Proverbs 1:1-33 CEV

[1] These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, the son of David. [2] Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings. [3] You will learn what is right and honest and fair. [4] From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense. [5] If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand [6] proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom and all kinds of riddles. [7] Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. [8] My child, obey the teachings of your parents, [9] and wear their teachings as you would a lovely hat or a pretty necklace. [10] Don't be tempted by sinners or listen [11] when they say, "Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it! [12] They're well and healthy now, but we'll finish them off once and for all. [13] We'll take their valuables and fill our homes with stolen goods. [14] If you join our gang, you'll get your share." [15] Don't follow anyone like that or do what they do. [16] They are in a big hurry to commit some crime, perhaps even murder. [17] They are like a bird that sees the bait, but ignores the trap. [18] They gang up to murder someone, but they are the victims. [19] The wealth you get from crime robs you of your life. [20] Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather. [21] She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people, [22] "How much longer will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won't you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge? [23] Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think. [24] You completely ignored me and refused to listen; [25] you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. [26] "So when you are struck by some terrible disaster, [27] or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun. [28] You will ask for my help, but I won't listen; you will search, but you won't find me. [29] No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the LORD. [30] You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. [31] "Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. [32] Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. [33] But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster."