Proverbs 1:4
New Living Translation
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
Proverbs 1:4
International Standard Version
4 for giving prudence to the naïve,
and knowledge and discretion to the young.
Proverbs 3:21-26
New Living Translation
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Proverbs 3:21-26
International Standard Version
Benefits of Wisdom
21 My son, do not let wisdom[a] leave your sight.
Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,
22 and they will be life to you
and a graceful ornament[b] for your neck.
23 Then you will travel safely on your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you sit[c] down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.[d]
25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,[e]
or the devastation that comes to the wicked.
26 Indeed, the Lord will be your confidence,
and he will keep your foot from being caught.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:21 The Heb. lacks wisdom
- Proverbs 3:22 Lit. grace
- Proverbs 3:24 So LXX; MT reads lie
- Proverbs 3:24 Or sweet
- Proverbs 3:25 Lit. terror
Proverbs 4:1-7
New Living Translation
A Father’s Wise Advice
4 My children,[a] listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2 for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
3 For I, too, was once my father’s son,
tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.
4 My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
Footnotes
- 4:1 Hebrew My sons.
Proverbs 4:1-7
International Standard Version
Diligently Pursue Wisdom
4 Listen, children,[a] to your father’s instruction,
and pay attention in order to gain understanding.
2 I give you sound teaching,
so do not abandon my instruction.[b]
3 When I was a son to my father,
not yet strong[c] and an only son to my mother,
4 he taught me and told me,
“Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say;[d]
keep my commandments and live!
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth!
6 Do not abandon her, and she will protect you.
Love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom,
and with all your effort work to acquire understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 4:1 Lit. sons
- Proverbs 4:2 Or law
- Proverbs 4:3 Lit. delicate
- Proverbs 4:4 Lit. embrace my words
Proverbs 5:1-2
New Living Translation
Avoid Immoral Women
5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
Proverbs 5:1-2
International Standard Version
Warning against Sexual Immorality
5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
and listen closely to my insight,
2 so you may carefully practice[a] discretion
and your lips preserve knowledge.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 5:2 Lit. guard
Proverbs 9:1-6
New Living Translation
9 Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
2 She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
5 “Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.”
Proverbs 9:1-6
International Standard Version
Wisdom’s Invitation
9 Wisdom[a] has built her house;
she has hewn out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her food,[b]
she has spiced[c] her wine,
and she also has set her dining table.
3 She has sent out her young women,
while calling out from the heights of the city,
4 “Let whoever is naïve, turn in here.”
To anyone lacking sense, she says,
5 “Come! Eat my food,
and drink the wine that I have mixed.
6 Leave your naïve ways, and live.
Walk in the path of understanding.”
Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:1 I.e. wisdom personified as a woman
- Proverbs 9:2 Or meat
- Proverbs 9:2 Or mixed
Proverbs 9:10
New Living Translation
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Proverbs 9:10
International Standard Version
10 The fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins,
and knowing holiness[a] demonstrates understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:10 Or knowing holy ones
Proverbs 14:8
New Living Translation
8 The prudent understand where they are going,
but fools deceive themselves.
Proverbs 14:8
International Standard Version
8 The wisdom of the prudent helps him know how to live,
but a fool’s stupidity deceives him.
Proverbs 14:15
New Living Translation
15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
Proverbs 14:15
International Standard Version
15 An unthinking person believes everything,
but the prudent one thinks before acting.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 14:15 Lit. one considers his steps
Proverbs 21:5
New Living Translation
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5
International Standard Version
5 Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity,
but all who are hasty will surely become poor.
Proverbs 22:3
New Living Translation
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
Proverbs 22:3
International Standard Version
3 The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides,
but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences.
Proverbs 23:23
New Living Translation
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
Proverbs 23:23
International Standard Version
23 Purchase truth, but don’t sell it;
store up[a] wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 23:23 The Heb. lacks store up
Proverbs 27:12
New Living Translation
12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
Proverbs 27:12
International Standard Version
12 Those who are prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
