The Aim of the Book

2 That people may learn wisdom and discipline,

and understand words of discernment;

3 that they may win training in prudence,

in right and in justice and rectitude;

4 that shrewdness be imparted to the simple,

and knowledge and insight to youth –

5 the wise too, who listens, will grow wiser,

and the prudent more skilled in direction –

6 that proverbs and parables may be plain,

even the words of the wise and their riddles