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Purpose

These are the proverbs of Solomon. He was the son of David and the king of Israel.

Proverbs teach you wisdom and instruct you.
    They help you understand wise sayings.
They provide you with instruction and help you live wisely.
    They lead to what is right and honest and fair.
They give understanding to childish people.
    They give knowledge and good sense to those who are young.
Let wise people listen and add to what they have learned.
    Let those who understand what is right get guidance.
What I’m teaching also helps you understand proverbs and stories.
    It helps you understand the sayings and riddles of those who are wise.

If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the Lord.
    But foolish people hate wisdom and instruction.

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Purpose and Theme

The proverbs(A) of Solomon(B) son of David, king of Israel:(C)

for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a](D)
    knowledge and discretion(E) to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,(F)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,(G)
    the sayings and riddles(H) of the wise.[b](I)

The fear of the Lord(J) is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools[c] despise wisdom(K) and instruction.(L)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 1:4 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs denotes a person who is gullible, without moral direction and inclined to evil.
  2. Proverbs 1:6 Or understanding a proverb, namely, a parable, / and the sayings of the wise, their riddles
  3. Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.