Proverbs 1:1-19

New International Version

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a](D)
    knowledge and discretion^(E) to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,^(F)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,^(G)
    the sayings and riddles^(H) of the wise.^[b](I)

⁷ The fear of the Lord^(J) is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools^[c] despise wisdom^(K) and instruction.^(L)

¹⁰ My son, if sinful men entice^(Q) you,
    do not give in^(R) to them.^(S)
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait^(T) for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
¹² let’s swallow^(U) them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;^(V)
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;
¹⁴ cast lots with us;
    we will all share the loot^(W)”—
¹⁵ my son, do not go along with them,
    do not set foot^(X) on their paths;^(Y)
16 for their feet rush into evil,^(Z)
    they are swift to shed blood.^(AA)
17 How useless to spread a net
    where every bird can see it!
¹⁸ These men lie in wait^(AB) for their own blood;
    they ambush only themselves!^(AC)
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
    it takes away the life of those who get it.^(AD)