1 The parables of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. 2 To know wisdom, and instruction: 3 To understand the words of prudence: and to receive the instruction of doctrine, justice, and judgment, and equity: 4 To give subtilty to little ones, to the young man knowledge and understanding. 5 A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that understandeth, shall possess governments. 6 He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.