1 THE PROVERBS of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to comprehend the words of understanding; 3 To receive the discipline of wisdom, justice, and right, 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 the man of understanding may attain unto wise counsels; 6 To understand a proverb, and a figure; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and discipline.