| Chapter 1 |
1 |
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: -
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2 |
To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding; -
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3 |
To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness, justice, and equity; -
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4 |
To give prudence to the simple, Knowledge and discretion to the young man: -
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5 |
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: -
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6 |
To understand a proverb, and parables, The words and riddles of the wise. -
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7 |
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. -
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8 |
My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: -
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9 |
For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck. -
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10 |
My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent. -
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11 |
If they say, 'Come with us, Let's lay in wait for blood; Let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; -
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12 |
Let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down into the pit. -
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13 |
We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil. -
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14 |
You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse.' -
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15 |
My son, don't walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path, -
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16 |
For their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood. -
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17 |
For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: -
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18 |
These lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. -
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19 |
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain. It takes away the life of its owners. -
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20 |
Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. -
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21 |
She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words: -
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22 |
'How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, And fools hate knowledge? -
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23 |
Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you. -
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24 |
Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; -
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25 |
But you have ignored all my counsel, And wanted none of my reproof; -
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26 |
I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you; -
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27 |
When calamity overtakes you like a storm, When your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; When distress and anguish come on you. -
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28 |
Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; -
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29 |
Because they hated knowledge, And didn't choose the fear of Yahweh. -
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30 |
They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof. -
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31 |
Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes. -
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32 |
For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them. -
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33 |
But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, And will be at ease, without fear of harm.' -
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