1:1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
1:2To know wisdom and instruction;
To discern the words of understanding;
1:3To receive instruction in wise
dealing,
In righteousness, justice, and equity;
1:4To give prudence to the simple,
Knowledge and discretion to the young
man:
1:5That the wise man may hear, and
increase in learning;
That the man of understanding may
attain to sound counsel:
1:6To understand a proverb, and
parables,
The words and riddles of the wise.
1:7The fear of Yahweh is the
beginning of knowledge;
But the foolish despise wisdom and
instruction.
1:8My son, listen to your father's
instruction,
And don't forsake your mother's
teaching:
1:9For they will be a garland to
grace your head,
And chains around your neck.
1:10My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.
1:11If they say, "Come with us,
Let's lay in wait for blood;
Let's lurk secretly for the innocent
without cause;
1:12Let's swallow them up alive like
Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down
into the pit.
1:13We'll find all valuable wealth.
We'll fill our houses with spoil.
1:14You shall cast your lot among us.
We'll all have one purse."
1:15My son, don't walk in the way
with them.
Keep your foot from their path,
1:16For their feet run to evil.
They hurry to shed blood.
1:17For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
1:18But these lay wait for their own
blood.
They lurk secretly for their own
lives.
1:19So are the ways of everyone who
is greedy for gain.
It takes away the life of its owners.
1:20Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
She utters her voice in the public
squares.
1:21She calls at the head of noisy
places.
At the entrance of the city gates,
she utters her words:
1:22"How long, you simple ones,
will you love simplicity?
How long will mockers delight
themselves in mockery,
And fools hate knowledge?
1:23Turn at my reproof.
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on
you.
I will make known my words to you.
1:24Because I have called, and you
have refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no
one has paid attention;
1:25But you have ignored all my
counsel,
And wanted none of my reproof;
1:26I also will laugh at your
disaster.
I will mock when calamity overtakes
you;
1:27When calamity overtakes you like
a storm,
When your disaster comes on like a
whirlwind;
When distress and anguish come on you.
1:28Then will they call on me, but I
will not answer.
They will seek me diligently, but
they will not find me;
1:29Because they hated knowledge,
And didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.
1:30They wanted none of my counsel.
They despised all my reproof.
1:31Therefore they will eat of the
fruit of their own way,
And be filled with their own schemes.
1:32For the backsliding of the simple
will kill them.
The careless ease of fools will
destroy them.
1:33But whoever listens to me will
dwell securely,
And will be at ease, without fear of
harm."
2:1My son, if you will receive my
words,
And store up my commandments within
you;
2:2So as to turn your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
2:3Yes, if you call out for
discernment,
And lift up your voice for
understanding;
2:4If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden
treasures:
2:5Then you will understand the fear
of Yahweh,
And find the knowledge of God.
2:6For Yahweh gives wisdom.
Out of his mouth comes knowledge and
understanding.
2:7He lays up sound wisdom for the
upright.
He is a shield to those who walk in
integrity;
2:8That he may guard the paths of
justice,
And preserve the way of his saints.
2:9Then you will understand
righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
2:10For wisdom will enter into your
heart.
Knowledge will be pleasant to your
soul.
2:11Discretion will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you,
2:12To deliver you from the way of
evil,
From the men who speak perverse
things;
2:13Who forsake the paths of
uprightness,
To walk in the ways of darkness;
2:14Who rejoice to do evil,
And delight in the perverseness of
evil;
2:15Who are crooked in their ways,
And wayward in their paths:
2:16To deliver you from the strange
woman,
Even from the foreigner who flatters
with her words;
2:17Who forsakes the friend of her
youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God:
2:18For her house leads down to death,
Her paths to the dead.
2:19None who go to her return again,
Neither do they attain to the paths
of life:
2:20That you may walk in the way of
good men,
And keep the paths of the righteous.
2:21For the upright will dwell in the
land.
The perfect will remain in it.
2:22But the wicked will be cut off
from the land.
The treacherous will be rooted out of
it.
3:1My son, don't forget my teaching;
But let your heart keep my
commandments:
3:2For length of days, and years of
life,
And peace, will they add to you.
3:3Don't let kindness and truth
forsake you.
Bind them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your
heart.
3:4So you will find favor,
And good understanding in the sight
of God and man.
3:5Trust in Yahweh with all your
heart,
And don't lean on your own
understanding.
3:6In all your ways acknowledge him,
And he will direct your paths.
3:7Don't be wise in your own eyes.
Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
3:8It will be health to your body,
And nourishment to your bones.
3:9Honor Yahweh with your substance,
With the first fruits of all your
increase:
3:10So your barns will be filled with
plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new
wine.
3:11My son, don't despise Yahweh's
discipline,
Neither be weary of his reproof:
3:12For whom Yahweh loves, he
reproves;
Even as a father the son in whom he
delights.
3:13Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
The man who gets understanding.
3:14For her good profit is better
than getting silver,
And her return is better than fine
gold.
3:15She is more precious than rubies.
None of the things you can desire are
to be compared to her.
3:16Length of days is in her right
hand.
In her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
All her paths are peace.
3:18She is a tree of life to those
who lay hold of her.
Happy is everyone who retains her.
3:19By wisdom Yahweh founded the
earth.
By understanding, he established the
heavens.
3:20By his knowledge, the depths were
broken up,
And the skies drop down the dew.
3:21My son, let them not depart from
your eyes.
Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
3:22So they will be life to your soul,
And grace for your neck.
3:23Then you shall walk in your way
securely.
Your foot won't stumble.
3:24When you lie down, you will not
be afraid.
Yes, you will lie down, and your
sleep will be sweet.
3:25Don't be afraid of sudden fear,
Neither of the desolation of the
wicked, when it comes:
3:26For Yahweh will be your
confidence,
And will keep your foot from being
taken.
3:27Don't withhold good from those to
whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand
to do it.
3:28Don't say to your neighbor,
"Go, and come again,
Tomorrow I will give it to you,"
When you have it by you.
3:29Don't devise evil against your
neighbor,
Seeing he dwells securely by you.
3:30Don't strive with a man without
cause,
If he has done you no harm.
3:31Don't envy the man of violence.
Choose none of his ways.
3:32For the perverse is an
abomination to Yahweh,
But his friendship is with the
upright.
3:33Yahweh's curse is in the house of
the wicked,
But he blesses the habitation of the
righteous.
3:34Surely he mocks the mockers,
But he gives grace to the humble.
3:35The wise will inherit glory,
But shame will be the promotion of
fools.
4:1Listen, sons, to a father's
instruction.
Pay attention and know understanding;
4:2For I give you sound learning.
Don't forsake my law.
4:3For I was a son to my father,
Tender and an only child in the sight
of my mother.
4:4He taught me, and said to me:
"Let your heart retain my words.
Keep my commandments, and live.
4:5Get wisdom.
Get understanding.
Don't forget, neither swerve from the
words of my mouth.
4:6Don't forsake her, and she will
preserve you.
Love her, and she will keep you.
4:7Wisdom is supreme.
Get wisdom.
Yes, though it costs all your
possessions, get understanding.
4:8Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
She will bring you to honor, when you
embrace her.
4:9She will give to your head a
garland of grace.
She will deliver a crown of splendor
to you."
4:10Listen, my son, and receive my
sayings.
The years of your life will be many.
4:11I have taught you in the way of
wisdom.
I have led you in straight paths.
4:12When you go, your steps will not
be hampered.
When you run, you will not stumble.
4:13Take firm hold of instruction.
Don't let her go.
Keep her, for she is your life.
4:14Don't enter into the path of the
wicked.
Don't walk in the way of evil men.
4:15Avoid it, and don't pass by it.
Turn from it, and pass on.
4:16For they don't sleep, unless they
do evil.
Their sleep is taken away, unless
they make someone fall.
4:17For they eat the bread of
wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
4:18But the path of the righteous is
like the dawning light,
That shines more and more until the
perfect day.
4:19The way of the wicked is like
darkness.
They don't know what they stumble
over.
4:20My son, attend to my words.
Turn your ear to my sayings.
4:21Let them not depart from your
eyes.
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
4:22For they are life to those who
find them,
And health to their whole body.
4:23Keep your heart with all
diligence,
For out of it is the wellspring of
life.
4:24Put away from yourself a perverse
mouth.
Put corrupt lips far from you.
4:25Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
4:26Make the path of your feet level.
Let all of your ways be established.
4:27Don't turn to the right hand nor
to the left.
Remove your foot from evil.
5:1My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
Turn your ear to my understanding:
5:2That you may maintain discretion,
That your lips may preserve knowledge.
5:3For the lips of an adulteress drip
honey.
Her mouth is smoother than oil,
5:4But in the end she is as bitter as
wormwood,
And as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5:5Her feet go down to death.
Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
5:6She gives no thought to the way of
life.
Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't
know it.
5:7Now therefore, my sons, listen to
me.
Don't depart from the words of my
mouth.
5:8Remove your way far from her.
Don't come near the door of her house,
5:9Lest you give your honor to others,
And your years to the cruel one;
5:10Lest strangers feast on your
wealth,
And your labors enrich another man's
house.
5:11You will groan at your latter end,
When your flesh and your body are
consumed,
5:12And say, "How I have hated
instruction,
And my heart despised reproof;
5:13Neither have I obeyed the voice
of my teachers,
Nor turned my ear to those who
instructed me!
5:14I have come to the brink of utter
ruin,
In the midst of the gathered
assembly."
5:15Drink water out of your own
cistern,
Running water out of your own well.
5:16Should your springs overflow in
the streets,
Streams of water in the public
squares?
5:17Let them be for yourself alone,
Not for strangers with you.
5:18Let your spring be blessed.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
5:19A loving hind and a pleasant doe
--
Let her breasts satisfy you at all
times.
Be captivated always with her love.
5:20For why should you, my son, be
captivated with an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another?
5:21For the ways of man are before
the eyes of Yahweh.
He examines all his paths.
5:22The evil deeds of the wicked
ensnare him.
The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
5:23He will die for lack of
instruction.
In the greatness of his folly, he
will go astray.
6:1My son, if you have become
collateral for your neighbor,
If you have struck your hands in
pledge for a stranger;
6:2You are trapped by the words of
your mouth.
You are ensnared with the words of
your mouth.
6:3Do this now, my son, and deliver
yourself,
Seeing you have come into the hand of
your neighbor.
Go, humble yourself.
Press your plea with your neighbor.
6:4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.
6:5Free yourself, like a gazelle from
the hand of the hunter,
Like a bird from the snare of the
fowler.
6:6Go to the ant, you sluggard.
Consider her ways, and be wise;
6:7Which having no chief, overseer,
or ruler,
6:8Provides her
bread in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
6:9How long will you sleep, sluggard?
When will you arise out of your sleep?
6:10A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to
sleep:
6:11So your poverty will come as a
robber,
And your scarcity as an armed man.
6:12A worthless person, a man of
iniquity,
Is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
6:13Who winks with his eyes, who
signals with his feet,
Who motions with his fingers;
6:14In whose heart is perverseness,
Who devises evil continually,
Who always sows discord.
6:15Therefore his calamity will come
suddenly.
He will be broken suddenly, and that
without remedy.
6:16There are six things which Yahweh
hates;
Yes, seven which are an abomination
to him:
6:17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood;
6:18A heart that devises wicked
schemes,
Feet that are swift in running to
mischief,
6:19A false witness who utters lies,
And he who sows discord among
brothers.
6:20My son, keep your father's
commandment,
And don't forsake your mother's
teaching.
6:21Bind them continually on your
heart.
Tie them around your neck.
6:22When you walk, it will lead you.
When you sleep, it will watch over
you.
When you awake, it will talk with you.
6:23For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law is light.
Reproofs of instruction are the way
of life,
6:24To keep you from the immoral
woman,
From the flattery of the wayward
wife's tongue.
6:25Don't lust after her beauty in
your heart,
Neither let her captivate you with
her eyelids.
6:26For a prostitute reduces you to a
piece of bread.
The adulteress hunts for your
precious life.
6:27Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
And his clothes not be burned?
6:28Or can one walk on hot coals,
And his feet not be scorched?
6:29So is he who goes in to his
neighbor's wife.
Whoever touches her will not be
unpunished.
6:30Men don't despise a thief,
If he steals to satisfy himself when
he is hungry:
6:31But if he is found, he shall
restore seven times.
He shall give all the wealth of his
house.
6:32He who commits adultery with a
woman is void of understanding.
He who does it destroys his own soul.
6:33He will get wounds and dishonor.
His reproach will not be wiped away.
6:34For jealousy arouses the fury of
the husband.
He won't spare in the day of
vengeance.
6:35He won't regard any ransom,
Neither will he rest content, though
you give many gifts.
7:1My son, keep my words.
Lay up my commandments within you.
7:2Keep my commandments and live;
Guard my teaching as the apple of
your eye.
7:3Bind them on your fingers.
Write them on the tablet of your
heart.
7:4Tell wisdom, "You are my
sister."
Call understanding your relative,
7:5That they may keep you from the
strange woman,
From the foreigner who flatters with
her words.
7:6For at the window of my house,
I looked out through my lattice.
7:7I saw among the simple ones.
I discerned among the youths a young
man void of understanding,
7:8Passing through the street near
her corner,
He went the way to her house,
7:9In the twilight, in the evening of
the day,
In the middle of the night and in the
darkness.
7:10Behold, there a woman met him
with the attire of a prostitute,
And with crafty intent.
7:11She is loud and defiant.
Her feet don't stay in her house.
7:12Now she is in the streets, now in
the squares,
And lurking at every corner.
7:13So she caught him, and kissed him.
With an impudent face she said to him:
7:14"Sacrifices of
peace-offerings are with me.
This day I have paid my vows.
7:15Therefore I came out to meet you,
To diligently seek your face,
And I have found you.
7:16I have spread my couch with
carpets of tapestry,
With striped cloths of the yarn of
Egypt.
7:17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18Come, let's take our fill of
loving until the morning.
Let's solace ourselves with loving.
7:19For my husband isn't at home.
He has gone on a long journey.
7:20He has taken a bag of money with
him.
He will come home at the full
moon."
7:21With persuasive words, she led
him astray.
With the flattering of her lips, she
seduced him.
7:22He followed her immediately,
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
As a fool stepping into a noose.
7:23Until an arrow strikes through
his liver,
As a bird hurries to the snare,
And doesn't know that it will cost
his life.
7:24Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
Pay attention to the words of my
mouth.
7:25Don't let your heart turn to her
ways.
Don't go astray in her paths,
7:26For she has thrown down many
wounded.
Yes, all her slain are a mighty host.
7:27Her house is the way to Sheol,
Going down to the chambers of death.
8:1Doesn't wisdom cry out?
Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
8:2On the top of high places by the
way,
Where the paths meet, she stands.
8:3Beside the gates, at the entry of
the city,
At the entry doors, she cries aloud:
8:4"To you men, I call!
I send my voice to the sons of
mankind.
8:5You simple, understand prudence.
You fools, be of an understanding
heart.
8:6Hear, for I will speak excellent
things.
The opening of my lips is for right
things.
8:7For my mouth speaks truth.
Wickedness is an abomination to my
lips.
8:8All the words of my mouth are in
righteousness.
There is nothing crooked or perverse
in them.
8:9They are all plain to him who
understands,
Right to those who find knowledge.
8:10Receive my instruction rather
than silver;
Knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11For wisdom is better than rubies.
All the things that may be desired
can't be compared to it.
8:12"I, wisdom, have made
prudence my dwelling.
Find out knowledge and discretion.
8:13The fear of Yahweh is to hate
evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, the evil
way, and the perverse mouth.
8:14Counsel and sound knowledge are
mine.
I have understanding and power.
8:15By me kings reign,
And princes decree justice.
8:16By me princes rule;
Nobles, and all the righteous rulers
of the earth.
8:17I love those who love me.
Those who seek me diligently will
find me.
8:18With me are riches, honor,
Enduring wealth, and prosperity.
8:19My fruit is better than gold,
yes, than fine gold;
My yield than choice silver.
8:20I walk in the way of
righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice;
8:21That I may give wealth to those
who love me.
I fill their treasuries.
8:22"Yahweh possessed me in the
beginning of his work,
Before his deeds of old.
8:23I was set up from everlasting,
from the beginning,
Before the earth existed.
8:24When there were no depths, I was
brought forth,
When there were no springs abounding
with water.
8:25Before the mountains were settled
in place,
Before the hills, I was brought forth;
8:26While as yet he had not made the
earth, nor the fields,
Nor the beginning of the dust of the
world.
8:27When he established the heavens,
I was there;
When he set a circle on the surface
of the deep,
8:28When he established the clouds
above,
When the springs of the deep became
strong,
8:29When he gave to the sea its
boundary,
That the waters should not violate
his commandment,
When he marked out the foundations of
the earth;
8:30Then I was the craftsman by his
side.
I was a delight day by day,
Always rejoicing before him,
8:31Rejoicing in his whole world.
