Proverbs 1:1-33 GNT

[1] The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. [2] Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. [3] They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. [4] They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. [5] These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, [6] so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise. [7] To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. [8] My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. [9] Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance. [10] My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in. [11] Suppose they say, "Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it! [12] They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them! [13] We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot! [14] Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal." [15] My child, don't go with people like that. Stay away from them. [16] They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill. [17] It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching, [18] but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die. [19] Robbery always claims the life of the robber-this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence. [20] Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces, [21] calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together: [22] "Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn? [23] Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you. [24] I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me. [25] You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you. [26] So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes- [27] when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery. [28] Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me. [29] You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the LORD. [30] You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you. [31] So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick. [32] Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern. [33] But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid."