GodsWord - Proverbs - 1

1:1  The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, given

1:2  to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts,

1:3  to acquire the discipline of wise behavior-- righteousness and justice and fairness--

1:4  to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young--

1:5  a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction--

1:6  to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles.

1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.

1:8  My son, listen to your father's discipline, and do not neglect your mother's teachings,

1:9  because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a golden chain around your neck.

1:10  My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along.

1:11  If they say, "Come with us. Let's set an ambush to kill someone. Let's hide to ambush innocent people for fun.

1:12  We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit.

1:13  We'll find all kinds of valuable possessions. We'll fill our homes with stolen goods.

1:14  Join us. We'll split the loot equally."

1:15  My son, do not follow them in their way. Do not even set foot on their path,

1:16  because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood.

1:17  It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird.

1:18  But these people set an ambush for their own murder. They go into hiding only to lose their lives.

1:19  This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain. Greed takes away his life.

1:20  Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice.

1:21  At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. At the entrances to the city she speaks her words,

1:22  "How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?

1:23  "Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you.

1:24  "I called, and you refused to listen. I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention.

1:25  You ignored all my advice. You did not want me to warn you.

1:26  I will laugh at your calamity. I will make fun of you when panic strikes you,

1:27  when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you.

1:28  "They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me,

1:29  because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD.

1:30  They refused my advice. They despised my every warning.

1:31  They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes.

1:32  "Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference.

1:33  But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster."