Proverbs 1

33 verses

Verse 1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: Verse 2 to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; Verse 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; Verse 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man: Verse 5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: Verse 6 to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. Verse 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. Verse 8 My son, listen to your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching: Verse 9 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck. Verse 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Verse 11 If they say, "Come with us, Let's lie in wait for blood; let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Verse 12 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. Verse 13 We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil. Verse 14 You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse." Verse 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path, Verse 16 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood. Verse 17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: Verse 18 but these lie in wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. Verse 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners. Verse 20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. Verse 21 She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words: Verse 22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? Verse 23 Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you. Verse 24 Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; Verse 25 but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof; Verse 26 I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you; Verse 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you. Verse 28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; Verse 29 because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Verse 30 They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof. Verse 31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes. Verse 32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them. Verse 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm."