Proverbs

⁷The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline. [Ps. 111:10.] ⁸My son, hear the instruction of your father; reject not nor forsake the teaching of your mother. ⁹For they are a [victor's] chaplet (garland) of grace upon your head and chains and pendants [of gold worn by kings] for your neck. ¹⁰My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. [Ps. 1:1; Eph. 5:11.] ¹¹If they say, Come with us; let us lie in wait [to shed] blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause [and show that his piety is in vain]; ¹²Let us swallow them up alive as does Sheol (the place of the dead), and whole, as those who go down into the pit [of the dead]; ¹³We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods [when our victims are put out of the way], we shall fill our houses with plunder;