Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
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Proverbs
Proverbs 1
¶1. The proverbs of Solomon ben-David, king of Israel.
2. To know wisdom and correction; to understand words of understanding;
3.to receive correction; to gain insight in righteousness, and judgment, and equity;
4.to give prudence to the simple-minded; to the young man, knowledge and discretion
5.—a wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding will acquire good counsels—
6.to understand a proverb and a riddle, the sayings of wise men and their enigmas.
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and correction.
¶8. Hear, my son, the correction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother,
9.for they will be a wreath of grace for your head and pendants for your neck.
10. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
11. If they say, “Come with us! Let us lie in wait for blood. Let us wait in secret for the innocent man without cause.
12.Let us swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit.
13.All precious substance will we find; we will fill our houses with spoil.
14.Cast in your lot among us! We will have one purse together.”
15. My son, do not walk in the way with them; withhold your foot from their path,
16.for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
17. (Surely, in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird.)
18. Yet, they lie in wait for their own blood. They wait in secret for their own lives.
19. Thus are the paths of all who get gain by violence; it takes the life of those who possess it.
¶20. True wisdom cries out in the street; in the marketplaces, she gives forth her voice.
21. She calls out at the head of bustling thoroughfares, at the openings of gates. In the city, she declares her words:
22.“How long, O you simple-minded, will you love simpleness, and scorners take pleasure in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23.Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my Spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
24.Because I have called and you refused, because I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded it,
25.because you have disdained all my counsel and did not want my reproof,
26.I also will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear comes,
27.when your fear comes like a devastating storm and your calamity strikes like a tornado, when distress and anguish come upon you.
28. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me early, but they will not find me,
29.forasmuch as they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.
30. They would not receive my counsel; they spurned all my reproof.
31. Therefore, they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and they will be glutted with their own devices,
32.for the apostasy of the simple-minded will kill them, and the prosperity of fools will destroy them.
33. But he who listens to me will dwell safely and be at peace, without dread of evil.
Proverbs 2
¶1. My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
2.inclining your ear to wisdom, applying your heart to understanding,
3.yea, if you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding,
4.if you look for her as for silver and search for her as for hidden treasures,
5.then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7. He treasures up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a buckler to those who live with integrity,
8.guarding the paths of justice and keeping the way of His saints.
9. Then will you understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity—every good path—
10.for wisdom will enter into your heart, and knowledge will be a delight to your soul.
11. Discretion will keep watch over you and understanding will guard you,
12.to deliver you from an evil way, from men who speak perverse things,
13.who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,
14.who are glad to do evil (they rejoice in the perversities of an evil man),
15.whose paths are twisted, and they are devious in their ways,
16.to deliver you from the strange woman, from the foreign woman who uses her smooth words,
17.who forsakes the friend of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.
18. (Surely, her house goes down to death, and her ways, to the shades.
19. None who go in to her return; yea, they do not attain to the paths of life.)
20. Discretion and understanding will keep you, that you might walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21. For the upright shall dwell in the land; yea, the perfect shall remain in it.
22. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
¶1. My son, do not forget my law, and let your heart keep my commandments,
2.for they will add to you length of days, yea, years of life and peace.
3. Let not mercy and truth forsake you. Bind them upon your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
4.and find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
¶5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
6. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
7. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
8. It will be healing for your navel and moisture for your bones.
9. Honor the Lord with your substance and with the firstfruits of all your increase,
10.and your storehouses will be filled with plenty, and your winepresses will burst forth with new wine.
¶11. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction,
12.for whom the Lord loves, He corrects, even as a father the son in whom he delights.
13. Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who obtains understanding.
14. Indeed, her merchandise is better than merchandise bought with silver, and her fruit is better than gold.
15. It is more precious than rubies; yea, anything you desire cannot be compared to her.
16. Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18. She is a tree of life to those who hold her fast, and those who hold on to her will be happy.
¶19. The Lord by wisdom laid the foundation of the earth; He established the heavens by understanding.
20. By His knowledge, depths are broken open and clouds drip dew.
21. My son, let them not leave your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22.and they will be life for your soul and an ornament for your neck.
23. Then you will walk securely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.
24. When you lie down, you will not be in dread; yea, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
¶25. Do not be afraid of sudden disaster or of the ruin of wicked men when it comes,
26.for the Lord will be your confidence, and He will keep your foot from a snare.
27. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in the power of your hands to do it.
28. Do not say to your neighbor, “Leave, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when it is there with you.
29. Do not devise evil against your friend, or one who dwells securely by you.
30. Do not strive with a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.
31. Do not envy a violent man, and choose none of his ways,
32.for a devious man is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret is with the upright.
33. The curse of the Lord is in the house of a wicked man, but He blesses the habitation of righteous men.
34. Though He scorns the scorners, He grants grace to those who are lowly.
35. Wise men will inherit glory, but rebellious fools, dishonor.
Proverbs 4
¶1. Heed, children, a father’s discipline, and be attentive, that you may become acquainted with understanding,
2.for I give you good instruction. Do not forsake my law.
3. When I was my father’s tender son, and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4.he instructed me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.
5.Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6.Do not forsake her, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will watch over you.
7.Wisdom is the principal thing; get wisdom! And with all your getting, get understanding!
8.Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you honor when you embrace her.
9.She will place a wreath of grace upon your head; she will bestow upon you a glorious crown.
10.Listen, my son, and receive my words; so shall the years of your life be many.
11.In the way of wisdom have I instructed you; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12.When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13.Lay hold upon instruction. Do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
14.Do not enter the path of wicked men, and do not walk in the way of evil men.
15.Leave it alone. Do not cross over it. Turn away from it, and pass on by.
16.For they cannot sleep unless they have done evil. Sleep is taken from them unless they cause someone to stumble,
17.for they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18.But the path of righteous men is like a bright light, continually shining unto the perfect day.
19.The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know at what they stumble.
¶20. “My son, attend to my words. To my sayings, incline your ears.
21.Do not let them depart from your sight. Keep them in the midst of your heart,
22.for they are life to those who find them and healing to all their flesh.
23.Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it are the issues of life.
24.Let perverse speech depart from you, and put crooked lips far away from you.
25. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and let your eyelids keep straight before you.
26.Consider the path of your foot, and all your ways will be established.
27.Do not turn to the right or left. Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 5
¶1. “My son, give heed to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,
2.that you may maintain discretion and that your lips may preserve knowledge.
3.For the lips of a strange woman drip honey from the comb, and her mouth is smoother than oil,
4.but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5.Her feet go down to death; her steps lay hold on Sheol.
6.Lest you ponder the path of life, her ways change. You do not know it.
7.So, listen to me now, children, and do not turn from the words of my mouth.
8.Keep your path far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
9.lest you give your dignity to others and your years to the cruel,
10.lest strangers be filled with your strength, and your labors enrich a foreigner’s house,
11.and you groan at your end, when your flesh and your body waste away,
12.and you say, ‘How I have hated correction, and how my heart has spurned reproof!
13.Nor did I listen to the voice of my teachers, or incline my ear to my instructors!
14.I am almost in total ruin in the midst of the Assembly and congregation.’
15.Drink water from your own cistern and water from your own well.
16.Streams of water from your springs will flow abroad into the streets.
17.Let it be for you, for you alone, and not for strangers with you.
18.Let your fountain be blessed, and get pleasure from the wife of your youth.
19.As a very loving hind and a lovely doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be intoxicated with her love continuously.
20.And why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman or embrace the bosom of a foreign woman?
21.For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He weighs out all his paths.
22.The wicked man’s iniquities will ensnare him, and by the cords of his own sin will he be held fast.
23.He dies for want of correction and is intoxicated with his abundant foolishness.
Proverbs 6
¶1. “My son, if you have become guarantor for your friend, if you have shaken hands with a stranger,
2.you have been ensnared by the words of your mouth; you have been trapped by the words of your mouth.
3.Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself, since you are in the power of your friend: go humble yourself and importune your friend!
4.Do not give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids!
5.Deliver yourself like a gazelle from his hand, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
¶6. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider its ways and be wise.
7.Having no captain, officer, or ruler,
8.it prepares its food in summer; it gathers its provision in harvest.
9.How long, O sluggard, will you sleep? When will you arise from your slumber?
10.A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
11.and your poverty will come in like a robber, and your need, like an armed man.
¶12. “A man of Belial, a wicked man, lives with perverse speech,
13.winking with his eyes, signaling with his feet, pointing with his fingers.
14.Perverse things are in his heart; he devises evil all the time; he spreads strife.
15.Because of this, his distress will come suddenly. He will be broken in an instant, without remedy.
¶16. “These six things does the Lord hate. Yea, seven are abominations to His soul:
17.an exalted appearance; a lying tongue; and hands that shed innocent blood;
18.a heart devising wicked thoughts; feet that are quick to run to evil;
19.a false witness that breathes out lies; and he who sows discord among brothers.
¶20. “My son, keep the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.
21.Bind them upon your heart always; tie them around your neck.
22.When you walk about, it will guide you. When you sleep, it will watch over you, and when you wake up, it will talk with you.
23.For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24.to keep you from the wicked woman, from the smooth tongue of the foreign woman.
25.Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelids.
26.For on account of a harlot, a man is reduced to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress hunts for a precious life.
¶27.Can a man take fire into his bosom and his clothes not be burned?
28.Can a man walk on burning coals and his feet not be scorched?
29.So it is for him who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her will not go unpunished.
30.Men do not despise a thief when he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry;
31.yet, if he be found out, he will restore sevenfold; he will give up all the wealth of his house.
¶32.He who commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding. In doing it, he is destroying his own soul.
33.He will get a wound and dishonor, and his reproach will not be blotted out,
34.for jealousy produces fury in a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35.He will not accept any compensation; yea, he will not consent though you increase the gift.
Proverbs 7
¶1. “My son, keep my words, and treasure up my commandments with you.
2.Keep my commandments and live, and my law as the apple of your eye.
3.Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4.Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister’, and call understanding a kinsman,
5.that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreign woman who uses her smooth words.
¶6.While at the window of my house, I looked down through my lattice.
7.And I saw among the simple, I discerned among the youths, a young man who lacked understanding
8.passing along the street near her corner. And he took the way toward her house
9.at the day’s evening twilight, at the time of night and darkness.
10.And behold, a woman came up to him in the attire of a harlot, and she was wily of heart.
11.(She is boisterous and self-willed; her feet do not stay in her house.
12.Sometimes in the street, sometimes in the squares, at every corner, she lies in wait.)
13.Then she grabbed him and kissed him. Her face was shameless, and she said to him,
14.‘With peace offerings for myself, I have today fulfilled my vows.[1]
15.That’s why I came out, to meet you, to earnestly seek your face. And now, I have found you!
16.I have spread my couch with coverings, dark-hued Egyptian linens.
17.I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18.Come, let’s drink our fill of passions until the morning! Let’s delight ourselves with great love!
19.For my husband’s not home; he’s gone on a long journey.
20.He took a bag of money with him. He’ll come home on the day of the full moon.’
21.She won him over with her great persuasiveness; with the seductiveness of her lips, she compelled him.
22.Following her immediately, he went in like an ox to the slaughter, and like one in chains to the chastisement of a fool,
23.until an arrow cleaves open his liver. Like a bird hurrying to a trap, he also does not know that it is for his life.
¶24. “So, O sons, listen now to me, and give heed to the words of my mouth.
25.Let not your heart turn aside to her ways! Do not wander into her paths!
26.For she has caused many to fall down, slain, and all her slain were mighty men.
27.The ways of Sheol are in her house, descending to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 8
¶1. “Does not Wisdom call? And understanding give her voice?
2.At the top of high places, along the road, at the crossroads, she stands.
3.Beside the gates, at the entrance of the cities, at the doors, she cries out,
4.‘Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the children of Adam.
5.Understand subtlety, you simpletons! And you fools, be of an understanding heart!
6.Listen! For I say excellent things, and from the opening of my lips come right things.
7.My mouth speaks truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8.All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9.All of them are right to the one who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
10.Receive my reproof and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11.for wisdom is better than rubies, and nothing that is desirable can compare with her.
12.I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence; I uncover knowledge of cunning ways.
13.The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride, haughtiness, an evil manner, and a perverse mouth.
14.Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom. I am understanding. I have strength.
15.By me, kings rule, and rulers make righteous decrees.
16.By me, princes and nobles reign, and all who judge rightly.
17.I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
18.Riches and honor are with me, lasting wealth and righteousness.
19.My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my revenue better than choice silver.
20.I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
21.to cause those who love me to inherit substance; I will fill their storehouses.
22.The Lord created me the beginning of His way, the first of His works.
23.I was formed before eternity, before the beginning, before earth existed.
24.I was brought forth when there were no depths of the sea, when there were no springs abounding with water.
25.Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth.
26.When He had not made the earth, and the open fields, and the first elements of the world,
27.when He prepared the heavens, I was there. When He decreed a circle on the face of the deep,
28.when He established the thin clouds above, when He made strong the fountains of the sea,
29.when He made His decree for the sea, that the waters should not disobey His word, when He decreed the foundations of the earth,
30.I was at His side, like a master workman, daily His great delight, always laughing in His presence,
31.rejoicing in the world, His earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.
¶32. “‘So, children, listen now to me, for those who keep my ways are blessed.
33.Hear instruction and be wise, and do not let it go!
34.Blessed is the man who listens to me, keeping watch at my gates every day, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35.For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,
36.but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All they that hate me love death.’
Proverbs 9
¶1. “Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars.
2.She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; and she has set her table.
3.She has sent forth her maidens; she cries out from the highest places of the city,
4.‘Whoever is unwise, let him turn in here!’ To him lacking understanding, she says,
5.‘Come! Eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6.Forsake the foolish, and live! And walk in the way of understanding!
7.He who corrects a scorner gets for himself dishonor, and he who rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blemish.
8.Do not rebuke a scorner, lest he hate you. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9.Give correction to a wise man, and he will become wiser still; instruct a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of holy things is understanding.
11.Truly, by me will your days be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
12.If you become wise, you will be wise for yourself, and if you scorn, you will bear it by yourself.
13.A foolish woman is boisterous, simple-minded, and knows nothing.
14.She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the high places of the city,
15.calling out to passers-by on the road, those who are making their paths straight,
16.“Whoever is simple-minded, turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17.“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant!”
18.But he does not know that the dead were there; her guests are in the depths of Sheol.’”
Proverbs 10
The Proverbs of Solomon
¶1. A wise son makes a father rejoice, but a foolish son is sadness to his mother.
2. Treasures of wickedness are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
3. The Lord will not make a righteous soul go hungry, but He will deny the desire of wicked men.
4. A slack hand makes poor, but the hand of diligent men makes rich.
5. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son; he who is fast asleep during harvest is a son who brings shame.
6. Blessings are meant for the head of a righteous man, but violence will cover the mouth of wicked men.
7. The memory of a righteous man is a blessing, but the name of wicked men will rot.
8. The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a talkative fool will be cast out.
9. He who walks in his integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways shall be known.
10. He who winks with the eye causes harm, but he who rebukes openly makes peace.[2]
11. The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life, but the mouth of wicked men conceals violence.
12. Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all transgressions.
13. Wisdom is found in the lips of a man of understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14. Wise men treasure up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool is close to destruction.
15. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of poor folk is their poverty.
16. The earnings of a righteous man are for life; the gain of a wicked man is for sin.
17. Heeding correction is the path to life, but forsaking reproof leads astray.
18. He who hides hatred with lying lips and utters slander is a fool.
19. In a multitude of words, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
20. The tongue of a righteous man is like choice silver; the heart of wicked men is of little worth.
21. The lips of a righteous man feed multitudes, but fools die for lack of understanding.
22. The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
23. It is like a game to a fool to do wickedness, but wisdom belongs to a man of understanding.
24. The fear of the wicked man will come upon him, but the desire of righteous men will be granted.
25. Like a storm that has passed, so the wicked man will cease to be, but the righteous One is an eternal foundation.
26. Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27. The fear of the Lord adds days, but the years of wicked men will be cut short.
28. The hope of righteous men will be joy, but the expectation of wicked men will perish.
29. The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless man, but destruction is for those who work iniquity.
30. A righteous man will live forever; he will never be moved. But wicked men will not inhabit the earth.
31. The mouth of a righteous man bears the fruit of wisdom, but the tongue of perverse men will be cut out.
32. The lips of a righteous man know what is acceptable, but the mouth of wicked men spews out perverse things.
Proverbs 11
1. Deceitful scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a full weight pleases Him.
2. Insolence comes, then comes dishonor, but with humble men is wisdom.
3. The integrity of upright men will guide them, but the perverseness of treacherous men will destroy them.
4. Riches will not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death.
5. The righteousness of a blameless man will direct his way, but by his own wickedness will the wicked man fall.
6. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful are taken captive by their desire.[3]
7. At the death of a wicked man, hope perishes; yea, the expectation of rich men will perish.
8. A righteous man is delivered from distress, and the wicked man goes in instead of him.
9. With his mouth, a profane man destroys his fellow, but by knowledge are the righteous delivered.
10. When it goes well for righteous people, a city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is a shout of joy.
11. A city is exalted by the blessing of the upright, but by the mouth of wicked men is it overthrown.
12. He who shows contempt for his neighbor lacks understanding, but a man with understanding holds his peace.
13. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, but a trustworthy spirit keeps a thing covered.
14. When there is no counsel, people fall, but in much counsel is safety.
15. He will suffer harm who is surety for a stranger, but he who hates suretyship is secure.
16. A favored woman holds onto honor, and fierce men hold onto riches.
17. A merciful man does good to his own soul, but a cruel man troubles his own flesh.
18. A wicked man earns a deceptive wage, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
19. True righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil leads to one’s death.
20. The perverse of heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in the way are His delight.
21. Though hand join in hand, a wicked man shall not go unpunished, but the seed of righteous men shall be delivered.
22. A beautiful woman who departs from discretion is a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
23. The desire of righteous men is only good; the expectation of wicked men, wrath.
24. There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, while another withholds what is right, only to want.
25. A generous soul will be made fat, and the one who waters will himself also be watered.
26. He who withholds grain, people will curse, but a blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
27. He who earnestly seeks good is seeking favor, but he who seeks after evil, it will come to him.
28. He who trusts in his riches will fall, but righteous men will flourish like a branch.
29. He who troubles his house will inherit the wind, and a fool will be servant to him who is wise in heart.
30. The fruit of a righteous man is a tree of life, and a wise man wins souls.
31. Behold, a righteous man will be rewarded on the earth; how much more a wicked man and a sinner.
Proverbs 12
1. He who loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is brutish.
2. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but He condemns a man of wicked devices.
3. No man will be established by wickedness, but the root of righteous men will not be shaken.
4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
5. The thoughts of the righteous are right. The counsels of the wicked are deceptive.
6. The words of wicked men lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of upright men will deliver them.
7. The wicked are overthrown, and they are not, but the house of righteous men shall stand.
8. A man will be commended for his prudence, but he who has a perverted heart will be despised.
9. A lightly esteemed man who has a slave is better off than a man who honors himself, but lacks bread.
10. A righteous man regards the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11. He who works his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows vain pursuits lacks understanding.
12. A wicked man desires the net of evildoers, but the root of righteous men flourishes.
13. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of lips, but a righteous man will escape distress.
14. By the fruit of a man’s mouth will he be fully satisfied, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
16. A fool is known in the day of his wrath, but a prudent man covers over an insult.
17. He who utters truth publishes righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
18. There is a speaking rashly like the stabbings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is healing.
19. Lips of truth will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.
21. No evil will happen to the righteous man, but wicked men will be full of misery.
22. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
23. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24. The hand of diligent men will rule, but a slacker will be under tribute.
25. Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it rejoice.
26. A righteous man is a guide for his friend, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27. A slacker does not roast his game, but a diligent man’s substance is precious.
28. In the way of righteousness is life; yea, in that pathway, there is no death.
Proverbs 13
1.A wise son heeds correction from a father, but a scorner does not heed rebuke.
2. By the fruit of a man’s mouth will he eat what is good, but the soul of those who deal treacherously dines on violence.
3. He who guards his mouth guards his soul; he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
4. The soul of the sluggard wants but has not, but the soul of diligent men will be made fat.
5. A righteous man hates anything deceptive, but a wicked man is odious and causes shame.
6. Righteousness keeps him who is blameless in the way, but wickedness brings a sinner to ruin.
7. There is who makes himself rich but has nothing, and there is who makes himself poor but has great wealth.
8. The ransom for a man’s life are his riches, but a poor man hears no threat.
9. The light of righteous men rejoices, but the lamp of wicked men shall be put out.
10. Strife comes only through pride, but with the well-advised is wisdom.
11. Wealth obtained by vanity will decrease, but he who gathers by labor will increase.
12. Deferred hope makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13. He who despises the word will pay for it, but fear of the commandment, that will be rewarded.
14. Instruction from a wise man is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.
15. Good understanding gives favor, but the way of the unfaithful is unyielding.
16. Every prudent man conducts himself with knowledge, but a fool flaunts folly.
17. A wicked messenger will fall into trouble, but a faithful envoy is health.
18. Poverty and disgrace are his who ignores correction, but he who heeds correction will be honored.
19. Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.
20. He who walks with wise men will also be wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed.
21. Evil pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with good.
22. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous man.
23. Much food is in the untilled ground of the poor, but it may be snatched away by injustice.
24. He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early.
25. A righteous man eats to the satisfaction of his soul, but the belly of wicked men will lack.
Proverbs 14
¶1. Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish woman tears it down with her hands.
2. He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is crooked in his ways despises Him.
3. In a fool’s mouth is a rod of pride, but the lips of wise men will preserve them.
4. Where there are no cattle, the trough is clean, but great profits are in the strength of a bull.
5. A faithful witness will not tell a lie, but a false witness breathes lies.
6. A scorner seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge comes easy for one who understands.
7. Go from the presence of a foolish man when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge!
8. The wisdom of a prudent man is to understand his way, but deceit is the folly of fools.
9. Guilt makes fools mock, but favor is among the upright.
10. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger can share its joy.
11. The house of wicked men will be destroyed, but the dwelling of upright men will flourish.
12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but at its end are the ways of death.
13. Even in laughter, a heart may be in pain, but after that gladness is grief.
14. A backslidden heart is filled with its own ways, and a good man, with his.
15. He who is simple-minded believes everything, but a prudent man considers his way.
16. A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is arrogant and confident.
17. He who is quick to anger acts foolishly, and a man with wicked schemes will be hated.
18. Simple-minded men inherit folly, but prudent men will be crowned with knowledge.
19. Evil men will bow before good men; yea, the wicked, at the gates of a righteous man.
20. A poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but a rich man has many friends.
21. He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who shows favor to the poor will be blessed.
22. Do not those who devise evil err? But mercy and truth are for those who devise good.
23. In all labor, there is profit, but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty.
24. The crown of wise men is their wealth; the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
25. A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful man breathes out lies.
26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, for He is a shelter for His children.
27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning one away from the snares of death.
28. The glory of a king is a multitude of people, and the lack of people is the ruin of a ruler.
29. One who is slow to anger has great understanding, but a hasty spirit exalts foolishness.
30. A healthy mind is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
31. He who oppresses a poor man reproaches his Maker, but he who pities the needy honors Him.
32. A wicked man is thrust away in his wickedness, but the righteous finds a refuge at his death.
33. Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, and among fools, it is known.
34. Righteousness elevates a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35. A prudent servant shall have the king’s favor, but his fury will be upon the one who causes shame.
Proverbs 15
¶1. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2. The tongue of wise men uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools belches out foolishness.
3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, observing evil and good deeds.
4. A tongue that heals is a tree of life, but perverseness in it is a spiritual wound.
5. A fool spurns his father’s correction, but one who heeds reproof is prudent.
6. In the house of a righteous man is much wealth, but with the increase of a wicked man comes trouble.
7. The lips of wise men disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
8. The sacrifice of wicked men is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9. The way of a wicked man is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness.
10. Correction is evil to him who forsakes the way, and he who hates reproof will die.
11. Sheol and Abaddon are open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of the sons of Adam.
12. A scorner does not love the one who reproves him; he will not go to wise men.
13. A joyful heart produces a pleasing countenance, but by pain of heart is a spirit wounded.
14. The heart of him who understands seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on foolishness.
15. All the days of an afflicted man are unpleasant; yet, a good heart has a continuous feast.
16. Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and turmoil with it.
17. Better is a meal of herbs where there is love than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
18. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quietens contention.
19. The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20. A wise son makes his father rejoice, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21. Foolishness is joy to him who lacks wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22. Without counsel, purposes are frustrated, but by an abundance of advisors, they are established.
23. A man’s joy comes by the response of his mouth, and a word in its season, how good it is!
24. The path of life is upward for the prudent, so that he turns away from Sheol below.
25. The Lord will tear down the house of proud men, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.
26. The schemes of a wicked man are an abomination to the Lord, but the pure have pleasant thoughts.
27. He who gets gain by violence troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
28. The heart of a righteous man ponders to answer, but the mouth of wicked men spews out wicked things.
29. The Lord is far from wicked men, but He hears the prayer of righteous men.
30. The light of the eyes makes the heart rejoice; a good report makes the bones fat.
31. The ear that heeds the reproof of life will abide among the wise.
32. He who ignores instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproof gains wisdom.
33. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 16
¶1. The plans of the heart belong to man, but the response of the tongue is from the Lord.
2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs spirits.
3. Commit your works to the Lord, and they will direct your thoughts.
4. Jehovah made everything for its purpose; yes, even the wicked one for the day of evil.
5. Every haughty heart is an abomination to the Lord; though hand join in hand, it shall not be unpunished.
6. By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord does one turn from evil.
7. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8. Better is a little with righteousness than great profits without right.
9. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
10. A divine decision is on the king’s lips; his mouth does not betray justice.
11. A just weight and balance belong to the Lord; all the weights of the bag are His business.
12. It is an abomination for kings to do wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.
13. Righteous lips are a delight to kings, and they love him who speaks right things.
14. The wrath of a king is like angels of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15. In the light of a king’s countenance is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
16. How much better it is to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver!
17. The highway of upright men is to depart from evil; he who guards his way preserves his soul.
18. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19. It is better to have a humble spirit among the needy than to divide the spoil with proud men.
20. He who handles a matter prudently will find good, and he who trusts in the Lord will find His blessings.
21. The wise of heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22. Understanding is a fountain of life for its owners, and correction of fools is folly.
23. The heart of a wise man teaches his mouth prudence and adds learning to his lips.
24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the body.
25. There is a way that seems right to a man, but at its end are the ways of death.
26. A person who works, works for himself, because his mouth demands it of him.
27. A man of Belial digs up evil, and it is like a burning fire on his lips.
28. A perverse man sows strife, and a slanderer divides close friends.
29. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
30. He shuts his eyes to devise perverse things; pursing his lips, he accomplishes evil.
31. A hoary head is a crown of glory if it is found in the way of righteousness.
32. He who is slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and he who governs his spirit is better than he who takes a city.
33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every judgment is of the Lord.
Proverbs 17
1. Better is a bit of dry bread and peace with it than a house full of sacrifices with strife.
2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and he will share in the inheritance among the brothers.
3. A crucible for silver, and a smelting-pot for gold, but the Lord tries hearts.
4. An evildoer listens to wicked talk; a liar gives ear to a ruinous tongue.
5. He who mocks the poor man taunts his Maker; he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
6. Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.
7. Excellence of speech is unbefitting a fool; how much less is deceitful talk for a prince.
8. A bribe is a charm in the eyes of its owner; every way he turns, it brings success.
9. He who covers over a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a thing separates close friends.
10. A rebuke goes deeper into a man with understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
11. An evil man only seeks rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12. Better for one to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13. As for him who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
14. The beginning of strife is like releasing a flood, so abandon contention before it bursts out.
15. Both he who justifies a wicked man and he who condemns a righteous man are an abomination to the Lord.
16. Why is payment in the hand of a fool to purchase wisdom, seeing he has no sense?
17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18. A man who lacks understanding shakes hands, becoming surety in the presence of his neighbor.
19. He loves strife who loves transgression. He who exalts his own gate is seeking destruction.
20. He who is perverse of heart will not find good, and he who is perverse with his tongue will fall into calamity.
21. One begets a fool to his own grief; yea, the father of a fool has no joy.
22. A joyful heart does good like a medicine, but a wounded spirit dries up the bones.
23. A wicked man accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.
24. Wisdom is before him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the end of the earth.
25. A foolish son is a vexation to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
26. It is not good to beat those who are noble or to fine a righteous man for uprightness.
27. He who restrains his words has knowledge, and a man of understanding has a calm spirit.
28. Even a fool, when he keeps quiet, is considered wise, and he who keeps his lips shut, a man of understanding.
Proverbs 18
¶1. He who seeks something desirable sets himself apart; he will break out with all sound wisdom.
2. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only that his mind may express itself.
3. When a wicked man comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor, disgrace.
4. The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.
5. It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, to thrust aside a righteous man in judgment.
6. A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows.
7. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8. Words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts.
9. Whoever is slack in his work is brother to him who is a great destroyer.
10. The name of the Lord is a mighty tower; a righteous man runs to Him and is safe.
11. The substance of a rich man is his strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12. Before destruction, a man’s heart is haughty, and before honor is humility.
13. He who gives a response to a matter before hearing it out, it is folly and shame to him.
14. A man’s spirit can endure his illness, but a wounded spirit, who can bear it?
15. The heart of a discerning man gets knowledge, and the ear of wise men seeks knowledge.
16. A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before distinguished men.
17. He who is first with his cause seems right, but his neighbor comes and searches him out.
18. The lot puts an end to disputes and keeps mighty men apart.
19. An offended brother is a strong city, with contentions like the bars of a castle.
20. By the fruit of a man’s mouth will his stomach be satisfied; he will be satisfied by the produce from his lips.
21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
23. He who is poor speaks with entreaties, but a rich man answers roughly.
24. A man with many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19
¶1. Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his speech, for he is a fool.
2. Surely, it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he who hurries with his feet sins.
3. The foolishness of a man perverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.
4. Wealth makes for many friends, but a poor man is separated from his friend.
5. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape.
6. Many entreat the favor of a prince, and everyone is friend to a giver of gifts.
7. All the kinsmen of a poor man hate him. How much more, then, do his friends distance themselves from him? He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who treasures understanding will find good.
9. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will perish.
¶10. It is unbefitting a fool to enjoy luxury. How much less for a slave to rule over princes?
11. A man’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12. A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13. A foolish son is a calamity to his father, and a wife’s contentions are a continual drip.
14. House and wealth are the heritage of fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
15. Laziness causes one to fall into a deep sleep, and an idle body will be hungry.
16. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul; he who despises His ways will die.
17. He lends to the Lord who is generous to the poor, and He will repay him his due.
18. Chasten your son while there is hope! Do not spare yourself and cause him to die.
19. He who is given to anger will be punished, for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
20. Listen to counsel and receive correction so that you will be wise at your end.
21. Many devices are in the heart of man, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand.
22. The desire of man is His mercy, and so it is better to be poor than be a liar.
23. The fear of the Lord leads to life, that one may rest, satisfied, untouched by evil.
24. A sluggard buries his hand in his dish; he will not even return it to his mouth.
25. Strike a scorner, and a simpleton may learn prudence, and reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26. He who abuses father or drives mother away is a son who causes shame and reproach.
27. Cease, my son, from listening to instruction that causes one to err from words of understanding!
28. An ungodly witness scorns judgment, and the mouth of wicked men swallows down iniquity.
29. Judgments are determined for scorners, and blows for the back of fools.
Proverbs 20
¶1. Wine is an imitator, and strong drink is boisterous, and everyone who is led astray by it is unwise.
2. A king’s terror is like the roaring of a lion; he who provokes him endangers his own life.
3. It is an honor for a man to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels.
4. A sluggard will not plow because of winter; he will beg at harvest-time, but have nothing.
5. Counsel in the heart of a man is deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6. Many a man proclaims his own goodness, but who can find a truly faithful man?
7. A righteous man walks in his integrity. Blessed are his children after him!
8. A king sitting on the throne of judgment winnows out every evil thing with his eyes.
9. Who can say, “I have purified my own heart; I am cleansed from my sin”?
10. Differing weights and differing measures are an abomination to the Lord, both of them.
11. Even a child is known by his deeds, whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12. The ear that hears and the eye that sees, the Lord made them both.
13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and be satisfied with food!
14. “No good; it’s no good!” says the buyer, but after he has gone his way, he boasts.
15. There is gold, and a multitude of rubies, but lips of knowledge are a precious instrument.
16. Take a man’s garment that is surety for a stranger; yea, take his pledge for foreigners.
17. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward, his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18. Plans are established by counsel, and with much advice, make war.
19. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, so do not associate with one who opens wide his lips.
20. He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in deep darkness.
21. An inheritance may be gotten by greed at the beginning, but it will not be blessed at its end.
22. Do not say, “I will requite the evil!” Wait on the Lord and He will give you the victory.
23. Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.
24. The steps of a man are from the Lord; how then can a man understand his way?
25. It is a snare to the man who rashly declares something holy, and then, after his vows, to make inquiry.
26. A wise king winnows out evil men, and drives the wheel over them.
27. The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts.
28. Mercy and truth preserve the king; yea, his throne is upheld by mercy.
29. The glory of young men is their strength, and the glory of old men is a hoary head.
30. The bruising of a wound cleanses away evil; yea, stripes cleanse the innermost parts.
Proverbs 21
¶1. A king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it howsoever He pleases.
2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
3. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than a sacrifice.
4. Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the beacon of wicked men—are sin.
5. The thoughts of a diligent man lead only to abundance, but the thoughts of all who are hasty lead only to poverty.
6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed about by those who seek death.
7. The violence of wicked men sweeps them away; still, they refuse to do what is right.
8. The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his work is straightforward.
9. It is better to live on a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a quarrelsome woman.
10. The soul of a wicked man inclines to evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11. When a scorner is punished, the simple man may become wise, and when he pays attention to a wise man, he gains knowledge.
12. The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; He overthrows wicked men because of their wickedness.
13. He who closes his ear to the cry of the lowly will himself also cry out, but he will not be answered.
14. A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a present in the bosom, fierce wrath.
15. The righteous man who acts justly shall have joy, but workers of iniquity, destruction.
16. The one who wanders out of the way of understanding shall find rest in the congregation of the dead.
17. He who loves merriment will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18. A wicked man will be a ransom for the righteous man, and a treacherous man will be a ransom for upright men.
19. It is better to dwell in a barren land than with a quarrelsome and angry woman.
20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of a wise man, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21. He who pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22. A wise man scales the city of mighty men and casts down its strong confidence.
23. He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24. His name is scorner who is proud and haughty, who acts with arrogant pride.
25. A sluggard’s desire will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.
26. Every day, he covets greedily, but a righteous man gives and does not hold back.
27. The sacrifice of wicked men is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28. A false witness will perish, but one who listens will speak forever.
29. A wicked man makes his face hard, but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
30. There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord.
31. A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the Lord.
Proverbs 22
¶1. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
2. The rich man and the poor man will meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3. A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and pay the penalty.
4. The result of humility is fear of the Lord, riches, and honor, and life.
5. Thorns and traps are in the path of a perverse man. He who guards his soul will keep far from them.
6. Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7. The rich man rules over poor men, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8. He who sows injustice will reap trouble, and the rod of his anger will come to an end.
9. He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his food to the poor man.
10. Drive out a scorner, and strife will leave; yea, dispute and disgrace will cease.
11. He who loves purity of heart and gracious speech will have the King as his friend.
12. The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and He brings to ruin the counsels of the treacherous man.
13. A sluggard says, “A lion is outside! I’ll be slain in the streets!”
14. The mouth of strange women is a deep ditch, and he who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it.
15. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
16. He who oppresses a poor man to enrich himself or gives to a rich man will only come to poverty.
¶17. Incline your ear and listen to wise sayings, and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18.for they are delightful. When you treasure them up within you, they will all be established on your lips.
19. I have instructed you today so that your confidence might be in the Lord. Yes, you!
20. Have not I written to you previously with good counsel and knowledge,
21. making known to you the certainty of the words of truth, that you might return words of truth to those who send to you?
¶22. Do not rob the poor man, for he is poor, and do not oppress the needy man in the gate,
23.for the Lord will plead their cause, and He will take the life of those who take from them.
24. Do not associate with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not go,
25.lest you learn his way and get a snare to your soul.
26. Do not be among those who shake hands, among those who become surety for debts.
27. If you are not able to pay, why should he take your bed out from under you?
28. Do not move the ancient landmark which your fathers set up.
29. You see a man who is diligent in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs 23
¶1. When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,
2.and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.
3. Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceitful bread.
4. Do not labor to be rich; cease from your own understanding!
5. Do you light upon it with your eyes, though it does not last? Yea, it makes for itself wings like an eagle and flies into the sky.
6. Do not eat the food of one with an evil eye, and do not desire his delicacies,
7.for as he has calculated within himself, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8. The morsel you eat, you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words.
9. Do not speak into the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10. Do not move the ancient landmark, and do not go into the fields of orphans,
11.for their Redeemer is mighty; He Himself will plead their cause against you!
12. Let your heart draw near to discipline, and your ears to words of knowledge.
13. Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with the rod, he will not perish.
14. You shall beat him with the rod and save his soul from Sheol.
15. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice, even mine,
16.and my soul will exult when your lips speak right things.
17. Let not your heart be envious of sinners, but be in the fear of the Lord all day long,
18.for there will certainly be a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
19. Listen, my son, and be wise, and let your heart go straight on in the way.
20. Do not associate with winebibbers or with gluttonous eaters of flesh,
21.for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man in rags.
22. Listen to your father, the one who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Receive wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24. The father of a righteous son greatly rejoices; he who begets a wise son will certainly be glad because of him.
25. Your father and your mother will be glad, and she who gave birth to you will rejoice.
26. My son, give your heart to me, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
¶27. Truly, a harlot is a deep pit; yea, a foreign woman is a narrow pit.
28. Yea, she lies in wait like a robber, and she multiplies the unfaithful among men.
29. Who has woe? Who has pain? Who has contentions? Who has complaint? Who has bruises without reason? Who has redness of eyes?
30. Those who linger over their wine; those who go looking for mixed wine.
31. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup. It may go down smoothly,
32.but at the end of it, it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
33. Your eyes will look on strange women, and your heart will speak perverse things,
34.and you will become like one who lies down in the depth of the sea, or like one who lies down in the mast-head.
35. You will say, “They struck me, but I wasn’t hurt. They beat me, but I didn’t feel it. When will I wake up so that I may seek it yet again?”
Proverbs 24
¶1. Do not envy evil men, and do not long to be among them,
2.for their heart plots violence, and their lips talk of mischief.
3. A house is built by wisdom and established by understanding,
4.and by knowledge are the chambers filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of understanding increases strength.
6. Only with much counsel should you make war, for in much counsel is safety.
7. Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate.
8. Men will call the one who plots to do evil a mischievous person.
9. The devising of foolishness is sin, and a scorner is an abomination to man.
10. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
11. Rescue those who are being taken away to death, and hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter.
12. If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know about that,” what about the One who weighs hearts? He knows. Yea, the One who keeps your soul understands, and He repays a man according to his deeds.
13. My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.
14. Know that wisdom is like that to your soul once you find it, and there will certainly be a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
¶15. Do not lie in wait like a wicked man against the resting place of a righteous man; do no violence to his home.
16. Though a righteous man fall seven times, he will rise again, but wicked men stumble into evil.
17. When your enemy falls, do not be glad, and when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18.lest the Lord see, and it be evil in His eyes, and He hold back His anger from him.
19. Do not fret yourself because of evildoers, nor be envious of wicked men,
20.for an evil man has no future; the lamp of wicked men will be put out.
21. Fear the Lord, my son, and the king, and do not associate with those given to change,
22.for their calamity may rise suddenly; yea, who knows when destruction will come from those two?
¶23. These things also belong to wise men: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24. He who says to the wicked man, “You are righteous”, peoples will curse him; nations will denounce him.
25. But a righteous man delights in those who rebuke him, and a good blessing will come upon them.
26. He kisses the lips who gives honest answers.
¶27. Prepare your work outside, and get your field ready; afterward, build your house.
28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Why would you deceive with your lips?
29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me. I will repay the man according to his work.”
30. I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man who lacks understanding,
31.and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns. Brambles covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down.
32. When I looked, I took it to heart. I saw, and I received instruction:
33.A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
34.and your poverty will come in like a prowler, and your want, like an armed man.
Proverbs 25
¶1. These are also proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied.
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, and it is the honor of kings to search it out.
3. The heavens for height, and the earth for depth; just so, the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4. Remove impurities from silver, and it will come forth from the smith as a vessel;
5.remove the wicked man from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6. Do not honor yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in a place meant for great men,
7.for it is better if he says to you, “Come up here,” than to debase you in the presence of a prince whom your eyes have seen.
8. Do not go forth hastily to argue, for what will you do at the end of the matter when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9. Argue your case with your neighbor, but do not disclose the secret of another,
10. lest he who hears revile you, and the evil report about you may not go away.
11. A word spoken at the right moment is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12. A wise reprover to a listening ear is like a gold earring or an ornament of gold.
13. Like the cold of snow at harvest-time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; yea, he refreshes the soul of his masters.
¶14. A man who boasts of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15. With patience, a ruler may be persuaded, for a soft tongue can shatter bone.
16. When you find honey, eat only what is enough for you, lest you glut yourself on it and vomit it up.
17. Make your foot infrequent at your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary of you and hate you.
18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is a club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in a day of distress is like a broken tooth or a lame foot.
20. Singing songs to a heavy heart is like taking a garment away on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron.
¶21. If someone who hates you is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22.thus, you heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23. A north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24. It is better to live on a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a quarrelsome woman.
25. Good news from a distant country is like cool water to a parched soul.
26. A righteous man wavering before a wicked man is like a befouled spring, and a polluted fountain.
27. Eating much honey is not good, and men’s search for their own glory is not glory.
28. A man who has no control over his own spirit is like a breached city with no wall.
Proverbs 26
¶1. Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is unbefitting a fool.
2. Like the sparrow wandering aimlessly and like the swallow flying around, so a curse without cause will not come to pass.
3. A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey, and a rod is for the back of fools.
4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him.
5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6. Sending messages by the hand of a fool is like chopping off your feet and drinking damage.
7. The legs of a lame man are useless;[4] so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8. Giving honor to a fool is like placing a stone in a sling.
9. A parable in the mouth of fools is like a briar going up into the hand of a drunkard.
10. One who hires a fool, or hires transgressors, is like an archer shooting everybody.[5]
11. Like a dog returning to his vomit, a fool repeats his folly.
12. Watch the man who is wise in his own eyes; there is more hope for a fool than for him.
¶13. A sluggard says, “A lion is in the road! A lion is in the streets!”
14. The door turns on its hinge, and a sluggard, on his bed.
15. A sluggard buries his hand in his dish; he is too weary to bring it back to his mouth.
16. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can respond sensibly.
17. One who meddles in a dispute that’s not his is grabbing the ears of a passing dog.
18. Like a madman who shoots flaming arrows and death,
19.so is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, “I was only joking!”
¶20. When there is no wood, a fire goes out, and when there is no slanderer, strife is quieted.
21. Coal is for burning and wood is for fire, and a contentious man is for kindling strife.
22. The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts.
23. Burning lips and an evil heart are like an earthen vessel coated with silver dross.
24. One who hates disguises himself with his lips and lays up deceit within himself.
25. When his voice is gracious, put no trust in him, for there are seven abominations in his heart!
26. The hatred is covered over by dissimulation, but his wickedness will be laid bare in the Assembly.
27. He who digs a pit will fall into it, and as for him who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28. A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth causes stumbling.
Proverbs 27
¶1. Do not make your boast in tomorrow, for you do not know what a day will bring.
2. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips.
3. A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s anger is heavier than them both.
4. Wrath is cruel and anger is a flood, but who can stand before envy?
5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
7. A glutted soul loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, everything bitter is sweet.
8. Like a bird departing from her nest is a man departing from his place.
9. Oil and incense gladden the heart, and the sweetness of one’s friend is hearty counsel.
10. Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not enter your kinsman’s house in the day of your calamity; a neighbor nearby is better than a distant kinsman.
11. My son, be wise and make my heart glad so that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12. A prudent man sees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and pay the penalty.
13. Take one’s garment when it is surety for a stranger or for a foreign woman; take it as a pledge.
14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.
15. A contentious woman is like a continual dripping on a rainy day.
16. Trying to hide her is like hiding the wind or grasping oil in one’s hand.
17. As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
18. He who watches over a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who watches over his master will be honored.
19. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.
20. Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21. A crucible is for silver and a smelting-pot is for gold, but a man is refined by his praise.
22. Though you pound a fool with a pestle in a mortar along with the grain, his folly will not depart from him.
¶23. Know well the state of your flock. Mind the herds,
24.for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure from generation to generation.
25. When grass dies and new grass appears, and plants of the mountains are gathered,
26.lambs will provide your clothing, and goats, the price of a field.
27. Yea, there will be plenty of goats’ milk for your sustenance, food for your household, and nourishment for your maidens.
Proverbs 28
¶1. The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2. Because of the transgression of a country, its rulers are many, but it is prolonged by a man with understanding and knowledge.
3. A poor man who oppresses the needy is like a beating rain that leaves no food.
4. Those who forsake the law praise a wicked man, but those who keep the law contend with them.
5. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything.
6. Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in his ways, though he be rich.
7. He who keeps the law is a wise son, but one who keeps company with worthless men brings shame to his father.
8. He who increases his wealth by usury and interest gathers it for him who will be generous to the needy.
9. He who turns his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10. He who leads the upright astray onto an evil path will fall into his own pit, but blameless men will inherit happiness.
11. A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with understanding will search him out.
12. When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory, but when wicked men arise, a man is hidden.
13. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14. Blessed is the man who fears God always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into wickedness.
15. A wicked man ruling over poor people is a roaring lion, or a charging bear.
16. A leader without understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17. A man burdened with blood-guilt will flee to the pit; let no one help him.
18. He who lives with integrity will be saved, but he who is crooked in his ways will fall suddenly.
19. He who works his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows vain pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20. A truly faithful man will have many blessings, but he who hurries to become rich will not be unpunished.
21. To have respect of persons is not good, but a man will transgress for a bite of bread.
22. A man who hastens to be rich has an evil eye, but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23. He who reproves a man will afterwards find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
24. He who robs his father or his mother and says, “It is no transgression,” is companion to a destroyer.
25. A man with a proud heart stirs up contention, but he who trusts in the Lord will be made fat.
26. He who is confident in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27. He who gives to the needy will need nothing, but he who hides his eyes will have an abundance of curses.
28. When wicked men rise up, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 29
¶1. He who, being often reproved, stiffens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. When righteous men grow great, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3. The man who loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he who keeps company with harlots squanders his wealth.
4. A king establishes a land by justice, but the man who exacts gifts overthrows it.
5. A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6. In the transgression of an evil man is a snare, but a righteous man shouts for joy and is glad.
7. A righteous man has concern for the cause of the poor, but a wicked man does not understand such concern.
8. Scornful men inflame a city, but wise men turn away wrath.
9. A wise man may enter into judgment with a foolish man, but whether he rages or laughs, there is no relief.
10. Men with blood-guilt hate an innocent man, but the upright seek to save his life.
11. A fool vents all his wrath, but a wise man holds it back.
12. If a ruler gives heed to lies, all his ministers are wicked.
13. The poor man and the oppressor will meet together; the Lord enlightens the eyes of both.
14. As for the king who judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
15. The rod and reproof bestow wisdom, but an unrestrained child brings his mother shame.
16. When wicked men increase, transgression increases, but righteous men will see their downfall.
17. Discipline your son, and he will bring you rest and give great delight to your soul.
18. Where there is no vision, people are unrestrained, but he who keeps the law is happy.
19. A slave will not be disciplined with words; even if he understands, he will not respond.
20. Behold the man who is hasty with his words; there is more hope for a fool than for him.
21. He who tenderly brings up his slave from youth will make him an heir at his end.
22. An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man, much transgression.
23. A man’s pride will lay him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24. He who is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears a curse, but does not report it.
25. The fear of man is a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be set on high.
26. Multitudes seek the favor of a ruler, but the judgment of man comes from the Lord.
27. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to him who is wicked.
Proverbs 30
¶1. The words of Agur ben-Jakeh. The oracle which this man said to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal:
2. “Truly, I am more brutish than any man, and I have not the understanding of a man.
3.I have not learned wisdom, nor do I possess knowledge of the Holy Ones.
4.Who has ascended into heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of His hands? Who has bound the waters in His mantle? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name? And what is His Son’s name? Surely you know!”
¶5. Every saying of God is pure. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you are shown to be a liar.
¶7. Two things I ask of you; do not withhold them from me before I die:
8.keep vanity and lying far from me, and give me neither poverty nor riches. Provide me with my necessary food,
9.lest I be full, and deny you, and think, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be impoverished and steal, and so, take the name of my God in vain.
¶10. Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.
11. There is a generation that curses their father and does not bless their mother.
12. There is a generation that are clean in their own eyes, yet they have not been washed from their filthiness.
13. There is a generation—oh, how haughty are their eyes, and their eyelids, lifted up!
14. There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaw-teeth are knives, to consume the lowly from the land and the needy from mankind.
¶15. Two daughters of the leech say, “Give! Give!” Three things are not satisfied; four do not say, “Enough”:
16.Sheol, and the barren womb, land that is not satiated with water, and fire that will not say, “Enough.”
¶17. The eye that mocks father and scorns obedience to mother, ravens of the valley will pluck it out, and vultures will eat it.
¶18. Three things are too wondrous for me; yea, four I do not understand:
19.the way of the eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.
¶20. Such is the way of a woman who commits adultery: she eats and wipes her mouth, and then says, “I have done no iniquity.”
¶21. Under three things a land trembles; yea, under four, it cannot bear up:
22.under a slave if he becomes king and a fool if he be sated with food,
23.under a hated woman if she be married and a handmaiden if she be heir to her mistress.
¶24. There are four small things of earth, but they are extremely wise:
25.the ants are not a strong people, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26.rock badgers are not a mighty people, but they make their home in the cliff;
27.the locust has no king, but they all march out in companies;
28.a lizard you may hold in your hands, but it is in the palaces of a king.
¶29. Three things are stately in their stride; yea, four are stately in their going:
30.the lion, mighty among beasts, and does not turn away from anyone;
31.a warhorse;[6] and a he-goat; and a king with his army.
¶32. If you have acted foolishly by exalting yourself, or if you have pondered on something evil, put your hand over your mouth!
33.For as the churning of milk produces curds, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so the stirring up of anger produces strife.
Proverbs 31
¶1. The words of Lemuel, the king. The oracle with which his mother admonished him:
2.“What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3.Do not give your strength to women or your ways to that which destroys kings.
4.It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings or rulers to drink wine or strong drink,
5.lest he drink and forget what is decreed, and so, pervert the judgment of any who are afflicted.
6.Give strong drink to him who is dying, and wine to those who are bitter of soul.
7.He may drink and forget his poverty, and his trouble, he will no longer remember.
8.Open your mouth for him who is unable to speak in judgment, for all who are passing away.
9.Open your mouth! Judge righteously and plead the cause of the afflicted and needy.”
¶10. Who can find a virtuous wife? Indeed, her value is far above rubies.
11. The heart of her husband trusts her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13. She seeks after wool and strands of flax, and she willingly works with her hands.
14. She is like the ships of a merchant; she brings in her food from afar.
15. She also rises while it is still night and sets out food for her household and a portion for her maidens.
16. She considers a field, and with the fruit of her hands, she buys it. She plants a vineyard.
17. She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms.
18. She perceives that her gain is good. Her lamp does not go out during the night.
19. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands lay hold of the spindle.
20. She opens her hand to the afflicted, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21. She does not fear for her household because of snow, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22. She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is of fine linen and purple.
23. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits with the elders of the land.
24. She makes linen clothing and sells it, and she provides sashes to the trader.
25. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she will rejoice in time to come.
26. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27. She looks after the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28. Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her.
¶29. Many daughters do well, but you surpass them all.
30. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised.
31. Give her the fruit of her hands, and men will praise her work in the gates.
Footnotes
[1] Probably a reference to a woman’s purification rite. “When she is cleansed from her discharge. . . on the eighth day, she shall take for herself two turtle doves or two young doves, and she shall bring them to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting” (Lev. 15:28–29).
[2] LXX reading. MSS: “. . . and a talkative fool will be cast out.”
[3] Or, “. . . though they be caught up in the destruction of treacherous men.”
[4] Hebrew uncertain.
[5] Or, “The Great One, who brings forth all, repays the fool and repays transgressors.”
[6] Hebrew uncertain.