Proverbs 1:6

6. To understand a proverb Mashal, (see note on Proverbs 1:1;) perhaps taken here for all the various kinds of composition under that name, such as poems, allegories, enigmas, apothegms, and metaphorical discourse in general all studied and elegant compositions.

The interpretation A doubtful rendering of מליצה , melitsah, which is probably used by metonymy for that which needs interpretation, an enigma or obscure maxim; or, as in the marginal reading, an eloquent speech. It stands in parallelism with חידתם , hhidhotham, their dark sayings, or sharp, keen utterances; riddles, enigmas; Judges 14:12; Ezekiel 17:2. Many of the passages in this book are enigmas or riddles, intentionally obscure and difficult for the purpose of exercising thought and ingenuity; or the words are susceptible of more than one meaning; one, perhaps, more obvious, and the other occult, and only to be found by research. This is an educational book, and contains its exercises of skill. The only other place where melitsah is found is in Habakkuk 2:6, there rendered taunting proverb. The general meaning of this verse is, that he shall attain to excellence in comprehending the force and beauty of the higher forms of discourse and composition, such as are used by poets and sages. This he cannot do without possessing a high cultivation himself, and hence it is another way of saying that he shall rise to an eminent degree of intellectual accomplishment. Here, then, is the object which the regal sage proposes to himself and his pupils in the composition of this work. (See Excursus I.)