1 The proverbs 0f Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction. To discern and understand words.
3 To receive instruction with wisdom, justice, judgment and integrity.
4 To give wisdom and refinement to the simple. To the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear and will increase learning. A man of understanding will procure wise counsel.
6 This will help him understand a proverb and the interpretation as well as the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Respect for Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge truth understanding wisdom . Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, listen to the instruction of your father. Do not forsake the law of your mother.
9 Discipline and education are a graceful ornament on your head, and a golden chain around your neck.
10 My son, if sinners tempt you do not consent.
11 If they say: »Come with us. Let us lie in wait to kill someone. Let us ambush the innocent without cause.
12 »Let us swallow them alive and whole just as the grave does, and just as the dead go into the pit.
13 »We will find precious material possessions and we fill our houses with plunder.
14 »Throw in with us. Let us all have one purse.«
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Withhold your food from their path!
16 For their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 They lie in wait for their own blood murder . They set an ambush for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust dishonest gain. Greed takes away the life of its owner.
20 Wisdom calls you! She raises her voice in the streets and marketplaces.
21 She calls in the streets, in the opening of the gates: in the city she utters her words. She says:
22 »How long, you simple stupid foolish ones, will you love simplicity foolishness stupidity ? The scoffers delight in scoffing. Fools hate knowledge!
23 »Listen when I reprove you. I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you.
24 »I called you! I stretched out my hand to you. You paid no attention to me.
25 »You have ignored all my counsel. You accept no correction.
26 »I also will laugh at your trouble. I will mock when your fear comes.
27 »Trouble and distress will surround you like a whirlwind, like a great storm.
28 »You will ask for my help, but I will not listen. You will search, but you will not find me.
29 »You have no use for knowledge and you refuse to respect Jehovah.
30 »You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.
31 »Now you will get what you deserve for what you have done. Your own advice will make you sick.
32 »Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.
33 »Whoever listens to me will be secure and will be free from the fear of evil.«
1 My son, take my words to heart and treasure my commandments within you.
2 Pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind and heart inner being reach for discernment.
3 Call out for insight. Lift up your voice for understanding.
4 Search for wisdom as if it were silver. Hunt for it as if it were hidden treasure!
5 If you do these things you will have respect for Jehovah and you will find the true knowledge of God!
6 Jehovah gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up insightful sound substantial wisdom for the upright. He is a shield for those who walk in integrity.
8 He guards those on paths of justice. He watches over the way of his godly ones.
9 You will understand righteousness and justice. You will have equity and every good course in life.
10 Wisdom enters your heart. Knowledge gives you pleasure.
11 Discretion will protect you. Understanding will watch over you.
12 It will deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things.
13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness?
14 Who rejoice in doing evil? They delight in the perversity of the wicked.
15 The wicked are crooked. They are devious in their ways.
16 You will be able to resist any immoral woman who tries to seduce you with her smooth talk.
17 She is unfaithful to her own husband and forgets her sacred vows to God.
18 If you go to her house, you are traveling the road to death. To go there is to approach the dead.
19 No one who visits her ever comes back. He cannot return to the road to life.
20 You must follow the example of good people and live a righteous life.
21 The upright will live in the land. The blameless people of integrity will remain.
22 The wicked will be cut off from the land. The unfaithful will be uprooted.
1 My son, do not forget my law. Let your heart obey my commandments.
2 My precepts will give you a long, peaceful, and prosperous life.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 You will find kindness and understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge recognize Him and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not think you are wise enough. Respect Jehovah and turn away from evil.
8 This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.
9 Honor Jehovah with your wealth and give him the best of all you have.
10 Your barns will be filled with plenty. Your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise Jehovahs discipline or be weary of his correction.
12 For whom Jehovah loves He reproves, just like a father corrects the son he loves dearly. (Hebrews 12:6)
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom. Happy is the man who gains understanding.
14 The profit from wisdom is better than the profit from silver. Her gain is better than fine gold.
15 She wisdom is more precious than pearls. Nothing you desire compares with wisdom.
16 Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways. All her paths are peace.
18 She wisdom is a tree of life to those who hold her. Happy are all who keep her.
19 In wisdom Jehovah founded the earth. In understanding he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion!
22 They will mean life to you and adornment to your neck.
23 You will walk in your way safely. Your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear or trouble from the wicked when it comes.
26 Jehovah will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from stumbling.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28 If you can help them now, never tell your neighbors: »Wait until tomorrow.«
29 Do not plan anything that will hurt your neighbors. They live beside you, trusting you.
30 Argue with no one if they have never done you any harm.
31 Do not be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do.
32 Jehovah hates people who do evil. He takes righteous people into his confidence.
33 Jehovah puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the just.
34 He has no use for conceited people. He shows loving kindness to the humble.
35 Wise people will inherit glory. But disgrace is the legacy of stupid foolish people.
1 Listen my sons to what your father teaches you. Pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you good instruction. Do not abandon my Law!
3 I was my fathers son, tender and the only son to my mother.
4 Father taught me. He said: »Remember my words in your heart. Obey my commandments and live.
5 »Achieve wisdom and understanding! Do not forget or ignore what I say.
6 »Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.
7 »Wisdom is the most important thing. So gain wisdom! And by all means arrive at understanding.
8 »Love wisdom and she will exalt you. Embrace wisdom and she will honor you.
9 »She will present you with a crown of glory.«
10 Listen to me, my son. Accept what I tell you and live a long life.
11 I taught you wisdom and the right way to live.
12 Walk with wisdom and nothing will stand in your way. Run with wisdom and you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction and do not let go. Obey her for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked. Do not walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it! Do not pass by it. Turn away from it, and pass on!
16 They do not sleep unless they have done evil. Their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the shining light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the more perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to my words. Incline your ear extend your hearing to my sayings.
21 Do not let them leave your sight. Hold them in the midst of your heart!
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it come the source of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth. Get rid of devious speech.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead. Let you own eyes gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established firm .
27 Do not turn to the right or to the left. Remove your foot from evil.
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Listen to my understanding.
2 That way you will maintain discretion and your lips will keep knowledge.
3 The lips of an immoral woman drip as a honeycomb. Her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death. Her steps take hold of the grave.
6 She does not ponder the path of life. Her unstable ways she does not know.
7 Hear me now my son. Do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep far away from her. Do not go near the door of her house.
9 You will give your honor majesty to others and your years to the cruel one.
10 Strangers will be filled with your financial strength. Strangers will benefit from your hard work.
11 You mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed.
12 You say: »How I have hated instruction! My heart despised reproof.
13 »I did not obey the voice of my teachers. I did not listen to my instructors!
14 »I was very near total ruin in the midst of the congregation.«
15 Drink water from your own cistern. Drink running water from your own well.
16 Should your waters overflow in the streets, like streams of water in public places?
17 Let them be yours alone. Do not share with strangers.
18 Let your fountain be blessed. Rejoice with the wife of your youth.
19 She is like a loving deer and a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Always be delighted with her love.
20 Why will you be intimate with an immoral woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21 The ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah. He ponders all his paths.
22 His own iniquities will catch the wicked. He will be held with the cords of his sins.
23 He dies without instruction. He goes astray because of his foolishness.
1 My son, if you serve as surety for your friend and you give your pledge to him,
2 You are snared with the words of your mouth. You are captured by the words of your mouth!
3 You are now in the power of that person. Here is what you should do: Go and beg for permission to call off the agreement.
4 Do this before you fall asleep. Do not allow your eyes to close.
5 Deliver your self like a deer from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler bird catcher .
6 Go to the ant, you lazy person. Consider her ways and be wise!
7 The lowly ant has no guide or overseer.
8 It prepares its food in the summer and gathers food at the harvest.
9 How long will you sleep, O lazy person? When will you arise from your sleep?
10 »A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.
11 Your poverty comes like a traveler. Your need comes like an armed man.
12 An ungodly person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth.
13 He winks with his eyes, he speaks with his feet, he teaches with his fingers.
14 Fraud is in his heart, he devises mischief continually; he sows discord.
15 His disaster will come suddenly. Suddenly he is broken beyond repair.
16 Jehovah hates these six things: Yes, seven are an abomination to him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run quickly to badness,
19 A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brothers.
20 My son, obey your father's command, and do not abandon the law of your mother:
21 Constantly bind them upon your heart, and tie them about your neck.
22 When you go, they will lead you; when you sleep they will watch over you and when you awake, they will talk to you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp. The law is light. Reproofs for instruction are the way of life.
24 This will keep you from the evil woman and from the smooth tongue of an adulterous woman.
25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart. Do not let her attract you with her eyelids.
26 A prostitute will cost you your last crust of bread. An adulteress will cost you your life.
27 Can a man have fire in his lap and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29 He who has sex with another mans wife; anyone who embraces her will not be innocent.
30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 But if he is caught, he must repay sevenfold. He must give everything in his house.
32 He who commits adultery with a woman lacks judgment and destroys himself.
33 He will get wounds and be dishonored. His shame will not be wiped away.
34 Jealousy enrages a man. He will not be spared in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not regard any ransom, nor will he be content when you give many gifts.
1 My son, pay attention to my words, and preserve my commandments within you.
2 Obey my commandments and live, and my teaching like the pupil of your eye.
3 Bind them upon your fingers. Write them upon the table of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom: »You are my sister!« Call understanding your friend.
5 That they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.
6 I looked out the window of my house.
7 I saw among the simple ones, I discerned among the youth, a young man without understanding.
8 He passed through the street near her corner. He went to her house.
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the darkness of the night:
10 He met an evil hearted woman dressed seductively like an immoral woman.
11 She is loud and rebellious and never stays at home.
12 Now in the streets and squares, she waits at every corner.
13 She put her arms around him and kissed him, and with an impudent look she said:
14 »I have peace offerings with me since I paid my vows.
15 »So I came to meet you and seek your presence. I found you.
16 »I covered my bed with fine linen from Egypt.
17 »I perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 »Come; let us take our fill of love until morning. Let us comfort ourselves with love.
19 »My husband is not at home. He went on a long trip.
20 »He took a bag of money with him. He will come home at the appointed day.«
21 She seduced him with her persuasive words. She forced him with her flattering lips.
22 He immediately goes after her. He is like a bull that goes to the slaughter. Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
23 Till a dart strikes through his liver. The bird hurries to the snare without knowing it would cost his life.
24 Listen to me dear sons and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart go after her ways. Do not stray in her paths.
26 She has wounded many. Many strong men have been slain by her.
27 Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death.
1 Does wisdom cry out? Does understanding direct her voice?
2 She takes her stand on top of high places and in the street intersections.
3 She cries out at the gates, at the entrance by the doors:
4 »I call to you men. My voice is to the sons of man.
5 »O you simple ones, understand wisdom and, you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 »Listen for I speak of excellent things. The truth comes from my lips.
7 »My mouth will speak truth! Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 »All my speech is righteous. Nothing crooked or perverse comes from my mouth.
9 »They are all straight talk to him who understands. It is proper to those who find knowledge.
10 »Receive my instruction and not silver. Take knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 »For wisdom is better than pearls. Nothing desirable compares to it.
12 »Wisdom dwells with discretion and it finds knowledge and sound judgment.
13 »Respect for Jehovah means to hate evil. I hate: pride, and arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
14 »Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I understand and I am very strong.
15 »Kings reign by me, and princes decree justice.
16 »By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17 »I love those who love me. Those who earnestly seek me will find me.
18 »Riches and honor are with me. Yes, durable riches and righteousness.
19 »My fruit is better than gold, yes, better than fine gold. My yield is better than choice silver.
20 »I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21 »I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.
22 »Jehovah created me in the beginning of his way, before his works of antiquity.
23 »I was made from long ago, before the earth began.
24 »When there were no depths or fountains abounding with water, I was brought forth.
25 »Before the mountains were settled, before the hills I was brought forth:
26 »He had not made the earth or the fields or the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 »When he prepared the heavens, I was there. When he circled the face of the deep:
28 »When he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep,
29 »When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his command, when he appointed the foundations of the earth,
30 »Then I was beside him, as a master workman with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.
31 »I rejoiced in the inhabited earth. My delights were with the sons of men.
32 »Listen to me, my children: for blessed are those who practice my ways.
33 »Hear instruction, do not refuse it and be wise.
34 »Blessed is the man who listens to me. He watches daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.
35 »Those who find me find life. They will receive favor from Jehovah.
36 »But he who sins against me wrongs himself. All who hate me love death.«
1 Wisdom built her house. She carved her seven pillars.
2 She prepared her food and mixed her wine. She furnished her table.
3 She sent her maidens. She cried on the highest places of the city,
4 »Who is simple? Let him turn in here! He who lacks understanding,« she says to him,
5 »Come eat my bread, and drink the wine that I have mixed.
6 »Forsake the foolish, and live. Travel in the way of understanding.«
7 Correct a scoffer and get dishonor for yourself. Rebuke a wicked man and receive insults.
8 Correct a scoffer mocker scorner and he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning insight .
10 Respect for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the holy One is understanding discernment truth wisdom .
11 I will increase your days. I will add more years to your life.
12 When you are wise you are wise for yourself. When you scoff you bear it alone.
13 A foolish woman is noisy. She has no sense at all.
14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 to call those who pass by who go straight on their way:
16 »Let the inexperienced naïve one come in here,« and to the person who lacks understanding she says:
17 »Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.«
18 He does not know the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.
1 A wise son makes a father glad: but a foolish son is sorrow depression grief for his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness the morally wrong profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 Jehovah will not allow the righteous to hunger. He rejects the mischief of the wicked.
4 He becomes poor who deals with a lazy hand. The hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son. He who sleeps at the harvest is a son who causes shame.
6 Blessings cover the head of the righteous. Violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed. The name of the wicked will waste away.
8 The wise in heart will accept the law but a babbling fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks safely. He who perverts his ways will be found out.
10 He who winks the eye in a jesture of malice causes trouble. A babbling fool will fall.
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life. Aggression comes from the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up strife. Love covers all sins.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the understanding discerning . A rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
14 Wise men preserve knowledge. The mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man's wealth is his strength. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life. The yield of the wicked is punishment.
17 He who regards instruction is in the way of life. He who refuses reproof goes mentally and morally astray.
18 Truly a fool hides hatred with lying lips, and speaks slander.
19 Sin does not hide from a multitude of words. The wise controls his lips.
20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked has little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many. Fools die for lack of understanding.
22 The blessing of Jehovah makes rich and he adds no grief to it.
23 It is like sport to a fool to do mischief. A man of understanding has wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him. The desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 The whirlwind passes and the wicked is no more. The righteous has an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who sent him.
27 Respect for Jehovah prolongs life. The years of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous is joy. The prospect for the wicked is bleak.
29 The way of Jehovah is a rock stronghold to the upright. The workers of iniquity will be destroyed.
30 The righteous will never be removed. The wicked will not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom but the perverted tongue will be destroyed.
32 The lips of the righteous speak what is acceptable. The mouth of the wicked speaks perversion.
1 A false scale balance is an abomination to Jehovah. A perfect weight is his delight.
2 Pride comes and then comes shame. Wisdom is with the humble.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them. The perverseness of transgressors will destroy them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath. Righteousness delivers from death.
5 Righteousness of the undefiled man of integrity directs his way! Wickedness causes the evil to fall.
6 Righteousness will deliver the upright. Greed will capture the unfaithful.
7 When a wicked man dies his expectation perishes, indeed the hope of unjust men perishes.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble. The wicked goes in his place.
9 A godless hypocrite destroys his neighbor with his mouth. The righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
10 The city rejoices when all goes well with the righteous. There is joyful shouting when the wicked perish.
11 The city is exalted by the blessing of the upright. The mouth of the wicked ruins the city.
12 He who is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets. He that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
14 The people fall where there is no counsel. Yes, the people fall but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger will suffer. He that hates being surety is sure.
16 A gracious woman retains honor. Ruthless and violent men retain riches.
17 The merciful man does himself good. The cruel man troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked works a deceitful work. There is a sure reward for the one who sows righteousness.
19 Righteousness leads to life and he that pursues evil participates in his own death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart are abomination to Jehovah. The way of the upright is his delight.
21 Hand in hand united, the wicked shall not be unpunished; but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.
22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a jewel of gold in a swine's snout.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is intense anger.
24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases. There is one who withholds what is due and it leads to poverty.
25 The liberal person will prosper. He who waters will be watered.
26 He who withholds corn from the people will be cursed. Blessing will be on the head of him that sells it.
27 He who diligently seeks good procures favor. He who seeks evil, evil will come to him.
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall. The righteous will flourish as a leaf on a branch.
29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind. The fool will serve the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who gains life is wise.
31 The righteous will be rewarded on the earth much more than the wicked and the sinner.
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. He that hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from Jehovah. He will condemn a man of wicked intentions.
3 A man will not stand firm on sin. The root of the righteous will not be moved.
4 A virtuous wife is a crown to her husband. She who acts shameful is rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just. The counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more. The house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is commended according to his wisdom. He with a perverse heart will be despised.
9 He with a servant who is lightly esteemed is better off than he who has no food and yet is honored.
10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but the compassion of the wicked is terrible.
11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread. He who follows worthless people lacks sense.
12 The wicked desires the booty of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips. The righteous will depart from trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The deeds of a man's hands will return to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. He who listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool's anger is instantly known. A prudent man conceals shame.
17 He who speaks truth shows righteousness, but a false witness deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword. The tongue of the wise brings a cure.
19 The lip of truth will be established forever. A lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who contrive evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
21 No evil will happen to the righteous. The wicked will be filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah. Those who deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge. The heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent will bear rule. The lazy will be under forced labor.
25 Anxiety in the heart of man make it heavy, but a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor. The way of the wicked leads others astray.
27 The lazy man does not cook what he took in hunting. The substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 The way of righteousness is life. In its pathway there is no death.
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction discipline . A scoffer does not listen to discipline reproof .
2 A man eats well by the fruit of his mouth. Transgressors eat violence.
3 He who keeps his mouth watches what he says keeps his life. He who opens wide his lips speaks thoughtlessly will have destruction.
4 The lazy man desires and has nothing. The diligent man will be made rich.
5 A righteous man hates lying. A wicked man is loathsome and shameful.
6 Righteousness keeps the upright in the way. Wickedness subverts the sinner.
7 There is one who claims to be rich, yet has nothing. There is one who claims to be poor, yet has great riches.
8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches. The poor in spirit does not listen to rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 Pride brings contention, but wisdom is with the well advised.
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished. He who gathers by labor will increase.
12 Expectation deferred makes the heart sick. When the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
13 The one who despises the word will experience bad consequences be destroyed . He who respects the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life to depart from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding gives favor. The way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge. A fool displays his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity. A faithful ambassador brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to all who reject discipline. He who accepts reproof will be honored.
19 Desire accomplished is sweetness to life. It is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 The one who walks with wise men will be wise. A companion of fools will be destroyed.
21 Adversity pursues sinners. The righteous will be repaid with goodness.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. The wealth of the sinner is preserved for the righteous.
23 Abundant foods is in the fallow ground of the poor. There is waste because of a lack of justice.
24 He who spares the rod authority hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines instructs him promptly.
25 The righteous eats to satisfaction. The belly of the wicked is in need.
1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her own hands.
2 He who walks in uprightness respects Jehovah. He who is perverse in his ways despises him.
3 The rod of pride is in the mouth of the foolish. The lips of the wise will preserve them.
4 Where there are no cattle the crib is clean. The crop is abundant because of the strength of the bull.
5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness utters lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it. Knowledge is easy to him who discerns.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive that he does not have lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way. The folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at sin, but among the righteous there is good will.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness; and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown. But the tabernacle of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart has pain; and joy may end in grief.
14 The faithless in heart will be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from above.
15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent man gives thought to his steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and departs from evil. But the fool is arrogant and careless.
17 He who is quick-tempered deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple are clothed with folly. The prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good. The wicked are at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated by his neighbor, but the rich have many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins. He who has mercy on the poor is happy.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? Those who devise good will find loving kindness and truth.
23 In all labor there is profit: but idle chatter leads only to destitution.
24 Wealth is a crown for the wise. But the folly of fools is foolishness.
25 A truthful witness saves lives. A deceitful witness speaks lies.
26 Respect for Jehovah builds strong confidence. Your children will have a place of refuge.
27 Respect for Jehovah is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honor, but the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding. He who is short tempered exalts foolishness.
30 A sound heart is life for the body. Envy jealousy is like bone cancer decay rottenness to the bones .
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker. He who honors his Maker has mercy for the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous has hope in his death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the man with understanding. That in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation! But sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant. His anger is against the one who causes shame.
1 A mild answer turns away anger. Harsh words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge properly. The mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
3 The eyes of Jehovah are in everywhere watching the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it destroys life.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who accepts discipline is prudent.
6 There is treasure in the house of the righteous. The earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, the heart of the foolish does not.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah! The prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah. He loves the one who follows after righteousness.
10 Correction is severe for the person who forsakes the way. He who hates reproof will die.
11 The grave and destruction are before in front of in the presence of Jehovah. How much more in the hearts of men?
12 A scoffer hates the one who reproves him. He will not go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. The spirit is broken by sorrow of the heart.
14 The heart of one with understanding seeks knowledge. The mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil. He who has a merry heart has a continual feast.
16 It is better to have a little with respect for Jehovah than great treasure and trouble.
17 Better is a bowel of soup where there is love, than a steak with someone you hate.
18 An angry man stirs up strife. The slow to anger calms disputes.
19 The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns. But the way of the righteous is a wide path.
20 A wise son makes a father glad. A foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to the destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22 Without counsel plans fail. But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken at the right time, how good it is!
