Proverbs 1
1THE Proverbs of David’s son Solomon, who reigned over Israel,
2knowing wisdom and how to teach it—
3the perception of the words of prudence—the interpretation of sentences—discerning of true justice
4and directing judgment, that he might teach shrewd wit to the innocent; and to the youth, sensibility and discretion:
5For, by attending to them a wise man will become wiser; and a man of understanding will possess a rule of government
6and will comprehend a parable and dark speech, and the sayings of the wise, and enigmas.
7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And all who practise this have good understanding. And piety towards God is the beginning of discernment: but the wicked despise wisdom and instruction.
8My son, hear the instruction of thy father and reject not the maxims of thy mother:
9for thou wilt receive a graceful crown for thy head; and a chain of gold for thy neck.
10My son, let not wicked men lead thee astray.
11Consent not when they advise thee, saying, Come with us; partake of blood; and let us hide in the earth an innocent man without cause,
12and swallow him up alive, as the grave, and take away from earth the remembrance of him.
13Let us seize his precious substance and fill our houses with spoils.
14Cast in thy lot among us, and let us all have a common purse. Let one scrip serve us.
15Go not thou in the way with them; but turn thy foot from their paths.
16For their feet run to do evil, and are swift to shed blood.
17For nets are not spread for birds unjustly.
18For they who are accomplices to murder, treasure up evils for themselves. And doleful is the destruction of wicked men.
19Such are the ways of all who commit iniquitous deeds. For by wickedness they destroy their own soul.
20Wisdom* uttereth her song at the gates, and in the streets
21speaketh boldly; and on the tops of walls she maketh proclamation; and at the gates of mighty men taketh a seat, and at the gates of a city with confidence saith:
22“While the innocent adhere to justice they shall not be put to shame: but as for fools who delight in mischief, having become wicked, they hated knowledge and are become liable to censures.
23Behold I will pour forth to you the dictate of my spirit: and teach you this word of mine—seeing I have called
24and you have not answered: and though I continued my speech, you did not attend,
25but set at naught my counsels and disregarded my reproofs;
26therefore I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your destruction cometh.
27Yes, when tumult shall suddenly come upon you; and destruction like a whirlwind shall be at hand—even when tribulation and siege approach you; or when destruction is advancing upon you.
28For when you call upon me I will not listen to you.
29The wicked may seek me, but they shall not find me. For they hated wisdom and did not choose the word of the Lord:
30nor would they attend to my counsels, but contemned my reproofs.
31Let them eat, therefore, the fruits of their own way, and be filled with their own iniquity.
32For, because they wronged infants they shall be slain: and a rigorous inquest shall destroy the wicked.
33But he who hearkeneth to me shall dwell with hope, and rest secure from all evil.”