Proverbs 1:7
The Voice
A strategic translation decision has been made to respect the historical situation of this book. In its original context, Proverbs is practical wisdom passed down from parents (especially fathers, see chapters 1–9) to young men who are preparing to enter a life of adult responsibilities: family, business, community leadership, and so on. Because of this relational aspect, we have retained masculine references when appropriate and have used more inclusive language when that was the intention of the original author. It is our greatest hope that God will use this work to remind fathers of the profound place they have in nurturing, instructing, and guiding the next generation.
7 Let us begin. The worship of the Eternal One, the one True God, is the first step toward knowledge.
Fools, however, do not fear God and cannot stand wisdom or guidance.
Proverbs 2:1-5
The Voice
2 My son, if you accept what I am telling you
and store my counsel and directives deep within you,
2 If you listen for Lady Wisdom, attune your ears to her,
and engage your mind to understand what she is telling you,
3 If you cry out to her for insight
and beg for understanding,
4 If you sift through the clamor of everything around you
to seek her like some precious prize,
to search for her like buried treasure;
5 Then you will grasp what it means to truly respect the Eternal,
and you will have discovered the knowledge of the one True God.
Proverbs 3:7-8
The Voice
7 And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong.
Respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil.
8 If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life,
will experience healing and health,
and will be strengthened at their core.
Proverbs 8:13
The Voice
13 If you respect the Eternal, you will grow to despise evil.
I despise wretched, vile talk
and ways of pride and arrogance.
Proverbs 9:10
The Voice
10 Reverence for the Eternal, the one True God, is the beginning of wisdom;
true knowledge of the Holy One is the start of understanding.
Proverbs 10:27
The Voice
27 Reverence for the Eternal makes for a long and peaceful life,
but a wrongdoer will have years taken away.
Proverbs 14:2
The Voice
2 Whoever travels through life with integrity respects the Eternal,
but whoever turns from it hates Him.
Proverbs 14:26-27
The Voice
26 Reverence for the Eternal brings bold confidence,
and one’s offspring will have hope of protection.
27 Respect and honor for Him is the basis of a satisfied life,
which guards a person from being trapped in the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:16
The Voice
16 It is better to live with less and honor the Eternal
than to have riches and carry the burdens that come with them.
Proverbs 15:33
The Voice
33 Reverence for the Eternal is the first lesson of wisdom,
and humility always precedes honor.
Proverbs 16:6
The Voice
6 The penalty of sin is removed by love and loyalty;
and by devotion to the Eternal, evil is avoided.
Proverbs 19:23
The Voice
23 Reverence for the Eternal leads to a fulfilled life;
those who have it will sleep well,
for disaster will not touch them.
Proverbs 22:4
The Voice
4 A humble person who fears the Eternal
can expect to receive wealth, honor, and life.
Proverbs 23:17-18
The Voice
17 Don’t be envious of those wrapped up in sin,
but always maintain a healthy respect for the Eternal.
18 Your future with Him will be certain,
and you will not have hoped in vain.
Proverbs 24:21
The Voice
21 My son, fear both the Eternal and His anointed ruler.
It is not wise to associate with those rebelling against them
Proverbs 28:14
The Voice
14 Happy is the one who always fears the Lord,
but the person who hardens his heart to God falls into misfortune.
Proverbs 29:25
The Voice
25 If you fear other people, you are walking into a dangerous trap;
but if you trust in the Eternal, you will be safe.
Proverbs 31:30
The Voice
30 Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last,
but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
