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)

Read full chapter

They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.(A)

Read full chapter

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

My son,(A) do not forget my teaching,(B)
    but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years(C)
    and bring you peace and prosperity.(D)

Let love and faithfulness(E) never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.(F)
Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.(G)

Read full chapter

10 Listen, my son,(A) accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.(B)

Read full chapter

Warning Against Adultery

20 My son,(A) keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(B)
21 Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.(C)
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
    this teaching is a light,(D)
and correction and instruction
    are the way to life,(E)

Read full chapter

The wise in heart accept commands,
    but a chattering fool comes to ruin.(A)

Read full chapter

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid.(A)

Read full chapter

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(A)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.(B)

Read full chapter

17 “The eye that mocks(A) a father,
    that scorns an aged mother,
will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
    will be eaten by the vultures.(B)

Read full chapter

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(A) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(B)—without remedy.(C)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends