[1] The Proverbs of David's son Solomon, who reigned over Israel, [2] knowing wisdom and how to teach it— [3] the perception of the words of prudence—the interpretation of sentences—discerning of true justice [4] and directing judgment, that he might teach shrewd wit to the innocent; and to the youth, sensibility and discretion: [5] For, by attending to them a wise man will become wiser; and a man of understanding will possess a rule of government [6] and will comprehend a parable and dark speech, and the sayings of the wise, and enigmas.
[7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And all who practice this have good understanding. And piety towards God is the beginning of discernment: but the wicked despise wisdom and instruction.
[8] My son, hear the instruction of they father and reject not the maxims of thy mother: [9] for thou wilt receive a graceful crown for thy head; and a chain of gold for thy neck.
[10] My son, let not wicked men lead thee astray. [11] Consent not when they advise thee, saying, Come with us; partake of blood; and let us hide in the earth an innocent man without cause, [12] and swallow him up alive, as the grave, and take away from earth the remembrance of him. [13] Let us seize his precious substance and fill our houses with spoils. [14] Cast in thy lot among us, and let us all have a common purse. Let one scrip serve us. [15] Go not thou in the way with them; but turn thy foot from their paths. [16] For their feet run to do evil, and are swift to shed blood. [17] For nets are not spread for birds unjustly. [18] For they who are accomplices to murder, treasure up evils for themselves. And doleful is the destruction of wicked men. [19] Such are the ways of all who commit iniquitous deeds. For by wickedness they destroy their own soul.
[20] Wisdom uttereth her song at the gates, and in the streets speaketh boldly; [21] and on the tops of walls she maketh proclamation; and at the gates of mighty men taketh a seat, and at the gates of a city with confidence saith:
[22] "While the innocent adhere to justice they shall not be put to shame: but as for fools who delight in mischief, having become wicked, they hated knowledge and are become liable to censures. [23] Behold I will pour forth to you the dictate of my spirit: and teach you this word of mine—seeing I have called [24] and you have not answered: and though I continued my speech, you did not attend, [25] but set at naught my counsels and disregarded my reproofs; [26] therefore I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your destruction cometh. [27] Yes, when tumult shall suddenly come upon you; and destruction like a whirlwind shall be at hand—even when tribulation and siege approach you; or when destruction is advancing upon you. [28] For when you call upon me I will not listen to you. [29] The wicked may seek me, but they shall not find me. [30] For they hated wisdom and did not choose the word of the Lord: [31] nor would they attend to my counsels, but contemned my reproofs. [32] Let them eat, therefore, the fruits of their own way, and be filled with their own iniquity. For, because they wronged infants they shall be slain: and a rigorous inquest shall destroy the wicked. [33] But he who hearkeneth to me shall dwell with hope, and rest secure from all evil."
