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The Usefulness of Proverbs 1 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discernandcomprehend the words of understandingandinsight, 3 To receive instruction in wise behaviorandthe discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; 4 That prudence (good judgment, astute […]

The Pursuit of Wisdom Brings Security 1 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2 So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly]; 3 Yes, if you cry out for insight, […]

The Rewards of Wisdom 1 My son, do not forget myteaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life [worth living] And tranquilityandprosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you. 3 Do not let mercyandkindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define […]

A Father’s Instruction 1 Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, And pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understandingandintelligent discernment. 2 For I give you good doctrine; Do notturn away from my instruction. 3 When I was a son with my father (David), Tender and the only son […]

Pitfalls of Immorality 1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom [godly wisdom learned by costly experience], Incline your ear to my understanding; 2 That you may exercise discriminationanddiscretion (good judgment), And your lips may reserve knowledgeandanswer wisely [to temptation]. 3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey [like a honeycomb] And her […]

Parental Counsel 1 My son, if you have become surety (guaranteed a debt or obligation) for your neighbor, If you have given your pledge for [the debt of] a strangeroranother [outside your family], 2 If you have been snared with the words of your lips, If you have been trapped by the speech of your […]

The Wiles of the Prostitute 1 My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you]. 2 Keep my commandments and live, And keep my teachingandlaw as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them [securely] on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your […]

The Commendation of Wisdom 1 Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 On the top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand; 3 Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: 4 “To you, […]

Wisdom’s Invitation 1 Wisdom has built her [spacious and sufficient] house; She has hewn outandset up her seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the highest places of the city: 4 “Whoever is […]

Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked 1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish [stubborn] son [who refuses to learn] is a grief to his mother. 2 Treasures of wickednessandill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousnessandmoral integrity in daily life rescues from death. 3 The Lordwill not […]