Proverbs 1:1-33 GW

[1] The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, given [2] to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts, [3] to acquire the discipline of wise behavior- righteousness and justice and fairness- [4] to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young- [5] a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction- [6] to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles. [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. [8] My son, listen to your father's discipline, and do not neglect your mother's teachings, [9] because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a golden chain around your neck. [10] My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along. [11] If they say, "Come with us. Let's set an ambush to kill someone. Let's hide to ambush innocent people for fun. [12] We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit. [13] We'll find all kinds of valuable possessions. We'll fill our homes with stolen goods. [14] Join us. We'll split the loot equally." [15] My son, do not follow them in their way. Do not even set foot on their path, [16] because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood. [17] It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird. [18] But these people set an ambush for their own murder. They go into hiding only to lose their lives. [19] This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain. Greed takes away his life. [20] Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice. [21] At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. At the entrances to the city she speaks her words, [22] "How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? [23] "Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you. [24] "I called, and you refused to listen. I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention. [25] You ignored all my advice. You did not want me to warn you. [26] I will laugh at your calamity. I will make fun of you when panic strikes you, [27] when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you. [28] "They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me, [29] because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. [30] They refused my advice. They despised my every warning. [31] They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes. [32] "Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference. [33] But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster."