Proverbs 1:8-19

Avoid evil associations

8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction; don't neglect your mother's teaching;
9 for they are a graceful wreath on your head, and beads for your neck.
10 My son, don't let sinners entice you. Don't go
11 when they say: "Come with us. Let's set up a deadly ambush. Let's secretly wait for the innocent just for fun.
12 Let's swallow up the living like the grave[a]— whole, like those who go down into the pit.
13 We'll find all sorts of precious wealth; we'll fill our houses with plunder.
14 Throw in your lot with us; we'll share our money."
15 My son, don't go on the path with them; keep your feet from their way,
16 because their feet run to evil; they hurry to spill blood.
17 It's useless to cast a net in the sight of a bird.
18 But these sinners set up a deadly ambush; they lie in wait for their own lives.
19 These are the ways of all who seek unjust gain; it costs them their lives.

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