The World English Bible (WEB): Proverbs

Excerpt

Proverbs

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

1:2to know wisdom and instruction;to discern the words of understanding;1:3to receive instruction in wise dealing,in righteousness, justice, and equity;1:4to give prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young man:1:5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:1:6to understand a proverb, and parables,the words and riddles of the wise.1:7The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.1:8My son, listen to your father's instruction,and don't forsake your mother's teaching:1:9for they will be a garland to grace your head,and chains around your neck.1:10My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.1:11If they say, "Come with us,Let's lay in wait for blood;let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;1:12let's swallow them up alive like Sheol,and whole, like those who go down into the pit.1:13We'll find all valuable wealth.We'll fill our houses with spoil.1:14You shall cast your lot among us.We'll all have one purse."1:15My son, don't walk in the way with them.Keep your foot from their path,1:16for their feet run to evil.They hurry to shed blood.1:17For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:1:18but these lay wait for their own blood.They lurk secretly for their own lives.1:19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.It takes away the life of its owners.1:20Wisdom calls aloud in the street.She utters her voice in the public squares.1:21She calls at the head of noisy places.At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:1:22"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,and fools hate knowledge?1:23Turn at my reproof.Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.I will make known my words to you.1:24Because I have called, and you have refused;I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;1:25but you have ignored all my counsel,and wanted none of my reproof;1:26I also will laugh at your disaster.I will mock when calamity overtakes you;1:27when calamity overtakes you like a storm,when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;when distress and anguish come on you.1:28Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;1:29because they hated knowledge,and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.1:30They wanted none of my counsel.They despised all my reproof.1:31Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,and be filled with their own schemes.1:32For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.The careless ease of fools will destroy them.1:33But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,and will be at ease, without fear of harm."2:1My son, if you will receive my words,and store up my commandments within you;2:2So as to turn your ear to wisdom,and apply your heart to understanding;2:3Yes, if you call out for discernment,and lift up your voice for understanding;2:4If you seek her as silver,and search for her as for hidden treasures:2:5then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,and find the knowledge of God....