The Purpose of Proverbs
2For learning wisdom and discipline;
for understanding insightful sayings;
3for receiving prudent instruction
in righteousness, justice, and integrity;1:3 Pr 2:9
and let a discerning person obtain guidance —
6for understanding a proverb or a parable,1:6 Or an enigma
7The fear of the Lord
fools despise wisdom and discipline.1:7 Eph 5:17
Avoid the Path of the Violent
8Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,
don’t be persuaded.1:10 Ps 141:4
11If they say — “Come with us!
Let’s attack some innocent person1:11 Ps 10:8 just for fun!1:11 Lit person for no reason
whole, like those who go down to the Pit.1:12 Ps 28:1
13We’ll find all kinds of valuable property
and fill our houses with plunder.1:13 Pr 24:4
14Throw in your lot with us,
and we’ll all share the loot”1:14 Lit us; one bag will be for all of us —
or set foot on their path,1:15 Ps 119:101; Pr 16:19
16because their feet run toward evil
and they hurry to shed blood.1:16 Pr 6:17–18; Is 59:7; Rm 3:15
17It is useless to spread a net
where any bird can see it,
18but they set an ambush to kill themselves;1:18 Lit they ambush for their blood
they attack their own lives.
19Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly;1:19 Pr 15:27; Ezk 22:27; Hab 2:6–12
it takes the lives of those who receive it.1:19 Lit takes the life of its masters
Wisdom’s Plea
20Wisdom calls out in the street;
21She cries out above1:21 Lit at the head of the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
22“How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers1:22 Ps 1:1 enjoy mocking
then I will pour out my spirit on you1:23 Jl 2:28
and teach you my words.
and did not accept my correction,
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when trouble and stress overcome you.
28Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;
they will search for me, but won’t find me.1:28 1Sm 8:18
29Because they hated knowledge,
didn’t choose to fear the Lord,1:29 Pr 1:7
30were not interested in my counsel,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33But whoever listens to me will live securely
and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.”1:33 Ps 112:7–8; Pr 3:24–26
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