Proverbs
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of
David, king of Israel:
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1:2 to know wisdom and instruction;
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to discern the words of understanding;
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1:3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
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in righteousness, justice, and equity;
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1:4 to give prudence to the simple,
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knowledge and discretion to the young man:
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1:5 that the wise man may hear, and
increase in learning;
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that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
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1:6 to understand a proverb, and parables,
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the words and riddles of the wise.
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1:7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of
knowledge;
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but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
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1:8 My son, listen to your father's
instruction,
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and don't forsake your mother's teaching:
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1:9 for they will be a garland to grace
your head,
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and chains around your neck.
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1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, don't
consent.
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1:11 If they say, "Come with us,
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Let's lay in wait for blood;
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let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
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1:12 let's swallow them up alive like
Sheol,
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and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
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1:13 We'll find all valuable wealth.
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We'll fill our houses with spoil.
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1:14 You shall cast your lot among us.
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We'll all have one purse."
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1:15 My son, don't walk in the way with
them.
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Keep your foot from their path,
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1:16 for their feet run to evil.
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They hurry to shed blood.
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1:17 For in vain is the net spread in the
sight of any bird:
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1:18 but these lay wait for their own
blood.
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They lurk secretly for their own lives.
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1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is
greedy for gain.
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It takes away the life of its owners.
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1:20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
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She utters her voice in the public squares.
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1:21 She calls at the head of noisy
places.
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At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:
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1:22 "How long, you simple ones,
will you love simplicity?
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How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,
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and fools hate knowledge?
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1:23 Turn at my reproof.
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Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.
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I will make known my words to you.
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1:24 Because I have called, and you have
refused;
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I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
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1:25 but you have ignored all my counsel,
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and wanted none of my reproof;
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1:26 I also will laugh at your disaster.
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I will mock when calamity overtakes you;
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1:27 when calamity overtakes you like a
storm,
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when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;
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when distress and anguish come on you.
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1:28 Then will they call on me, but I
will not answer.
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They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;
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1:29 because they hated knowledge,
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and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.
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1:30 They wanted none of my counsel.
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They despised all my reproof.
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1:31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit
of their own way,
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and be filled with their own schemes.
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1:32 For the backsliding of the simple
will kill them.
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The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
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1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell
securely,
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and will be at ease, without fear of harm."
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2:1 My son, if you will receive my words,
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and store up my commandments within you;
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2:2 So as to turn your ear to wisdom,
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and apply your heart to understanding;
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2:3 Yes, if you call out for discernment,
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and lift up your voice for understanding;
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2:4 If you seek her as silver,
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and search for her as for hidden treasures:
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2:5 then you will understand the fear of
Yahweh,
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and find the knowledge of God.
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2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom.
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Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
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2:7 He lays up sound wisdom for the
upright.
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He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;
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2:8 that he may guard the paths of justice,
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and preserve the way of his saints.
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2:9 Then you will understand righteousness
and justice,
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equity and every good path.
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2:10 For wisdom will enter into your
heart.
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Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
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2:11 Discretion will watch over you.
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Understanding will keep you,
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2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil,
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from the men who speak perverse things;
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2:13 who forsake the paths of
uprightness,
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to walk in the ways of darkness;
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2:14 who rejoice to do evil,
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and delight in the perverseness of evil;
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2:15 who are crooked in their ways,
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and wayward in their paths:
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2:16 To deliver you from the strange
woman,
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even from the foreigner who flatters with her words;
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2:17 who forsakes the friend of her
youth,
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and forgets the covenant of her God:
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2:18 for her house leads down to death,
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her paths to the dead.
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2:19 None who go to her return again,
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neither do they attain to the paths of life:
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2:20 that you may walk in the way of good
men,
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and keep the paths of the righteous.
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2:21 For the upright will dwell in the
land.
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The perfect will remain in it.
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2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from
the land.
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The treacherous will be rooted out of it.
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3:1 My son, don't forget my teaching;
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but let your heart keep my commandments:
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3:2 for length of days, and years of life,
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and peace, will they add to you.
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3:3 Don't let kindness and truth forsake
you.
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Bind them around your neck.
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Write them on the tablet of your heart.
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3:4 So you will find favor,
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and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
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3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
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and don't lean on your own understanding.
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3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
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and he will make your paths straight.
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3:7 Don't be wise in your own eyes.
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Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
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3:8 It will be health to your body,
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and nourishment to your bones.
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3:9 Honor Yahweh with your substance,
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with the first fruits of all your increase:
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3:10 so your barns will be filled with
plenty,
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and your vats will overflow with new wine.
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3:11 My son, don't despise Yahweh's
discipline,
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neither be weary of his reproof:
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3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves;
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even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
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3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
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the man who gets understanding.
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3:14 For her good profit is better than
getting silver,
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and her return is better than fine gold.
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3:15 She is more precious than rubies.
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None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
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3:16 Length of days is in her right hand.
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In her left hand are riches and honor.
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3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
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All her paths are peace.
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3:18 She is a tree of life to those who
lay hold of her.
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Happy is everyone who retains her.
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3:19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
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By understanding, he established the heavens.
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3:20 By his knowledge, the depths were
broken up,
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and the skies drop down the dew.
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3:21 My son, let them not depart from
your eyes.
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Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
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3:22 so they will be life to your soul,
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and grace for your neck.
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3:23 Then you shall walk in your way
securely.
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Your foot won't stumble.
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3:24 When you lie down, you will not be
afraid.
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Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
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3:25 Don't be afraid of sudden fear,
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neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes:
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3:26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
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and will keep your foot from being taken.
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3:27 Don't withhold good from those to
whom it is due,
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when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
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3:28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go,
and come again;
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tomorrow I will give it to you,"
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when you have it by you.
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3:29 Don't devise evil against your
neighbor,
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seeing he dwells securely by you.
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3:30 Don't strive with a man without
cause,
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if he has done you no harm.
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3:31 Don't envy the man of violence.
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Choose none of his ways.
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3:32 For the perverse is an abomination
to Yahweh,
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but his friendship is with the upright.
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3:33 Yahweh's curse is in the house of
the wicked,
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but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.
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3:34 Surely he mocks the mockers,
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but he gives grace to the humble.
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3:35 The wise will inherit glory,
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but shame will be the promotion of fools.
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4:1 Listen, sons, to a father's
instruction.
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Pay attention and know understanding;
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4:2 for I give you sound learning.
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Don't forsake my law.
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4:3 For I was a son to my father,
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tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
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4:4 He taught me, and said to me:
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"Let your heart retain my words.
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Keep my commandments, and live.
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4:5 Get wisdom.
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Get understanding.
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Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
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4:6 Don't forsake her, and she will
preserve you.
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Love her, and she will keep you.
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4:7 Wisdom is supreme.
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Get wisdom.
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Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
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4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
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She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.
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4:9 She will give to your head a garland of
grace.
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She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."
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4:10 Listen, my son, and receive my
sayings.
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The years of your life will be many.
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4:11 I have taught you in the way of
wisdom.
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I have led you in straight paths.
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4:12 When you go, your steps will not be
hampered.
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When you run, you will not stumble.
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4:13 Take firm hold of instruction.
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Don't let her go.
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Keep her, for she is your life.
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4:14 Don't enter into the path of the
wicked.
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Don't walk in the way of evil men.
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4:15 Avoid it, and don't pass by it.
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Turn from it, and pass on.
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4:16 For they don't sleep, unless they do
evil.
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Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.
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4:17 For they eat the bread of
wickedness,
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and drink the wine of violence.
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4:18 But the path of the righteous is
like the dawning light,
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that shines more and more until the perfect day.
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4:19 The way of the wicked is like
darkness.
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They don't know what they stumble over.
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4:20 My son, attend to my words.
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Turn your ear to my sayings.
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4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes.
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Keep them in the midst of your heart.
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4:22 For they are life to those who find
them,
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and health to their whole body.
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4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
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for out of it is the wellspring of life.
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4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse
mouth.
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Put corrupt lips far from you.
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4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead.
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Fix your gaze directly before you.
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4:26 Make the path of your feet level.
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Let all of your ways be established.
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4:27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to
the left.
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Remove your foot from evil.
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5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
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Turn your ear to my understanding:
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5:2 that you may maintain discretion,
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that your lips may preserve knowledge.
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5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip
honey.
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Her mouth is smoother than oil,
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5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as
wormwood,
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and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
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5:5 Her feet go down to death.
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Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
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5:6 She gives no thought to the way of
life.
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Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.
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5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
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Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
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5:8 Remove your way far from her.
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Don't come near the door of her house,
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5:9 lest you give your honor to others,
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and your years to the cruel one;
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5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth,
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and your labors enrich another man's house.
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5:11 You will groan at your latter end,
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when your flesh and your body are consumed,
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5:12 and say, "How I have hated
instruction,
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and my heart despised reproof;
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5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of
my teachers,
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nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
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5:14 I have come to the brink of utter
ruin,
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in the midst of the gathered assembly."
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5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern,
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running water out of your own well.
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5:16 Should your springs overflow in the
streets,
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streams of water in the public squares?
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5:17 Let them be for yourself alone,
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not for strangers with you.
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5:18 Let your spring be blessed.
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Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
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5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer--
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let her breasts satisfy you at all times.
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Be captivated always with her love.
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5:20 For why should you, my son, be
captivated with an adulteress?
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Why embrace the bosom of another?
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5:21 For the ways of man are before the
eyes of Yahweh.
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He examines all his paths.
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5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare
him.
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The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
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5:23 He will die for lack of instruction.
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In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
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6:1 My son, if you have become collateral
for your neighbor,
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if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
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6:2 You are trapped by the words of your
mouth.
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You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.
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6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver
yourself,
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seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor.
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Go, humble yourself.
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Press your plea with your neighbor.
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6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
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nor slumber to your eyelids.
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6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the
hand of the hunter,
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like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
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6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.
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Consider her ways, and be wise;
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6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or
ruler,
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6:8 provides her bread in the summer,
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and gathers her food in the harvest.
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6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?
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When will you arise out of your sleep?
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6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
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a little folding of the hands to sleep:
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6:11 so your poverty will come as a
robber,
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and your scarcity as an armed man.
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6:12 A worthless person, a man of
iniquity,
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is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
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6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals
with his feet,
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who motions with his fingers;
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6:14 in whose heart is perverseness,
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who devises evil continually,
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who always sows discord.
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6:15 Therefore his calamity will come
suddenly.
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He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
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6:16 There are six things which Yahweh
hates;
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yes, seven which are an abomination to him:
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6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
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hands that shed innocent blood;
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6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
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feet that are swift in running to mischief,
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6:19 a false witness who utters lies,
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and he who sows discord among brothers.
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6:20 My son, keep your father's
commandment,
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and don't forsake your mother's teaching.
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6:21 Bind them continually on your heart.
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Tie them around your neck.
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6:22 When you walk, it will lead you.
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When you sleep, it will watch over you.
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When you awake, it will talk with you.
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6:23 For the commandment is a lamp,
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and the law is light.
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Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
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6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman,
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from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.
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6:25 Don't lust after her beauty in your
heart,
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neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
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6:26 For a prostitute reduces you to a
piece of bread.
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The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
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6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
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and his clothes not be burned?
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6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals,
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and his feet not be scorched?
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6:29 So is he who goes in to his
neighbor's wife.
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Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
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6:30 Men don't despise a thief,
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if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:
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6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore
seven times.
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He shall give all the wealth of his house.
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6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman
is void of understanding.
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He who does it destroys his own soul.
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6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor.
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His reproach will not be wiped away.
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6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the
husband.
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He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
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6:35 He won't regard any ransom,
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neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
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7:1 My son, keep my words.
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Lay up my commandments within you.
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7:2 Keep my commandments and live!
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Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.
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7:3 Bind them on your fingers.
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Write them on the tablet of your heart.
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7:4 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister."
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Call understanding your relative,
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7:5 that they may keep you from the strange
woman,
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from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
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7:6 For at the window of my house,
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I looked out through my lattice.
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7:7 I saw among the simple ones.
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I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
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7:8 passing through the street near her
corner,
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he went the way to her house,
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7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the
day,
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in the middle of the night and in the darkness.
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7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with
the attire of a prostitute,
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and with crafty intent.
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7:11 She is loud and defiant.
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Her feet don't stay in her house.
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7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in
the squares,
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and lurking at every corner.
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7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him.
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With an impudent face she said to him:
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7:14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings
are with me.
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This day I have paid my vows.
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7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you,
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to diligently seek your face,
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and I have found you.
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7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets
of tapestry,
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with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
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7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,
aloes, and cinnamon.
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7:18 Come, let's take our fill of loving
until the morning.
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Let's solace ourselves with loving.
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7:19 For my husband isn't at home.
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He has gone on a long journey.
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7:20 He has taken a bag of money with
him.
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He will come home at the full moon."
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7:21 With persuasive words, she led him
astray.
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With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.
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7:22 He followed her immediately,
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as an ox goes to the slaughter,
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as a fool stepping into a noose.
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7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his
liver,
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as a bird hurries to the snare,
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and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
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7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
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Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
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7:25 Don't let your heart turn to her
ways.
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Don't go astray in her paths,
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7:26 for she has thrown down many
wounded.
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Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
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7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
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going down to the chambers of death.
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8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out?
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Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
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8:2 On the top of high places by the way,
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where the paths meet, she stands.
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8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the
city,
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at the entry doors, she cries aloud:
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8:4 "To you men, I call!
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I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
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8:5 You simple, understand prudence.
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You fools, be of an understanding heart.
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8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent
things.
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The opening of my lips is for right things.
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8:7 For my mouth speaks truth.
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Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
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8:8 All the words of my mouth are in
righteousness.
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There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
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8:9 They are all plain to him who
understands,
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right to those who find knowledge.
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8:10 Receive my instruction rather than
silver;
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knowledge rather than choice gold.
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8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies.
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All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.
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8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence
my dwelling.
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Find out knowledge and discretion.
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8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
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I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
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8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are
mine.
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I have understanding and power.
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8:15 By me kings reign,
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and princes decree justice.
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8:16 By me princes rule;
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nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
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8:17 I love those who love me.
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Those who seek me diligently will find me.
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8:18 With me are riches, honor,
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enduring wealth, and prosperity.
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8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes,
than fine gold;
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my yield than choice silver.
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8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
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in the midst of the paths of justice;
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8:21 That I may give wealth to those who
love me.
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I fill their treasuries.
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8:22 "Yahweh possessed me in the
beginning of his work,
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before his deeds of old.
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8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from
the beginning,
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before the earth existed.
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8:24 When there were no depths, I was
brought forth,
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when there were no springs abounding with water.
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8:25 Before the mountains were settled in
place,
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before the hills, I was brought forth;
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8:26 while as yet he had not made the
earth, nor the fields,
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nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
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8:27 When he established the heavens, I
was there;
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when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
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8:28 when he established the clouds
above,
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when the springs of the deep became strong,
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8:29 when he gave to the sea its
boundary,
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that the waters should not violate his commandment,
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when he marked out the foundations of the earth;
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8:30 then I was the craftsman by his
side.
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I was a delight day by day,
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always rejoicing before him,
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8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world.
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My delight was with the sons of men.
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8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen
to me,
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for blessed are those who keep my ways.
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8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise.
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Don't refuse it.
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8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me,
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watching daily at my gates,
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waiting at my door posts.
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8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life,
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and will obtain favor from Yahweh.
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8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs
his own soul.
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All those who hate me love death."
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9:1 Wisdom has built her house.
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She has carved out her seven pillars.
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9:2 She has prepared her meat.
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She has mixed her wine.
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She has also set her table.
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9:3 She has sent out her maidens.
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She cries from the highest places of the city:
-
9:4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn
in here!"
-
As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
-
9:5 "Come, eat some of my bread,
-
Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
-
9:6 Leave your simple ways, and live.
-
Walk in the way of understanding."
-
-
9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites
insult.
-
He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
-
9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate
you.
-
Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
-
9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be
still wiser.
-
Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
-
9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning
of wisdom.
-
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
-
9:11 For by me your days will be
multiplied.
-
The years of your life will be increased.
-
9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for
yourself.
-
If you mock, you alone will bear it.
-
-
9:13 The foolish woman is loud,
-
Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
-
9:14 She sits at the door of her house,
-
on a seat in the high places of the city,
-
9:15 To call to those who pass by,
-
who go straight on their ways,
-
9:16 "Whoever is simple, let him
turn in here."
-
as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
-
9:17 "Stolen water is sweet.
-
Food eaten in secret is pleasant."
-
9:18 But he doesn't know that the dead
are there,
-
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon.
-
A wise son makes a glad father;
-
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
-
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit
nothing,
-
but righteousness delivers from death.
-
10:3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of
the righteous to go hungry,
-
but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
-
10:4 He becomes poor who works with a
lazy hand,
-
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
-
10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise
son,
-
but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
-
10:6 Blessings are on the head of the
righteous,
-
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
-
10:7 The memory of the righteous is
blessed,
-
but the name of the wicked will rot.
-
10:8 The wise in heart accept
commandments,
-
but a chattering fool will fall.
-
10:9 He who walks blamelessly walks
surely,
-
but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
-
10:10 One winking with the eye causes
sorrow,
-
but a chattering fool will fall.
-
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a
spring of life,
-
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
-
10:12 Hatred stirs up strife,
-
but love covers all wrongs.
-
10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of
him who has discernment,
-
but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
-
10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
-
but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
-
10:15 The rich man's wealth is his
strong city.
-
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
-
10:16 The labor of the righteous leads
to life.
-
The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
-
10:17 He is in the way of life who
heeds correction,
-
but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
-
10:18 He who hides hatred has lying
lips.
-
He who utters a slander is a fool.
-
10:19 In the multitude of words there
is no lack of disobedience,
-
but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
-
10:20 The tongue of the righteous is
like choice silver.
-
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
-
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed
many,
-
but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
-
10:22 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth,
-
and he adds no trouble to it.
-
10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do
wickedness,
-
but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
-
10:24 What the wicked fear, will
overtake them,
-
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
-
10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the
wicked is no more;
-
but the righteous stand firm forever.
-
10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as
smoke to the eyes,
-
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
-
10:27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
-
but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
-
10:28 The prospect of the righteous is
joy,
-
but the hope of the wicked will perish.
-
10:29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold
to the upright,
-
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
-
10:30 The righteous will never be
removed,
-
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
-
10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings
forth wisdom,
-
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
-
10:32 The lips of the righteous know
what is acceptable,
-
but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
-
-
11:1 A false balance is an abomination to
Yahweh,
-
but accurate weights are his delight.
-
11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame,
-
but with humility comes wisdom.
-
11:3 The integrity of the upright shall
guide them,
-
but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
-
11:4 Riches don't profit in the day of
wrath,
-
but righteousness delivers from death.
-
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless
will direct his way,
-
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
-
11:6 The righteousness of the upright
shall deliver them,
-
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
-
11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope
perishes,
-
and expectation of power comes to nothing.
-
11:8 A righteous person is delivered out
of trouble,
-
and the wicked takes his place.
-
11:9 With his mouth the godless man
destroys his neighbor,
-
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
-
11:10 When it goes well with the
righteous, the city rejoices.
-
When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
-
11:11 By the blessing of the upright,
the city is exalted,
-
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
-
11:12 One who despises his neighbor is
void of wisdom,
-
but a man of understanding holds his peace.
-
11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a
confidence,
-
but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
-
11:14 Where there is no wise guidance,
the nation falls,
-
but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
-
11:15 He who is collateral for a
stranger will suffer for it,
-
but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
-
11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor,
-
but violent men obtain riches.
-
11:17 The merciful man does good to his
own soul,
-
but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
-
11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful
wages,
-
but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
-
11:19 He who is truly righteous gets
life.
-
He who pursues evil gets death.
-
11:20 Those who are perverse in heart
are an abomination to Yahweh,
-
but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
-
11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will
not be unpunished,
-
but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
-
11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's
snout,
-
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
-
11:23 The desire of the righteous is
only good.
-
The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
-
11:24 There is one who scatters, and
increases yet more.
-
There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
-
11:25 The liberal soul shall be made
fat.
-
He who waters shall be watered also himself.
-
11:26 People curse someone who
withholds grain,
-
but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
-
11:27 He who diligently seeks good
seeks favor,
-
but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
-
11:28 He who trusts in his riches will
fall,
-
but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
-
11:29 He who troubles his own house
shall inherit the wind.
-
The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
-
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a
tree of life.
-
He who is wise wins souls.
-
11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be
repaid in the earth;
-
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
-
-
12:1 Whoever loves correction loves
knowledge,
-
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
-
12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from
Yahweh,
-
but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
-
12:3 A man shall not be established by
wickedness,
-
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
-
12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her
husband,
-
but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
-
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are
just,
-
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
-
12:6 The words of the wicked are about
lying in wait for blood,
-
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
-
12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are
no more,
-
but the house of the righteous shall stand.
-
12:8 A man shall be commended according
to his wisdom,
-
but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
-
12:9 Better is he who is lightly
esteemed, and has a servant,
-
than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
-
12:10 A righteous man regards the life
of his animal,
-
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
-
12:11 He who tills his land shall have
plenty of bread,
-
but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
-
12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of
evil men,
-
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
-
12:13 An evil man is trapped by
sinfulness of lips,
-
but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
-
12:14 A man shall be satisfied with
good by the fruit of his mouth.
-
The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
-
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his
own eyes,
-
but he who is wise listens to counsel.
-
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the
same day,
-
but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
-
12:17 He who is truthful testifies
honestly,
-
but a false witness lies.
-
12:18 There is one who speaks rashly
like the piercing of a sword,
-
but the tongue of the wise heals.
-
12:19 Truth's lips will be established
forever,
-
but a lying tongue is only momentary.
-
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those
who plot evil,
-
but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
-
12:21 No mischief shall happen to the
righteous,
-
but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
-
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to
Yahweh,
-
but those who do the truth are his delight.
-
12:23 A prudent man keeps his
knowledge,
-
but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
-
12:24 The hands of the diligent ones
shall rule,
-
but laziness ends in slave labor.
