33 The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. See the note on the phrase “well-written song” in the superscription of .
1 Heb “Turn your ear to the words of my mouth.”
2 Heb “I will open with a wise saying my mouth, I will utter insightful sayings from long ago.” Elsewhere the Hebrew word pair חִידָה+מָשָׁל (mashal + khidah) refers to a taunt song (Hab 2:6), a parable (Ezek 17:2), proverbial sayings (Prov 1:6), and an insightful song that reflects on the mortality of humankind and the ultimate inability of riches to prevent death (Ps 49:4).

In other versions

A Maskil of Asaph.

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings from of old,

A maskil of Asaph.

My people, hear my teaching;

listen to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth with a parable;

I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

A Maskil of Asaph.

My people, hear my instruction;

listen to the words from my mouth.

I will declare wise sayings;

I will speak mysteries from the past—

A psalm of Asaph.

O my people, listen to my instructions.

Open your ears to what I am saying,

for I will speak to you in a parable.

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—

A maskil of Asaph.

Listen, O my people, to my teaching.

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will offer a parable with my mouth.

I will pour out riddles from long ago,

Maschil of Asaph.

Give ear, O my people, to my law:

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable:

I will utter dark sayings of old:

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