Proverbs 1:1-19

The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline, to help one understand wise sayings. They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of integrity. They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance. They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction; don’t neglect your mother’s teaching; for they are a graceful wreath on your head, and beads for your neck. My son, don’t let sinners entice you. Don’t go when they say: “Come with us. Let’s set up a deadly ambush. Let’s secretly wait for the innocent just for fun. Let’s swallow up the living like the grave— whole, like those who go down into the pit. We’ll find all sorts of precious wealth; we’ll fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; we’ll share our money.” My son, don’t go on the path with them; keep your feet from their way, because their feet run to evil; they hurry to spill blood. It’s useless to cast a net in the sight of a bird. But these sinners set up a deadly ambush; they lie in wait for their own lives. These are the ways of all who seek unjust gain; it costs them their lives.