Proverbs 1:5-9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 let the wise, too, hear and gain in learning
and the discerning acquire skill,(A)
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.(B)
Warnings against Evil Companions
8 Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,
and do not reject your mother’s teaching,(C)
9 for they are a fair garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.(D)
Proverbs 1:5-9
International Standard Version
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]
The Minor Theme
8 My son, listen to your father’s instruction,
and do not let go of your mother’s teaching.
9 They will be a graceful wreath for your head
and a chain for your neck.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:5 The Heb. lacks their
- Proverbs 1:7 Or instruction
Proverbs 1:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
I will make my words known to you.(A)
Proverbs 1:23
International Standard Version
23 Return to my correction!
Look, I will pour out my spirit on you,
and I will make my words known to you.
Proverbs 2:1-6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Value of Wisdom
2 My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,(A)
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding,
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—(B)
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.(C)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;(D)
Proverbs 2:1-6
International Standard Version
The Benefits of Embracing Wisdom
2 My son, if you accept my words,
and treasure my instructions[a]—
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom,
and turning your heart to understanding—
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.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 2:1 Lit. instructions within you
Proverbs 11:2
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but wisdom is with the humble.(A)
Proverbs 11:2
International Standard Version
2 When pride appears, disgrace accompanies it,
but humility is present with wisdom.
Proverbs 12:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to advice.(A)
Proverbs 12:15
International Standard Version
15 The lifestyle of the fool is right in his own opinion,
but wise is the man who listens to advice.
Proverbs 13:1
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Footnotes
- 13.1 Cn: Heb A wise child the discipline of his father
Proverbs 13:1
International Standard Version
Who is a Wise Son?
13 A wise son heeds[a] a father’s correction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 13:1 The Heb. lacks heeds
Proverbs 13:10
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
10 By insolence the empty-headed person makes strife,
but wisdom is with those who take advice.(A)
Proverbs 13:10
International Standard Version
10 Arrogance only brings quarreling,
but those receiving advice are wise.
Proverbs 13:20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools suffers harm.(A)
Proverbs 13:20
International Standard Version
20 Whoever keeps company with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 14:6-8
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.
8 It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go,
but the folly of fools misleads.(A)
Proverbs 14:6-8
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.
8 The wisdom of the prudent helps him know how to live,
but a fool’s stupidity deceives him.
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 14:29
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly.(A)
Proverbs 14:29
International Standard Version
29 Being slow to get angry compares to great understanding
as being quick-tempered compares to stupidity.
Proverbs 14:33
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
33 Wisdom is at home in the mind of one who has understanding,
but it is not[a] known in the heart of fools.(A)
Footnotes
- 14.33 Gk Syr: Heb lacks not
Proverbs 14:33
International Standard Version
33 Wisdom is at rest in the mind of the discerning—
even fools know this.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 14:33 So MT; LXX reads but in the heart of fools it is not discerned
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