Proverbs
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1 - My son, fear the Lord to become wise, do not fall for the enticement of violent sinners, and heed wisdom.
These are the proverbs of King Solomon. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, your parents' instruction is a garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Do not allow sinners to entice you to violence for unjust gain, for they set an ambush for their own lives. Wisdom cries aloud in the street, but simple ones, scoffers, and fools refuse to listen until the day of calamity when she will not answer them. Those who listen and fear the Lord now will dwell secure and at ease.
2 - My son, if you receive my words, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Treasure up my words and seek wisdom like hidden treasures to understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. The Lord gives wisdom, and knowledge and understanding come from His mouth. Wisdom will guard the upright. You will be delivered from the adulteress whose house sinks down to death. Walk in the way of the good and righteous. The upright will inhabit the land, those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off and the treacherous will be rooted out.
3 - My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Bind steadfast love and faithfulness around you to find favor and success in God and man's sight. Trust the Lord, acknowledge Him in all your ways, be not wise in your own eyes, honor the Lord with your wealth and firstfruits, and do not despise the Lord's discipline. Wisdom's gain is better than gold: long life, riches and honor, pleasantness, peace, and a tree of life. The Lord founded the earth by wisdom, established the heavens by understanding, and broke open the deeps and dropped down the dew of clouds by knowledge. Wisdom and discretion will be life for your soul and keep your sleep sweet. The Lord will be your confidence. Do not withhold good from whom it is due, do not plan evil against a trusting neighbor, and do not envy violent men. He is scornful towards scorners and gives favor to the humble. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.