-
12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs
it down,
-
but a kind word makes it glad.
-
12:26 A righteous person is cautious in
friendship,
-
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
-
12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast
his game,
-
but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
-
12:28 In the way of righteousness is
life;
-
in its path there is no death.
-
13:1
-
A wise son listens to his father's instruction,
-
but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
-
13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man
enjoys good things;
-
but the unfaithful crave violence.
-
13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his
soul.
-
One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
-
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires,
and has nothing,
-
but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
-
13:5 A righteous man hates lies,
-
but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
-
13:6 Righteousness guards the way of
integrity,
-
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
-
13:7 There are some who pretend to be
rich, yet have nothing.
-
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
-
13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his
riches,
-
but the poor hear no threats.
-
13:9 The light of the righteous shines
brightly,
-
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
-
13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
-
but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
-
13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly
dwindles away,
-
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
-
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart
sick,
-
but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
-
13:13 Whoever despises instruction will
pay for it,
-
but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
-
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a
spring of life,
-
to turn from the snares of death.
-
13:15 Good understanding wins favor;
-
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
-
13:16 Every prudent man acts from
knowledge,
-
but a fool exposes folly.
-
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into
trouble,
-
but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
-
13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who
refuses discipline,
-
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
-
13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the
soul,
-
but fools detest turning from evil.
-
13:20 One who walks with wise men grows
wise,
-
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
-
13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
-
but prosperity rewards the righteous.
-
13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance
to his children's children,
-
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
-
13:23 An abundance of food is in poor
people's fields,
-
but injustice sweeps it away.
-
13:24 One who spares the rod hates his
son,
-
but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
-
13:25 The righteous one eats to the
satisfying of his soul,
-
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
-
-
14:1 Every wise woman builds her house,
-
but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
-
14:2 He who walks in his uprightness
fears Yahweh,
-
but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
-
14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his
back,
-
but the lips of the wise protect them.
-
14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is
clean,
-
but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
-
14:5 A truthful witness will not lie,
-
but a false witness pours out lies.
-
14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't
find it,
-
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
-
14:7 Stay away from a foolish man,
-
for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
-
14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to
think about his way,
-
but the folly of fools is deceit.
-
14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for
sins,
-
but among the upright there is good will.
-
14:10 The heart knows its own
bitterness and joy;
-
he will not share these with a stranger.
-
14:11 The house of the wicked will be
overthrown,
-
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
-
14:12 There is a way which seems right
to a man,
-
but in the end it leads to death.
-
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be
sorrowful,
-
and mirth may end in heaviness.
-
14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for
his own ways;
-
likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
-
14:15 A simple man believes everything,
-
but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
-
14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
-
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
-
14:17 He who is quick to become angry
will commit folly,
-
and a crafty man is hated.
-
14:18 The simple inherit folly,
-
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
-
14:19 The evil bow down before the
good,
-
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
-
14:20 The poor person is shunned even
by his own neighbor,
-
but the rich person has many friends.
-
14:21 He who despises his neighbor
sins,
-
but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
-
14:22 Don't they go astray who plot
evil?
-
But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
-
14:23 In all hard work there is profit,
-
but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
-
14:24 The crown of the wise is their
riches,
-
but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
-
14:25 A truthful witness saves souls,
-
but a false witness is deceitful.
-
14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure
fortress,
-
and he will be a refuge for his children.
-
14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain
of life,
-
turning people from the snares of death.
-
14:28 In the multitude of people is the
king's glory,
-
but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
-
14:29 He who is slow to anger has great
understanding,
-
but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
-
14:30 The life of the body is a heart
at peace,
-
but envy rots the bones.
-
14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows
contempt for his Maker,
-
but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
-
14:32 The wicked is brought down in his
calamity,
-
but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
-
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one
who has understanding,
-
and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
-
14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
-
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
-
14:35 The king's favor is toward a
servant who deals wisely,
-
but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
-
-
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
-
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
-
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends
knowledge,
-
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
-
15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere,
-
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
-
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
-
but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
-
15:5 A fool despises his father's
correction,
-
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
-
15:6 In the house of the righteous is
much treasure,
-
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
-
15:7 The lips of the wise spread
knowledge;
-
not so with the heart of fools.
-
15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is
an abomination to Yahweh,
-
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
-
15:9 The way of the wicked is an
abomination to Yahweh,
-
but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
-
15:10 There is stern discipline for one
who forsakes the way:
-
whoever hates reproof shall die.
-
15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before
Yahweh--
-
how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
-
15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be
reproved;
-
he will not go to the wise.
-
15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful
face;
-
but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
-
15:14 The heart of one who has
understanding seeks knowledge,
-
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
-
15:15 All the days of the afflicted are
wretched,
-
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
-
15:16 Better is little, with the fear
of Yahweh,
-
than great treasure with trouble.
-
15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs,
where love is,
-
than a fattened calf with hatred.
-
15:18 A wrathful man stirs up
contention,
-
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
-
15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a
thorn patch,
-
but the path of the upright is a highway.
-
15:20 A wise son makes a father glad,
-
but a foolish man despises his mother.
-
15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void
of wisdom,
-
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
-
15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans
fail;
-
but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
-
15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply
of his mouth.
-
How good is a word at the right time!
-
15:24 The path of life leads upward for
the wise,
-
to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
-
15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of
the proud,
-
but he will keep the widow's borders intact.
-
15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of
the wicked,
-
but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
-
15:27 He who is greedy for gain
troubles his own house,
-
but he who hates bribes will live.
-
15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs
answers,
-
but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
-
15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
-
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
-
15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices
the heart.
-
Good news gives health to the bones.
-
15:31 The ear that listens to reproof
lives,
-
and will be at home among the wise.
-
15:32 He who refuses correction
despises his own soul,
-
but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
-
15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches
wisdom.
-
Before honor is humility.
-
-
16:1 The plans of the heart belong to
man,
-
but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
-
16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in
his own eyes;
-
but Yahweh weighs the motives.
-
16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
-
and your plans shall succeed.
-
16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its
own end--
-
yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
-
16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an
abomination to Yahweh:
-
they shall certainly not be unpunished.
-
16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is
atoned for.
-
By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
-
16:7 When a man's ways please Yahweh,
-
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
-
16:8 Better is a little with
righteousness,
-
than great revenues with injustice.
-
16:9 A man's heart plans his course,
-
but Yahweh directs his steps.
-
16:10 Inspired judgments are on the
lips of the king.
-
He shall not betray his mouth.
-
16:11 Honest balances and scales are
Yahweh's;
-
all the weights in the bag are his work.
-
16:12 It is an abomination for kings to
do wrong,
-
for the throne is established by righteousness.
-
16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of
kings.
-
They value one who speaks the truth.
-
16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger
of death,
-
but a wise man will pacify it.
-
16:15 In the light of the king's face
is life.
-
His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
-
16:16 How much better it is to get
wisdom than gold!
-
Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
-
16:17 The highway of the upright is to
depart from evil.
-
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
-
16:18 Pride goes before destruction,
-
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
-
16:19 It is better to be of a lowly
spirit with the poor,
-
than to divide the plunder with the proud.
-
16:20 He who heeds the Word finds
prosperity.
-
Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
-
16:21 The wise in heart shall be called
prudent.
-
Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
-
16:22 Understanding is a fountain of
life to one who has it,
-
but the punishment of fools is their folly.
-
16:23 The heart of the wise instructs
his mouth,
-
and adds learning to his lips.
-
16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
-
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
-
16:25 There is a way which seems right
to a man,
-
but in the end it leads to death.
-
16:26 The appetite of the laboring man
labors for him;
-
for his mouth urges him on.
-
16:27 A worthless man devises mischief.
-
His speech is like a scorching fire.
-
16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife.
-
A whisperer separates close friends.
-
16:29 A man of violence entices his
neighbor,
-
and leads him in a way that is not good.
-
16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot
perversities,
-
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
-
16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory.
-
It is attained by a life of righteousness.
-
16:32 One who is slow to anger is
better than the mighty;
-
one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
-
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap,
-
but its every decision is from Yahweh.
-
-
17:1 Better is a dry morsel with
quietness,
-
than a house full of feasting with strife.
-
17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule
over a son who causes shame,
-
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
-
17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and
the furnace for gold,
-
but Yahweh tests the hearts.
-
17:4 An evil-doer heeds wicked lips.
-
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
-
17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches
his Maker.
-
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
-
17:6 Children's children are the crown of
old men;
-
the glory of children are their parents.
-
17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a
fool,
-
much less do lying lips fit a prince.
-
17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the
eyes of him who gives it;
-
wherever he turns, he prospers.
-
17:9 He who covers an offense promotes
love;
-
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
-
17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one
who has understanding
-
than a hundred lashes into a fool.
-
17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
-
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
-
17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs
meet a man,
-
rather than a fool in his folly.
-
17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
-
evil shall not depart from his house.
-
17:14 The beginning of strife is like
breaching a dam,
-
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
-
17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and
he who condemns the righteous,
-
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
-
17:16 Why is there money in the hand of
a fool to buy wisdom,
-
seeing he has no understanding?
-
17:17 A friend loves at all times;
-
and a brother is born for adversity.
-
17:18 A man void of understanding
strikes hands,
-
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
-
17:19 He who loves disobedience loves
strife.
-
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
-
17:20 One who has a perverse heart
doesn't find prosperity,
-
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
-
17:21 He who becomes the father of a
fool grieves.
-
The father of a fool has no joy.
-
17:22 A cheerful heart makes good
medicine,
-
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
-
17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in
secret,
-
to pervert the ways of justice.
-
17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one
who has understanding,
-
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
-
17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his
father,
-
and bitterness to her who bore him.
-
17:26 Also to punish the righteous is
not good,
-
nor to flog officials for their integrity.
-
17:27 He who spares his words has
knowledge.
-
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
-
17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps
silent, is counted wise.
-
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
-
-
18:1 An unfriendly man pursues
selfishness,
-
and defies all sound judgment.
-
18:2 A fool has no delight in
understanding,
-
but only in revealing his own opinion.
-
18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also
comes,
-
and with shame comes disgrace.
-
18:4 The words of a man's mouth are like
deep waters.
-
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
-
18:5 To be partial to the faces of the
wicked is not good,
-
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
-
18:6 A fool's lips come into strife,
-
and his mouth invites beatings.
-
18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction,
-
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
-
18:8 The words of a gossip are like
dainty morsels:
-
they go down into a person's innermost parts.
-
18:9 One who is slack in his work
-
is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
-
18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong
tower:
-
the righteous run to him, and are safe.
-
18:11 The rich man's wealth is his
strong city,
-
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
-
18:12 Before destruction the heart of
man is proud,
-
but before honor is humility.
-
18:13 He who gives answer before he
hears,
-
that is folly and shame to him.
-
18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him
in sickness,
-
but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
-
18:15 The heart of the discerning gets
knowledge.
-
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
-
18:16 A man's gift makes room for him,
-
and brings him before great men.
-
18:17 He who pleads his cause first
seems right;
-
until another comes and questions him.
-
18:18 The lot settles disputes,
-
and keeps strong ones apart.
-
18:19 A brother offended is more
difficult than a fortified city;
-
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
-
18:20 A man's stomach is filled with
the fruit of his mouth.
-
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
-
18:21 Death and life are in the power
of the tongue;
-
those who love it will eat its fruit.
-
18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good
thing,
-
and obtains favor of Yahweh.
-
18:23 The poor plead for mercy,
-
but the rich answer harshly.
-
18:24 A man of many companions may be
ruined,
-
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-
-
19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his
integrity
-
than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
-
19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without
knowledge;
-
nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
-
19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his
way;
-
his heart rages against Yahweh.
-
19:4 Wealth adds many friends,
-
but the poor is separated from his friend.
-
19:5 A false witness shall not be
unpunished.
-
He who pours out lies shall not go free.
-
19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a
ruler,
-
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
-
19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun
him:
-
how much more do his friends avoid him!
-
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
-
19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own
soul.
-
He who keeps understanding shall find good.
-
19:9 A false witness shall not be
unpunished.
-
He who utters lies shall perish.
-
19:10 Delicate living is not
appropriate for a fool,
-
much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
-
19:11 The discretion of a man makes him
slow to anger.
-
It is his glory to overlook an offense.
-
19:12 The king's wrath is like the
roaring of a lion,
-
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
-
19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of
his father.
-
A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.
-
19:14 House and riches are an
inheritance from fathers,
-
but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
-
19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep
sleep.
-
The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
-
19:16 He who keeps the commandment
keeps his soul,
-
but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
-
19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends
to Yahweh;
-
he will reward him.
-
19:18 Discipline your son, for there is
hope;
-
don't be a willing party to his death.
-
19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the
penalty,
-
for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
-
19:20 Listen to counsel and receive
instruction,
-
that you may be wise in your latter end.
-
19:21 There are many plans in a man's
heart,
-
but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
-
19:22 That which makes a man to be
desired is his kindness.
-
A poor man is better than a liar.
-
19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life,
then contentment;
-
he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
-
19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in
the dish;
-
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
-
19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple
will learn prudence;
-
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
-
19:26 He who robs his father and drives
away his mother,
-
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
-
19:27 If you stop listening to
instruction, my son,
-
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
-
19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice,
-
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
-
19:29 Penalties are prepared for
scoffers,
-
and beatings for the backs of fools.
-
-
-
20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a
brawler.
-
Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
-
20:2 The terror of a king is like the
roaring of a lion.
-
He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
-
20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep
aloof from strife;
-
but every fool will be quarreling.
-
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason
of the winter;
-
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
-
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like
deep water;
-
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
-
20:6 Many men claim to be men of
unfailing love,
-
but who can find a faithful man?
-
20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity.
-
Blessed are his children after him.
-
20:8 A king who sits on the throne of
judgment
-
scatters away all evil with his eyes.
-
20:9 Who can say, "I have made my
heart pure.
-
I am clean and without sin?"
-
20:10 Differing weights and differing
measures,
-
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
-
20:11 Even a child makes himself known
by his doings,
-
whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
-
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing
eye,
-
Yahweh has made even both of them.
-
20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come
to poverty.
-
Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
-
20:14 "It's no good, it's no good,"
says the buyer;
-
but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
-
20:15 There is gold and abundance of
rubies;
-
but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
-
20:16 Take the garment of one who puts
up collateral for a stranger;
-
and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
-
20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a
man,
-
but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
-
20:18 Plans are established by advice;
-
by wise guidance you wage war!
-
20:19 He who goes about as a
tale-bearer reveals secrets;
-
therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
-
20:20 Whoever curses his father or his
mother,
-
his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
-
20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at
the beginning,
-
won't be blessed in the end.
-
20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back
evil."
-
Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
-
20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights,
-
and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
-
20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh;
-
how then can man understand his way?
-
20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a
rash dedication,
-
then later to consider his vows.
-
20:26 A wise king winnows out the
wicked,
-
and drives the threshing wheel over them.
-
20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's
lamp,
-
searching all his innermost parts.
-
20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the
king safe.
-
His throne is sustained by love.
-
20:29 The glory of young men is their
strength.
-
The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
-
20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
-
and beatings purge the innermost parts.
-
-
-
21:1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand
like the watercourses.
-
He turns it wherever he desires.
-
21:2 Every way of a man is right in his
own eyes,
-
but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
-
21:3 To do righteousness and justice
-
is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
-
21:4 A high look, and a proud heart,
-
the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
-
21:5 The plans of the diligent surely
lead to profit;
-
and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
-
21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue
-
is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
-
21:7 The violence of the wicked will
drive them away,
-
because they refuse to do what is right.
-
21:8 The way of the guilty is devious,
-
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
-
21:9 It is better to dwell in the corner
of the housetop,
-
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
-
21:10 The soul of the wicked desires
evil;
-
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
-
21:11 When the mocker is punished, the
simple gains wisdom.
-
When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
-
21:12 The Righteous One considers the
house of the wicked,
-
and brings the wicked to ruin.
-
21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry
of the poor,
-
he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
-
21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger;
-
and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
-
21:15 It is joy to the righteous to do
justice;
-
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
-
21:16 The man who wanders out of the
way of understanding
-
shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
-
21:17 He who loves pleasure shall be a
poor man.
-
He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
-
21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the
righteous;
-
the treacherous for the upright.
-
21:19 It is better to dwell in a desert
land,
-
than with a contentious and fretful woman.
-
21:20 There is precious treasure and
oil in the dwelling of the wise;
-
but a foolish man swallows it up.
-
21:21 He who follows after
righteousness and kindness
-
finds life, righteousness, and honor.
-
21:22 A wise man scales the city of the
mighty,
-
and brings down the strength of its confidence.
-
21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his
tongue
-
keeps his soul from troubles.
-
21:24 The proud and haughty man, "scoffer"
is his name;
-
he works in the arrogance of pride.
-
21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills
him,
-
for his hands refuse to labor.
-
21:26 There are those who covet
greedily all day long;
-
but the righteous give and don't withhold.
-
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an
abomination:
-
how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
-
21:28 A false witness will perish,
-
and a man who listens speaks to eternity.
-
21:29 A wicked man hardens his face;
-
but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
-
21:30 There is no wisdom nor
understanding
-
nor counsel against Yahweh.
-
21:31 The horse is prepared for the day
of battle;
-
but victory is with Yahweh.
-
-
-
22:1 A good name is more desirable than
great riches,
-
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
-
22:2 The rich and the poor have this in
common:
-
Yahweh is the maker of them all.
-
22:3 A prudent man sees danger, and hides
himself;
-
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
-
22:4 The result of humility and the fear
of Yahweh
-
is wealth, honor, and life.
-
22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of
the wicked:
-
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
-
22:6 Train up a child in the way he
should go,
-
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
-
22:7 The rich rule over the poor.
-
The borrower is servant to the lender.
-
22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps
trouble,
-
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
-
22:9 He who has a generous eye will be
blessed;
-
for he shares his food with the poor.
-
22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife
will go out;
-
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
-
22:11 He who loves purity of heart and
speaks gracefully
-
is the king's friend.
-
22:12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over
knowledge;
-
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
-
22:13 The sluggard says, "There is
a lion outside!
-
I will be killed in the streets!"
-
22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a
deep pit:
-
he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.
-
22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of
a child:
-
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
-
22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for
his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
-
both come to poverty.
-
-
22:17 Turn your ear, and listen to the
words of the wise.
-
Apply your heart to my teaching.
-
22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you
keep them within you,
-
if all of them are ready on your lips.
-
22:19 That your trust may be in Yahweh,
-
I teach you today, even you.
-
22:20 Haven't I written to you thirty
excellent things
-
of counsel and knowledge,
-
22:21 To teach you truth, reliable
words,
-
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
-
-
22:22 Don't exploit the poor, because
he is poor;
-
and don't crush the needy in court;
-
22:23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
-
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
-
-
22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered
man,
-
and don't associate with one who harbors anger:
-
22:25 lest you learn his ways,
-
and ensnare your soul.
-
-
22:26 Don't you be one of those who
strike hands,
-
of those who are collateral for debts.
-
22:27 If you don't have means to pay,
-
why should he take away your bed from under you?
-
-
22:28 Don't move the ancient boundary
stone,
-
which your fathers have set up.
-
-
22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his
work?
-
He will serve kings.
-
He won't serve obscure men.
-
-
-
23:1 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
-
consider diligently what is before you;
-
23:2 put a knife to your throat,
-
if you are a man given to appetite.
-
23:3 Don't be desirous of his dainties,
-
seeing they are deceitful food.
-
23:4 Don't weary yourself to be rich.
-
In your wisdom, show restraint.
-
23:5 Why do you set your eyes on that
which is not?
-
For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
-
23:6 Don't eat the food of him who has a
stingy eye,
-
and don't crave his delicacies:
-
23:7 for as he thinks about the cost, so
he is.
-
"Eat and drink!" he says to you,
-
but his heart is not with you.
-
23:8 The morsel which you have eaten you
shall vomit up,
-
and lose your good words.
-
-
23:9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool,
-
for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
-
-
23:10 Don't move the ancient boundary
stone.
-
Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless:
-
23:11 for their Defender is strong.
-
He will plead their case against you.
-
-
23:12 Apply your heart to instruction,
-
and your ears to the words of knowledge.
-
23:13 Don't withhold correction from a
child.
-
If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
-
23:14 Punish him with the rod,
-
and save his soul from Sheol.
-
-
23:15 My son, if your heart is wise,
-
then my heart will be glad, even mine:
-
23:16 yes, my heart will rejoice,
-
when your lips speak what is right.
-
23:17 Don't let your heart envy
sinners;
-
but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.
-
23:18 Indeed surely there is a future
hope,
-
and your hope will not be cut off.
-
23:19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
-
and keep your heart on the right path!
-
23:20 Don't be among ones drinking too
much wine,
-
or those who gorge themselves on meat:
-
23:21 for the drunkard and the glutton
shall become poor;
-
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
-
23:22 Listen to your father who gave
you life,
-
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
-
23:23 Buy the truth, and don't sell it.
-
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
-
23:24 The father of the righteous has
great joy.
-
Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
-
23:25 Let your father and your mother
be glad!
-
Let her who bore you rejoice!
-
23:26 My son, give me your heart;
-
and let your eyes keep in my ways.
-
23:27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
-
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
-
23:28 Yes, she lies in wait like a
robber,
-
and increases the unfaithful among men.
-
-
23:29 Who has woe?
-
Who has sorrow?
-
Who has strife?
-
Who has complaints?
-
Who has needless bruises?
-
Who has bloodshot eyes?
-
23:30 Those who stay long at the wine;
-
those who go to seek out mixed wine.
-
23:31 Don't look at the wine when it is
red,
-
when it sparkles in the cup,
-
when it goes down smoothly.
-
23:32 In the end, it bites like a
snake,
-
and poisons like a viper.
-
23:33 Your eyes will see strange
things,
-
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
-
23:34 Yes, you will be as he who lies
down in the midst of the sea,
-
or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
-
23:35 "They hit me, and I was not
hurt!
