Proverbs 1:1-33
[1]The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel.
[2]Here are proverbs that will help you to recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning.
[3]They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair.
[4]They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful.
[5]These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated,
[6]so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.
[7]To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.
[8]Pay attention to what your father and mother tell you, my child.
[9]Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance.
[10]When sinners tempt you, my child, don't give in.
[11]Suppose they say, “Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it!
[12]They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them!
[13]We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot!
[14]Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal.”
[15]Don't go with people like that, my child. Stay away from them.
[16]They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill.
[17]It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching,
[18]but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die.
[19]Robbery always claims the life of the robber — this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence.
[20]Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and market places,
[21]calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together:
[22]“Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy pouring scorn on knowledge? Will you never learn?
[23]Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you.
[24]I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me.
[25]You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you.
[26]So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will mock you when terror strikes —
[27]when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery.
[28]Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me.
[29]You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the Lord.
[30]You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you.
[31]So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick.
[32]Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern.
[33]But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid.”