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