Proverbs 1:1-18 ▼

1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the words of understanding.

3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity.

4 To give shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to the young man.

5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will attain to sound counsel.

6 To understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, listen to your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching:

9 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and a necklace around 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 lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.

13 We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil.

14 Throw in your lot with us. We'll all have one purse.|

15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path,

16 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.

17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:

18 but these lie in wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.