Add parallel Print Page Options

The fear of Yahweh[a] is the beginning of knowledge;
    but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1:7 “Yahweh” is God’s proper Name, sometimes rendered “LORD” (all caps) in other translations.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Read full chapter

32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
    The careless ease of fools will destroy them.

Read full chapter

32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
    Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.

Read full chapter

35 The wise will inherit glory,
    but shame will be the promotion of fools.

Read full chapter

35 The wise inherit honor,
    but fools are put to shame!

Read full chapter

14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
    but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.

Read full chapter

14 Wise people treasure knowledge,
    but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

Read full chapter

21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
    but the foolish die for lack of understanding.

Read full chapter

21 The words of the godly encourage many,
    but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

Read full chapter

23 It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness,
    but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure.

Read full chapter

23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
    but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

Read full chapter

29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
    The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Read full chapter

29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
    The fool will be a servant to the wise.

Read full chapter

The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.

Read full chapter

A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
    but the words of the wise keep them safe.

Read full chapter

The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceit.

Read full chapter

The prudent understand where they are going,
    but fools deceive themselves.

Read full chapter

Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
    but among the upright there is good will.

Read full chapter

Fools make fun of guilt,
    but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

Read full chapter

16 A wise man fears and shuns evil,
    but the fool is hot headed and reckless.

Read full chapter

16 The wise are cautious[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 14:16 Hebrew The wise fear.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
    but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.

Read full chapter

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;
    the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

Read full chapter