Proverbs 1:5-7 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

‘A wise man will hear.’ Five examples of wise men hearing: The Eunuch (Acts 8:27, 39). Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7). The Bereans (Acts 17:11-12). Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). Jesus Christ (Isa. 50:4-6).

‘Interpretation’ That is the point of what is said. 2Peter 1:20-21 states clearly that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation [thus one’s own opinion of what God might intend to have said], but prophecy came not by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 

‘Their dark sayings.’ Riddles, enigmas, and parables abounded in the East.

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. Translated as “fear” 14 times in Proverbs (1:7, 29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17). In Proverbs 1:2-6 Solomon shows the advantage of acting according to the dictates of wisdom; in Proverbs 1:7-33 he shows the danger of acting contrary to them.

‘Beginning’ [Hebrew: re’shith] is the first principle. Religious reverence is the beginning, not the end of knowledge. True wisdom is to justify God and condemn self.

‘Fools’ [Hebrew: ’eviyl] Three Hebrew words translated as “fool” in Proverbs: [1] The Hebrew: ’eviyl means lax or careless habit of mind and body; to be perverse, silly, and a fool. Used 19 times in Proverbs (1:7; 7:22; 10:8, 10, 14, 21; 11:29; 12:15-16; 14:3, 9; 15:5; 16:22; 17:28; 20:3; 24:7; 27:3, 27:22; 29:9). [2] The Hebrew: keciyl means dense or stupid, manifesting itself in impiety and irreverence. Used 49 times in Proverbs (1:22, 32; 3:35; 8:5; 10:1, 18, 23; 12:23; 13:16, 19-20; 14:7-8, 16, 24, 33; 15:2, 7, 14, 20; 17:10, 12, 16, 21, 24-25; 18:2, 6-7; 19:1, 10, 13, 29; 21:20; 23:9; 26:1, 3-12; 28:26; 29:11, 20). [3] The Hebrew: nabal refers to a vile and vulgar person. Used 3 times in Proverbs (17:7, 21; 30:22; cp. Ps. 14:1; 53:1).

‘Despise wisdom.’ Five examples of despising wisdom: Cain (Gen. 4:6-8). Hophni and Phinehas (1Sam. 2:12, 25). Nabal (1Sam. 25:25). Rehoboam (1Kin. 12:13). Athenians (Acts 17:18, 32).