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Purpose and Theme
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
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for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
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for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
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let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
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My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
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If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul;
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let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
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Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.
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“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
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But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
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since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,
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since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.
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Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
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but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
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He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
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Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
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Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
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who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
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who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
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whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
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who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
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None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
