1. The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2. to know wisdom and instruction;to discern the words of understanding;
3. to receive instruction in wise dealing,in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4. to give prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young man:
5. that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6. to understand a proverb, and parables,the words and riddles of the wise.
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
8. My son, listen to your father’s instruction,and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching:
9. for they will be a garland to grace your head,and chains around your neck.
10. My son, if sinners entice you,don’t consent.
11. If they say, “Come with us.Let’s lay in wait for blood.Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.
12. Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,and whole, like those who go down into the pit.