Proverbs 1:5-9
Expanded Bible
5 Wise people can also listen and ·learn [add/increase teaching];
even ·they [L those with understanding] can find good ·advice in these words [guidance].
6 Then ·anyone [L they] can understand ·wise words [proverbs] and ·stories [or difficult sayings],
the words of the wise and their ·riddles [difficulties].
7 Knowledge begins with ·respect [fear; awe] for the Lord,
but fools ·hate [despise] wisdom and ·discipline [self-control; instruction].
Warnings Against Evil
8 My ·child [L son], listen to your father’s ·teaching [instruction; discipline]
and do not ·forget [neglect] your mother’s ·advice [instruction].
9 [L For] ·Their teaching [L It] will be like ·flowers in your hair [L a gracious garland on your head]
or ·a necklace [L beads] around your neck.
Proverbs 1:5-9
Amplified Bible
5
The wise will hear and increase their learning,
And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth],(A)
6
To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation,
And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].
7
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];
But arrogant [a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.(B)
The Enticement of Sinners
8
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not reject the teaching of your mother.
9
For they are a garland of grace on your head,
And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:7 In Proverbs various kinds of fools are discussed including those who are closed-minded, over-confident, and reject instruction and correction—the unteachable; those who lack spiritual insight—the spiritually blind; and those who are flippant, hardened, and who deliberately choose to reject God and wisdom—the arrogant.
Proverbs 1:5-9
New International Version
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,(A)
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,(B)
the sayings and riddles(C) of the wise.[a](D)
7 The fear of the Lord(E) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[b] despise wisdom(F) and instruction.(G)
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:6 Or understanding a proverb, namely, a parable, / and the sayings of the wise, their riddles
- Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.
Proverbs 1:23
Expanded Bible
23 If only you had ·listened [responded] when I corrected you,
I would have ·told you what’s in my heart [L poured forth my spirit to you];
I would have ·told you what I am thinking [L revealed my words to you].
Proverbs 1:23
Amplified Bible
23
“If you will turn and pay attention to my rebuke,
Behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.(A)
Proverbs 1:23
New International Version
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
Proverbs 2:1-6
Expanded Bible
Rewards of Wisdom
2 My ·child [or son], ·listen to [grasp] what I say
and ·remember [L store up] what I command you.
2 ·Listen carefully [L Bend your ear] to wisdom;
·set your mind on [L stretch your heart to] understanding.
3 Cry out for wisdom,
and ·beg [shout out loud] for understanding.
4 ·Search [Seek] for it like silver,
and ·hunt [search] for it like hidden treasure.
5 Then you will understand ·respect [fear; awe; 1:7] for the Lord,
and you will find ·that you know God [the knowledge of God].
6 Only the Lord gives wisdom;
·he gives [L from his mouth comes] knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6
Amplified Bible
The Pursuit of Wisdom Brings Security
2 My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2
So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];
3
Yes, if you cry out for insight,
And lift up your voice for understanding;
4
If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver
And search for her as you would hidden treasures;
5
Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome]
And discover the knowledge of God.(A)
6
For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6
New International Version
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
2 My son,(A) if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding(B)—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight(C)
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,(D)
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.(E)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;(F)
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.(G)
Proverbs 11:2
Expanded Bible
2 ·Pride [Insolence] leads only to shame;
it is wise to be humble.
Proverbs 11:2
Amplified Bible
2
When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame,
But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.
Proverbs 11:2
New International Version
Proverbs 12:15
Expanded Bible
15 ·Fools think they are doing right [L The path of fools is virtuous/right in their own eyes],
but the wise listen to advice.
Proverbs 12:15
Amplified Bible
15
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.(A)
Proverbs 12:15
New International Version
Proverbs 13:1
Expanded Bible
13 Wise ·children take their parents’ advice [L sons listen to their father’s discipline/instruction],
but ·whoever makes fun of wisdom [mockers] won’t listen to ·correction [a rebuke].
Proverbs 13:1
Amplified Bible
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
13 A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.
Proverbs 13:1
New International Version
13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.(A)
Proverbs 13:10
Expanded Bible
10 Pride only leads to arguments [or The empty-headed cause arguments out of pride],
but those who take advice are wise.
Proverbs 13:10
Amplified Bible
10
Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife,
But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.
Proverbs 13:10
New International Version
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(A)
Proverbs 13:20
Expanded Bible
20 ·Spend time [L Walk; Go] with the wise and you will become wise,
but the friends of fools will ·suffer [or get into trouble].
Proverbs 13:20
Amplified Bible
20
He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,
But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.(A)
Proverbs 13:20
New International Version
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.(A)
Proverbs 14:6-8
Expanded Bible
6 ·Those who make fun of wisdom look for it [Mockers seek wisdom] and do not find it,
but knowledge comes ·easily [or quickly] to those with understanding.
7 Stay away from fools,
because they ·can’t teach you anything [L don’t have knowledgeable lips].
8 The wisdom of a ·wise [prudent] person will understand ·what to do [L his path],
but the folly of a foolish person is ·dishonest [deceptive].
Proverbs 14:6-8
Amplified Bible
6
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom],
But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].
7
Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool,
For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips.
8
The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit.
Proverbs 14:6-8
New International Version
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(A)
7 Stay away from a fool,
for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
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