Proverbs 1:1-9

New International Version

Purpose and Theme

1 The proverbs^(A) of Solomon^(B) son of David, king of Israel:^(C)

²for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]^(D)
    knowledge and discretion^(E) to the young—
⁵let the wise listen and add to their learning,^(F)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶for understanding proverbs and parables,^(G)
    the sayings and riddles^(H) of the wise.^[b]^(I)

⁷The fear of the Lord^(J) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[c] despise wisdom^(K) and instruction.^(L)

Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

⁸Listen, my son,^(M) to your father’s^(N) instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.^(O)
⁹They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.^(P)

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Footnotes

Proverbs 1:4 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs denotes a person who is gullible, without moral direction and inclined to evil.
Proverbs 1:6 Or understanding a proverb, namely, a parable, / and the sayings of the wise, their riddles
Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.

Job 28:28

New International Version

²⁸And he said to the human race,
“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
and to shun evil^(A) is understanding.”^(B)

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Job 28:28 in all English translations

Psalm 111:10

New International Version

¹⁰The fear of the Lord^(A) is the beginning of wisdom;^(B)
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.^(C)
To him belongs eternal praise.^(D)

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Psalm 111:10 in all English translations

Proverbs 15:32

New International Version

³²Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,^(A)
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.^(B)

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Proverbs 15:32 in all English translations

Psalm 119:71-75

New International Version

⁷¹It was good for me to be afflicted^(A)
so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷²The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.^(B)

י Yodh

⁷³Your hands made me^(C) and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴May those who fear you rejoice^(D) when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.^(E)
⁷⁵I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,^(F)
    and that in faithfulness^(G) you have afflicted me.