Proverbs 1:1-12 ▼

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and discipline, To understand the sayings of understanding,

3 To receive discipline that leads to insight, Righteousness, justice, and equity,

4 To give prudence to the simple, To the youth knowledge and discretion;

5 Let the wise man hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire guidance,

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline.

8 Hear, my son, your father’s discipline And do not abandon your mother’s instruction;

9 For they are a garland of grace for your head And ornaments about your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not be willing.

11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause;

12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, as those who go down to the pit;