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.
King Solomon collects proverbs for his son, so that he might be wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction. Your father's instruction and mother's teaching are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Do not consent to sinners who ambush the innocent without reason, plunder, and entice you by saying they will share one purse. In vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird. The ways of those greedy for unjust gain take away the life of its possessors.
Wisdom cries aloud in the streets. If you turn at her reproof, she will pour out her spirit to you and make her words known to you. If you refuse, she will laugh when calamity strikes you. Then you will seek her diligently, but she will not answer for their rejection of fear of the Lord. Eat the fruit of your way. Turn away and be complacent and die, or listen to wisdom and dwell secure without dread.
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 his words and seek wisdom like silver and 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. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright and guards the paths of justice and his saints who walk in integrity. Discretion will deliver you from men with crooked paths. You will be delivered from the adulteress with her smooth words who forsakes the companion of her youth. Her house sinks to death, and none who go to her come back nor regain the paths of life. Walk in the way of the good and righteous. The upright will inhabit the land, those with integrity will remain in it, while the wicked are cut off and the treacherous will be uprooted.
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 your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart to find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will straighten your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, turn away from evil, 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 is in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She is pleasant, peaceful, and a tree of life.
By wisdom, the Lord founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens, by knowledge He broke open the deeps and the clouds drop down the dew. Do not lose wisdom and discretion and they will be life for your soul and your sleep will be sweet. The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. Do not plan evil against a trusting neighbor, nor envy a violent man. The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. He is scornful towards scorners and gives favor to the humble. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.