Proverbs 1

²These sayings help us learn wisdom. They show us what is right.

³These sayings teach us to do what is right. They teach us to be fair to everyone.

⁴These sayings help even young children. They help us make good choices.

⁵Wise people keep on listening. They never stop learning.

⁶These sayings help us understand hard things. God helps us understand.

⁷Respecting God is where wisdom begins. People who ignore God are foolish.

⁸Listen to what your father teaches you. Do not forget what your mother says.

⁹When you obey your parents, it is beautiful. It shows who you are on the inside.

¹⁰If someone asks you to do wrong, say no.

¹¹Some people want to hurt those who did nothing wrong. Do not join them.

¹²They want to destroy others completely. Their hearts are cruel.

¹³They say, 'We will take what we want.' Taking from others is wrong.

¹⁴They say, 'Join us and do wrong together.' That is dangerous.

¹⁵Do not go with them. Stay on the right path.

¹⁶These people do not walk toward trouble. They run.

¹⁷Even birds avoid traps they can see. Listen to warnings.

¹⁸But evil people actually trap themselves. Their bad choices hurt them.

¹⁹Everyone who is greedy ends up hurt. Greed destroys people.

²⁰Wisdom is like a person calling out loud. She wants everyone to hear.

²¹Wisdom calls out where many people are. She wants all people to hear.

²²Wisdom asks: will you stay foolish? When will you choose to learn?

²³Wisdom says: turn around and listen. God will fill you with understanding.

²⁴Wisdom says: I have been calling to you. But you would not listen.

²⁵They threw away God's good advice. They did not want to be taught.

²⁶When trouble comes, wisdom says: I could not help you. You would not listen.

²⁷Trouble can come fast, like a big storm. It can hurt very much.

²⁸Then they will ask for wisdom. But it may be too late.

²⁹This happened because they would not learn. They chose not to respect God.

³⁰They did not want any advice. They hated being told they were wrong.

³¹So they got what they chose. Choices always come back to us.

³²Foolish people walk away from wisdom. They end up getting hurt.

³³Those who listen to wisdom will be safe. They will not be afraid.