Proverbs 1:1-7

Contemporary English Version

How Proverbs Can Be Used

1 ^(A) These are the proverbs
of King Solomon of Israel,
    the son of David.
²Proverbs will teach you
    wisdom and self-control
and how to understand
    sayings with deep meanings.
³You will learn what is right
    and honest and fair.
⁴From these, an ordinary person
    can learn to be smart,
and young people can gain
    knowledge and good sense.

⁵If you are already wise,
    you will become even wiser.
And if you are smart,
you will learn to understand
⁶    proverbs and sayings,
as well as words of wisdom,
    and all kinds of riddles.
⁷^(B) Respect and obey the Lord!
This is the beginning
    of knowledge.^[a]
Only a fool rejects wisdom
    and good advice.