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Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
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My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
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my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
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since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,
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“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,
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since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.
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Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
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Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
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Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
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My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
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She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
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Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
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When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
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Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.
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Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
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Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.
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Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
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I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
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Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
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Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
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When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
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Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
