The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David's son, Israel's king -
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The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 Written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going;
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for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
3 A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair;
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for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.
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for giving prudence to those who are simple,knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 There's something here also for seasoned men and women,
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let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
6 still a thing or two for the experienced to learn - Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women. Start with God
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for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 Start with God - the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.