Proverbs

¹THE PROVERBS (truths obscurely expressed, maxims, and parables) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: ²That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, ³Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity, ⁴That prudence may be given to the simple, and knowledge, discretion, and discernment to the youth– ⁵The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly]–[Prov. 9:9.] ⁶That people may understand a proverb and a figure of speech or an enigma with its interpretation, and the words of the wise and their dark sayings or riddles. ⁷The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline. [Ps. 111:10.]