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The Enticement of Sinners


My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not reject the teaching of your mother.

For they are a garland of grace on your head,
And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck.
10 
My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.(A)
11 
If they say, “Come with us;
Let us lie in wait to shed blood,
Let us ambush the innocent without cause;
12 
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead),
Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death];
13 
We will find and take all kinds of precious possessions,
We will fill our houses with spoil;

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Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

Listen, my son,(A) to your father’s(B) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.(C)
They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.(D)

10 My son, if sinful men entice(E) you,
    do not give in(F) to them.(G)
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait(H) for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow(I) them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;(J)
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;

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