Introduction to the Book

1:1 The Proverbs1 of2 Solomon3 son of David,4 king of Israel:5

1:2 To6 learn7 wisdom8 and moral instruction,9

and to discern10 wise counsel.11

1:3 To receive12 moral instruction13 in skillful living,14

in15 righteousness,16 justice,17 and equity.18

1:4 To impart19 shrewdness20 to the morally naive,21

and22 a discerning23 plan24 to the young person.25

1:5 (Let the wise also26 hear27 and gain28 instruction,

and let the discerning29 acquire30 guidance!31)

1:6 To discern32 the meaning of33 a proverb and a parable,34

the sayings of the wise35 and their36 riddles.37