Proverbs Chapter v1
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: v2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, v3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; v4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, v5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, v6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. v7 The fear of יַהְוֶה is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. v8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, And do not forsake your mother's teaching; v9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, And ornaments about your neck. v10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. v11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; v12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; v13 We shall find all kinds of precious wealth, We shall fill our houses with spoil; v14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse," v15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, v16 For their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed blood. v17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the net In the eyes of any bird; v18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. v19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors. v20 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; v21 At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings: v22 "How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge? v23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. v24 "Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; v25 And you neglected all my counsel, And did not want my reproof; v26 I will even laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, v27 When your dread comes like a storm, And your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come on you. v28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, v29 Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of יַהְוֶה. v30 "They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. v31 "So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be satiated with their own devices. v32 "For the waywardness of the naive shall kill them, And the complacency of fools shall destroy them. v33 "But he who listens to me shall live securely, And shall be at ease from the dread of evil."
Proverbs Chapter v2
2:1 My son, if you will receive my sayings, And treasure my commandments within you, v2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; v3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; v4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; v5 Then you will discern the fear of יַהְוֶה, And discover the knowledge of the Almighty. v6 For יַהְוֶה gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. v7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, v8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. v9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course. v10 For wisdom will enter your heart, And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; v11 Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you, v12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things; v13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness; v14 Who delight in doing evil, And rejoice in the perversity of evil; v15 Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways; v16 To deliver you from the strange woman, From the adulteress who flatters with her words; v17 That leaves the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her Almighty; v18 For her house sinks down to death, And her tracks lead to the dead; v19 None who go to her return again, Nor do they reach the paths of life. v20 So you will walk in the way of good men, And keep to the paths of the righteous. v21 For the upright will live in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; v22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land, And the treacherous will be uprooted from it.
Proverbs Chapter v3
3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; v2 For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you. v3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. v4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of the Almighty and man. v5 Trust in יַהְוֶה with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. v6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. v7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear יַהְוֶה and turn away from evil. v8 It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones. v9 Honor יַהְוֶה from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; v10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. v11 My son, do not reject the discipline of יַהְוֶה, Or loathe His reproof, v12 For whom יַהְוֶה loves He reproves, Even as a father, the son in whom he delights. v13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. v14 For its profit is better than the profit of silver, And its gain than fine gold. v15 She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. v16 Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. v17 Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. v18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast. v19 יַהְוֶה by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens. v20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, And the skies drip with dew. v21 My son, let them not depart from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, v22 So they will be life to your soul, And adornment to your neck. v23 Then you will walk in your way securely, And your foot will not stumble. v24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. v25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear, Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; v26 For יַהְוֶה will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. v27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. v28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. v29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives in security beside you. v30 Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. v31 Do not envy a man of violence, And do not choose any of his ways. v32 For the crooked man is an abomination to יַהְוֶה; But He is intimate with the upright. v33 The curse of יַהְוֶה is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. v34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. v35 The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.
Proverbs Chapter v4
4:1 Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, v2 For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. v3 When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, v4 Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; v5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. v6 "Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. v7 "The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. v8 "Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. v9 "She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty." v10 Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. v11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. v12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble. v13 Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. v14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. v15 Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. v16 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. v17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. v18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. v19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. v20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. v21 Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. v22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their whole body. v23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. v24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put devious lips far from you. v25 Let your eyes look directly ahead, And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. v26 Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established. v27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.
Proverbs Chapter v5
5:1 My son, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; v2 That you may observe discretion, And your lips may reserve knowledge. v3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, And smoother than oil is her speech; v4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. v5 Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of Sheol. v6 She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it. v7 Now then, my sons, listen to me, And do not depart from the words of my mouth. v8 Keep your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, v9 Lest you give your vigor to others, And your years to the cruel one; v10 Lest strangers be filled with your strength, And your hard-earned goods go to the house of an alien; v11 And you groan at your latter end, When your flesh and your body are consumed; v12 And you say, "How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned reproof! v13 "And I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined my ear to my instructors! v14 "I was almost in utter ruin In the midst of the assembly and congregation." v15 Drink water from your own cistern, And fresh water from your own well. v16 Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? v17 Let them be yours alone, And not for strangers with you. v18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth. v19 As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love. v20 For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress, And embrace the bosom of a foreigner? v21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of יַהְוֶה, And He watches all his paths. v22 His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin. v23 He will die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.
Proverbs Chapter v6
6:1 My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, v2 If you have been snared with the words of your mouth, Have been caught with the words of your mouth, v3 Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor. v4 Do not give sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; v5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter's hand, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler. v6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, v7 Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, v8 Prepares her food in the summer, And gathers her provision in the harvest. v9 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? v10 "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest "-- v11 And your poverty will come in like a vagabond, And your need like an armed man. v12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Is the one who walks with a false mouth, v13 Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, Who points with his fingers; v14 Who with perversity in his heart devises evil continually, Who spreads strife. v15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; Instantly he will be broken, and there will be no healing. v16 There are six things which יַהְוֶה hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: v17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, v18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, v19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers. v20 My son, observe the commandment of your father, And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; v21 Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck. v22 When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you. v23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life, v24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the smooth tongue of the adulteress. v25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let her catch you with her eyelids. v26 For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, And an adulteress hunts for the precious life. v27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? v28 Or can a man walk on hot coals, And his feet not be scorched? v29 So is the one who goes in to his neighbor's wife; Whoever touches her will not go unpunished. v30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; v31 But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold; He must give all the substance of his house. v32 The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself does it. v33 Wounds and disgrace he will find, And his reproach will not be blotted out. v34 For jealousy enrages a man, And he will not spare in the day of vengeance. v35 He will not accept any ransom, Nor will he be content though you give many gifts.
Proverbs Chapter v7
7:1 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commandments within you. v2 Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye. v3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. v4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your intimate friend; v5 That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words. v6 For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice, v7 And I saw among the naive, I discerned among the youths, A young man lacking sense, v8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he takes the way to her house, v9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the middle of the night and in the darkness. v10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart. v11 She is boisterous and rebellious; Her feet do not remain at home; v12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, And lurks by every corner. v13 So she seizes him and kisses him, And with a brazen face she says to him: v14 "I was due to offer peace offerings; Today I have paid my vows. v15 "Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you. v16 "I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt. v17 "I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. v18 "Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses. v19 "For the man is not at home, He has gone on a long journey; v20 He has taken a bag of money with him, At full moon he will come home." v21 With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. v22 Suddenly he follows her, As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, v23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life. v24 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth. v25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. v26 For many are the victims she has cast down, And numerous are all her slain. v27 Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death.
Proverbs Chapter v8
8:1 Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice? v2 On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand; v3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: v4 "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. v5 "O naive ones, discern prudence; And, O fools, discern wisdom. v6 "Listen, for I shall speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will produce right things. v7 "For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. v8 "All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. v9 "They are all straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. v10 "Take my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold. v11 "For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things can not compare with her. v12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion. v13 "The fear of יַהְוֶה is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate. v14 "Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine. v15 "By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. v16 "By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly. v17 "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. v18 "Riches and honor are with me, Enduring wealth and righteousness. v19 "My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, And my yield than choicest silver. v20 "I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, v21 To endow those who love me with wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. v22 " יַהְוֶה possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. v23 "From everlasting I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. v24 "When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water. v25 "Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills I was brought forth; v26 While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Nor the first dust of the world. v27 "When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, v28 When He made firm the skies above, When the springs of the deep became fixed, v29 When He set for the sea its boundary, So that the water should not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth; v30 Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, v31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth, And having my delight in the sons of men. v32 "Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways. v33 "Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it. v34 "Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. v35 "For he who finds me finds life, And obtains favor from יַהְוֶה. v36 "But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death."
Proverbs Chapter v9
9:1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; v2 She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; v3 She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city: v4 "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks understanding she says, v5 "Come, eat of my food, And drink of the wine I have mixed. v6 "Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding." v7 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. v8 Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. v9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. v10 The fear of יַהְוֶה is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. v11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. v12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. v13 The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive, and knows nothing. v14 And she sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, v15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: v16 "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says, v17 "Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant." v18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs Chapter v10
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. v2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death. v3 יַהְוֶה will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will thrust aside the craving of the wicked. v4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. v5 He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully. v6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. v7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. v8 The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be thrown down. v9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. v10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be thrown down. v11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. v12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. v13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. v14 Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. v15 The rich man's wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty. v16 The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment. v17 He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who forsakes reproof goes astray. v18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. v19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. v20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. v21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. v22 It is the blessing of יַהְוֶה that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. v23 Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool; And so is wisdom to a man of understanding. v24 What the wicked fears will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted. v25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. v26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him. v27 The fear of יַהְוֶה prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. v28 The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes. v29 The way of יַהְוֶה is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity. v30 The righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not dwell in the land. v31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. v32 The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.
Proverbs Chapter v11
11:1 A False balance is an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But a just weight is His delight. v2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. v3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the falseness of the treacherous will destroy them. v4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. v5 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. v6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. v7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of strong men perishes. v8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, But the wicked takes his place. v9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. v10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is glad shouting. v11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. v12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. v13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. v14 Where there is no guidance, the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. v15 He who is surety for a stranger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates going surety is safe. v16 A gracious woman attains honor, And violent men attain riches. v17 The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. v18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward. v19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death. v20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But the blameless in their walk are His delight. v21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. v22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. v23 The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. v24 There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want. v25 The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. v26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. v27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who searches after evil, it will come to him. v28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. v29 He who troubles his own house will inherit wind, And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted. v30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls. v31 If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, How much more the wicked and the sinner!
Proverbs Chapter v12
12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. v2 A good man will obtain favor from יַהְוֶה, But He will condemn a man who devises evil. v3 A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved. v4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones. v5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. v6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. v7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. v8 A man will be praised according to his insight, But one of perverse mind will be despised. v9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, Than he who honors himself and lacks bread. v10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, But the compassion of the wicked is cruel. v11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues vain things lacks sense. v12 The wicked desires the booty of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. v13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. v14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. v15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. v16 A fool's vexation is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor. v17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. v18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. v19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. v20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. v21 No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. v22 Lying lips are an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. v23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly. v24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. v25 Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. v26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. v27 A slothful man does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence. v28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs Chapter v13
13:1 A wise son accepts his father's discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. v2 From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. v3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. v4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. v5 A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. v6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the sinner. v7 There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. v8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, But the poor hears no rebuke. v9 The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked goes out. v10 Through presumption comes nothing but strife, But with those who receive counsel is wisdom. v11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it. v12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. v13 The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. v14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. v15 Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. v16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. v17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing. v18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. v19 Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. v20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. v21 Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. v22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. v23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. v24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. v25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in want.
Proverbs Chapter v14
14:1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. v2 He who walks in his uprightness fears יַהְוֶה, But he who is crooked in his ways despises Him. v3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will preserve them. v4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. v5 A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness speaks lies. v6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and finds none, But knowledge is easy to him who has understanding. v7 Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. v8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. v9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will. v10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. v11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. v12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. v13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. v14 The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his. v15 The naive believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps. v16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. v17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated. v18 The naive inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. v19 The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. v20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. v21 He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor. v22 Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. v23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. v24 The crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is foolishness. v25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who speaks lies is treacherous. v26 In the fear of יַהְוֶה there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. v27 The fear of יַהְוֶה is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death. v28 In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince's ruin. v29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. v30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones. v31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. v32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies. v33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the bosom of fools it is made known. v34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. v35 The king's favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.
Proverbs Chapter v15
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. v2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. v3 The eyes of יַהְוֶה are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. v4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. v5 A fool rejects his father's discipline, But he who regards reproof is prudent. v6 Much wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. v7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. v8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. v9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But He loves him who pursues righteousness. v10 Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. v11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before יַהְוֶה, How much more the hearts of men! v12 A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. v13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. v14 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. v15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. v16 Better is a little with the fear of יַהְוֶה, Than great treasure and turmoil with it. v17 Better is a dish of vegetables where love is, Than a fattened ox and hatred with it. v18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger pacifies contention. v19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. v20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. v21 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. v22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. v23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! v24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, That he may keep away from Sheol below. v25 יַהְוֶה will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. v26 Evil plans are an abomination to יַהְוֶה, But pleasant words are pure. v27 He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. v28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. v29 יַהְוֶה is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. v30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. v31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. v32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. v33 The fear of יַהְוֶה is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
Proverbs Chapter v16
16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from יַהְוֶה. v2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But יַהְוֶה weighs the motives. v3 Commit your works to יַהְוֶה, And your plans will be established. v4 יַהְוֶה has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. v5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to יַהְוֶה; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. v6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of יַהְוֶה one keeps away from evil. v7 When a man's ways are pleasing to יַהְוֶה, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. v8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. v9 The mind of man plans his way, But יַהְוֶה directs his steps. v10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. v11 A just balance and scales belong to יַהְוֶה; All the weights of the bag are His concern. v12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established on righteousness. v13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved. v14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it. v15 In the light of a king's face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. v16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. v17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life. v18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. v19 It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. v20 He who gives attention to the word shall find good, And blessed is he who trusts in יַהְוֶה. v21 The wise in heart will be called discerning, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. v22 Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly. v23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds persuasiveness to his lips. v24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. v25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. v26 A worker's appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. v27 A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are as a scorching fire. v28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends. v29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. v30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass. v31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. v32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. v33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from יַהְוֶה.
Proverbs Chapter v17
17:1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. v2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. v3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But יַהְוֶה tests hearts. v4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. v5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. v6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. v7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool; Much less are lying lips to a prince. v8 A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. v9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. v10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. v11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. v12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. v13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. v14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. v15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to יַהְוֶה. v16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? v17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. v18 A man lacking in sense pledges, And becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor. v19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. v20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. v21 He who begets a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. v22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. v23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. v24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. v25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. v26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. v27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. v28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is counted prudent.
Proverbs Chapter v18
18:1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. v2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. v3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes reproach. v4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. v5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. v6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows. v7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. v8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. v9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. v10 The name of יַהְוֶה is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. v11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. v12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor. v13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. v14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But a broken spirit who can bear? v15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. v16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. v17 The first to plead his case seems just, Until another comes and examines him. v18 The lot puts an end to contentions, And decides between the mighty. v19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. v20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. v21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. v22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from יַהְוֶה. v23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. v24 A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs Chapter v19
19:1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. v2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who makes haste with his feet errs. v3 The foolishness of man subverts his way, And his heart rages against יַהְוֶה. v4 Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. v5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape. v6 Many will entreat the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. v7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. v8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. v9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish. v10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. v11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. v12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. v13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. v14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from יַהְוֶה. v15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger. v16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. v17 He who is gracious to a poor man lends to יַהְוֶה, And He will repay him for his good deed. v18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. v19 A man of great anger shall bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. v20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. v21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of יַהְוֶה, it will stand. v22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. v23 The fear of יַהְוֶה leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. v24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, And will not even bring it back to his mouth. v25 Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. v26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. v27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. v28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. v29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools.
Proverbs Chapter v20
20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. v2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. v3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. v4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. v5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. v6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? v7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his sons after him. v8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. v9 Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin "? v10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to יַהְוֶה. v11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. v12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, יַהְוֶה has made both of them. v13 Do not love sleep, lest you become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. v14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer; But when he goes his way, then he boasts. v15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. v16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. v17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. v18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. v19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. v20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. v21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning, Will not be blessed in the end. v22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; Wait for יַהְוֶה, and He will save you. v23 Differing weights are an abomination to יַהְוֶה, And a false scale is not good. v24 Man's steps are ordained by יַהְוֶה, How then can man understand his way? v25 It is a snare for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" And after the vows to make inquiry. v26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. v27 The spirit of man is the lamp of יַהְוֶה, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. v28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. v29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. v30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.
Proverbs Chapter v21
21:1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of יַהְוֶה; He turns it wherever He wishes. v2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But יַהְוֶה weighs the hearts. v3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by יַהְוֶה rather than sacrifice. v4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. v5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. v6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. v7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. v8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. v9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. v10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. v11 When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. v12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin. v13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. v14 A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. v15 The execution of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity. v16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. v17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. v18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. v19 It is better to live in a desert land, Than with a contentious and vexing woman. v20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. v21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. v22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. v23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. v24 "Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride. v25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; v26 All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. v27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! v28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. v29 A wicked man shows a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. v30 There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against יַהְוֶה. v31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to יַהְוֶה.
Proverbs Chapter v22
22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great riches, Favor is better than silver and gold. v2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, יַהְוֶה is the maker of them all. v3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it. v4 The reward of humility and the fear of יַהְוֶה Are riches, honor and life. v5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them. v6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. v7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave. v8 He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish. v9 He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. v10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease. v11 He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. v12 The eyes of יַהְוֶה preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man. v13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets!" v14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of יַהְוֶה will fall into it. v15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. v16 He who oppresses the poor to make much for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. v17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; v18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. v19 So that your trust may be in יַהְוֶה, I have taught you today, even you. v20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, v21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer to him who sent you? v22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; v23 For יַהְוֶה will plead their case, And take the life of those who rob them. v24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, v25 Lest you learn his ways, And find a snare for yourself. v26 Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become sureties for debts. v27 If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you? v28 Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. v29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs Chapter v23
23:1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; v2 And put a knife to your throat, If you are a man of great appetite. v3 Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food. v4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. v5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. v6 Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies; v7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, "Eat and drink!" But his heart is not with you. v8 You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, And waste your compliments. v9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. v10 Do not move the ancient boundary, Or go into the fields of the fatherless; v11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you. v12 Apply your heart to discipline, And your ears to words of knowledge. v13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you beat him with the rod, he will not die. v14 You shall beat him with the rod, And deliver his soul from Sheol. v15 My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; v16 And my inmost being will rejoice, When your lips speak what is right. v17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of יַהְוֶה always. v18 Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. v19 Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way. v20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; v21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. v22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. v23 Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. v24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise son will be glad in him. v25 Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her rejoice who gave birth to you. v26 Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways. v27 For a harlot is a deep pit, And an adulterous woman is a narrow well. v28 Surely she lurks as a robber, And increases the faithless among men. v29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? v30 Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine. v31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; v32 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. v33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your mind will utter perverse things. v34 And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. v35 "They struck me, but I did not become ill; They beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will seek another drink."
Proverbs Chapter v24
24:1 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; v2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. v3 By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; v4 And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. v5 A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. v6 For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory. v7 Wisdom is too high for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate. v8 He who plans to do evil, Men will call him a schemer. v9 The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. v10 If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited. v11 Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, O hold them back. v12 If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? v13 My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; v14 Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off. v15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; v16 For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. v17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; v18 Lest יַהְוֶה see it and be displeased, And He turn away His anger from him. v19 Do not fret because of evildoers, Or be envious of the wicked; v20 For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. v21 My son, fear יַהְוֶה and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change; v22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin that comes from both of them? v23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. v24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; v25 But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. v26 He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer. v27 Prepare your work outside, And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house. v28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips. v29 Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." v30 I passed by the field of the sluggard, And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense; v31 And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles, Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. v32 When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. v33 "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest," v34 Then your poverty will come as a robber, And your want like an armed man.
Proverbs Chapter v25
25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed. v2 It is the glory of the Almighty to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. v3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. v4 Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith; v5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. v6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; v7 For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. v8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor puts you to shame? v9 Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another, v10 Lest he who hears it reproach you, And the evil report about you not pass away. v11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. v12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. v13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. v14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. v15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone. v16 Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, Lest you have it in excess and vomit it. v17 Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor's house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. v18 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. v19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. v20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart. v21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; v22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, And יַהְוֶה will reward you. v23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance. v24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. v25 Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land. v26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. v27 It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory. v28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit.
Proverbs Chapter v26
26:1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. v2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not alight. v3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools. v4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. v5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. v6 He cuts off his own feet, and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool. v7 Like the legs which hang down from the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. v8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool. v9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. v10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by. v11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly. v12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. v13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!" v14 As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed. v15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. v16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer. v17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him. v18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death, v19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "Was I not joking?" v20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. v21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. v22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. v23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart. v24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart. v25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart. v26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. v27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. v28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs Chapter v27
27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. v2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. v3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them. v4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? v5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. v6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. v7 A sated man loathes honey, But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet. v8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home. v9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. v10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, And do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away. v11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me. v12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty. v13 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for an adulterous woman hold him in pledge. v14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be reckoned a curse to him. v15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike; v16 He who would restrain her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. v17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. v18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit; And he who cares for his master will be honored. v19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. v20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied. v21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is tested by the praise accorded him. v22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his folly will not depart from him. v23 Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; v24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. v25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, v26 The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, v27 And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.
Proverbs Chapter v28
28:1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. v2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. v3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. v4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them. v5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek יַהְוֶה understand all things. v6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is crooked though he be rich. v7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. v8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury, Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. v9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. v10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. v11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him. v12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. v13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. v14 How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. v15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. v16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. v17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. v18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is crooked will fall all at once. v19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. v20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. v21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. v22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth, And does not know that want will come upon him. v23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. v24 He who robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is not a transgression," Is the companion of a man who destroys. v25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in יַהְוֶה will prosper. v26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. v27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. v28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs Chapter v29
29:1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. v2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. v3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. v4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. v5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. v6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. v7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern. v8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. v9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. v10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life. v11 A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. v12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. v13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: יַהְוֶה gives light to the eyes of both. v14 If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. v15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. v16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. v17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. v18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. v19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. v20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. v21 He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son. v22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. v23 A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. v24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. v25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in יַהְוֶה will be exalted. v26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from יַהְוֶה. v27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.
Proverbs Chapter v30
30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: v2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man. v3 Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. v4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know! v5 Every word of the Almighty is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. v6 Do not add to His words Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar. v7 Two things I asked of Thee, Do not refuse me before I die: v8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, v9 Lest I be full and deny Thee and say, "Who is יַהְוֶה?" Or lest I be in want and steal, And profane the name of my Almighty. v10 Do not slander a slave to his master, Lest he curse you and you be found guilty. v11 There is a kind of man who curses his father, And does not bless his mother. v12 There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, Yet is not washed from his filthiness. v13 There is a kind-- oh how lofty are his eyes! And his eyelids are raised in arrogance. v14 There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords, And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth, And the needy from among men. v15 The leech has two daughters, "Give," "Give." There are three things that will not be satisfied, Four that will not say, "Enough": v16 Sheol, and the barren womb, Earth that is never satisfied with water, And fire that never says, "Enough." v17 The eye that mocks a father, And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. v18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Four which I do not understand: v19 The way of an eagle in the sky, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man with a maid. v20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wrong." v21 Under three things the earth quakes, And under four, it cannot bear up: v22 Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food, v23 Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress. v24 Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: v25 The ants are not a strong folk, But they prepare their food in the summer; v26 The badgers are not mighty folk, Yet they make their houses in the rocks; v27 The locusts have no king, Yet all of them go out in ranks; v28 The lizard you may grasp with the hands, Yet it is in kings' palaces. v29 There are three things which are stately in their march, Even four which are stately when they walk: v30 The lion which is mighty among beasts And does not retreat before any, v31 The strutting cock, the male goat also, And a king when his army is with him. v32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth. v33 For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife.
Proverbs Chapter v31
31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. v2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? v3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. v4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, v5 Lest they drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. v6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. v7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his trouble no more. v8 Open your mouth for the dumb, For the rights of all the unfortunate. v9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. v10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. v11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. v12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. v13 She looks for wool and flax, And works with her hands in delight. v14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. v15 She rises also while it is still night, And gives food to her household, And portions to her maidens. v16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. v17 She girds herself with strength, And makes her arms strong. v18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. v19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. v20 She extends her hand to the poor; And she stretches out her hands to the needy. v21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. v22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. v23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. v24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. v25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. v26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. v27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. v28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: v29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." v30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears יַהְוֶה, she shall be praised. v31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.