Gaining (v2) Receiving (v3) Giving (v4) Listening (v5) Understanding (v6) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (v7) Proverbs Purpose and Theme 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;     for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,     doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a]     knowledge and discretion to the young— 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,     and let the discerning get guidance— 6 for understanding proverbs and parables,     the sayings and riddles of the wise.[b] 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,     but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction. Footnotes: [a] Proverbs [b] Proverbs [c] Proverbs