Proverbs 1:1-9

The Beginning of Knowledge

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.

The Enticement of Sinners

8 i Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
and forsake not your mother's teaching,
 9 for they are j a graceful garland for your head
and k pendants for your neck.

  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.'
  9. Cross References
    Proverbs 6:20
    My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.
    Psalms 34:11
    Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
    Ephesians 6:1 - 2
    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
  10. Cross References
    Proverbs 4:9
    She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.
    Proverbs 3:22
    And they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
  11. Cross References
    Genesis 41:42
    Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.
    Daniel 5:29
    Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.