Add parallel Print Page Options

The Prologue: Embrace Wisdom

My son, hear the instruction of your father,
    and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
for they will be a garland of grace on your head,
    and chains about your neck.

Read full chapter

The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and long life
    and peace will they add to you.

Read full chapter

Wisdom Is Supreme

Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
    and attend to know understanding.
For I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
For I was my father’s son,
    tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.
He also taught me and said to me,
    “Let your heart retain my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.

Read full chapter

The Proverbs of Solomon

10 The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a glad father,
    but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

Read full chapter

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
    and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Read full chapter

20 A wise son makes a father glad,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

Read full chapter

Grandchildren are the crown of old men,
    and the glory of children are their fathers.

Read full chapter

21 He who fathers a fool does it to his sorrow,
    and the father of a fool has no joy.

Read full chapter

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father,
    and bitterness to her who bore him.

Read full chapter

13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father,
    and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping of water.

Read full chapter

18 Chasten your son while there is hope,
    and let not your soul spare for his crying.

Read full chapter

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother
    is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

Read full chapter

The just man walks in his integrity;
    his children are blessed after him.

Read full chapter

Train up a child in the way he should go,
    and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Read full chapter

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Read full chapter

Saying Thirteen

13 Do not withhold correction from a child,
    for if you beat him with the rod, he will not die.
14 You shall beat him with the rod,
    and deliver his soul from death.

Read full chapter

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.

Read full chapter

17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
    yes, he will give delight to your soul.

Read full chapter