\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Proverbs}

{\MT Proverbs



\par }\ChapOne{1}{\SH Introduction to the Book
\par }
{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}To learn wisdom and moral instruction,

\par }{\Q and to discern wise counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To receive moral instruction in skillful living,

\par }{\Q in righteousness, justice, and equity.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,

\par }{\Q and a discerning plan to the young person.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}(Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,

\par }{\Q and let the discerning acquire guidance! )


\par }{\Q \VS{6}To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,

\par }{\Q the sayings of the wise and their riddles.


\par }{\SH Introduction to the Theme of the Book
\par }
{\Q \VS{7}Fearing the
{\ND{Lord}} is the beginning of moral knowledge,

\par }{\Q but fools despise wisdom and instruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,

\par }{\Q and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,

\par }{\Q and like pendants around your neck.


\par }{\SH Admonition to Avoid Easy but Unjust Riches
\par }
{\Q \VS{10}My child, if sinners try to entice you,

\par }{\Q do not consent!


\par }{\Q \VS{11}If they say, “Come with us!

\par }{\Q We will lie in wait to shed blood;

\par }{\Q we will ambush an innocent person capriciously.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}We will swallow them alive like Sheol,

\par }{\Q those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}We will seize all kinds of precious wealth;

\par }{\Q we will fill our houses with plunder.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Join with us!

\par }{\Q We will all share equally in what we steal.”


\par }{\Q \VS{15}My child, do not go down their way,

\par }{\Q withhold yourself from their path;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}for they are eager to inflict harm,

\par }{\Q and they hasten to shed blood.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Surely it is futile to spread a net

\par }{\Q in plain sight of any bird,


\par }{\Q \VS{18}but these men lie in wait for their own blood,

\par }{\Q they ambush their own lives!


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly;

\par }{\Q it takes away the life of those who obtain it!


\par }{\SH Warning Against Disregarding Wisdom
\par }
{\Q \VS{20}Wisdom calls out in the street,

\par }{\Q she shouts loudly in the plazas;


\par }{\Q \VS{21}at the head of the noisy streets she calls,

\par }{\Q in the entrances of the gates in the city she utters her words:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}“How long will you simpletons love naiveté?

\par }{\Q How long will mockers delight in mockery

\par }{\Q and fools hate knowledge?


\par }{\Q \VS{23}If only you will respond to my rebuke,

\par }{\Q then I will pour out my thoughts to you

\par }{\Q and I will make my words known to you.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}However, because I called but you refused to listen,

\par }{\Q because I stretched out my hand but no one paid attention,


\par }{\Q \VS{25}because you neglected all my advice,

\par }{\Q and did not comply with my rebuke,


\par }{\Q \VS{26}so I myself will laugh when disaster strikes you,

\par }{\Q I will mock when what you dread comes,


\par }{\Q \VS{27}when what you dread comes like a whirlwind,

\par }{\Q and disaster strikes you like a devastating storm,

\par }{\Q when distressing trouble comes on you.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Then they will call to me, but I will not answer;

\par }{\Q they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Because they hated moral knowledge,

\par }{\Q and did not choose to fear the
{\ND{Lord}},


\par }{\Q \VS{30}they did not comply with my advice,

\par }{\Q they spurned all my rebuke.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way,

\par }{\Q and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}For the waywardness of the

\par }{\Q simpletons will kill them,

\par }{\Q and the careless ease of fools will destroy them.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}But the one who listens to me will live in security,

\par }{\Q and will be at ease from the dread of harm.




\par }\Chap{2}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}My child, if you receive my words,

\par }{\Q and store up my commands within you,


\par }{\Q \VS{2}by making your ear attentive to wisdom,

\par }{\Q and by turning your heart to understanding,


\par }{\Q \VS{3}indeed, if you call out for discernment –

\par }{\Q raise your voice for understanding –


\par }{\Q \VS{4}if you seek it like silver,

\par }{\Q and search for it like hidden treasure,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}then you will understand how to fear the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q and you will discover knowledge about God.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For the
{\ND{Lord}} gives wisdom,

\par }{\Q and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}He stores up effective counsel for the upright,

\par }{\Q and is like a shield for those who live with integrity,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}to guard the paths of the righteous

\par }{\Q and to protect the way of his pious ones.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Then you will understand righteousness and justice

\par }{\Q and equity – every good way.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}For wisdom will enter your heart,

\par }{\Q and moral knowledge will be attractive to you.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Discretion will protect you,

\par }{\Q understanding will guard you,


\par }{\Q \VS{12}to deliver you from the way of the wicked,

\par }{\Q from those speaking perversity,


\par }{\Q \VS{13}who leave the upright paths

\par }{\Q to walk on the dark ways,


\par }{\Q \VS{14}who delight in doing evil,

\par }{\Q they rejoice in perverse evil;


\par }{\Q \VS{15}whose paths are morally crooked,

\par }{\Q and who are devious in their ways;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}to deliver you from the adulteress,

\par }{\Q from the sexually loose woman who speaks flattering words;


\par }{\Q \VS{17}who leaves the husband from her younger days,

\par }{\Q and forgets her marriage covenant made before God.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For her house sinks down to death,

\par }{\Q and her paths lead to the place of the departed spirits.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}None who go in to her will return,

\par }{\Q nor will they reach the paths of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}So you will walk in the way of good people,

\par }{\Q and will keep on the paths of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the upright will reside in the land,

\par }{\Q and those with integrity will remain in it,


\par }{\Q \VS{22}but the wicked will be removed from the land,

\par }{\Q and the treacherous will be torn away from it.




\par }\Chap{3}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}My child, do not forget my teaching,

\par }{\Q but let your heart keep my commandments,


\par }{\Q \VS{2}for they will provide a long and full life,

\par }{\Q and they will add well-being to you.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do not let truth and mercy leave you;

\par }{\Q bind them around your neck,

\par }{\Q write them on the tablet of your heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Then you will find favor and good understanding,

\par }{\Q in the sight of God and people.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Trust in the
{\ND{Lord}} with all your heart,

\par }{\Q and do not rely on your own understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Acknowledge him in all your ways,

\par }{\Q and he will make your paths straight.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Do not be wise in your own estimation;

\par }{\Q fear the
{\ND{Lord}} and turn away from evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}This will bring healing to your body,

\par }{\Q and refreshment to your inner self.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Honor the
{\ND{Lord}} from your wealth

\par }{\Q and from the first fruits of all your crops;


\par }{\Q \VS{10}then your barns will be filled completely,

\par }{\Q and your vats will overflow with new wine.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}My child, do not despise discipline from the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q and do not loathe his rebuke.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For the
{\ND{Lord}} disciplines those he loves,

\par }{\Q just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.


\par }{\SH Blessings of Obtaining Wisdom
\par }
{\Q \VS{13}Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

\par }{\Q and the one who obtains understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For her benefit is more profitable than silver,

\par }{\Q and her gain is better than gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}She is more precious than rubies,

\par }{\Q and none of the things you desire can compare with her.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Long life is in her right hand;

\par }{\Q in her left hand are riches and honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Her ways are very pleasant,

\par }{\Q and all her paths are peaceful.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,

\par }{\Q and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}By wisdom the
{\ND{Lord}} laid the foundation of the earth;

\par }{\Q he established the heavens by understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,

\par }{\Q and the clouds drip down dew.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}My child, do not let them escape from your sight;

\par }{\Q safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}So they will give life to you,

\par }{\Q and grace to adorn your neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Then you will walk on your way with security,

\par }{\Q and you will not stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}When you lie down you will not be filled with fear;

\par }{\Q when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}You will not be afraid of sudden disaster,

\par }{\Q or when destruction overtakes the wicked;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}for the
{\ND{Lord}} will be the source of your confidence,

\par }{\Q and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Demonstrated in Relationships with People
\par }
{\Q \VS{27}Do not withhold good from those who need it,

\par }{\Q when you have the ability to help.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow

\par }{\Q and I will give it,” when you have it with you at the time.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Do not plot evil against your neighbor

\par }{\Q when he dwells by you unsuspectingly.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Do not accuse anyone without legitimate cause,

\par }{\Q if he has not treated you wrongly.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Do not envy a violent man,

\par }{\Q and do not choose to imitate any of his ways;


\par }{\Q \VS{32}for one who goes astray is an abomination to the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q but he reveals his intimate counsel to the upright.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The
{\ND{Lord}}’s curse is on the household of the wicked,

\par }{\Q but he blesses the home of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers,

\par }{\Q yet he shows favor to the humble.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}The wise inherit honor,

\par }{\Q but he holds fools up to public contempt.




\par }\Chap{4}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Listen, children, to a father’s instruction,

\par }{\Q and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Because I give you good instruction,

\par }{\Q do not forsake my teaching.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When I was a son to my father,

\par }{\Q a tender only child before my mother,


\par }{\Q \VS{4}he taught me, and he said to me:

\par }{\Q “Let your heart lay hold of my words;

\par }{\Q keep my commands so that you will live.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;

\par }{\Q do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

\par }{\Q love her, and she will guard you.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,

\par }{\Q and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;

\par }{\Q she will honor you if you embrace her.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}She will place a fair garland on your head;

\par }{\Q she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Listen, my child, and accept my words,

\par }{\Q so that the years of your life will be many.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}I will guide you in the way of wisdom

\par }{\Q and I will lead you in upright paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}When you walk, your steps will not be hampered,

\par }{\Q and when you run, you will not stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

\par }{\Q protect it, because it is your life.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Do not enter the path of the wicked

\par }{\Q or walk in the way of those who are evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Avoid it, do not go on it;

\par }{\Q turn away from it, and go on.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm;

\par }{\Q they are robbed of sleep until they make someone stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}For they eat bread gained from wickedness

\par }{\Q and drink wine obtained from violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light,

\par }{\Q growing brighter and brighter until full day.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The way of the wicked is like gloomy darkness;

\par }{\Q they do not know what causes them to stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}My child, pay attention to my words;

\par }{\Q listen attentively to my sayings.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Do not let them depart from your sight,

\par }{\Q guard them within your heart;


\par }{\Q \VS{22}for they are life to those who find them

\par }{\Q and healing to one’s entire body.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Guard your heart with all vigilance,

\par }{\Q for from it are the sources of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Remove perverse speech from your mouth;

\par }{\Q keep devious talk far from your lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let your eyes look directly in front of you

\par }{\Q and let your gaze look straight before you.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Make the path for your feet level,

\par }{\Q so that all your ways may be established.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Do not turn to the right or to the left;

\par }{\Q turn yourself away from evil.




\par }\Chap{5}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}My child, be attentive to my wisdom,

\par }{\Q pay close attention to my understanding,


\par }{\Q \VS{2}in order to safeguard discretion,

\par }{\Q and that your lips may guard knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,

\par }{\Q and her seductive words are smoother than olive oil,


\par }{\Q \VS{4}but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

\par }{\Q sharp as a two-edged sword.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Her feet go down to death;

\par }{\Q her steps lead straight to the grave.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Lest she should make level the path leading to life,

\par }{\Q her paths are unstable but she does not know it.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}So now, children, listen to me;

\par }{\Q do not turn aside from the words I speak.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Keep yourself far from her,

\par }{\Q and do not go near the door of her house,


\par }{\Q \VS{9}lest you give your vigor to others

\par }{\Q and your years to a cruel person,


\par }{\Q \VS{10}lest strangers devour your strength,

\par }{\Q and your labor benefit another man’s house.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}And at the end of your life you will groan

\par }{\Q when your flesh and your body are wasted away.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}And you will say, “How I hated discipline!

\par }{\Q My heart spurned reproof!


\par }{\Q \VS{13}For I did not obey my teachers

\par }{\Q and I did not heed my instructors.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}I almost came to complete ruin

\par }{\Q in the midst of the whole congregation!”


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Drink water from your own cistern

\par }{\Q and running water from your own well.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Should your springs be dispersed outside,

\par }{\Q your streams of water in the wide plazas?


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let them be for yourself alone,

\par }{\Q and not for strangers with you.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}May your fountain be blessed,

\par }{\Q and may you rejoice in your young wife –


\par }{\Q \VS{19}a loving doe, a graceful deer;

\par }{\Q may her breasts satisfy you at all times,

\par }{\Q may you be captivated by her love always.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}But why should you be captivated, my son, by an adulteress,

\par }{\Q and embrace the bosom of a different woman?


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the ways of a person are in front of the
{\ND{Lord}}’s eyes,

\par }{\Q and the
{\ND{Lord}} weighs all that person’s paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The wicked will be captured by his own iniquities,

\par }{\Q and he will be held by the cords of his own sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}He will die because there was no discipline;

\par }{\Q because of the greatness of his folly he will reel.




\par }\Chap{6}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}My child, if you have made a pledge for your neighbor,

\par }{\Q and have become a guarantor for a stranger,


\par }{\Q \VS{2}if you have been ensnared by the words you have uttered,

\par }{\Q and have been caught by the words you have spoken,


\par }{\Q \VS{3}then, my child, do this in order to deliver yourself,

\par }{\Q because you have fallen into your neighbor’s power:

\par }{\Q go, humble yourself,

\par }{\Q and appeal firmly to your neighbor.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Permit no sleep to your eyes

\par }{\Q or slumber to your eyelids.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Deliver yourself like a gazelle from a snare,

\par }{\Q and like a bird from the trap of the fowler.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Go to the ant, you sluggard;

\par }{\Q observe its ways and be wise!


\par }{\Q \VS{7}It has no commander,

\par }{\Q overseer, or ruler,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}yet it prepares its food in the summer;

\par }{\Q it gathers at the harvest what it will eat.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}How long, you sluggard, will you lie there?

\par }{\Q When will you rise from your sleep?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A little sleep, a little slumber,

\par }{\Q a little folding of the hands to relax,


\par }{\Q \VS{11}and your poverty will come like a robber,

\par }{\Q and your need like an armed man.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A worthless and wicked person

\par }{\Q walks around saying perverse things;


\par }{\Q \VS{13}he winks with his eyes,

\par }{\Q signals with his feet,

\par }{\Q and points with his fingers;


\par }{\Q \VS{14}he plots evil with perverse thoughts in his heart,

\par }{\Q he spreads contention at all times.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore, his disaster will come suddenly;

\par }{\Q in an instant he will be broken, and there will be no remedy.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}There are six things that the
{\ND{Lord}} hates,

\par }{\Q even seven things that are an abomination to him:


\par }{\Q \VS{17}haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

\par }{\Q and hands that shed innocent blood,


\par }{\Q \VS{18}a heart that devises wicked plans,

\par }{\Q feet that are swift to run to evil,


\par }{\Q \VS{19}a false witness who pours out lies,

\par }{\Q and a person who spreads discord among family members.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}My child, guard the commands of your father

\par }{\Q and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Bind them on your heart continually;

\par }{\Q fasten them around your neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}When you walk about, they will guide you;

\par }{\Q when you lie down, they will watch over you;

\par }{\Q when you wake up, they will talk to you.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For the commandments are like a lamp,

\par }{\Q instruction is like a light,

\par }{\Q and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life,


\par }{\Q \VS{24}by keeping you from the evil woman,

\par }{\Q from the smooth tongue of the loose woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Do not lust in your heart for her beauty,

\par }{\Q and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}for on account of a prostitute one is brought down to a loaf of bread,

\par }{\Q but the wife of another man preys on your precious life.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Can a man hold fire against his chest

\par }{\Q without burning his clothes?


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Can a man walk on hot coals

\par }{\Q without scorching his feet?


\par }{\Q \VS{29}So it is with the one who has sex with his neighbor’s wife;

\par }{\Q no one who touches her will escape punishment.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}People do not despise a thief when he steals

\par }{\Q to fulfill his need when he is hungry.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Yet if he is caught he must repay seven times over,

\par }{\Q he might even have to give all the wealth of his house.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom,

\par }{\Q whoever does it destroys his own life.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}He will be beaten and despised,

\par }{\Q and his reproach will not be wiped away;


\par }{\Q \VS{34}for jealousy kindles a husband’s rage,

\par }{\Q and he will not show mercy when he takes revenge.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}He will not consider any compensation;

\par }{\Q he will not be willing, even if you multiply the compensation.




\par }\Chap{7}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}My child, keep my words

\par }{\Q and treasure up my commands in your own keeping.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Keep my commands so that you may live,

\par }{\Q and obey my instruction as your most prized possession.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Bind them on your forearm;

\par }{\Q write them on the tablet of your heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

\par }{\Q and call understanding a close relative,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}so that they may keep you from the adulterous woman,

\par }{\Q from the loose woman who flatters you with her words.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For at the window of my house

\par }{\Q through my window lattice I looked out


\par }{\Q \VS{7}and I saw among the naive –

\par }{\Q I discerned among the youths –

\par }{\Q a young man who lacked wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He was passing by the street near her corner,

\par }{\Q making his way along the road to her house


\par }{\Q \VS{9}in the twilight, the evening,

\par }{\Q in the dark of the night.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Suddenly a woman came out to meet him!

\par }{\Q She was dressed like a prostitute and with secret intent.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}(She is loud and rebellious,

\par }{\Q she does not remain at home –


\par }{\Q \VS{12}at one time outside, at another in the wide plazas,

\par }{\Q and by every corner she lies in wait.)


\par }{\Q \VS{13}So she grabbed him and kissed him,

\par }{\Q and with a bold expression she said to him,


\par }{\Q \VS{14}“I have fresh meat at home;

\par }{\Q today I have fulfilled my vows!


\par }{\Q \VS{15}That is why I came out to meet you,

\par }{\Q to look for you, and I found you!


\par }{\Q \VS{16}I have spread my bed with elegant coverings,

\par }{\Q with richly colored fabric from Egypt.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I have perfumed my bed

\par }{\Q with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning,

\par }{\Q let’s delight ourselves with sexual intercourse.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}For my husband is not at home;

\par }{\Q he has gone on a journey of some distance.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}He has taken a bag of money with him;

\par }{\Q he will not return until the end of the month.”


\par }{\Q \VS{21}She persuaded him with persuasive words;

\par }{\Q with her smooth talk she compelled him.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Suddenly he went after her

\par }{\Q like an ox that goes to the slaughter,

\par }{\Q like a stag prancing into a trapper’s snare


\par }{\Q \VS{23}till an arrow pierces his liver –

\par }{\Q like a bird hurrying into a trap,

\par }{\Q and he does not know that it will cost him his life.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}So now, sons, listen to me,

\par }{\Q and pay attention to the words I speak.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways –

\par }{\Q do not wander into her pathways;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}for she has brought down many fatally wounded,

\par }{\Q and all those she has slain are many.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Her house is the way to the grave,

\par }{\Q going down to the chambers of death.




\par }\Chap{8}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Does not wisdom call out?

\par }{\Q Does not understanding raise her voice?


\par }{\Q \VS{2}At the top of the elevated places along the way,

\par }{\Q at the intersection of the paths she takes her stand;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}beside the gates opening into the city,

\par }{\Q at the entrance of the doorways she cries out:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}“To you, O people, I call out,

\par }{\Q and my voice calls to all mankind.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}You who are naive, discern wisdom!

\par }{\Q And you fools, understand discernment!


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Listen, for I will speak excellent things,

\par }{\Q and my lips will utter what is right.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For my mouth speaks truth,

\par }{\Q and my lips hate wickedness.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}All the words of my mouth are righteous;

\par }{\Q there is nothing in them twisted or crooked.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}All of them are clear to the discerning

\par }{\Q and upright to those who find knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Receive my instruction rather than silver,

\par }{\Q and knowledge rather than choice gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For wisdom is better than rubies,

\par }{\Q and desirable things cannot be compared to her.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}“I, wisdom, live with prudence,

\par }{\Q and I find knowledge and discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The fear of the
{\ND{Lord}} is to hate evil;

\par }{\Q I hate arrogant pride and the evil way

\par }{\Q and perverse utterances.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Counsel and sound wisdom belong to me;

\par }{\Q I possess understanding and might.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Kings reign by means of me,

\par }{\Q and potentates decree righteousness;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}by me princes rule,

\par }{\Q as well as nobles and all righteous judges.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I love those who love me,

\par }{\Q and those who seek me find me.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Riches and honor are with me,

\par }{\Q long-lasting wealth and righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}My fruit is better than the purest gold,

\par }{\Q and what I produce is better than choice silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}I walk in the path of righteousness,

\par }{\Q in the pathway of justice,


\par }{\Q \VS{21}that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,

\par }{\Q and that I may fill their treasuries.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The
{\ND{Lord}} created me as the beginning of his works,

\par }{\Q before his deeds of long ago.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}From eternity I was appointed,

\par }{\Q from the beginning, from before the world existed.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}When there were no deep oceans I was born,

\par }{\Q when there were no springs overflowing with water;


\par }{\Q \VS{25}before the mountains were set in place –

\par }{\Q before the hills – I was born,


\par }{\Q \VS{26}before he made the earth and its fields,

\par }{\Q or the beginning of the dust of the world.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}When he established the heavens, I was there;

\par }{\Q when he marked out the horizon over the face of the deep,


\par }{\Q \VS{28}when he established the clouds above,

\par }{\Q when the fountains of the deep grew strong,


\par }{\Q \VS{29}when he gave the sea his decree

\par }{\Q that the waters should not pass over his command,

\par }{\Q when he marked out the foundations of the earth,


\par }{\Q \VS{30}then I was beside him as a master craftsman,

\par }{\Q and I was his delight day by day,

\par }{\Q rejoicing before him at all times,


\par }{\Q \VS{31}rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth,

\par }{\Q and delighting in its people.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}“So now, children, listen to me;

\par }{\Q blessed are those who keep my ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Listen to my instruction so that you may be wise,

\par }{\Q and do not neglect it.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Blessed is the one who listens to me,

\par }{\Q watching at my doors day by day,

\par }{\Q waiting beside my doorway.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}For the one who finds me finds life

\par }{\Q and receives favor from the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{36}But the one who does not find me brings harm to himself;

\par }{\Q all who hate me love death.”




\par }\Chap{9}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wisdom has built her house;

\par }{\Q she has carved out its seven pillars.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine;

\par }{\Q she also has arranged her table.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}She has sent out her female servants;

\par }{\Q she calls out on the highest places of the city.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”

\par }{\Q she says to those who lack understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}“Come, eat some of my food,

\par }{\Q and drink some of the wine I have mixed.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live,

\par }{\Q and proceed in the way of understanding.”


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult;

\par }{\Q whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you;

\par }{\Q reprove a wise person and he will love you.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still;

\par }{\Q teach a righteous person and he will add to his learning.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The beginning of wisdom is to fear the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For because of me your days will be many,

\par }{\Q and years will be added to your life.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage,

\par }{\Q but if you are a mocker, you alone must bear it.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The woman called Folly is brash,

\par }{\Q she is naive and does not know anything.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}So she sits at the door of her house,

\par }{\Q on a seat at the highest point of the city,


\par }{\Q \VS{15}calling out to those who are passing by her in the way,

\par }{\Q who go straight on their way.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,”

\par }{\Q she says to those who lack understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}“Stolen waters are sweet,

\par }{\Q and food obtained in secret is pleasant!”


\par }{\Q \VS{18}But they do not realize that the dead are there,

\par }{\Q that her guests are in the depths of the grave.




\par }\Chap{10}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The Proverbs of Solomon:

\par }{\Q A wise child makes a father rejoice,

\par }{\Q but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,

\par }{\Q but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
{\ND{Lord}} satisfies the appetite of the righteous,

\par }{\Q but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The one who is lazy becomes poor,

\par }{\Q but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son,

\par }{\Q but the one who sleeps during the harvest

\par }{\Q is a son who brings shame to himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Blessings are on the head of the righteous,

\par }{\Q but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The memory of the righteous is a blessing,

\par }{\Q but the reputation of the wicked will rot.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The wise person accepts instructions,

\par }{\Q but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely,

\par }{\Q but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The one who winks his eye causes trouble,

\par }{\Q and the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life,

\par }{\Q but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hatred stirs up dissension,

\par }{\Q but love covers all transgressions.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person,

\par }{\Q but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Those who are wise store up knowledge,

\par }{\Q but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city,

\par }{\Q but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The reward which the righteous receive is life;

\par }{\Q the recompense which the wicked receive is judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life,

\par }{\Q but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The one who conceals hatred utters lies,

\par }{\Q and the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}When words abound, transgression is inevitable,

\par }{\Q but the one who restrains his words is wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}What the righteous say is like the best silver,

\par }{\Q but what the wicked think is of little value.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The teaching of the righteous feeds many,

\par }{\Q but fools die for lack of wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The blessing from the
{\ND{Lord}} makes a person rich,

\par }{\Q and he adds no sorrow to it.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool,

\par }{\Q and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}What the wicked fears will come on him;

\par }{\Q what the righteous desire will be granted.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away,

\par }{\Q but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes,

\par }{\Q so is the sluggard to those who send him.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Fearing the
{\ND{Lord}} prolongs life,

\par }{\Q but the life span of the wicked will be shortened.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The hope of the righteous is joy,

\par }{\Q but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The way of the
{\ND{Lord}} is like a stronghold for the upright,

\par }{\Q but it is destruction to evildoers.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The righteous will never be moved,

\par }{\Q but the wicked will not inhabit the land.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom,

\par }{\Q but the one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing,

\par }{\Q but the speech of the wicked is perverse.




\par }\Chap{11}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors dishonest scales,

\par }{\Q but an accurate weight is his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

\par }{\Q but with humility comes wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The integrity of the upright guides them,

\par }{\Q but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath,

\par }{\Q but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way,

\par }{\Q but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,

\par }{\Q but the faithless will be captured by their own desires.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}When a wicked person dies, his expectation perishes,

\par }{\Q and the hope of his strength perishes.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The righteous person is delivered out of trouble,

\par }{\Q and the wicked turns up in his stead.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor,

\par }{\Q but by knowledge the righteous will be delivered.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}When the righteous do well, the city rejoices;

\par }{\Q when the wicked perish, there is joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright,

\par }{\Q but it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom,

\par }{\Q but the one who has discernment keeps silent.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets,

\par }{\Q but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}When there is no guidance a nation falls,

\par }{\Q but there is success in the abundance of counselors.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The one who puts up security for a stranger will surely have trouble,

\par }{\Q but whoever avoids shaking hands will be secure.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A generous woman gains honor,

\par }{\Q and ruthless men seize wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A kind person benefits himself,

\par }{\Q but a cruel person brings himself trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The wicked person earns deceitful wages,

\par }{\Q but the one who sows righteousness reaps a genuine reward.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}True righteousness leads to life,

\par }{\Q but the one who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors those who are perverse in heart,

\par }{\Q but those who are blameless in their ways are his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished,

\par }{\Q but the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

\par }{\Q is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}What the righteous desire leads only to good,

\par }{\Q but what the wicked hope for leads to wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy,

\par }{\Q but another withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A generous person will be enriched,

\par }{\Q and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}People will curse the one who withholds grain,

\par }{\Q but they will praise the one who sells it.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The one who diligently seeks good seeks favor,

\par }{\Q but the one who searches for evil – it will come to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The one who trusts in his riches will fall,

\par }{\Q but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing,

\par }{\Q and the fool will be a servant to the wise person.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The fruit of the righteous is like a tree producing life,

\par }{\Q and the one who wins souls is wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}If the righteous are recompensed on earth,

\par }{\Q how much more the wicked sinner!




\par }\Chap{12}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The one who loves discipline loves knowledge,

\par }{\Q but the one who hates reproof is stupid.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A good person obtains favor from the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q but the
{\ND{Lord}} condemns a person with wicked schemes.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}No one can be established through wickedness,

\par }{\Q but a righteous root cannot be moved.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A noble wife is the crown of her husband,

\par }{\Q but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The plans of the righteous are just;

\par }{\Q the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood,

\par }{\Q but the words of the upright will deliver them.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The wicked are overthrown and perish,

\par }{\Q but the righteous household will stand.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A person is praised in accordance with his wisdom,

\par }{\Q but the one who has a twisted mind is despised.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Better is a person of humble standing who nevertheless has a servant,

\par }{\Q than one who pretends to be somebody important yet has no food.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A righteous person cares for the life of his animal,

\par }{\Q but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The one who works his field will have plenty of food,

\par }{\Q but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The wicked person desires a stronghold,

\par }{\Q but the righteous root endures.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The evil person is ensnared by the transgression of his speech,

\par }{\Q but the righteous person escapes out of trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,

\par }{\Q and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The way of a fool is right in his own opinion,

\par }{\Q but the one who listens to advice is wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A fool’s annoyance is known at once,

\par }{\Q but the prudent overlooks an insult.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The faithful witness tells what is right,

\par }{\Q but a false witness speaks deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword,

\par }{\Q but the words of the wise bring healing.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The one who tells the truth will endure forever,

\par }{\Q but the one who lies will last only for a moment.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,

\par }{\Q but those who promote peace have joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The righteous do not encounter any harm,

\par }{\Q but the wicked are filled with calamity.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors a person who lies,

\par }{\Q but those who deal truthfully are his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The shrewd person conceals knowledge,

\par }{\Q but foolish people publicize folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The diligent person will rule,

\par }{\Q but the slothful will become a slave.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,

\par }{\Q but an encouraging word brings him joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The righteous person is cautious in his friendship,

\par }{\Q but the way of the wicked leads them astray.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The lazy person does not roast his prey,

\par }{\Q but personal possessions are precious to the diligent.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}In the path of righteousness there is life,

\par }{\Q but another path leads to death.




\par }\Chap{13}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}A wise son accepts his father’s discipline,

\par }{\Q but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things,

\par }{\Q but the faithless desire the fruit of violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The one who guards his words guards his life,

\par }{\Q but whoever is talkative will come to ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing,

\par }{\Q but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The righteous person hates anything false,

\par }{\Q but the wicked person acts in shameful disgrace.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity,

\par }{\Q but wickedness overthrows the sinner.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}There is one who pretends to be rich and yet has nothing;

\par }{\Q another pretends to be poor and yet possesses great wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The ransom of a person’s life is his wealth,

\par }{\Q but the poor person hears no threat.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The light of the righteous shines brightly,

\par }{\Q but the lamp of the wicked goes out.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}With pride comes only contention,

\par }{\Q but wisdom is with the well-advised.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away,

\par }{\Q but the one who gathers it little by little will become rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

\par }{\Q but a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty,

\par }{\Q but whoever esteems instruction will be rewarded.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Instruction from the wise is like a life-giving fountain,

\par }{\Q to turn a person from deadly snares.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Keen insight wins favor,

\par }{\Q but the conduct of the unfaithful is harsh.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Every shrewd person acts with knowledge,

\par }{\Q but a fool displays his folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}An unreliable messenger falls into trouble,

\par }{\Q but a faithful envoy brings healing.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame,

\par }{\Q but the one who accepts reproof is honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

\par }{\Q but fools abhor turning away from evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The one who associates with the wise grows wise,

\par }{\Q but a companion of fools suffers harm.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Calamity pursues sinners,

\par }{\Q but prosperity rewards the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,

\par }{\Q but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}There is abundant food in the field of the poor,

\par }{\Q but it is swept away by injustice.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The one who spares his rod hates his child,

\par }{\Q but the one who loves his child is diligent in disciplining him.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite,

\par }{\Q but the belly of the wicked lacks food.




\par }\Chap{14}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Every wise woman builds her household,

\par }{\Q but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The one who walks in his uprightness fears the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q but the one who is perverted in his ways despises him.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back,

\par }{\Q but the words of the wise protect them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean,

\par }{\Q but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A truthful witness does not lie,

\par }{\Q but a false witness breathes out lies.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none,

\par }{\Q but understanding is easy for a discerning person.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Leave the presence of a foolish person,

\par }{\Q or you will not understand wise counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way,

\par }{\Q but the folly of fools is deception.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Fools mock at reparation,

\par }{\Q but among the upright there is favor.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The heart knows its own bitterness,

\par }{\Q and with its joy no one else can share.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The household of the wicked will be destroyed,

\par }{\Q but the tent of the upright will flourish.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}There is a way that seems right to a person,

\par }{\Q but its end is the way that leads to death.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Even in laughter the heart may ache,

\par }{\Q and the end of joy may be grief.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The backslider will be paid back from his own ways,

\par }{\Q but a good person will be rewarded for his.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A naive person believes everything,

\par }{\Q but the shrewd person discerns his steps.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A wise person is cautious and turns from evil,

\par }{\Q but a fool throws off restraint and is overconfident.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A person who has a quick temper does foolish things,

\par }{\Q and a person with crafty schemes is hated.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The naive inherit folly,

\par }{\Q but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Those who are evil will bow before those who are good,

\par }{\Q and the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A poor person is disliked even by his neighbors,

\par }{\Q but those who love the rich are many.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The one who despises his neighbor sins,

\par }{\Q but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Do not those who devise evil go astray?

\par }{\Q But those who plan good exhibit faithful covenant love.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}In all hard work there is profit,

\par }{\Q but merely talking about it only brings poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The crown of the wise is their riches,

\par }{\Q but the folly of fools is folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A truthful witness rescues lives,

\par }{\Q but the one who breathes lies brings deception.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}In the fear of the
{\ND{Lord}} one has strong confidence,

\par }{\Q and it will be a refuge for his children.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The fear of the
{\ND{Lord}} is like a life-giving fountain,

\par }{\Q to turn people from deadly snares.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A king’s glory is the abundance of people,

\par }{\Q but the lack of subjects is the ruin of a ruler.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The one who is slow to anger has great understanding,

\par }{\Q but the one who has a quick temper exalts folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}A tranquil spirit revives the body,

\par }{\Q but envy is rottenness to the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator,

\par }{\Q but whoever shows favor to the needy honors him.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The wicked will be thrown down in his trouble,

\par }{\Q but the righteous have refuge even in the threat of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning;

\par }{\Q it is known even in the heart of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Righteousness exalts a nation,

\par }{\Q but sin is a disgrace to any people.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}The king shows favor to a wise servant,

\par }{\Q but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.




\par }\Chap{15}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}A gentle response turns away anger,

\par }{\Q but a harsh word stirs up wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly,

\par }{\Q but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The eyes of the
{\ND{Lord}} are in every place,

\par }{\Q keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree,

\par }{\Q but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A fool rejects his father’s discipline,

\par }{\Q but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth,

\par }{\Q but the income of the wicked brings trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

\par }{\Q but not so the heart of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors the sacrifices of the wicked,

\par }{\Q but the prayer of the upright pleases him.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors the way of the wicked,

\par }{\Q but he loves those who pursue righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way;

\par }{\Q the one who hates reproof will die.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Death and Destruction are before the
{\ND{Lord}} –

\par }{\Q how much more the hearts of humans!


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The scorner does not love one who corrects him;

\par }{\Q he will not go to the wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A joyful heart makes the face cheerful,

\par }{\Q but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

\par }{\Q but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}All the days of the afflicted are bad,

\par }{\Q but one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Better is little with the fear of the
{\ND{Lord}}

\par }{\Q than great wealth and turmoil with it.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Better a meal of vegetables where there is love

\par }{\Q than a fattened ox where there is hatred.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension,

\par }{\Q but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,

\par }{\Q but the path of the upright is like a highway.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A wise child brings joy to his father,

\par }{\Q but a foolish person despises his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense,

\par }{\Q but one who has understanding follows an upright course.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Plans fail when there is no counsel,

\par }{\Q but with abundant advisers they are established.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer,

\par }{\Q and a word at the right time – how good it is!


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The path of life is upward for the wise person,

\par }{\Q to keep him from going downward to Sheol.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The
{\ND{Lord}} tears down the house of the proud,

\par }{\Q but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors the plans of the wicked,

\par }{\Q but pleasant words are pure.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household,

\par }{\Q but whoever hates bribes will live.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The heart of the righteous considers how to answer,

\par }{\Q but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The
{\ND{Lord}} is far from the wicked,

\par }{\Q but he hears the prayer of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}A bright look brings joy to the heart,

\par }{\Q and good news gives health to the body.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The person who hears the reproof that leads to life

\par }{\Q is at home among the wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The one who refuses correction despises himself,

\par }{\Q but whoever hears reproof acquires understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The fear of the
{\ND{Lord}} provides wise instruction,

\par }{\Q and before honor comes humility.




\par }\Chap{16}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The intentions of the heart belong to a man,

\par }{\Q but the answer of the tongue comes from the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion,

\par }{\Q but the
{\ND{Lord}} evaluates the motives.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Commit your works to the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q and your plans will be established.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
{\ND{Lord}} works everything for its own ends –

\par }{\Q even the wicked for the day of disaster.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors every arrogant person;

\par }{\Q rest assured that they will not go unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased;

\par }{\Q through fearing the
{\ND{Lord}} one avoids evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}When a person’s ways are pleasing to the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q he even reconciles his enemies to himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Better to have a little with righteousness

\par }{\Q than to have abundant income without justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A person plans his course,

\par }{\Q but the
{\ND{Lord}} directs his steps.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The divine verdict is in the words of the king,

\par }{\Q his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Honest scales and balances are from the
{\ND{Lord}};

\par }{\Q all the weights in the bag are his handiwork.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings,

\par }{\Q because a throne is established in righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The delight of kings is righteous counsel,

\par }{\Q and they love the one who speaks uprightly.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death,

\par }{\Q but a wise person appeases it.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}In the light of the king’s face there is life,

\par }{\Q and his favor is like the clouds of the spring rain.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold;

\par }{\Q to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil;

\par }{\Q the one who guards his way safeguards his life.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Pride goes before destruction,

\par }{\Q and a haughty spirit before a fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted

\par }{\Q than to share the spoils with the proud.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success,

\par }{\Q and blessed is the one who trusts in the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The one who is wise in heart is called discerning,

\par }{\Q and kind speech increases persuasiveness.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it,

\par }{\Q but folly leads to the discipline of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise

\par }{\Q and it adds persuasiveness to his words.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

\par }{\Q sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}There is a way that seems right to a person,

\par }{\Q but its end is the way that leads to death.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf,

\par }{\Q for his hunger urges him to work.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A wicked scoundrel digs up evil,

\par }{\Q and his slander is like a scorching fire.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A perverse person spreads dissension,

\par }{\Q and a gossip separates the closest friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A violent person entices his neighbor,

\par }{\Q and leads him down a path that is terrible.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The one who winks his eyes devises perverse things,

\par }{\Q and one who compresses his lips brings about evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Gray hair is like a crown of glory;

\par }{\Q it is attained in the path of righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior,

\par }{\Q and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The dice are thrown into the lap,

\par }{\Q but their every decision is from the
{\ND{Lord}}.




\par }\Chap{17}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness

\par }{\Q than a house full of feasting with strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A servant who acts wisely will rule

\par }{\Q over an heir who behaves shamefully,

\par }{\Q and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold,

\par }{\Q likewise the
{\ND{Lord}} tests hearts.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel;

\par }{\Q a liar listens to a malicious tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator;

\par }{\Q whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly,

\par }{\Q and the glory of children is their parents.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool;

\par }{\Q how much less are lies for a ruler!


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it;

\par }{\Q in whatever he does he succeeds.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The one who forgives an offense seeks love,

\par }{\Q but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person

\par }{\Q than a hundred blows on a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}An evil person seeks only rebellion,

\par }{\Q and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs,

\par }{\Q than to encounter a fool in his folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}As for the one who repays evil for good,

\par }{\Q evil will not leave his house.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Starting a quarrel is like letting out water;

\par }{\Q stop it before strife breaks out!


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent –

\par }{\Q both of them are an abomination to the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Of what use is money in the hand of a fool,

\par }{\Q since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A friend loves at all times,

\par }{\Q and a relative is born to help in adversity.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge,

\par }{\Q and puts up financial security for his neighbor.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression;

\par }{\Q whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The one who has a perverse heart does not find good,

\par }{\Q and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief,

\par }{\Q and the father of a fool has no joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A cheerful heart brings good healing,

\par }{\Q but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A wicked person receives a bribe secretly

\par }{\Q to pervert the ways of justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person,

\par }{\Q but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A foolish child is a grief to his father,

\par }{\Q and bitterness to the mother who bore him.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}It is terrible to punish a righteous person,

\par }{\Q and to flog honorable men is wrong.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The truly wise person restrains his words,

\par }{\Q and the one who stays calm is discerning.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise,

\par }{\Q and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.




\par }\Chap{18}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires;

\par }{\Q he rejects all sound judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A fool takes no pleasure in understanding

\par }{\Q but only in disclosing what is on his mind.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him,

\par }{\Q and with shame comes a reproach.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters,

\par }{\Q and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked,

\par }{\Q by depriving a righteous man of justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The lips of a fool enter into strife,

\par }{\Q and his mouth invites a flogging.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The mouth of a fool is his ruin,

\par }{\Q and his lips are a snare for his life.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

\par }{\Q they go down into the person’s innermost being.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The one who is slack in his work

\par }{\Q is a brother to one who destroys.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The name of the
{\ND{Lord}} is like a strong tower;

\par }{\Q the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city,

\par }{\Q and it is like a high wall in his imagination.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Before destruction the heart of a person is proud,

\par }{\Q but humility comes before honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The one who gives an answer before he listens –

\par }{\Q that is his folly and his shame.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness –

\par }{\Q but who can bear a crushed spirit?


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The discerning person acquires knowledge,

\par }{\Q and the wise person seeks knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A person’s gift makes room for him,

\par }{\Q and leads him before important people.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The first to state his case seems right,

\par }{\Q until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A toss of a coin ends disputes,

\par }{\Q and settles the issue between strong opponents.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city,

\par }{\Q and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied,

\par }{\Q with the product of his lips is he satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

\par }{\Q and those who love its use will eat its fruit.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable,

\par }{\Q and receives a pleasurable gift from the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A poor person makes supplications,

\par }{\Q but a rich man answers harshly.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A person who has friends may be harmed by them,

\par }{\Q but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.




\par }\Chap{19}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

\par }{\Q than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge,

\par }{\Q and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A person’s folly subverts his way,

\par }{\Q and his heart rages against the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wealth adds many friends,

\par }{\Q but a poor person is separated from his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A false witness will not go unpunished,

\par }{\Q and the one who spouts out lies will not escape punishment.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many people entreat the favor of a generous person,

\par }{\Q and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}All the relatives of a poor person hate him;

\par }{\Q how much more do his friends avoid him –

\par }{\Q he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The one who acquires wisdom loves himself;

\par }{\Q the one who preserves understanding will prosper.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A false witness will not go unpunished,

\par }{\Q and the one who spouts out lies will perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Luxury is not appropriate for a fool;

\par }{\Q how much less for a servant to rule over princes!


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger,

\par }{\Q and it is his glory to overlook an offense.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion,

\par }{\Q but his favor is like dew on the grass.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A foolish child is the ruin of his father,

\par }{\Q and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A house and wealth are inherited from parents,

\par }{\Q but a prudent wife is from the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Laziness brings on a deep sleep,

\par }{\Q and the idle person will go hungry.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The one who obeys commandments guards his life;

\par }{\Q the one who despises his ways will die.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q and the
{\ND{Lord}} will repay him for his good deed.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Discipline your child, for there is hope,

\par }{\Q but do not set your heart on causing his death.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A person with great anger bears the penalty,

\par }{\Q but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Listen to advice and receive discipline,

\par }{\Q that you may become wise by the end of your life.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}There are many plans in a person’s mind,

\par }{\Q but it is the counsel of the
{\ND{Lord}} which will stand.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love,

\par }{\Q and a poor person is better than a liar.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Fearing the
{\ND{Lord}} leads to life,

\par }{\Q and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish,

\par }{\Q and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence;

\par }{\Q correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The one who robs his father and chases away his mother

\par }{\Q is a son who brings shame and disgrace.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}If you stop listening to instruction, my child,

\par }{\Q you will stray from the words of knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A crooked witness scorns justice,

\par }{\Q and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Judgments are prepared for scorners,

\par }{\Q and floggings for the backs of fools.




\par }\Chap{20}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler;

\par }{\Q whoever goes astray by them is not wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion;

\par }{\Q whoever provokes him sins against himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}It is an honor for a person to cease from strife,

\par }{\Q but every fool quarrels.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The sluggard will not plow during the planting season,

\par }{\Q so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Counsel in a person’s heart is like deep water,

\par }{\Q but an understanding person draws it out.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many people profess their loyalty,

\par }{\Q but a faithful person – who can find?


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The righteous person behaves in integrity;

\par }{\Q blessed are his children after him.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A king sitting on the throne to judge

\par }{\Q separates out all evil with his eyes.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Who can say, “I have kept my heart clean;

\par }{\Q I am pure from my sin”?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Diverse weights and diverse measures –

\par }{\Q the
{\ND{Lord}} abhors both of them.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Even a young man is known by his actions,

\par }{\Q whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The ear that hears and the eye that sees –

\par }{\Q the
{\ND{Lord}} has made them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished;

\par }{\Q open your eyes so that you might be satisfied with food.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}“It’s worthless! It’s worthless!” says the buyer,

\par }{\Q but when he goes on his way, he boasts.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}There is gold, and an abundance of rubies,

\par }{\Q but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger,

\par }{\Q and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person,

\par }{\Q but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Plans are established by counsel,

\par }{\Q so make war with guidance.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets;

\par }{\Q therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The one who curses his father and his mother,

\par }{\Q his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}An inheritance gained easily in the beginning

\par }{\Q will not be blessed in the end.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Do not say, “I will pay back evil!”

\par }{\Q Wait for the
{\ND{Lord}}, so that he may vindicate you.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
{\ND{Lord}} abhors differing weights,

\par }{\Q and dishonest scales are wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The steps of a person are ordained by the
{\ND{Lord}} –

\par }{\Q so how can anyone understand his own way?


\par }{\Q \VS{25}It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!”

\par }{\Q and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}A wise king separates out the wicked;

\par }{\Q he turns the threshing wheel over them.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The human spirit is like the lamp of the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q searching all his innermost parts.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Loyal love and truth preserve a king,

\par }{\Q and his throne is upheld by loyal love.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The glory of young men is their strength,

\par }{\Q and the splendor of old men is gray hair.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil,

\par }{\Q and floggings cleanse the innermost being.




\par }\Chap{21}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The king’s heart is in the hand of the
{\ND{Lord}} like channels of water;

\par }{\Q he turns it wherever he wants.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion,

\par }{\Q but the
{\ND{Lord}} evaluates the motives.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To do righteousness and justice

\par }{\Q is more acceptable to the
{\ND{Lord}} than sacrifice.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Haughty eyes and a proud heart –

\par }{\Q the agricultural product of the wicked is sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty,

\par }{\Q but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth;

\par }{\Q they seek death.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The violence done by the wicked will drag them away

\par }{\Q because they refuse to do what is right.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The way of the guilty person is devious,

\par }{\Q but as for the pure, his way is upright.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}It is better to live on a corner of the housetop

\par }{\Q than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The appetite of the wicked desires evil;

\par }{\Q his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise;

\par }{\Q when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked;

\par }{\Q he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,

\par }{\Q he too will cry out and will not be answered.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A gift given in secret subdues anger,

\par }{\Q and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Doing justice brings joy to the righteous

\par }{\Q and terror to those who do evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The one who wanders from the way of wisdom

\par }{\Q will end up in the company of the departed.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person;

\par }{\Q whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,

\par }{\Q and the faithless are taken in the place of the upright.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}It is better to live in a desert land

\par }{\Q than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise,

\par }{\Q but a foolish person devours all he has.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The one who pursues righteousness and love

\par }{\Q finds life, bounty, and honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The wise person can scale the city of the mighty

\par }{\Q and bring down the stronghold in which they trust.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The one who guards his mouth and his tongue

\par }{\Q keeps his life from troubles.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,”

\par }{\Q acts with overbearing pride.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}What the sluggard desires will kill him,

\par }{\Q for his hands refuse to work.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}All day long he craves greedily,

\par }{\Q but the righteous gives and does not hold back.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The wicked person’s sacrifice is an abomination;

\par }{\Q how much more when he brings it with evil intent!


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A lying witness will perish,

\par }{\Q but the one who reports accurately speaks forever.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A wicked person shows boldness with his face,

\par }{\Q but as for the upright, he discerns his ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}There is no wisdom and there is no understanding,

\par }{\Q and there is no counsel against the
{\ND{Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}A horse is prepared for the day of battle,

\par }{\Q but the victory is from the
{\ND{Lord}}.




\par }\Chap{22}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth,

\par }{\Q good favor more than silver or gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The rich and the poor meet together;

\par }{\Q the
{\ND{Lord}} is the creator of them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself,

\par }{\Q but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The reward for humility and fearing the
{\ND{Lord}}

\par }{\Q is riches and honor and life.


\par }{\PP \par }
{\Q \VS{5}Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse,

\par }{\Q but the one who guards himself keeps far from them.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Train a child in the way that he should go,

\par }{\Q and when he is old he will not turn from it.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The rich rule over the poor,

\par }{\Q and the borrower is servant to the lender.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble,

\par }{\Q and the rod of his fury will end.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A generous person will be blessed,

\par }{\Q for he gives some of his food to the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Drive out the scorner and contention will leave;

\par }{\Q strife and insults will cease.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The one who loves a pure heart

\par }{\Q and whose speech is gracious – the king will be his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The eyes of the
{\ND{Lord}} guard knowledge,

\par }{\Q but he overthrows the words of the faithless person.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!

\par }{\Q I will be killed in the middle of the streets!”


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit;

\par }{\Q the one against whom the
{\ND{Lord}} is angry will fall into it.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

\par }{\Q but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain

\par }{\Q and the one who gives to the rich – both end up only in poverty.


\par }{\SH The Sayings of the Wise
\par }
{\Q \VS{17}Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise,

\par }{\Q and apply your heart to my instruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For it is pleasing if you keep these sayings within you,

\par }{\Q and they are ready on your lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}So that your confidence may be in the
{\ND{Lord}},

\par }{\Q I am making them known to you today – even you.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

\par }{\Q sayings of counsel and knowledge,


\par }{\Q \VS{21}to show you true and reliable words,

\par }{\Q so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you?


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Do not exploit a poor person because he is poor

\par }{\Q and do not crush the needy in court,


\par }{\Q \VS{23}for the
{\ND{Lord}} will plead their case

\par }{\Q and will rob those who are robbing them.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Do not make friends with an angry person,

\par }{\Q and do not associate with a wrathful person,


\par }{\Q \VS{25}lest you learn his ways

\par }{\Q and entangle yourself in a snare.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Do not be one who strikes hands in pledge

\par }{\Q or who puts up security for debts.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}If you do not have enough to pay,

\par }{\Q your bed will be taken right out from under you!


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Do not move an ancient boundary stone

\par }{\Q which was put in place by your ancestors.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Do you see a person skilled in his work?

\par }{\Q He will take his position before kings;

\par }{\Q he will not take his position before obscure people.




\par }\Chap{23}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

\par }{\Q consider carefully what is before you,


\par }{\Q \VS{2}and put a knife to your throat

\par }{\Q if you possess a large appetite.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do not crave that ruler’s delicacies,

\par }{\Q for that food is deceptive.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Do not wear yourself out to become rich;

\par }{\Q be wise enough to restrain yourself.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}When you gaze upon riches, they are gone,

\par }{\Q for they surely make wings for themselves,

\par }{\Q and fly off into the sky like an eagle!


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Do not eat the food of a stingy person,

\par }{\Q do not crave his delicacies;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}for he is like someone calculating the cost in his mind.

\par }{\Q “Eat and drink,” he says to you,

\par }{\Q but his heart is not with you;


\par }{\Q \VS{8}you will vomit up the little bit you have eaten,

\par }{\Q and will have wasted your pleasant words.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Do not speak in the ears of a fool,

\par }{\Q for he will despise the wisdom of your words.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Do not move an ancient boundary stone,

\par }{\Q or take over the fields of the fatherless,


\par }{\Q \VS{11}for their Protector is strong;

\par }{\Q he will plead their case against you.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Apply your heart to instruction

\par }{\Q and your ears to the words of knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Do not withhold discipline from a child;

\par }{\Q even if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}If you strike him with the rod,

\par }{\Q you will deliver him from death.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}My child, if your heart is wise,

\par }{\Q then my heart also will be glad;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}my soul will rejoice

\par }{\Q when your lips speak what is right.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Do not let your heart envy sinners,

\par }{\Q but rather be zealous in fearing the
{\ND{Lord}} all the time.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For surely there is a future,

\par }{\Q and your hope will not be cut off.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Listen, my child, and be wise,

\par }{\Q and guide your heart on the right way.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Do not spend time among drunkards,

\par }{\Q among those who eat too much meat,


\par }{\Q \VS{21}because drunkards and gluttons become impoverished,

\par }{\Q and drowsiness clothes them with rags.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Listen to your father who begot you,

\par }{\Q and do not despise your mother when she is old.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Acquire truth and do not sell it –

\par }{\Q wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The father of a righteous person will rejoice greatly;

\par }{\Q whoever fathers a wise child will have joy in him.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}May your father and your mother have joy;

\par }{\Q may she who bore you rejoice.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Give me your heart, my son,

\par }{\Q and let your eyes observe my ways;


\par }{\Q \VS{27}for a prostitute is like a deep pit;

\par }{\Q a harlot is like a narrow well.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Indeed, she lies in wait like a robber,

\par }{\Q and increases the unfaithful among men.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

\par }{\Q Who has contentions? Who has complaints?

\par }{\Q Who has wounds without cause? Who has dullness of the eyes?


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Those who linger over wine,

\par }{\Q those who go looking for mixed wine.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Do not look on the wine when it is red,

\par }{\Q when it sparkles in the cup,

\par }{\Q when it goes down smoothly.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}Afterward it bites like a snake,

\par }{\Q and stings like a viper.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Your eyes will see strange things,

\par }{\Q and your mind will speak perverse things.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}And you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

\par }{\Q and like one who lies down on the top of the rigging.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}You will say, “They have struck me, but I am not harmed!

\par }{\Q They beat me, but I did not know it!

\par }{\Q When will I awake? I will look for another drink.”




\par }\Chap{24}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Do not envy evil people,

\par }{\Q do not desire to be with them;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}for their hearts contemplate violence,

\par }{\Q and their lips speak harm.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}By wisdom a house is built,

\par }{\Q and through understanding it is established;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}by knowledge its rooms are filled

\par }{\Q with all kinds of precious and pleasing treasures.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A wise warrior is strong,

\par }{\Q and a man of knowledge makes his strength stronger;


\par }{\Q \VS{6}for with guidance you wage your war,

\par }{\Q and with numerous advisers there is victory.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom is unattainable for a fool;

\par }{\Q in court he does not open his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The one who plans to do evil

\par }{\Q will be called a scheming person.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A foolish scheme is sin,

\par }{\Q and the scorner is an abomination to people.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}If you faint in the day of trouble,

\par }{\Q your strength is small!


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Deliver those being taken away to death,

\par }{\Q and hold back those slipping to the slaughter.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If you say, “But we did not know about this,”

\par }{\Q does not the one who evaluates hearts consider?

\par }{\Q Does not the one who guards your life know?

\par }{\Q Will he not repay each person according to his deeds?


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Eat honey, my child, for it is good,

\par }{\Q and honey from the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Likewise, know that wisdom is sweet to your soul;

\par }{\Q if you find it, you will have a future,

\par }{\Q and your hope will not be cut off.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Do not lie in wait like the wicked against the place where the righteous live;

\par }{\Q do not assault his home.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Although a righteous person may fall seven times, he gets up again,

\par }{\Q but the wicked will be brought down by calamity.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,

\par }{\Q and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice,


\par }{\Q \VS{18}lest the
{\ND{Lord}} see it, and be displeased,

\par }{\Q and turn his wrath away from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Do not fret because of evil people

\par }{\Q or be envious of wicked people,


\par }{\Q \VS{20}for the evil person has no future,

\par }{\Q and the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Fear the
{\ND{Lord}}, my child, as well as the king,

\par }{\Q and do not associate with rebels,


\par }{\Q \VS{22}for suddenly their destruction will overtake them,

\par }{\Q and who knows the ruinous judgment both the
{\ND{Lord}} and the king can bring?


\par }{\SH Further Sayings of the Wise
\par }
{\Q \VS{23}These sayings also are from the wise:

\par }{\Q To show partiality in judgment is terrible:


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The one who says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”

\par }{\Q peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty,

\par }{\Q and a pleasing blessing will come on them.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Like a kiss on the lips

\par }{\Q is the one who gives an honest answer.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Establish your work outside and get your fields ready;

\par }{\Q afterward build your house.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,

\par }{\Q and do not deceive with your words.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

\par }{\Q I will pay him back according to what he has done.”


\par }{\Q \VS{30}I passed by the field of a sluggard,

\par }{\Q by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}I saw that thorns had grown up all over it,

\par }{\Q the ground was covered with weeds,

\par }{\Q and its stone wall was broken down.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it;

\par }{\Q I received instruction from what I saw:


\par }{\Q \VS{33}“A little sleep, a little slumber,

\par }{\Q a little folding of the hands to relax,


\par }{\Q \VS{34}and your poverty will come like a bandit,

\par }{\Q and your need like an armed robber.”




\par }\Chap{25}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}These also are proverbs of Solomon,

\par }{\Q which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,

\par }{\Q and it is the glory of a king to search out a matter.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}As the heaven is high and the earth is deep

\par }{\Q so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Remove the dross from the silver,

\par }{\Q and material for the silversmith will emerge;


\par }{\Q \VS{5}remove the wicked from before the king,

\par }{\Q and his throne will be established in righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Do not honor yourself before the king,

\par }{\Q and do not stand in the place of great men;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”

\par }{\Q than to put you lower before a prince,

\par }{\Q whom your eyes have seen.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Do not go out hastily to litigation,

\par }{\Q or what will you do afterward

\par }{\Q when your neighbor puts you to shame?


\par }{\Q \VS{9}When you argue a case with your neighbor,

\par }{\Q do not reveal the secret of another person,


\par }{\Q \VS{10}lest the one who hears it put you to shame

\par }{\Q and your infamy will never go away.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Like apples of gold in settings of silver,

\par }{\Q so is a word skillfully spoken.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold,

\par }{\Q so is a wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest,

\par }{\Q so is a faithful messenger to those who send him,

\par }{\Q for he refreshes the heart of his masters.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Like cloudy skies and wind that produce no rain,

\par }{\Q so is the one who boasts of a gift not given.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

\par }{\Q and a soft tongue can break a bone.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}When you find honey, eat only what is sufficient for you,

\par }{\Q lest you become stuffed with it and vomit it up.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Don’t set foot too frequently in your neighbor’s house,

\par }{\Q lest he become weary of you and hate you.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow,

\par }{\Q so is the one who testifies against his neighbor as a false witness.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Like a bad tooth or a foot out of joint,

\par }{\Q so is confidence in an unfaithful person at the time of trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,

\par }{\Q or like vinegar poured on soda,

\par }{\Q so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,

\par }{\Q and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,


\par }{\Q \VS{22}for you will heap coals of fire on his head,

\par }{\Q and the
{\ND{Lord}} will reward you.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The north wind brings forth rain,

\par }{\Q and a gossiping tongue brings forth an angry look.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}It is better to live on a corner of the housetop

\par }{\Q than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Like cold water to a weary person,

\par }{\Q so is good news from a distant land.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Like a muddied spring and a polluted well,

\par }{\Q so is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}It is not good to eat too much honey,

\par }{\Q nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Like a city that is broken down and without a wall,

\par }{\Q so is a person who cannot control his temper.




\par }\Chap{26}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,

\par }{\Q so honor is not fitting for a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Like a fluttering bird or like a flying swallow,

\par }{\Q so a curse without cause does not come to rest.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey,

\par }{\Q and a rod for the backs of fools!


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q lest you yourself also be like him.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Answer a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q lest he be wise in his own estimation.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Like cutting off the feet or drinking violence,

\par }{\Q so is sending a message by the hand of a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Like legs that hang limp from the lame,

\par }{\Q so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Like tying a stone in a sling,

\par }{\Q so is giving honor to a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard,

\par }{\Q so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Like an archer who wounds at random,

\par }{\Q so is the one who hires a fool or hires any passer-by.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Like a dog that returns to its vomit,

\par }{\Q so a fool repeats his folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?

\par }{\Q There is more hope for a fool than for him.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!

\par }{\Q A lion in the streets!”


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Like a door that turns on its hinges,

\par }{\Q so a sluggard turns on his bed.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish;

\par }{\Q he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The sluggard is wiser in his own estimation

\par }{\Q than seven people who respond with good sense.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears,

\par }{\Q so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Like a madman who shoots

\par }{\Q firebrands and deadly arrows,


\par }{\Q \VS{19}so is a person who deceives his neighbor,

\par }{\Q and says, “Was I not only joking?”


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Where there is no wood, a fire goes out,

\par }{\Q and where there is no gossip, contention ceases.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,

\par }{\Q so is a contentious person to kindle strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels;

\par }{\Q they go down into a person’s innermost being.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Like a coating of glaze over earthenware

\par }{\Q are fervent lips with an evil heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The one who hates others disguises it with his lips,

\par }{\Q but he stores up deceit within him.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

\par }{\Q for there are seven abominations within him.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit,

\par }{\Q his evil will be uncovered in the assembly.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The one who digs a pit will fall into it;

\par }{\Q the one who rolls a stone – it will come back on him.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A lying tongue hates those crushed by it,

\par }{\Q and a flattering mouth works ruin.




\par }\Chap{27}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Do not boast about tomorrow;

\par }{\Q for you do not know what a day may bring forth.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

\par }{\Q someone else, and not your own lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,

\par }{\Q but vexation by a fool is more burdensome than the two of them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming,

\par }{\Q but who can stand before jealousy?


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Better is open rebuke

\par }{\Q than hidden love.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

\par }{\Q but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The one whose appetite is satisfied loathes honey,

\par }{\Q but to the hungry mouth every bitter thing is sweet.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Like a bird that wanders from its nest,

\par }{\Q so is a person who wanders from his home.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice,

\par }{\Q likewise the sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,

\par }{\Q and do not enter your brother’s house in the day of your disaster;

\par }{\Q a neighbor nearby is better than a brother far away.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,

\par }{\Q so that I may answer anyone who taunts me.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself,

\par }{\Q but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger,

\par }{\Q and when he gives surety for a stranger, hold him in pledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,

\par }{\Q it will be counted as a curse to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A continual dripping on a rainy day

\par }{\Q and a contentious wife are alike.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Whoever hides her hides the wind

\par }{\Q or grasps oil with his right hand.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}As iron sharpens iron,

\par }{\Q so a person sharpens his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The one who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,

\par }{\Q and whoever takes care of his master will be honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}As in water the face is reflected as a face,

\par }{\Q so a person’s heart reflects the person.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}As Death and Destruction are never satisfied,

\par }{\Q so the eyes of a person are never satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold,

\par }{\Q so a person is proved by the praise he receives.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}If you should pound the fool in the mortar

\par }{\Q among the grain with the pestle,

\par }{\Q his foolishness would not depart from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Pay careful attention to the condition of your flocks,

\par }{\Q give careful attention to your herds,


\par }{\Q \VS{24}for riches do not last forever,

\par }{\Q nor does a crown last from generation to generation.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When the hay is removed and new grass appears,

\par }{\Q and the grass from the hills is gathered in,


\par }{\Q \VS{26}the lambs will be for your clothing,

\par }{\Q and the goats will be for the price of a field.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}And there will be enough goat’s milk for your food,

\par }{\Q for the food of your household,

\par }{\Q and for the sustenance of your servant girls.




\par }\Chap{28}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing,

\par }{\Q but the righteous person is as confident as a lion.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When a country is rebellious it has many princes,

\par }{\Q but by someone who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A poor person who oppresses the weak

\par }{\Q is like a driving rain without food.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

\par }{\Q but those who keep the law contend with them.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Evil people do not understand justice,

\par }{\Q but those who seek the
{\ND{Lord}} understand it all.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A poor person who walks in his integrity is better

\par }{\Q than one who is perverse in his ways even though he is rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The one who keeps the law is a discerning child,

\par }{\Q but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his parents.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest

\par }{\Q gathers it for someone who is gracious to the needy.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law,

\par }{\Q even his prayer is an abomination.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The one who leads the upright astray in an evil way

\par }{\Q will himself fall into his own pit,

\par }{\Q but the blameless will inherit what is good.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A rich person is wise in his own eyes,

\par }{\Q but a discerning poor person can evaluate him properly.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}When the righteous rejoice, great is the glory,

\par }{\Q but when the wicked rise to power, people are sought out.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper,

\par }{\Q but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Blessed is the one who is always cautious,

\par }{\Q but whoever hardens his heart will fall into evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Like a roaring lion or a roving bear,

\par }{\Q so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom,

\par }{\Q but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The one who is tormented by the murder of another will flee to the pit;

\par }{\Q let no one support him.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The one who walks blamelessly will be delivered,

\par }{\Q but whoever is perverse in his ways will fall at once.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The one who works his land will be satisfied with food,

\par }{\Q but whoever chases daydreams will have his fill of poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A faithful person will have an abundance of blessings,

\par }{\Q but the one who hastens to gain riches will not go unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}To show partiality is terrible,

\par }{\Q for a person will transgress over the smallest piece of bread.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The stingy person hastens after riches

\par }{\Q and does not know that poverty will overtake him.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The one who reproves another will in the end find more favor

\par }{\Q than the one who flatters with the tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The one who robs his father and mother and says, “There is no transgression,”

\par }{\Q is a companion to the one who destroys.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The greedy person stirs up dissension,

\par }{\Q but the one who trusts in the
{\ND{Lord}} will prosper.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

\par }{\Q but the one who walks in wisdom will escape.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The one who gives to the poor will not lack,

\par }{\Q but whoever shuts his eyes to them will receive many curses.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}When the wicked gain control, people hide themselves,

\par }{\Q but when they perish, the righteous increase.




\par }\Chap{29}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes

\par }{\Q will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice;

\par }{\Q when the wicked rule, the people groan.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

\par }{\Q but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A king brings stability to a land by justice,

\par }{\Q but one who exacts tribute tears it down.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The one who flatters his neighbor

\par }{\Q spreads a net for his steps.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,

\par }{\Q but a righteous person can sing and rejoice.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor;

\par }{\Q the wicked does not understand such knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Scornful people inflame a city,

\par }{\Q but those who are wise turn away wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person,

\par }{\Q there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity;

\par }{\Q as for the upright, they seek his life.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A fool lets fly with all his temper,

\par }{\Q but a wise person keeps it back.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If a ruler listens to lies,

\par }{\Q all his ministers will be wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:

\par }{\Q the
{\ND{Lord}} gives light to the eyes of them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}If a king judges the poor in truth,

\par }{\Q his throne will be established forever.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A rod and reproof impart wisdom,

\par }{\Q but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

\par }{\Q but the righteous will see their downfall.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;

\par }{\Q he will bring you happiness.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,

\par }{\Q but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A servant cannot be corrected by words,

\par }{\Q for although he understands, there is no answer.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Do you see someone who is hasty in his words?

\par }{\Q There is more hope for a fool than for him.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}If someone pampers his servant from youth,

\par }{\Q he will be a weakling in the end.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}An angry person stirs up dissension,

\par }{\Q and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A person’s pride will bring him low,

\par }{\Q but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy;

\par }{\Q he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The fear of people becomes a snare,

\par }{\Q but whoever trusts in the
{\ND{Lord}} will be set on high.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Many people seek the face of a ruler,

\par }{\Q but it is from the
{\ND{Lord}} that one receives justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,

\par }{\Q and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.




\par }\Chap{30}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The words of Agur, the son of Jakeh; an oracle:

\par }{\Q This man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ukal:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Surely I am more brutish than any other human being,

\par }{\Q and I do not have human understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}I have not learned wisdom,

\par }{\Q nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Who has ascended into heaven, and then descended?

\par }{\Q Who has gathered up the winds in his fists?

\par }{\Q Who has bound up the waters in his cloak?

\par }{\Q Who has established all the ends of the earth?

\par }{\Q What is his name, and what is his son’s name? – if you know!


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Every word of God is purified;

\par }{\Q he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Do not add to his words,

\par }{\Q lest he reprove you, and prove you to be a liar.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Two things I ask from you;

\par }{\Q do not refuse me before I die:


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Remove falsehood and lies far from me;

\par }{\Q do not give me poverty or riches,

\par }{\Q feed me with my allotted portion of bread,


\par }{\Q \VS{9}lest I become satisfied and act deceptively

\par }{\Q and say, “Who is the
{\ND{Lord}}?”

\par }{\Q Or lest I become poor and steal

\par }{\Q and demean the name of my God.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Do not slander a servant to his master,

\par }{\Q lest he curse you, and you are found guilty.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}There is a generation who curse their fathers

\par }{\Q and do not bless their mothers.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes

\par }{\Q and yet are not washed from their filthiness.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}There is a generation whose eyes are so lofty,

\par }{\Q and whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}There is a generation whose teeth are like swords

\par }{\Q and whose molars are like knives

\par }{\Q to devour the poor from the earth

\par }{\Q and the needy from among the human race.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The leech has two daughters:

\par }{\Q “Give! Give!”

\par }{\Q There are three things that are never satisfied,

\par }{\Q four that never say, “Enough” –


\par }{\Q \VS{16}the grave, the barren womb,

\par }{\Q land that is not satisfied with water,

\par }{\Q and fire that never says, “Enough!”


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The eye that mocks at a father

\par }{\Q and despises obeying a mother –

\par }{\Q the ravens of the valley will peck it out

\par }{\Q and the young vultures will eat it.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}There are three things that are too wonderful for me,

\par }{\Q four that I do not understand:


\par }{\Q \VS{19}the way of an eagle in the sky,

\par }{\Q the way of a snake on a rock,

\par }{\Q the way of a ship in the sea,

\par }{\Q and the way of a man with a woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}This is the way of an adulterous woman:

\par }{\Q she eats and wipes her mouth

\par }{\Q and says, “I have not done wrong.”


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Under three things the earth trembles,

\par }{\Q and under four things it cannot bear up:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}under a servant who becomes king,

\par }{\Q under a fool who is stuffed with food,


\par }{\Q \VS{23}under an unloved woman who is married,

\par }{\Q and under a female servant who dispossesses her mistress.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}There are four things on earth that are small,

\par }{\Q but they are exceedingly wise:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}ants are creatures with little strength,

\par }{\Q but they prepare their food in the summer;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}rock badgers are creatures with little power,

\par }{\Q but they make their homes in the crags;


\par }{\Q \VS{27}locusts have no king,

\par }{\Q but they all go forward by ranks;


\par }{\Q \VS{28}a lizard you can catch with the hand,

\par }{\Q but it gets into the palaces of the king.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}There are three things that are magnificent in their step,

\par }{\Q four things that move about magnificently:


\par }{\Q \VS{30}a lion, mightiest of the beasts,

\par }{\Q who does not retreat from anything;


\par }{\Q \VS{31}a strutting rooster, a male goat,

\par }{\Q and a king with his army around him.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}If you have done foolishly by exalting yourself

\par }{\Q or if you have planned evil,

\par }{\Q put your hand over your mouth!


\par }{\Q \VS{33}For as the churning of milk produces butter

\par }{\Q and as punching the nose produces blood,

\par }{\Q so stirring up anger produces strife.




\par }\Chap{31}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}The words of King Lemuel,

\par }{\Q an oracle that his mother taught him:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}O my son, O son of my womb,

\par }{\Q O son of my vows,


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do not give your strength to women,

\par }{\Q nor your ways to that which ruins kings.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

\par }{\Q it is not for kings to drink wine,

\par }{\Q or for rulers to crave strong drink,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}lest they drink and forget what is decreed,

\par }{\Q and remove from all the poor their legal rights.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,

\par }{\Q and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}let them drink and forget their poverty,

\par }{\Q and remember their misery no more.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak,

\par }{\Q for the legal rights of all the dying.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Open your mouth, judge in righteousness,

\par }{\Q and plead the cause of the poor and needy.


\par }{\SH The Wife of Noble Character
\par }
{\Q \VS{10}Who can find a wife of noble character?

\par }{\Q For her value is far more than rubies.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The heart of her husband has confidence in her,

\par }{\Q and he has no lack of gain.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}She brings him good and not evil

\par }{\Q all the days of her life.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}She obtains wool and flax,

\par }{\Q and she is pleased to work with her hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}She is like the merchant ships;

\par }{\Q she brings her food from afar.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}She also gets up while it is still night,

\par }{\Q and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}She considers a field and buys it;

\par }{\Q from her own income she plants a vineyard.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}She begins her work vigorously,

\par }{\Q and she strengthens her arms.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}She knows that her merchandise is good,

\par }{\Q and her lamp does not go out in the night.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Her hands take hold of the distaff,

\par }{\Q and her hands grasp the spindle.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}She extends her hand to the poor,

\par }{\Q and reaches out her hand to the needy.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

\par }{\Q for all of her household are clothed with scarlet.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}She makes for herself coverlets;

\par }{\Q her clothing is fine linen and purple.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Her husband is well-known in the city gate

\par }{\Q when he sits with the elders of the land.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}She makes linen garments and sells them,

\par }{\Q and supplies the merchants with sashes.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}She is clothed with strength and honor,

\par }{\Q and she can laugh at the time to come.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}She opens her mouth with wisdom,

\par }{\Q and loving instruction is on her tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}She watches over the ways of her household,

\par }{\Q and does not eat the bread of idleness.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Her children rise up and call her blessed,

\par }{\Q her husband also praises her:


\par }{\Q \VS{29}“Many daughters have done valiantly,

\par }{\Q but you surpass them all!”


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting,

\par }{\Q but a woman who fears the
{\ND{Lord}} will be praised.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Give her credit for what she has accomplished,

\par }{\PP and let her works praise her in the city gates.


\par }