7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.
8. My son,listen to your father’s discipline,and do not neglect your mother’s teachings,
9. because discipline and teachingsare a graceful garland on your headand a ⌊golden⌋ chain around your neck.
10. My son,if sinners lure you, do not go along.
11. If they say,“Come with us.Let’s set an ambush to kill someone.Let’s hide to ambush innocent people for fun.
12. We’ll swallow them alive like the grave,like those in good health who go into the pit.
13. We’ll find all kinds of valuable possessions.We’ll fill our homes with stolen goods.
14. Join us.We’ll split the loot equally.”
15. My son,do not follow them in their way.Do not even set foot on their path,
16. because they rush to do eviland hurry to shed blood.
17. It does no good to spread a netwithin the sight of any bird.
18. But these people set an ambush for their own murder.They go into hiding only to lose their lives.
19. This is what happens to everyonewho is greedy for unjust gain.Greed takes away his life.
20. Wisdom sings her song in the streets.In the public squares she raises her voice.
21. At 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.