Urban Word Bible
Proverbs 1
Read Proverbs 1 in clear, relatable modern language.
Purpose of Proverbs
1 These the streetwise sayings from Solomon, son of David, the king who ran the block in Israel.
2 They are here so you can learn wisdom and school yourself on real talk.
3 They are going to teach you discipline, how to play the game right, and move correct with justice.
4 Even the young and reckless can pick up smarts, and the simple-minded can catch some street sense.
5 A wise dude hears this and levels up; a sharp homie catches guidance.
6 These parables unlock the codes, puzzles, rhymes, and deep words from the OGs.
The Beginning of Knowledge
7 Fear of the Lord, That is the start of wisdom. But the fools clown wisdom and clown correction.
8 Listen up, son, do not ignore your pops’ game, do not sleep on your mama’s teaching.
9 That wisdom going to sit on you like a fresh chain, shine on you like a fitted crown.
The Enticement of Sinners
10 When the homies in the street press you to do dirt, do not roll with them.
11 They say, “Come through, let us ambush somebody, let us set a trap for no reason.”
12 “We are going to swallow them like the grave, drag them down alive.”
13 “We finna grab all they loot, houses filled with stolen flex.”
14 “Split it up with us, we all eat.”
15 Do not walk that path, son, do not even step where they step.
16 They run quick to dirt, thirsty for blood.
17 Even birds smart enough to dodge a trap in plain sight.
18 But these dudes trapping they own lives.
19 That is the payday for greedy hustlers, they get caught up and lose they own soul.
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom out here yelling in the streets, screaming in the square.
21 On the block, at the gates, she hollering loud.
22 “How long you simple fools going to love being dumb, How long mockers going to clown, How long fools going to hate truth?”
23 “Turn back when I check you, then I will pour my spirit on you, let you in on my words.”
24 “But you all ignored my call, brushed me off.”
25 “You refused my correction, swerved my advice.”
26 “So when you catch wreck, I am going to laugh; when panic hits, I am going to clown.”
27 “When disaster hit you like a storm, when trouble and stress smack you down.”
28 “Then you are going to cry out, but I am not answering; you are going to look, but I will not be found.”
29 “Since you hated knowledge and refused to fear the Lord.”
30 “Since you ignored my guidance and wanted none of my correction.”
31 “Now you are going to eat the fruit of your own grind, choke on your own plans.”
32 “Fools die from turning away, simple ones get destroyed because they too comfortable.”
33 “But whoever listens to me stays safe, chilling with no fear of evil.”