⁷ Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

²⁸ And this is what he says to all humanity:
‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;
    to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

¹² There is more hope for fools
    than for people who think they are wise.

⁶ Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
    By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

¹¹ Come, my children, and listen to me,
    and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
¹² Does anyone want to live a life
    that is long and prosperous?
¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies!
¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

²¹ What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes
    and think themselves so clever.

²⁷ Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
    it offers escape from the snares of death.