Proverbs 1
1
Introduction: how proverbs can be used
1These are the proverbs#1 K 4.32.
of King Solomon of Israel,
the son of David.
2Proverbs will teach you
wisdom and self-control
and how to understand
sayings with deep meanings.
3You will learn what is right
and honest and fair.
4From these, an ordinary person
can learn to be clever,
and young people can gain
knowledge and good sense.
5If you are already wise,
you will become even wiser.
And if you are clever,
you will learn to understand
6proverbs and sayings,
as well as words of wisdom
and all kinds of riddles.
7Respect and obey the LORD!#Job 28.28; Ps 111.10; Pr 9.10.
This is the beginning
of knowledge.#1.7 the beginning of knowledge: Or “what knowledge is all about”.
Only a fool rejects wisdom
and good advice.
Parental advice on the importance of seeking wisdom and not being foolish
Warnings against bad friends
8My child, obey the teachings
of your parents,
9and wear their teachings
as you would a lovely hat
or a pretty necklace.
10Don't be tempted by sinners
or listen 11when they say,
“Come on! Let's gang up
and kill somebody,
just for the fun of it!
12They're well and healthy now,
but we'll finish them off
once and for all.
13We'll take their valuables
and fill our homes
with stolen goods.
14If you join our gang,
you'll get your share.”
15Don't follow anyone like that
or do what they do.
16They are in a big hurry
to commit some crime,
perhaps even murder.
17They are like a bird
that sees the bait,
but ignores the trap.#1.17 They are…trap: Or “Be like a bird that won't go for the bait, if it sees the trap.”
18They gang up to murder someone,
but they are the victims.
19The wealth you get from crime
robs you of your life.
Wisdom speaks
20Wisdom#1.20 Wisdom: In the book of Proverbs the word “wisdom” is sometimes used as though wisdom were a supernatural being who was with God at the time of creation. shouts in the streets#Pr 8.1-3.
wherever crowds gather.
21She shouts in the market places
and near the city gates
as she says to the people,
22“How much longer
will you enjoy
being stupid fools?
Won't you ever stop sneering
and laughing at knowledge?
23Listen as I correct you
and tell you what I think.
24You completely ignored me
and refused to listen;
25you rejected my advice
and paid no attention
when I warned you.
26“So when you are struck
by some terrible disaster,
27or when trouble and distress
surround you like a whirlwind,
I will laugh and make fun of you.
28You will ask for my help,
but I won't listen;
you will search,
but you won't find me.
29No, you would not learn,
and you refused
to respect the LORD.
30You rejected my advice
and paid no attention
when I warned you.
31“Now you will eat the fruit
of what you have done,
until you are stuffed full
with your own schemes.
32Sin and self-satisfaction
bring destruction and death
to stupid fools.
33But if you listen to me,
you will be safe and secure
without fear of disaster.”
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Proverbs 1: CEVUK
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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012