Bible (World English)/Proverbs
Chapter 1
[edit]1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2to know wisdom and instruction;
- to discern the words of understanding;
3to receive instruction in wise dealing,
- in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4to give prudence to the simple,
- knowledge and discretion to the young man:
5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
- that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6to understand a proverb, and parables,
- the words and riddles of the wise.
7The fear of Yahweh1 is the beginning of knowledge;
- but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
8My son, listen to your father's instruction,
- and don't forsake your mother's teaching:
9for they will be a garland to grace your head,
- and chains around your neck.
10My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.
11If they say, "Come with us,
- Let's lay in wait for blood;
- let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12let's swallow them up alive like Sheol2,
- and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
13We'll find all valuable wealth.
- We'll fill our houses with spoil.
14You shall cast your lot among us.
- We'll all have one purse."
15My son, don't walk in the way with them.
- Keep your foot from their path,
16for their feet run to evil.
- They hurry to shed blood.
17For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
18but these lay wait for their own blood.
- They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
- It takes away the life of its owners.
20Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
- She utters her voice in the public squares.
21She 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?
23Turn at my reproof.
- Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.
- I will make known my words to you.
24Because I have called, and you have refused;
- I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
25but you have ignored all my counsel,
- and wanted none of my reproof;
26I also will laugh at your disaster.
- I will mock when calamity overtakes you;
27when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
- when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;
- when distress and anguish come on you.
28Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.
- They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;
29because they hated knowledge,
- and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.
30They wanted none of my counsel.
- They despised all my reproof.
31Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
- and be filled with their own schemes.
32For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
- The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
33But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,
- and will be at ease, without fear of harm."
Chapter 2
[edit]1My son, if you will receive my words,
- and store up my commandments within you;
2So as to turn your ear to wisdom,
- and apply your heart to understanding;
3Yes, if you call out for discernment,
- and lift up your voice for understanding;
4If you seek her as silver,
- and search for her as for hidden treasures:
5then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
- and find the knowledge of God3.
6For Yahweh gives wisdom.
- Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
7He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
- He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;
8that he may guard the paths of justice,
- and preserve the way of his saints.
9Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
- equity and every good path.
10For wisdom will enter into your heart.
- Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11Discretion will watch over you.
- Understanding will keep you,
12to deliver you from the way of evil,
- from the men who speak perverse things;
13who forsake the paths of uprightness,
- to walk in the ways of darkness;
14who rejoice to do evil,
- and delight in the perverseness of evil;
15who are crooked in their ways,
- and wayward in their paths:
16To deliver you from the strange woman,
- even from the foreigner who flatters with her words;
17who forsakes the friend of her youth,
- and forgets the covenant of her God:
18for her house leads down to death,
- her paths to the dead.
19None who go to her return again,
- neither do they attain to the paths of life:
20that you may walk in the way of good men,
- and keep the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright will dwell in the land.
- The perfect will remain in it.
22But the wicked will be cut off from the land.
- The treacherous will be rooted out of it.
Chapter 3
[edit]1My son, don't forget my teaching;
- but let your heart keep my commandments:
2for length of days, and years of life,
- and peace, will they add to you.
3Don't let kindness and truth forsake you.
- Bind them around your neck.
- Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4So you will find favor,
- and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
- and don't lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge him,
- and he will make your paths straight.
7Don't be wise in your own eyes.
- Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
8It will be health to your body,
- and nourishment to your bones.
9Honor Yahweh with your substance,
- with the first fruits of all your increase:
10so your barns will be filled with plenty,
- and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline,
- neither be weary of his reproof:
12for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves;
- even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
13Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
- the man who gets understanding.
14For her good profit is better than getting silver,
- and her return is better than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies.
- None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
16Length of days is in her right hand.
- In her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
- All her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
- Happy is everyone who retains her.
19By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
- By understanding, he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,
- and the skies drop down the dew.
21My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
- Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22so they will be life to your soul,
- and grace for your neck.
23Then you shall walk in your way securely.
- Your foot won't stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
- Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25Don't be afraid of sudden fear,
- neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes:
26for Yahweh will be your confidence,
- and will keep your foot from being taken.
27Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due,
- when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again;
- tomorrow I will give it to you,"
- when you have it by you.
29Don't devise evil against your neighbor,
- since he dwells securely by you.
30Don't strive with a man without cause,
- if he has done you no harm.
31Don't envy the man of violence.
- Choose none of his ways.
32For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh,
- but his friendship is with the upright.
33Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked,
- but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.
34Surely he mocks the mockers,
- but he gives grace to the humble.
35The wise will inherit glory,
- but shame will be the promotion of fools.
Chapter 4
[edit]1Listen, sons, to a father's instruction.
- Pay attention and know understanding;
2for I give you sound learning.
- Don't forsake my law.
3For I was a son to my father,
- tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
4He taught me, and said to me:
- "Let your heart retain my words.
- Keep my commandments, and live.
5Get wisdom.
- Get understanding.
- Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
6Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you.
- Love her, and she will keep you.
7Wisdom is supreme.
