Proverbs - Chapter 1 | Good News Translation

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