Proverbs 1:1-8

¹The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, Who reigned in Israel;

²To know wisdom and instruction, And to perceive words of understanding;

³To receive also hard sayings, And to understand true justice, And how to direct judgment;

⁴That he might give subtlety to the simple, And to the young man discernment and understanding.

⁵For by the hearing of these a wise man will be wiser, And the man of understanding will gain direction;

⁶And will understand a parable, and a dark speech; The sayings of the wise also, and riddles.

⁷The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; And there is good understanding to all that practice it: And piety toward God is the beginning of discernment; But the ungodly will set at nought wisdom and instruction.

⁸Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, And reject not the rules of thy mother.