- Get wisdom.
- Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
8Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
- She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.
9She will give to your head a garland of grace.
- She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."
10Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.
- The years of your life will be many.
11I have taught you in the way of wisdom.
- I have led you in straight paths.
12When you go, your steps will not be hampered.
- When you run, you will not stumble.
13Take firm hold of instruction.
- Don't let her go.
- Keep her, for she is your life.
14Don't enter into the path of the wicked.
- Don't walk in the way of evil men.
15Avoid it, and don't pass by it.
- Turn from it, and pass on.
16For they don't sleep, unless they do evil.
- Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness,
- and drink the wine of violence.
18But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,
- that shines more and more until the perfect day.
19The way of the wicked is like darkness.
- They don't know what they stumble over.
20My son, attend to my words.
- Turn your ear to my sayings.
21Let them not depart from your eyes.
- Keep them in the midst of your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them,
- and health to their whole body.
23Keep your heart with all diligence,
- for out of it is the wellspring of life.
24Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.
- Put corrupt lips far from you.
25Let your eyes look straight ahead.
- Fix your gaze directly before you.
26Make the path of your feet level.
- Let all of your ways be established.
27Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left.
- Remove your foot from evil.
Chapter 5
[edit]1My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
- Turn your ear to my understanding:
2that you may maintain discretion,
- that your lips may preserve knowledge.
3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.
- Her mouth is smoother than oil,
4But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
- and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5Her feet go down to death.
- Her steps lead straight to Sheol4.
6She gives no thought to the way of life.
- Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.
7Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
- Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
8Remove your way far from her.
- Don't come near the door of her house,
9lest you give your honor to others,
- and your years to the cruel one;
10lest strangers feast on your wealth,
- and your labors enrich another man's house.
11You will groan at your latter end,
- when your flesh and your body are consumed,
12and say, "How I have hated instruction,
- and my heart despised reproof;
13neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,
- nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
14I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
- in the midst of the gathered assembly."
15Drink water out of your own cistern,
- running water out of your own well.
16Should your springs overflow in the streets,
- streams of water in the public squares?
17Let them be for yourself alone,
- not for strangers with you.
18Let your spring be blessed.
- Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19A loving doe and a graceful deer--
- let her breasts satisfy you at all times.
- Be captivated always with her love.
20For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
- Why embrace the bosom of another?
21For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh.
- He examines all his paths.
22The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.
- The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
23He will die for lack of instruction.
- In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
Chapter 6
[edit]1My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,
- if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
2You are trapped by the words of your mouth.
- You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.
3Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself,
- since you have come into the hand of your neighbor.
- Go, humble yourself.
- Press your plea with your neighbor.
4Give no sleep to your eyes,
- nor slumber to your eyelids.
5Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
- like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6Go to the ant, you sluggard.
- Consider her ways, and be wise;
7which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
8provides her bread in the summer,
- and gathers her food in the harvest.
9How long will you sleep, sluggard?
- When will you arise out of your sleep?
10A little sleep, a little slumber,
- a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11so your poverty will come as a robber,
- and your scarcity as an armed man.
12A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
- is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
13who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
- who motions with his fingers;
14in whose heart is perverseness,
- who devises evil continually,
- who always sows discord.
15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.
- He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
16There are six things which Yahweh hates;
- yes, seven which are an abomination to him:
17haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
- hands that shed innocent blood;
18a heart that devises wicked schemes,
- feet that are swift in running to mischief,
19a false witness who utters lies,
- and he who sows discord among brothers.
20My son, keep your father's commandment,
- and don't forsake your mother's teaching.
21Bind them continually on your heart.
- Tie them around your neck.
22When you walk, it will lead you.
- When you sleep, it will watch over you.
- When you awake, it will talk with you.
23For the commandment is a lamp,
- and the law is light.
- Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
24to keep you from the immoral woman,
- from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.
25Don't lust after her beauty in your heart,
- neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
26For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.
- The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
27Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
- and his clothes not be burned?
28Or can one walk on hot coals,
- and his feet not be scorched?
29So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife.
- Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
30Men don't despise a thief,
- if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:
31but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
- He shall give all the wealth of his house.
32He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
- He who does it destroys his own soul.
33He will get wounds and dishonor.
- His reproach will not be wiped away.
34For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.
- He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
35He won't regard any ransom,
- neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
Chapter 7
[edit]1My son, keep my words.
- Lay up my commandments within you.
2Keep my commandments and live!
- Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3Bind them on your fingers.
- Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Tell wisdom, "You are my sister."
- Call understanding your relative,
5that they may keep you from the strange woman,
- from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
6For at the window of my house,
- I looked out through my lattice.
7I saw among the simple ones.
- I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
8passing through the street near her corner,
- he went the way to her house,
9in the twilight, in the evening of the day,
- in the middle of the night and in the darkness.
10Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,
- and with crafty intent.
11She is loud and defiant.
- Her feet don't stay in her house.
12Now she is in the streets, now in the squares,
- and lurking at every corner.
13So 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.
15Therefore I came out to meet you,
- to diligently seek your face,
- and I have found you.