My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32"Now therefore, my sons,
listen to me,
For blessed are those who keep my
ways.
8:33Hear instruction, and be wise.
Don't refuse it.
8:34Blessed is the man who hears me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my door posts.
8:35For whoever finds me, finds life,
And will obtain favor from Yahweh.
8:36But he who sins against me wrongs
his own soul.
All those who hate me love
death."
9:1Wisdom has built her house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
9:2She has prepared her meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has also set her table.
9:3She has sent out her maidens.
She cries from the highest places of
the city:
9:4"Whoever is simple, let him
turn in here!"
As for him who is void of
understanding, she says to him,
9:5"Come, eat some of my bread,
Drink some of the wine which I have
mixed!
9:6Leave your simple ways, and live.
Walk in the way of
understanding."
9:7He who corrects a mocker invites
insult.
He who reproves a wicked man invites
abuse.
9:8Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he
hate you.
Reprove a wise man, and he will love
you.
9:9Instruct a wise man, and he will
be still wiser.
Teach a righteous man, and he will
increase in learning.
9:10The fear of Yahweh is the
beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding.
9:11For by me your days will be
multiplied.
The years of your life will be
increased.
9:12If you are wise, you are wise for
yourself.
If you mock, you alone will bear it.
9:13The foolish woman is loud,
Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
9:14She sits at the door of her house,
On a seat in the high places of the
city,
9:15To call to those who pass by,
Who go straight on their ways,
9:16"Whoever is simple, let him
turn in here."
As for him who is void of
understanding, she says to him,
9:17"Stolen water is sweet.
Food eaten in secret is
pleasant."
9:18But he doesn't know that the dead
are there,
That her guests are in the depths of
Sheol.
10:1The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father;
But a foolish son brings grief to his
mother.
10:2Treasures of wickedness profit
nothing,
But righteousness delivers from death.
10:3Yahweh will not allow the soul of
the righteous to go hungry,
But he thrusts away the desire of the
wicked.
10:4He becomes poor who works with a
lazy hand,
But the hand of the diligent brings
wealth.
10:5He who gathers in summer is a
wise son,
But he who sleeps during the harvest
is a son who causes shame.
10:6Blessings are on the head of the
righteous,
But violence covers the mouth of the
wicked.
10:7The memory of the righteous is
blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.
10:8The wise in heart accept
commandments,
But a chattering fool will fall.
10:9He who walks blamelessly walks
surely,
But he who perverts his ways will be
found out.
10:10One winking with the eye causes
sorrow,
But a chattering fool will fall.
10:11The mouth of the righteous is a
spring of life,
But violence covers the mouth of the
wicked.
10:12Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all wrongs.
10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of
him who has discernment,
But a rod is for the back of him who
is void of understanding.
10:14Wise men lay up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near
ruin.
10:15The rich man's wealth is his
strong city.
The destruction of the poor is their
poverty.
10:16The labor of the righteous leads
to life.
The increase of the wicked leads to
sin.
10:17He is in the way of life who
heeds correction,
But he who forsakes reproof leads
others astray.
10:18He who hides hatred has lying
lips.
He who utters a slander is a fool.
10:19In the multitude of words there
is no lack of disobedience,
But he who restrains his lips does
wisely.
10:20The tongue of the righteous is
like choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little
worth.
10:21The lips of the righteous feed
many,
But the foolish die for lack of
understanding.
10:22Yahweh's blessing brings wealth,
And he adds no trouble to it.
10:23It is a fool's pleasure to do
wickedness,
But wisdom is a man of
understanding's pleasure.
10:24What the wicked fear, will
overtake them,
But the desire of the righteous will
be granted.
10:25When the whirlwind passes, the
wicked is no more;
But the righteous stand firm forever.
10:26As vinegar to the teeth, and as
smoke to the eyes,
So is the sluggard to those who send
him.
10:27The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked shall be
shortened.
10:28The prospect of the righteous is
joy,
But the hope of the wicked will
perish.
10:29The way of Yahweh is a
stronghold to the upright,
But it is a destruction to the
workers of iniquity.
10:30The righteous will never be
removed,
But the wicked will not dwell in the
land.
10:31The mouth of the righteous
brings forth wisdom,
But the perverse tongue will be cut
off.
10:32The lips of the righteous know
what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked is
perverse.
11:1A false balance is an abomination
to Yahweh,
But accurate weights are his delight.
11:2When pride comes, then comes
shame,
But with humility comes wisdom.
11:3The integrity of the upright
shall guide them,
But the perverseness of the
treacherous shall destroy them.
11:4Riches don't profit in the day of
wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.
11:5The righteousness of the
blameless will direct his way,
But the wicked shall fall by his own
wickedness.
11:6The righteousness of the upright
shall deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be trapped by
evil desires.
11:7When a wicked man dies, hope
perishes,
And expectation of power comes to
nothing.
11:8A righteous person is delivered
out of trouble,
And the wicked takes his place.
11:9With his mouth the godless man
destroys his neighbor,
But the righteous will be delivered
through knowledge.
11:10When it goes well with the
righteous, the city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there is
shouting.
11:11By the blessing of the upright,
the city is exalted,
But it is overthrown by the mouth of
the wicked.
11:12One who despises his neighbor is
void of wisdom,
But a man of understanding holds his
peace.
11:13One who brings gossip betrays a
confidence,
But one who is of a trustworthy
spirit is one who keeps a secret.
11:14Where there is no wise guidance,
the nation falls,
But in the multitude of counselors
there is victory.
11:15He who is collateral for a
stranger will suffer for it,
But he who refuses pledges of
collateral is secure.
11:16A gracious woman obtains honor,
But violent men obtain riches.
11:17The merciful man does good to
his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own
flesh.
