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1:1  These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, the son of David.
1:2  Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings.
1:3  You will learn what is right and honest and fair.
1:4  From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense.
1:5  If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand
1:6  proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom, and all kinds of riddles.
1:7  Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.
1:8  My child, obey the teachings of your parents,
1:9  and wear their teachings as you would a pretty hat or a lovely necklace.
1:10  Don't be tempted by sinners or listen
1:11  when they say, “Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it!
1:12  They're well and healthy now, but we'll finish them off once and for all.
1:13  We'll take their valuables and fill our homes with stolen goods.
1:14  If you join our gang, you'll get your share.”
1:15  Don't follow anyone like that or do what they do.
1:16  They are in a big hurry to commit some crime, perhaps even murder.
1:17  They are like a bird that sees the bait, but ignores the trap.
1:18  They gang up to murder someone, but they are the victims.
1:19  The wealth you get from crime robs you of your life.
1:20  Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather.
1:21  She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people,
1:22  “How much longer will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won't you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge?
1:23  Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think.
1:24  You completely ignored me and refused to listen;
1:25  you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.
1:26  “So when you are struck by some terrible disaster,
1:27  or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun.
1:28  You will ask for my help, but I won't listen; you will search, but you won't find me.
1:29  No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the Lord.
1:30  You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.
1:31  “Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes.
1:32  Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.
1:33  But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.”