16I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,
- with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning.
- Let's solace ourselves with loving.
19For my husband isn't at home.
- He has gone on a long journey.
20He has taken a bag of money with him.
- He will come home at the full moon."
21With persuasive words, she led him astray.
- With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.
22He followed her immediately,
- as an ox goes to the slaughter,
- as a fool stepping into a noose.
23Until an arrow strikes through his liver,
- as a bird hurries to the snare,
- and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
24Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
- Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25Don't let your heart turn to her ways.
- Don't go astray in her paths,
26for she has thrown down many wounded.
- Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
27Her house is the way to Sheol5,
- going down to the rooms of death.
Chapter 8
[edit]1Doesn't wisdom cry out?
- Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
2On the top of high places by the way,
- where the paths meet, she stands.
3Beside 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.
5You simple, understand prudence.
- You fools, be of an understanding heart.
6Hear, for I will speak excellent things.
- The opening of my lips is for right things.
7For my mouth speaks truth.
- Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.
- There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
9They are all plain to him who understands,
- right to those who find knowledge.
10Receive my instruction rather than silver;
- knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For 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.
13The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
- I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
14Counsel and sound knowledge are mine.
- I have understanding and power.
15By me kings reign,
- and princes decree justice.
16By me princes rule;
- nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
17I love those who love me.
- Those who seek me diligently will find me.
18With me are riches, honor,
- enduring wealth, and prosperity.
19My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold;
- my yield than choice silver.
20I walk in the way of righteousness,
- in the midst of the paths of justice;
21That 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.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,
- before the earth existed.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth,
- when there were no springs abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled in place,
- before the hills, I was brought forth;
26while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
- nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
27When he established the heavens, I was there;
- when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
28when he established the clouds above,
- when the springs of the deep became strong,
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;
30then I was the craftsman by his side.
- I was a delight day by day,
- always rejoicing before him,
31Rejoicing 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.
33Hear instruction, and be wise.
- Don't refuse it.
34Blessed is the man who hears me,
- watching daily at my gates,
- waiting at my door posts.
35For whoever finds me, finds life,
- and will obtain favor from Yahweh.
36But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.
- All those who hate me love death."
Chapter 9
[edit]1Wisdom has built her house.
- She has carved out her seven pillars.
2She has prepared her meat.
- She has mixed her wine.
- She has also set her table.
3She 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!
6Leave your simple ways, and live.
- Walk in the way of understanding."
7He who corrects a mocker invites insult.
- He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
8Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.
- Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser.
- Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
- The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11For by me your days will be multiplied.
- The years of your life will be increased.
12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself.
- If you mock, you alone will bear it.
13The foolish woman is loud,
- Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
14She sits at the door of her house,
- on a seat in the high places of the city,
15To 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."
18But he doesn't know that the dead are there,
- that her guests are in the depths of Sheol6.
Chapter 10
[edit]1The proverbs of Solomon.
- A wise son makes a glad father;
- but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
- but righteousness delivers from death.
3Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
- but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
4He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
- but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
5He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
- but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
6Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
- but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7The memory of the righteous is blessed,
- but the name of the wicked will rot.
8The wise in heart accept commandments,
- but a chattering fool will fall.
9He who walks blamelessly walks surely,
- but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10One winking with the eye causes sorrow,
- but a chattering fool will fall.
11The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life,
- but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
12Hatred stirs up strife,
- but love covers all wrongs.
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.
14Wise men lay up knowledge,
- but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
15The rich man's wealth is his strong city.
- The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16The labor of the righteous leads to life.
- The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
17He is in the way of life who heeds correction,
- but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
18He who hides hatred has lying lips.
- He who utters a slander is a fool.
19In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
- but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
20The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
- The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21The lips of the righteous feed many,
- but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
22Yahweh's blessing brings wealth,
- and he adds no trouble to it.
23It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness,
- but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
24What the wicked fear, will overtake them,
- but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;
- but the righteous stand firm forever.
26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
- so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
- but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28The prospect of the righteous is joy,
- but the hope of the wicked will perish.
29The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright,
- but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
30The righteous will never be removed,
- but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
- but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
- but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Chapter 11
[edit]1A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh,
- but accurate weights are his delight.
2When pride comes, then comes shame,
- but with humility comes wisdom.
3The integrity of the upright shall guide them,
- but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
4Riches don't profit in the day of wrath,
- but righteousness delivers from death.
5The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,
- but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
- but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
7When a wicked man dies, hope perishes,
- and expectation of power comes to nothing.
8A righteous person is delivered out of trouble,
- and the wicked takes his place.
9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
- but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
- When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted,
- but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom,
- but a man of understanding holds his peace.
13One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,
- but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
14Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,
- but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
15He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,
- but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
16A gracious woman obtains honor,
- but violent men obtain riches.
17The merciful man does good to his own soul,
- but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18Wicked people earn deceitful wages,
- but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19He who is truly righteous gets life.
- He who pursues evil gets death.
20Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
- but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
21Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,
- but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
22Like a gold ring in a pig's snout,
- is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
23The desire of the righteous is only good.
- The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.
- There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
25The liberal soul shall be made fat.
- He who waters shall be watered also himself.
26People curse someone who withholds grain,
- but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
- but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
28He who trusts in his riches will fall,
- but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
29He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
- The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
- He who is wise wins souls.
31Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth;
- how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Chapter 12
[edit]1Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,
- but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
- but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
3A man shall not be established by wickedness,
- but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,
- but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
5The thoughts of the righteous are just,
- but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
- but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,
- but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,
- but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
9Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant,
- than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
10A righteous man respects the life of his animal,
- but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
- but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,
- but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,
- but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
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.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
- but he who is wise listens to counsel.
16A fool shows his annoyance the same day,
- but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17He who is truthful testifies honestly,
- but a false witness lies.
18There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
- but the tongue of the wise heals.
19Truth's lips will be established forever,
- but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
- but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21No mischief shall happen to the righteous,
- but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
- but those who do the truth are his delight.
23A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
- but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,
- but laziness ends in slave labor.
25Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
- but a kind word makes it glad.
26A righteous person is cautious in friendship,
- but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27The slothful man doesn't roast his game,
- but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
28In the way of righteousness is life;
- in its path there is no death.
Chapter 13
[edit]1A wise son listens to his father's instruction,
- but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
2By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things;
- but the unfaithful crave violence.
3He who guards his mouth guards his soul.
- One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing,
- but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
5A righteous man hates lies,
- but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
6Righteousness guards the way of integrity,
- but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
- There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
8The ransom of a man's life is his riches,
- but the poor hear no threats.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly,
- but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10Pride only breeds quarrels,
- but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
11Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
- but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
- but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13Whoever despises instruction will pay for it,
- but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
14The teaching of the wise is a spring of life,
- to turn from the snares of death.
15Good understanding wins favor;
- but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16Every prudent man acts from knowledge,
- but a fool exposes folly.
17A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
- but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
18Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
- but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
19Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
- but fools detest turning from evil.
20One who walks with wise men grows wise,
- but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21Misfortune pursues sinners,
- but prosperity rewards the righteous.
22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
- but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
23An abundance of food is in poor people's fields,
- but injustice sweeps it away.
24One who spares the rod hates his son,
- but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,
- but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
Chapter 14
[edit]1Every wise woman builds her house,
- but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh,
- but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
3The fool's talk brings a rod to his back,
- but the lips of the wise protect them.
4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean,
- but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5A truthful witness will not lie,
- but a false witness pours out lies.
6A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it,
- but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
7Stay away from a foolish man,
- for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
- but the folly of fools is deceit.
9Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
- but among the upright there is good will.
10The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;
- he will not share these with a stranger.
11The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
- but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12There is a way which seems right to a man,
- but in the end it leads to death.
13Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,
- and mirth may end in heaviness.
14The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;
- likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
15A simple man believes everything,
- but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
16A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
- but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
- and a crafty man is hated.
18The simple inherit folly,
- but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19The evil bow down before the good,
- and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
- but the rich person has many friends.
21He who despises his neighbor sins,
- but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
22Don't they go astray who plot evil?
- But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
23In all hard work there is profit,
- but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
24The crown of the wise is their riches,
- but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
25A truthful witness saves souls,
- but a false witness is deceitful.
26In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
- and he will be a refuge for his children.
27The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
- turning people from the snares of death.
28In the multitude of people is the king's glory,
- but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
29He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
- but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
30The life of the body is a heart at peace,
- but envy rots the bones.
31He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
- but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
32The wicked is brought down in his calamity,
- but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
33Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
- and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
34Righteousness exalts a nation,
- but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,
- but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
Chapter 15
[edit]1A gentle answer turns away wrath,
- but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
- but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
3Yahweh's eyes are everywhere,
- keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
- but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
5A fool despises his father's correction,
- but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
- but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
- not so with the heart of fools.
8The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
- but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
- but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
10There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
- whoever hates reproof shall die.
11Sheol7 and Abaddon are before Yahweh--
- how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved;
- he will not go to the wise.
13A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
- but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
- but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
- but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
16Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
- than great treasure with trouble.
17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
- than a fattened calf with hatred.
18A wrathful man stirs up contention,
- but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
19The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
- but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son makes a father glad,
- but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,
- but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
22Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
- but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
23Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
- How good is a word at the right time!
24The path of life leads upward for the wise,
- to keep him from going downward to Sheol8.
25Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
- but he will keep the widow's borders intact.
26Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked,
- but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
27He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
- but he who hates bribes will live.
28The heart of the righteous weighs answers,
- but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
29Yahweh is far from the wicked,
- but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
- Good news gives health to the bones.
31The ear that listens to reproof lives,
- and will be at home among the wise.
32He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
- but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
33The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
- Before honor is humility.
Chapter 16
[edit]1The plans of the heart belong to man,
- but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
- but Yahweh weighs the motives.
3Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
- and your plans shall succeed.
