What does Proverbs 2:1 mean?

In the book of Proverbs, knowledge is defined as the simple consumption and retention of information. Here, Solomon is instructing his son with the first "if" statement of this section. Two steps are required: to both receive and to treasure knowledge. Solomon's instruction bonds those two parts of knowledge acquisition. True wisdom requires both accepting what is taught, as well as considering it of value. A treasure is not something you forget; rather, it is something you dwell upon and recall with gratitude and longing.

In the New Testament, Jesus compares heaven to a treasure found buried in a field (Matthew 13:44). To gain this treasure, the man in the parable sells all of his possessions and buys the field. One must wonder: how many walked past the field and did not perceive the treasure that was hidden there? However, once the man found the treasure, he did everything within his power to obtain it. This is the appropriate approach to truth and wisdom: to recognize its value and act accordingly.

Solomon's description in this chapter is that of a comprehensive, unified, practical approach to moral living. This is what later philosophers such as Plato would define as virtue. In the upcoming verses, the relationship between living virtuously—by pursuing these positive qualities—and one's outcomes will be explored.