The Beginning of Knowledge
(Proverbs 9:1–12)

1The parables of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel,

2in order to know wisdom and discipline,

3to understand words of prudence, and to accept the instruction of doctrine, justice and judgment, and equity,

4so as to give discernment to little ones, knowledge and understanding to adolescents.

5By listening, the wise shall become wiser and the intelligent shall possess governments.

6He shall turn his soul to a parable and to its interpretation, to the words of the wise and their enigmas.

7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The foolish despise wisdom as well as doctrine.

The Enticement of Sin

8Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother,

9so that grace may be added to your head and a collar to your neck.

10My son, if sinners should entice you, do not consent to them.

11If they should say: “Come with us. We will lie in wait for blood. We will lay traps against the innocent, without cause.

12Let us swallow him alive, like Hell, and whole, like one descending into the pit.

13We will discover every precious substance. We will fill our houses with spoils.

14Cast your lot with us. One purse will be for us all.”

15My son, do not walk with them. Preclude your feet from their paths.

16For their feet rush to evil, and they hurry to shed blood.

17But a net is thrown in vain before the eyes of those who have wings.

18Likewise, they lie in ambush against their own blood, and they undertake deceits against their own souls.

19Thus, the ways of all those who are greedy seize the souls of those who possess.

Wisdom Calls Aloud

20Wisdom forewarns far and wide; she bestows her voice in the streets.

21She cries out at the head of crowds; at the entrance of the gates of the city, she offers her words, saying:

22“Little ones, how long will you choose to be childish, and how long will the foolish desire what is harmful to themselves, and how long will the imprudent hate knowledge?

23Be converted by my correction. Lo, I will offer my spirit to you, and I will reveal my words to you.

24For I called, and you refused. I extended my hand, and there was no one who watched.

25You have despised all my counsels, and you have neglected my rebukes.

26Similarly, I will ridicule you at your demise, and I will mock you, when that which you feared shall overcome you.

27When sudden calamity rushes upon you, and your demise advances like a tempest, when tribulation and anguish overcome you,

28then they will call to me, and I will not heed, they will arise in the morning, and not find me.

29For they held hatred for discipline, and they would not accept the fear of the Lord;

30they would not consent to my counsel, but they detracted from all of my corrections.

31Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their way, and they shall have their fill of their own counsels.

32The loathing of the little ones shall destroy them, and the prosperity of the foolish shall perish them.

33But whoever will listen to me shall rest without terror, and shall have full enjoyment of abundance, without fear of evils.”