for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a](A)
    knowledge and discretion(B) to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,(C)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,(D)
    the sayings and riddles(E) of the wise.[b](F)

The fear of the Lord(G) is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools[c] despise wisdom(H) and instruction.(I)

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Footnotes

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

These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
    knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
    Let those with understanding receive guidance
by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

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

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indeed, if you call out for insight(A)
    and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,(B)
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.(C)
For the Lord gives wisdom;(D)
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.(E)

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Cry out for insight,
    and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver;
    seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
    and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
    From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

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10 For wisdom will enter your heart,(A)
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.(B)

12 Wisdom will save(C) you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,

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10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
    Understanding will keep you safe.

12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,
    from those whose words are twisted.

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To the discerning all of them are right;
    they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,(A)
11 for wisdom is more precious(B) than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.(C)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.(D)

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My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
    clear to those with knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
    and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
    Nothing you desire can compare with it.

12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
    I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

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10 The fear of the Lord(A) is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One(B) is understanding.(C)

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10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
    Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

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14 The wise store up knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.(B)

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

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With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
    but through knowledge the righteous escape.(A)

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With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
    but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

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23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(A)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(B)

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23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
    but fools broadcast their foolishness.

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The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(A)

Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

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A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Stay away from fools,
    for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

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18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

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18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,[a]
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

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Footnotes

  1. 14:18 Or inherit foolishness.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.(B)

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The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
    but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

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14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
    while the fool feeds on trash.

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