counsel from others, counsel that will help navigate them through life. Similar ideas are repeated elsewhere in the book (4:5; 23:23). Verse 6 is positioned to reinforce the beneficial result of being receptive. The one who listens to instruction and acquires good counsel will then be able to have insight into the various literary forms of wisdom and their meanings (cf. v. 2b). The sage was sensitive to embrace both form and content. Only the receptive person will have the skill to master both.