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.