Proverbs 1:4-7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—(A)
5 let the wise, too, hear and gain in learning
and the discerning acquire skill,(B)
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.(C)
Proverbs 1:4-7
International Standard Version
4 for giving prudence to the naïve,
and knowledge and discretion to the young.
5 Let the wise listen and increase their[a] learning;
let the person of understanding receive guidance
6 in understanding proverbs, clever sayings,
words of the wise, and their riddles.
The Major Theme
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.[b]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:5 The Heb. lacks their
- Proverbs 1:7 Or instruction
Proverbs 2:3-6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 if you indeed cry out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures—(A)
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.(B)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;(C)
Proverbs 2:3-6
International Standard Version
3 if, indeed, you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and learn to know God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:10-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 prudence will watch over you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 It will save you from the way of evil,
from those who speak perversely,
Proverbs 2:10-12
International Standard Version
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion[a] will protect you;
understanding will watch over you,
12 delivering you from the way of evil,
from men who speak perverse things,
Footnotes
- Proverbs 2:11 Or Wise planning
Proverbs 8:9-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
9 They are all straight to one who understands
and right to those who find knowledge.(A)
10 Take my instruction instead of silver
and knowledge rather than choice gold,(B)
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.(C)
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,
and I attain knowledge and discretion.(D)
Proverbs 8:9-12
International Standard Version
9 Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands,
and correct to those who have acquired knowledge.
10 Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money
and knowledge instead of the finest gold,
11 because wisdom is better than precious gems[a]
and nothing you desire can compare to it.”
The Way of Wisdom
12 “I, wisdom, am related to[b] prudence.
I know how to be discreet.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 8:11 Or rubies
- Proverbs 8:12 Lit. wisdom, live with
Proverbs 9:10
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.(A)
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 10:14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
Proverbs 10:14
International Standard Version
14 Those who are wise store up knowledge,
but when the fool speaks,[a] destruction is near.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 10:14 Lit. but the mouth of the fool
Proverbs 11:9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
9 With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
Proverbs 11:9
International Standard Version
9 By what he says, the godless person can destroy his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 12:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Footnotes
- 12.23 Heb the heart of fools
Proverbs 12:23
International Standard Version
23 A prudent man keeps what he knows to himself,[a]
but the hearts of fools shout forth their foolishness.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 12:23 The Heb. lacks to himself
Proverbs 14:6-7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
but knowledge is easy for one who understands.
7 Leave the presence of a fool,
for there you do not find words of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:6-7
International Standard Version
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds[a] none,
but learning comes easily to someone who understands.
7 Stay away from a foolish man,
for you will not find competent advice.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 14:6 The Heb. lacks finds
Proverbs 14:18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Footnotes
- 14.18 Or inherit
Proverbs 14:18
International Standard Version
18 The naïve inherit folly,
but the careful are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 15:2
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.(A)
Proverbs 15:2
International Standard Version
2 The wise speak, presenting[a] knowledge appropriately,
but fools spout foolishness.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:2 Lit. The tongues of the wise present
Proverbs 15:14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:14
International Standard Version
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.
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