After introducing and giving and overview of the book (v.1-7) Chapter 1 goes on to give a fatherly appeal to the reader to not forsake wise instruction and teaching. Verses 8-19 show us that to live wisely means we must be careful not to be enticed by those who pursue evil and are greedy for unjust gain. While such pursuits may seem like a pathway to joy, they ultimately lead to death. How does genuine community serve to guard us against the false promises of counterfeit community?