24 The way of life leads upward for the wise. That he may depart from the grave beneath.
25 Jehovah will destroy the house of the proud and he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Jehovah. The words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house. But he who hates gifts will live.
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer. The mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 Jehovah is far from the wicked. He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones healthy.
31 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.
32 He who refuses instruction discipline despises his own life. But he who listens to reproof understands.
33 Respect for Jehovah teaches wisdom. Before glory there is humility.
1 Preparations of the heart and the answer of the tongue, is from Jehovah.
2 All the ways of a man are pure clean in his own eyes. But Jehovah weighs the motives.
3 Commit your works to Jehovah and your thoughts will be firmly established.
4 Jehovah made all things for himself even the wicked one for the evil day.
5 Every one proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah. Though they unite they will all be punished.
6 Sin is atoned by loving kindness and truth. Respect for Jehovah keeps one away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah he makes even his enemies live in peace with him.
8 Better to be poor with righteousness than rich with injustice.
9 A man's heart determines his way. Jehovah directs his steps.
10 The king speaks divine words. He does not transgress justice.
11 Honest scales and balances are from Jehovah. He sets the standard for the weights of the bag.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They love the man who speaks what is right.
14 Anger from a king is the messenger of death, but a wise man will placate it.
15 The light of the king's face causes life. His favor is like a gentle rain in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding instead of silver!
17 The highway of the upright departs from evil. He who guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble and lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who handles a matter wisely will find good. Trust in Jehovah and be happy.
21 The wise in heart will be called sensible. The sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to the man who has it. But the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth. It adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweetness to life, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death!
26 He who works labors for himself. His hungry mouth spurs him on.
27 An ungodly man digs up evil. It lies on his lips like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man sows discord. A whisperer separates good friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in bad ways.
30 He shuts his eyes to devise perversity. He moves his lips to bring evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory when it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 Being slow to anger is better than being mighty. Being self-controlled is better than ruling a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap. But every decision is from Jehovah.
1 Better is dry bread in peace than a house full of feasting with discord.
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame and share the inheritance among the brothers.
3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold but Jehovah proves the heart.
4 The evildoer pays attention to false lips. A liar listens attentively to a wicked tongue.
5 When you mock the poor you disgrace your Maker. He who is glad at calamity will be punished.
6 Grandchildren are the crowns of old men. Fathers take pride in their children.
7 Excellent speech does not fit a fool; much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes its owner. He prospers in everything he does.
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love but he who gossips breaks up friendships.
10 Reproof influences a wise man more than a hundred stripes does to a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion. Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs then a fool in his foolishness.
13 Offer evil for good and evil will not depart from your house.
14 Starting a quarrel is like releasing water from a floodgate . Therefore stop contention before it begins.
15 Justify the wicked or condemn the just. Both are abomination to Jehovah.
16 Is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom? He has no sense!
17 A friend loves at all times. A true brother is born for adversity.
18 A man without understanding shakes hands and becomes surety for his friend.
19 He who loves transgression loves discord. He who opens his door seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good. He who has a perverse tongue falls into mischief.
21 He who gives birth to a fool does it to his sorrow because the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A merry heart is good medicine but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man takes a bribe to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is near the one who understands. But the eyes of a fool are far away at the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish stupid son is a grief to his father and bitterness to his mother.
26 It is not good to punish the righteous. It is not good to strike princes because of their uprightness.
27 The man with knowledge restrains his words. A man of understanding has a quiet spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise! He who shuts his mouth is esteemed a man of understanding.
1 A man of solitude who keeps to himself isolates himself seeks his own selfish desire. He objects to sound wisdom.
2 A fool stupid person does not like understanding when revealing his thoughts.
3 When the wicked comes contempt also comes. Dishonor brings reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters. It is like a flowing brook and a wellspring of wisdom.
5 It is not good to accept the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips want to argue. His mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are the snares of his life.
8 The words of a talebearer cause wounds. They plunge down to the innermost parts.
9 He is lazy in his work. His brother destroys.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it for protection.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city. It is his high wall of vanity.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is prideful. Humility comes before honor and glory.
13 It is foolishness and shame to answer a matter before you hear it.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness. So who can tolerate a wounded spirit?
15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge. The ear of the wise one searches for knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17 The first to present his cause seems right. But another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city. Their arguments are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. He will be filled with the produce from his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Those who love it will eat the fruit.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a good thing. He obtains favor from Jehovah.
23 The poor man requests and the rich man answers out of greed.
24 A man with friends must be friendly! A friend sticks closer than a brother.
1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2 It is not good to be a person without knowledge. He who hurries often misses the way.
3 Man ruins his life by his own foolishness. His heart chafes with anger against Jehovah.
4 Wealth makes many friends but poverty drives them away.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished. The liar will not escape.
6 Many ask favors of the prince. Every man is a friend of a person who gives gifts.
7 The brothers of the poor hate him. His friends leave him. He pursues them with words but they do not listen!
8 He who acquires wisdom loves life. He who guards understanding finds good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished and the liar will perish.
10 Delight is not the custom of a fool much less for a servant to rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man defers anger. It is his glory to overlook a transgression.
12 The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion but his favor is like dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is a disgrace to his father. A contentious wife is like drips from a leaky roof.
14 Real estate and riches are the inheritance of fathers. A prudent wise sensible wife is from Jehovah.
15 Laziness propels one into a deep sleep. An idle person will suffer hunger.
16 He who obeys the commandment saves his life. But he who is careless of his ways will die.
17 When you help the poor needy lowly depressed you lend to Jehovah. He will pay you back.
18 Correct your son while there is hope. Do not contribute to his death.
19 A man of great anger will suffer punishment. Rescue him once and then do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and accept instruction discipline , that you may be wise in the future.
