- The first purpose is general: to know wisdom and instruction. Note the three words knowledge, wisdom, and instruction all appear in verse 7, creating an inclusio.
- The second purpose is “to understand words of understanding.” This parallels verse 6, “to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles,” which indicates that the “words of understanding” = proverbs, sayings, words of the wise, and riddles of the wise.
- The third purpose is to receive instruction in wise dealing, which is explicated as righteousness, justice, and equity. Thus wisdom involves not just the mind (to know, to understand) but also action (righteousness, justice, and equity) (Brown, “Righteousness, Justice, and Rectitude,” in The Old Testament Yesterday and Today: Essays in Honor of Michael P. V. Barrett, 202). These words also clarify that wisdom is not just cunning (Waltke, NICOT, 1:177).
- The fourth purpose highlights and audience “to the simple”, “to the youth.” They especially need prudence, knowledge, and discretion.
- Verse 5 breaks the pattern with a command. The command is addressed to the wise. This is a second audience. They have learning, but they are to increase in it. They understand, but they still need guidance.
- This fifth purpose is directed at the wise. They need to understand a proverb, a saying, the words of the wise and the riddles of the wise. This links back to 2b, but it is an advance upon “words of insight.”
- The prologue comes to a climax in verse 7.
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