Proverbs 1:1-12 ▼

1 The proverbs of David's son Solomon, king of Israel.

2 These proverbs are for gaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;

3 for acquiring the discipline that produces wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and upright living;

4 for giving prudence to the naïve, and knowledge and discretion to the young.

5 Let the wise listen and increase their learning; let the person of understanding receive guidance

6 in understanding proverbs, clever sayings, words of the wise, and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

8 My son, listen to your father's instruction, and do not let go of your mother's teaching.

9 They will be a graceful wreath for your head and a chain for your neck.

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

11 If they say, |Come with us! Let's lie in wait for blood; let's ambush some innocent person for no reason at all.

12 Let's swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those who go down into the Pit.