Proverbs 1

The Purpose of Proverbs

1 The proverbs of Solomon  * 1:1 1Kg 4:32; Pr 10:1; 25:1; Ec 12:9 son of David, king of Israel:

2 For learning wisdom and discipline;

for understanding insightful sayings;

3 for receiving prudent instruction

in righteousness, justice, and integrity;  * 1:3 Pr 2:9

4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,  * 1:4 Or simple, or gullible,* 1:4 Pr 8:5

knowledge and discretion  * 1:4 Pr 2:11; 3:21 to a young man —

5 let a wise person listen and increase learning,  * 1:5 Pr 9:9; 16:21,23

and let a discerning person obtain guidance —

6 for understanding a proverb or a parable,  * 1:6 Or an enigma

the words of the wise, and their riddles.  * 1:6 Nm 12:8; Jdg 14:12; Ps 49:4; Hab 2:6

7 The fear of the  Lord

is the beginning of knowledge;  * 1:7 Jb 28:28; Ps 111:10; Pr 9:10; 15:33

fools despise wisdom and discipline.  * 1:7 Eph 5:17