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 equity;

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

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

6 To understand a proverb and a figure, 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 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching;

9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.

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

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

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

13 We will find all [kinds] of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil;

14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse,|

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

16 For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood.