1

1

Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by,

and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life,

written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son.

2

Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom

and the impartation of spiritual understanding.

Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge.

3

Those who cling to these words will receive discipline

to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship

and to choose what is right and just and fair.

4

These proverbs will give you great skill

to teach the immature and make them wise,

to give youth the understanding of their design and destiny.

5

For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser,

and for those with discernment,

you will be able to acquire brilliant strategies for leadership.

6

These kingdom revelations will break open your understanding

to unveil the deeper meaning of parables,

poetic riddles, and epigrams,

and to unravel the words and enigmas of the wise.

7

How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom?

We cross the threshold of true knowledge

when we live in obedient devotion to God.

Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this,

for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.

8

Pay close attention, my child, to your father’s wise words

and never forget your mother’s instructions.

9

For their insight will bring you success,

adorning you with grace-filled thoughts

and giving you reins to guide your decisions.

10

When peer pressure compels you to go with the crowd

and sinners invite you to join in,

you must simply say, “No!”

11

When the gang says —

“We’re going to steal and kill and get away with it.

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We’ll take down the rich and rob them.

We’ll swallow them up alive

and take what we want from whomever we want.

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Then we’ll take their treasures and fill our homes with loot.

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So come on and join us.

Take your chance with us.

We’ll divide up all we get;

we’ll each end up with big bags of cash!” —

15

my son, refuse to go with them and stay far away from them.

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For crime is their way of life and bloodshed their specialty.

17

To be aware of their snare is the best way of escape.

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They’ll resort to murder to steal their victim’s assets,

but eventually it will be their own lives that are ambushed.

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In their ungodly disrespect for God

they bring destruction on their own lives.

20

Wisdom’s praises are sung in the streets

and celebrated far and wide.

21

Yet wisdom’s song is not always heard in the halls of higher learning.

But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life

its lyrics can always be heard above the din of the crowd.

You will hear wisdom’s warning as she preaches courageously

to those who stop to listen:

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“Foolish ones, how much longer will you cling to your deception?

How much longer will you mock wisdom,

cynical scorners who fight the facts?

23

Come back to your senses and be restored to reality.

Don’t even think about refusing my rebuke!

Don’t you know that I’m ready

to pour out my spirit of wisdom upon you

and bring to you the revelation of my words

that will make your heart wise?

24

I’ve called to you over and over;

still you refuse to come to me.

I’ve pleaded with you again and again,

yet you’ve turned a deaf ear to my voice.

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Because you have laughed at my counsel

and have insisted on continuing in your stubbornness,

26

I will laugh when your calamity comes

and will turn away from you at the time of your disaster.

Make a joke of my advice, will you?

Then I’ll make a joke out of you!

27

When the storm clouds of terror gather over your head,

when dread and distress consume you

and your catastrophe comes like a hurricane,

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you will cry out to me, but I won’t answer.

Then it will be too late to expect my help.

When desperation drives you to search for me,

I will be nowhere to be found.

29

Because you have turned up your nose at me

and closed your eyes to the facts

and refused to worship me in awe —

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because you scoffed at my wise counsel

and laughed at my correction —

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now you will eat the bitter fruit of your own ways.

You’ve made your own bed; now lie in it!

So how do you like that?

32

Like an idiot you’ve turned away from me

and chosen destruction instead.

Your self-satisfied smugness will kill you.

33

But the one who always listens to me

will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace.

Free from fear, confident and courageous,

you will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.

2

1

My child, will you treasure my wisdom?

Then, and only then, will you acquire it.

And only if you accept my advice

and hide it within will you succeed.

2

So train your heart to listen when I speak

and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment —

then pass it on to your sons and daughters.

3

Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight.

4

For if you keep seeking it like a man would seek for sterling silver,

searching in hidden places for cherished treasure,

5

then you will discover the fear of the Lord

and find the true knowledge of God.

6

Wisdom is a gift from a generous God,

and every word he speaks is full of revelation

and becomes a fountain of understanding within you.

7

[7–8] For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom

made accessible to his godly lovers.

He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways,

protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right.

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9

Then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair,

and be empowered to make the right decisions

as you walk into your destiny.

10

When wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in,

true pleasure enters your soul.

11

If you choose to follow good counsel,

divine design will watch over you

and understanding will protect you

from making poor choices.

12

It will rescue you from evil in disguise

and from those who speak duplicities.

13

For they have left the highway of holiness

and walk in the ways of darkness.

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They take pleasure when evil prospers

and thoroughly enjoy a lifestyle of sin.

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But they’re walking on a path to nowhere,

wandering away into deeper deception.

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Only wisdom can save you from the flattery

of the promiscuous woman —

she’s such a smooth-talking seductress!

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She left her husband and has forgotten her wedding vows.

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You’ll find her house on the road to hell,

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and all the men who go through her doors

will never come back to the place they were —

they will find nothing but desolation and despair.

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Follow those who follow wisdom and stay on the right path.

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For all my godly lovers will enjoy life to the fullest

and will inherit their destinies.

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But the treacherous ones who love darkness

will not only lose all they could have had,

they will lose even their own souls!

3

1

[1–2] My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life,

never forget the things that I’ve taught you.

Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you.

Then you will have a full, rewarding life.

2

3

Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go,

and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught.

Let your life be shaped by integrity,

with truth written upon your heart.

4

That’s how you will find favor and understanding

with both God and men —

you will gain the reputation of living life well.

5

Trust in the Lord completely,

and do not rely on your own opinions.

With all your heart rely on him to guide you,

and he will lead you in every decision you make.

6

Become intimate with him in whatever you do,

and he will lead you wherever you go.

Don’t think for a moment that you know it all,

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for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion

and avoid everything that’s wrong.

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Then you will find the healing refreshment

your body and spirit long for.

9

Glorify God with all your wealth,

honoring him with your very best,

with every increase that comes to you.

10

Then every dimension of your life will overflow with blessings

from an uncontainable source of inner joy!

11

My child, when the Lord God speaks to you,

never take his words lightly,

and never be upset when he corrects you.

12

For the Father’s discipline comes only

from his passionate love and pleasure for you.

Even when it seems like his correction is harsh,

it’s still better than any father on earth gives to his child.

13

Those who find true wisdom obtain the tools for understanding,

the proper way to live,

for they will have a fountain of blessing pouring into their lives.

To gain the riches of wisdom is far greater

than gaining the wealth of the world.

14

As wisdom increases, a great treasure is imparted,

greater than many bars of refined gold.

15

It is a more valuable commodity than gold and gemstones,

for there is nothing you desire that could compare to her.

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Wisdom extends to you long life in one hand

and wealth and promotion in the other.

Out of her mouth flows righteousness,

and her words release both law and mercy.

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The ways of wisdom are sweet,

always drawing you into the place of wholeness.

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Seeking for her brings the discovery of untold blessings,

for she is the healing tree of life to those who taste her fruits.

19

The Lord laid the earth’s foundations with wisdom’s blueprints.

By his living-understanding all the universe came into being.

20

By his divine revelation he broke open

the hidden fountains of the deep,

bringing secret springs to the surface

as the mist of the night dripped down from heaven.

21

My child, never drift off course from these two goals for your life:

to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment.

Don’t ever forget how they empower you.

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For they strengthen you inside and out

and inspire you to do what’s right;

you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring.

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They give you living hope to guide you,

and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble.

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You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound —

your rest will be sweet and secure.

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You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you.

Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside,

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because God is your confidence in times of crisis,

keeping your heart at rest in every situation.

27

Why would you withhold payment on your debt

when you have the ability to pay? Just do it!

28

When your friend comes to ask you for a favor,

why would you say, “Perhaps tomorrow,”

when you have the money right there in your pocket?

Help him today!

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Why would you hold a grudge in your heart

toward your neighbor who lives right next door?

30

And why would you quarrel with those

who have done nothing wrong to you?

Is that a chip on your shoulder?

31

Don’t act like those bullies or learn their ways.

32

Every violent thug is despised by the Lord,

but every tender lover finds friendship with God

and will hear his intimate secrets.

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The wicked walk under God’s constant curse,

but godly lovers walk under a stream of his blessing,

for they seek to do what is right.

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If you walk with the mockers you will learn to mock,

but God’s grace and favor flow to the meek.

35

Stubborn fools fill their lives with disgrace,

but glory and honor rest upon the wise.

4

1

Listen to my correction, my sons,

for I speak to you as your father.

Let discernment enter your heart

and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.

2

My revelation-truth is a gift to you,

so remain faithful to my instruction.

3

For I, too, was once the delight of my father

and cherished by my mother, their beloved child.

4

Then my father taught me, saying,

“Never forget my words.

If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.”

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So make wisdom your quest —

search for the revelation of life’s meaning.

Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other.

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Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you,

protecting you throughout your days.

She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice.

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Wisdom is the most valuable commodity — so buy it!

Revelation knowledge is what you need — so invest in it!

8

Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth.

She will lead you to honor and favor

when you live your life by her insights.

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You will be adorned with beauty and grace,

and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you,

making you victorious in the race.

10

My son, if you will take the time to stop and listen to me

and embrace what I say,

you will live a long and happy life

full of understanding in every way.

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I have taken you by the hand in wisdom’s ways,

pointing you to the path of integrity.

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Your progress will have no limits when you come along with me,

and you will never stumble as you walk along the way.

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So receive my correction no matter how hard it is to swallow,

for wisdom will snap you back into place —

her words will be invigorating life to you.

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Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path.

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Stay away from it; don’t even go there!

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For troublemakers are restless if they are not involved in evil.

They are not satisfied until they have brought someone harm.

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They feed on darkness and drink

until they’re drunk on the wine of wickedness.

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But the lovers of God walk on the highway of light,

and their way shines brighter and brighter

until they bring forth the perfect day.

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But the wicked walk in thick darkness,

like those who travel in fog,

and yet don’t have a clue why they keep stumbling!

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Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you,

and pay attention to all that I have to say.

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Fill your thoughts with my words

until they penetrate deep into your spirit.

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Then, as you unwrap my words,

they will impart true life and radiant health

into the very core of your being.

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So above all, guard the affections of your heart,

for they affect all that you are.

Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being,

for from there flows the wellspring of life.

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Avoid dishonest speech and pretentious words.

Be free from using perverse words no matter what!

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Set your gaze on the path before you.

With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead,

ignore life’s distractions.

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Watch where you’re going!

Stick to the path of truth,

and the road will be safe and smooth before you.

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Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment

or take the detour that leads to darkness.

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1

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

2

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

3

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

4

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

5

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

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She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

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Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you —

run away from her as fast as you can!

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Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

9

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered —

given over to the cruel one.

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Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

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For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

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And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

13

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

14

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price —

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

15

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

16

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

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Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and not with another.

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Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

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Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

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My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress —

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

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For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

22

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and the scars of your own conscience

become the ropes that tie you up.

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Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages —

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

6

1

My son, if you cosign a loan for an acquaintance

and guarantee his debt,

you’ll be sorry that you ever did it!

2

You’ll be trapped by your promise

and legally bound by the agreement.

So listen carefully to my advice:

3

Quickly get out of it if you possibly can!

Swallow your pride, get over your embarrassment,

and go tell your “friend” you want your name off that contract.

4

Don’t put it off, and don’t rest until you get it done.

5

Rescue yourself from future pain

and be free from it once and for all.

You’ll be so relieved that you did!

6

When you’re feeling lazy,

come and learn a lesson from this tale of the tiny ant.

Yes, all you lazybones, come learn

from the example of the ant and enter into wisdom.

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The ants have no chief, no boss, no manager —

no one has to tell them what to do.

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You’ll see them working and toiling all summer long,

stockpiling their food in preparation for winter.

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So wake up, sleepyhead. How long will you lie there?

When will you wake up and get out of bed?

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If you keep nodding off and thinking, “I’ll do it later,”

or say to yourself, “I’ll just sit back awhile and take it easy,”

just watch how the future unfolds!

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By making excuses you’ll learn what it means to go without.

Poverty will pounce on you like a bandit

and move in as your roommate for life.

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[12–13] Here’s another life lesson to learn

from observing the wayward and wicked man.

You can tell they are lawless.

They’re constant liars, proud deceivers,

full of clever ploys and convincing plots.

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Their twisted thoughts are perverse,

always with a scheme to stir up trouble,

and sowing strife with every step they take.

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But when calamity comes knocking on their door,

suddenly and without warning they’re undone —

broken to bits, shattered, with no hope of healing.

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There are six evils God truly hates

and a seventh that is an abomination to him:

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Putting others down while considering yourself superior,

spreading lies and rumors,

spilling the blood of the innocent,

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plotting evil in your heart toward another,

gloating over doing what’s plainly wrong,

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spouting lies in false testimony,

and stirring up strife between friends.

These are entirely despicable to God!

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My son, obey your father’s godly instruction

and follow your mother’s life-giving teaching.

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Fill your heart with their advice

and let your life be shaped by what they’ve taught you.

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Their wisdom will guide you wherever you go

and keep you from bringing harm to yourself.

Their instruction will whisper to you at every sunrise

and direct you through a brand-new day.

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For truth is a bright beam of light

shining into every area of your life,

instructing and correcting you to discover the ways to godly living.

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[24–25] Truth will protect you from immorality

and from the promiscuity of another man’s wife.

Your heart won’t be enticed by her flatteries

or lust over her beauty —

nor will her suggestive ways conquer you.

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26

Prostitutes reduce a man to poverty,

and the adulteress steals your soul —

she may even cost you your life!

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For how can a man light his pants on fire and not be burned?

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Can he walk over hot coals of fire and not blister his feet?

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What makes you think that you can sleep with another man’s wife

and not get caught?

Do you really think you’ll get away with it?

Don’t you know it will ruin your life?

30

You can almost excuse a thief if he steals to feed his own family.

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But if he’s caught, he still has to pay back what he stole sevenfold;

his punishment and fine will cost him greatly.

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Don’t be so stupid as to think

you can get away with your adultery.

It will destroy your life, and you’ll pay the price

for the rest of your days.

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You’ll discover what humiliation, shame,

and disgrace are all about,

for no one will ever let you forget what you’ve done.

34

A husband’s jealousy makes a man furious;

he won’t spare you when he comes to take revenge.

35

Try all you want to talk your way out of it —

offer him a bribe and see if you can manipulate him

with your money.

Nothing will turn him aside

when he comes to you with vengeance in his eyes!

7

1

Stick close to my instruction, my son,

and follow all my advice.

2

If you do what I say you will live well.

Guard your life with my revelation-truth,

for my teaching is as precious as your eyesight.

3

Treasure my instructions, and cherish them within your heart.

4

Say to wisdom, “I love you,”

and to understanding, “You’re my sweetheart.”

5

“May the two of you protect me, and may we never be apart!”

For they will keep you from the adulteress,

with her smooth words meant to seduce your heart.

6

Looking out the window of my house one day

7

I noticed among the mindless crowd

a simple, naïve young man who was about to go astray.

8

There he was, walking down the street.

Then he turned the corner,

going on his way as he hurried on to the house of the harlot —

the woman he had planned to meet.

9

There he was in the twilight as darkness fell,

convinced no one was watching

as he entered the black shadows of hell.

10

That’s when their rendezvous began.

A woman of the night appeared,

dressed to kill the strength of any man.

She was decked out as a harlot, pursuing her amorous plan.

11

Her voice was seductive, rebellious, and boisterous

as she wandered far from what’s right.

12

Her type can be found soliciting on street corners

on just about any night.

13

She wrapped her arms around the senseless young man

and held him tight —

she enticed him with kisses that seemed so right.

Then, with insolence, she whispered in his ear,

14

“Come with me. It’ll be all right.

I’ve got everything we need for a feast.

I’ll cook you a wonderful dinner.

So here I am — I’m all yours!

15

You’re the very one I’ve looked for,

the one I knew I wanted from the moment I saw you.

That’s why I’ve come out here tonight,

so I could meet a man just like you.

16

I’ve spread my canopy bed with coverings,

lovely multicolored Egyptian linens spread

and ready for you to lie down on.

17

I’ve sprinkled the sheets with intoxicating perfume

made from myrrh, aloes, and sweet cinnamon.

18

Come, let’s get comfortable and take pleasure in each other

and make love all night!

19

There’s no one home, for my husband’s away on business.

20

He left home loaded with money to spend,

so don’t worry.

He won’t be back until another month ends.”

21

[21–22] He was swayed by her sophistication,

enticed by her longing embrace.

She led him down the wayward path right into sin and disgrace.

Quickly he went astray, with no clue

where he was truly headed,

taken like a dumb ox alongside of the butcher.

She was like a venomous snake coiled to strike,

so she set her fangs into him!

22

23

He’s like a man about to be executed with an arrow

right through his heart —

like a bird that flies into the net,

unaware of what’s about to happen.

24

So listen to me, you young men.

You’d better take my words seriously!

25

Control your sexual urges and guard your hearts from lust.

Don’t let your passions get out of hand

and don’t lock your eyes onto a beautiful woman.

Why would you want to even get close

to temptation and seduction,

to have an affair with her?

26

She has pierced the souls of multitudes of men —

many mighty ones have fallen

and have been brought down by her.

27

If you’re looking for the road to hell,

just go looking for her house!

8

1

[1–3] Can’t you hear the voice of Wisdom?

From the top of the mountains of influence

she speaks into the gateways of the glorious city.

At the place where pathways merge,

at the entrance of every portal,

there she stands, ready to impart understanding,

shouting aloud to all who enter,

preaching her sermon to those who will listen.

2

3

4

“I’m calling to you, sons of Adam,

yes, and to you daughters as well.

5

Listen to me and you will be prudent and wise.

For even the foolish and feeble can receive an understanding heart

that will change their inner being.

6

The meaning of my words will release within you revelation

for you to reign in life.

My lyrics will empower you to live by what is right.

7

For everything I say is unquestionably true,

and I refuse to endure the lies of lawlessness —

my words will never lead you astray.

8

All the declarations of my mouth can be trusted;

they contain no twisted logic or perversion of the truth.

9

All my words are clear and straightforward to everyone

who possesses spiritual understanding.

If you have an open mind, you will receive revelation-knowledge.

10

My wise correction is more valuable than silver or gold.

The finest gold is nothing compared to the revelation-knowledge

I can impart.”

11

Wisdom is so priceless that it exceeds the value of any jewel.

Nothing you could wish for can equal her.

12

“For I am Wisdom, and I am shrewd and intelligent.

I have at my disposal living-understanding

to devise a plan for your life.

13

Wisdom pours into you

when you begin to hate every form of evil in your life,

for that’s what worship and fearing God is all about.

Then you will discover

that your pompous pride and perverse speech

are the very ways of wickedness that I hate!”

14

“You will find true success when you find me,

for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you.

I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength.

They’re all ready and waiting for you.

15

I empower kings to reign and rulers to make laws that are just.

16

I empower princes to rise and take dominion,

and generous ones to govern the earth.

17

I will show my love to those who passionately love me.

For they will search and search continually until they find me.

18

Unending wealth and glory

come to those who discover where I dwell.

The riches of righteousness and a long, satisfying life

will be given to them.

19

What I impart has greater worth than gold and treasure,

and the increase I bring benefits more than a windfall of income.

20

I lead you into the ways of righteousness

to discover the paths of true justice.

21

Those who love me gain great wealth and a glorious inheritance,

and I will fill their lives with treasures.

22

“In the beginning I was there,

for God possessed me even before he created the universe.

23

From eternity past I was set in place,

before the world began.

I was anointed from the beginning.

24

Before the oceans depths were poured out,

and before there were any glorious fountains

overflowing with water,

I was there, dancing!

25

Even before one mountain had been sculpted

or one hill raised up,

I was already there, dancing!

26

When he created the earth, the fields,

even the first atom of dust,

I was already there.

27

When he hung the tapestry of the heavens

and stretched out the horizon of the earth,

28

when the clouds and skies were set in place

and the subterranean fountains began to flow strong,

I was already there.

29

when he set in place the pillars of the earth

and spoke the decrees of the seas,

commanding the waves

so that they wouldn’t overstep their boundaries,

30

I was there, close to the Creator’s side as his master artist.

Daily he was filled with delight in me

as I playfully rejoiced before him.

31

I laughed and played,

so happy with what he had made,

while finding my delight in the children of men.

32

“So listen, my sons and daughters, to everything I tell you,

for nothing will bring you more joy than following my ways.

33

Listen to my counsel,

for my instruction will enlighten you.

You’ll be wise not to ignore it.

34

If you wait at wisdom’s doorway,

longing to hear a word for every day,

joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say.

35

For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me,

and this is the secret of growing in the delight

and the favor of the Lord.

36

But those who stumble and miss me will be sorry they did!

For ignoring what I have to say will bring harm to your own soul.

Those who hate me are simply flirting with death!”

9

1

Wisdom has built herself a palace

upon seven pillars to keep it secure.

2

She has made ready a banquet feast

and the sacrifice has been killed.

She has mingled her wine, and the table’s all set.

3

She has sent out her maidens,

crying out from the high place,

inviting everyone to come

and eat until they’re full.

4

“Whoever wants to know me and receive my wisdom,

5

come and dine at my table and drink of my wine.

6

Lay aside your simple thoughts and leave your paths behind.

Agree with my ways, live in my truth,

and righteousness you will find.”

7

If you try to correct an arrogant cynic,

expect an angry insult in return.

And if you try to confront an evil man,

don’t be surprised if all you get is a slap in the face!

8

So don’t even bother to correct a mocker,

for he’ll only hate you for it.

But go ahead and correct the wise;

they’ll love you even more.

9

Teach a wise man what is right

and he’ll grow even wiser.

Instruct the lovers of God

and they’ll learn even more.

10

The starting point for acquiring wisdom

is to be consumed with awe as you worship Jehovah-God.

To receive the revelation of the Holy One,

you must come to the one who has living-understanding.

11

Wisdom will extend your life,

making every year more fruitful than the one before.

12

So it is to your advantage to be wise.

But to ignore the counsel of wisdom

is to invite trouble into your life.

13

There is a spirit named Foolish,

who is boisterous and brash;

she’s seductive and restless.

14

And there she sits at the gateway to the high places,

on her throne overlooking the city.

15

She preaches to all who walk by her

who are clueless as to what is happening:

16

“Come home with me.”

She invites those who are easily led astray, saying,

17

“Illicit sex is the best sex of all.

Our secret affair will be sweeter than all others.”

18

Little do they know when they answer her call

that she dwells among the spirits of the dead,

and all her guests soon become citizens of hell!

10

1

The wisdom of Solomon:

When wisdom comes to a son,

joy comes to a father.

When a son turns from wisdom,

a mother grieves.

2

Gaining wealth through dishonesty is no gain at all.

But honesty brings you a lasting happiness.

3

The Lord satisfies the longings of all his lovers,

but he withholds from the wicked what their souls crave.

4

Slackers will know what it means to be poor,

while the hard worker becomes wealthy.

5

Know the importance of the season you’re in

and a wise son you will be.

But what a waste when an incompetent son

sleeps through his day of opportunity!

6

The lover of God is enriched beyond belief,

but the evil man only curses his luck.

7

The reputation of the righteous

becomes a sweet memorial to him,

while the wicked life only leaves a rotten stench.

8

The heart of the wise will easily accept instruction.

But those who do all the talking

are too busy to listen and learn.

They’ll just keep stumbling ahead

into the mess they created.

9

The one who walks in integrity

will experience a fearless confidence in life,

but the one who is devious

will eventually be exposed.

10

The troublemaker always has a clever plan

and won’t look you in the eye,

but the one who speaks correction honestly

can be trusted to make peace.

11

The teachings of the lovers of God are like

living truth flowing from the fountain of life,

but the words of the wicked

hide an ulterior motive.

12

Hatred keeps old quarrels alive,

but love draws a veil over every insult

and finds a way to make sin disappear.

13

Words of wisdom flow from the one with true discernment.

But to the heartless, words of wisdom

become like rods beating their backside.

14

Wise men don’t divulge all that they know,

but chattering fools blurt out words

that bring them to the brink of ruin.

15

A rich man’s wealth becomes like a citadel of strength,

but the poverty of the poor leaves their security in shambles.

16

The lovers of God earn their wages for a life of righteousness,

but the wages of the wicked are squandered on a life of sin.

17

If you readily receive correction,

you are walking on the path to life.

But if you reject rebuke,

you’re guaranteed to go astray.

18

The one who hides his hatred while pretending to be your friend

is nothing but a liar.

But the one who slanders you behind your back

proves that he’s a fool, never to be trusted.

19

If you keep talking, it won’t be long

before you’re saying something really wrong.

Prove you’re wise from the very start —

just bite your tongue and be strong!

20

The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver,

bringing words of redemption to others,

but the heart of the wicked is corrupt.

21

The lovers of God feed many with their teachings,

but the foolish ones starve themselves

for lack of an understanding heart.

22

True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord,

with rest and contentment in knowing

that it all comes from him.

23

The fool finds his fun in doing wrong,

but the wise delight in having discernment.

24

The lawless are haunted by their fears

and what they dread will come upon them,

but the longings of the lovers of God will all be fulfilled.

25

The wicked are blown away by every stormy wind.

But when a catastrophe comes,

the lovers of God have a secure anchor.

26

To trust a lazy person to get a job done

will be as irritating as smoke in your eyes —

as enjoyable as a toothache!

27

Living in the worship and awe of God

will bring you many years of contented living.

So how could the wicked ever expect to have a long, happy life?

28

Lovers of God have a joyful feast of gladness,

but the ungodly see their hopes vanish right before their eyes.

29

The beautiful ways of God are a safe resting place

for those who have integrity.

But to those who work wickedness

the ways of God spell doom.

30

God’s lover can never be greatly shaken.

But the wicked will never inherit

the covenant blessings.

31

The teachings of the righteous are loaded with wisdom,

but the words of the evil are crooked and perverse.

32

Words that bring delight pour from the lips of the godly,

but the words of the wicked are duplicitous.

11

1

To set high standards for someone else,

and then not live up to them yourself,

is something that God truly hates.

But it pleases him when we apply the right standards

of measurement.

2

When you act with presumption,

convinced that you’re right,

don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face!

But walking in humility helps you to make wise decisions.

3

Integrity will lead you to success and happiness,

but treachery will destroy your dreams.

4

When Judgment Day comes,

all the wealth of the world won’t help you one bit.

So you’d better be rich in righteousness,

for that’s the only thing that can save you in death.

5

Those with good character walk on a smooth path,

with no detour or deviation.

But the wicked keep falling because of their own wickedness.

6

Integrity will keep a good man from falling.

But the unbeliever is trapped,

held captive to his sinful desires.

7

When an evil man dies, all hope is lost,

for his misplaced confidence goes in the coffin

and gets buried along with him.

8

Lovers of God are snatched away from trouble,

and the wicked show up in their place.

9

The teachings of hypocrites can destroy you,

but revelation knowledge will rescue the righteous.

10

The blessing that rests on the righteous

releases strength and favor to the entire city,

but shouts of joy will be heard when the wicked one dies.

11

The blessing of favor resting upon the righteous

influences a city to lift it higher,

but wicked leaders tear it apart by their words.

12

To quarrel with a neighbor is senseless.

Bite your tongue; be wise and keep quiet!

13

You can’t trust gossipers with a secret;

they’ll just go blab it all.

Put your confidence instead in a trusted friend,

for he will be faithful to keep it in confidence.

14

People lose their way without wise leadership,

but a nation succeeds and stands in victory

when it has many good counselors to guide it.

15

The evil man will do harm when confronted by a righteous man,

because he hates those who await good news.

16

A gracious, generous woman

will be honored with a splendid reputation,

but the woman who hates the truth

lives surrounded with disgrace and by men

who are cutthroats, only greedy for money.

17

A man of kindness attracts favor,

while a cruel man attracts nothing but trouble.

18

Evil people may get a short-term gain,

but to sow seeds of righteousness

will bring a true and lasting reward.

19

A son of righteousness experiences the abundant life,

but the one who pursues evil hurries to his own death.

20

The Lord can’t stand the stubborn heart bent toward evil,

but he treasures those whose ways are pure.

21

Assault your neighbor and you will certainly be punished,

but God will rescue the children of the godly.

22

A beautiful woman who abandons good morals

is like a fine gold ring dangling from a pig’s snout.

23

True lovers of God are filled with longings

for what is pleasing and good,

but the wicked can only expect doom.

24

Generosity brings prosperity,

but withholding from charity brings poverty.

25

Those who live to bless others

will have blessings heaped upon them,

and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings

will be saturated with favor.

26

People will curse the businessman with no ethics,

but the one with a social conscience receives praise from all.

27

Living your life seeking what is good for others brings untold favor,

but those who wish evil for others will find it coming back on them.

28

Keep trusting in your riches and down you’ll go!

But the lovers of God rise up like flowers in the spring.

29

The fool who brings trouble to his own family

will be cut out of the will,

and the family servant will do better than he.

30

But a life lived loving God bears lasting fruit,

for the one who is truly wise wins souls.

31

If the righteous are barely saved,

what’s in store for all the wicked?

12

1

To learn the truth you must long to be teachable,

or you can despise correction and remain ignorant.

2

If your heart is right, favor flows from the Lord,

but a devious heart invites his condemnation.

3

You can’t expect success by doing what’s wrong.

But the lives of his lovers are deeply rooted and firmly planted.

4

The integrity and strength of a virtuous wife

transforms her husband into an honored king.

But the wife who disgraces her husband

weakens the strength of his identity.

5

The lovers of God are filled with good ideas

that are noble and pure,

but the schemes of the sinner

are crammed with nothing but lies.

6

The wicked use their words to ambush and accuse,

but the lovers of God speak to defend and protect.

7

The wicked are taken out, gone for good,

but the godly families shall live on.

8

Everyone admires a man of principles,

but the one with a corrupt heart is despised.

9

Just be who you are and work hard for a living,

for that’s better than pretending to be important

and starving to death.

10

A good man takes care of the needs of his pets,

while even the kindest acts of a wicked man are still cruel.

11

Work hard at your job and you’ll have what you need.

Following a get-rich-quick scheme is nothing but a fantasy.

12

The cravings of the wicked are only for what is evil,

but righteousness is the core motivation for the lovers of God,

and it keeps them content and flourishing.

13

The wicked will get trapped by their words

of gossip, slander, and lies.

But for the righteous, honesty is its own defense.

14

For there is great satisfaction in speaking the truth,

and hard work brings blessings back to you.

15

A fool is in love with his own opinion,

but wisdom means being teachable.

16

If you shrug off an insult and refuse to take offense,

you demonstrate discretion indeed.

But the fool has a short fuse

and will immediately let you know when he’s offended.

17

Truthfulness marks the righteous,

but the habitual liar can never be trusted.

18

Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword,

cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt.

But the words of the wise soothe and heal.

19

Truthful words will stand the test of time,

but one day every lie will be seen for what it is.

20

Deception fills the hearts of those who plot harm,

but those who plan for peace are filled with joy.

21

Calamity is not allowed to overwhelm the righteous,

but there’s nothing but trouble waiting for the wicked.

22

Live in the truth and keep your promises,

and the Lord will keep delighting in you,

but he detests a liar.

23

Those who possess wisdom don’t feel the need

to impress others with what they know,

but foolish ones make sure their ignorance is on display.

24

If you want to reign in life,

don’t sit on your hands.

Instead work hard at doing what’s right,

for the slacker will end up working to make someone else succeed.

25

Anxious fear brings depression,

but a life-giving word of encouragement

can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.

26

Lovers of God give good advice to their friends,

but the counsel of the wicked will lead them astray.

27

A passive person won’t even complete a project,

but a passionate person makes good use

of his time, wealth, and energy.

28

Abundant life is discovered by walking in righteousness,

but holding on to your anger leads to death.

13

1

A wise son or daughter desires a father’s discipline,

but the know-it-all never listens to correction.

2

The words of the wise are kind and easy to swallow,

but the unbeliever just wants to pick a fight and argue.

3

Guard your words and you’ll guard your life,

but if you don’t control your tongue,

it will ruin everything.

4

The slacker wants it all and ends up with nothing,

but the hard worker ends up with all that he longed for.

5

Lovers of God hate what is phony and false,

but the wicked are full of shame and behave shamefully.

6

Righteousness is like a shield of protection,

guarding those who keep their integrity,

but sin is the downfall of the wicked.

7

One pretends to be rich but is poor.

Another pretends to be poor but is quite rich.

8

The self-assurance of the rich is their money,

but people don’t kidnap and extort the poor!

9

The virtues of God’s lovers shine brightly in the darkness,

but the flickering lamp of the ungodly will be extinguished.

10

Wisdom opens your heart to receive wise counsel,

but pride closes your ears to advice

and gives birth to only quarrels and strife.

11

Wealth quickly gained is quickly wasted —

easy come, easy go!

But if you gradually gain wealth,

you will watch it grow.

12

When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on,

the delay can be depressing.

But when at last your dream comes true,

life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul.

13

Despise the word, will you?

Then you’ll pay the price and it won’t be pretty!

But the one who honors the Father’s holy instructions

will be rewarded.

14

When the lovers of God teach you truth,

a fountain of life opens up within you,

and their wise instruction will deliver you from the ways of death.

15

Everyone admires a wise, sensible person,

but the treacherous walk on the path of ruin.

16

Everything a wise and shrewd man does

comes from a source of revelation-knowledge,

but the behavior of a fool puts foolishness on parade!

17

An undependable messenger causes a lot of trouble,

but the trustworthy and wise messengers

release healing wherever they go.

18

Poverty and disgrace come to the one

who refuses to hear criticism.

But the one who is easy to correct is on the path of honor.

19

When God fulfills your longings,

sweetness fills your soul.

But the wicked refuse to turn from darkness

to see their desires come to pass.

20

If you want to grow in wisdom,

spend time with the wise.

Walk with the wicked

and you’ll eventually become just like them.

21

Calamity chases the sin-chaser,

but prosperity pursues the God-lover.

22

The benevolent man leaves an inheritance

that endures to his children’s children,

but the wealth of the wicked is treasured up for the righteous.

23

The lovers of God will live a long life and get to enjoy their wealth,

but the ungodly will suddenly perish.

24

If you withhold correction and punishment from your children,

you demonstrate a lack of true love.

So prove your love and be prompt to punish them.

25

The lovers of God will have more than enough,

but the wicked will always lack what they crave.

14

1

Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family,

but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions.

2

Lovers of truth follow the right path

because of their wonderment and worship of God.

But the devious display their disdain for him.

3

The words of a proud fool will all come back to haunt him.

But the words of the wise

will become a shield of protection around them.

4

The only clean stable is an empty stable.

So if you want the work of an ox and to enjoy an abundant harvest,

you’ll have a mess or two to clean up!

5

An honest witness will never lie,

but a deceitful witness lies with every breath.

6

The intellectually arrogant seek for wisdom,

but they never seem to discover

what they claim they’re looking for.

For revelation-knowledge flows to the one

who hungers for understanding.

7

The words of the wise are like weapons of knowledge.

If you need wise counsel, stay away from the fool.

8

For the wisdom of the wise will keep life on the right track,

while the fool only deceives himself

and refuses to face reality.

9

Fools mock the need for repentance,

while the favor of God rests upon all his lovers.

10

Don’t expect anyone else to fully understand

both the bitterness and the joys

of all you experience in your life.

11

The household of the wicked is soon torn apart,

while the family of the righteous flourishes.

12

You can rationalize it all you want

and justify the path of error you have chosen,

but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction.

13

Superficial laughter can hide a heavy heart,

but when the laughter ends, the pain resurfaces.

14

Those who turn from the truth get what they deserve,

but a good person receives a sweet reward.

15

A gullible person will believe anything,

but a sensible person will confirm the facts.

16

A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil,

while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence.

17

An impulsive person has a short fuse and can ruin everything,

but the wise show self-control.

18

The naïve demonstrate a lack of wisdom,

but the lovers of wisdom are crowned with revelation-knowledge.

19

Evil ones will pay tribute to good people

and eventually come to be servants of the godly.

20

The poor are disliked even by their neighbors,

but everyone wants to get close to the wealthy.

21

It’s a sin to despise one who is less fortunate than you,

but when you are kind to the poor,

you will prosper and be blessed.

22

Haven’t you noticed how evil schemers always wander astray?

But kindness and truth come to those

who make plans to be pure in all their ways.

23

If you work hard at what you do,

great abundance will come to you.

But merely talking about getting rich

while living to only pursue your pleasures

brings you face-to-face with poverty.

24

The true net worth of the wise is the wealth that wisdom imparts.

But the way of life for the fool is his foolishness.

25

Speak the truth and you’ll save souls,

but in the spreading of lies treachery thrives.

26

Confidence and strength flood the hearts

of the lovers of God who live in awe of him,

and their devotion provides their children

with a place of shelter and security.

27

To worship God in wonder and awe

opens a fountain of life within you,

empowering you to escape death’s domain.

28

A king glories in the number of his loyal followers,

but a dwindling population spells ruin for any leader.

29

When your heart overflows with understanding

you’ll be very slow to get angry.

But if you have a quick temper,

your impatience will be quickly seen by all.

30

A tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy,

but jealousy can make you sick.

31

Insult your Creator, will you?

That’s exactly what you do

every time that you oppress the powerless!

Showing kindness to the poor is equal to honoring your maker.

32

The wicked are crushed by every calamity,

but the lovers of God find a strong hope

even in the time of death.

33

Wisdom soothes the heart of the one with living-understanding,

but the heart of the fool just stockpiles stupidity.

34

A nation is exalted by the righteousness of its people,

but sin heaps disgrace upon the land.

35

A wise and faithful servant receives promotion from the king,

but the one who acts disgracefully

gets to taste the anger of the king.

15

1

Respond gently when you are confronted

and you’ll defuse the rage of another.

Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse.

Don’t you know that being angry

can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?

2

When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive.

But the words of the fool make their ignorance look laughable.

3

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere

and he takes note of everything that happens.

He watches over his lovers,

and he also sees the wickedness of the wicked.

4

When you speak healing words,

you offer others fruit from the tree of life.

But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.

5

You’re stupid to mock the instruction of a father,

but welcoming correction will make you brilliant.

6

There is power in the house of the righteous,

but the house of the wicked is filled with trouble,

no matter how much money they have.

7

When wisdom speaks, revelation-knowledge is released,

but finding true wisdom in the word of a fool is futile.

8

It is despicable to the Lord

when people use the worship of the Almighty

as a cloak for their sin,

but every prayer of his godly lovers is pleasing to his heart.

9

The Lord detests the lifestyle of the wicked,

but he loves those who pursue purity.

10

Severe punishment awaits the one

who turns away from the truth,

and those who rebel against correction will die.

11

Even hell itself holds no secrets from the Lord God,

for all is exposed before his eyes,

and so much more the heart of every human being.

12

The know-it-all never esteems the one who tries to correct him.

He refuses to seek good advice from the wise.

13

A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face,

but a broken heart leads to depression.

14

Lovers of God hunger after truth,

but those without understanding

feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it.

15

Everything seems to go wrong

when you feel weak and depressed.

But when you choose to be cheerful,

every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.

16

It’s much better to live simply,

surrounded in holy awe and worship of God,

than to have great wealth with a home full of trouble.

17

It’s much better to have a kind, loving family, even with little,

than to have great wealth

with nothing but hatred and strife all around you.

18

A touchy, hot-tempered man picks a fight,

but the calm, patient man knows how to silence strife.

19

Nothing seems to work right for the lazy man,

but life seems smooth and easy when your heart is virtuous.

20

When a son learns wisdom,

a father’s heart is glad.

But the man who shames his mother is a foolish son.

21

The senseless fool treats life like a joke,

but the one with living-understanding makes good choices.

22

Your plans will fall apart right in front of you

if you fail to get good advice.

But if you first seek out multiple counselors,

you’ll watch your plans succeed.

23

Everyone enjoys giving great advice.

But how delightful it is to say the right thing at the right time!

24

The life path of the prudent lifts them progressively heavenward,

delivering them from the death spiral

that keeps tugging them downward.

25

The Lord champions the widow’s cause,

but watch him as he smashes down the houses of the haughty!

26

The Lord detests wicked ways of thinking,

but he enjoys lovely and delightful words.

27

The one who puts earning money above his family

will have trouble at home,

but those who refuse to exploit others

will live in peace.

28

Lovers of God think before they speak,

but the careless blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm.

29

The Lord doesn’t respond to the wicked,

but he’s moved to answer the prayers of his godly lovers.

30

Eyes that focus on what is beautiful bring joy to the heart,

and hearing a good report

refreshes and strengthens the inner being.

31

Accepting constructive criticism

opens your heart to the path of life,

making you right at home among the wise.

32

Refusing constructive criticism shows

you have no interest in improving your life,

for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction

and the wisdom that it brings.

33

The source of revelation-knowledge is found

as you fall down in surrender before the Lord.

Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory

until the Lord sees your sincere humility.

16

1

Go ahead and make all the plans you want,

but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.

2

We are all in love with our own opinions,

convinced they’re correct.

But the Lord is in the midst of us,

testing and probing our every motive.

3

Before you do anything,

put your trust totally in God and not in yourself.

Then every plan you make will succeed.

4

The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose.

Even the wicked are included in his plans —

he sets them aside for the day of disaster.

5

Exalting yourself is disgusting to the Lord,

for pride attracts his punishment —

and you can count on that!

6

You can avoid evil through surrendered worship

and the fear of God,

for the power of his faithful love

removes sin’s guilt and grip over you.

7

When the Lord is pleased with the decisions you’ve made,

he activates grace to turn enemies into friends.

8

It is better to have little with a heart that loves justice

than to be rich and not have God on your side.

9

Within your heart you can make plans for your future,

but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.

10

A king speaks the revelation of truth,

so he must be extraordinarily careful in the decrees that he makes.

11

The Lord expects you to be fair in every business deal,

for he is the one who sets the standards for righteousness.

12

Kings and leaders despise wrongdoing,

for the true authority to rule and reign

is built on a foundation of righteousness.

13

Kings and leaders love to hear godly counsel,

and they love those who tell them the truth.

14

The anger of a king releases the messenger of death,

but a wise person will know how to pacify his wrath.

15

Life-giving light streams from the presence of a king,

and his favor is showered upon those who please him.

16

Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater.

Silver is sought after,

but a heart of understanding yields a greater return.

17

Repenting from evil places you on the highway of holiness.

Protect purity and you protect your life.

18

Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure.

The higher you lift up yourself in pride,

the harder you’ll fall in disgrace.

19

It’s better to be meek and lowly and live among the poor

than to live high and mighty among the rich and famous.

20

One skilled in business discovers prosperity,

but the one who trusts in God is blessed beyond belief!

21

The one with a wise heart is called “discerning,”

and speaking sweetly to others

makes your teaching even more convincing.

22

Wisdom is a deep well of understanding

opened up within you as a fountain of life for others,

but it’s senseless to try to instruct a fool.

23

Winsome words pour from a heart of wisdom,

adding value to all you teach.

24

Nothing is more appealing

than speaking beautiful, life-giving words.

For they release sweetness to our souls

and inner healing to our spirits.

25

Before every person there is a path

that seems like the right one to take,

but it leads straight to hell!

26

Life motivation comes from the deep longings of the heart,

and the passion to see them fulfilled urges you onward.

27

A wicked scoundrel wants to dig up dirt on others,

only to spread slander and shred their reputation.

28

A twisted person spreads rumors;

a whispering gossip ruins good friendships.

29

A vicious criminal can be persuasive,

enticing others to join him as partners in crime,

but he leads them all down a despicable path.

30

It’s easy to tell when a wicked man

is hatching some crooked scheme —

it’s written all over his face.

His looks betray him as he gives birth to his sin.

31

Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor,

for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.

32

Do you want to be a mighty warrior?

It’s better to be known as one who is patient and slow to anger.

Do you want to conquer a city?

Rule over your temper before you attempt to rule a city.

33

We may toss the coin and roll the dice,

but God’s will is greater than luck.

17

1

A simple, humble life with peace and quiet

is far better than an opulent lifestyle with nothing

but quarrels and strife at home.

2

A wise, intelligent servant will be honored above a shameful son.

He’ll even end up having a portion left to him in his master’s will.

3

In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire,

the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life.

4

Those eager to embrace evil listen to slander,

for a liar loves to listen to lies.

5

Mock the poor, will you?

You insult your Creator every time you do!

If you make fun of others’ misfortune,

you’d better watch out — your punishment is on its way.

6

Grandparents have the crowning glory of life:

grandchildren!

And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents.

7

It is not proper for a leader to lie and deceive,

and don’t expect excellent words to be spoken by a fool.

8

Wise instruction is like a costly gem.

It turns the impossible into success.

9

Love overlooks the mistakes of others,

but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships.

10

One word of correction breaks open a teachable heart,

but a fool can be corrected a hundred times

and still not know what hit him.

11

Rebellion thrives in an evil man,

so a messenger of vengeance will be sent to punish him.

12

It’s safer to meet a grizzly bear robbed of her cubs

than to confront a reckless fool.

13

The one who returns evil for good

can expect to be treated the same way for the rest of his life.

14

Don’t be one who is quick to quarrel,

for an argument is hard to stop,

and you never know how it will end,

so don’t even start down that road!

15

There is nothing God hates more

than condemning the one who is innocent

and acquitting the one who is guilty.

16

Why pay tuition to educate a fool?

For he has no intention of acquiring true wisdom.

17

A dear friend will love you no matter what,

and a family sticks together through all kinds of trouble.

18

It’s stupid to run up bills you’ll never be able to pay

or to cosign for the loan of your friend.

Save yourself the trouble and don’t do either one.

19

If you love to argue,

then you must be in love with sin.

For the one who loves to boast is only asking for trouble.

20

The one with a perverse heart never has anything good to say,

and the chronic liar tumbles into constant trouble.

21

Parents of a numskull will have many sorrows,

for there’s nothing about his lifestyle that will make them proud.

22

A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul.

But the one whose heart is crushed

struggles with sickness and depression.

23

When you take a secret bribe,

your actions reveal your true character,

for you pervert the ways of justice.

24

Even the face of a wise man shows his intelligence.

But the wandering eyes of a fool will look for wisdom everywhere

except right in front of his nose.

25

A father grieves over the foolishness of his child,

and bitter sorrow fills his mother.

26

It’s horrible to persecute a holy lover of God

or to strike an honorable man for his integrity!

27

Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure?

That’s how you show that you are wise.

An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected,

no matter what you’re facing.

28

When even a fool bites his tongue

he’s considered wise.

So shut your mouth when you are provoked —

it will make you look smart.

18

1

An unfriendly person isolates himself

and seems to care only about his own issues.

For his contempt of sound judgment makes him a recluse.

2

Senseless people find no pleasure in acquiring true wisdom,

for all they want to do is impress you with what they know.

3

An ungodly man is always cloaked with disgrace,

as dishonor and shame are his companions.

4

Words of wisdom are like a fresh, flowing brook —

like deep waters that spring forth from within,

bubbling up inside the one with understanding.

5

It is atrocious when judges show favor to the guilty

and deprive the innocent of justice.

6

A senseless man jumps headfirst into an argument;

he’s just asking for a beating for his reckless words.

7

A fool has a big mouth that only gets him into trouble,

and he’ll pay the price for what he says.

8

The words of a gossip merely reveal the wounds of his own soul,

and his slander penetrates into the innermost being.

9

The one who is too lazy to look for work

is the same one who wastes his life away.

10

The character of God is a tower of strength,

for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart

and be exalted on high.

11

The rich, in their conceit, imagine that their wealth

is enough to protect them.

It becomes their confidence in a day of trouble.

12

A man’s heart is the proudest when his downfall is nearest,

for he won’t see glory until the Lord sees humility.

13

Listen before you speak,

for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.

14

The will to live sustains you when you’re sick,

but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope.

15

The spiritually hungry are always ready to learn more,

for their hearts are eager to discover new truths.

16

Would you like to meet a very important person?

Take a generous gift.

It will do wonders to gain entrance into his presence.

17

There are two sides to every story.

The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side

and they set the record straight.

18

A coin toss resolves a dispute

and can put an argument to rest

between formidable opponents.

19

It is easier to conquer a strong city

than to win back a friend whom you’ve offended.

Their walls go up, making it nearly impossible to win them back.

20

Sharing words of wisdom is satisfying to your inner being.

It encourages you to know

that you’ve changed someone else’s life.

21

Your words are so powerful

that they will kill or give life,

and the talkative person will reap the consequences.

22

When a man finds a wife,

he has found a treasure!

For she is the gift of God to bring him joy and pleasure.

But the one who divorces a good woman

loses what is good from his house.

To choose an adulteress is both stupid and ungodly.

23

The poor plead for help from the rich,

but all they get in return is a harsh response.

24

Some friendships don’t last for long,

but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart

closer than any other!

19

1

It’s better to be honest, even if it leads to poverty,

than to live as a dishonest fool.

2

The best way to live is with revelation-knowledge,

for without it, you’ll grow impatient and run right into error.

3

There are some people who ruin their own lives

and then blame it all on God.

4

Being wealthy means having lots of “friends,”

but the poor can’t keep the ones they have.

5

Perjury won’t go unpunished,

and liars will get all that they deserve.

6

Everyone wants to be close to the rich and famous,

but a generous person has all the friends he wants!

7

When a man is poor, even his family has no use for him.

How much more will his “friends” avoid him —

for though he begs for help, they won’t respond.

8

Do yourself a favor and love wisdom.

Learn all you can,

then watch your life flourish and prosper!

9

Tell lies and you’re going to get caught,

and the habitual liar is doomed.

10

It doesn’t seem right when you see a fool

living in the lap of luxury

or a prideful servant ruling over princes.

11

A wise person demonstrates patience,

for mercy means holding your tongue.

When you are insulted,

be quick to forgive and forget it,

for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense.

12

The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion,

but his sweet favor is like a gentle, refreshing rain.

13

A rebellious son breaks a father’s heart,

and a nagging wife can drive you crazy!

14

You can inherit houses and land from your parents,

but a good wife only comes as a gracious gift from God!

15

Go ahead — be lazy and passive.

But you’ll go hungry if you live that way.

16

Honor God’s holy instructions

and life will go well for you.

But if you despise his ways and choose your own plans,

you will die.

17

Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord.

Don’t worry — you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done.

18

Don’t be afraid to discipline your children

while they’re still young enough to learn.

Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests.

19

A hot-tempered man has to pay the price for his anger.

If you bail him out once,

you’ll do it a dozen times.

20

Listen well to wise counsel

and be willing to learn from correction

so that by the end of your life

you’ll be known for your wisdom.

21

A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life,

but only the designs of his purpose will succeed in the end.

22

A man is charming when he displays tender mercies to others.

And a lover of God who is poor and promises nothing

is better than a rich liar who never keeps his promises.

23

When you live a life of abandoned love,

surrendered before the awe of God,

here’s what you’ll experience:

Abundant life. Continual protection.

And complete satisfaction!

24

There are some people who pretend they’re hurt —

deadbeats who won’t even work to feed themselves.

25

If you punish the insolent who don’t know any better,

they will learn not to mock.

But if you correct a wise man,

he will grow even wiser.

26

Children who mistreat their parents

are an embarrassment to their family and a public disgrace.

27

So listen, my child.

Don’t reject correction

or you will certainly wander from the ways of truth.

28

A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice,

for the wicked never play by the rules.

29

Judgment is waiting for those who mock the truth,

and foolish living invites a beating.

20

1

A drunkard is obnoxious, loud, and argumentative;

you’re a fool to get intoxicated with strong drink.

2

The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion.

Do you really want to go and make him angry?

3

A person of honor will put an argument to rest.

Only the stupid want to pick a fight.

4

If you’re too lazy to plant seed,

it’s too bad when you have no harvest on which to feed.

5

A man of deep understanding will give good advice,

drawing it out from the well within.

6

Many will tell you they’re your loyal friends,

but who can find one who is truly trustworthy?

7

The lovers of God will walk in integrity,

and their children are fortunate

to have godly parents as their examples.

8

A righteous king sits on his judgment seat.

He scatters evil away from his kingdom

by his wise discernment.

9

Which one of us can truly say,

“I am free from sin in my life,

for my heart is clean and pure”?

10

Mark it down:

God hates it when you demonstrate a double standard —

one for “them” and one for “you.”

11

All children show what they’re really like by how they act.

You can discern their character,

whether they are pure or perverse.

12

Lovers of God have been given eyes to see

with spiritual discernment

and ears to hear from God.

13

If you spend all your time sleeping, you’ll grow poor.

So wake up, sleepyhead! Don’t sleep on the job.

And then there will be plenty of food on your table.

14

The buyer says, as he haggles over the price,

“That’s junk. It’s worthless!”

Then he goes out and brags,

“Look at the great bargain I got!”

15

You may have an abundance of wealth,

piles of gold and jewels,

but there is something of far greater worth:

speaking revelation words of knowledge.

16

Anyone stupid enough to guarantee a loan for a stranger

deserves to have his property held as security.

17

What you obtain dishonestly may seem sweet at first,

but sooner or later you’ll live to regret it.

18

If you solicit good advice, then your plans will succeed.

So don’t charge into battle without wisdom,

for wars are won by skillful strategy.

19

A blabbermouth will reveal your secrets,

so stay away from people who can’t keep their mouths shut.

20

If you despise your father or mother,

your life will flicker out like a lamp,

extinguished into the deepest darkness.

21

If an inheritance is gained too early in life,

it will not be blessed in the end.

22

Don’t ever say, “I’m going to get even with them

if it’s the last thing I do!”

Wrap God’s grace around your heart

and he will be the one to vindicate you.

23

The Lord hates double standards —

that’s hypocrisy at its worst!

24

It is the Lord who directs your life,

for each step you take is ordained by God

to bring you closer to your destiny.

So much of your life, then, remains a mystery!

25

Be careful in making a rash promise before God,

or you may be trapped by your vow and live to regret it.

26

A wise king is able to discern corruption

and remove wickedness from his kingdom.

27

The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp,

a shining light

searching into the innermost chamber of our being.

28

Good leadership is built on love and truth,

for kindness and integrity

are what keep leaders in their position of trust.

29

We admire the young for their strength and beauty,

but the dignity of the old is their wisdom.

30

When you are punished severely, you learn your lesson well —

for painful experiences do wonders to change your life.

21

1

It’s as easy for God to steer a king’s heart for his purposes

as it is for him to direct the course of a stream.

2

You may think you’re right all the time,

but God thoroughly examines our motives.

3

It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice

than when we merely offer him a sacrifice.

4

Arrogance, superiority, and pride are the fruits of wickedness

and the true definition of sin.

5

Brilliant ideas pay off and bring you prosperity,

but making hasty, impatient decisions

will only lead to financial loss.

6

You can make a fortune dishonestly,

but your crime will hold you in the snares of death!

7

Violent rebels don’t have a chance,

for their rejection of truth and their love of evil

will drag them deeper into darkness.

8

You can discern that a person is guilty by his devious actions

and the innocence of a person by his honest, sincere ways.

9

It’s better to live all alone in a rickety shack

than to share a castle with a crabby spouse!

10

The wicked always crave what is evil;

they’ll show no mercy and get no mercy.

11

Senseless people learn their lessons the hard way,

but the wise are teachable.

12

A godly, righteous person has the ability

to bring the light of instruction to the wicked

even though he despises what the wicked do.

13

If you close your heart to the cries of the poor,

then I’ll close my ears when you cry out to me!

14

Try giving a secret gift to the one who is angry with you

and watch his anger disappear.

A kind, generous gift goes a long way

to soothe the anger of one who is livid.

15

When justice is served,

the lovers of God celebrate and rejoice,

but the wicked begin to panic.

16

When you forsake the ways of wisdom,

you will wander into the realm of dark spirits.

17

To love pleasure for pleasure’s sake

will introduce you to poverty.

Indulging in a life of luxury

will never make you wealthy.

18

The wicked bring on themselves

the very suffering they planned for others,

for their treachery comes back to haunt them.

19

It’s better to live in a hut in the wilderness

than with a crabby, scolding spouse!

20

In wisdom’s house you’ll find delightful treasures

and the oil of the Holy Spirit.

But the stupid squander what they’ve been given.

21

The lovers of God who chase after righteousness

will find all their dreams come true:

an abundant life drenched with favor

and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction.

22

A warrior filled with wisdom ascends into the high place

and releases regional breakthrough,

bringing down the strongholds of the mighty.

23

Watch your words and be careful what you say,

and you’ll be surprised how few troubles you’ll have.

24

An arrogant man is inflated with pride —

nothing but a snooty scoffer in love with his own opinion.

Mr. Mocker is his name!

25

[25–26] Taking the easy way out is the habit of a lazy man,

and it will be his downfall.

All day long he thinks about all the things that he craves,

for he hasn’t learned the secret that the generous man has learned:

extravagant giving never leads to poverty.

26

27

To bring an offering to God with an ulterior motive is detestable,

for it amounts to nothing but hypocrisy.

28

No one believes a notorious liar,

but the guarded words of an honest man stand the test of time.

29

The wicked are shameless and stubborn,

but the lovers of God have a holy confidence.

30

All your brilliant wisdom and clever insight

will be of no help at all if the Lord is against you.

31

You can do your best to prepare for the battle,

but ultimate victory comes from the Lord God.

22

1

A beautiful reputation is more to be desired than great riches,

and to be esteemed by others is more honorable

than to own immense investments.

2

The rich and the poor have one thing in common:

the Lord God created each one.

3

A prudent person with insight foresees danger coming

and prepares himself for it.

But the senseless rush blindly forward

and suffer the consequences.

4

Laying your life down in tender surrender before the Lord

will bring life, prosperity, and honor as your reward.

5

Twisted and perverse lives are surrounded by demonic influence.

If you value your soul, stay far away from them.

6

Dedicate your children to God

and point them in the way that they should go,

and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.

7

If you borrow money with interest,

you’ll end up serving the interests of your creditors,

for the rich rule over the poor.

8

Sin is a seed that brings a harvest;

you’ll reap a heap of trouble with every seed you plant.

For your investment in sins pays a full return —

the full punishment you deserve!

9

When you are generous to the poor,

you are enriched with blessings in return.

10

Say goodbye to a troublemaker and you’ll say goodbye

to quarrels, strife, tension, and arguments,

for a troublemaker traffics in shame.

11

The Lord loves those whose hearts are holy,

and he is the friend of those whose ways are pure.

12

God passionately watches over

his deep reservoir of revelation-knowledge,

but he subverts the lies of those who pervert the truth.

13

A slacker always has an excuse for not working —

like “I can’t go to work. There’s a lion outside!

And murderers too!”

14

Sex with an adulteress is like falling into the abyss.

Those under God’s curse jump right in to their own destruction.

15

Although rebellion is woven into a young man’s heart,

tough discipline can make him into a man.

16

There are two kinds of people headed toward poverty:

those who exploit the poor

and those who bribe the rich.

17

Listen carefully and open your heart.

Drink in the wise revelation that I impart.

18

You’ll become winsome and wise

when you treasure the beauty of my words.

And always be prepared to share them at the appropriate time.

19

For I’m releasing these words to you this day,

yes, even to you, so that your living hope

will be found in God alone,

for he is the only one who is always true.

20

[20–21] Pay attention to these excellent sayings of three-fold things.

For within my words you will discover true and reliable revelation.

They will give you serenity so that you can reveal

the truth of the word of the one who sends you.

21

22

Never oppress the poor

or pass laws with the motive of crushing the weak.

23

For the Lord will rise to plead their case

and humiliate the one who humiliates the poor.

24

[24–25] Walk away from an angry man

or you’ll embrace a snare in your soul

by becoming bad-tempered just like him.

25

26

Why would you ever guarantee a loan for someone else

or promise to be responsible for his debts?

27

For if you fail to pay you could lose your shirt!

28

The previous generation has set boundaries in place.

Don’t you dare move them just to benefit yourself.

29

If you are uniquely gifted in your work,

you will rise and be promoted.

You won’t be held back —

you’ll stand before kings!

23

1

When you’ve been invited to dine with a very important leader,

consider your manners and keep in mind who you’re with.

2

Be careful to curb your appetite and catch yourself

before you fall into the trap of wanting all you see.

3

Don’t crave their delicacies,

for they may have another motive in having you sit at their table.

4

Don’t compare yourself to the rich.

Surrender your selfish ambition and evaluate them properly.

5

For no sooner do you start counting your wealth

than it sprouts wings and flies away like an eagle in the sky —

here today, gone tomorrow!

6

Be sensible when you dine with a stingy man

and don’t eat more than you should.

7

For as he thinks within himself, so is he.

He will grudgingly say, “Go ahead and eat all you want,”

but in his heart he resents the fact that he has to pay for your meal.

8

You’ll be sorry you ate anything at all,

and all your compliments will be wasted.

9

A rebellious fool will despise your wise advice,

so don’t even waste your time — save your breath!

10

Never move a long-standing boundary line

or attempt to take land that belongs to the fatherless.

11

For they have a mighty protector,

a loving redeemer, who watches over them,

and he will stand up for their cause.

12

Pay close attention to the teaching that corrects you,

and open your heart to every word of instruction.

13

Don’t withhold appropriate discipline from your child.

Go ahead and punish him when he needs it.

Don’t worry — it won’t kill him!

14

A good spanking could be the very thing

that teaches him a lifelong lesson!

15

My beloved child, when your heart is full of wisdom,

my heart is full of gladness.

16

And when you speak anointed words,

we are speaking mouth to mouth!

17

Don’t allow the actions of evil men

to cause you to burn with anger.

Instead, burn with unrelenting passion

as you worship God in holy awe.

18

Your future is bright and filled with a living hope

that will never fade away.

19

As you listen to me, my beloved child,

you will grow in wisdom and your heart

will be drawn into understanding,

which will empower you to make right decisions.

20

Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony,

or waste your life away by partying all the time,

21

because drunkards and gluttons sleep their lives away

and end up broke!

22

Give respect to your father and mother,

for without them you wouldn’t even be here.

And don’t neglect them when they grow old.

23

Embrace the truth and hold it close.

Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding.

24

When a father observes his child living in godliness,

he is ecstatic with joy — nothing makes him prouder!

25

So may your father’s heart burst with joy

and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.

26

My son, give me your heart

and embrace fully what I’m about to tell you.

27

Stay far away from prostitutes

and you’ll stay far away from the pit of destruction.

For sleeping with a promiscuous woman is like falling into a trap

that you’ll never be able to escape!

28

Like a robber hiding in the shadows

she’s waiting to claim another victim —

another husband unfaithful to his wife.

29

Who has anguish? Who has bitter sorrow?

Who constantly complains and argues?

Who stumbles and falls and hurts himself?

Who’s the one with bloodshot eyes?

30

It’s the one who drinks too much

and is always looking for a brew.

Make sure it’s never you!

31

And don’t be drunk with wine

but be known as one who enjoys the company

of the lovers of God,

32

For drunkenness brings the sting of a serpent,

like the fangs of a viper spreading poison into your soul.

33

It will make you hallucinate, mumble,

and speak words that are perverse.

34

You’ll be like a seasick sailor being tossed to and fro,

dizzy and out of your mind.

35

You’ll awake only to say, “What hit me?

I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck!”

Yet off you’ll go, looking for another drink!

24

1 Don’t envy the wealth of the wicked or crave their company.

2

For they’re obsessed with causing trouble

and their conversations are corrupt.

3

Wise people are builders —

they build families, businesses, communities.

And through intelligence and insight

their enterprises are established and endure.

4

Because of their skilled leadership

the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom

and the pleasures of spiritual wealth.

5

Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior,

and revelation-knowledge increases strength.

6

Wise strategy is necessary to wage war,

and with many astute advisers

you’ll see the path to victory more clearly.

7

Wisdom is a treasure too lofty for a quarreling fool —

he’ll have nothing to say when leaders gather together.

8

There is one who makes plans to do evil —

Master Schemer is his name.

9

If you plan to do evil, it’s as wrong as doing it.

And everyone detests a troublemaker.

10

If you faint when under pressure,

you have need of courage.

11

Go and rescue the perishing! Be their savior!

Why would you stand back and watch them stagger to their death?

12

And why would you say, “But it’s none of my business”?

The one who knows you completely and judges your every motive

is also the keeper of souls — and not just yours!

He sees through your excuses and holds you responsible

for failing to help those whose lives are threatened.

13

Revelation-knowledge is a delicacy,

sweet like flowing honey that melts in your mouth.

Eat as much of it as you can, my friend!

14

For then you will perceive what is true wisdom,

your future will be bright,

and this hope living within will never disappoint you.

15

Listen up, you wicked, irreverent ones —

don’t harass the lovers of God

and don’t invade their resting place.

16

For the lovers of God may suffer adversity

and stumble seven times,

but they will continue to rise over and over again.

But the unrighteous are brought down by just one calamity

and will never be able to rise again.

17

Never gloat when your enemy meets disaster

and don’t be quick to rejoice if he falls.

18

For the Lord, who sees your heart,

will be displeased with you and will pity your foe.

19

Don’t be angrily offended over evildoers or be agitated by them.

20

For the wicked have no life and no future —

their light of life will die out.

21

My child, stand in awe of the Lord Jehovah!

Give counsel to others,

but don’t mingle with those who are rebellious.

22

For sudden destruction will fall upon them

and their lives will be ruined in a moment.

And who knows what retribution they will face!

23

Those enlightened with wisdom have spoken these proverbs:

Judgment must be impartial,

for it is always wrong to be swayed by a person’s status.

24

If you say to the guilty, “You are innocent,”

the nation will curse you and the people will revile you.

25

But when you convict the guilty,

the people will thank you and reward you with favor.

26

Speaking honestly is a sign of true friendship.

27

Go ahead, build your career and give yourself to your work.

But if you put me first, you’ll see your family built up!

28

Why would you be a false accuser and slander with your words?

29

Don’t ever spitefully say, “I’ll get even with him!

I’ll do to him what he did to me!”

30

[30–31] One day I passed by the field of a lazy man

and I noticed the vineyards of a slacker.

I observed nothing but thorns, weeds, and broken-down walls.

31

32

So I considered their lack of wisdom,

and I pondered the lessons I could learn from this:

33

[33–34] Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming

your permanent business partner. And:

If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today,

tomorrow never seems to come.

25

1 Solomon’s proverbs, published by the scribes of King Hezekiah:

2

God conceals the revelation of his word

in the hiding place of his glory.

But the honor of kings is revealed

by how they thoroughly search out

the deeper meaning of all that God says.

3

The heart of a king is full of understanding,

like the heavens are high and the ocean is deep.

4

If you burn away the impurities from silver,

a sterling vessel will emerge from the fire.

5

And if you purge corruption from the kingdom,

a king’s reign will be established in righteousness.

6

Don’t boast in the presence of a king

or promote yourself by taking a seat at the head table

and pretend that you’re someone important.

7

For it is better for the king to say to you,

“Come, you should sit at the head table,”

than for him to say in front of everyone,

“Please get up and move —

you’re sitting in the place of the prince.”

8

Don’t be hasty to file a lawsuit.

By starting something you wish you hadn’t,

you could be humiliated when you lose your case.

9

Don’t reveal another person’s secret

just to prove a point in an argument,

or you could be accused of being a gossip

10

and gain a reputation for being one

who betrays the confidence of a friend.

11

Winsome words spoken at just the right time

are as appealing as apples gilded in gold

and surrounded with silver.

12

To humbly receive wise correction

adorns your life with beauty

and makes you a better person.

13

A reliable, trustworthy messenger

refreshes the heart of his master,

like a gentle breeze blowing at harvest time —

cooling the sweat from his brow.

14

Clouds that carry no water

and a wind that brings no refreshing rain —

that’s what you’re like when you boast

of a gift that you don’t have.

15

Use patience and kindness when you want to persuade leaders

and watch them change their minds right in front of you.

For your gentle wisdom will quell the strongest resistance.

16

When you discover something sweet,

don’t overindulge and eat more than you need,

for excess in anything can make you sick of even a good thing.

17

Don’t wear out your welcome

by staying too long at the home of your friends,

or they may get fed up with always having you there

and wish you hadn’t come.

18

Lying about and slandering people

are as bad as hitting them with a club,

or wounding them with an arrow,

or stabbing them with a sword.

19

You can’t depend on an unreliable person

when you really need help.

It can be compared to biting down on an abscessed tooth

or walking with a sprained ankle.

20

When you sing a song of joy to someone suffering

in the deepest grief and heartache,

it can be compared to disrobing in the middle of a blizzard

or rubbing salt in a wound.

21

Is your enemy hungry? Buy him lunch.

Win him over with your kindness.

22

Your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience

and God will reward you with favor.

23

As the north wind brings a storm,

saying things you shouldn’t brings a storm to any relationship.

24

It’s better to live all alone in a rundown shack

than to share a castle with a crabby spouse!

25

Like a drink of cool water to a weary, thirsty soul,

so hearing good news revives the spirit.

26

When a lover of God gives in and compromises with wickedness,

it can be compared to contaminating a stream with sewage

or polluting a fountain.

27

It’s good to eat sweet things,

but you can take too much.

It’s good to be honored,

but to seek words of praise is not honor at all.

28

If you live without restraint

and are unable to control your temper,

you’re as helpless as a city with broken-down defenses,

open to attack.

26

1

It is totally out of place to promote and honor a fool,

just like it’s out of place to have snow in the summer

and rain at harvest time.

2

An undeserved curse will be powerless to harm you.

It may flutter over you like a bird,

but it will find no place to land.

3

Guide a horse with a whip,

direct a donkey with a bridle,

and lead a rebellious fool with a beating on his backside!

4

Don’t respond to the words of a fool with more foolish words,

or you will become as foolish as he is!

5

Instead, if you’re asked a silly question,

answer it with words of wisdom

so the fool doesn’t think he’s so clever.

6

If you choose a fool to represent you,

you’re asking for trouble.

It will be as bad for you as cutting off your own feet!

7

You can never trust the words of a fool,

just like a crippled man can’t trust his legs to support him.

8

Give honor to a fool and watch it backfire —

like a stone tied to a slingshot.

9

The statements of a fool will hurt others

like a thorn bush brandished by a drunk.

10

Like a reckless archer shooting arrows at random

is the impatient employer

who hires just any fool who comes along —

someone’s going to get hurt!

11

Fools are famous for repeating their errors,

like dogs are known to return to their vomit.

12

There’s only one thing worse than a fool,

and that’s the smug, conceited man

always in love with his own opinions.

13

The lazy loafer says,

“I can’t go out and look for a job —

there may be a lion out there roaming wild in the streets!”

14

As a door is hinged to the wall,

so the lazy man keeps turning over, hinged to his bed!

15

There are some people so lazy

they won’t even work to feed themselves.

16

A self-righteous person is convinced he’s smarter

than seven wise counselors who tell him the truth.

17

It’s better to grab a mad dog by its ears

than to meddle and interfere in a quarrel

that’s none of your business.

18

[18–19] The one who is caught lying to his friend

and says, “I didn’t mean it, I was only joking,”

can be compared to a madman

randomly shooting off deadly weapons.

19

20

It takes fuel to have a fire —

a fire dies down when you run out of fuel.

So quarrels disappear when the gossip ends.

21

Add fuel to the fire and the blaze goes on.

So add an argumentative man to the mix

and you’ll keep strife alive.

22

Gossip is so delicious, and how we love to swallow it!

For slander is easily absorbed into our innermost being.

23

Smooth talk can hide a corrupt heart

just like a pretty glaze covers a cheap clay pot.

24

Kind words can be a cover to conceal hatred of others,

for hypocrisy loves to hide behind flattery.

25

So don’t be drawn in by the hypocrite,

for his gracious speech is a charade,

nothing but a masquerade covering his hatred and evil on parade.

26

Don’t worry — he can’t keep the mask on for long.

One day his hypocrisy will be exposed before all the world.

27

Go ahead, set a trap for others —

and then watch as it snaps back on you!

Start a landslide and you’ll be the one who gets crushed.

28

Hatred is the root of slander

and insecurity the root of flattery.

27

1

Never brag about the plans you have for tomorrow,

for you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring to you.

2

Let someone else honor you for your accomplishments,

for self-praise is never appropriate.

3

It’s easier to carry a heavy boulder and a ton of sand

than to be provoked by a fool and have to carry that burden!

4

The rage and anger of others can be overwhelming,

but it’s nothing compared to jealousy’s fire.

5

It’s better to be corrected openly

if it stems from hidden love.

6

You can trust a friend who wounds you with his honesty,

but your enemy’s pretended flattery comes from insincerity.

7

When your soul is full, you turn down even the sweetest honey.

But when your soul is starving,

every bitter thing becomes sweet.

8

Like a bird that has fallen from its nest

is the one who is dislodged from his home.

9

Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy,

for good friends are like the anointing oil

that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.

10

So never give up on a friend or abandon a friend of your father —

for in the day of your brokenness

you won’t have to run to a relative for help.

A friend nearby is better than a relative far away.

11

My son, when you walk in wisdom,

my heart is filled with gladness,

for the way you live is proof

that I’ve not taught you in vain.

12

A wise, shrewd person discerns the danger ahead

and prepares himself,

but the naïve simpleton never looks ahead

and suffers the consequences.

13

Cosign for one you barely know and you will pay a great price!

Anyone stupid enough to guarantee the loan of another

deserves to have his property seized in payment.

14

Do you think you’re blessing your neighbors

when you sing at the top of your lungs early in the morning?

Don’t be fooled —

they’ll curse you for doing it!

15

An endless drip, drip, drip, from a leaky faucet

and the words of a cranky, nagging wife have the same effect.

16

Can you stop the north wind from blowing

or grasp a handful of oil?

That’s easier than to stop her from complaining.

17

It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade,

and so a friendly argument can sharpen a man.

18

Tend an orchard and you’ll have fruit to eat.

Serve the Master’s interests

and you’ll receive honor that’s sweet.

19

Just as no two faces are exactly alike,

so every heart is different.

20

Hell and destruction are never filled,

and the desires of men’s hearts are insatiable.

21

Fire is the way to test the purity of silver and gold,

but the character of a man is tested

by giving him a measure of fame.

22

You can beat a fool half to death

and still never beat the foolishness out of him.

23

A shepherd should pay close attention to the faces of his flock

and hold close to his heart the condition of those he cares for.

24

A man’s strength, power, and riches will one day fade away;

not even nations endure forever.

25

[25–27] Take care of your responsibilities

and be diligent in your business

and you will have more than enough —

an abundance of food, clothing, and plenty for your household.

28

1

Guilty criminals experience paranoia

even though no one threatens them.

But the innocent lovers of God,

because of righteousness,

will have the boldness of a young, ferocious lion!

2

A rebellious nation is thrown into chaos,

but leaders anointed with wisdom will restore law and order.

3

When a pauper oppresses the destitute,

it’s like a flash flood that sweeps away their last hope.

4

Those who turn their backs on what they know is right

will no longer be able to tell right from wrong.

But those who love the truth strengthen their souls.

5

Justice never makes sense to men devoted to darkness,

but those tenderly devoted to the Lord

can understand justice perfectly.

6

It’s more respectable to be poor and pure than rich and perverse.

7

To be obedient to what you’ve been taught

proves you’re an honorable child,

but to socialize with the lawless brings shame to your parents.

8

Go ahead and get rich on the backs of the poor,

but all the wealth you gather will one day be given

to those who are kind to the needy.

9

If you close your heart and refuse to listen to God’s instruction,

even your prayer will be despised.

10

Those who tempt the lovers of God with an evil scheme

will fall into their own trap.

But the innocent who resist temptation will experience reward.

11

The wealthy in their conceit presume to be wise,

but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12

The triumphant joy of God’s lovers releases great glory.

But when the wicked rise to power, everyone goes into hiding.

13

If you cover up your sin you’ll never do well.

But if you confess your sins and forsake them,

you will be kissed by mercy.

14

Overjoyed is the one who with tender heart trembles before God,

but the stubborn, unyielding heart will experience even greater evil.

15

Ruthless rulers can only be compared

to raging lions and roaming bears.

16

Abusive leaders fail to employ wisdom,

but leaders who despise corruption

will enjoy a long and full life.

17

A murderer’s conscience will torment him —

a fugitive haunted by guilt all the way to the grave

with no one to support him.

18

The pure will be rescued from failure,

but the perverse will suddenly fall into ruin.

19

Work hard and you’ll have all you desire,

but chase a fantasy and you could end up with nothing.

20

Life’s blessings drench the honest and faithful person,

but punishment rains down upon the greedy and dishonest.

21

Giving favoritism to the rich and powerful is disgusting,

and this is the type of judge who would betray a man for a bribe.

22

A greedy man is in a race to get rich,

but he forgets that he could lose what’s most important

and end up with nothing.

23

If you correct someone with constructive criticism,

in the end he will appreciate it more than flattery.

24

A person who would reject his own parents and say,

“What’s wrong with that?” is as bad as a murderer.

25

To make rash, hasty decisions

shows that you are not trusting the Lord.

But when you rely totally on God,

you will still act carefully and prudently.

26

Self-confident know-it-alls will prove to be fools.

But when you lean on the wisdom from above,

you will have a way to escape the troubles of your own making.

27

You will never go without if you give to the poor.

But if you’re heartless, stingy, and selfish,

you invite curses upon yourself.

28

When wicked leaders rise to power,

good people go into hiding.

But when they fall from power,

the godly take their place.

29

1

Stubborn people who repeatedly refuse to accept correction

will suddenly be broken and never recover.

2

Everyone rejoices when the lovers of God flourish,

but the people groan when the wicked rise to power.

3

When you love wisdom, your father is overjoyed.

But when you associate with prostitutes,

you waste your wealth in exchange for disgrace.

4

A godly leader who values justice

is a great strength and example to the people.

But the one who sells his influence for money

tears down what is right.

5

Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives

and take advantage of you.

6

The wicked always have a trap laid for others,

but the lovers of God escape as they sing and shout

in joyous triumph!

7

God’s righteous people will pour themselves out for the poor,

but the ungodly make no attempt to understand or help the needy.

8

Arrogant cynics love to pick fights,

but the humble and wise love to pursue peace.

9

There’s no use arguing with a fool,

for his ranting and raving prevent you from making a case

and settling the argument in a calm way.

10

Violent men hate those with integrity,

but the lovers of God esteem those who are holy.

11

You can recognize fools by the way

they give full vent to their rage

and let their words fly!

But the wise bite their tongue and hold back all they could say.

12

When leaders listen to false accusations,

their associates become scoundrels.

13

Poor people and their oppressors

have only one thing in common —

God made them both.

14

The best insurance for a leader’s longevity

is to demonstrate justice for the poor.

15

Experiencing many corrections and rebukes will make you wise.

But if left to your own ways, you’ll bring disgrace to your parents.

16

When the wicked are in power, lawlessness abounds.

But the patient lovers of God will one day watch in triumph

as their stronghold topples!

17

Correct your child and one day you’ll find he has changed

and will bring you great delight.

18

When there is no clear prophetic vision,

people quickly wander astray.

But when you follow the revelation of the word,

heaven’s bliss fills your soul.

19

A stubborn servant can’t be corrected by words alone.

For even if he understands, he pays no attention to you.

20

There’s only one kind of person who is worse than a fool:

the impetuous one who speaks without thinking first.

21

If you pamper your servants,

don’t be surprised when they expect to be treated as sons.

22

The source of strife is found in an angry heart,

for sin surrounds the life of a furious man.

23

Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low,

but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor.

24

You are your own worst enemy when you partner with a thief,

for a curse of guilt will come upon you

when you fail to report a crime.

25

Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back.

But when you place your confidence in the Lord,

you will be seated in the high place.

26

Everyone curries favor with leaders.

But God is the judge, and justice comes from him.

27

The wicked hate those who live a godly life,

but the righteous hate injustice wherever it’s found.

30

1

These are the collected sayings of the prophet Agur, Jakeh’s son —

the amazing revelation he imparted to Ithiel and Ukal.

2

God, I’m so weary and worn-out,

I feel more like a beast than a man.

I was made in your image,

but I lack understanding.

3

I’ve yet to learn the wisdom

that comes from the full and intimate knowledge of you,

the Holy One.

4

Who is it that travels back and forth

from the heavenly realm to the earth?

Who controls the wind as it blows and holds it in his fists?

Who tucks the rain into the cloak of his clouds?

Who stretches out the skyline from one vista to the other?

What is his name?

And what is the name of his Son?

Who can tell me?

5

Every promise from the faithful God

is pure and proves to be true.

He is a wrap-around shield of protection for all his lovers

who run to hide in him.

6

Never add to his words,

or he will have to rebuke you and prove that you’re a liar.

7

God, there are two things I’m asking you for before I die, only two:

8

Empty out of my heart everything that is false —

every lie, and every crooked thing.

And give me neither undue poverty nor undue wealth —

but rather, feed my soul with the measure of prosperity

that pleases you.

9

May my satisfaction be found in you.

Don’t let me be so rich that I don’t need you

or so poor that I have to resort to dishonesty

just to make ends meet.

Then my life will never detract from bringing glory to your name.

10

Never defame a servant before his master,

for you will be the guilty one

and a curse will come upon you.

11

There is a generation rising that curses their fathers

and speaks evil of their mothers.

12

There is a generation rising that considers themselves

to be pure in their own eyes,

yet they are morally filthy, unwashed, and unclean.

13

There is a generation rising that is so filled with pride

they think they are superior and look down on others.

14

There is a generation rising that uses their words like swords

to cut and slash those who are different.

They would devour the poor, the needy, and the afflicted

from off the face of the earth!

15

There are three words to describe the greedy:

“Give me more!”

There are some things that are never satisfied.

Forever craving more, they’re unable to say, “That’s enough!”

Here are four:

16

The grave, yawning for another victim,

the barren womb, ever wanting a child,

thirsty soil, ever longing for rain,

and a raging fire, devouring its fuel.

They’re all insatiable.

17

The eye that mocks his father and dishonors his elderly mother

deserves to be plucked out by the ravens of the valley

and fed to the young vultures!

18

There are four marvelous mysteries

that are too amazing to unravel —

who could fully explain them?

19

The way an eagle flies in the sky,

the way a snake glides on a boulder,

the path of a ship as it passes through the sea,

and the way a bridegroom falls in love with his bride.

20

Here is the deceptive way of the adulterous woman:

she takes what she wants and then says,

“I’ve done nothing wrong.”

21

There are four intolerable events

that are simply unbearable to observe:

22

when an unfaithful servant becomes a ruler,

when a scoundrel comes into great wealth,

23

when an unfaithful woman marries a good man,

and when a mistress replaces a faithful wife.

24

The earth has four creatures that are very small but very wise:

25

The feeble ant has little strength,

yet look how it diligently gathers its food in the summer

to last throughout the winter.

26

The delicate rock-badger isn’t all that strong,

yet look how it makes a secure home, nestled in the rocks.

27

The locusts have no king to lead them,

yet they cooperate as they move forward by bands.

28

And the small lizard is easy to catch

as it clings to the walls with its hands,

yet it can be found inside a king’s palace.

29

There are four stately monarchs

who are impressive to watch as they go forth:

30

the lion, the king of the jungle, who is afraid of no one,

31

the rooster strutting boldly among the hens,

the male goat out in front leading the herd,

and a king leading his regal procession.

32

If you’ve acted foolishly by drawing attention to yourself,

or if you’ve thought about saying something stupid,

you’d better shut your mouth.

33

For such stupidity may give you a bloody nose!

Stirring up an argument only leads to an angry confrontation.

31

1

King Lemuel’s royal words of wisdom:

These are the inspired words my mother taught me.

2

Listen, my dear son, son of my womb.

You are the answer to my prayers, my son.

3

So keep yourself sexually pure

from the promiscuous, wayward woman.

Don’t waste the strength of your anointing

on those who ruin kings —

you’ll live to regret it!

4

For you are a king, Lemuel,

and it’s never fitting for a king to be drunk on wine

or for rulers to crave alcohol.

5

For when they drink they forget justice

and ignore the rights of those in need,

those who depend on you for leadership.

6

[6–7] Strong drink is given to the terminally ill,

who are suffering at the brink of death.

Wine is for those in depression

in order to drown their sorrows.

Let them drink and forget their poverty and misery.

7

8

But you are to be a king who speaks up on behalf

of the disenfranchised

and pleads for the legal rights of the defenseless

and those who are dying.

9

Be a righteous king, judging on behalf of the poor

and interceding for those most in need.

10

Who could ever find a wife like this one —

she is a woman of strength and mighty valor!

She’s full of wealth and wisdom.

The price paid for her was greater than many jewels.

11

Her husband has entrusted his heart to her,

for she brings him the rich spoils of victory.

12

All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil.

13

She searches out continually to possess

that which is pure and righteous.

She delights in the work of her hands.

14

She gives out revelation-truth to feed others.

She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies

from the merchant.

15

Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table

for hungry ones in her house and for others.

16

She sets her heart upon a nation and takes it as her own,

carrying it within her.

She labors there to plant the living vines.

17

She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works.

18

She tastes and experiences a better substance,

and her shining light will not be extinguished,

no matter how dark the night.

19

She stretches out her hands to help the needy

and she lays hold of the wheels of government.

20

She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor,

for she always reaches out her hands to those in need.

21

She is not afraid of tribulation,

for all her household is covered in the dual garments

of righteousness and grace.

22

Her clothing is beautifully knit together —

a purple gown of exquisite linen.

23

Her husband is famous and admired by all,

sitting as the venerable judge of his people.

24

Even her works of righteousness

she does for the benefit of her enemies.

25

Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her

as she laughs with joy over the latter days.

26

Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness

as loving instruction pours from her lips.

27

She watches over the ways of her household

and meets every need they have.

28

Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues,

and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms.

29

“There are many valiant and noble ones,

but you have ascended above them all!”

30

Charm can be misleading,

and beauty is vain and so quickly fades,

but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe,

and fear of the Lord.

She will be praised throughout eternity.

31

So go ahead and give her the credit that is due,

for she has become a radiant woman,

and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired

at the gateways of every city!