-
They beat me, and I don't feel it!
-
When will I wake up? I can do it again.
-
I can find another."
-
-
-
24:1 Don't be envious of evil men;
-
neither desire to be with them:
-
24:2 for their hearts plot violence,
-
and their lips talk about mischief.
-
24:3 Through wisdom a house is built;
-
by understanding it is established;
-
24:4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
-
with all rare and beautiful treasure.
-
24:5 A wise man has great power;
-
and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
-
24:6 for by wise guidance you wage your
war;
-
and victory is in many advisors.
-
24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool:
-
he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.
-
24:8 One who plots to do evil
-
will be called a schemer.
-
24:9 The schemes of folly are sin.
-
The mocker is detested by men.
-
24:10 If you falter in the time of
trouble,
-
your strength is small.
-
24:11 Rescue those who are being led
away to death!
-
Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
-
24:12 If you say, "Behold, we
didn't know this;"
-
doesn't he who weighs the hearts consider it?
-
He who keeps your soul, doesn't he know it?
-
Shall he not render to every man according to his work?
-
24:13 My son, eat honey, for it is
good;
-
the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:
-
24:14 so you shall know wisdom to be to
your soul;
-
if you have found it, then there will be a reward,
-
your hope will not be cut off.
-
24:15 Don't lay in wait, wicked man,
against the habitation of the righteous.
-
Don't destroy his resting place:
-
24:16 for a righteous man falls seven
times, and rises up again;
-
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
-
24:17 Don't rejoice when your enemy
falls.
-
Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;
-
24:18 lest Yahweh see it, and it
displease him,
-
and he turn away his wrath from him.
-
24:19 Don't fret yourself because of
evildoers;
-
neither be envious of the wicked:
-
24:20 for there will be no reward to
the evil man;
-
and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
-
24:21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king.
-
Don't join those who are rebellious:
-
24:22 for their calamity will rise
suddenly;
-
the destruction from them both--who knows?
-
24:23 These also are sayings of the wise.
-
To show partiality in judgment is not good.
-
24:24 He who says to the wicked, "You
are righteous;"
-
peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him--
-
24:25 but it will go well with those
who convict the guilty,
-
and a rich blessing will come on them.
-
24:26 An honest answer
-
is like a kiss on the lips.
-
24:27 Prepare your work outside,
-
and get your fields ready.
-
Afterwards, build your house.
-
24:28 Don't be a witness against your
neighbor without cause.
-
Don't deceive with your lips.
-
24:29 Don't say, "I will do to him
as he has done to me;
-
I will render to the man according to his work."
-
24:30 I went by the field of the
sluggard,
-
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
-
24:31 Behold, it was all grown over
with thorns.
-
Its surface was covered with nettles,
-
and its stone wall was broken down.
-
24:32 Then I saw, and considered well.
-
I saw, and received instruction:
-
24:33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
-
a little folding of the hands to sleep;
-
24:34 so your poverty will come as a
robber,
-
and your want as an armed man.
25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon,
which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
-
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a
thing,
-
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
-
25:3 As the heavens for height, and the
earth for depth,
-
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
-
25:4 Take away the dross from the silver,
-
and material comes out for the refiner;
-
25:5 Take away the wicked from the king's
presence,
-
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
-
25:6 Don't exalt yourself in the presence
of the king,
-
or claim a place among great men;
-
25:7 for it is better that it be said to
you, "Come up here,"
-
than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
-
whom your eyes have seen.
-
25:8 Don't be hasty in bringing charges
to court.
-
What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
-
25:9 Debate your case with your neighbor,
-
and don't betray the confidence of another;
-
25:10 lest one who hears it put you to
shame,
-
and your bad reputation never depart.
-
-
25:11 A word fitly spoken
-
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
-
25:12 As an earring of gold, and an
ornament of fine gold,
-
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
-
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time
of harvest,
-
so is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
-
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
-
25:14 As clouds and wind without rain,
-
so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
-
25:15 By patience a ruler is persuaded.
-
A soft tongue breaks the bone.
-
25:16 Have you found honey?
-
Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
-
lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
-
25:17 Let your foot be seldom in your
neighbor's house,
-
lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
-
25:18 A man who gives false testimony
against his neighbor
-
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
-
25:19 Confidence in someone unfaithful
in time of trouble
-
is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
-
25:20 As one who takes away a garment
in cold weather,
-
or vinegar on soda,
-
so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
-
25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him
food to eat.
-
If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
-
25:22 for you will heap coals of fire
on his head,
-
and Yahweh will reward you.
-
25:23 The north wind brings forth rain:
-
so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
-
25:24 It is better to dwell in the
corner of the housetop,
-
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
-
25:25 Like cold water to a thirsty
soul,
-
so is good news from a far country.
-
25:26 Like a muddied spring, and a
polluted well,
-
so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
-
25:27 It is not good to eat much honey;
-
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
-
25:28 Like a city that is broken down
and without walls
-
is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
-
-
26:1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in
harvest,
-
so honor is not fitting for a fool.
-
26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow,
-
like a darting swallow,
-
so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
-
26:3 A whip is for the horse,
-
a bridle for the donkey,
-
and a rod for the back of fools!
-
26:4 Don't answer a fool according to his
folly,
-
lest you also be like him.
-
26:5 Answer a fool according to his
folly,
-
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
-
26:6 One who sends a message by the hand
of a fool
-
is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
-
26:7 Like the legs of the lame that hang
loose:
-
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
-
26:8 As one who binds a stone in a sling,
-
so is he who gives honor to a fool.
-
26:9 Like a thornbush that goes into the
hand of a drunkard,
-
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
-
26:10 As an archer who wounds all,
-
so is he who hires a fool
-
or he who hires those who pass by.
-
26:11 As a dog that returns to his
vomit,
-
so is a fool who repeats his folly.
-
26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own
eyes?
-
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
-
26:13 The sluggard says, "There is
a lion in the road!
-
A fierce lion roams the streets!"
-
26:14 As the door turns on its hinges,
-
so does the sluggard on his bed.
-
26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in
the dish.
-
He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
-
26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own
eyes
-
than seven men who answer with discretion.
-
26:17 Like one who grabs a dog's ears
-
is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
-
26:18 Like a madman who shoots
firebrands, arrows, and death,
-
26:19 is the man who deceives his
neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
-
26:20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
-
Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
-
26:21 As coals are to hot embers,
-
and wood to fire,
-
so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
-
26:22 The words of a whisperer are as
dainty morsels,
-
they go down into the innermost parts.
-
26:23 Like silver dross on an earthen
vessel
-
are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
-
26:24 A malicious man disguises himself
with his lips,
-
but he harbors evil in his heart.
-
26:25 When his speech is charming,
don't believe him;
-
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
-
26:26 His malice may be concealed by
deception,
-
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
-
26:27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall
into it.
-
Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
-
26:28 A lying tongue hates those it
hurts;
-
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
-
-
27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow;
-
for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
-
27:2 Let another man praise you,
-
and not your own mouth;
-
a stranger, and not your own lips.
-
27:3 A stone is heavy,
-
and sand is a burden;
-
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
-
27:4 Wrath is cruel,
-
and anger is overwhelming;
-
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
-
27:5 Better is open rebuke
-
than hidden love.
-
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
-
although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
-
27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb;
-
but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
-
27:8 As a bird that wanders from her
nest,
-
so is a man who wanders from his home.
-
27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the
heart;
-
so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
-
27:10 Don't forsake your friend and
your father's friend.
