Proverbs 1:2-25
New International Version
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a](A)
knowledge and discretion(B) to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,(C)
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,(D)
the sayings and riddles(E) of the wise.[b](F)
7 The fear of the Lord(G) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[c] despise wisdom(H) and instruction.(I)
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
8 Listen, my son,(J) to your father’s(K) instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(L)
9 They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.(M)
10 My son, if sinful men entice(N) you,
do not give in(O) to them.(P)
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait(Q) for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow(R) them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;(S)
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(T)”—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot(U) on their paths;(V)
16 for their feet rush into evil,(W)
they are swift to shed blood.(X)
17 How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
18 These men lie in wait(Y) for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!(Z)
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.(AA)
Wisdom’s Rebuke
20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,(AB)
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall[d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 “How long will you who are simple(AC) love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate(AD) knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse(AE) to listen when I call(AF)
and no one pays attention(AG) when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:4 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs denotes a person who is gullible, without moral direction and inclined to evil.
- Proverbs 1:6 Or understanding a proverb, namely, a parable, / and the sayings of the wise, their riddles
- Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.
- Proverbs 1:21 Septuagint; Hebrew / at noisy street corners
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