one. Some other ways to translate this term are:
those with understanding (Revised English Bible)
-or-
smart (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
intelligent (New American Bible)
-or-
discerning/sensible
A term such as “educated” is not recommended here, because it may incorrectly refer to a person who has had formal schooling.
acquire wise counsel: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wise counsel refers here to good advice that will enable a person to make wise decisions. For example:
find good advice in these words (New Century Version)
General Comment on 1:5a–b
In this verse, the “wise” and the “discerning” are parallel and refer to the same group of people. Also, “gain instruction” is parallel with “acquire wise counsel.” In some languages, it may be clearer to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. For example:
Those of you who are wise and have the ability to understand, you also should pay attention to these proverbs, so that you will know more and you will be guided/directed in what you do.
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