5. that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6. to understand a proverb, and parables,the words and riddles of the wise.
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
8. My son, listen to your father’s instruction,and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching:
9. for they will be a garland to grace your head,and chains around your neck.
10. My son, if sinners entice you,don’t consent.
11. If they say, “Come with us.Let’s lay in wait for blood.Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.
12. Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
13. We’ll find all valuable wealth.We’ll fill our houses with plunder.
14. You shall cast your lot amongst us.We’ll all have one purse.”
15. My son, don’t walk on the path with them.Keep your foot from their path,
16. for their feet run to evil.They hurry to shed blood.
17. For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
18. but these lay wait for their own blood.They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.It takes away the life of its owners.
20. Wisdom calls aloud in the street.She utters her voice in the public squares.
21. She calls at the head of noisy places.At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:
22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,and fools hate knowledge?