16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the *man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

24 "So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. [Luke 6:47-49]

16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.

1 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction;

To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight,

3 To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness,

Righteousness, justice, and integrity;

4 That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled],

And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth,

5 The wise will hear and increase their learning,

And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], [Prov 9:9]

6 To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation,

And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].

7 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];

But arrogant*fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. [Ps 111:10]

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your *children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,

And do not reject the teaching of your mother.

9 For they are a garland of grace on your head,

And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck.

20 My son, be guided by your father’s [God-given] commandment (instruction)

And do not *reject the teaching of your mother; [Eph 6:1-3]

21 Bind them continually upon your heart (in your thoughts),

And tie them around your neck. [Prov 3:3; 7:3]

22 When you walk about, they (the godly teachings of your parents) will guide you;

When you sleep, they will keep watch over you;

And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light,

And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life, [Ps 19:8; 119:105]

5 "Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!

Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 "Do not *turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;

Love her, and she will watch over you.

7 "The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!

And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. [James 1:5]

8 "Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you;

She will honor you if you embrace her.

13 Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.

Guard her, for she is your life.

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,

And do not go the way of evil men.

23 Watch over your heart with all diligence,

For from it flow the springs of life.

24 Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth,

And put devious lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage]

And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity].

26 Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet,

And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

27 Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk];

Turn your foot from [the path of] evil.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life,

So that one may avoid the snares of death.

10 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence],

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

1 Listen, O my people, to my teaching;

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth [and be willing to learn].

2 I will open my mouth in a parable [to instruct using examples];

I will utter dark and puzzling sayings of old [that contain important truth]— [Matt 13:34, 35]

3 Which we have heard and known,

And our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

But [we will] tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

And [tell of] His great might and power and the wonderful works that He has done.

10 Also, all [the people of] that generation were gathered to their fathers [in death]; and another generation arose after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, nor even the work which He had done for Israel.

17 The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ]. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating]," and, "The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation]." [Deut 25:4; Luke 10:7]

16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus,

9 Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ [that is, one who is not content with what He taught], does not have God; but the one who continues to remain in the teaching [of Christ does have God], he has both the Father and the Son.

14 When the feast was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple [court] and began to teach. 15 Then the Jews were perplexed. They said, "How *did this man become learned [so versed in the Scriptures and theology] *without formal training?" 16 Jesus answered them by saying, "My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me.17 If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is of God or whether I speak on My own accord and by My own authority.18 He who speaks on his own accord seeks glory and honor for himself. But He who seeks the glory and the honor of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness or deception in Him.