is like dew on the grass.
019:013 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels
are a continual dripping.
019:014 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent
wife is from Yahweh.
019:015 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul
shall suffer hunger.
019:016 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is
contemptuous in his ways shall die.
019:017 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
019:018 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing
party to his death.
019:019 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him,
you must do it again.
019:020 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise
in your latter end.
019:021 There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's
counsel will prevail.
019:022 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.
019:023 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests
and will not be touched by trouble.
019:024 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much
as bring it to his mouth again.
019:025 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
019:026 He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son
who causes shame and brings reproach.
019:027 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray
from the words of knowledge.
019:028 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked
gulps down iniquity.
019:029 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the
backs of fools.
020:001 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray
by them is not wise.
020:002 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
020:003 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every
fool will be quarreling.
020:004 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
020:005 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man
of understanding will draw it out.
020:006 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find
a faithful man?
020:007 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his
children after him.
020:008 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all
evil with his eyes.
020:009 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean
and without sin?"
020:010 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike
are an abomination to Yahweh.
020:011 Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his
work is pure, and whether it is right.
020:012 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even
both of them.
020:013 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes,
and you shall be satisfied with bread.
020:014 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when he is
gone his way, then he boasts.
020:015 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge
are a rare jewel.
020:016 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
020:017 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth
is filled with gravel.
020:018 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!
020:019 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
020:020 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put
out in blackness of darkness.
020:021 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed
in the end.
020:022 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh,
and he will save you.
020:023 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales
are not pleasing.
020:024 A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way?
020:025 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later
to consider his vows.
020:026 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing
wheel over them.
020:027 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all
his innermost parts.
020:028 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is
sustained by love.
020:029 The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old
men is their gray hair.
020:030 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge
the innermost parts.
021:001 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses.
He turns it wherever he desires.
021:002 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh
weighs the hearts.
021:003 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to
Yahweh than sacrifice.
021:004 A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
021:005 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone
who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
021:006 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor
for those who seek death.
021:007 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they
refuse to do what is right.
021:008 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the
innocent is upright.
021:009 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
021:010 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy
in his eyes.
021:011 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
021:012 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings
the wicked to ruin.
021:013 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out,
but shall not be heard.
021:014 A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak,
strong wrath.
021:015 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction
to the workers of iniquity.
021:016 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest
in the assembly of the dead.
021:017 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine
and oil shall not be rich.
021:018 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous
for the upright.
021:019 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious
and fretful woman.
021:020 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man swallows it up.
021:021 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life,
righteousness, and honor.
021:022 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down
the strength of its confidence.
021:023 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
021:024 The proud and haughty man, "scoffer" is his name; he works
in the arrogance of pride.
021:025 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
021:026 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous
give and don't withhold.
021:027 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more,
when he brings it with a wicked mind!
021:028 A false witness will perish, and a man who listens
speaks to eternity.
021:029 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright,
he establishes his ways.
021:030 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.
021:031 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory
is with Yahweh.
022:001 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving
favor is better than silver and gold.
022:002 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker
of them all.
022:003 A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple
pass on, and suffer for it.
022:004 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth,
honor, and life.
022:005 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
022:006 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old
he will not depart from it.
022:007 The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant
to the lender.
022:008 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury
will be destroyed.
022:009 He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his
food with the poor.
022:010 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and
insults will stop.
022:011 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is
the king's friend.
022:012 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; but he frustrates
the words of the unfaithful.
022:013 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed
in the streets!"
022:014 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: he who is under
Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.
022:015 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline
drives it far from him.
022:016 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever
gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
022:017 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
022:018 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
022:019 That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you.
022:020 Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things of
counsel and knowledge,
022:021 To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers
to the ones who sent you?
022:022 Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don't crush
the needy in court;
022:023 for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life
of those who plunder them.
022:024 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, and don't associate with one
who harbors anger:
022:025 lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.
022:026 Don't you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are
collateral for debts.
022:027 If you don't have means to pay, why should he take away your
bed from under you?
022:028 Don't move the ancient boundary stone, which your fathers
have set up.
022:029 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings.
He won't serve obscure men.
023:001 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what
is before you;
023:002 put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite.
023:003 Don't be desirous of his dainties, seeing they are deceitful food.
023:004 Don't weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.
023:005 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly
sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
023:006 Don't eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don't
crave his delicacies:
023:007 for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. "Eat and drink!"
he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
023:008 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose
your good words.
023:009 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom
of your words.
023:010 Don't move the ancient boundary stone. Don't encroach on
the fields of the fatherless:
023:011 for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.
023:012 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the
words of knowledge.
023:013 Don't withhold correction from a child. If you punish him
with the rod, he will not die.
023:014 Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol.
023:015 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine:
023:016 yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right.
023:017 Don't let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh
all the day long.
023:018 Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not
be cut off.
023:019 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!
023:020 Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge
themselves on meat:
023:021 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
023:022 Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise
your mother when she is old.
023:023 Buy the truth, and don't sell it. Get wisdom, discipline,
and understanding.
023:024 The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers
a wise child delights in him.
023:025 Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who
bore you rejoice!
023:026 My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
023:027 For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is
a narrow well.
023:028 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the
unfaithful among men.
023:029 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
023:030 Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek
out mixed wine.
023:031 Don't look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly.
023:032 In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.
023:033 Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will
imagine confusing things.
023:034 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea,
or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
023:035 "They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I
don't feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again.
I can find another."
024:001 Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:
024:002 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.
024:003 Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;
024:004 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare
and beautiful treasure.
024:005 A wise man has great power; and a knowledgeable
man increases strength;
024:006 for by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is
in many advisors.
024:007 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn't open his mouth
in the gate.
024:008 One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.
024:009 The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.
024:010 If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.
024:011 Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back
those who are staggering to the slaughter!
024:012 If you say, "Behold, we didn't know this;" doesn't he who weighs
the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn't he know it?
Shall he not render to every man according to his work?
024:013 My son, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb,
which are sweet to your taste:
024:014 so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it,
then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off.
024:015 Don't lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of
the righteous. Don't destroy his resting place:
024:016 for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again;
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
024:017 Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart
be glad when he is overthrown;
024:018 lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away
his wrath from him.
024:019 Don't fret yourself because of evildoers; neither be envious
of the wicked:
024:020 for there will be no reward to the evil man; and the lamp
of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
024:021 My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don't join those
who are rebellious:
024:022 for their calamity will rise suddenly; the destruction from
them both--who knows?
024:023 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality
in judgment is not good.
024:024 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" peoples shall
curse him, and nations shall abhor him--
024:025 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a rich blessing will come on them.
024:026 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
024:027 Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready.
Afterwards, build your house.
024:028 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
Don't deceive with your lips.
024:029 Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render
to the man according to his work."
024:030 I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man
void of understanding;
024:031 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was
covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
024:032 Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:
024:033 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to sleep;
024:034 so shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as
an armed man.
025:001 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah
king of Judah copied out.
025:002 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory
of kings is to search out a matter.
025:003 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts
of kings are unsearchable.
025:004 Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out
for the refiner;
025:005 Take away the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne
will be established in righteousness.
025:006 Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim
a place among great men;
025:007 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.
025:008 Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you
do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
025:009 Debate your case with your neighbor, and don't betray
the confidence of another;
025:010 lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad
reputation never depart.
025:011 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
025:012 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
025:013 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful
messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul
of his masters.
025:014 As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts
of gifts deceptively.
025:015 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
025:016 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
025:017 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he be
weary of you, and hate you.
025:018 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club,
a sword, or a sharp arrow.
025:019 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like
a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
025:020 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar
on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
025:021 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty,
give him water to drink:
025:022 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh
will reward you.
025:023 The north wind brings forth rain: so a backbiting tongue
brings an angry face.
025:024 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
025:025 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from
a far country.
025:026 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a righteous
man who gives way before the wicked.
025:027 It is not good to eat much honey; nor is it honorable to seek
one's own honor.
025:028 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man
whose spirit is without restraint.
026:001 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not
fitting for a fool.
026:002 Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow,
so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
026:003 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod
for the back of fools!
026:004 Don't answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also
be like him.
026:005 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in
his own eyes.
026:006 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off
feet and drinking violence.
026:007 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: so is a parable
in the mouth of fools.
026:008 As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor
to a fool.
026:009 Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
026:010 As an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool
or he who hires those who pass by.
026:011 As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who
repeats his folly.
026:012 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope
for a fool than for him.
026:013 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion roams the streets!"
026:014 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.
026:015 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy
to bring it back to his mouth.
026:016 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who
answer with discretion.
026:017 Like one who grabs a dog's ears is one who passes by and meddles
in a quarrel not his own.
026:018 Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,
026:019 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
026:020 For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip,
a quarrel dies down.
026:021 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious
man to kindling strife.
026:022 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down
into the innermost parts.
026:023 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent
one with an evil heart.
026:024 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors
evil in his heart.
026:025 When his speech is charming, don't believe him; for there
are seven abominations in his heart.
026:026 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness
will be exposed in the assembly.
026:027 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone,
it will come back on him.
026:028 A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering
mouth works ruin.
027:001 Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day
may bring forth.
027:002 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger,
and not your own lips.
027:003 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation
is heavier than both.
027:004 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able
to stand before jealousy?
027:005 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
027:006 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses
of an enemy are profuse.
027:007 A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul,
every bitter thing is sweet.
027:008 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders
from his home.
027:009 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest
counsel from a man's friend.
027:010 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend.
Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster:
better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.
027:011 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can
answer my tormentor.
027:012 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple
pass on, and suffer for it.
027:013 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
Hold it for a wayward woman!
027:014 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse by him.
027:015 A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious
wife are alike:
027:016 restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping
oil in his right hand.
027:017 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
027:018 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
He who looks after his master shall be honored.
027:019 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
027:020 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man's eyes
are never satisfied.
027:021 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold;
but man is refined by his praise.
027:022 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
027:023 Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention
to your herds:
027:024 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure
to all generations.
027:025 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses
of the hills are gathered in.
027:026 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price
of a field.
027:027 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for your
family's food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
028:001 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are
as bold as a lion.
028:002 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained
by a man of understanding and knowledge.
028:003 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain
which leaves no crops.
028:004 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep
the law contend with them.
028:005 Evil men don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh
understand it fully.
028:006 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is
perverse in his ways, and he is rich.