1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel,2 to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the words of understanding,3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness and justice and equity,4 to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion,5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning, and that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsels,6 to understand a proverb, and a figure, the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.7 The fear of LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The foolish despise wisdom and instruction.