Proverbs 1:1-12 ▼

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon (peace) son of David (beloved), king of Israel (he wrestles with God),

2 for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight,

3 and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.

4 To impart prudence to the simple (simple) and knowledge and discretion to the young,

5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

6 by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the LORD {YHWH} is the beginning of knowledge, but fools (morally deficient.) despise wisdom and discipline.

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.

9 For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.

11 If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause,

12 let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.