Proverbs 1:4
International Standard Version
4 for giving prudence to the naïve,
and knowledge and discretion to the young.
Proverbs 3:21-26
International Standard Version
Benefits of Wisdom
21 My son, do not let wisdom[a] leave your sight.
Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,
22 and they will be life to you
and a graceful ornament[b] for your neck.
23 Then you will travel safely on your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you sit[c] down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.[d]
25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,[e]
or the devastation that comes to the wicked.
26 Indeed, the Lord will be your confidence,
and he will keep your foot from being caught.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:21 The Heb. lacks wisdom
- Proverbs 3:22 Lit. grace
- Proverbs 3:24 So LXX; MT reads lie
- Proverbs 3:24 Or sweet
- Proverbs 3:25 Lit. terror
Proverbs 4:1-7
International Standard Version
Diligently Pursue Wisdom
4 Listen, children,[a] to your father’s instruction,
and pay attention in order to gain understanding.
2 I give you sound teaching,
so do not abandon my instruction.[b]
3 When I was a son to my father,
not yet strong[c] and an only son to my mother,
4 he taught me and told me,
“Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say;[d]
keep my commandments and live!
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth!
6 Do not abandon her, and she will protect you.
Love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom,
and with all your effort work to acquire understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 4:1 Lit. sons
- Proverbs 4:2 Or law
- Proverbs 4:3 Lit. delicate
- Proverbs 4:4 Lit. embrace my words
Proverbs 5:1-2
International Standard Version
Warning against Sexual Immorality
5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
and listen closely to my insight,
2 so you may carefully practice[a] discretion
and your lips preserve knowledge.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 5:2 Lit. guard
Proverbs 9:1-6
International Standard Version
Wisdom’s Invitation
9 Wisdom[a] has built her house;
she has hewn out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her food,[b]
she has spiced[c] her wine,
and she also has set her dining table.
3 She has sent out her young women,
while calling out from the heights of the city,
4 “Let whoever is naïve, turn in here.”
To anyone lacking sense, she says,
5 “Come! Eat my food,
and drink the wine that I have mixed.
6 Leave your naïve ways, and live.
Walk in the path of understanding.”
Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:1 I.e. wisdom personified as a woman
- Proverbs 9:2 Or meat
- Proverbs 9:2 Or mixed
Proverbs 9:10
International Standard Version
10 The fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins,
and knowing holiness[a] demonstrates understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:10 Or knowing holy ones
Proverbs 14:8
International Standard Version
8 The wisdom of the prudent helps him know how to live,
but a fool’s stupidity deceives him.
Proverbs 14:15
International Standard Version
15 An unthinking person believes everything,
but the prudent one thinks before acting.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 14:15 Lit. one considers his steps
Proverbs 21:5
International Standard Version
5 Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity,
but all who are hasty will surely become poor.
Proverbs 22:3
International Standard Version
3 The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides,
but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences.
Proverbs 23:23
International Standard Version
23 Purchase truth, but don’t sell it;
store up[a] wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 23:23 The Heb. lacks store up
Proverbs 27:12
International Standard Version
12 Those who are prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences.
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