The Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1

1 a 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 b righteousness, justice, and equity;
 4 to give prudence to c the simple,
knowledge and d discretion to the youth -
5 Let the wise hear and e increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
 6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
f the words of the wise and their g riddles.

7 h The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  1. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:1
    The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
    Proverbs 25:1
    These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
    1 Kings 4:32
    He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.
    Ecclesiastes 12:9
    Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care.
  2. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:9
    Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.
  3. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:5
    O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
    Proverbs 14:15
    The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
    Proverbs 14:18
    The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
  4. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:11
    Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.
    Proverbs 3:21
    My son, do not lose sight of these - keep sound wisdom and discretion.
  5. Cross References
    Proverbs 9:9
    Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
  6. Cross References
    Proverbs 22:17
    Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.
  7. Cross References
    Judges 14:12
    And Samson said to them, "Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes.
    Psalms 78:2
    I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old.
  8. Cross References
    Proverbs 9:10
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
    Proverbs 15:33
    The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
    Job 28:28
    And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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