Proverbs 1:17-19

The truth is this. The thieves also intend to kill the young man. This means that the thieves will keep all the money.

Solomon’s story teaches us about evil behaviour. An evil life is not fun. It is dangerous. The evil person risks a terrible end.

The young man in the story thought that he would become wealthy. In reality, he lost everything.

Solomon warns us not to make the same mistake.

v20 Wisdom is like a woman who calls aloud in the street.

She shouts in the market place

v21 She calls at the city square.

She speaks at the city gate.

v22 ‘If you are simple, then change your ways!

If you insult people, then you must stop!

If you are foolish, then you must learn the truth!

v23 If you answer me, then I shall teach my thoughts to you.

v24 But you have refused my wisdom.

Nobody listened to me.

v25 You did not hear my advice.

You did not change your life when I corrected you.

v26 Your punishment will be severe,

and I shall laugh at you.

v27 Evil things will destroy you, like a sudden storm.

Troubles will attack you, like a sudden wind.

Troubles and pain will overcome you.

v28 ‘Then these people will call to me. In that day, I shall not answer.

They will search for me, but they will not find me.

v29 They hated knowledge and did not respect God.

v30 They did not accept advice or correction.

v31 ‘As a plant has fruit, their evil behaviour will have an evil reward.

v32 If they are simple, they will wander and die.

Lazy attitudes will destroy a fool.

v33 But the person who listens to wisdom is safe.

He can relax and he will not be afraid.’