Proverbs 1:4-7
New Living Translation
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:4-9
Living Bible
4 “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. 5-6 I want those already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.”
7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!
Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.[a]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Proverbs 1:7 many honors, literally, “a fair garland and adornment.”
Proverbs 2:3-6
New Living Translation
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:3-6
Living Bible
3-5 Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.
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Proverbs 2:10-12
New Living Translation
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted.
Proverbs 2:10-13
Living Bible
10 For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy. 11-13 You will be given the sense to stay away from evil men who want you to be their partners in crime—men who turn from God’s ways to walk down dark and evil paths
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Proverbs 8:9-12
New Living Translation
9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
Proverbs 8:9-12
Living Bible
9 My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind—if it is only open! 10 My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold.”
11 For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. 12 Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.
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Proverbs 9:10
New Living Translation
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Proverbs 9:10
Living Bible
10 For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.
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Proverbs 10:14
New Living Translation
14 Wise people treasure knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
Proverbs 10:14
Living Bible
14 A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to sorrow and trouble.
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Proverbs 11:9
New Living Translation
9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
Proverbs 11:9
Living Bible
9 Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds.[a]
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- Proverbs 11:9 Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds, or “When a godless man slanders his neighbor, the charges won’t stick because everyone knows his reputation.”
Proverbs 12:23
New Living Translation
23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
but fools broadcast their foolishness.
Proverbs 12:23
Living Bible
23 A wise man doesn’t display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness.
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Proverbs 14:6-7
New Living Translation
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7 Stay away from fools,
for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
Proverbs 14:6-7
Living Bible
6 A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense.
7 If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools.
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Proverbs 14:18
New Living Translation
18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,[a]
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Footnotes
- 14:18 Or inherit foolishness.
Proverbs 14:18
Living Bible
18 The simpleton is crowned with folly; the wise man is crowned with knowledge.
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Proverbs 15:2
New Living Translation
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
Proverbs 15:2
Living Bible
2 A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness.
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Proverbs 15:14
New Living Translation
14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.
Proverbs 15:14
Living Bible
14 A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash.
Read full chapterHoly Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.