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Chapter 1[]
1 | The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: |
2 | to know wisdom and instruction; |
to discern the words of understanding; | |
3 | to receive instruction in wise dealing, |
in righteousness, justice, and equity; | |
4 | to give prudence to the simple, |
knowledge and discretion to the young man: | |
5 | that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; |
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: | |
6 | to understand a proverb, and parables, |
the words and riddles of the wise. | |
7 | The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; |
but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. | |
8 | My son, listen to your father's instruction, |
and don’t forsake your mother's teaching: | |
9 | for they will be a garland to grace your head, |
and chains around your neck. | |
10 | My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent. |
11 | If they say, “Come with us, |
Let’s lay in wait for blood; | |
let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; | |
12 | let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, |
and whole, like those who go down into the pit. | |
13 | We’ll find all valuable wealth. |
We’ll fill our houses with spoil. | |
14 | You shall cast your lot among us. |
We’ll all have one purse.” | |
15 | My son, don’t walk in the way with them. |
Keep your foot from their path, | |
16 | for their feet run to evil. |
They hurry to shed blood. | |
17 | For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: |
18 | but these lay wait for their own blood. |
They lurk secretly for their own lives. | |
19 | So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. |
It takes away the life of its owners. | |
20 | Wisdom calls aloud in the street. |
She utters her voice in the public squares. | |
21 | She calls at the head of noisy places. |
At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words: | |
22 | “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? |
How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, | |
and fools hate knowledge? | |
23 | Turn at my reproof. |
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. | |
I will make known my words to you. | |
24 | Because I have called, and you have refused; |
I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; | |
25 | but you have ignored all my counsel, |
and wanted none of my reproof; | |
26 | I also will laugh at your disaster. |
I will mock when calamity overtakes you; | |
27 | when calamity overtakes you like a storm, |
when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; | |
when distress and anguish come on you. | |
28 | Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. |
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; | |
29 | because they hated knowledge, |
and didn’t choose the fear of Yahweh. | |
30 | They wanted none of my counsel. |
They despised all my reproof. | |
31 | Therefore, they will eat of the fruit of their own way, |
and be filled with their own schemes. | |
32 | For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. |
The careless ease of fools will destroy them. | |
33 | But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, |
and will be at ease, without fear of harm.” |
Chapter 2[]
1 | My son, if you will receive my words, |
and store up my commandments within you; | |
2 | So as to turn your ear to wisdom, |
and apply your heart to understanding; | |
3 | Yes, if you call out for discernment, |
and lift up your voice for understanding; | |
4 | If you seek her as silver, |
and search for her as for hidden treasures: | |
5 | then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, |
and find the knowledge of God. | |
6 | For Yahweh gives wisdom. |
Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. | |
7 | He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. |
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity; | |
8 | that he may guard the paths of justice, |
and preserve the way of his saints. | |
9 | Then you will understand righteousness and justice, |
equity and every good path. | |
10 | For wisdom will enter into your heart. |
Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. | |
11 | Discretion will watch over you. |
Understanding will keep you, | |
12 | to deliver you from the way of evil, |
from the men who speak perverse things; | |
13 | who forsake the paths of uprightness, |
to walk in the ways of darkness; | |
14 | who rejoice to do evil, |
and delight in the perverseness of evil; | |
15 | who are crooked in their ways, |
and wayward in their paths: | |
16 | To deliver you from the strange woman, |
even from the foreigner who flatters with her words; | |
17 | who forsakes the friend of her youth, |
and forgets the covenant of her God: | |
18 | for her house leads down to death, |
her paths to the dead. | |
19 | None who go to her return again, |
neither do they attain to the paths of life: | |
20 | that you may walk in the way of good men, |
and keep the paths of the righteous. | |
21 | For the upright will dwell in the land. |
The perfect will remain in it. | |
22 | But the wicked will be cut off from the land. |
The treacherous will be rooted out of it. |
Chapter 3[]
1 | My son, don’t forget my teaching; |
but let your heart keep my commandments: | |
2 | for length of days, and years of life, |
and peace, will they add to you. | |
3 | Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. |
Bind them around your neck. | |
Write them on the tablet of your heart. | |
4 | So you will find favor, |
and good understanding in the sight of God and man. | |
5 | Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, |
and don’t lean on your own understanding. | |
6 | In all your ways acknowledge him, |
and he will make your paths straight. | |
7 | Don’t be wise in your own eyes. |
Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. | |
8 | It will be health to your body, |
and nourishment to your bones. | |
9 | Honor Yahweh with your substance, |
with the first fruits of all your increase: | |
10 | so your barns will be filled with plenty, |
and your vats will overflow with new wine. | |
11 | My son, don’t despise Yahweh's discipline, |
neither be weary of his reproof: | |
12 | for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; |
even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights. | |
13 | Happy is the man who finds wisdom, |
the man who gets understanding. | |
14 | For her good profit is better than getting silver, |
and her return is better than fine gold. | |
15 | She is more precious than rubies. |
None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. | |
16 | Length of days is in her right hand. |
In her left hand are riches and honor. | |
17 | Her ways are ways of pleasantness. |
All her paths are peace. | |
18 | She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. |
Happy is everyone who retains her. | |
19 | By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. |
By understanding, he established the heavens. | |
20 | By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, |
and the skies drop down the dew. | |
21 | My son, let them not depart from your eyes. |
Keep sound wisdom and discretion: | |
22 | so they will be life to your soul, |
and grace for your neck. | |
23 | Then you shall walk in your way securely. |
Your foot won’t stumble. | |
24 | When you lie down, you will not be afraid. |
Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet. | |
25 | Don’t be afraid of sudden fear, |
neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes: | |
26 | for Yahweh will be your confidence, |
and will keep your foot from being taken. | |
27 | Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, |
when it is in the power of your hand to do it. | |
28 | Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again; |
tomorrow I will give it to you,” | |
when you have it by you. | |
29 | Don’t devise evil against your neighbor, |
seeing he dwells securely by you. | |
30 | Don’t strive with a man without cause, |
if he has done you no harm. | |
31 | Don’t envy the man of violence. |
Choose none of his ways. | |
32 | For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, |
but his friendship is with the upright. | |
33 | Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked, |
but he blesses the habitation of the righteous. | |
34 | Surely he mocks the mockers, |
but he gives grace to the humble. | |
35 | The wise will inherit glory, |
but shame will be the promotion of fools. |
Chapter 4[]
1 | Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. |
Pay attention and know understanding; | |
2 | for I give you sound learning. |
Don’t forsake my law. | |
3 | For I was a son to my father, |
tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. | |
4 | He taught me, and said to me: |
“Let your heart retain my words. | |
Keep my commandments, and live. | |
5 | Get wisdom. |
Get understanding. | |
Don’t forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth. | |
6 | Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you. |
Love her, and she will keep you. | |
7 | Wisdom is supreme. |
Get wisdom. | |
Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. | |
8 | Esteem her, and she will exalt you. |
She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her. | |
9 | She will give to your head a garland of grace. |
She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.” | |
10 | Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. |
The years of your life will be many. | |
11 | I have taught you in the way of wisdom. |
I have led you in straight paths. | |
12 | When you go, your steps will not be hampered. |
When you run, you will not stumble. | |
13 | Take firm hold of instruction. |
Don’t let her go. | |
Keep her, for she is your life. | |
14 | Don’t enter into the path of the wicked. |
Don’t walk in the way of evil men. | |
15 | Avoid it, and don’t pass by it. |
Turn from it, and pass on. | |
16 | For they don’t sleep, unless they do evil. |
Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall. | |
17 | For they eat the bread of wickedness, |
and drink the wine of violence. | |
18 | But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, |
that shines more and more until the perfect day. | |
19 | The way of the wicked is like darkness. |
They don’t know what they stumble over. | |
20 | My son, attend to my words. |
Turn your ear to my sayings. | |
21 | Let them not depart from your eyes. |
Keep them in the midst of your heart. | |
22 | For they are life to those who find them, |
and health to their whole body. | |
23 | Keep your heart with all diligence, |
for out of it is the wellspring of life. | |
24 | Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. |
Put corrupt lips far from you. | |
25 | Let your eyes look straight ahead. |
Fix your gaze directly before you. | |
26 | Make the path of your feet level. |
Let all of your ways be established. | |
27 | Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left. |
Remove your foot from evil. |
Chapter 5[]
1 | My son, pay attention to my wisdom. |
Turn your ear to my understanding: | |
2 | that you may maintain discretion, |
that your lips may preserve knowledge. | |
3 | For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. |
Her mouth is smoother than oil, | |
4 | But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, |
and as sharp as a two-edged sword. | |
5 | Her feet go down to death. |
Her steps lead straight to Sheol . | |
