The Enticement of Sinners

(A)Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
    and forsake not your mother's teaching,
for they are (B)a graceful garland for your head
    and (C)pendants for your neck.
10 My son, if sinners (D)entice you,
    do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us, (E)let us lie in wait for blood;
    (F)let us ambush the innocent without reason;
12 like Sheol let us (G)swallow them alive,
    and whole, like (H)those who go down to the pit;
13 we shall find all precious goods,
    we shall fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot among us;
    we will all have one purse”—
15 my son, (I)do not walk in the way with them;
    (J)hold back your foot from their paths,
16 for (K)their feet run to evil,
    and they make haste to shed blood.

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Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

Listen, my son,(A) to your father’s(B) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(C)
They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.(D)

10 My son, if sinful men entice(E) you,
    do not give in(F) to them.(G)
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait(H) for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow(I) them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;(J)
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
    we will all share the loot(K)”—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
    do not set foot(L) on their paths;(M)
16 for their feet rush into evil,(N)
    they are swift to shed blood.(O)

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