I. Core Concepts of Wisdom and Folly:;xNLx;;xNLx;Wisdom (Hebrew: chokmah) (e.g., Proverbs 1:2, 7, 20; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 8:1, 5, 11-12, 14; 9:1, 10; and throughout): More than just intellectual knowledge, biblical wisdom in Proverbs refers to skill in living, practical understanding, moral discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge rightly in everyday situations, all rooted in "the fear of the LORD." It encompasses insight, prudence, and ethical behavior. Lady Wisdom is also personified as a divine agent in creation and a guide for humanity (e.g., Proverbs 8).;xNLx;Instruction / Discipline (Hebrew: musar) (e.g., Proverbs 1:2-3, 7-8; 3:11; 4:1, 13; 5:12, 23; 6:23; 8:10, 33; 10:17; 12:1; 13:1, 18, 24; 15:5, 10, 31-33; 19:20, 27; 22:15; 23:12-13, 23; 24:32): Training, moral correction, chastening, or guidance that shapes character and leads to wisdom. It can involve verbal teaching, reproof, or even physical discipline, all intended for growth and righteousness.;xNLx;Understanding (Hebrew: binah, tevunah) (e.g., Proverbs 1:2, 5; 2:2-3, 6, 11; 3:5, 13, 19; 4:1, 5, 7; 7:4; 8:1, 5, 14; 9:6, 10; 10:13, 23; 11:12; 14:6, 29, 33; 15:21, 32; 16:16, 21-22; 17:10, 24, 27; 18:2, 15; 19:8, 25; 20:5; 21:16, 30; 23:4, 23; 24:3; 28:11, 16; 30:2): The ability to discern, comprehend, and make sound judgments; insight and sagacity. It is closely allied with wisdom.;xNLx;Knowledge (Hebrew: da'at) (e.g., Proverbs 1:4, 7, 22, 29; 2:5-6, 10; 5:2; 8:9-10, 12; 9:10; 10:14; 11:9; 12:1, 23; 13:16; 14:6-7, 18; 15:2, 7, 14; 17:27; 18:15; 19:2, 25, 27; 20:15; 21:11; 22:12, 17, 20; 23:12; 24:4-5, 14; 29:7; 30:3): The acquaintance with facts and truth, often gained through experience and instruction, especially knowledge of God and His ways. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7).;xNLx;Prudence / Prudent (Hebrew: ormah, arum) (e.g., Proverbs 1:4; 8:5, 12; 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 15:5; 16:21; 18:15; 19:25; 22:3; 27:12): Shrewdness, discretion, good judgment, and the ability to act with foresight and carefulness; a practical aspect of wisdom.;xNLx;Discernment / Discretion (Hebrew: mezimmah, binah) (e.g., Proverbs 1:4; 2:11; 3:21; 5:2; 8:12; 10:19 [discreet speech]; 11:22; 14:17, 29; 19:11): The ability to make sound judgments, distinguish between right and wrong or wise and foolish courses of action, and to act with forethought and self-restraint.;xNLx;Fear of the LORD (e.g., Proverbs 1:7, 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:2, 16, 26-27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 28:14; 31:30): A foundational concept in Proverbs, signifying profound reverence, awe, worship, and obedience towards God, leading to a commitment to His ways. It is described as the "beginning of wisdom" and "beginning of knowledge.";xNLx;Fool / Folly (Hebrew: kesil, evil, nabal, pethi, luts) (e.g., Proverbs 1:7, 22, 32; 3:35; 5:23; 7:22; 9:13; 10:1, 8, 10, 13-14, 18, 20-21, 23; 12:15-16, 23; 13:16, 19-20; 14:1, 3, 7-9, 16-18, 24, 29, 33; 15:2, 5, 7, 14, 20-21; 16:22; 17:2, 7, 10, 12, 16, 21, 24-25, 28; 18:2, 6-7, 13; 19:1, 3, 10, 13, 29; 20:3; 21:20; 23:9; 24:7, 9; 26:1-12; 27:3, 22; 28:26; 29:9, 11, 20; 30:22): Proverbs uses several Hebrew words to describe different facets of foolishness, ranging from the simple and naive (pethi) to the morally deficient and arrogant (nabal), the dull and complacent (kesil), the one who despises wisdom (evil), and the scoffer (luts). Folly is the opposite of wisdom, characterized by poor judgment, impulsiveness, rejection of instruction, and leading to ruin.;xNLx;Simple / Naive (Hebrew: pethi) (e.g., Proverbs 1:4, 22, 32; 7:7; 8:5; 9:4, 6, 13, 16; 14:15, 18; 19:25; 21:11; 22:3; 27:12): Lacking experience, easily misled, gullible, and in need of wisdom and prudence. While not inherently wicked, the