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

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

⁶ Start^(A) children off on the way they should go,^(B)
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.^(C)

⁵ Trust in the Lord^(A) with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths^(B) straight.^[a](C)

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,^(A)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(B)

15 A gentle answer^(A) turns away wrath,^(B)
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

⁴ The soothing tongue^(A) is a tree of life,^(B)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(C)

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(A)
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.^(B)

²⁴ Gracious words are a honeycomb,^(A)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.^(B)

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,^(A)
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.^(B)