Proverbs 1:1-7

New International Version

Purpose and Theme

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

²for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]^(D)
    knowledge and discretion^(E) to the young—
⁵let the wise listen and add to their learning,^(F)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶for understanding proverbs and parables,^(G)
    the sayings and riddles^(H) of the wise.^[b]^(I)

⁷The fear of the Lord^(J) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[c] despise wisdom^(K) and instruction.^(L)

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Footnotes

Proverbs 1:4 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs denotes a person who is gullible, without moral direction and inclined to evil.
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 9

New International Version

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9 Wisdom has built^(A) her house;
    she has set up^[a] its seven pillars.
²She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;^(B)
    she has also set her table.^(C)
³She has sent out her servants, and she calls^(D)
    from the highest point of the city,^(E)
⁴    “Let all who are simple^(F) come to my house!”
To those who have no sense^(G) she says,
⁵    “Come,^(H) eat my food
    and drink the wine I have mixed.^(I)
⁶Leave your simple ways and you will live;^(J)
    walk in the way of insight.”^(K)

⁷Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.^(L)
⁸Do not rebuke mockers^(M) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.^(N)
⁹Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.^(O)

¹⁰The fear of the Lord^(P) is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One^(Q) is understanding.^(R)
¹¹For through wisdom^[b] your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.^(S)
¹²If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

¹³Folly is an unruly woman;^(T)
    she is simple and knows nothing.^(U)
¹⁴She sits at the door of her house,
    on a seat at the highest point of the city,^(V)
¹⁵calling out^(W) to those who pass by,
    who go straight on their way,
¹⁶    “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense^(X) she says,
¹⁷    “Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious!^(Y)”
¹⁸But little do they know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.^(Z)