Daniel answered King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:27-2:27)

“Daniel answered the king.

‘No wise men,

No enchanters,

No magicians,

No diviners

Can show

To the king

The mystery

That the king

Is asking.’”

Daniel responded to the king that no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners could show the king the answer to the mystery that the king was asking. In other words, there was no human answer. The Chaldean wise men were correct that it was humanly impossible to answer this question, no matter what powers or skills a human had.

Introduction (Prov 1:2-1:6)

Let them learn about wisdom.

Let them learn about instruction.

Let them understand words of insight.

Let them gain instruction in wise dealing.

Let them gain instruction in righteousness.

Let them gain instruction in justice.

Let them gain instruction in equity.

Let them teach shrewdness to the simple.

Let them teach knowledge to the young.

Let them teach prudence to the youth.

Let the wise also hear.

Let them gain in learning.

Let the discerning acquire skill.

Let them understand a proverb.

Let them understand obscure figures.

Let them understand the words of the wise.

Le them understand their riddles.”

Just like the psalms, this book of proverbs has a poetic rather than prose format. Originally this section was one long Hebrew sentence. In order to become wise, they have to learn and understand words of insight, wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity. These proverbs will teach shrewdness, knowledge, and prudence to young people. Even the wise people can gain knowledge and acquire skills in understanding proverbs, obscure statements, and symbols. In fact, these proverbs will help you understand the wise men and their riddles. These obscure figures are more like metaphors, parables, or allegories, while the riddles use analogy.