simple are vulnerable to folly if they do not seek wisdom.;xNLx;Scoffers / Mocker (Hebrew: luts) (e.g., Proverbs 1:22; 3:34; 9:7-8, 12; 13:1; 14:6; 15:12; 19:25, 28-29; 20:1; 21:11, 24; 22:10; 24:9; 29:8): Those who ridicule wisdom, instruction, and righteousness; they are arrogant, cynical, and resistant to correction.;xNLx;Sluggard / Slothful (Hebrew: atsel) (e.g., Proverbs 6:6, 9; 10:4, 26; 12:24, 27; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4, 13; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30; 26:13-16): A lazy, idle person who avoids work and responsibility, leading to poverty and ruin. The sluggard is often a subject of both humorous and serious admonition.;xNLx;II. Ethical and Moral Qualities:;xNLx;;xNLx;Righteous / Righteousness (Hebrew: tsaddiq, tsedeq, tsedaqah) (e.g., Proverbs 1:3; 2:7, 9, 20; 3:16, 32-33; 4:18; 8:8, 15, 18, 20; 9:9; 10:2-3, 6-7, 11, 16, 20-21, 24-25, 28, 30-32; 11:3-11, 18-21, 23, 28, 30-31; 12:3, 5-7, 10, 12-13, 17, 21, 26, 28; 13:5-6, 9, 21-22, 25; 14:2, 11-12, 19, 32, 34; 15:6, 8-9, 19, 28-29; 16:8, 12-13, 31; 17:15, 23, 26; 18:5, 10, 17; 20:7, 28; 21:2-3, 7-8, 12, 15-16, 18, 21, 26, 29; 23:24; 24:15-16, 24; 25:5, 26; 28:1, 5, 8, 12, 28; 29:2, 6-7, 16, 27; 31:9): Moral uprightness, justice, integrity, and conformity to God's standards and will. It leads to life, blessing, and stability.;xNLx;Wicked / Wickedness (Hebrew: rasha, resha') (e.g., Proverbs 1:16; 2:12, 22; 3:25, 33; 4:14, 16-17, 19; 5:22; 6:12, 14, 18; 9:7; 10:2-3, 6-7, 11, 16, 20, 24-25, 27-28, 30, 32; 11:5, 7-8, 10-11, 18, 21, 23, 31; 12:3, 5-7, 10, 12-13, 21, 26; 13:5-6, 9, 17, 25; 14:11, 19, 32; 15:6, 8-9, 26, 28-29; 16:4, 12; 17:4, 11, 13, 15, 23; 18:3, 5, 23; 19:28; 20:8, 26; 21:4, 7-8, 10, 12, 15-16, 18, 27, 29; 22:8; 24:15-16, 19-20, 24; 25:5, 26; 26:23, 26; 28:1, 4-5, 10, 12, 15, 28; 29:2, 6-7, 12, 16, 27; 30:14): Those who are morally evil, unjust, rebellious against God, and whose actions lead to ruin and judgment.;xNLx;Integrity (Hebrew: tom, tummah) (e.g., Proverbs 2:7, 21; 10:9, 29; 11:3, 5, 20; 13:6; 19:1; 20:7; 28:6, 10, 18, 20; 29:10): Moral wholeness, uprightness, blamelessness, and soundness of character. Walking in integrity brings security.;xNLx;Justice (Hebrew: mishpat, tsedeq) (e.g., Proverbs 1:3; 2:8-9; 8:15, 20; 12:5; 16:8, 11, 33 [divine justice]; 17:23; 18:5; 19:28; 20:8; 21:3, 7, 15; 24:23; 28:5; 29:4, 7, 14, 26-27; 31:5, 8-9): Fairness, equity, impartiality in judgment, and adherence to what is right according to God's law and moral order. It is essential for a stable society.;xNLx;Truth / Faithfulness (Hebrew: emeth, emunah) (e.g., Proverbs 3:3; 8:7; 11:18 [true gain]; 12:17, 19, 22; 14:5, 22, 25; 16:6, 13; 20:6, 28; 22:21; 23:23; 28:20; 29:14; 31:8 [ESV "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves," implying truth/justice]): Conformity to fact or reality; reliability, steadfastness, and trustworthiness. Speaking truth and living faithfully are highly valued.;xNLx;Deceit / Lying / Falsehood (e.g., Proverbs 3:32; 4:24; 6:12, 16-19; 10:18; 11:1, 18; 12:5, 17, 19-20, 22; 13:5; 14:5, 8, 25; 16:28; 17:4, 20; 19:1, 5, 9, 22, 28; 20:10, 14, 17, 23; 21:6, 28; 24:28; 25:14, 18; 26:18-19, 22-28; 27:6; 29:5, 12; 30:8): Dishonesty in speech and action, misrepresentation, and treachery. These are condemned as destructive.;xNLx;Humility / Humble (Hebrew: anavah, shafal) (e.g., Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6-7; 29:23): A modest or low view of one's own importance; the opposite of pride. Humility precedes honor and is associated with the fear of the LORD and wisdom.;xNLx;Pride / Arrogance / Haughty (e.g., Proverbs 3:34; 6:16-17; 8:13; 11:2; 13:10; 14:3; 15:25; 16:5, 18-19; 18:12; 21:4, 24; 25:6-7, 27; 27:2; 28:25-26; 29:23; 30:13): An overinflated sense of self-importance, conceit, and disdain for others or for God's instruction. Pride