11:18Wicked people earn deceitful
wages,
But one who sows righteousness reaps
a sure reward.
11:19He who is truly righteous gets
life.
He who pursues evil gets death.
11:20Those who are perverse in heart
are an abomination to Yahweh,
But those whose ways are blameless
are his delight.
11:21Most assuredly, the evil man
will not be unpunished,
But the seed of the righteous will be
delivered.
11:22Like a gold ring in a pig's
snout,
Is a beautiful woman who lacks
discretion.
11:23The desire of the righteous is
only good.
The expectation of the wicked is
wrath.
11:24There is one who scatters, and
increases yet more.
There is one who withholds more than
is appropriate, but gains poverty.
11:25The liberal soul shall be made
fat.
He who waters shall be watered also
himself.
11:26People curse someone who
withholds grain,
But blessing will be on the head of
him who sells it.
11:27He who diligently seeks good
seeks favor,
But he who searches after evil, it
shall come to him.
11:28He who trusts in his riches will
fall,
But the righteous shall flourish as
the green leaf.
11:29He who troubles his own house
shall inherit the wind.
The foolish shall be servant to the
wise of heart.
11:30The fruit of the righteous is a
tree of life.
He who is wise wins souls.
11:31Behold, the righteous shall be
repaid in the earth;
How much more the wicked and the
sinner!
12:1Whoever loves correction loves
knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.
12:2A good man shall obtain favor
from Yahweh,
But he will condemn a man of wicked
devices.
12:3A man shall not be established by
wickedness,
But the root of the righteous shall
not be moved.
12:4A worthy woman is the crown of
her husband,
But a disgraceful wife is as
rottenness in his bones.
12:5The thoughts of the righteous are
just,
But the advice of the wicked is
deceitful.
12:6The words of the wicked are about
lying in wait for blood,
But the speech of the upright rescues
them.
12:7The wicked are overthrown, and
are no more,
But the house of the righteous shall
stand.
12:8A man shall be commended
according to his wisdom,
But he who has a warped mind shall be
despised.
12:9Better is he who is lightly
esteemed, and has a servant,
Than he who honors himself, and lacks
bread.
12:10A righteous man regards the life
of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked
are cruel.
12:11He who tills his land shall have
plenty of bread,
But he who chases fantasies is void
of understanding.
12:12The wicked desires the plunder
of evil men,
But the root of the righteous
flourishes.
12:13An evil man is trapped by
sinfulness of lips,
But the righteous shall come out of
trouble.
12:14A man shall be satisfied with
good by the fruit of his mouth.
The work of a man's hands shall be
rewarded to him.
12:15The way of a fool is right in
his own eyes,
But he who is wise listens to counsel.
12:16A fool shows his annoyance the
same day,
But one who overlooks an insult is
prudent.
12:17He who is truthful testifies
honestly,
But a false witness lies.
12:18There is one who speaks rashly
like the piercing of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise heals.
12:19Truth's lips will be established
forever,
But a lying tongue is only momentary.
12:20Deceit is in the heart of those
who plot evil,
But joy comes to the promoters of
peace.
12:21No mischief shall happen to the
righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with
evil.
12:22Lying lips are an abomination to
Yahweh,
But those who do the truth are his
delight.
12:23A prudent man keeps his
knowledge,
But the hearts of fools proclaim
foolishness.
12:24The hands of the diligent ones
shall rule,
But laziness ends in slave labor.
12:25Anxiety in a man's heart weighs
it down,
But a kind word makes it glad.
12:26A righteous person is cautious
in friendship,
But the way of the wicked leads them
astray.
12:27The slothful man doesn't roast
his game,
But the possessions of diligent men
are prized.
12:28In the way of righteousness is
life;
In its path there is no death.
13:1A wise son listens to his
father's instruction,
But a scoffer doesn't listen to
rebuke.
13:2By the fruit of his lips, a man
enjoys good things;
But the unfaithful crave violence.
13:3He who guards his mouth guards
his soul.
One who opens wide his lips comes to
ruin.
13:4The soul of the sluggard desires,
and has nothing,
But the desire of the diligent shall
be fully satisfied.
13:5A righteous man hates lies,
But a wicked man brings shame and
disgrace.
13:6Righteousness guards the way of
integrity,
But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7There are some who pretend to be
rich, yet have nothing.
There are some who pretend to be
poor, yet have great wealth.
13:8The ransom of a man's life is his
riches,
But the poor hear no threats.
13:9The light of the righteous shines
brightly,
But the lamp of the wicked is snuffed
out.
13:10By pride only breeds quarrels,
But with ones who take advice is
wisdom.
13:11Wealth gained dishonestly
dwindles away,
But he who gathers by hand makes it
grow.
13:12Hope deferred makes the heart
sick,
But when longing is fulfilled, it is
a tree of life.
13:13Whoever despises instruction
will pay for it,
But he who respects a command will be
rewarded.
13:14The teaching of the wise is a
spring of life,
To turn from the snares of death.
13:15Good understanding wins favor;
But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
13:16Every prudent man acts from
knowledge,
But a fool exposes folly.
13:17A wicked messenger falls into
trouble,
But a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
13:18Poverty and shame come to him
who refuses discipline,
But he who heeds correction shall be
honored.
13:19Longing fulfilled is sweet to
the soul,
But fools detest turning from evil.
13:20One who walks with wise men
grows wise,
But a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21Misfortune pursues sinners,
But prosperity rewards the righteous.
13:22A good man leaves an inheritance
to his children's children,
But the wealth of the sinner is
stored for the righteous.
13:23An abundance of food is in poor
people's fields,
But injustice sweeps it away.
13:24One who spares the rod hates his
son,
But one who loves him is careful to
discipline him.
13:25The righteous one eats to the
satisfying of his soul,
But the belly of the wicked goes
hungry.
14:1Every wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish one tears it down
with her own hands.
14:2He who walks in his uprightness
fears Yahweh,
But he who is perverse in his ways
despises him.
14:3The fool's talk brings a rod to
his back,
But the lips of the wise protect them.
14:4Where no oxen are, the crib is
clean,
But much increase is by the strength
of the ox.
14:5A truthful witness will not lie,
But a false witness pours out lies.
14:6A scoffer seeks wisdom, and
doesn't find it,
But knowledge comes easily to a
discerning person.
14:7Stay away from a foolish man,
For you won't find knowledge on his
lips.
14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to
think about his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
14:9Fools mock at making atonement
for sins,
But among the upright there is good
will.
14:10The heart knows its own
bitterness and joy;
He will not share these with a
stranger.
14:11The house of the wicked will be
overthrown,
But the tent of the upright will
flourish.
14:12There is a way which seems right
to a man,
But in the end it leads to death.
14:13Even in laughter the heart may
be sorrowful,
And mirth may end in heaviness.
14:14The unfaithful will be repaid
for his own ways;
Likewise a good man will be rewarded
for his ways.
14:15A simple man believes everything,
But the prudent man carefully
considers his ways.
14:16A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
But the fool is hotheaded and
reckless.
14:17He who is quick to become angry
will commit folly,
And a crafty man is hated.
14:18The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with
knowledge.
14:19The evil bow down before the
good,
And the wicked, at the gates of the
righteous.
14:20The poor person is shunned even
by his own neighbor,
But the rich person has many friends.
14:21He who despises his neighbor
sins,
But blessed is he who has pity on the
poor.
14:22Don't they go astray who plot
evil?
But love and faithfulness belong to
those who plan good.
14:23In all hard work there is profit,
But the talk of the lips leads only
to poverty.
14:24The crown of the wise is their
riches,
But the folly of fools crowns them
with folly.
14:25A truthful witness saves souls,
But a false witness is deceitful.
14:26In the fear of Yahweh is a
secure fortress,
And he will be a refuge for his
children.
14:27The fear of Yahweh is a fountain
of life,
Turning people from the snares of
death.
14:28In the multitude of people is
the king's glory,
But in the lack of people is the
destruction of the prince.
14:29He who is slow to anger has
great understanding,
But he who has a quick temper
displays folly.
14:30The life of the body is a heart
at peace,
But envy rots the bones.
14:31He who oppresses the poor shows
contempt for his Maker,
But he who is kind to the needy
honors him.
14:32The wicked is brought down in
his calamity,
But in death, the righteous has a
refuge.
14:33Wisdom rests in the heart of one
who has understanding,
And is even made known in the inward
part of fools.
14:34Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.
14:35The king's favor is toward a
servant who deals wisely,
But his wrath is toward one who
causes shame.
15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
15:2The tongue of the wise commends
knowledge,
But the mouth of fools gush out folly.
15:3Yahweh's eyes are everywhere,
Keeping watch on the evil and the
good.
15:4A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
But deceit in it crushes the spirit.
15:5A fool despises his father's
correction,
But he who heeds reproof shows
prudence.
15:6In the house of the righteous is
much treasure,
But the income of the wicked brings
trouble.
15:7The lips of the wise spread
knowledge;
Not so with the heart of fools.
15:8The sacrifice made by the wicked
is an abomination to Yahweh,
But the prayer of the upright is his
delight.
15:9The way of the wicked is an
abomination to Yahweh,
But he loves him who follows after
righteousness.
15:10There is stern discipline for
one who forsakes the way:
Whoever hates reproof shall die.
15:11Sheol and Abaddon are before
Yahweh --
How much more then the hearts of the
children of men!
15:12A scoffer doesn't love to be
reproved;
He will not go to the wise.
15:13A glad heart makes a cheerful
face;
But an aching heart breaks the spirit.
15:14The heart of one who has
understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15:15All the days of the afflicted
are wretched,
But one who has a cheerful heart
enjoys a continual feast.
15:16Better is little, with the fear
of Yahweh,
Than great treasure with trouble.
15:17Better is a dinner of herbs,
where love is,
Than a fattened calf with hatred.
15:18A wrathful man stirs up
contention,
But one who is slow to anger appeases
strife.
15:19The way of the sluggard is like
a thorn patch,
But the path of the upright is a
highway.
15:20A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man despises his mother.
15:21Folly is joy to one who is void
of wisdom,
But a man of understanding keeps his
way straight.
15:22Where there is no counsel, plans
fail;
But in a multitude of counselors they
are established.
15:23Joy comes to a man with the
reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time!
15:24The path of life leads upward
for the wise,
To keep him from going downward to
Sheol.
15:25Yahweh will uproot the house of
the proud,
But he will keep the widow's borders
intact.
15:26Yahweh detests the thoughts of
the wicked,
But the thoughts of the pure are
pleasing.
15:27He who is greedy for gain
troubles his own house,
But he who hates bribes will live.
15:28The heart of the righteous
weighs answers,
But the mouth of the wicked gushes
out evil.
15:29Yahweh is far from the wicked,
But he hears the prayer of the
righteous.
15:30The light of the eyes rejoices
the heart.
Good news gives health to the bones.
15:31The ear that listens to reproof
lives,
And will be at home among the wise.
15:32He who refuses correction
despises his own soul,
But he who listens to reproof gets
understanding.
15:33The fear of Yahweh teaches
wisdom.
Before honor is humility.
16:1The plans of the heart belong to
man,
But the answer of the tongue is from
Yahweh.
16:2All the ways of a man are clean
in his own eyes;
But Yahweh weighs the motives.
16:3Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
And your plans shall succeed.
16:4Yahweh has made everything for
its own end --
Yes, even the wicked for the day of
evil.