4Yahweh has made everything for its own end--
- yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh:
- they shall certainly not be unpunished.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.
- By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
7When a man's ways please Yahweh,
- he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness,
- than great revenues with injustice.
9A man's heart plans his course,
- but Yahweh directs his steps.
10Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.
- He shall not betray his mouth.
11Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's;
- all the weights in the bag are his work.
12It is an abomination for kings to do wrong,
- for the throne is established by righteousness.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings.
- They value one who speaks the truth.
14The king's wrath is a messenger of death,
- but a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king's face is life.
- His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
- Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.
- He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18Pride goes before destruction,
- and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,
- than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.
- Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
- Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
- but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,
- and adds learning to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
- sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way which seems right to a man,
- but in the end it leads to death.
26The appetite of the laboring man labors for him;
- for his mouth urges him on.
27A worthless man devises mischief.
- His speech is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse man stirs up strife.
- A whisperer separates close friends.
29A man of violence entices his neighbor,
- and leads him in a way that is not good.
30One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
- one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory.
- It is attained by a life of righteousness.
32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
- one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap,
- but its every decision is from Yahweh.
Chapter 17
[edit]1Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
- than a house full of feasting with strife.
2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
- and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
- but Yahweh tests the hearts.
4An evildoer heeds wicked lips.
- A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
- He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
6Children's children are the crown of old men;
- the glory of children are their parents.
7Arrogant 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.
9He who covers an offense promotes love;
- but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
10A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
- than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11An evil man seeks only rebellion;
- therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
- rather than a fool in his folly.
13Whoever rewards evil for good,
- evil shall not depart from his house.
14The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
- therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
- both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
- since he has no understanding?
17A friend loves at all times;
- and a brother is born for adversity.
18A man void of understanding strikes hands,
- and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
19He who loves disobedience loves strife.
- One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
20One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity,
- and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
21He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
- The father of a fool has no joy.
22A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
- but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
- to pervert the ways of justice.
24Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
- but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25A foolish son brings grief to his father,
- and bitterness to her who bore him.
26Also to punish the righteous is not good,
- nor to flog officials for their integrity.
27He who spares his words has knowledge.
- He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
- When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
Chapter 18
[edit]1An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
- and defies all sound judgment.
2A fool has no delight in understanding,
- but only in revealing his own opinion.
3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
- and with shame comes disgrace.
4The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters.
- The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
- nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
6A fool's lips come into strife,
- and his mouth invites beatings.
7A fool's mouth is his destruction,
- and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
- they go down into a person's innermost parts.
9One who is slack in his work
- is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower:
- the righteous run to him, and are safe.
11The rich man's wealth is his strong city,
- like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
- but before honor is humility.
13He who gives answer before he hears,
- that is folly and shame to him.
14A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness,
- but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
- The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A man's gift makes room for him,
- and brings him before great men.
17He who pleads his cause first seems right;
- until another comes and questions him.
18The lot settles disputes,
- and keeps strong ones apart.
19A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
- and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
- With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
- those who love it will eat its fruit.
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
- and obtains favor of Yahweh.
23The poor plead for mercy,
- but the rich answer harshly.
24A man of many companions may be ruined,
- but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Chapter 19
[edit]1Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
- than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
2It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge;
- nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
3The foolishness of man subverts his way;
- his heart rages against Yahweh.
4Wealth adds many friends,
- but the poor is separated from his friend.
5A false witness shall not be unpunished.
- He who pours out lies shall not go free.
6Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
- and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
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.
8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
- He who keeps understanding shall find good.
9A false witness shall not be unpunished.
- He who utters lies shall perish.
10Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
- much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
- It is his glory to overlook an offense.
12The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
- but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13A foolish son is the calamity of his father.
- A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.
14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
- but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.
- The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
- but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh;
- he will reward him.
18Discipline your son, for there is hope;
- don't be a willing party to his death.
19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,
- for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
20Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
- that you may be wise in your latter end.
21There are many plans in a man's heart,
- but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
- A poor man is better than a liar.
23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
- he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
- he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
- rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26He who robs his father and drives away his mother,
- is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
- you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28A corrupt witness mocks justice,
- and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
29Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
- and beatings for the backs of fools.
Chapter 20
[edit]1Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler.
- Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
- He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;
- but every fool will be quarreling.
4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
- therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;
- but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
- but who can find a faithful man?
7A righteous man walks in integrity.
- Blessed are his children after him.
8A king who sits on the throne of judgment
- scatters away all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, "I have made my heart pure.
- I am clean and without sin?"
10Differing weights and differing measures,
- both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
11Even a child makes himself known by his doings,
- whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,
- Yahweh has made even both of them.
13Don'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.
15There is gold and abundance of rubies;
- but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
16Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
- and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
17Fraudulent food is sweet to a man,
- but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
18Plans are established by advice;
- by wise guidance you wage war!
19He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
- therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
20Whoever curses his father or his mother,
- his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
21An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning,
- won't be blessed in the end.
22Don't say, "I will pay back evil."
- Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
23Yahweh detests differing weights,
- and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
24A man's steps are from Yahweh;
- how then can man understand his way?
25It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication,
- then later to consider his vows.
26A wise king winnows out the wicked,
- and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp,
- searching all his innermost parts.
28Love and faithfulness keep the king safe.
- His throne is sustained by love.
29The glory of young men is their strength.
- The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
- and beatings purge the innermost parts.
Chapter 21
[edit]1The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses.
- He turns it wherever he desires.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
- but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
3To do righteousness and justice
- is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
4A high look, and a proud heart,
- the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;
- and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
6Getting treasures by a lying tongue
- is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
7The violence of the wicked will drive them away,
- because they refuse to do what is right.
8The way of the guilty is devious,
- but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
- than to share a house with a contentious woman.
10The soul of the wicked desires evil;
- his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
- When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,
- and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,
- he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
14A gift in secret pacifies anger;
- and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
15It is joy to the righteous to do justice;
- but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
16The man who wanders out of the way of understanding
- shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
17He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man.
- He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous;
- the treacherous for the upright.
19It is better to dwell in a desert land,
- than with a contentious and fretful woman.
20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
- but a foolish man swallows it up.
21He who follows after righteousness and kindness
- finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
- and brings down the strength of its confidence.
23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue
- keeps his soul from troubles.
24The proud and haughty man, "scoffer" is his name;
- he works in the arrogance of pride.
25The desire of the sluggard kills him,
- for his hands refuse to labor.
26There are those who covet greedily all day long;
- but the righteous give and don't withhold.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination:
- how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
28A false witness will perish,
- and a man who listens speaks to eternity.
29A wicked man hardens his face;
- but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
30There is no wisdom nor understanding
- nor counsel against Yahweh.
31The horse is prepared for the day of battle;
- but victory is with Yahweh.
Chapter 22
[edit]1A good name is more desirable than great riches,
- and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common:
- Yahweh is the maker of them all.
3A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
- but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
- is wealth, honor, and life.
5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
- whoever guards his soul stays from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go,
- and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7The rich rule over the poor.
- The borrower is servant to the lender.
8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
- and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
- for he shares his food with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
- yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
- is the king's friend.
12The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
- but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!
- I will be killed in the streets!"
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
- he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
- the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
- both come to poverty.
17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
- Apply your heart to my teaching.
18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
- if all of them are ready on your lips.
19That your trust may be in Yahweh,
- I teach you today, even you.
20Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things
- of counsel and knowledge,
21To teach you truth, reliable words,
- to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor;
- and don't crush the needy in court;
23for Yahweh will plead their case,
- and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24Don't befriend a hot-tempered man,
- and don't associate with one who harbors anger:
25lest you learn his ways,
- and ensnare your soul.
26Don't you be one of those who strike hands,
- of those who are collateral for debts.
27If you don't have means to pay,
- why should he take away your bed from under you?
28Don't move the ancient boundary stone,
- which your fathers have set up.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
- He will serve kings.
- He won't serve obscure men.
Chapter 23
[edit]1When you sit to eat with a ruler,
- consider diligently what is before you;
2put a knife to your throat,
- if you are a man given to appetite.
3Don't be desirous of his dainties,
- since they are deceitful food.
4Don't weary yourself to be rich.
- In your wisdom, show restraint.
5Why do you set your eyes on that which is not?
- For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
6Don't eat the food of him who has a stingy eye,
- and don't crave his delicacies:
7for as he thinks about the cost, so he is.
- "Eat and drink!" he says to you,
- but his heart is not with you.
8The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up,
- and lose your good words.
9Don't speak in the ears of a fool,
- for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10Don't move the ancient boundary stone.
- Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless:
11for their Defender is strong.
- He will plead their case against you.
12Apply your heart to instruction,
- and your ears to the words of knowledge.
13Don't withhold correction from a child.
- If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14Punish him with the rod,
- and save his soul from Sheol9.
15My son, if your heart is wise,
- then my heart will be glad, even mine:
16yes, my heart will rejoice,
- when your lips speak what is right.
17Don't let your heart envy sinners;
- but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.
18Indeed surely there is a future hope,
- and your hope will not be cut off.
19Listen, my son, and be wise,
- and keep your heart on the right path!
20Don't be among ones drinking too much wine,
- or those who gorge themselves on meat:
21for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;
- and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22Listen to your father who gave you life,
- and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23Buy the truth, and don't sell it.
- Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
24The father of the righteous has great joy.
- Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
25Let your father and your mother be glad!
- Let her who bore you rejoice!
26My son, give me your heart;
- and let your eyes keep in my ways.
27For a prostitute is a deep pit;
- and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28Yes, she lies in wait like a robber,
- and increases the unfaithful among men.
29Who has woe?
- Who has sorrow?
- Who has strife?
- Who has complaints?
- Who has needless bruises?
- Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who stay long at the wine;
- those who go to seek out mixed wine.
31Don't look at the wine when it is red,
- when it sparkles in the cup,
- when it goes down smoothly.
