Proverbs 1:1-16 ▼

1 The Parables of Salomon the sonne of Dauid King of Israel,

2 To knowe wisdome, and instruction, to vnderstand ye wordes of knowledge,

3 To receiue instruction to do wisely, by iustice and iudgement and equitie,

4 To giue vnto the simple, sharpenesse of wit, and to the childe knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man shall heare and increase in learning, and a man of vnderstanding shall attayne vnto wise counsels,

6 To vnderstand a parable, & the interpretation, the wordes of ye wise, and their darke sayings.

7 The feare of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fooles despise wisedome and instruction.

8 My sonne, heare thy fathers instruction, and forsake not thy mothers teaching.

9 For they shalbe a comely ornament vnto thine head, and as chaines for thy necke.

10 My sonne, if sinners doe intise thee, consent thou not.

11 If they say, Come with vs, we will lay waite for blood, and lie priuilie for the innocent without a cause:

12 We wil swallow them vp aliue like a graue euen whole, as those that goe downe into the pit:

13 We shall finde all precious riches, and fill our houses with spoyle:

14 Cast in thy lot among vs: we will all haue one purse:

15 My sonne, walke not thou in the way with them: refraine thy foote from their path.

16 For their feete runne to euill, & make haste to shed blood.