Proverbs 1:1-33 AMP

[1] The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: [2] To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, [3] To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; [4] That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, [5] The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], [6] To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection]. [7] The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. [8] My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not reject the teaching of your mother. [9] For they are a garland of grace on your head, And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck. [10] My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. [11] If they say, “Come with us; Let us lie in wait to shed blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; [12] Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead), Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death]; [13] We will find and take all kinds of precious possessions, We will fill our houses with spoil; [14] Throw in your lot with us [they insist]; We will all have one money bag [in common],” [15] My son, do not walk on the road with them; Keep your foot [far] away from their path, [16] For their feet run to evil, And they hurry to shed blood. [17] Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; [18] But [when these people set a trap for others] they lie in wait for their own blood; They set an ambush for their own lives [and rush to their destruction]. [19] So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; Greed takes away the lives of its possessors. [20] Wisdom shouts in the street, She raises her voice in the markets; [21] She calls out at the head of the noisy streets [where large crowds gather]; At the entrance of the city gates she speaks her words: [22] “How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning? How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing, How long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge? [23] If you will turn and pay attention to my rebuke, Behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. [24] Because I called and you refused [to answer], I stretched out my hand and no one has paid attention [to my offer]; [25] And you treated all my counsel as nothing And would not accept my reprimand, [26] I also will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when your dread and panic come, [27] When your dread and panic come like a storm, And your disaster comes like a whirlwind, When anxiety and distress come upon you [as retribution]. [28] Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer; They will seek me eagerly but they will not find me, [29] Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect], [30] They would not accept my counsel, And they spurned all my rebuke. [31] Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own [wicked] way And be satiated with [the penalty of] their own devices. [32] For the turning away of the naive will kill them, And the careless ease of [self-righteous] fools will destroy them. [33] But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust And will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.”