16:5Everyone who is proud in heart is
an abomination to Yahweh:
They shall assuredly not be
unpunished.
16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is
atoned for.
By the fear of Yahweh men depart from
evil.
16:7When a man's ways please Yahweh,
He makes even his enemies to be at
peace with him.
16:8Better is a little with
righteousness,
Than great revenues with injustice.
16:9A man's heart plans his course,
But Yahweh directs his steps.
16:10Inspired judgments are on the
lips of the king.
He shall not betray his mouth.
16:11Honest balances and scales are
Yahweh's;
All the weights in the bag are his
work.
16:12It is an abomination for kings
to do wrong,
For the throne is established by
righteousness.
16:13Righteous lips are the delight
of kings.
They value one who speaks the truth.
16:14The king's wrath is a messenger
of death,
But a wise man will pacify it.
16:15In the light of the king's face
is life.
His favor is like a cloud of the
spring rain.
16:16How much better it is to get
wisdom than gold!
Yes, to get understanding is to be
chosen rather than silver.
16:17The highway of the upright is to
depart from evil.
He who keeps his way preserves his
soul.
16:18Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19It is better to be of a lowly
spirit with the poor,
Than to divide the plunder with the
proud.
16:20He who heeds the Word finds
prosperity.
Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
16:21The wise in heart shall be
called prudent.
Pleasantness of the lips promotes
instruction.
16:22Understanding is a fountain of
life to one who has it,
But the punishment of fools is their
folly.
16:23The heart of the wise instructs
his mouth,
And adds learning to his lips.
16:24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul, and health to the
bones.
16:25There is a way which seems right
to a man,
But in the end it leads to death.
16:26The appetite of the laboring man
labors for him;
For his mouth urges him on.
16:27A worthless man devises mischief.
His speech is like a scorching fire.
16:28A perverse man stirs up strife.
A whisperer separates close friends.
16:29A man of violence entices his
neighbor,
And leads him in a way that is not
good.
16:30One who winks his eyes to plot
perversities,
One who compresses his lips, is bent
on evil.
16:31Gray hair is a crown of glory.
It is attained by a life of
righteousness.
16:32One who is slow to anger is
better than the mighty;
One who rules his spirit, than he who
takes a city.
16:33The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from Yahweh.
17:1Better is a dry morsel with
quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with
strife.
17:2A servant who deals wisely will
rule over a son who causes shame,
And shall have a part in the
inheritance among the brothers.
17:3The refining pot is for silver,
and the furnace for gold,
But Yahweh tests the hearts.
17:4An evil-doer heeds wicked lips.
A liar gives ear to a mischievous
tongue.
17:5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches
his Maker.
He who is glad at calamity shall not
be unpunished.
17:6Children's children are the crown
of old men;
The glory of children are their
parents.
17:7Arrogant speech isn't fitting for
a fool,
Much less do lying lips fit a prince.
17:8A bribe is a precious stone in
the eyes of him who gives it;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.
17:9He who covers an offense promotes
love;
But he who repeats a matter separates
best friends.
17:10A rebuke enters deeper into one
who has understanding
Than a hundred lashes into a fool.
17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger shall be
sent against him.
17:12Let a bear robbed of her cubs
meet a man,
Rather than a fool in his folly.
17:13Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil shall not depart from his house.
17:14The beginning of strife is like
breaching a dam,
Therefore stop contention before
quarreling breaks out.
17:15He who justifies the wicked, and
he who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination
to Yahweh.
17:16Why is there money in the hand
of a fool to buy wisdom,
Seeing he has no understanding?
17:17A friend loves at all times;
And a brother is born for adversity.
17:18A man void of understanding
strikes hands,
And becomes collateral in the
presence of his neighbor.
17:19He who loves disobedience loves
strife.
One who builds a high gate seeks
destruction.
17:20One who has a perverse heart
doesn't find prosperity,
And one who has a deceitful tongue
falls into trouble.
17:21He who becomes the father of a
fool grieves.
The father of a fool has no joy.
17:22A cheerful heart makes good
medicine,
But a crushed spirit dries up the
bones.
17:23A wicked man receives a bribe in
secret,
To pervert the ways of justice.
17:24Wisdom is before the face of one
who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool wander to the
ends of the earth.
17:25A foolish son brings grief to
his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.
17:26Also to punish the righteous is
not good,
Nor to flog officials for their
integrity.
17:27He who spares his words has
knowledge.
He who is even tempered is a man of
understanding.
17:28Even a fool, when he keeps
silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought
to be discerning.
18:1An unfriendly man pursues
selfishness,
And defies all sound judgment.
18:2A fool has no delight in
understanding,
But only in revealing his own opinion.
18:3When wickedness comes, contempt
also comes,
And with shame comes disgrace.
18:4The words of a man's mouth are
like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a
flowing brook.
18:5To be partial to the faces of the
wicked is not good,
Nor to deprive the innocent of
justice.
18:6A fool's lips come into strife,
And his mouth invites beatings.
18:7A fool's mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are a snare to his soul.
18:8The words of a gossip are like
dainty morsels:
They go down into a person's
innermost parts.
18:9One who is slack in his work
Is brother to him who is a master of
destruction.
18:10The name of Yahweh is a strong
tower:
The righteous run to him, and are
safe.
18:11The rich man's wealth is his
strong city,
Like an unscalable wall in his own
imagination.
18:12Before destruction the heart of
man is proud,
But before honor is humility.
18:13He who gives answer before he
hears,
That is folly and shame to him.
18:14A man's spirit will sustain him
in sickness,
But a crushed spirit, who can bear?
18:15The heart of the discerning gets
knowledge.
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
18:16A man's gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.
18:17He who pleads his cause first
seems right;
Until another comes and questions him.
18:18The lot settles disputes,
And keeps strong ones apart.
