The World English Bible (WEB): Proverbs (Illustrated)

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

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