Proverbs 1

• 1. These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.
• 2. The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings.
• 3. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.
• 4. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.
• 5. Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance
• 6. by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.
• 7. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.
• 8. Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching.
• 9. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor.
• 10. My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!
• 11. They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent!
• 12. Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death.
• 13. And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things!
• 14. Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you."
• 15. Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.
• 16. They rush to commit crimes. They hurry to commit murder.
• 17. When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away.
• 18. But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives!
• 19. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life.
• 20. Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.
• 21. She calls out to the crowds along the main street, and to those in front of city hall.
• 22. "You simpletons!" she cries. "How long will you go on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools fight the facts?
• 23. Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.
• 24. "I called you so often, but you didn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
• 25. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.
• 26. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you--
• 27. when calamity overcomes you like a storm, when you are engulfed by trouble, and when anguish and distress overwhelm you.
• 28. "I will not answer when they cry for help. Even though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
• 29. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.
• 30. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them.
• 31. That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
• 32. For they are simpletons who turn away from me--to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them.
• 33. But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm."

Proverbs 2

• 1. My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions.
• 2. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.
• 3. Cry out for insight and understanding.
• 4. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure.
• 5. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.
• 6. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
• 7. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.
• 8. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him.
• 9. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time.
• 10. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
• 11. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
• 12. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose speech is corrupt.
• 13. These people turn from right ways to walk down dark and evil paths.
• 14. They rejoice in doing wrong, and they enjoy evil as it turns things upside down.
• 15. What they do is crooked, and their ways are wrong.
• 16. Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the adulterous woman.
• 17. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God.
• 18. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to hell.
• 19. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life.
• 20. Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.
• 21. For only the upright will live in the land, and those who have integrity will remain in it.
• 22. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be destroyed.

Proverbs 3

• 1. My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart,
• 2. for they will give you a long and satisfying life.
• 3. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.
• 4. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
• 5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
• 6. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
• 7. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil.
• 8. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.
• 9. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces.
• 10. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.
• 11. My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
• 12. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
• 13. Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding.
• 14. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
• 15. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
• 16. She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
• 17. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
• 18. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
• 19. By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens.
• 20. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.
• 21. My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them,
• 22. for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect.
• 23. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling.
• 24. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams.
• 25. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
• 26. for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
• 27. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.
• 28. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."
• 29. Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you.
• 30. Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you.
• 31. Do not envy violent people; don't copy their ways.
• 32. Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
• 33. The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but his blessing is on the home of the upright.
• 34. The LORD mocks at mockers, but he shows favor to the humble.
• 35. The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!

New Living Translation: 219 of 324 days.