6 | She gives no thought to the way of life. |
Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it. | |
7 | Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. |
Don’t depart from the words of my mouth. | |
8 | Remove your way far from her. |
Don’t come near the door of her house, | |
9 | lest you give your honor to others, |
and your years to the cruel one; | |
10 | lest strangers feast on your wealth, |
and your labors enrich another man's house. | |
11 | You will groan at your latter end, |
when your flesh and your body are consumed, | |
12 | and say, “How I have hated instruction, |
and my heart despised reproof; | |
13 | neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, |
nor turned my ear to those who instructed me! | |
14 | I have come to the brink of utter ruin, |
in the midst of the gathered assembly.” | |
15 | Drink water out of your own cistern, |
running water out of your own well. | |
16 | Should your springs overflow in the streets, |
streams of water in the public squares? | |
17 | Let them be for yourself alone, |
not for strangers with you. | |
18 | Let your spring be blessed. |
Rejoice in the wife of your youth. | |
19 | A loving doe and a graceful deer— |
let her breasts satisfy you at all times. | |
Be captivated always with her love. | |
20 | For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? |
Why embrace the bosom of another? | |
21 | For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. |
He examines all his paths. | |
22 | The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. |
The cords of his sin hold him firmly. | |
23 | He will die for lack of instruction. |
In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray. |
Chapter 6[]
1 | My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, |
if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger; | |
2 | You are trapped by the words of your mouth. |
You are ensnared with the words of your mouth. | |
3 | Do 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. | |
4 | Give no sleep to your eyes, |
nor slumber to your eyelids. | |
5 | Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, |
like a bird from the snare of the fowler. | |
6 | Go to the ant, you sluggard. |
Consider her ways, and be wise; | |
7 | which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, |
8 | provides her bread in the summer, |
and gathers her food in the harvest. | |
9 | How long will you sleep, sluggard? |
When will you arise out of your sleep? | |
10 | A little sleep, a little slumber, |
a little folding of the hands to sleep: | |
11 | so your poverty will come as a robber, |
and your scarcity as an armed man. | |
12 | A worthless person, a man of iniquity, |
is he who walks with a perverse mouth; | |
13 | who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, |
who motions with his fingers; | |
14 | in whose heart is perverseness, |
who devises evil continually, | |
who always sows discord. | |
15 | Therefore, his calamity will come suddenly. |
He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy. | |
16 | There are six things which Yahweh hates; |
yes, seven which are an abomination to him: | |
17 | haughty eyes, a lying tongue, |
hands that shed innocent blood; | |
18 | a heart that devises wicked schemes, |
feet that are swift in running to mischief, | |
19 | a false witness who utters lies, |
and he who sows discord among brothers. | |
20 | My son, keep your father's commandment, |
and don’t forsake your mother's teaching. | |
21 | Bind them continually on your heart. |
Tie them around your neck. | |
22 | When you walk, it will lead you. |
When you sleep, it will watch over you. | |
When you awake, it will talk with you. | |
23 | For the commandment is a lamp, |
and the law is light. | |
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, | |
24 | to keep you from the immoral woman, |
from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue. | |
25 | Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, |
neither let her captivate you with her eyelids. | |
26 | For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. |
The adulteress hunts for your precious life. | |
27 | Can a man scoop fire into his lap, |
and his clothes not be burned? | |
28 | Or can one walk on hot coals, |
and his feet not be scorched? | |
29 | So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife. |
Whoever touches her will not be unpunished. | |
30 | Men don’t despise a thief, |
if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry: | |
31 | but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. |
He shall give all the wealth of his house. | |
32 | He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. |
He who does it destroys his own soul. | |
33 | He will get wounds and dishonor. |
His reproach will not be wiped away. | |
34 | For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. |
He won’t spare in the day of vengeance. | |
35 | He won’t regard any ransom, |
neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts. |
Chapter 7[]
1 | My son, keep my words. |
Lay up my commandments within you. | |
2 | Keep my commandments and live! |
Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. | |
3 | Bind them on your fingers. |
Write them on the tablet of your heart. | |
4 | Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” |
Call understanding your relative, | |
5 | that they may keep you from the strange woman, |
from the foreigner who flatters with her words. | |
6 | For at the window of my house, |
I looked out through my lattice. | |
7 | I saw among the simple ones. |
I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding, | |
8 | passing through the street near her corner, |
he went the way to her house, | |
9 | in the twilight, in the evening of the day, |
in the middle of the night and in the darkness. | |
10 | Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, |
and with crafty intent. | |
11 | She is loud and defiant. |
Her feet don’t stay in her house. | |
12 | Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, |
and lurking at every corner. | |
13 | So she caught him, and kissed him. |
With an impudent face she said to him: | |
14 | “Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. |
This day I have paid my vows. | |
15 | Therefore I came out to meet you, |
to diligently seek your face, | |
and I have found you. | |
16 | I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, |
with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. | |
17 | I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. |
18 | Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning. |
Let’s solace ourselves with loving. | |
19 | For my husband isn’t at home. |
He has gone on a long journey. | |
20 | He has taken a bag of money with him. |
He will come home at the full moon.” | |
21 | With persuasive words, she led him astray. |
With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him. | |
22 | He followed her immediately, |
as an ox goes to the slaughter, | |
as a fool stepping into a noose. | |
23 | Until an arrow strikes through his liver, |
as a bird hurries to the snare, | |
and doesn’t know that it will cost his life. | |
24 | Now therefore, sons, listen to me. |
Pay attention to the words of my mouth. | |
25 | Don’t let your heart turn to her ways. |
Don’t go astray in her paths, | |
26 | for she has thrown down many wounded. |
Yes, all her slain are a mighty army. | |
27 | Her house is the way to Sheol, |
going down to the chambers of death. |
Chapter 8[]
1 | Doesn’t wisdom cry out? |
Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? | |
2 | On the top of high places by the way, |
where the paths meet, she stands. | |
3 | Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, |
at the entry doors, she cries aloud: | |
4 | “To you men, I call! |
I send my voice to the sons of mankind. | |
5 | You simple, understand prudence. |
You fools, be of an understanding heart. | |
6 | Hear, for I will speak excellent things. |
The opening of my lips is for right things. | |
7 | For my mouth speaks truth. |
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. | |
8 | All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. |
There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. | |
9 | They are all plain to him who understands, |
right to those who find knowledge. | |
10 | Receive my instruction rather than silver; |
knowledge rather than choice gold. | |
11 | For wisdom is better than rubies. |
All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it. | |
12 | “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. |
Find out knowledge and discretion. | |
13 | The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. |
I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. | |
14 | Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. |
I have understanding and power. | |
15 | By me kings reign, |
and princes decree justice. | |
16 | By me princes rule; |
nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. | |
17 | I love those who love me. |
Those who seek me diligently will find me. | |
18 | With me are riches, honor, |
enduring wealth, and prosperity. | |
19 | My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; |
my yield than choice silver. | |
20 | I walk in the way of righteousness, |
in the midst of the paths of justice; | |
21 | That I may give wealth to those who love me. |
I fill their treasuries. | |
22 | “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, |
before his deeds of old. | |
23 | I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, |
before the earth existed. | |
24 | When there were no depths, I was brought forth, |
when there were no springs abounding with water. | |
25 | Before the mountains were settled in place, |
before the hills, I was brought forth; | |
26 | while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, |
nor the beginning of the dust of the world. | |
27 | When he established the heavens, I was there; |
when he set a circle on the surface of the deep, | |
28 | when he established the clouds above, |
when the springs of the deep became strong, | |
29 | when he gave to the sea its boundary, |
that the waters should not violate his commandment, | |
when he marked out the foundations of the earth; | |
30 | then I was the craftsman by his side. |
I was a delight day by day, | |
always rejoicing before him, | |
31 | Rejoicing in his whole world. |
My delight was with the sons of men. | |
32 | “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, |
for blessed are those who keep my ways. | |
33 | Hear instruction, and be wise. |
Don’t refuse it. | |
34 | Blessed is the man who hears me, |
watching daily at my gates, | |
waiting at my door posts. | |
35 | For whoever finds me, finds life, |
and will obtain favor from Yahweh. | |
36 | But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. |
All those who hate me love death.” |
Chapter 9[]
1 | Wisdom has built her house. |
She has carved out her seven pillars. | |
2 | She has prepared her meat. |
She has mixed her wine. | |
She has also set her table. | |
3 | She has sent out her maidens. |
She cries from the highest places of the city: | |
4 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” |
As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, | |
5 | “Come, eat some of my bread, |
Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! | |
6 | Leave your simple ways, and live. |
Walk in the way of understanding.” | |
7 | He who corrects a mocker invites insult. |
He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. | |
8 | Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. |
Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. | |
9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. |
Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. | |
10 | The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. |
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. | |
11 | For by me your days will be multiplied. |
The years of your life will be increased. | |
12 | If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. |
If you mock, you alone will bear it. | |
13 | The foolish woman is loud, |
Undisciplined, and knows nothing. | |
14 | She sits at the door of her house, |
on a seat in the high places of the city, | |
15 | To call to those who pass by, |
who go straight on their ways, | |
16 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” |
as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, | |
17 | “Stolen water is sweet. |
Food eaten in secret is pleasant.” | |
18 | But he doesn’t know that the dead are there, |
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol . |
Chapter 10[]
1 | The proverbs of Solomon. |
A wise son makes a glad father; | |
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. | |
2 | Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, |
but righteousness delivers from death. | |
3 | Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, |
but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked. | |
4 | He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, |
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. | |
5 | He who gathers in summer is a wise son, |
but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. | |
6 | Blessings are on the head of the righteous, |
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. | |
7 | The memory of the righteous is blessed, |
but the name of the wicked will rot. | |
8 | The wise in heart accept commandments, |
but a chattering fool will fall. | |
9 | He who walks blamelessly walks surely, |
but he who perverts his ways will be found out. | |
10 | One winking with the eye causes sorrow, |
but a chattering fool will fall. | |
11 | The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, |
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. | |
12 | Hatred stirs up strife, |
but love covers all wrongs. | |
13 | Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, |
but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. | |
14 | Wise men lay up knowledge, |
but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. | |
15 | The rich man's wealth is his strong city. |
The destruction of the poor is their poverty. | |
16 | The labor of the righteous leads to life. |
The increase of the wicked leads to sin. | |
17 | He is in the way of life who heeds correction, |
but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. | |
18 | He who hides hatred has lying lips. |
He who utters a slander is a fool. | |
19 | In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, |
but he who restrains his lips does wisely. | |
20 | The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. |
The heart of the wicked is of little worth. | |
21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, |
but the foolish die for lack of understanding. | |
22 | Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, |
and he adds no trouble to it. | |
23 | It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, |
but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure. | |
24 | What the wicked fear, will overtake them, |
but the desire of the righteous will be granted. | |
25 | When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; |
but the righteous stand firm forever. | |
26 | As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, |
so is the sluggard to those who send him. | |
27 | The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, |
but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. | |
28 | The prospect of the righteous is joy, |
but the hope of the wicked will perish. | |
29 | The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, |
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. | |
30 | The righteous will never be removed, |
but the wicked will not dwell in the land. | |
31 | The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, |
but the perverse tongue will be cut off. | |
32 | The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, |
but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. |
Chapter 11[]
1 | A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, |
but accurate weights are his delight. | |
2 | When pride comes, then comes shame, |
but with humility comes wisdom. | |
3 | The integrity of the upright shall guide them, |
but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. | |
4 | Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, |
but righteousness delivers from death. | |
5 | The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, |
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. | |
6 | The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, |
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires. | |
7 | When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, |
and expectation of power comes to nothing. | |
8 | A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, |
and the wicked takes his place. | |
9 | With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, |
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. | |
10 | When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. |
When the wicked perish, there is shouting. | |
11 | By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, |
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. | |
12 | One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, |
but a man of understanding holds his peace. | |
13 | One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, |
but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. | |
14 | Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, |
but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. | |
15 | He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, |
but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure. | |
16 | A gracious woman obtains honor, |
but violent men obtain riches. | |
17 | The merciful man does good to his own soul, |
but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. | |
18 | Wicked people earn deceitful wages, |
but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. | |
19 | He who is truly righteous gets life. |
He who pursues evil gets death. | |
20 | Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, |
but those whose ways are blameless are his delight. | |
21 | Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, |
but the seed of the righteous will be delivered. | |
22 | Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, |
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. | |
23 | The desire of the righteous is only good. |
The expectation of the wicked is wrath. | |
24 | There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. |
There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. | |
25 | The liberal soul shall be made fat. |
He who waters shall be watered also himself. | |
26 | People curse someone who withholds grain, |
but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. | |
27 | He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, |
but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him. | |
28 | He who trusts in his riches will fall, |
but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. | |
29 | He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. |
The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. | |
30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. |
He who is wise wins souls. | |
31 | Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; |
how much more the wicked and the sinner! |
Chapter 12[]
1 | Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, |
but he who hates reproof is stupid. | |
2 | A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, |
but he will condemn a man of wicked devices. | |
3 | A man shall not be established by wickedness, |
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. | |
4 | A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, |
but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. | |
5 | The thoughts of the righteous are just, |
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. | |
6 | The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, |
but the speech of the upright rescues them. | |
7 | The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, |
but the house of the righteous shall stand. | |
8 | A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, |
but he who has a warped mind shall be despised. | |
9 | Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, |
than he who honors himself, and lacks bread. | |
10 | A righteous man respects the life of his animal, |
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. | |
11 | He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, |
but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. | |
12 | The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, |
but the root of the righteous flourishes. | |
13 | An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, |
but the righteous shall come out of trouble. | |
14 | A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. |
The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him. | |
15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, |
but he who is wise listens to counsel. | |
16 | A fool shows his annoyance the same day, |
but one who overlooks an insult is prudent. | |
17 | He who is truthful testifies honestly, |
but a false witness lies. | |
18 | There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, |
but the tongue of the wise heals. | |
19 | Truth's lips will be established forever, |
but a lying tongue is only momentary. | |
20 | Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, |
but joy comes to the promoters of peace. | |
21 | No mischief shall happen to the righteous, |
but the wicked shall be filled with evil. | |
22 | Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, |
but those who do the truth are his delight. | |
23 | A prudent man keeps his knowledge, |
but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. | |
24 | The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, |
but laziness ends in slave labor. | |
25 | Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, |
but a kind word makes it glad. | |
26 | A righteous person is cautious in friendship, |
but the way of the wicked leads them astray. | |
27 | The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, |
but the possessions of diligent men are prized. | |
28 | In the way of righteousness is life; |
in its path there is no death. |
Chapter 13[]
1 | A wise son listens to his father's instruction, |
but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke. | |
2 | By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; |
but the unfaithful crave violence. | |
3 | He who guards his mouth guards his soul. |
One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. | |
4 | The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, |
but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. | |
5 | A righteous man hates lies, |
but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. | |
6 | Righteousness guards the way of integrity, |
but wickedness overthrows the sinner. | |
