Proverbs 1:7

New International Version

⁷The fear of the Lord^(A) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[a] despise wisdom^(B) and instruction.^(C)

Footnotes

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 1:7 in all English translations

Proverbs 1:28-31

New International Version

²⁸“Then they will call to me but I will not answer;^(A)
    they will look for me but will not find me,^(B)
²⁹since they hated knowledge
    and did not choose to fear the Lord.^(C)
³⁰Since they would not accept my advice
    and spurned my rebuke,^(D)
³¹they will eat the fruit of their ways
    and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.^(E)

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Proverbs 2:1-5

New International Version

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

2 My son,^(A) if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
²turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding^(B)—
³indeed, if you call out for insight^(C)
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,^(D)
⁵then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.^(E)