Proverbs 1 Video (MV)

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel
The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline
And to help them understand wise sayings
Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline
Good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair
These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever
They will give knowledge and purpose to young people
Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser
And let those who understand receive guidance
By exploring the depth of meaning in these
Proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
Only fools despise wisdom and discipline
Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you
Don't neglect your mother's teaching
What you learn from them will crown you
With grace and clothe you with honor

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them
They may say, "Come and join us
Let's hide and kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent
Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims
Though they are in the prime of life
They will go down into the pit of death
And the loot we'll get!
We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things
Come on, throw in your lot with us;
We'll split our loot with you"
Don't go along with them, my child!
Stay far away from their paths
They rush to commit crimes
They hurry to commit murder
When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away
But not these people!
They set an ambush for themselves;
They booby-trap their own lives
Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain
It ends up robbing them of life

Wisdom shouts in the streets
She cries out in the public square
She calls out to the crowds along the main street
And to those in front of city hall
"You simpletons!" she cries
"How long will you go on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools fight the facts?
Come here and listen to me!
I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise
"I called you so often, but you didn't come
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention
You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered
So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you
When calamity overcomes you like a storm
When you are engulfed by trouble
And when anguish and distress overwhelm you

"I will not answer when they cry for help.
Even though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me
For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord
They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them
That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way.
They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen
For they are simpletons who turn away from me- to death.
They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them
But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm"