Purpose and theme

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

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

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.

Prologue: exhortations to embrace wisdom

Warning against the invitation of sinful men

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

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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.

箴言之妙用

以色列大卫儿子所罗门的箴言。 要使人晓得智慧和训诲,分辨通达的言语, 使人处事领受智慧、仁义、公平、正直的训诲, 使愚人灵明,使少年人有知识和谋略, 使智慧人听见增长学问,使聪明人得着智谋, 使人明白箴言和譬喻,懂得智慧人的言辞和谜语。

勿从恶人之诱

敬畏耶和华是知识的开端,愚妄人藐视智慧和训诲。 我儿,要听你父亲的训诲,不可离弃你母亲的法则[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 箴言 1:8 或作:指教。

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)

Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

Listen, my son,(M) to your father’s(N) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(O)

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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.