Chapter
Proverbs 1

Book of Proverbs - Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:1

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

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to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;

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to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

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to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man:

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that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:

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to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.

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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

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My son, listen to your father's instruction, and don't forsake your mother's teaching:

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for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.

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My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.

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If they say, "Come with us, Let's lay in wait for blood; let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

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let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.

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We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil.

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You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse."

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My son, don't walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path,

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for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.

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For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:

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but these lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.

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So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

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Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.

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She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:

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"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?

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Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.

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Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;

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but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;

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I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you;

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when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you.

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Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;

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because they hated knowledge, and didn't choose the fear of the LORD.

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They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.

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Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.

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For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.

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But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm."

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