[1] The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: [2] To know
wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding; [3] To
receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness, justice, and
equity; [4] To give prudence to the simple, Knowledge and discretion to
the young man: [5] That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: [6] To
understand a proverb, and parables, The words and riddles of the wise.
[7] The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish
despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, listen to your father`s
instruction, And don`t forsake your mother`s teaching: [9] For they will
be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck. [10] My
son, if sinners entice you, don`t consent. [11] If they say, "Come with us,
Let`s lay in wait for blood; Let`s lurk secretly for the innocent
without cause; [12] Let`s swallow them up alive like Sheol, And whole,
like those who go down into the pit. [13] We`ll find all valuable wealth.
We`ll fill our houses with spoil. [14] You shall cast your lot among us.
We`ll all have one purse." [15] My son, don`t walk in the way with them.
Keep your foot from their path, [16] For their feet run to evil. They
hurry to shed blood. [17] For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any
bird: [18] These lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for
their own lives. [19] So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain.
It takes away the life of its owners. [20] Wisdom calls aloud in the
street. She utters her voice in the public squares. [21] She calls at
the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters
her words: [22] "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, And fools hate
knowledge? [23] Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on
you. I will make known my words to you. [24] Because I have called, and
you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid
attention; [25] But you have ignored all my counsel, And wanted none of
my reproof; [26] I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when
calamity overtakes you; [27] When calamity overtakes you like a storm,
When your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; When distress and anguish
come on you. [28] Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They
will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; [29] Because they hated
knowledge, And didn`t choose the fear of Yahweh. [30] They wanted none
of my counsel. They despised all my reproof. [31] Therefore they will
eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes.
[32] For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease
of fools will destroy them. [33] But whoever listens to me will dwell
securely, And will be at ease, without fear of harm."
