1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.She cries out in the public square. 21 She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: 22 “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded?How long will you mockers relish your mocking?How long will you fools hate knowledge? 23 Come and listen to my counsel.I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. 24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. 28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord.
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. 10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.