7 | There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. |
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth. | |
8 | The ransom of a man's life is his riches, |
but the poor hear no threats. | |
9 | The light of the righteous shines brightly, |
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. | |
10 | Pride only breeds quarrels, |
but with ones who take advice is wisdom. | |
11 | Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, |
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. | |
12 | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, |
but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. | |
13 | Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, |
but he who respects a command will be rewarded. | |
14 | The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, |
to turn from the snares of death. | |
15 | Good understanding wins favor; |
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. | |
16 | Every prudent man acts from knowledge, |
but a fool exposes folly. | |
17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, |
but a trustworthy envoy gains healing. | |
18 | Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, |
but he who heeds correction shall be honored. | |
19 | Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, |
but fools detest turning from evil. | |
20 | One who walks with wise men grows wise, |
but a companion of fools suffers harm. | |
21 | Misfortune pursues sinners, |
but prosperity rewards the righteous. | |
22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, |
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous. | |
23 | An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, |
but injustice sweeps it away. | |
24 | One who spares the rod hates his son, |
but one who loves him is careful to discipline him. | |
25 | The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, |
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry. |
Chapter 14[]
1 | Every wise woman builds her house, |
but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. | |
2 | He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, |
but he who is perverse in his ways despises him. | |
3 | The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, |
but the lips of the wise protect them. | |
4 | Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, |
but much increase is by the strength of the ox. | |
5 | A truthful witness will not lie, |
but a false witness pours out lies. | |
6 | A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, |
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person. | |
7 | Stay away from a foolish man, |
for you won’t find knowledge on his lips. | |
8 | The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, |
but the folly of fools is deceit. | |
9 | Fools mock at making atonement for sins, |
but among the upright there is good will. | |
10 | The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; |
he will not share these with a stranger. | |
11 | The house of the wicked will be overthrown, |
but the tent of the upright will flourish. | |
12 | There is a way which seems right to a man, |
but in the end it leads to death. | |
13 | Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, |
and mirth may end in heaviness. | |
14 | The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; |
likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways. | |
15 | A simple man believes everything, |
but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. | |
16 | A wise man fears, and shuns evil, |
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless. | |
17 | He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, |
and a crafty man is hated. | |
18 | The simple inherit folly, |
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. | |
19 | The evil bow down before the good, |
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. | |
20 | The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, |
but the rich person has many friends. | |
21 | He who despises his neighbor sins, |
but blessed is he who has pity on the poor. | |
22 | Don’t they go astray who plot evil? |
But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good. | |
23 | In all hard work there is profit, |
but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. | |
24 | The crown of the wise is their riches, |
but the folly of fools crowns them with folly. | |
25 | A truthful witness saves souls, |
but a false witness is deceitful. | |
26 | In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, |
and he will be a refuge for his children. | |
27 | The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, |
turning people from the snares of death. | |
28 | In the multitude of people is the king's glory, |
but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. | |
29 | He who is slow to anger has great understanding, |
but he who has a quick temper displays folly. | |
30 | The life of the body is a heart at peace, |
but envy rots the bones. | |
31 | He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, |
but he who is kind to the needy honors him. | |
32 | The wicked is brought down in his calamity, |
but in death, the righteous has a refuge. | |
33 | Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, |
and is even made known in the inward part of fools. | |
34 | Righteousness exalts a nation, |
but sin is a disgrace to any people. | |
35 | The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, |
but his wrath is toward one who causes shame. |
Chapter 15[]
1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, |
but a harsh word stirs up anger. | |
2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, |
but the mouth of fools gush out folly. | |
3 | Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, |
keeping watch on the evil and the good. | |
4 | A gentle tongue is a tree of life, |
but deceit in it crushes the spirit. | |
5 | A fool despises his father's correction, |
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. | |
6 | In the house of the righteous is much treasure, |
but the income of the wicked brings trouble. | |
7 | The lips of the wise spread knowledge; |
not so with the heart of fools. | |
8 | The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, |
but the prayer of the upright is his delight. | |
9 | The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, |
but he loves him who follows after righteousness. | |
10 | There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: |
whoever hates reproof shall die. | |
11 | Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh— |
how much more than the hearts of the children of men! | |
12 | A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; |
he will not go to the wise. | |
13 | A glad heart makes a cheerful face; |
but an aching heart breaks the spirit. | |
14 | The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, |
but the mouths of fools feed on folly. | |
15 | All the days of the afflicted are wretched, |
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. | |
16 | Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, |
than great treasure with trouble. | |
17 | Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, |
than a fattened calf with hatred. | |
18 | A wrathful man stirs up contention, |
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife. | |
19 | The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, |
but the path of the upright is a highway. | |
20 | A wise son makes a father glad, |
but a foolish man despises his mother. | |
21 | Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, |
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. | |
22 | Where there is no counsel, plans fail; |
but in a multitude of counselors they are established. | |
23 | Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. |
How good is a word at the right time! | |
24 | The path of life leads upward for the wise, |
to keep him from going downward to Sheol . | |
25 | Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, |
but he will keep the widow's borders intact. | |
26 | Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, |
but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing. | |
27 | He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, |
but he who hates bribes will live. | |
28 | The heart of the righteous weighs answers, |
but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. | |
29 | Yahweh is far from the wicked, |
but he hears the prayer of the righteous. | |
30 | The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. |
Good news gives health to the bones. | |
31 | The ear that listens to reproof lives, |
and will be at home among the wise. | |
32 | He who refuses correction despises his own soul, |
but he who listens to reproof gets understanding. | |
33 | The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. |
Before honor is humility. |
Chapter 16[]
1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, |
but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. | |
2 | All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; |
but Yahweh weighs the motives. | |
3 | Commit your deeds to Yahweh, |
and your plans shall succeed. | |
4 | Yahweh has made everything for its own end— |
yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. | |
5 | Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: |
they shall certainly not be unpunished. | |
6 | By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. |
By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil. | |
7 | When a man's ways please Yahweh, |
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. | |
8 | Better is a little with righteousness, |
than great revenues with injustice. | |
9 | A man's heart plans his course, |
but Yahweh directs his steps. | |
10 | Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. |
He shall not betray his mouth. | |
11 | Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; |
all the weights in the bag are his work. | |
12 | It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, |
for the throne is established by righteousness. | |
13 | Righteous lips are the delight of kings. |
They value one who speaks the truth. | |
14 | The king's wrath is a messenger of death, |
but a wise man will pacify it. | |
15 | In the light of the king's face is life. |
His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. | |
16 | How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! |
Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. | |
17 | The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. |
He who keeps his way preserves his soul. | |
18 | Pride goes before destruction, |
and a haughty spirit before a fall. | |
19 | It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, |
than to divide the plunder with the proud. | |
20 | He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. |
Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. | |
21 | The wise in heart shall be called prudent. |
Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. | |
22 | Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, |
but the punishment of fools is their folly. | |
23 | The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, |
and adds learning to his lips. | |
24 | Pleasant words are a honeycomb, |
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. | |
25 | There is a way which seems right to a man, |
but in the end it leads to death. | |
26 | The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; |
for his mouth urges him on. | |
27 | A worthless man devises mischief. |
His speech is like a scorching fire. | |
28 | A perverse man stirs up strife. |
A whisperer separates close friends. | |
29 | A man of violence entices his neighbor, |
and leads him in a way that is not good. | |
30 | One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, |
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. | |
31 | Gray hair is a crown of glory. |
It is attained by a life of righteousness. | |
32 | One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; |
one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. | |
33 | The lot is cast into the lap, |
but its every decision is from Yahweh. |
Chapter 17[]
1 | Better is a dry morsel with quietness, |
than a house full of feasting with strife. | |
2 | A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, |
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. | |
3 | The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, |
but Yahweh tests the hearts. | |
4 | An evildoer heeds wicked lips. |
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. | |
5 | Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. |
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. | |
6 | Children's children are the crown of old men; |
the glory of children are their parents. | |
7 | Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, |
much less do lying lips fit a prince. | |
8 | A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; |
wherever he turns, he prospers. | |
9 | He who covers an offense promotes love; |
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. | |
10 | A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding |
than a hundred lashes into a fool. | |
11 | An evil man seeks only rebellion; |
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. | |
12 | Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, |
rather than a fool in his folly. | |
13 | Whoever rewards evil for good, |
evil shall not depart from his house. | |
14 | The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, |
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. | |
15 | He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, |
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. | |
16 | Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, |
seeing he has no understanding? | |
17 | A friend loves at all times; |
and a brother is born for adversity. | |
18 | A man void of understanding strikes hands, |
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. | |
19 | He who loves disobedience loves strife. |
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. | |
20 | One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, |
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. | |
21 | He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. |
The father of a fool has no joy. | |
22 | A cheerful heart makes good medicine, |
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. | |
23 | A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, |
to pervert the ways of justice. | |
24 | Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, |
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. | |
25 | A foolish son brings grief to his father, |
and bitterness to her who bore him. | |
26 | Also to punish the righteous is not good, |
nor to flog officials for their integrity. | |
27 | He who spares his words has knowledge. |
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. | |
28 | Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. |
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning. |
Chapter 18[]
1 | An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, |
and defies all sound judgment. | |
2 | A fool has no delight in understanding, |
but only in revealing his own opinion. | |
3 | When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, |
and with shame comes disgrace. | |
4 | The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. |
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. | |
5 | To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, |
nor to deprive the innocent of justice. | |
6 | A fool's lips come into strife, |
and his mouth invites beatings. | |
7 | A fool's mouth is his destruction, |
and his lips are a snare to his soul. | |
8 | The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: |
they go down into a person's innermost parts. | |
9 | One who is slack in his work |
is brother to him who is a master of destruction. | |
10 | The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: |
the righteous run to him, and are safe. | |
11 | The rich man's wealth is his strong city, |
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. | |
12 | Before destruction the heart of man is proud, |
but before honor is humility. | |
13 | He who gives answer before he hears, |
that is folly and shame to him. | |
14 | A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, |
but a crushed spirit, who can bear? | |
15 | The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. |
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. | |
16 | A man's gift makes room for him, |
and brings him before great men. | |
17 | He who pleads his cause first seems right; |
until another comes and questions him. | |
18 | The lot settles disputes, |
and keeps strong ones apart. | |
19 | A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; |
and disputes are like the bars of a castle. | |
20 | A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. |
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. | |
21 | Death and life are in the power of the tongue; |
those who love it will eat its fruit. | |
22 | Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, |
and obtains favor of Yahweh. | |
23 | The poor plead for mercy, |
but the rich answer harshly. | |
24 | A man of many companions may be ruined, |
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
Chapter 19[]
1 | Better is the poor who walks in his integrity |
than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. | |
2 | It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge; |
nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way. | |
3 | The foolishness of man subverts his way; |
his heart rages against Yahweh. | |
4 | Wealth adds many friends, |
but the poor is separated from his friend. | |
5 | A false witness shall not be unpunished. |
He who pours out lies shall not go free. | |
6 | Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, |
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. | |
7 | All the relatives of the poor shun him: |
how much more do his friends avoid him! | |
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone. | |
8 | He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. |
He who keeps understanding shall find good. | |
9 | A false witness shall not be unpunished. |
He who utters lies shall perish. | |
10 | Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, |
much less for a servant to have rule over princes. | |
11 | The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. |
It is his glory to overlook an offense. | |
12 | The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, |
but his favor is like dew on the grass. | |
13 | A foolish son is the calamity of his father. |
A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping. | |
14 | House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, |
but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. | |
15 | Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. |
The idle soul shall suffer hunger. | |
16 | He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, |
but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. | |
17 | He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; |
he will reward him. | |
18 | Discipline your son, for there is hope; |
don’t be a willing party to his death. | |
19 | A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, |
for if you rescue him, you must do it again. | |
20 | Listen to counsel and receive instruction, |
that you may be wise in your latter end. | |
21 | There are many plans in a man's heart, |
but Yahweh's counsel will prevail. | |
22 | That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. |
A poor man is better than a liar. | |
23 | The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; |
he rests and will not be touched by trouble. | |
24 | The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; |
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. | |
25 | Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; |
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. | |
26 | He who robs his father and drives away his mother, |
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. | |
27 | If you stop listening to instruction, my son, |
you will stray from the words of knowledge. | |
28 | A corrupt witness mocks justice, |
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. | |
29 | Penalties are prepared for scoffers, |
and beatings for the backs of fools. |
Chapter 20[]
1 | Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. |
Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. | |
2 | The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. |
He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. | |
3 | It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; |
but every fool will be quarreling. | |
4 | The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; |
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. | |
5 | Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; |
but a man of understanding will draw it out. | |
6 | Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, |
but who can find a faithful man? | |
7 | A righteous man walks in integrity. |
Blessed are his children after him. | |
8 | A king who sits on the throne of judgment |
scatters away all evil with his eyes. | |
9 | Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. |
I am clean and without sin?” | |
10 | Differing weights and differing measures, |
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. | |
11 | Even a child makes himself known by his doings, |
whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. | |
12 | The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, |
Yahweh has made even both of them. | |
13 | Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. |
Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. | |
14 | “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; |
but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. | |
15 | There is gold and abundance of rubies; |
but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. | |
16 | Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; |
and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. | |
17 | Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, |
but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. | |
18 | Plans are established by advice; |
by wise guidance you wage war! | |
19 | He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; |
therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. | |
20 | Whoever curses his father or his mother, |
his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. | |
21 | An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, |
won’t be blessed in the end. | |
22 | Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” |
Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. | |
23 | Yahweh detests differing weights, |
and dishonest scales are not pleasing. | |
24 | A man's steps are from Yahweh; |
how then can man understand his way? | |
25 | It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, |
then later to consider his vows. | |
26 | A wise king winnows out the wicked, |
and drives the threshing wheel over them. | |
27 | The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, |
searching all his innermost parts. | |
28 | Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. |
His throne is sustained by love. | |
29 | The glory of young men is their strength. |
The splendor of old men is their gray hair. | |
30 | Wounding blows cleanse away evil, |
and beatings purge the innermost parts. |
Chapter 21[]
1 | The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. |
He turns it wherever he desires. | |
2 | Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, |
but Yahweh weighs the hearts. | |
3 | To do righteousness and justice |
is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. | |
4 | A high look, and a proud heart, |
the lamp of the wicked, is sin. | |
5 | The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; |
and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. | |
6 | Getting treasures by a lying tongue |
is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. | |
7 | The violence of the wicked will drive them away, |
because they refuse to do what is right. | |
8 | The way of the guilty is devious, |
but the conduct of the innocent is upright. | |
9 | It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, |
than to share a house with a contentious woman. | |
10 | The soul of the wicked desires evil; |
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. | |
11 | When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. |
When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. | |
12 | The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, |
and brings the wicked to ruin. | |
13 | Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, |
he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. | |
14 | A gift in secret pacifies anger; |
and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. | |
15 | It is joy to the righteous to do justice; |
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. | |
16 | The man who wanders out of the way of understanding |
shall rest in the assembly of the dead. | |
17 | He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. |
He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. | |
18 | The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; |
the treacherous for the upright. | |
19 | It is better to dwell in a desert land, |
than with a contentious and fretful woman. | |
20 | There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; |
but a foolish man swallows it up. | |
21 | He who follows after righteousness and kindness |
finds life, righteousness, and honor. | |
22 | A wise man scales the city of the mighty, |
and brings down the strength of its confidence. | |
23 | Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue |
keeps his soul from troubles. | |
24 | The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; |
he works in the arrogance of pride. | |
25 | The desire of the sluggard kills him, |
for his hands refuse to labor. | |
26 | There are those who covet greedily all day long; |
but the righteous give and don’t withhold. | |
27 | The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: |
how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! | |
28 | A false witness will perish, |
and a man who listens speaks to eternity. | |
29 | A wicked man hardens his face; |
but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. | |
30 | There is no wisdom nor understanding |
nor counsel against Yahweh. | |
31 | The horse is prepared for the day of battle; |
but victory is with Yahweh. |
Chapter 22[]
1 | A good name is more desirable than great riches, |
and loving favor is better than silver and gold. | |
2 | The rich and the poor have this in common: |
Yahweh is the maker of them all. | |
3 | A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; |
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. | |
4 | The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh |
is wealth, honor, and life. | |
5 | Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: |
whoever guards his soul stays from them. | |
6 | Train up a child in the way he should go, |
and when he is old he will not depart from it. | |
7 | The rich rule over the poor. |
The borrower is servant to the lender. | |
8 | He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, |
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. | |
9 | He who has a generous eye will be blessed; |
for he shares his food with the poor. | |
10 | Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; |
yes, quarrels and insults will stop. | |
11 | He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully |
is the king's friend. | |
12 | The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; |
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. | |
13 | The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! |
I will be killed in the streets!” | |
14 | The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: |
he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it. | |
15 | Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: |
the rod of discipline drives it far from him. | |
16 | Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, |
both come to poverty. | |
17 | Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. |
Apply your heart to my teaching. | |
18 | For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, |
if all of them are ready on your lips. | |
19 | That your trust may be in Yahweh, |
I teach you today, even you. | |
20 | Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things |
of counsel and knowledge, | |
21 | To teach you truth, reliable words, |
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? | |
22 | Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; |
and don’t crush the needy in court; | |
23 | for Yahweh will plead their case, |
and plunder the life of those who plunder them. | |
24 | Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, |
and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: | |
25 | lest you learn his ways, |
and ensnare your soul. | |
26 | Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, |
of those who are collateral for debts. | |
27 | If you don’t have means to pay, |
why should he take away your bed from under you? | |
28 | Don’t move the ancient boundary stone, |
which your fathers have set up. | |
29 | Do you see a man skilled in his work? |
He will serve kings. | |
He won’t serve obscure men. |
Chapter 23[]
1 | When you sit to eat with a ruler, |
consider diligently what is before you; | |
2 | put a knife to your throat, |
if you are a man given to appetite. | |
3 | Don’t be desirous of his dainties, |
seeing they are deceitful food. | |
4 | Don’t weary yourself to be rich. |
In your wisdom, show restraint. | |
5 | Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? |
For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. | |
6 | Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, |
and don’t crave his delicacies: | |
7 | for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. |
“Eat and drink!” he says to you, | |
but his heart is not with you. | |
8 | The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, |
and lose your good words. | |
9 | Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, |
for he will despise the wisdom of your words. | |
10 | Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. |
Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless: | |
11 | for their Defender is strong. |
He will plead their case against you. | |
12 | Apply your heart to instruction, |
and your ears to the words of knowledge. | |
13 | Don’t withhold correction from a child. |
If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. | |
14 | Punish him with the rod, |
and save his soul from Sheol . | |
15 | My son, if your heart is wise, |
then my heart will be glad, even mine: | |
16 | yes, my heart will rejoice, |
when your lips speak what is right. | |
17 | Don’t let your heart envy sinners; |
but rather fear Yahweh all the day long. | |
18 | Indeed, surely there is a future hope, |
and your hope will not be cut off. | |
19 | Listen, my son, and be wise, |
and keep your heart on the right path! | |
20 | Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, |
or those who gorge themselves on meat: | |
21 | for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; |
and drowsiness clothes them in rags. | |
22 | Listen to your father who gave you life, |
and don’t despise your mother when she is old. | |
23 | Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. |
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. | |
24 | The father of the righteous has great joy. |
Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. | |
25 | Let your father and your mother be glad! |
Let her who bore you rejoice! | |
26 | My son, give me your heart; |
and let your eyes keep in my ways. | |
27 | For a prostitute is a deep pit; |
and a wayward wife is a narrow well. | |
28 | Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, |
and increases the unfaithful among men. | |
29 | Who has woe? |
Who has sorrow? | |
Who has strife? | |
Who has complaints? | |
Who has needless bruises? | |
Who has bloodshot eyes? | |
30 | Those who stay long at the wine; |
those who go to seek out mixed wine. | |
31 | Don’t look at the wine when it is red, |
when it sparkles in the cup, | |
when it goes down smoothly. | |
32 | In the end, it bites like a snake, |
and poisons like a viper. | |
33 | Your eyes will see strange things, |
and your mind will imagine confusing things. | |
34 | Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, |
or as he who lies on top of the rigging: | |
35 | “They hit me, and I was not hurt! |
They beat me, and I don’t feel it! | |
When will I wake up? I can do it again. | |
I can find another.” |
Chapter 24[]
1 | Don’t be envious of evil men; |
neither desire to be with them: | |
2 | for their hearts plot violence, |
and their lips talk about mischief. | |
3 | Through wisdom a house is built; |
by understanding it is established; | |
4 | by knowledge the rooms are filled |
with all rare and beautiful treasure. | |
5 | A wise man has great power; |
and a knowledgeable man increases strength; | |
6 | for by wise guidance you wage your war; |
and victory is in many advisors. | |
7 | Wisdom is too high for a fool: |
he doesn’t open his mouth in the gate. | |
8 | One who plots to do evil |
will be called a schemer. | |
9 | The schemes of folly are sin. |
The mocker is detested by men. | |
10 | If you falter in the time of trouble, |
your strength is small. | |
11 | Rescue those who are being led away to death! |
Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! | |
12 | If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this;” |
doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? | |
He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? | |
Shall he not render to every man according to his work? | |
13 | My son, eat honey, for it is good; |
the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste: | |
14 | so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; |
if you have found it, then there will be a reward, | |
your hope will not be cut off. | |
15 | Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. |
Don’t destroy his resting place: | |
16 | for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; |
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. | |
17 | Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. |
Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; | |
18 | lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, |
and he turn away his wrath from him. | |
19 | Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers; |
neither be envious of the wicked: | |
20 | for there will be no reward to the evil man; |
and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out. | |
21 | My son, fear Yahweh and the king. |
Don’t join those who are rebellious: | |
22 | for their calamity will rise suddenly; |
the destruction from them both—who knows? | |
23 | These also are sayings of the wise. |
To show partiality in judgment is not good. | |
24 | He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous;” |
peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him— | |
25 | but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, |
and a rich blessing will come on them. | |
26 | An honest answer |
is like a kiss on the lips. | |
27 | Prepare your work outside, |
and get your fields ready. | |
Afterwards, build your house. | |
28 | Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause. |
Don’t deceive with your lips. | |
29 | Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; |
I will render to the man according to his work.” | |
30 | I went by the field of the sluggard, |
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; | |
31 | Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. |
Its surface was covered with nettles, | |
and its stone wall was broken down. | |
32 | Then I saw, and considered well. |
I saw, and received instruction: | |
33 | a little sleep, a little slumber, |
a little folding of the hands to sleep; | |
34 | so your poverty will come as a robber, |
and your want as an armed man. |
Chapter 25[]
1 | These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. |
2 | It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, |
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. | |
3 | As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, |
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. | |
4 | Take away the dross from the silver, |
and material comes out for the refiner; | |
5 | Take away the wicked from the king's presence, |
and his throne will be established in righteousness. | |
6 | Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, |
or claim a place among great men; | |
7 | for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” |
than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, | |
whom your eyes have seen. | |
8 | Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. |
What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you? | |
9 | Debate your case with your neighbor, |
and don’t betray the confidence of another; | |
10 | lest one who hears it put you to shame, |
and your bad reputation never depart. | |
11 | A word fitly spoken |
is like apples of gold in settings of silver. | |
12 | As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, |
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. | |
13 | As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, |
so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; | |
for he refreshes the soul of his masters. | |
14 | As clouds and wind without rain, |
so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively. | |
15 | By patience a ruler is persuaded. |
A soft tongue breaks the bone. | |
16 | Have you found honey? |
Eat as much as is sufficient for you, | |
lest you eat too much, and vomit it. | |
17 | Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, |
lest he be weary of you, and hate you. | |
18 | A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor |
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. | |
19 | Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble |
is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot. | |
20 | As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, |
or vinegar on soda, | |
so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. | |
21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. |
If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: | |
22 | for you will heap coals of fire on his head, |
and Yahweh will reward you. | |
23 | The north wind brings forth rain: |
so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face. | |
24 | It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, |
than to share a house with a contentious woman. | |
25 | Like cold water to a thirsty soul, |
so is good news from a far country. | |
26 | Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, |
so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. | |
27 | It is not good to eat much honey; |
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. | |
28 | Like a city that is broken down and without walls |
is a man whose spirit is without restraint. |
Chapter 26[]
1 | Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, |
so honor is not fitting for a fool. | |
2 | Like a fluttering sparrow, |
like a darting swallow, | |
so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest. | |
3 | A whip is for the horse, |
a bridle for the donkey, | |
and a rod for the back of fools! | |
4 | Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, |
lest you also be like him. | |
5 | Answer a fool according to his folly, |
lest he be wise in his own eyes. | |
6 | One who sends a message by the hand of a fool |
is cutting off feet and drinking violence. | |
7 | Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: |
so is a parable in the mouth of fools. | |
8 | As one who binds a stone in a sling, |
so is he who gives honor to a fool. | |
9 | Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, |
so is a parable in the mouth of fools. | |
10 | As an archer who wounds all, |
so is he who hires a fool | |
or he who hires those who pass by. | |
11 | As a dog that returns to his vomit, |
so is a fool who repeats his folly. | |
12 | Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? |
There is more hope for a fool than for him. | |
13 | The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! |
A fierce lion roams the streets!” | |
14 | As the door turns on its hinges, |
so does the sluggard on his bed. | |
15 | The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. |
He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. | |
16 | The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes |
than seven men who answer with discretion. | |
17 | Like one who grabs a dog's ears |
is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own. | |
18 | Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death, |
19 | is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?” |
20 | For lack of wood a fire goes out. |
Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. | |
21 | As coals are to hot embers, |
and wood to fire, | |
so is a contentious man to kindling strife. | |
22 | The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, |
they go down into the innermost parts. | |
23 | Like silver dross on an earthen vessel |
are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. | |
24 | A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, |
but he harbors evil in his heart. | |
25 | When his speech is charming, don’t believe him; |
for there are seven abominations in his heart. | |
26 | His malice may be concealed by deception, |
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. | |
27 | Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. |
Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him. | |
28 | A lying tongue hates those it hurts; |
and a flattering mouth works ruin. |
Chapter 27[]
1 | Don’t boast about tomorrow; |
for you don’t know what a day may bring forth. | |
2 | Let another man praise you, |
and not your own mouth; | |
a stranger, and not your own lips. | |
3 | A stone is heavy, |
and sand is a burden; | |
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. | |
4 | Wrath is cruel, |
and anger is overwhelming; | |
but who is able to stand before jealousy? | |
5 | Better is open rebuke |
than hidden love. | |
6 | Faithful are the wounds of a friend; |
although the kisses of an enemy are profuse. | |
7 | A full soul loathes a honeycomb; |
but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. | |
8 | As a bird that wanders from her nest, |
so is a man who wanders from his home. | |
9 | Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; |
so does earnest counsel from a man's friend. | |
10 | Don’t forsake your friend and your father's friend. |
Don’t go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster: | |
better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother. | |
11 | Be wise, my son, |
and bring joy to my heart, | |
then I can answer my tormentor. | |
12 | A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; |
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. | |
13 | Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. |
Hold it for a wayward woman! | |
14 | He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, |
it will be taken as a curse by him. | |
15 | A continual dropping on a rainy day |
and a contentious wife are alike: | |
16 | restraining her is like restraining the wind, |
or like grasping oil in his right hand. | |
17 | Iron sharpens iron; |
so a man sharpens his friend's countenance. | |
18 | Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. |
He who looks after his master shall be honored. | |
19 | As water reflects a face, |
so a man's heart reflects the man. | |
20 | Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; |
and a man's eyes are never satisfied. | |
21 | The crucible is for silver, |
and the furnace for gold; | |
but man is refined by his praise. | |
22 | Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, |
yet his foolishness will not be removed from him. | |
23 | Know well the state of your flocks, |
and pay attention to your herds: | |
24 | for riches are not forever, |
nor does even the crown endure to all generations. | |
25 | The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, |
the grasses of the hills are gathered in. | |
26 | The lambs are for your clothing, |
and the goats are the price of a field. | |
27 | There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food, |
for your family's food, | |
and for the nourishment of your servant girls. |
Chapter 28[]
1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues; |
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. | |
2 | In rebellion, a land has many rulers, |
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. | |
3 | A needy man who oppresses the poor |
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. | |
4 | Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; |
but those who keep the law contend with them. | |
5 | Evil men don’t understand justice; |
but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully. | |
6 | Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, |
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. | |
7 | Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; |
but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. | |
8 | He who increases his wealth by excessive interest |
gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. | |
9 | He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, |
even his prayer is an abomination. | |
10 | Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, |
he will fall into his own trap; | |
