Proverbs 1:4-7
World English Bible
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man:
5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6 to understand a proverb and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of Yahweh[a] is the beginning of knowledge;
but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
Footnotes
- 1:7 “Yahweh” is God’s proper Name, sometimes rendered “LORD” (all caps) in other translations.
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
World English Bible
3 yes, if you call out for discernment,
and lift up your voice for understanding;
4 if you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures:
5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
and find the knowledge of God.[a]
6 For Yahweh gives wisdom.
Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Footnotes
- 2:5 The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).
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
World English Bible
10 For wisdom will enter into your heart.
Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you,
12 to deliver you from the way of evil,
from the men who speak perverse things,
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
World English Bible
9 They are all plain to him who understands,
right to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction rather than silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies.
All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
12 “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling.
Find out knowledge and discretion.
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
World English Bible
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
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
World English Bible
14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
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
World English Bible
9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
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
World English Bible
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
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
World English Bible
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
7 Stay away from a foolish man,
for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
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
World English Bible
18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:18
International Standard Version
18 The naïve inherit folly,
but the careful are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 15:2
World English Bible
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
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
World English Bible
14 The heart 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.
by Public Domain. The name "World English Bible" is trademarked.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.