1. The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2. for gaining wisdom and instruction;for understanding words of insight;
3. for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour,doing what is right and just and fair;
4. for giving prudence to those who are simple,knowledge and discretion to the young –
5. let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance –
6. for understanding proverbs and parables,the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8. Listen, my son, to your father’s instructionand do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9. They are a garland to grace your headand a chain to adorn your neck.
10. My son, if sinful men entice you,do not give in to them.
11. If they say, ‘Come along with us;let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12. let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13. we will get all sorts of valuable thingsand fill our houses with plunder;