1. The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David,king of Israel:
2. That people may know wisdom and discipline,may understand intelligent sayings;
3. May receive instruction in wise conduct,in what is right, just and fair;
4. That resourcefulness may be imparted to the naive,knowledge and discretion to the young.
5. The wise by hearing them will advance in learning,the intelligent will gain sound guidance,
6. To comprehend proverb and byword,the words of the wise and their riddles.
7. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and discipline.
8. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,and reject not your mother’s teaching;
9. A graceful diadem will they be for your head;a pendant for your neck.
10. My son, should sinners entice you,
11. do not go if they say, “Come along with us!Let us lie in wait for blood,unprovoked, let us trap the innocent;
12. Let us swallow them alive, like Sheol,whole, like those who go down to the pit!