1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. |
1:2 Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. |
1:3 They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. |
1:4 They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. |
1:5 These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, |
1:6 so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise. |
1:7 To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. |
1:8 My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. |
1:9 Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance. |
1:10 My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in. |
1:11 Suppose they say, "Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it! |
1:12 They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them! |
1:13 We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot! |
1:14 Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal." |
1:15 My child, don't go with people like that. Stay away from them. |
1:16 They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill. |
1:17 It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching, |
1:18 but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die. |
1:19 Robbery always claims the life of the robber---this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence. |
1:20 Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces, |
1:21 calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together: |
1:22 "Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn? |
1:23 Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you. |
1:24 I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me. |
1:25 You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you. |
1:26 So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes--- |
1:27 when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery. |
1:28 Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me. |
1:29 You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the LORD. |
1:30 You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you. |
1:31 So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick. |
1:32 Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern. |
1:33 But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid." |