How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NRSV 1:7)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (KJV 1:7)
This is probably Proverbs' most essential point. Fearing God provides the basis for all human conduct.
Quote #2
Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you." (NRSV 1:20-23)
Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (KJV 1:20-23)
Wisdom is loudly advertising her wares, but human beings aren't buying—because of their thickness. They've got no one but themselves to blame for their lack of wisdom, says Proverbs.
Quote #3
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown. (NRSV 4:7-9)
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. (KJV 4:7-9)
Whereas earlier, Proverbs says that the beginning of wisdom lies in fearing God, here it says that the beginning of wisdom lies in getting wisdom (which is sort of, you know, obvious). But if getting wisdom means fearing God, then there's no real contradiction.