is strongly condemned and leads to downfall.;xNLx;Contentions / Strife / Quarrels (e.g., Proverbs 6:14, 19; 10:12; 13:10; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1, 14, 19; 18:6, 18-19; 19:13; 20:3; 21:9, 19; 22:10; 23:29-30; 25:8, 24; 26:17, 20-21; 27:15; 28:25; 29:9, 22; 30:33): Disagreements, arguments, discord, and fighting. These are often linked to pride, anger, and folly.;xNLx;Surety / Guarantee (e.g., Proverbs 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26-27; 27:13): Pledging to be responsible for someone else's debt or obligation. Proverbs repeatedly warns against incautiously becoming surety for another, as it can lead to financial ruin.;xNLx;III. Key Figures and Relationships:;xNLx;;xNLx;The Simple (See Section I);xNLx;The Wise (Throughout Proverbs, contrasted with the fool): Those who fear the LORD, embrace instruction, and live according to righteousness and prudence.;xNLx;The Fool (See Section I);xNLx;The Sluggard (See Section I);xNLx;The Scoffer (See Section I);xNLx;The Strange Woman / Adulteress / Forbidden Woman (Hebrew: ishah zarah, nokriyah) (e.g., Proverbs 2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:24-35; 7:5-27; 9:13-18 [Folly personified as a seductive woman]; 22:14; 23:27-28; 30:20; 31:3): A seductive and immoral woman, often married to another, who entices men away from wisdom and righteousness into destructive paths. This can also be understood metaphorically for other allurements away from God and wisdom.;xNLx;Neighbor (Hebrew: rea) (e.g., Proverbs 3:28-29; 6:1, 3, 29; 11:9, 12; 12:26; 14:20-21; 16:29; 17:17-18; 18:17, 24; 19:4, 6-7; 21:10; 22:24, 26; 24:17, 28-29; 25:8-10, 17-20; 26:18-19; 27:6, 9-10, 14, 17; 29:5): Fellow members of the community, friends, or anyone with whom one interacts. Proverbs gives much instruction on how to relate justly and wisely to one's neighbor.;xNLx;Friend (Hebrew: rea, ohev) (e.g., Proverbs 6:3; 14:20; 16:28; 17:9, 17; 18:24; 19:4, 6-7; 22:11, 24; 27:6, 9-10, 14, 17): A companion, an associate, someone with whom one shares a bond of affection and loyalty. True friendship is valued.;xNLx;IV. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Path / Way (Hebrew: derekh, orach) (e.g., Proverbs 1:15, 19, 31; 2:8-9, 12-13, 15, 18-20; 3:6, 17, 23; 4:11, 14, 18-19, 26-27; 5:6, 8, 21; 6:6, 23; 7:8, 25, 27; 8:2, 20, 22; 9:6, 15; 10:9, 17, 29; 11:3, 5, 20; 12:15, 26, 28; 13:6, 15; 14:2, 8, 12, 14; 15:9-10, 19, 21, 24; 16:2, 7, 9, 17, 25, 29, 31; 19:3, 16; 20:11, 14, 24; 21:2, 8, 16, 29; 22:5-6, 25; 23:19, 26; 28:6, 10, 18, 26; 29:27; 30:19-20; 31:3): Metaphorically refers to a course of life, pattern of behavior, or moral direction. Proverbs contrasts the "path of the righteous/wise" with the "way of the wicked/foolish.";xNLx;Rod (of discipline) (e.g., Proverbs 10:13; 13:24; 14:3; 19:29; 22:8, 15; 23:13-14; 26:3; 29:15): An instrument used for correction or punishment, often referring to parental discipline of children. It symbolizes the active application of correction to drive out folly and instill wisdom.;xNLx;Sheol / The Pit / Grave / Death (e.g., Proverbs 1:12; 2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18; 15:11, 24; 23:14; 27:20; 30:16): The realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and separation, the ultimate end of a foolish or wicked life. Wisdom, by contrast, leads away from Sheol.;xNLx;Abomination (Hebrew: toevah) (e.g., Proverbs 3:32; 6:16; 8:7; 11:1, 20; 12:22; 13:19; 15:8-9, 26; 16:5, 12; 17:15; 20:10, 23; 21:27; 24:9; 26:25; 28:9; 29:27): Something detestable, repugnant, or morally offensive to God and to the wise. Many unethical behaviors are described as abominations.;xNLx;This list is intended to clarify some of the key vocabulary and concepts found in the Book of Proverbs (ESV), helping the reader to better understand its timeless wisdom and practical guidance for life.