3:1 teaching. The Hebrew word for “teaching,” torah, has the basic meaning of “instruction” and in Jewish tradition designates the Pentateuch. Wisdom’s instruction, while not to be confused with the precepts of the Law of Moses, is likewise authoritative.

commandments. This word is also found in the law. As is typical of the parallel phrases of Hebrew poetry, the second half of the verse repeats the idea of the first half, clarifying it or expanding on it. Essentially, this verse means to memorize the commands and then put them into practice.