The Beginning

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

² To know wisdom and instruction,    to understand words of insight,³ to receive instruction in wise dealing,    in righteousness, justice, and equity;⁴ to give prudence to the simple,    knowledge and discretion to the youth—⁵ Let the wise hear and increase in learning,    and the one who understands obtain guidance,⁶ to understand a proverb and a saying,    the words of the wise and their riddles. ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;    fools despise wisdom and instruction.