Proverbs:1

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* The proverbs of Solomon , son of David , king of Israel : * That men may know wisdom and instruction , understand words of insight , * receive instruction in wise dealing , righteousness , justice , and equity ; * that prudence may be given to the simple , knowledge and discretion to the youth -- * the wise man also may hear and increase in learning , and the man of understanding acquire skill , * to understand a proverb and a figure , the words of the wise and their riddles . * The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge ; fools despise wisdom and instruction . * Hear , my son , your father 's instruction , and reject not your mother 's teaching ; * for they are a fair garland for your head , and pendants for your neck . * My son , if sinners entice you , do not consent . * If they say , "Come with us , let us lie in wait for blood , let us wantonly ambush the innocent ; * like Sheol let us swallow them alive and whole , like those who go down to the Pit ; * we shall find all precious goods , we shall fill our houses with spoil ; * throw in your lot among us , we will all have one purse "-- * my son , do not walk in the way with them , hold back your foot from their paths ; * for their feet run to evil , and they make haste to shed blood . * For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird ; * but these men lie in wait for their own blood , they set an ambush for their own lives . * Such are the ways of all who get gain by violence ; it takes away the life of its possessors . * Wisdom cries aloud in the street ; in the markets she raises her voice ; * on the top of the walls she cries out ; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks : * "How long , O simple ones , will you love being simple ? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge ? * Give heed to my reproof ; behold , I will pour out my thoughts to you ; I will make my words known to you . * Because I have called and you refused to listen , have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded , * and you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof , * I also will laugh at your calamity ; I will mock when panic strikes you , * when panic strikes you like a storm , and your calamity comes like a whirlwind , when distress and anguish come upon you . * Then they will call upon me , but I will not answer ; they will seek me diligently but will not find me . * Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD , * would have none of my counsel , and despised all my reproof , * therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices . * For the simple are killed by their turning away , and the complacence of fools destroys them ; * but he who listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease , without dread of evil ."

---