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Purpose and Theme
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
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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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my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
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Moral Benefits of Wisdom
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
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then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
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who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
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Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
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Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
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because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
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Get Wisdom at Any Cost
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
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For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
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Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
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My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
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Warning Against Adultery
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,
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Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
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And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
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Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
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Warnings Against Folly
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
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So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion— and give your neighbor no rest!
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Warning Against Adultery
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
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Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.
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Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.