Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

Listen, my son,(A) to your father’s(B) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(C)
They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.(D)

10 My son, if sinful men entice(E) you,
    do not give in(F) to them.(G)
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait(H) for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow(I) them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;(J)
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
    we will all share the loot(K)”—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
    do not set foot(L) on their paths;(M)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends