Proverbs 1:1-16

Introduction to the Book

1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

1:2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction,

and to discern wise counsel.

1:3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living,

in righteousness, justice, and equity.

1:4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,

and a discerning plan to the young person.

1:5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,

and let the discerning acquire guidance!)

1:6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,

the sayings of the wise and their riddles.

Introduction to the Theme of the Book

1:7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1:8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,

and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.

1:9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,

and like pendants around your neck.

Admonition to Avoid Easy but Unjust Riches

1:10 My child, if sinners try to entice you,

do not consent!

1:11 If they say, “Come with us!

We will lie in wait to shed blood;

we will ambush an innocent person capriciously.

1:12 We will swallow them alive like Sheol,

those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit.

1:13 We will seize all kinds of precious wealth;

we will fill our houses with plunder.

1:14 Join with us!

We will all share equally in what we steal.”

1:15 My child, do not go down their way,

withhold yourself from their path;

1:16 for they are eager to inflict harm,

and they hasten to shed blood.