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1:1  The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel.
1:2  Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning.
1:3  They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair.
1:4  They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful.
1:5  These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated,
1:6  so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.
1:7  To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.
1:8  My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you.
1:9  Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance.
1:10  My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in.
1:11  Suppose they say, “Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it!
1:12  They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them!
1:13  We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot!
1:14  Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal.”
1:15  My child, don't go with people like that. Stay away from them.
1:16  They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill.
1:17  It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching,
1:18  but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die.
1:19  Robbery always claims the life of the robber—this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence.
1:20  Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces,
1:21  calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together:
1:22  “Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn?
1:23  Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you.
1:24  I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me.
1:25  You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you.
1:26  So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes—
1:27  when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery.
1:28  Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me.
1:29  You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the Lord.
1:30  You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you.
1:31  So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick.
1:32  Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern.
1:33  But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid.”