Introduction to the Book

1 The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction,

and to discern wise counsel.

3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living,

in righteousness, justice, and equity.

4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,

and a discerning plan to the young person.

5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,

and let the discerning acquire guidance! )

6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,

the sayings of the wise and their riddles.