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The Purpose of Proverbs
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
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It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it,
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then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.
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He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity
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who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;
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Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.
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Wisdom Brings Happiness
Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding,
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for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.
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She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her.
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Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.
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She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.
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Treat Others Fairly
When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.
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Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come back later. I’ll give it tomorrow”—when it is there with you.
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for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.
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The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous;
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Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.
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Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
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For they can’t sleep unless they have done what is evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
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The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
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But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don’t know what makes them stumble.
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Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
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He will die because there is no discipline, and be lost because of his great stupidity.
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For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.
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For a prostitute’s fee is only a loaf of bread, but the wife of another man goes after a precious life.
