Proverbs 1:1-18 Parallel Bible Translations

Proverbs 1:1-18 ▼
swipe to see more →
AMP
Amplified Bible
ESV
English Standard Version
NIV
New International Version
+Add
1 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
6 To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection]. to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not reject the teaching of your mother. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9 For they are a garland of grace on your head, And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck. for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
11 If they say, “Come with us; Let us lie in wait to shed blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead), Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death]; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 We will find and take all kinds of precious possessions, We will fill our houses with spoil; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
14 Throw in your lot with us [they insist]; We will all have one money bag [in common],” throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— cast lots with us; we will all share the loot|—
15 My son, do not walk on the road with them; Keep your foot [far] away from their path, my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
16 For their feet run to evil, And they hurry to shed blood. for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.
17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it!
18 But [when these people set a trap for others] they lie in wait for their own blood; They set an ambush for their own lives [and rush to their destruction]. but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves!
Show Entire Chapter
Previous chapter
Top of Page
Top of Page