21 Many intentions are in mens hearts. Only counsel from Jehovah will stand.
22 Kindness is desired in a man. A poor man is better than a liar.
23 Respect for Jehovah leads to life. He who has it will be satisfied. He will not be visited by evil.
24 A lazy man hides his hand in the dish and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Strike a scoffer and the simple will be wary. Reprove someone who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
26 He who assaults his father and chases away his mother is a shameful and disgraceful son.
27 Stop listening to instruction discipline correction , my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorns judgment. The mouth of the wicked devours evil.
29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the back of fools.
1 Wine is a mocker! Strong drink leads to brawls. He who is intoxicated by it is not wise.
2 Fear of a king is like the roar of a lion. Provoke him to anger and sin against yourself.
3 It is an honor for a man to cease from discord. Only fools start quarrels.
4 The lazy man will not plow because of the cold. He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water and a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men proclaim their own loyalty; but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity. He blesses his children.
8 When a king sits on the throne of judgment he scatters away evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say: »I have made my heart clean. I am pure from my sin?«
10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are an abomination to Jehovah.
11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, Jehovah made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will come to poverty. Open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.
14 »Good for nothing,« cries the buyer. But when he goes his way he boasts about the purchase.
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips that speak knowledge are more precious than jewels.
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger and hold it as a pledge for a seductress.
17 Bread taken by deceit tastes sweet to a man. Afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Good counsel makes for good plans. Seek good counsel if you wage war.
19 A gossip reveals secrets. So avoid a man who speaks flattering words.
20 He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but in the end it will not be blessed.
22 Do not say: »I will recompense evil.« Instead wait on Jehovah, and he will save you.
23 Many and different weights are an abomination to Jehovah and a false balance is not good.
24 Jehovah directs mans steps. How can man understand his own way?
25 It is dangerous to make a vow to God before counting the cost.
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked. He rolls the threshing wheel over them.
27 The breath of man is the candle of Jehovah, searching all the inward parts of him.
28 Loving-kindness and truth preserve the king and his throne is upheld by loving-kindness.
29 The glory of young men is their strength. The honor of old men is their gray haired wisdom and experience .
30 It takes a painful experience to cleanse our hearts.
1 Jehovah controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream. He turns it where ever he wishes.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah measures the hearts.
3 To practice righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, and the arrogance and pride produced by the wicked are sin.
5 The ideas of the diligent tend only to abundance. But of the one who is hasty it leads to poverty.
6 Wealth acquired by lying is fleeting vapor and a deadly pursuit.
7 The violence done by the wicked will destroy them because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The guilty travel a crooked path. The pure walk on a straight road.
9 It is better to dwell on the corner of the roof than to share the house with a contentious combative woman.
10 The wicked person desires evil. His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished the simple naïve is made wise. When the wise is instructed he gains knowledge.
12 The righteous considers the house of the wicked but overthrows the wicked to their ruin.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he also will cry, but will not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger. A bribe behind the back provokes strong anger.
15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice. Destruction will come to those who do evil.
16 The man who wanders from the way of understanding will remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loves pleasure will be poor. He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell alone in the wilderness than with an angry contentious quarreling and angry woman.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury but a fool spends all he gets.
21 He who pursues righteousness and love find life, prosperity and honor.
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and holds his tongue stays out of trouble.
24 »Proud and haughty mocker« is his name. He acts with overbearing pride.
25 The desire of the lazy killed him for his hands refuse to work.
26 He coveted greedily all the daylong, but the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination! How much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness will perish, but the man who hears the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man hardens his face. The upright proceeds with care.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Jehovah!
31 The horse has prepared the day of battle. However, deliverance is from Jehovah.
1 A good name is better than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together are alike have a common bond for Jehovah created them both.
3 A prudent man sees evil and takes refuge. The simple fool inexperienced keep going and suffers.
4 Respect for Jehovah and humility bring riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the wicked. He who guards his life will stay far away 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 rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows unrighteousness will reap vanity. The rod of his anger will fail.
9 He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed for he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 Throw out the scoffer and contention will go away, yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves pureness of heart, for the charm of his lips the king will be his friend.
12 The eyes of Jehovah preserve knowledge. He overthrows the words of the unfaithful.
13 The lazy man says: »There is a lion outside. I will be killed in the streets.«
14 The mouth of the adulterous is a deep pit. The one who is cursed by Jehovah will fall into it.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. The rod of discipline instruction will drive it far from him.
16 He who gets ahead by oppressing the poor and giving to the rich will certainly suffer loss.
17 Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart and mind to my knowledge.
18 It is pleasant that you keep them within you. They will be firmly established on you lips.
19 Your trust may be in Jehovah. I taught you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things in counsel and knowledge?
21 I make you know the certainty of the words of truth. And you will answer the words of truth to those who speak to you.
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate.
23 Jehovah will plead their cause and take the life of those who rob them.
24 Do not befriend an angry man. Do not associate with a man who throws fits.
25 If you do you will learn his ways and you will become trapped.
26 Do not give pledges and be guarantors for debts.
27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before unknown men.
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 with a strong desire lust passion .
3 Do not crave his delicacies for it is deceptive food.
4 Do not exhaust yourself to get rich. Be wise and show restraint.
5 Will you look for things that do not exist? Riches grow wings and fly away like a bird.
6 Do not eat the bread of a selfish man nor desire his delicacies.
7 Just as he thinks in his heart: »Eat and drink,« he says to you. But his heart is not with you.
8 You vomit the morsel you eat and waste your complements.
9 Do not speak to a fool for he will despise your wise words.
10 Do not remove the old landmark boundry . And do not enter the field of the fatherless.
11 Their redeemer is mighty. He will plead their cause with you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction discipline , and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child. If you spank him with a stick he will not die.
14 You will spank him with a stick and deliver him from death.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will also rejoice!
16 Yes, my inmost being rejoices when you speak right things.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but reverence Jehovah all day long.
18 Surely there is a future hope and you will not be disappointed.
19 Listen and be wise, my son, and direct your heart in the way.
20 Do not associate with drunkards or gluttons.
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
22 Listen to your father who gave you life. Do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it. Also buy wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice and he who gives birth to a wise child will receive joy from him.
25 Your father and your mother will be glad. She who bore you will rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep my ways.
27 A prostitute is a deep pit. An adulterous wife is a well of tribulation.
28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the transgressors among men.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has discord? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who stay long at the wine. They seek mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it shines in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things and your heart and mind will utter perverse things.
34 You will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea; like one who lies on top of a mast.
35 »They struck me but I did not become sick. They beat me and I did not feel it. When will I awake? I will seek drink yet again.«
1 Do not be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 Their minds meditate on evil, and their lips talk about trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built. It is established by understanding.
4 Knowledge fills the rooms with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is strong. A man of knowledge increases strength.
6 You wage war with the help of wise guidance. There is victory in a multitude of counselors.
7 Wisdom is too exalted lofty for a fool. He does not open his mouth at the gate.
8 He who devises plans to do evil is called a troublemaker.
9 The thought of foolishness is sin. The mocker is an abomination to men.
10 If you fail in time of trouble your strength is small.
11 If you do not deliver those who are condemned to death,
12 You may say: »We did not know this,« but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you and knows. He will reward each man according to his deeds.
13 My son, eat honey because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.
14 The knowledge of wisdom is sweet to you. When you find the knowledge of wisdom there is a reward. Your hope will not fail.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous. Do not destroy his resting place.
16 A righteous man falls seven times and rises up again. but the wicked will fall by evil.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. Do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.
18 Jehovah will see it and be displeased and turn his anger away from him.
19 Do not worry about evil people. Do not envy the wicked!
20 There is no reward for the evil man! The candle of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, respect Jehovah and the king. Do not associate with those who want to change things.
22 Their calamity will rise suddenly! Who knows the ruin from both of them?
23 These sayings belong to the wise. It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 The people curse and the nations abhor the man who says to the wicked, »You are righteous.«
25 Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them.
26 He kisses the lips that give the right answer.
27 Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field. After that build your house.
28 Do not witness against your neighbor without cause. Do not deceive with you lips.
29 Do not 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 lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding.
31 It was all grown over with thorns and nettles, and the wall of stone was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well. I looked on it, and received instruction:
33 »Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.«
34 Your poverty will come like a robber and your want like an armed man.
1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
3 The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unreachable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver and it will go to the refiner.
5 Take away the wicked before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men.
7 Better that he says: »Come up here than you be put down in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.«
8 Do not run quickly to court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame.
9 Debate your cause with your neighbor direct; and do not reveal the secret of another.
10 In case he hears it and puts you to shame. The bad report about you will not pass away.
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 provider to a listening ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him. He refreshes his masters.
14 He who falsely boasts of a gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 A ruler is persuaded by patience, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only what is needed or you will be too full and vomit.
17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house; or he will tire of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20 Like the man does not wear a coat in winter, or like vinegar on soda, so is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 You will heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah will reward you.
23 The north wind drives away rain. So does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share the house with a contentious woman.
25 As cold waters to a thirsty man, so is good news from a far country.
26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey. To seek ones own glory is not glory.
28 He who cannot control his own spirit life is as helpless as a city without walls, open to trouble.
1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor does not become a fool.
2 Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not land.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own pride.
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks violence.
7 As the legs of the lame are not equal so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9 As a thorn goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 The great God who formed all things rewards the fool as well as the sinner with wages.
11 As a dog returns to his vomit so a fool returns to his folly.
12 See a man wise in his own conceit? »There is more hope for a fool than for him.«
13 The lazy man says: »There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.«
14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.
15 The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom. It wearies him to lift it to his mouth.
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can answer with good sense.
17 He who meddles in someone elses quarrel is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18 This is like a mad man who throws firebrands, arrows, and death.
19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says: »I was only joking.«
20 Without wood the fire goes out. Without a talebearer strife ceases.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle disputes.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a broken pottery covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates disguises with his lips, and stores deceit within him.
25 When he speaks kind words do not believe him. There are seven abominations in his heart.
26 When hatred is covered by deceit, wickedness is revealed to the entire congregation.
27 He who digs a pit will fall in it. He who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those afflicted by it and a flattering mouth works ruin.
1 Do not brag about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another man praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's anger is heavier than them both.
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 The full person dislikes the honeycomb, but to the hungry every bitter thing is sweet.
8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his place.
9 As oil and perfume delight the heart so the sweetness of a man's friend delights his heart.
10 Do not forget your friends or your father's friends. If you are in trouble, do not ask a relative for help. A nearby neighbor can help you more than relatives who are far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart happy and I will have an answer for anyone who criticizes taunts torments me.
12 A prudent man anticipates evil and hides; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take him as pledge as surety for a fornicator.
14 He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15 Continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16 Trying to stop her is like trying to stop the wind, or holding something with greased hands.
17 Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.
18 When you keep a fig tree you eat the fruit. He who waits on his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face, the heart of man is reveals the man.
20 The grave and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 The refining pot is for silver. The furnace is for gold. A man is valued by what others say about him.
22 Though you grind a fool in mortar his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds.
24 Riches are not forever: and a crown does not endure for every generation.
25 The hay appears and the tender grass shows itself. Herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats bring the price of the field.
27 You will have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidservants.
1 The wicked run when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 There are many princes after the transgression of a land. But a man of understanding and knowledge remains for a long time.
3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.
4 They who forsake the law praise the wicked. Those who obey the law oppose them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice. Those who seek Jehovah understand all things.
6 Better is the poor man who walks in uprightness, than the rich man who is perverse in his ways.
7 He who obeys the law is a wise son. But he who is a companion of worthless men shames his father.
8 He who becomes wealthy through unfair loans and interest collects them for the one who pitys the poor.
9 The prayer of the person who will not listen to the law is disgusting.
10 Whoever leads decent people into evil will fall into his own pit. Innocent people will inherit good things.
11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding, sees right through him.
12 When righteous people rejoice, there is great glory, but when wicked people rise, people hide themselves.
13 The man who covers his sins will not be blessed; but whoever confesses and leaves them will have mercy.
14 Blessed is the man reverencing God. He who hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the helpless people.
16 The ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor. He who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 A violent and bloodthirsty man will run to the pit; let no man help him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved: but he who is perverse in his ways will fall at once.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread. He who follows after vain persons will have poverty.
20 A faithful man will have many blessings. But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality for a man will transgress for a piece of bread.
22 He who hurries to be rich has an evil eye. He does not think poverty will come to him.
23 He who reproves a man later find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or mother, and says: »It is no transgression;« the same is the companion of a man who destroys.
25 The person with a proud heart stirs up discord. The person who trusts Jehovah will prosper.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool. He who walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack. But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise people hide, but when they die, the righteous increase.
1 He who is often reprimanded and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous increase the people rejoice. When the wicked rule the people mourn.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father rejoice. But he who keeps company with fornicators wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice. He who receives gifts overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare. But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor. The wicked do not get to know it.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare. Wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man disputes with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright. The righteous are concerned for his life.
11 A fool loses his temper. But a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful have this in common: Jehovah lightens their eyes.
14 The king who faithfully judges the poor will have his throne established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases. But the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest. Yes, he will give you delight.
18 Where there is no vision the people perish. The one who obeys the law is happy.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone. Even though he understands he will not respond.
20 See a man quick to talk? There is more hope for a fool then for him.
21 The man who carefully brings up pays close attention to nourishes his servant from childhood will in the future have him become like his son.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension. A furious man abounds in sin.
23 A man's pride will bring him low. The humble in spirit retain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his life. He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 Fear of man brings a snare trap . He who trusts in Jehovah will be safe.
26 Many seek favor from the ruler; but every man's judgment comes from Jehovah.
27 An unjust man is an abomination disgusting to the righteous. He who is upright in the way is an abomination detestable to the wicked.
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the prophecy he spoke to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more stupid then any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4 Who ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who gathered the wind in his hands? Who bound the waters in a garment? Who established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell me?
5 Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who trust him.
6 Do not add to his words of he will reprove you. You will be found to be a liar.
7 I require two things from you. Do not deprive me of them before I die.
8 Remove far from me vanity and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with food necessary for me.
9 If I am full I could deny you and say, »Who is Jehovah?« Or if I am poor and steal, I could take Gods name in vain.
10 Do not incriminate a servant to his master, or he will curse you could be found guilty.
11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doe not bless their mother.
12 There is a generation pure in their own eyes, and yet not washed from their filthiness.
13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation, whose teeth are like swords, and their jaw teeth like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
15 The leach has two daughters. Each cry: »Give,« »Give!« There are three things that are never satisfied, yes; even four things never say: »It is enough!«
16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that does not say: »It is enough.«
17 The eye that mocks his father, and rejects obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley pick it out, and the young eagles eat it.
18 There are three things that are too wonderful for me, yes, four I do not know:
19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman. She eats and wipes her mouth, and says: »I have done no wickedness.«
21 Under three things the earth is disquieted, and for four it cannot bear:
22 For a servant when he reigns; and a fool when he is filled with food;
23 For a detestable woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
24 There are four things that are little upon the earth, but they chakam: teach wisdom are exceeding wise:
25 The ants are beings that are not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.
26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks.
27 The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.
28 The spider grasps with her hands, and in kings' palaces.
29 »There are three things that go well, yes, four go well:
30 A lion is strongest among beasts and does not run from anything.
31 A greyhound, a he goat also and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
32 If you foolishly exalted yourself, or if you thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.
33 Surely the churning of milk brings butter, and the wringing of the nose brings blood, so the forcing of wrath brings strife.
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women. Do not give your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to desire strong drink.
5 They will drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are bitter.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty. Let him remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all who are appointed to destruction.
9 Open your mouth and judge righteously. Plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her value is far above corals.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her. He will have no lack of gain.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships for she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She fortifies herself with strength and strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
19 She stretches her hands to the spindle and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretches out her hand to the poor. Yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household. All her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry. Her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes fine linen and sells it. She supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing. She will rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness she speaks kind things .
27 She watches over her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her.
29 Many daughters have done well, but you are above them all.
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain. But a woman who respects Jehovah will be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands. Let her own works praise her in the gates.