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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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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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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 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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in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,
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for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
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She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
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She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
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Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
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The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
