Proverbs 1:1-15

¹The proverbs of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel.

²These proverbs are to teach wisdom and instruction, to teach words of insight,

³that you may receive instruction in order to live by doing what is right, just, and fair.

⁴These proverbs are also to give wisdom to the naive, and to give knowledge and discretion to young people.

⁵Let wise people listen and increase their learning, and let discerning people get guidance,

⁶to understand proverbs, sayings, and words of wise people and their riddles.

⁷The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge— fools despise wisdom and instruction.

⁸My son, hear the instruction of your father and do not lay aside the rules of your mother;

⁹they will be a graceful wreath for your head and pendants hanging from your neck.

¹⁰My son, if sinners try to entice you into their sin, refuse to follow them.

¹¹If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us hide and attack innocent people for no reason.

¹²Let us swallow them up alive, like Sheol takes away those who are healthy, and make them like those who fall into the pit.

¹³We shall find all kinds of valuable things; we will fill our houses with what we steal from others.

¹⁴Throw in your lot with us; we will all have one purse together.”

¹⁵My son, do not walk down that road with them; do not let your foot touch where they walk;