7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

9 They are a garland to grace your head

and a chain to adorn your neck.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

And forsake not the law of thy mother:

9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,

And chains about thy neck.

7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

8 My child, listen when your father corrects you.

Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace

and be a chain of honor around your neck.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,

And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,

And chains about your neck.

7 Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord,

but fools hate wisdom and discipline.

8 My child, listen to your father’s teaching

and do not forget your mother’s advice.

9 Their teaching will be like flowers in your hair

or a necklace around your neck.

7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge;

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

And forsake not the law of thy mother:

9 For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head,

And chains about thy neck.

7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge: fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; 9 for they shall be a garland of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 

Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. 

8 My son, 

listen to your father’s discipline, 

and do not neglect your mother’s teachings, 

9 because discipline and teachings 

are a graceful garland on your head 

and a ⸤golden⸥ chain around your neck. 

7 The fear of the Lord

is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and discipline.

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,

and don’t reject your mother’s teaching,

9 for they will be a garland of grace on your head

and a gold chain around your neck.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,

and do not reject your mother’s teaching;

9 for they are a fair garland for your head,

and pendants for your neck.

7 Fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;

wisdom and instruction, fools despise.

8 My child, may you keep your father’s instruction,

and do not reject your mother’s teachings,

9 for they are a garland of favor for your head,

and pendants for your neck.

7 If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the Lord.

But foolish people hate wisdom and training.

8 My son, listen to your father’s advice.

Don’t turn away from your mother’s teaching.

9 What they teach you will be like a beautiful crown on your head.

It will be like a chain to decorate your neck.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction

And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;

9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head

And ornaments about your neck.