They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
They are all plain {H5228} to him that understandeth {H995}, and right {H3477} to them that find {H4672} knowledge {H1847}.
They are all clear to those who understand and straightforward to those who gain knowledge.
They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge.
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Proverbs 14:6
¶ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth. -
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. -
Proverbs 15:24
¶ The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. -
Matthew 13:11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. -
Matthew 13:12
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. -
John 6:45
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. -
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.
Proverbs 8:9 states, "They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge." This verse is part of a larger discourse in Proverbs 8 where Wisdom is personified, calling out to humanity and proclaiming her intrinsic value and straightforward nature.
Context of Proverbs 8:9
In Proverbs chapter 8, Wisdom speaks in the first person, asserting her presence from the beginning of creation and her profound importance. She emphasizes that her words are truth, rejecting all falsehood and crookedness. The verses leading up to 8:9 describe the purity and righteousness of her utterances. This particular verse, therefore, affirms the clarity and accessibility of Wisdom's teachings to those who are receptive and diligent in their pursuit of truth.
Meaning of Proverbs 8:9
This verse highlights a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: its truths are not obscure or hidden for those who genuinely seek them. Instead, they are clear, just, and beneficial.
Plain to Him That Understandeth
The word "plain" here (from the Hebrew nakon) implies something that is established, straightforward, and correct. It suggests that the words of wisdom, which are pure and true (as stated in Proverbs 8:8), are not convoluted or complex. To the person who possesses true understanding (Hebrew bin, meaning to discern, perceive, or comprehend deeply), these truths are readily apparent. This understanding is not merely intellectual but involves a spiritual and moral receptivity, often rooted in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge.
Right to Them That Find Knowledge
The term "right" (Hebrew yashar) signifies straightness, uprightness, and moral rectitude. It means that wisdom's teachings are not only clear but also inherently just and morally sound. For those who "find knowledge" (Hebrew da'ath, referring to practical, experiential knowledge), the principles of wisdom align perfectly with what is true and good. This "finding" implies active seeking and diligence, as encouraged elsewhere in Proverbs, such as seeking wisdom as silver and searching for her as for hid treasures.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "plain," nakon, carries the sense of being prepared, established, or reliable, reinforcing that wisdom's counsel is not only easy to grasp but also trustworthy. "Understanding" (bin) goes beyond mere intellectual assent, implying a deep, discerning comprehension. "Right" (yashar) emphasizes the moral uprightness and integrity of wisdom's ways, contrasting with the crooked paths of folly.
Practical Application
Proverbs 8:9 serves as an encouragement and a challenge. It assures us that God's wisdom, as revealed in His word, is not obscure or beyond our grasp if we approach it with a sincere desire to understand and apply it. If we struggle to comprehend spiritual truths, this verse suggests that the issue might not be with the clarity of the truth itself, but with our receptivity or willingness to truly seek and understand. It calls us to cultivate a heart that truly desires wisdom from God, trusting that He will make His ways plain and right to us.