Prov. 1:1 The proverbs [wise & ethical maxims] of Solomon, son of David, [3rd] king of Israel:

Prov. 1:2 For the purpose of learning wisdom [prudence in spiritual matters] and discipline [child training leading to self-discipline], for the purpose of perceiving the words of understanding [spiritual discernment],

Prov. 1:3 For the purpose of acquiring disciplined instruction [leadership training] in the prudent application of righteousness [making wise decisions], both judiciously [honest evaluation] and equitably [fair & reasonable], 

Prov. 1:4 For the purpose of producing astuteness [shrewdness] in the foolish [untrained], towards insight [sound judgment] and discretion [common sense] in the adolescent.  

Prov. 1:5 A wise believer listens attentively [to doctrine] and will increase insight [never stops learning], and a man who is intelligent seeks to acquire leadership ability [biblical counsel],   

Prov. 1:6 To understand a proverb and a satirical poem [taunting song], the words [clever sayings] of wise men [doctrinal teachers] and their enigmatic questions [perplexing riddles],    

Prov. 1:7 Respect [reverence] for God is the beginning [first priority] of knowledge, but fools despise [treat with contempt] wisdom [spiritual insight] and discipline [correction].    

Prov. 1:8 Son, pay close attention to your father’s disciplinary principles [corrective doctrinal instruction], and do not abandon [repudiate] your mother’s precepts [established doctrinal law of the household],     

Prov. 1:9 For they [doctrinal principles and precepts] are a wreath of grace [source of rewards and blessings] around your head [something to think about], and a golden collar [something to restrain the old sin nature] around your neck.     

Prov. 1:10 Son, if sinful men [criminals] attempt to lead you astray [social temptation], do not succumb [to peer pressure].      

Prov. 1:11 If they say: Come with us [join our criminal gang], let us secretly wait in ambush [concealed from view] for blood [bodily violence, even murder], let us hide and assault innocent people for no cause [just for kicks];      

Prov. 1:12 Let us swallow them up [completely overwhelm the innocent] alive and whole [without leaving a trace or clue] like the underworld [Sheol: where souls went after death in OT times], like those who descend to the pit of the grave [where the body went after death].       

Prov. 1:13 We shall seize [steal] all manner of valuable possessions; we shall fill our homes with stolen goods [plunder].        

Prov. 1:14 You should cast in your lot [donate your particular skills] among us [join our pool of collective criminal resources], you ought to acquire one share [your percentage] with reference to the entire money bag [everything the gang steals].         

Prov. 1:15 Son, do not walk [conduct oneself] in the same direction [along the same road] with them [gang members]; turn your foot [person] away from their path [wicked course of life],           

Prov. 1:16 For their feet run quickly [hastily] towards the malignant [vicious evil], and they hurry [with hostile intent] towards shedding blood [committing murder].

Prov. 1:17 Of course a net which is dispersed [trap that is set] in front of the eyes of any winged bird [in sight of the victim] is of no use [good for nothing] to the fowler;

Prov. 1:18 Indeed, they [the gang members] might in effect [by showing the location of their trap] be hiding for their own blood [the quarry turns on his attackers], in effect waiting to ambush their own souls [if the intended victim discovers their trap, he might kill his attackers in self-defense].

Prov. 1:19 Such are the ways [criminal lifestyle] of all those who gain profit by violence; it [a life of violent crime] takes away the soul [life] of the owner [participant]. 

Prov. 1:20 Wisdom(s) cries out in the streets [summons everyone to listen]; in the public plaza [not behind closed doors] she utters a loud voice.