001:001 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
001:002 to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
001:003 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness,
justice, and equity;
001:004 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion
to the young man:
001:005 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
001:006 to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles
of the wise.
001:007 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish
despise wisdom and instruction.
001:008 My son, listen to your father's instruction, and don't forsake
your mother's teaching:
001:009 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains
around your neck.
001:010 My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.
001:011 If they say, "Come with us, Let's lay in wait for blood;
let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
001:012 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those
who go down into the pit.
001:013 We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil.
001:014 You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse."
001:015 My son, don't walk in the way with them. Keep your foot
from their path,
001:016 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
001:017 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
001:018 but these lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly
for their own lives.
001:019 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
It takes away the life of its owners.
001:020 Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice
in the public squares.
001:021 She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance
of the city gates, she utters her words:
001:022 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,
and fools hate knowledge?
001:023 Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.
I will make known my words to you.
001:024 Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched
out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
001:025 but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;
001:026 I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when
calamity overtakes you;
001:027 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes
on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you.
001:028 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;
001:029 because they hated knowledge, and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.
001:030 They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.
001:031 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own schemes.
001:032 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
001:033 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease,
without fear of harm."
002:001 My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my
commandments within you;
002:002 So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your
heart to understanding;
002:003 Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your
voice for understanding;
002:004 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as
for hidden treasures:
002:005 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find
the knowledge of God.
002:006 For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes
knowledge and understanding.
002:007 He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield
to those who walk in integrity;
002:008 that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way
of his saints.
002:009 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and
every good path.
002:010 For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be
pleasant to your soul.
002:011 Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you,
002:012 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the men who
speak perverse things;
002:013 who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
002:014 who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil;
002:015 who are crooked in their ways, and wayward in their paths:
002:016 To deliver you from the strange woman, even from the foreigner
who flatters with her words;
002:017 who forsakes the friend of her youth, and forgets the covenant
of her God:
002:018 for her house leads down to death, her paths to the dead.
002:019 None who go to her return again, neither do they attain
to the paths of life:
002:020 that you may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths
of the righteous.
002:021 For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will
remain in it.
002:022 But the wicked will be cut off from the land. The treacherous
will be rooted out of it.
003:001 My son, don't forget my teaching; but let your heart
keep my commandments:
003:002 for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they
add to you.
003:003 Don't let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around
your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
003:004 So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight
of God and man.
003:005 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on
your own understanding.
003:006 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.
003:007 Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
003:008 It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.
003:009 Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits
of all your increase:
003:010 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
overflow with new wine.
003:011 My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline, neither be weary
of his reproof:
003:012 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves
the son in whom he delights.
003:013 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding.
003:014 For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her
return is better than fine gold.
003:015 She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can
desire are to be compared to her.
003:016 Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are
riches and honor.
003:017 Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace.
003:018 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
Happy is everyone who retains her.
003:019 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. By understanding,
he established the heavens.
003:020 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies
drop down the dew.
003:021 My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound
wisdom and discretion:
003:022 so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck.
003:023 Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won't stumble.
003:024 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down,
and your sleep will be sweet.
003:025 Don't be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation
of the wicked, when it comes:
003:026 for Yahweh will be your confidence, and will keep your foot
from being taken.
003:027 Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it
is in the power of your hand to do it.
003:028 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again; tomorrow I
will give it to you," when you have it by you.
003:029 Don't devise evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells
securely by you.
003:030 Don't strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
003:031 Don't envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways.
003:032 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but his friendship
is with the upright.
003:033 Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses
the habitation of the righteous.
003:034 Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
003:035 The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion
of fools.
004:001 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention
and know understanding;
004:002 for I give you sound learning. Don't forsake my law.
004:003 For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child
in the sight of my mother.
004:004 He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words.
Keep my commandments, and live.
004:005 Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget, neither swerve
from the words of my mouth.
004:006 Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her,
and she will keep you.
004:007 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all
your possessions, get understanding.
004:008 Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor,
when you embrace her.
004:009 She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver
a crown of splendor to you."
004:010 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. The years of your life
will be many.
004:011 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you
in straight paths.
004:012 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run,
you will not stumble.
004:013 Take firm hold of instruction. Don't let her go.
Keep her, for she is your life.
004:014 Don't enter into the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way
of evil men.
004:015 Avoid it, and don't pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.
004:016 For they don't sleep, unless they do evil. Their sleep is
taken away, unless they make someone fall.
004:017 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
004:018 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,
that shines more and more until the perfect day.
004:019 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They don't know
what they stumble over.
004:020 My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.
004:021 Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst
of your heart.
004:022 For they are life to those who find them, and health to
their whole body.
004:023 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the
wellspring of life.
004:024 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips
far from you.
004:025 Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze
directly before you.
004:026 Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your
ways be established.
004:027 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your
foot from evil.
005:001 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear
to my understanding:
005:002 that you may maintain discretion, that your lips
may preserve knowledge.
005:003 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is
smoother than oil,
005:004 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp
as a two-edged sword.
005:005 Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
005:006 She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked,
and she doesn't know it.
005:007 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from
the words of my mouth.
005:008 Remove your way far from her. Don't come near the door
of her house,
005:009 lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
005:010 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich
another man's house.
005:011 You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your
body are consumed,
005:012 and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
005:013 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned
my ear to those who instructed me!
005:014 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of
the gathered assembly."
005:015 Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of
your own well.
005:016 Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water
in the public squares?
005:017 Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.
005:018 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
005:019 A loving doe and a graceful deer--let her breasts satisfy you
at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
005:020 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another?
005:021 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh.
He examines all his paths.
005:022 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin
hold him firmly.
005:023 He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly,
he will go astray.
006:001 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,
if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
006:002 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared
with the words of your mouth.
006:003 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, seeing you have
come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself.
Press your plea with your neighbor.
006:004 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.
006:005 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
006:006 Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
006:007 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
006:008 provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food
in the harvest.
006:009 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out
of your sleep?
006:010 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to sleep:
006:011 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity
as an armed man.
006:012 A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with
a perverse mouth;
006:013 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions
with his fingers;
006:014 in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually,
who always sows discord.
006:015 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be
broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
006:016 There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are
an abomination to him:
006:017 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood;
006:018 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift
in running to mischief,
006:019 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows
discord among brothers.
006:020 My son, keep your father's commandment, and don't forsake
your mother's teaching.
006:021 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.
006:022 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch
over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.
006:023 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
006:024 to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of
the wayward wife's tongue.
006:025 Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her
captivate you with her eyelids.
006:026 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.
The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
006:027 Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned?
006:028 Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?
006:029 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife. Whoever touches
her will not be unpunished.
006:030 Men don't despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself
when he is hungry:
006:031 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
He shall give all the wealth of his house.
006:032 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
He who does it destroys his own soul.
006:033 He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not
be wiped away.
006:034 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare
in the day of vengeance.
006:035 He won't regard any ransom, neither will he rest content,
though you give many gifts.
007:001 My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.
007:002 Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple
of your eye.
007:003 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
007:004 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative,
007:005 that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner
who flatters with her words.
007:006 For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice.
007:007 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths
a young man void of understanding,
007:008 passing through the street near her corner, he went the way
to her house,
007:009 in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle
of the night and in the darkness.
007:010 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,
and with crafty intent.
007:011 She is loud and defiant. Her feet don't stay in her house.
007:012 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking
at every corner.
007:013 So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she
said to him:
007:014 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have
paid my vows.
007:015 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face,
and I have found you.
007:016 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped
cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
007:017 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
007:018 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning.
Let's solace ourselves with loving.
007:019 For my husband isn't at home. He has gone on a long journey.
007:020 He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home
at the full moon."
007:021 With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering
of her lips, she seduced him.
007:022 He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
as a fool stepping into a noose.
007:023 Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries
to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
007:024 Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words
of my mouth.
007:025 Don't let your heart turn to her ways. Don't go astray
in her paths,
007:026 for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain
are a mighty army.
007:027 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
008:001 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
008:002 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet,
she stands.
008:003 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors,
she cries aloud:
008:004 "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
008:005 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of
an understanding heart.
008:006 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my
lips is for right things.
008:007 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination
to my lips.
008:008 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.
There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
008:009 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those
who find knowledge.
008:010 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather
than choice gold.
008:011 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be
desired can't be compared to it.
008:012 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out
knowledge and discretion.
008:013 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance,
the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
008:014 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding
and power.
008:015 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
008:016 By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers
of the earth.
008:017 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently
will find me.
008:018 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.
008:019 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield
than choice silver.
008:020 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the
paths of justice;
008:021 That I may give wealth to those who love me.
I fill their treasuries.
008:022 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his
deeds of old.
008:023 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,
before the earth existed.
008:024 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there
were no springs abounding with water.
008:025 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills,
I was brought forth;
008:026 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
008:027 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set
a circle on the surface of the deep,
008:028 when he established the clouds above, when the springs
of the deep became strong,
008:029 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not
violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations
of the earth;
008:030 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day,
always rejoicing before him,
008:031 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
008:032 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those
who keep my ways.
008:033 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.
008:034 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my door posts.
008:035 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.
008:036 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.
All those who hate me love death."
009:001 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
009:002 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine.
She has also set her table.
009:003 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest
places of the city:
009:004 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is
void of understanding, she says to him,
009:005 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which
I have mixed!
009:006 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."
009:007 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves
a wicked man invites abuse.
009:008 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man,
and he will love you.
009:009 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser.
Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
009:010 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge
of the Holy One is understanding.
009:011 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life
will be increased.
009:012 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock,
you alone will bear it.
009:013 The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
009:014 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places
of the city,
009:015 To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,
009:016 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is
void of understanding, she says to him,
009:017 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant."
009:018 But he doesn't know that the dead are there, that her guests
are in the depths of Sheol.
010:001 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father;
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
010:002 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness
delivers from death.
010:003 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
010:004 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand
of the diligent brings wealth.
010:005 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps
during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
010:006 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers
the mouth of the wicked.
010:007 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of
the wicked will rot.
010:008 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering
fool will fall.
010:009 He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts
his ways will be found out.
010:010 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering
fool will fall.
010:011 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence
covers the mouth of the wicked.
010:012 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
010:013 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment,
but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
010:014 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish
is near ruin.
010:015 The rich man's wealth is his strong city. The destruction
of the poor is their poverty.
010:016 The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase
of the wicked leads to sin.
010:017 He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes
reproof leads others astray.
010:018 He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander
is a fool.
010:019 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
010:020 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
010:021 The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die
for lack of understanding.
010:022 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
010:023 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man
of understanding's pleasure.
010:024 What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire
of the righteous will be granted.
010:025 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;
but the righteous stand firm forever.
010:026 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is
the sluggard to those who send him.
010:027 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked
shall be shortened.
010:028 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the
wicked will perish.
010:029 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it
is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
010:030 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not
dwell in the land.
010:031 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse
tongue will be cut off.
010:032 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth
of the wicked is perverse.
011:001 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate
weights are his delight.
011:002 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
011:003 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness
of the treacherous shall destroy them.
011:004 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness
delivers from death.
011:005 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
011:006 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
011:007 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power
comes to nothing.
011:008 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked
takes his place.
011:009 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
011:010 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
011:011 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it
is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
011:012 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man
of understanding holds his peace.
011:013 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is
of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
011:014 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in
the multitude of counselors there is victory.
011:015 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,
but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
011:016 A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.
011:017 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel
troubles his own flesh.
011:018 Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness
reaps a sure reward.
011:019 He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues
evil gets death.
011:020 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
011:021 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,
but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
011:022 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman
who lacks discretion.
011:023 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation
of the wicked is wrath.
011:024 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.
There is one who withholds more than is appropriate,
but gains poverty.
011:025 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall
be watered also himself.
011:026 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will
be on the head of him who sells it.
011:027 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches
after evil, it shall come to him.
011:028 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall
flourish as the green leaf.
011:029 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
011:030 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is
wise wins souls.
011:031 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much
more the wicked and the sinner!
012:001 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates
reproof is stupid.
012:002 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn
a man of wicked devices.
012:003 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root
of the righteous shall not be moved.
012:004 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful
wife is as rottenness in his bones.
012:005 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice
of the wicked is deceitful.
012:006 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
012:007 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house
of the righteous shall stand.
012:008 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has
a warped mind shall be despised.
012:009 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant,
than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
012:010 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender
mercies of the wicked are cruel.
012:011 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who
chases fantasies is void of understanding.
012:012 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root
of the righteous flourishes.
012:013 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous
shall come out of trouble.
012:014 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
012:015 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise
listens to counsel.
012:016 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks
an insult is prudent.
012:017 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
012:018 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise heals.
012:019 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue
is only momentary.
012:020 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes
to the promoters of peace.
012:021 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked
shall be filled with evil.
012:022 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do
the truth are his delight.
012:023 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of
fools proclaim foolishness.
012:024 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends
in slave labor.
012:025 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word
makes it glad.
012:026 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way
of the wicked leads them astray.
012:027 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, but the possessions
of diligent men are prized.
012:028 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there
is no death.
013:001 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer
doesn't listen to rebuke.
013:002 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things;
but the unfaithful crave violence.
013:003 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide
his lips comes to ruin.
013:004 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire
of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
013:005 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings
shame and disgrace.
013:006 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness
overthrows the sinner.
013:007 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
013:008 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor
hear no threats.
013:009 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp
of the wicked is snuffed out.
013:010 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
013:011 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers
by hand makes it grow.
013:012 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled,
it is a tree of life.
013:013 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects
a command will be rewarded.
013:014 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from
the snares of death.
013:015 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
013:016 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
013:017 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy
envoy gains healing.
013:018 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
013:019 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest
turning from evil.
013:020 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion
of fools suffers harm.
013:021 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
013:022 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
013:023 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice
sweeps it away.
013:024 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him
is careful to discipline him.
013:025 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
014:001 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears
it down with her own hands.
014:002 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is
perverse in his ways despises him.
014:003 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips
of the wise protect them.
014:004 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is
by the strength of the ox.
014:005 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness
pours out lies.
014:006 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge
comes easily to a discerning person.
014:007 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge
on his lips.
014:008 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
014:009 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright
there is good will.
014:010 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share
these with a stranger.
014:011 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent
of the upright will flourish.
014:012 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it
leads to death.
014:013 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may
end in heaviness.
014:014 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good
man will be rewarded for his ways.
014:015 A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully
considers his ways.
014:016 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is
hotheaded and reckless.
014:017 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty
man is hated.
014:018 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
014:019 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates
of the righteous.
014:020 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
but the rich person has many friends.
014:021 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has
pity on the poor.
014:022 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness
belong to those who plan good.
014:023 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips
leads only to poverty.
014:024 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools
crowns them with folly.
014:025 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.
014:026 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be
a refuge for his children.
014:027 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people
from the snares of death.
014:028 In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack
of people is the destruction of the prince.
014:029 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has
a quick temper displays folly.
014:030 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
014:031 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
014:032 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death,
the righteous has a refuge.
014:033 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
014:034 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
014:035 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,
but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
015:001 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
015:002 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth
of fools gush out folly.
015:003 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil
and the good.
015:004 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it
crushes the spirit.
015:005 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds
reproof shows prudence.
015:006 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income
of the wicked brings trouble.
015:007 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the
heart of fools.
015:008 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
015:009 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves
him who follows after righteousness.
015:010 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
whoever hates reproof shall die.
015:011 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh--how much more then
the hearts of the children of men!
015:012 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
015:013 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart
breaks the spirit.
015:014 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
015:015 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has
a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
015:016 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great
treasure with trouble.
015:017 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened
calf with hatred.
015:018 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow
to anger appeases strife.
015:019 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path
of the upright is a highway.
015:020 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man
despises his mother.
015:021 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of
understanding keeps his way straight.
015:022 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude
of counselors they are established.
015:023 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time!
015:024 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from
going downward to Sheol.
015:025 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep
the widow's borders intact.
015:026 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts
of the pure are pleasing.
015:027 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who
hates bribes will live.
015:028 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth
of the wicked gushes out evil.
015:029 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer
of the righteous.
015:030 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives
health to the bones.
015:031 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home
among the wise.
015:032 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who
listens to reproof gets understanding.
015:033 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
016:001 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue
is from Yahweh.
016:002 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh
weighs the motives.
016:003 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
016:004 Yahweh has made everything for its own end--yes, even the wicked
for the day of evil.
016:005 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh:
they shall certainly not be unpunished.
016:006 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear
of Yahweh men depart from evil.
016:007 When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies
to be at peace with him.
016:008 Better is a little with righteousness, than great
revenues with injustice.
016:009 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.
016:010 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.
He shall not betray his mouth.
016:011 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights
in the bag are his work.
016:012 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne
is established by righteousness.
016:013 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who
speaks the truth.
016:014 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man
will pacify it.
016:015 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like
a cloud of the spring rain.
016:016 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get
understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
016:017 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
016:018 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
016:019 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to
divide the plunder with the proud.
016:020 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts
in Yahweh is blessed.
016:021 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of
the lips promotes instruction.
016:022 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but the punishment of fools is their folly.
016:023 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning
to his lips.
016:024 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health
to the bones.
016:025 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it
leads to death.
016:026 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth
urges him on.
016:027 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like
a scorching fire.
016:028 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
016:029 A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way
that is not good.
016:030 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses
his lips, is bent on evil.
016:031 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a
life of righteousness.
016:032 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
016:033 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision
is from Yahweh.
017:001 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full
of feasting with strife.
017:002 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
017:003 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but Yahweh tests the hearts.
017:004 An evil-doer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to
a mischievous tongue.
017:005 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad
at calamity shall not be unpunished.
017:006 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory
of children are their parents.
017:007 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying
lips fit a prince.
017:008 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
wherever he turns, he prospers.
017:009 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats
a matter separates best friends.
017:010 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than
a hundred lashes into a fool.
017:011 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger
shall be sent against him.
017:012 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool
in his folly.
017:013 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart
from his house.
017:014 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop
contention before quarreling breaks out.
017:015 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
017:016 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
seeing he has no understanding?
017:017 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
017:018 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral
in the presence of his neighbor.
017:019 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high
gate seeks destruction.
017:020 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity,
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
017:021 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father
of a fool has no joy.
017:022 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit
dries up the bones.
017:023 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert
the ways of justice.
017:024 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
017:025 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness
to her who bore him.
017:026 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials
for their integrity.
017:027 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered
is a man of understanding.
017:028 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
018:001 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
018:002 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing
his own opinion.
018:003 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with
shame comes disgrace.
018:004 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
018:005 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
018:006 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
018:007 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare
to his soul.
018:008 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down
into a person's innermost parts.
018:009 One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a
master of destruction.
018:010 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him,
and are safe.
018:011 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable
wall in his own imagination.
018:012 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before
honor is humility.
018:013 He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and
shame to him.
018:014 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit,
who can bear?
018:015 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of
the wise seeks knowledge.
018:016 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
018:017 He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes
and questions him.
018:018 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
018:019 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
018:020 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
018:021 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love
it will eat its fruit.
018:022 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains
favor of Yahweh.
018:023 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
018:024 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend
who sticks closer than a brother.
019:001 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is
perverse in his lips and is a fool.
019:002 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty
with one's feet and missing the way.
019:003 The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart
rages against Yahweh.
019:004 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.
019:005 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies
shall not go free.
019:006 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend
to a man who gives gifts.
019:007 All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more
do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas,
but they are gone.
019:008 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding
shall find good.
019:009 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters
lies shall perish.
019:010 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less
for a servant to have rule over princes.
019:011 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
It is his glory to overlook an offense.