1The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, [given]

2to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts,

3to acquire the discipline of wise behavior- righteousness and justice and fairness-

4to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young-

5a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction-

6to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles.

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.

8My son, listen to your father's discipline, and do not neglect your mother's teachings,

9because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a [golden] chain around your neck.

10My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along.

11If they say, "Come with us. Let's set an ambush to kill someone. Let's hide to ambush innocent people for fun.

12We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit.

13We'll find all kinds of valuable possessions. We'll fill our homes with stolen goods.

14Join us. We'll split the loot equally."

15My son, do not follow them in their way. Do not even set foot on their path,

16because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood.

17It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird.

18But these people set an ambush for their own murder. They go into hiding only to lose their lives.

19This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain. Greed takes away his life.

20Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice.

21At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. At the entrances to the city she speaks her words,

22"How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?

23"Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you.

24"I called, and you refused to listen. I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention.

25You ignored all my advice. You did not want me to warn you.

26I will laugh at your calamity. I will make fun of you when panic strikes you,

27when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you.

28"They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me,

29because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD.

30They refused my advice. They despised my every warning.

31They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes.

32"Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference.

33But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster."