Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 1:5

"That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:" — Proverbs 1:5 (ASV)

A wise man will hear.— That is, if he listens to these proverbs. (Compare to Proverbs 9:9.) It is not only the young who will benefit from them.

A man of understanding.— Or rather, of discernment.

Wise counsels. —Literally, arts of seamanship: that is, guiding himself and others aright through the “waves of this troublesome world.”