let a wise person listen and increase learning,

and let a discerning person obtain guidance —

The fear of the LORD

is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and discipline.

If they say ​— ​“Come with us!

Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.[fn]

Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun![fn]

“Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol,

whole, like those who go down to the Pit.

“We’ll find all kinds of valuable property

and fill our houses with plunder.

“Throw in your lot with us,

and we’ll all share the loot”[fn] —

my son, don’t travel that road with them

or set foot on their path,

but they set an ambush to kill themselves;[fn]

they attack their own lives.

Wisdom calls out in the street;

she makes her voice heard in the public squares.

She cries out above[fn] the commotion;

she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:

“How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance?

How long will you mockers enjoy mocking

and you fools hate knowledge?

“If you respond to my warning,[fn]

then I will pour out my spirit on you

and teach you my words.

“since you neglected all my counsel

and did not accept my correction,

“I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.

I will mock when terror strikes you,

“when terror strikes you like a storm

and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,

when trouble and stress overcome you.

“Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;

they will search for me, but won’t find me.

“Because they hated knowledge,

didn’t choose to fear the LORD,

“were not interested in my counsel,

and rejected all my correction,

“But whoever listens to me will live securely

and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.”

furthermore, if you call out to insight

and lift your voice to understanding,

For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will delight you.

Discretion will watch over you,

and understanding will guard you.

For the upright will inhabit the land,

and those of integrity will remain in it;

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,

and the treacherous ripped out of it.

Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.

Tie them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

in all your ways know him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Don’t be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

then your barns will be completely filled,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.

for the LORD disciplines the one he loves,

just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

She is more precious than jewels;

nothing you desire can equal her.

Long life[fn] is in her right hand;

in her left, riches and honor.

The LORD founded the earth by wisdom

and established the heavens by understanding.

By his knowledge the watery depths broke open,

and the clouds dripped with dew.

Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.

My son, don’t lose sight of them.

Then you will go safely on your way;

your foot will not stumble.

When you lie[fn] down, you will not be afraid;

you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.

for the devious are detestable to the LORD,

but he is a friend[fn] to the upright.

The LORD’s curse is on the household of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the righteous;

He mocks those who mock

but gives grace to the humble.

The wise will inherit honor,

but he holds up fools to dishonor.[fn]

I am teaching you the way of wisdom;

I am guiding you on straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

Avoid it; don’t travel on it.

Turn away from it, and pass it by.

They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

shining brighter and brighter until midday.