Proverbs 2 (Verses 1–9)
King James Version
A father's instruction on seeking wisdom as one would seek silver or hidden treasure.
Download the handwriting worksheet (PDF)Printable, ruled for handwriting: copy it by hand, then type it here.
About this text
This chapter continues the address begun in Proverbs 1, cast as a father instructing his son — a common device throughout the book's early chapters, where wisdom itself is later personified as a woman calling out in the streets. The comparison of wisdom to silver and hidden treasure reflects a recurring theme in Proverbs: wisdom is worth more than material wealth, but like wealth, it has to be actively sought rather than passively received.
Notice how the whole chapter is one long conditional sentence — a chain of 'if' clauses building for several verses before the 'then' finally arrives in verse 5. Copying it out forces attention to that suspended structure, and to the repeated verbs of effort (receive, incline, apply, cry, lift up, seek, search) that make the seeking itself the point.
What to watch for
- 5 semicolons: a semicolon joins two complete thoughts that belong together, a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period.
- 2 colons: a colon points ahead to what explains or completes the first half of the sentence.
- Capital letters in the middle of a sentence: LORD, God. Ask why each one is capitalized before typing it.
- Old-fashioned words: thou, wilt, thee, thine, unto, yea, thy, shalt. These are easy to "correct" by accident into modern spelling, so copy them exactly as written.
- Longest word: "understanding" (13 letters). Try spelling it aloud once before reaching it.
- 9 lines averaging about 14 words each. A comfortable line length for a single sitting.
Full text (reference)
1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.