World English Bible 2007
Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
1:2 to know wisdom and instruction;
1:3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
1:4 to give prudence to the simple,
1:5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
1:6 to understand a proverb, and parables,
1:7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;
1:8 My son, listen to your father’s instruction,
1:9 for they will be a garland to grace your head,
1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.
1:11 If they say, “Come with us,
1:12 let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,
1:13 We’ll find all valuable wealth.
1:14 You shall cast your lot among us.
1:15 My son, don’t walk in the way with them.
1:16 for their feet run to evil.
1:17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
1:18 but these lay wait for their own blood.
1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
1:20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
1:21 She calls at the head of noisy places.
1:22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
1:23 Turn at my reproof.
1:24 Because I have called, and you have refused;
1:25 but you have ignored all my counsel,
1:26 I also will laugh at your disaster.
1:27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
1:28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.
1:29 because they hated knowledge,
1:30 They wanted none of my counsel.
1:31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
1:32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,
2:1 My son, if you will receive my words,
2:2 So as to turn your ear to wisdom,
2:3 Yes, if you call out for discernment,
2:4 If you seek her as silver,
2:5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom.
2:7 He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
2:8 that he may guard the paths of justice,
2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
2:10 For wisdom will enter into your heart.
2:11 Discretion will watch over you.
2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil,
2:13 who forsake the paths of uprightness,
2:14 who rejoice to do evil,
2:15 who are crooked in their ways,
2:16 To deliver you from the strange woman,
2:17 who forsakes the friend of her youth,
2:18 for her house leads down to death,
2:19 None who go to her return again,
2:20 that you may walk in the way of good men,
2:21 For the upright will dwell in the land.
2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land.
3:1 My son, don’t forget my teaching;
3:2 for length of days, and years of life,
3:3 Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you.
3:4 So you will find favor,
3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
3:7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes.
3:8 It will be health to your body,
3:9 Honor Yahweh with your substance,
3:10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
3:11 My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline,
3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves;
3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
3:14 For her good profit is better than getting silver,
3:15 She is more precious than rubies.
3:16 Length of days is in her right hand.
3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
3:18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
3:19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
3:20 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,
3:21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
3:22 so they will be life to your soul,
3:23 Then you shall walk in your way securely.
3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
3:25 Don’t be afraid of sudden fear,
3:26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
3:27 Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due,
3:28 Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again;
3:29 Don’t devise evil against your neighbor,
3:30 Don’t strive with a man without cause,
3:31 Don’t envy the man of violence.
3:32 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh,
3:33 Yahweh’s curse is in the house of the wicked,
3:34 Surely he mocks the mockers,
3:35 The wise will inherit glory,
4:1 Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction.
4:2 for I give you sound learning.
4:3 For I was a son to my father,
4:4 He taught me, and said to me:
4:5 Get wisdom.
4:6 Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you.
4:7 Wisdom is supreme.
4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
4:9 She will give to your head a garland of grace.
4:10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.
4:11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom.
4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered.
4:13 Take firm hold of instruction.
4:14 Don’t enter into the path of the wicked.
4:15 Avoid it, and don’t pass by it.
4:16 For they don’t sleep, unless they do evil.
4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,
4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness.
4:20 My son, attend to my words.
4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes.
4:22 For they are life to those who find them,
4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.
4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead.
4:26 Make the path of your feet level.
4:27 Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.
5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
5:2 that you may maintain discretion,
5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.
5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
5:5 Her feet go down to death.
5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life.
5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
5:8 Remove your way far from her.
5:9 lest you give your honor to others,
5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth,
5:11 You will groan at your latter end,
5:12 and say, “How I have hated instruction,
5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,
5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern,
5:16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
5:17 Let them be for yourself alone,
5:18 Let your spring be blessed.
5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer—
5:20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh.
5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.
5:23 He will die for lack of instruction.
6:1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,
6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth.
6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself,
6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.
6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
6:8 provides her bread in the summer,
6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?
6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
6:11 so your poverty will come as a robber,
6:12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
6:14 in whose heart is perverseness,
6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.
6:16 There are six things which Yahweh hates;
6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
6:19 a false witness who utters lies,
6:20 My son, keep your father’s commandment,
6:21 Bind them continually on your heart.
6:22 When you walk, it will lead you.
6:23 For the commandment is a lamp,
6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman,
6:25 Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart,
6:26 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.
6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals,
6:29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife.
6:30 Men don’t despise a thief,
6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor.
6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.
6:35 He won’t regard any ransom,
7:1 My son, keep my words.
7:2 Keep my commandments and live!
7:3 Bind them on your fingers.
7:4 Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.”
7:5 that they may keep you from the strange woman,
7:6 For at the window of my house,
7:7 I saw among the simple ones.
7:8 passing through the street near her corner,
7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day,
7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,
7:11 She is loud and defiant.
7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares,
7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him.
7:14 “Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me.
7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you,
7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,
7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18 Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning.
7:19 For my husband isn’t at home.
7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him.
7:21 With persuasive words, she led him astray.
7:22 He followed her immediately,
7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver,
7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
7:25 Don’t let your heart turn to her ways.
7:26 for she has thrown down many wounded.
7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
8:1 Doesn’t wisdom cry out?
8:2 On the top of high places by the way,
8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city,
8:4 “To you men, I call!
8:5 You simple, understand prudence.
8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things.
8:7 For my mouth speaks truth.
8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.
8:9 They are all plain to him who understands,
8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver;
8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies.
8:12 “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling.
8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine.
8:15 By me kings reign,
8:16 By me princes rule;
8:17 I love those who love me.
8:18 With me are riches, honor,
8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold;
8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me.
8:22 “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work,
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth,
8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place,
8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
8:28 when he established the clouds above,
8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary,
8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side.
8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world.
8:32 “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise.
8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me,
8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life,
8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.
9:1 Wisdom has built her house.
9:2 She has prepared her meat.
9:3 She has sent out her maidens.
9:4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
9:5 “Come, eat some of my bread,
9:6 Leave your simple ways, and live.
9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult.
9:8 Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.
9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser.
9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
9:11 For by me your days will be multiplied.
9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself.
9:13 The foolish woman is loud,
9:14 She sits at the door of her house,
9:15 To call to those who pass by,
9:16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”
9:17 “Stolen water is sweet.
9:18 But he doesn’t know that the dead are there,
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
10:3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
10:4 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed,
10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments,
10:9 He who walks blamelessly walks surely,
10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow,
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life,
10:12 Hatred stirs up strife,
10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment,
10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
10:15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.
10:16 The labor of the righteous leads to life.
10:17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction,
10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips.
10:19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
10:20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
10:22 Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth,
10:23 It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness,
10:24 What the wicked fear, will overtake them,
10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;
10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
10:27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
10:28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
10:29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright,
10:30 The righteous will never be removed,
10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
11:1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh,
11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame,
11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them,
11:4 Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath,
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,
11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes,
11:8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble,
11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
11:11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted,
11:12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom,
11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,
11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,
11:15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,
11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor,
11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul,
11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages,
11:19 He who is truly righteous gets life.
11:20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,
11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout,
11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good.
11:24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.
11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat.
11:26 People curse someone who withholds grain,
11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth;
12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,
12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness,
12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,
12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,
12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant,
12:10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal,
12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,
12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,
12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day,
12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly,
12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
12:19 Truth’s lips will be established forever,
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous,
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,
12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship,
12:27 The slothful man doesn’t roast his game,
12:28 In the way of righteousness is life;
13:1 A wise son listens to his father’s instruction,
13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things;
13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing,
13:5 A righteous man hates lies,
13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity,
13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
13:8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it,
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life,
13:15 Good understanding wins favor;
13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge,
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise,
13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields,
13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son,
13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,
14:1 Every wise woman builds her house,
14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh,
14:3 The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean,
14:5 A truthful witness will not lie,
14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,
14:7 Stay away from a foolish man,
14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;
14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man,
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,
14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;
14:15 A simple man believes everything,
14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
14:18 The simple inherit folly,
14:19 The evil bow down before the good,
14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
14:22 Don’t they go astray who plot evil?
14:23 In all hard work there is profit,
14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
14:25 A truthful witness saves souls,
14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
14:28 In the multitude of people is the king’s glory,
14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace,
14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity,
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
14:35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
15:3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere,
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
15:5 A fool despises his father’s correction,
15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh—
15:12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;
15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,
15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
15:20 A wise son makes a father glad,
15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,
15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise,
15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked,
15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers,
15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end—
16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh:
16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.
16:7 When a man’s ways please Yahweh,
16:8 Better is a little with righteousness,
16:9 A man’s heart plans his course,
16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.
16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s;
16:12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong,
16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings.
16:14 The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
16:15 In the light of the king’s face is life.
16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.
16:18 Pride goes before destruction,
16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,
16:20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.
16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,
16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man,
16:26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him;
16:27 A worthless man devises mischief.
16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife.
16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor,
16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory.
16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap,
17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips.
17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men;
17:7 Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool,
17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love;
17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
17:17 A friend loves at all times;
17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands,
17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.
17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,
17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father,
17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,
17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge.
17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.
18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
18:6 A fool’s lips come into strife,
18:7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
18:9 One who is slack in his work
18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower:
18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
18:13 He who gives answer before he hears,
18:14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,
18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right;
18:18 The lot settles disputes,
18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
18:20 A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
18:23 The poor plead for mercy,
18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined,
19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
19:2 It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge;
19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his way;
19:4 Wealth adds many friends,
19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun him:
19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
19:12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father.
19:14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.
19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh;
19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,
19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
19:21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
19:26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother,
19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice,
19:29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler.
20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;
20:6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity.
20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure.
20:10 Differing weights and differing measures,
20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings,
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,
20:13 Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty.
20:14 “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer;
20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies;
20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man,
20:18 Plans are established by advice;
20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning,
20:22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.”
20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights,
20:24 A man’s steps are from Yahweh;
20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication,
20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked,
20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp,
20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength.
20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
21:1 The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses.
21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
21:3 To do righteousness and justice
21:4 A high look, and a proud heart,
21:5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;
21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue
21:7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away,
21:8 The way of the guilty is devious,
21:9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
21:11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,
21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,
21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger;
21:15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice;
21:16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding
21:17 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man.
21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous;
21:19 It is better to dwell in a desert land,
21:20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness
21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue
21:24 The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name;
21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
21:26 There are those who covet greedily all day long;
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination:
21:28 A false witness will perish,
21:29 A wicked man hardens his face;
21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding
21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle;
22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
22:3 A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
22:4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
22:7 The rich rule over the poor.
22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
22:11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
22:12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
22:17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
22:19 That your trust may be in Yahweh,
22:20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
22:21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
22:22 Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor;
22:23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
22:24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man,
22:25 lest you learn his ways,
22:26 Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
22:27 If you don’t have means to pay,
22:28 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone,
22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
23:1 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
23:2 put a knife to your throat,
23:3 Don’t be desirous of his dainties,
23:4 Don’t weary yourself to be rich.
23:5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not?
23:6 Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye,
23:7 for as he thinks about the cost, so he is.
23:8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up,
23:9 Don’t speak in the ears of a fool,
23:10 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone.
23:11 for their Defender is strong.
23:12 Apply your heart to instruction,
23:13 Don’t withhold correction from a child.
23:14 Punish him with the rod,
23:15 My son, if your heart is wise,
23:16 yes, my heart will rejoice,
23:17 Don’t let your heart envy sinners;
23:18 Indeed surely there is a future hope,
23:19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
23:20 Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine,
23:21 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;
23:22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
23:23 Buy the truth, and don’t sell it.
23:24 The father of the righteous has great joy.
23:25 Let your father and your mother be glad!
23:26 My son, give me your heart;
23:27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
23:28 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber,
23:29 Who has woe?
23:30 Those who stay long at the wine;
23:31 Don’t look at the wine when it is red,
23:32 In the end, it bites like a snake,
23:33 Your eyes will see strange things,
23:34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea,
23:35 “They hit me, and I was not hurt!
24:1 Don’t be envious of evil men;
24:2 for their hearts plot violence,
24:3 Through wisdom a house is built;
24:4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
24:5 A wise man has great power;
24:6 for by wise guidance you wage your war;
24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool:
24:8 One who plots to do evil
24:9 The schemes of folly are sin.
24:10 If you falter in the time of trouble,
24:11 Rescue those who are being led away to death!
24:12 If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this;”
24:13 My son, eat honey, for it is good;
24:14 so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul;
24:15 Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.
24:16 for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again;
24:17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.
24:18 lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him,
24:19 Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers;
24:20 for there will be no reward to the evil man;
24:21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king.
24:22 for their calamity will rise suddenly;
24:23 These also are sayings of the wise.
24:24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous;”
24:25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
24:26 An honest answer
24:27 Prepare your work outside,
24:28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
24:29 Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
24:30 I went by the field of the sluggard,
24:31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.
24:32 Then I saw, and considered well.
24:33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
24:34 so your poverty will come as a robber,
25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
25:3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
25:4 Take away the dross from the silver,
25:5 Take away the wicked from the king’s presence,
25:6 Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
25:7 for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
25:8 Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court.
25:9 Debate your case with your neighbor,
25:10 lest one who hears it put you to shame,
25:11 A word fitly spoken
25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
25:14 As clouds and wind without rain,
25:15 By patience a ruler is persuaded.
25:16 Have you found honey?
25:17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
25:18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
25:19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
25:20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
25:22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
25:23 The north wind brings forth rain:
25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
25:25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
25:26 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well,
25:27 It is not good to eat much honey;
25:28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls
26:1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,
26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow,
26:3 A whip is for the horse,
26:4 Don’t answer a fool according to his folly,
26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
26:6 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool
26:7 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose:
26:8 As one who binds a stone in a sling,
26:9 Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,
26:10 As an archer who wounds all,
26:11 As a dog that returns to his vomit,
26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
26:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
26:14 As the door turns on its hinges,
26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish.
26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
26:17 Like one who grabs a dog’s ears
26:18 Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,
26:19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”
26:20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
26:21 As coals are to hot embers,
26:22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
26:23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel
26:24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
26:25 When his speech is charming, don’t believe him;
26:26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
26:27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it.
26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
27:1 Don’t boast about tomorrow;
27:2 Let another man praise you,
27:3 A stone is heavy,
27:4 Wrath is cruel,
27:5 Better is open rebuke
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb;
27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest,
27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart;
27:10 Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend.
27:11 Be wise, my son,
27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge;
27:13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy day
27:16 restraining her is like restraining the wind,
27:17 Iron sharpens iron;
27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
27:19 As water reflects a face,
27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;
27:21 The crucible is for silver,
27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
27:23 Know well the state of your flocks,
27:24 for riches are not forever,
27:25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears,
27:26 The lambs are for your clothing,
27:27 There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food,
28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
28:2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;
28:5 Evil men don’t understand justice;
28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;
28:8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest
28:9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes;
28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper,
28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears;
28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear,
28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.
28:17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death;
28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;
28:19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food;
28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings;
28:21 To show partiality is not good;
28:22 A stingy man hurries after riches,
28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
28:24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not wrong.”
28:25 One who is greedy stirs up strife;
28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool;
28:27 One who gives to the poor has no lack;
28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
29:4 The king by justice makes the land stable,
29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor
29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
29:7 The righteous care about justice for the poor.
29:8 Mockers stir up a city,
29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
29:11 A fool vents all of his anger,
29:12 If a ruler listens to lies,
29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
29:14 The king who fairly judges the poor,
29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom,
29:16 When the wicked increase, sin increases;
29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
29:19 A servant can’t be corrected by words.
29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
29:21 He who pampers his servant from youth
29:22 An angry man stirs up strife,
29:23 A man’s pride brings him low,
29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare,
29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous,
30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle:
30:2 “Surely I am the most ignorant man,
30:3 I have not learned wisdom,
30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended?
30:5 “Every word of God is flawless.
30:6 Don’t you add to his words,
30:7 “Two things I have asked of you;
30:8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
30:9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’
30:10 “Don’t slander a servant to his master,
30:11 There is a generation that curses their father,
30:12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,
30:13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
30:14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
30:15 “The leach has two daughters:
30:16 Sheol, the barren womb;
30:17 “The eye that mocks at his father,
30:18 “There are three things which are too amazing for me,
30:19 The way of an eagle in the air;
30:20 “So is the way of an adulterous woman:
30:21 “For three things the earth tremble,
30:22 For a servant when he is king;
30:23 for an unloved woman when she is married;
30:24 “There are four things which are little on the earth,
30:25 the ants are not a strong people,
30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk,
30:27 The locusts have no king,
30:28 You can catch a lizard with your hands,
30:29 “There are three things which are stately in their march,
30:30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals,
30:31 the greyhound,
30:32 “If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself,
30:33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter,
31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
31:2 “Oh, my son!
31:3 Don’t give your strength to women,
31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel;
31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law,
31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish;
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
31:8 Open your mouth for the mute,
31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
31:10 *Who can find a worthy woman?
31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her.
31:12 She does him good, and not harm,
31:13 She seeks wool and flax,
31:14 She is like the merchant ships.
31:15 She rises also while it is yet night,
31:16 She considers a field, and buys it.
31:17 She arms her waist with strength,
31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff,
31:20 She opens her arms to the poor;
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.
31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates,
31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing.
31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom.
31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed.
31:29 “Many women do noble things,
31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands!
Notes:
[1] 1:7 “Yahweh” is God’s proper Name, sometimes rendered “LORD” (all caps) in other translations.
[2] 1:12 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[3] 2:5 The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “Elohim.”
[4] 5:5 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[5] 7:27 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[6] 9:18 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[7] 15:11 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[8] 15:24 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[9] 23:14 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[10] 27:20 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[11] 30:16 Sheol is the place of the dead.
[12] 31:10 Proverbs 31:10-31 form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order.
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