1Proverbs 1

The Value of Proverbs

1The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel.Select Proverbs 1:1

2Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning.Select Proverbs 1:2

3They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair.Select Proverbs 1:3

4They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful.Select Proverbs 1:4

5These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated,Select Proverbs 1:5

6so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.Select Proverbs 1:6

Advice to the Young

7To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.Select Proverbs 1:7

8My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you.Select Proverbs 1:8

9Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance.Select Proverbs 1:9

10My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in.Select Proverbs 1:10

11Suppose they say, “Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it!Select Proverbs 1:11

12They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them!Select Proverbs 1:12

13We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot!Select Proverbs 1:13

14Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal.”Select Proverbs 1:14

15My child, don't go with people like that. Stay away from them.Select Proverbs 1:15

16They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill.Select Proverbs 1:16

17It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching,Select Proverbs 1:17

18but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die.Select Proverbs 1:18

19Robbery always claims the life of the robber—this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence.Select Proverbs 1:19

Wisdom Calls

20Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces,Select Proverbs 1:20

21calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together:Select Proverbs 1:21

22“Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn?Select Proverbs 1:22

23Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you.Select Proverbs 1:23

24I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me.Select Proverbs 1:24

25You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you.Select Proverbs 1:25

26So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes—Select Proverbs 1:26

27when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery.Select Proverbs 1:27

28Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me.Select Proverbs 1:28

29You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the Lord.Select Proverbs 1:29

30You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you.Select Proverbs 1:30

31So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick.Select Proverbs 1:31

32Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern.Select Proverbs 1:32

33But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid.”Select Proverbs 1:33