1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2to know wisdom and instruction;
3to receive instruction in wise dealing,
4to give prudence to the simple,
5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
6to understand a proverb and parables,
7The fear of Yahweh1:7 “Yahweh” is God’s proper Name, sometimes rendered “LORD” (all caps) in other translations. is the beginning of knowledge,
8My son, listen to your father’s instruction,
9for they will be a garland to grace your head,
10My son, if sinners entice you,
11If they say, “Come with us.
12Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,1:12 Sheol is the place of the dead.
13We’ll find all valuable wealth.
14You shall cast your lot among us.
15my son, don’t walk on the path with them.
16for their feet run to evil.
17For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird;
18but these lay in wait for their own blood.
19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
20Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
21She calls at the head of noisy places.
22“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
23Turn at my reproof.
24Because I have called, and you have refused;
25but you have ignored all my counsel,
26I also will laugh at your disaster.
27when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
28Then they will call on me, but I will not answer.
29because they hated knowledge,
30They wanted none of my counsel.
31Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
32For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
33But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,