1 These are the proverbsof King Solomon of Israel,the son of David.
2 Proverbs will teach youwisdom and self-controland how to understandsayings with deep meanings.
3 You will learn what is rightand honest and fair.
4 From these, an ordinary personcan learn to be smart,and young people can gainknowledge and good sense.
5 If you are already wise,you will become even wiser.And if you are smart,you will learn to understand
6 proverbs and sayings,as well as words of wisdom,and all kinds of riddles.
7 Respect and obey the Lord!This is the beginningof knowledge.Only a fool rejects wisdomand good advice.
8 My child, obey the teachingsof your parents,
9 and wear their teachingsas you would a pretty hator a lovely necklace.
10 Don't be tempted by sinnersor listen
11 when they say,“Come on! Let's gang upand kill somebody,just for the fun of it!
12 They're well and healthy now,but we'll finish them offonce and for all.
13 We'll take their valuablesand fill our homeswith stolen goods.
14 If you join our gang,you'll get your share.”
15 Don't follow anyone like thator do what they do.
16 They are in a big hurryto commit some crime,perhaps even murder.
17 They are like a birdthat sees the bait,but ignores the trap.
18 They gang up to murder someone,but they are the victims.
19 The wealth you get from crimerobs you of your life.
20 Wisdom shouts in the streetswherever crowds gather.
21 She shouts in the marketplacesand near the city gatesas she says to the people,
22 “How much longerwill you enjoybeing stupid fools?Won't you ever stop sneeringand laughing at knowledge?
23 Listen as I correct youand tell you what I think.
24 You completely ignored meand refused to listen;
25 you rejected my adviceand paid no attentionwhen I warned you.
26 “So when you are struckby some terrible disaster,
27 or when trouble and distresssurround you like a whirlwind,I will laugh and make fun.
28 You will ask for my help,but I won't listen;you will search,but you won't find me.
29 No, you would not learn,and you refusedto respect the Lord.
30 You rejected my adviceand paid no attentionwhen I warned you.
31 “Now you will eat the fruitof what you have done,until you are stuffed fullwith your own schemes.
32 Sin and self-satisfactionbring destruction and deathto stupid fools.
33 But if you listen to me,you will be safe and securewithout fear of disaster.”