1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel,

2 to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the words of understanding,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness and justice and equity,

4 to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion,

5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning, and that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsels,

6 to understand a proverb, and a figure, the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

7 The fear of LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The foolish despise wisdom and instruction.