For the LORD gives wisdom;This phrase emphasizes that true wisdom originates from the LORD, highlighting the divine source of all understanding. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual insight that aligns with God's will. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," often refers to skill in living according to God's design. This concept is echoed in
James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, reinforcing the idea that wisdom is a gift from God. Historically, wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was highly valued in ancient Israelite culture, serving as a guide for righteous living.
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
This phrase suggests that knowledge and understanding are communicated directly by God, often through His Word. The imagery of God's mouth implies that Scripture is a primary means by which God imparts wisdom. This aligns with2 Timothy 3:16, which states that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching. The connection to God's mouth also recalls the creation narrative in Genesis, where God speaks the world into existence, underscoring the power and authority of His words. In a broader biblical context, Jesus Christ is described as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), embodying divine wisdom and understanding. This connection highlights the fulfillment of wisdom in the person of Christ, who perfectly reveals God's knowledge and understanding to humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.
2.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his God-given wisdom.
3.
IsraelThe original audience of the Proverbs, a nation chosen by God to be a light to the nations.
4.
WisdomA central theme in Proverbs, often personified and depicted as a divine attribute that guides righteous living.
5.
Knowledge and UnderstandingGifts from God that enable discernment and righteous decision-making.
Teaching Points
Source of WisdomRecognize that true wisdom originates from God. It is not merely human insight but a divine gift.
The Role of ScriptureUnderstand that God's word is the primary means through which He imparts wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Seeking WisdomActively seek wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures, trusting that God is generous in giving wisdom to those who ask.
Living WiselyApply the wisdom received from God in daily life, making decisions that reflect His character and commands.
Reverence for GodCultivate a deep reverence for God, as the fear of the Lord is foundational to gaining wisdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 2:6?
2.How can we seek "wisdom" and "knowledge" from the Lord in daily life?
3.What role does prayer play in receiving "wisdom" from Proverbs 2:6?
4.How does James 1:5 relate to Proverbs 2:6 about asking for wisdom?
5.In what ways can we discern "understanding" from God in decision-making?
6.How can Proverbs 2:6 guide us in teaching others about God's wisdom?
7.How does Proverbs 2:6 define the source of wisdom and knowledge?
8.Why is the Lord's role in granting wisdom significant in Proverbs 2:6?
9.How does Proverbs 2:6 challenge the belief in human-derived wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2?
11.Proverbs 2:6 states wisdom comes solely from God—how does that square with clear evidence of wisdom among non-believers?
12.What defines pragmatic ethics?
13.What defines Conceptualism in philosophy?
14.Where can wise counsel be found?What Does Proverbs 2:6 Mean
For the LORD• The verse begins by centering our attention on “the LORD,” the covenant name of God, reminding us that the One true God is both personal and sovereign (Isaiah 45:5-6).
• All authentic wisdom starts with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), so the subject of the sentence sets the tone: wisdom is not self-generated; it originates in Him.
•Psalm 111:10 echoes this thought: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it gain good understanding”.
gives wisdom• “Gives” highlights God’s generosity. He is eager, not reluctant, to supply wisdom to those who seek Him (cf.James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him,”).
• Wisdom is presented as a gift, not a human achievement. Just as Solomon asked and received (1 Kings 3:9-12), believers today can trust God to impart the discernment they need.
•Job 12:13 confirms, “Wisdom and power are with God; counsel and understanding belong to Him”.
from His mouth• The phrase points to God’s spoken Word as the vehicle for wisdom. Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), carrying His authority and revealing His heart.
• Jesus quotedDeuteronomy 8:3 to affirm that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
• When God speaks—whether through the written Word or the quiet prompting of His Spirit—He communicates exactly what we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).
come knowledge and understanding• Knowledge: the truthful facts about God, ourselves, and the world. Understanding: the ability to connect those facts and apply them wisely. Both flow directly from God.
•Proverbs 9:10 links them: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.
•Colossians 1:9-10 shows the New Testament parallel—Paul prays that believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”.
•Psalm 119:98-100 illustrates the outcome: God’s commands make the psalmist “wiser than my enemies… I have more insight than all my teachers… I have more understanding than the elders”.
summaryProverbs 2:6 declares that every dimension of wisdom—its source, delivery, and content—comes from the LORD. He freely grants wisdom, speaks it through His Word, and fills His people with knowledge and understanding so they can live faithfully and effectively in His world.
(6)
For the Lord giveth wisdom.--As St. James (
Proverbs 1:5) expresses it, He gives it to every man "liberally, and upbraideth not:"
i.e.,blames him not for asking it.
Verse 6. -
For the Lord giveth wisdom. The Lord Jehovah is the only and true Source of wisdom. The truth stated here is also met with in
Daniel 2:21, "He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." He "giveth," or more properly, "will give" (
יִתֵּןyitten, future of
נָתַן,
nathan), wisdom; but the connection requires us to understand that the assurance applies only to those who seek after it earnestly and truly (cf.
James 1:5-7). The two coefficients to our obtaining wisdom are our efforts and God's assistance. Solomon may be adduced as s striking exemplification of this; he asked for "an understanding heart," and God graciously granted his request (see
1 Kings 3:9, 12).
Out of his mouth (
מִפִיו,
mippiv);
ex ore ejus; God is here spoken of anthropologically. He is the true Teacher. The meaning is that God communicates wisdom through the medium of his Word (Delitzsch. Pi.). The law proceeds from his mouth (
Job 22:22). In the Book of Wisdom (7:25), "Wisdom is the breath of the power of God." His word is conveyed to us through men divinely inspired, and hence St. Peter (
2 Peter 1:21) says that "holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORDיְ֭הוָה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelgivesיִתֵּ֣ן(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setwisdom;חָכְמָ֑ה(ḥāḵ·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomfrom His mouthמִ֝פִּ֗יו(mip·pîw)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according tocome knowledgeדַּ֣עַת(da·‘aṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847:Knowledgeand understanding.וּתְבוּנָֽה׃(ū·ṯə·ḇū·nāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394:Intelligence, an argument, caprice
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr)