Proverbs 1:1-12 ▼

1 The parables of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel.

2 To know wisdom, and instruction: To understand the words of prudence:

3 and to receive the instruction of doctrine, justice, and judgment, and equity:

4 To give subtilty to little ones, to the young man knowledge and understanding.

5 A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that understandeth, shall possess governments.

6 He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother :

9 That grace may be added to thy head, and a chain of gold to thy neck.

10 My son, if sinners shall entice thee, consent not to them.

11 If they shall say: Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us hide snares for the innocent without cause:

12 Let us swallow him up alive like hell, and whole as one that goeth down into the pit.