[Excerpted from the forthcoming Millennial Truth Fusion Version of the Holy Bible - Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures)]
Proverbs 1:1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, the king of Israel. 2 The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand the sayings of YHWH. 3 By means of 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 shrewd. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.
5 May those who are already wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who already have understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.
7 The reverence for YHWH is the beginning of understanding. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. 9 Listen, my children, to what your father teaches you and don't neglect your mother's instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with undeserved kindness and clothe you with honor.
10 My children, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and destroy someone! Let's ambush the innocent! 12 Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims.
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 children! Stay far away from their paths. 16 They rush to commit crimes. They hurry to commit murder. Though they may be in the prime of their lives, they will go down into the pits of death.
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 everyone who is greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life.
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public squares. 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 scoffers relish in your ridicule? How long will you fools fight the facts?
23 Come here now and listen to me! I'll pour out my 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! And when disaster overtakes you, I will also laugh. 27 When calamity overcomes you like a storm, when you are engulfed by trouble, and when anguish and distress overwhelms you. 28 "I will not answer when you cry for my help. Even though you anxiously search for me, you will not find me. 29 For you despised my prompting and chose not to revere YHWH.
30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 That is why they must eat the unpleasant fruit of living their own way. They will experience the full horror of the path they have chosen. 32 For they are simpletons who turn away from me, to death. They are fools, and their own smugness will destroy them. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and security, not needing to fear harm."