1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2To know wisdom and instruction, 3To receive instruction in wise behavior, 4To give prudence to the naive, 5A wise man will hear and increase in learning, 6To understand a proverb and a figure, 7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; The Enticement of Sinners 8Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, 9Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, 10My son, if sinners entice you, 11If they say, “Come with us, 12Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, 13We shall find all kinds of precious wealth, 14Throw in your lot with us, 15My son, do not walk in the way with them. 16For their feet run to evil, 17Indeed, it is useless to spread the net 18But they lie in wait for their own blood; 19So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; Wisdom Warns 20Wisdom shouts in the street, 21At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; 22“How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity? 23“Turn to my reproof, 24“Because I called, and you refused; 25And you neglected all my counsel, 26I will even laugh at your calamity; 27When your dread comes like a storm, 28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; 29Because they hated knowledge, 30“They would not accept my counsel, 31“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, 32“For the waywardness of the naive shall kill them, 33“But he who listens to me shall live securely, New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org Bible Hub |