Proverbs 1:1-16 ▼

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,

3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice, and integrity;

4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,

5 A wise person will hear and increase in learning, And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and a saying, The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, And do not ignore your mother’s teaching;

9 For they are a graceful wreath for your head And necklaces for your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

11 If they say, “Come with us, Let’s lie in wait for blood, Let’s ambush the innocent without cause;

12 Let’s swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, like those who go down to the pit;

13 We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with plunder;

14 Throw in your lot with us; We will all have one money bag,”

15 My son, do not walk on the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,

16 For their feet run to evil, And they are quick to shed blood.