Proverbs 1

To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel vv.2-5

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A proverb is "a short popular saying, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or thought" (dictionary.com).  The Hebrew word for proverb is mashal and means comparison. We will see throughout the book that most proverbs have parallels with it in two to four verses.  They're short quick sayings that you could just chew on two verse for the whole day before you get to the next.  The book of Proverbs is written mostly by Solomon with the last chapter by his mother most likely.  Yet this isnt just some of your grandfathers witty remarks but Divinely inspired teaching made simple enough for man to understand and live by.  Jaimeson-Facuet-Brown Bible Commentary puts it this way:
In this book, however, we are supplied with a proverbial wisdom commended by the seal of divine inspiration. God has condescended to become our teacher on the practical affairs belonging to all the relations of life. He has adapted His instruction to the plain and unlettered, and presented, in this striking and impressive method, the great principles of duty to Him and to our fellow men. To the prime motive of all right conduct, the fear of God, are added all lawful and subordinate incentives, such as honor, interest, love, fear, and natural affection.
Proverbs was written to enable men to know wisdom and discern from folly.  Interestingly enough the first proverb in verse six is fearing the Lord being the beginning of knowledge yet how many people already fail at this and "walk foolishly despising wisdom and instruction."  Do you desire God's instructions?  He gives it to the simple so don't make it out in your mind more overwhelming that it actually is!