New King James Version

Proverbs 1:7-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8. My son, hear the instruction of your father,And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,And chains about your neck.

10. My son, if sinners entice you,Do not consent.

11. If they say, “Come with us,Let us lie in wait to shed blood;Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14. Cast in your lot among us,Let us all have one purse”—

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,And they make haste to shed blood.