but the blameless will inherit good. | |
11 | The rich man is wise in his own eyes; |
but the poor who has understanding sees through him. | |
12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; |
but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. | |
13 | He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, |
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. | |
14 | Blessed is the man who always fears; |
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. | |
15 | As a roaring lion or a charging bear, |
so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. | |
16 | A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. |
One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. | |
17 | A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; |
no one will support him. | |
18 | Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; |
but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. | |
19 | One who works his land will have an abundance of food; |
but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. | |
20 | A faithful man is rich with blessings; |
but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. | |
21 | To show partiality is not good; |
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. | |
22 | A stingy man hurries after riches, |
and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him. | |
23 | One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor |
than one who flatters with the tongue. | |
24 | Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not wrong.” |
He is a partner with a destroyer. | |
25 | One who is greedy stirs up strife; |
but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper. | |
26 | One who trusts in himself is a fool; |
but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. | |
27 | One who gives to the poor has no lack; |
but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. | |
28 | When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; |
but when they perish, the righteous thrive. |
Chapter 29[]
1 | He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck |
will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy. | |
2 | When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; |
but when the wicked rule, the people groan. | |
3 | Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; |
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. | |
4 | The king by justice makes the land stable, |
but he who takes bribes tears it down. | |
5 | A man who flatters his neighbor |
spreads a net for his feet. | |
6 | An evil man is snared by his sin, |
but the righteous can sing and be glad. | |
7 | The righteous care about justice for the poor. |
The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge. | |
8 | Mockers stir up a city, |
but wise men turn away anger. | |
9 | If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, |
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. | |
10 | The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; |
and they seek the life of the upright. | |
11 | A fool vents all of his anger, |
but a wise man brings himself under control. | |
12 | If a ruler listens to lies, |
all of his officials are wicked. | |
13 | The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: |
Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both. | |
14 | The king who fairly judges the poor, |
his throne shall be established forever. | |
15 | The rod of correction gives wisdom, |
but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother. | |
16 | When the wicked increase, sin increases; |
but the righteous will see their downfall. | |
17 | Correct your son, and he will give you peace; |
yes, he will bring delight to your soul. | |
18 | Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; |
but one who keeps the law is blessed. | |
19 | A servant can’t be corrected by words. |
Though he understands, yet he will not respond. | |
20 | Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? |
There is more hope for a fool than for him. | |
21 | He who pampers his servant from youth |
will have him become a son in the end. | |
22 | An angry man stirs up strife, |
and a wrathful man abounds in sin. | |
23 | A man's pride brings him low, |
but one of lowly spirit gains honor. | |
24 | Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. |
He takes an oath, but dares not testify. | |
25 | The fear of man proves to be a snare, |
but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. | |
26 | Many seek the ruler's favor, |
but a man's justice comes from Yahweh. | |
27 | A dishonest man detests the righteous, |
and the upright in their ways detest the wicked. |
Chapter 30[]
1 | The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: |
the man says to Ithiel, | |
to Ithiel and Ucal: | |
2 | “Surely I am the most ignorant man, |
and don’t have a man’s understanding. | |
3 | I have not learned wisdom, |
neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. | |
4 | Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? |
Who has gathered the wind in his fists? | |
Who has bound the waters in his garment? | |
Who has established all the ends of the earth? | |
What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you know? | |
5 | “Every word of God is flawless. |
He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. | |
6 | Don’t you add to his words, |
lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. | |
7 | “Two things I have asked of you; |
don’t deny me before I die: | |
8 | Remove far from me falsehood and lies. |
Give me neither poverty nor riches. | |
Feed me with the food that is needful for me; | |
9 | lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’ |
or lest I be poor, and steal, | |
and so dishonor the name of my God. | |
10 | “Don’t slander a servant to his master, |
lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. | |
11 | There is a generation that curses their father, |
and doesn’t bless their mother. | |
12 | There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, |
yet are not washed from their filthiness. | |
13 | There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! |
Their eyelids are lifted up. | |
14 | There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, |
and their jaws like knives, | |
to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men. | |
15 | “The leach has two daughters: |
‘Give, give.’ | |
“There are three things that are never satisfied; | |
four that don’t say, ‘Enough:’ | |
16 | Sheol, |
the barren womb; | |
the earth that is not satisfied with water; | |
and the fire that doesn’t say, ‘Enough.’ | |
17 | “The eye that mocks at his father, |
and scorns obedience to his mother: | |
the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, | |
the young eagles shall eat it. | |
18 | “There are three things which are too amazing for me, |
four which I don’t understand: | |
19 | The way of an eagle in the air; |
the way of a serpent on a rock; | |
the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; | |
and the way of a man with a maiden. | |
20 | “So is the way of an adulterous woman: |
she eats and wipes her mouth, | |
and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ | |
21 | “For three things the earth tremble, |
and under four, it can’t bear up: | |
22 | For a servant when he is king; |
a fool when he is filled with food; | |
23 | for an unloved woman when she is married; |
and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress. | |
24 | “There are four things which are little on the earth, |
but they are exceedingly wise: | |
25 | the ants are not a strong people, |
yet they provide their food in the summer. | |
26 | The conies are but a feeble folk, |
yet make they their houses in the rocks. | |
27 | The locusts have no king, |
yet they advance in ranks. | |
28 | You can catch a lizard with your hands, |
yet it is in kings’ palaces. | |
29 | “There are three things which are stately in their march, |
four which are stately in going: | |
30 | The lion, which is mightiest among animals, |
and doesn’t turn away for any; | |
31 | the greyhound, |
the male goat also; | |
and the king against whom there is no rising up. | |
32 | “If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, |
or if you have thought evil, | |
put your hand over your mouth. | |
33 | For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, |
and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; | |
so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.” |
Chapter 31[]
1 | The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. |
2 | “Oh, my son! |
Oh, son of my womb! | |
Oh, son of my vows! | |
3 | Don’t give your strength to women, |
nor your ways to that which destroys kings. | |
4 | It is not for kings, Lemuel; |
it is not for kings to drink wine; | |
nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ | |
5 | lest they drink, and forget the law, |
and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. | |
6 | Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; |
and wine to the bitter in soul: | |
7 | Let him drink, and forget his poverty, |
and remember his misery no more. | |
8 | Open your mouth for the mute, |
in the cause of all who are left desolate. | |
9 | Open your mouth, judge righteously, |
and serve justice to the poor and needy.” | |
10 | Who can find a worthy woman? |
For her price is far above rubies. | |
11 | The heart of her husband trusts in her. |
He shall have no lack of gain. | |
12 | She does him good, and not harm, |
all the days of her life. | |
13 | She seeks wool and flax, |
and works eagerly with her hands. | |
14 | She is like the merchant ships. |
She brings her bread from afar. | |
15 | She rises also while it is yet night, |
gives food to her household, | |
and portions for her servant girls. | |
16 | She considers a field, and buys it. |
With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. | |
17 | She girds her waist with strength, |
and makes her arms strong. | |
18 | She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. |
Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. | |
19 | She lays her hands to the distaff, |
and her hands hold the spindle. | |
20 | She opens her arms to the poor; |
yes, she extends her hands to the needy. | |
21 | She is not afraid of the snow for her household; |
for all her household are clothed with scarlet. | |
22 | She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. |
Her clothing is fine linen and purple. | |
23 | Her husband is respected in the gates, |
when he sits among the elders of the land. | |
24 | She makes linen garments and sells them, |
and delivers sashes to the merchant. | |
25 | Strength and dignity are her clothing. |
She laughs at the time to come. | |
26 | She opens her mouth with wisdom. |
Faithful instruction is on her tongue. | |
27 | She looks well to the ways of her household, |
and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. | |
28 | Her children rise up and call her blessed. |
Her husband also praises her: | |
29 | “Many women do noble things, |
but you excel them all.” | |
30 | Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; |
but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. | |
31 | Give her of the fruit of her hands! |
Let her works praise her in the gates! |
This page uses content from the English Wikisource. The original article was at Bible (World English)/Proverbs. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with the Religion wiki, the text of Wikisource is available under the CC-BY-SA. |