32In the end, it bites like a snake,
- and poisons like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things,
- and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34Yes, 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
[edit]1Don't be envious of evil men;
- neither desire to be with them:
2for their hearts plot violence,
- and their lips talk about mischief.
3Through wisdom a house is built;
- by understanding it is established;
4by knowledge the rooms are filled
- with all rare and beautiful treasure.
5A wise man has great power;
- and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
6for by wise guidance you wage your war;
- and victory is in many advisors.
7Wisdom is too high for a fool:
- he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.
8One who plots to do evil
- will be called a schemer.
9The schemes of folly are sin.
- The mocker is detested by men.
10If you falter in the time of trouble,
- your strength is small.
11Rescue those who are being led away to death!
- Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
12If 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?
13My son, eat honey, for it is good;
- the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:
14so 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.
15Don't lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.
- Don't destroy his resting place:
16for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again;
- but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
17Don't rejoice when your enemy falls.
- Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;
18lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him,
- and he turn away his wrath from him.
19Don't fret yourself because of evildoers;
- neither be envious of the wicked:
20for there will be no reward to the evil man;
- and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
21My son, fear Yahweh and the king.
- Don't join those who are rebellious:
22for their calamity will rise suddenly;
- the destruction from them both--who knows?
23These also are sayings of the wise.
- To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;"
- peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him--
25but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
- and a rich blessing will come on them.
26An honest answer
- is like a kiss on the lips.
27Prepare your work outside,
- and get your fields ready.
- Afterwards, build your house.
28Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
- Don't deceive with your lips.
29Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me;
- I will render to the man according to his work."
30I went by the field of the sluggard,
- by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.
- Its surface was covered with nettles,
- and its stone wall was broken down.
32Then I saw, and considered well.
- I saw, and received instruction:
33a little sleep, a little slumber,
- a little folding of the hands to sleep;
34so your poverty will come as a robber,
- and your want as an armed man.
Chapter 25
[edit]1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah
- king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
- but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
- so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver,
- and material comes out for the refiner;
5Take away the wicked from the king's presence,
- and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
- or claim a place among great men;
7for 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.
8Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court.
- What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
9Debate your case with your neighbor,
- and don't betray the confidence of another;
10lest one who hears it put you to shame,
- and your bad reputation never depart.
11A word fitly spoken
- is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
- so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
13As 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.
14As clouds and wind without rain,
- so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15By patience a ruler is persuaded.
- A soft tongue breaks the bone.
16Have you found honey?
- Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
- lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
- lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
18A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
- is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
- is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
20As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
- or vinegar on soda,
- so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
- If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
22for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
- and Yahweh will reward you.
23The north wind brings forth rain:
- so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
- than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
- so is good news from a far country.
26Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well,
- so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey;
- nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
28Like a city that is broken down and without walls
- is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Chapter 26
[edit]1Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,
- so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2Like a fluttering sparrow,
- like a darting swallow,
- so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
3A whip is for the horse,
- a bridle for the donkey,
- and a rod for the back of fools!
4Don't answer a fool according to his folly,
- lest you also be like him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly,
- lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6One who sends a message by the hand of a fool
- is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
7Like the legs of the lame that hang loose:
- so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8As one who binds a stone in a sling,
- so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,
- so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10As an archer who wounds all,
- so is he who hires a fool
- or he who hires those who pass by.
11As a dog that returns to his vomit,
- so is a fool who repeats his folly.
12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
- There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road!
- A fierce lion roams the streets!"
14As the door turns on its hinges,
- so does the sluggard on his bed.
15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish.
- He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
- than seven men who answer with discretion.
17Like one who grabs a dog's ears
- is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death, 19is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not
- joking?"
20For lack of wood a fire goes out.
- Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
21As coals are to hot embers,
- and wood to fire,
- so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
- they go down into the innermost parts.
23Like silver dross on an earthen vessel
- are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
24A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
- but he harbors evil in his heart.
25When his speech is charming, don't believe him;
- for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26His malice may be concealed by deception,
- but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it.
- Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
- and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Chapter 27
[edit]1Don't boast about tomorrow;
- for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
2Let another man praise you,
- and not your own mouth;
- a stranger, and not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy,
- and sand is a burden;
- but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
4Wrath is cruel,
- and anger is overwhelming;
- but who is able to stand before jealousy?
5Better is open rebuke
- than hidden love.
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
- although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
7A full soul loathes a honeycomb;
- but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
8As a bird that wanders from her nest,
- so is a man who wanders from his home.
9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart;
- so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
10Don'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.
11Be wise, my son,
- and bring joy to my heart,
- then I can answer my tormentor.
12A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge;
- but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
13Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
- Hold it for a wayward woman!
14He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
- it will be taken as a curse by him.
15A continual dropping on a rainy day
- and a contentious wife are alike:
16restraining her is like restraining the wind,
- or like grasping oil in his right hand.
17Iron sharpens iron;
- so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
18Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
- He who looks after his master shall be honored.
19As water reflects a face,
- so a man's heart reflects the man.
20Sheol10 and Abaddon are never satisfied;
- and a man's eyes are never satisfied.
21The crucible is for silver,
- and the furnace for gold;
- but man is refined by his praise.
22Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
- yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
23Know well the state of your flocks,
- and pay attention to your herds:
24for riches are not forever,
- nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
25The hay is removed, and the new growth appears,
- the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
26The lambs are for your clothing,
- and the goats are the price of a field.
27There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food,
- for your family's food,
- and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
Chapter 28
[edit]1The wicked flee when no one pursues;
- but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
- but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3A needy man who oppresses the poor
- is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;
- but those who keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men don't understand justice;
- but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
- than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;
- but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8He who increases his wealth by excessive interest
- gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
- even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
- he will fall into his own trap;
- but the blameless will inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own eyes;
- but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
- but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper,
- but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14Blessed is the man who always fears;
- but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15As a roaring lion or a charging bear,
- so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.
- One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death;
- no one will support him.
18Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;
- but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19One who works his land will have an abundance of food;
- but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20A faithful man is rich with blessings;
- but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good;
- yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22A stingy man hurries after riches,
- and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
23One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
- than one who flatters with the tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong."
- He is a partner with a destroyer.
25One who is greedy stirs up strife;
- but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26One who trusts in himself is a fool;
- but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27One who gives to the poor has no lack;
- but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
- but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
Chapter 29
[edit]1He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
- will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
- but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
- but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4The king by justice makes the land stable,
- but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5A man who flatters his neighbor
- spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil man is snared by his sin,
- but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7The righteous care about justice for the poor.
- The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
8Mockers stir up a city,
- but wise men turn away anger.
9If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
- the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
- and they seek the life of the upright.
11A fool vents all of his anger,
- but a wise man brings himself under control.
12If a ruler listens to lies,
- all of his officials are wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
- Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
14The king who fairly judges the poor,
- his throne shall be established forever.
15The rod of correction gives wisdom,
- but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, sin increases;
- but the righteous will see their downfall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
- yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
- but one who keeps the law is blessed.
19A servant can't be corrected by words.
- Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
- There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21He who pampers his servant from youth
- will have him become a son in the end.
22An angry man stirs up strife,
- and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23A man's pride brings him low,
- but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
- He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
25The fear of man proves to be a snare,
- but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
26Many seek the ruler's favor,
- but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.
27A dishonest man detests the righteous,
- and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
Chapter 30
[edit]1The 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.
3I have not learned wisdom,
- neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4Who 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.
6Don'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:
8Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
- Give me neither poverty nor riches.
- Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
9lest 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.
11There is a generation that curses their father,
- and doesn't bless their mother.
12There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,
- yet are not washed from their filthiness.
13There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
- Their eyelids are lifted up.
14There 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:'
16Sheol11,
- 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:
19The 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:
22For a servant when he is king;
- a fool when he is filled with food;
23for 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:
25the ants are not a strong people,
- yet they provide their food in the summer.
26The conies are but a feeble folk,
- yet make they their houses in the rocks.
27The locusts have no king,
- yet they advance in ranks.
28You 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:
30The lion, which is mightiest among animals,
- and doesn't turn away for any;
31the 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.
33For 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
[edit]1The 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!
3Don't give your strength to women,
- nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4It is not for kings, Lemuel;
- it is not for kings to drink wine;
- nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
5lest they drink, and forget the law,
- and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish;
- and wine to the bitter in soul:
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
- and remember his misery no more.
8Open your mouth for the mute,
- in the cause of all who are left desolate.
9Open your mouth, judge righteously,
- and serve justice to the poor and needy."
1012Who can find a worthy woman?
- For her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her.
- He shall have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm,
- all the days of her life.
13She seeks wool and flax,
- and works eagerly with her hands.
14She is like the merchant ships.
- She brings her bread from afar.
15She rises also while it is yet night,
- gives food to her household,
- and portions for her servant girls.
16She considers a field, and buys it.
- With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
17She arms her waist with strength,
- and makes her arms strong.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
- Her lamp doesn't go out by night.
19She lays her hands to the distaff,
- and her hands hold the spindle.
20She opens her arms to the poor;
- yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
- for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.
- Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is respected in the gates,
- when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
- and delivers sashes to the merchant.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing.
- She laughs at the time to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom.
- Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
- and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed.
- Her husband also praises her:
29"Many women do noble things,
- but you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
- but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands!
- Let her works praise her in the gates!
Footnotes:
[edit]1: "Yahweh" is God's proper Name, sometimes rendered "LORD" (all caps) in other translations.
2: Sheol is the place of the dead.
3: The Hebrew word rendered "God" is "Elohim."
4: Sheol is the place of the dead.
5: Sheol is the place of the dead.
6: Sheol is the place of the dead.
7: Sheol is the place of the dead.
8: Sheol is the place of the dead.
9: Sheol is the place of the dead.
10: Sheol is the place of the dead.
11: Sheol is the place of the dead.
12: Proverbs 31:10-31 form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order.
Old Testament
Deuterocanon/Apocrypha
New Testament