Proverbs 1:1-11 ▼

1 The parables of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel,

2 in order to know wisdom and discipline,

3 to understand words of prudence, and to accept the instruction of doctrine, justice and judgment, and equity,

4 so as to give discernment to little ones, knowledge and understanding to adolescents.

5 By listening, the wise shall become wiser and the intelligent shall possess governments.

6 He shall turn his soul to a parable and to its interpretation, to the words of the wise and their enigmas.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The foolish despise wisdom as well as doctrine.

8 Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother,

9 so that grace may be added to your head and a collar to your neck.

10 My son, if sinners should entice you, do not consent to them.

11 If they should say: “Come with us. We will lie in wait for blood. We will lay traps against the innocent, without cause.