“To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings” (Proverbs 1:6).

A further purpose of the proverbs is to provide a vehicle whereby the student can learn to understand the meaning of proverbs and the words spoken by wise men, including their “dark sayings.” The Hebrew word translated “dark sayings” has reference to something that has been tied in knots, as when we say we have a “knotty problem.” This phrase does not speak of mere mental gymnastics but of the ability to grasp the real issue.

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