1:1   These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, the son of David.

1:2   Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings.

1:3   You will learn what is right and honest and fair.

1:4   From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense.

1:5   If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand

1:6   proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom and all kinds of riddles.

1:7   Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.

1:8   My child, obey the teachings of your parents,

1:9   and wear their teachings as you would a lovely hat or a pretty necklace.

1:10   Don't be tempted by sinners or listen

1:11   when they say, "Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it!

1:12   They're well and healthy now, but we'll finish them off once and for all.

1:13   We'll take their valuables and fill our homes with stolen goods.

1:14   If you join our gang, you'll get your share."

1:15   Don't follow anyone like that or do what they do.

1:16   They are in a big hurry to commit some crime, perhaps even murder.

1:17   They are like a bird that sees the bait, but ignores the trap.

1:18   They gang up to murder someone, but they are the victims.

1:19   The wealth you get from crime robs you of your life.

1:20   Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather.

1:21   She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people,

1:22   "How much longer will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won't you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge?

1:23   Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think.

1:24   You completely ignored me and refused to listen;

1:25   you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

1:26   "So when you are struck by some terrible disaster,

1:27   or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun.

1:28   You will ask for my help, but I won't listen; you will search, but you won't find me.

1:29   No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the LORD.

1:30   You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

1:31   "Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes.

1:32   Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.

1:33   But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster."