1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon,David’s son, Israel’s king—Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,to understand what life means and where it’s going;A manual for living,for learning what’s right and just and fair;To teach the inexperienced the ropesand give our young people a grasp on reality.There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.
7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
8-19 Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you;never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair,like rings on your fingers.Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you,don’t go along with them.If they say—“Let’s go out and raise some hell.Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman.Let’s pick them cleanand get them ready for their funerals.We’ll load up on top-quality loot.We’ll haul it home by the truckload.Join us for the time of your life!With us, it’s share and share alike!”—Oh, friend, don’t give them a second look;don’t listen to them for a minute.They’re racing to a very bad end,hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on.Nobody robs a bankwith everyone watching,Yet that’s what these people are doing—they’re doing themselves in.When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens:the more you get, the less you are.
20-21 Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts.At the town center she makes her speech.In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand.At the busiest corner she calls out: