Proverbs 1:20-33
International Standard Version
The Benefits of Choosing Wisdom
20 Wisdom cries out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.
21 She calls out at the busiest part[a] of the noisy streets,[b]
and at the entrance to the gates of the city she utters her words:
22 “You naïve ones, how long will you love naiveté?
And how long will scoffers delight in scoffing
or fools hate knowledge?”
23 Return to my correction!
Look, I will pour out my spirit on you,
and I will make my words known to you.
The Consequences of Refusing Wisdom
24 “Because I called out to you and you refused to respond—[c]
I appealed,[d] but no one paid attention—
25 because[e] you neglected all my advice
and did not want my correction,
26 I will laugh at your calamity.
I will mock when what you fear[f] comes,
27 when what you dread comes like a storm,
and your calamity comes on like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 “Then they will call out to me,
but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently,
but they will not find me.
29 “Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord;
30 they did not want my advice,
and they rejected all my correction.
31 They will eat the fruit[g] of their way,
and they will be filled with their own devices.
32 Indeed, the waywardness[h] of the naïve will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33 “But the person who listens to me will live safely
and will be secure from the fear of evil.”
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:21 Lit. head
- Proverbs 1:21 So MT; LXX Syr Targ read and on top of the walls
- Proverbs 1:24 Lit. you refused
- Proverbs 1:24 Lit. I stretched out my hand
- Proverbs 1:25 The Heb. lacks because
- Proverbs 1:26 Lit. when your fear
- Proverbs 1:31 I.e. experience the consequences
- Proverbs 1:32 So MT; DSS 4QProva reads narrow-mindedness; lit. the pull of; LXX reads Because they would wrong the naïve, they will be murdered
Proverbs 5:1-2
International Standard Version
Warning against Sexual Immorality
5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
and listen closely to my insight,
2 so you may carefully practice[a] discretion
and your lips preserve knowledge.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 5:2 Lit. guard
Proverbs 6:20-23
International Standard Version
Parental Counsel about Immorality
20 Keep your father’s commands, my son,
and never forsake your mother’s rules,[a]
21 by binding them to your heart continuously,
fastening them around your neck.
22 During your travels wisdom[b] will lead you;
she will watch over you while you rest;
and when you are startled from your sleep,
she will commune with you.
23 Because the command is a lamp
and the Law a light,
rebukes that discipline are a way of life—
Footnotes
- Proverbs 6:20 Or laws
- Proverbs 6:22 Lit. wisdom; i.e. wisdom personified as a woman
Proverbs 7:1-2
International Standard Version
On Avoiding the Immoral Woman
7 My son, guard what I say
and treasure my commands.
2 Keep my commands and you’ll live.
Guard[a] my teaching as you do your eyesight.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 7:2 The Heb. lacks Guard
Proverbs 10:31
International Standard Version
31 The words of the righteous overflow with wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 11:14
International Standard Version
14 A nation falls through a lack of guidance,
but victory comes through the counsel of many.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 11:14 Or through much planning
Proverbs 12:5
International Standard Version
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
Proverbs 12:26
International Standard Version
26 The righteous person is cautious with respect to his neighbor,
but the lifestyle of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 13:13
International Standard Version
13 Anyone who despises a word of advice will pay for it,
but whoever heeds a command will be rewarded.
Proverbs 15:7
International Standard Version
7 What the wise have to say disseminates[a] knowledge,
but it’s not in the heart of fools to do so.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:7 Lit. The lips of the wise spread
Proverbs 15:22
International Standard Version
22 Plans fail without advice,
but with many counselors they are confirmed.
Proverbs 19:20
International Standard Version
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and you’ll be wise for the rest of your life.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 19:20 The Heb. lacks of your life
Proverbs 20:5
International Standard Version
5 The intentions of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but a discerning person reveals them.
Proverbs 20:18
International Standard Version
18 Make plans by seeking advice;
make war by obtaining guidance.
Proverbs 23:9
International Standard Version
9 Don’t speak when a fool is listening,
because he’ll despise your wise words.
Proverbs 27:9
International Standard Version
9 Ointments and perfume encourage the heart;
in a similar way, a friend’s advice is sweet to the soul.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 27:9 So MT; LXX reads heart; but through misfortune the soul is torn apart
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.