18:19A brother offended is more
difficult than a fortified city;
And disputes are like the bars of a
castle.
18:20A man's stomach is filled with
the fruit of his mouth.
With the harvest of his lips he is
satisfied.
18:21Death and life are in the power
of the tongue;
Those who love it will eat its fruit.
18:22Whoever finds a wife finds a
good thing,
And obtains favor of Yahweh.
18:23The poor plead for mercy,
But the rich answer harshly.
18:24A man of many companions may be
ruined,
But there is a friend who sticks
closer than a brother.
19:1Better is the poor who walks in
his integrity
Than he who is perverse in his lips
and is a fool.
19:2It isn't good to have zeal
without knowledge;
Nor being hasty with one's feet and
missing the way.
19:3The foolishness of man subverts
his way;
His heart rages against Yahweh.
19:4Wealth adds many friends,
But the poor is separated from his
friend.
19:5A false witness shall not be
unpunished.
He who pours out lies shall not go
free.
19:6Many will entreat the favor of a
ruler,
And everyone is a friend to a man who
gives gifts.
19:7All the relatives of the poor
shun him:
How much more do his friends avoid
him!
He pursues them with pleas, but they
are gone.
19:8He who gets wisdom loves his own
soul.
He who keeps understanding shall find
good.
19:9A false witness shall not be
unpunished.
He who utters lies shall perish.
19:10Delicate living is not
appropriate for a fool,
Much less for a servant to have rule
over princes.
19:11The discretion of a man makes
him slow to anger.
It is his glory to overlook an
offense.
19:12The king's wrath is like the
roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the
grass.
19:13A foolish son is the calamity of
his father.
A wife's quarrels are a continual
dripping.
19:14House and riches are an
inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
19:15Slothfulness casts into a deep
sleep.
The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
19:16He who keeps the commandment
keeps his soul,
But he who is contemptuous in his
ways shall die.
19:17He who has pity on the poor
lends to Yahweh;
He will reward him.
19:18Discipline your son, for there
is hope;
Don't be a willing party to his death.
19:19A hot-tempered man must pay the
penalty,
For if you rescue him, you must do it
again.
19:20Listen to counsel and receive
instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter
end.
19:21There are many plans in a man's
heart,
But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
19:22That which makes a man to be
desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.
19:23The fear of Yahweh leads to
life, then contentment;
He rests and will not be touched by
trouble.
19:24The sluggard buries his hand in
the dish;
He will not so much as bring it to
his mouth again.
19:25Flog a scoffer, and the simple
will learn prudence;
Rebuke one who has understanding, and
he will gain knowledge.
19:26He who robs his father and
drives away his mother,
Is a son who causes shame and brings
reproach.
19:27If you stop listening to
instruction, my son,
You will stray from the words of
knowledge.
19:28A corrupt witness mocks justice,
And the mouth of the wicked gulps
down iniquity.
19:29Penalties are prepared for
scoffers,
And beatings for the backs of fools.
20:1Wine is a mocker, and beer is a
brawler;
Whoever is led astray by them is not
wise.
20:2The terror of a king is like the
roaring of a lion:
He who provokes him to anger forfeits
his own life.
20:3It is an honor for a man to keep
aloof from strife;
But every fool will be quarreling.
20:4The sluggard will not plow by
reason of the winter;
Therefore he shall beg in harvest,
and have nothing.
20:5Counsel in the heart of man is
like deep water;
But a man of understanding will draw
it out.
20:6Many men claim to be men of
unfailing love,
But who can find a faithful man?
20:7A righteous man walks in
integrity.
Blessed are his children after him.
20:8A king who sits on the throne of
judgment
Scatters away all evil with his eyes.
20:9Who can say, "I have made my
heart pure.
I am clean and without sin?"
20:10Differing weights and differing
measures,
Both of them alike are an abomination
to Yahweh.
20:11Even a child makes himself known
by his doings,
Whether his work is pure, and whether
it is right.
20:12The hearing ear, and the seeing
eye,
Yahweh has made even both of them.
20:13Don't love sleep, lest you come
to poverty;
Open your eyes, and you shall be
satisfied with bread.
20:14"It's no good, it's no
good," says the buyer;
But when he is gone his way, then he
boasts.
20:15There is gold and abundance of
rubies;
But the lips of knowledge are a rare
jewel.
20:16Take the garment of one who puts
up collateral for a stranger;
And hold him in pledge for a wayward
woman.
20:17Fraudulent food is sweet to a
man,
But afterwards his mouth is filled
with gravel.
20:18Plans are established by advice;
By wise guidance you wage war!
20:19He who goes about as a
tale-bearer reveals secrets;
Therefore don't keep company with him
who opens wide his lips.
20:20Whoever curses his father or his
mother,
His lamp shall be put out in
blackness of darkness.
20:21An inheritance quickly gained at
the beginning,
Won't be blessed in the end.
20:22Don't say, "I will pay back
evil."
Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
20:23Yahweh detests differing weights,
And dishonest scales are not pleasing.
20:24A man's steps are from Yahweh;
How then can man understand his way?
20:25It is a snare to a man make a
rash dedication,
And later reconsider his vows.
20:26A wise king winnows out the
wicked,
And drives the threshing wheel over
them.
20:27The spirit of man is Yahweh's
lamp,
Searching all his innermost parts.
20:28Love and faithfulness keep the
king safe.
His throne is sustained by love.
20:29The glory of young men is their
strength.
The splendor of old men is their gray
hair.
20:30Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
And beatings purge the innermost
parts.
21:1The king's heart is in Yahweh's
hand like the watercourses.
He turns it wherever he desires.
21:2Every way of a man is right in
his own eyes,
But Yahweh weighs the hearts.
21:3To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to Yahweh than
sacrifice.
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