-
Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster:
-
better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.
-
27:11 Be wise, my son,
-
and bring joy to my heart,
-
then I can answer my tormentor.
-
27:12 A prudent man sees danger and
takes refuge;
-
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
-
27:13 Take his garment when he puts up
collateral for a stranger.
-
Hold it for a wayward woman!
-
27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with
a loud voice early in the morning,
-
it will be taken as a curse by him.
-
27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy
day
-
and a contentious wife are alike:
-
27:16 restraining her is like
restraining the wind,
-
or like grasping oil in his right hand.
-
-
27:17 Iron sharpens iron;
-
so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
-
27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall
eat its fruit.
-
He who looks after his master shall be honored.
-
27:19 As water reflects a face,
-
so a man's heart reflects the man.
-
27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never
satisfied;
-
and a man's eyes are never satisfied.
-
27:21 The crucible is for silver,
-
and the furnace for gold;
-
but man is refined by his praise.
-
27:22 Though you grind a fool in a
mortar with a pestle along with grain,
-
yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
-
-
27:23 Know well the state of your
flocks,
-
and pay attention to your herds:
-
27:24 for riches are not forever,
-
nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
-
27:25 The hay is removed, and the new
growth appears,
-
the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
-
27:26 The lambs are for your clothing,
-
and the goats are the price of a field.
-
27:27 There will be plenty of goats'
milk for your food,
-
for your family's food,
-
and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
-
-
28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
-
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
-
28:2 In rebellion, a land has many
rulers,
-
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
-
28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
-
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
-
28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the
wicked;
-
but those who keep the law contend with them.
-
28:5 Evil men don't understand justice;
-
but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
-
28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his
integrity,
-
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
-
28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;
-
but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
-
28:8 He who increases his wealth by
excessive interest
-
gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
-
28:9 He who turns away his ear from
hearing the law,
-
even his prayer is an abomination.
-
28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go
astray in an evil way,
-
he will fall into his own trap;
-
but the blameless will inherit good.
-
28:11 The rich man is wise in his own
eyes;
-
but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
-
28:12 When the righteous triumph, there
is great glory;
-
but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
-
28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn't
prosper,
-
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
-
28:14 Blessed is the man who always
fears;
-
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
-
28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging
bear,
-
so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
-
28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks
judgment.
-
One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
-
28:17 A man who is tormented by life
blood will be a fugitive until death;
-
no one will support him.
-
28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept
safe;
-
but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
-
28:19 One who works his land will have
an abundance of food;
-
but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
-
28:20 A faithful man is rich with
blessings;
-
but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
-
28:21 To show partiality is not good;
-
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
-
28:22 A stingy man hurries after
riches,
-
and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
-
28:23 One who rebukes a man will
afterward find more favor
-
than one who flatters with the tongue.
-
28:24 Whoever robs his father or his
mother, and says, "It's not wrong."
-
He is a partner with a destroyer.
-
28:25 One who is greedy stirs up
strife;
-
but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
-
28:26 One who trusts in himself is a
fool;
-
but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
-
28:27 One who gives to the poor has no
lack;
-
but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
-
28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide
themselves;
-
but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
-
-
29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens
his neck
-
will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
-
29:2 When the righteous thrive, the
people rejoice;
-
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
-
29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to
his father;
-
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
-
29:4 The king by justice makes the land
stable,
-
but he who takes bribes tears it down.
-
29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor
-
spreads a net for his feet.
-
29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
-
but the righteous can sing and be glad.
-
29:7 The righteous care about justice for
the poor.
-
The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
-
29:8 Mockers stir up a city,
-
but wise men turn away anger.
-
29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a
foolish man,
-
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
-
29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of
integrity;
-
and they seek the life of the upright.
-
29:11 A fool vents all of his anger,
-
but a wise man brings himself under control.
-
29:12 If a ruler listens to lies,
-
all of his officials are wicked.
-
29:13 The poor man and the oppressor
have this in common:
-
Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
-
29:14 The king who fairly judges the
poor,
-
his throne shall be established forever.
-
29:15 The rod of correction gives
wisdom,
-
but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
-
29:16 When the wicked increase, sin
increases;
-
but the righteous will see their downfall.
-
29:17 Correct your son, and he will
give you peace;
-
yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
-
29:18 Where there is no revelation, the
people cast off restraint;
-
but one who keeps the law is blessed.
-
29:19 A servant can't be corrected by
words.
-
Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
-
29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in
his words?
-
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
-
29:21 He who pampers his servant from
youth
-
will have him become a son in the end.
-
29:22 An angry man stirs up strife,
-
and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
-
29:23 A man's pride brings him low,
-
but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
-
29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a
thief is an enemy of his own soul.
-
He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
-
29:25 The fear of man proves to be a
snare,
-
but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
-
29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor,
-
but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.
-
29:27 A dishonest man detests the
righteous,
-
and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
-
30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh,
the oracle:
-
the man says to Ithiel,
-
to Ithiel and Ucal:
-
30:2 "Surely I am the most ignorant
man,
-
and don't have a man's understanding.
-
30:3 I have not learned wisdom,
-
neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
-
30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and
descended?
-
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
-
Who has bound the waters in his garment?
-
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
-
What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?
-
-
30:5 "Every word of God is flawless.
-
He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
-
30:6 Don't you add to his words,
-
lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
-
-
30:7 "Two things I have asked of
you;
-
don't deny me before I die:
-
30:8 Remove far from me falsehood and
lies.
-
Give me neither poverty nor riches.
-
Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
-
30:9 lest I be full, deny you, and say,
'Who is Yahweh?'
-
or lest I be poor, and steal,
-
and so dishonor the name of my God.
-
-
30:10 "Don't slander a servant to
his master,
-
lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
-
30:11 There is a generation that curses
their father,
-
and doesn't bless their mother.
-
30:12 There is a generation that is
pure in their own eyes,
-
yet are not washed from their filthiness.
-
30:13 There is a generation, oh how
lofty are their eyes!
-
Their eyelids are lifted up.
-
30:14 There is a generation whose teeth
are like swords,
-
and their jaws like knives,
-
to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
-
-
30:15 "The leach has two
daughters:
-
'Give, give.'
-
-
"There are three things that are never satisfied;
-
four that don't say, 'Enough:'
-
30:16 Sheol,
-
the barren womb;
-
the earth that is not satisfied with water;
-
and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'
-
-
30:17 "The eye that mocks at his
father,
-
and scorns obedience to his mother:
-
the ravens of the valley shall pick it out,
-
the young eagles shall eat it.
-
-
30:18 "There are three things
which are too amazing for me,
-
four which I don't understand:
-
30:19 The way of an eagle in the air;
-
the way of a serpent on a rock;
-
the way of a ship in the midst of the sea;
-
and the way of a man with a maiden.
-
-
30:20 "So is the way of an
adulterous woman:
-
she eats and wipes her mouth,
-
and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'
-
-
30:21 "For three things the earth
tremble,
-
and under four, it can't bear up:
-
30:22 For a servant when he is king;
-
a fool when he is filled with food;
-
30:23 for an unloved woman when she is
married;
-
and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
-
-
30:24 "There are four things which
are little on the earth,
-
but they are exceedingly wise:
-
30:25 the ants are not a strong people,
-
yet they provide their food in the summer.
-
30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk,
-
yet make they their houses in the rocks.
-
30:27 The locusts have no king,
-
yet they advance in ranks.
-
30:28 You can catch a lizard with your
hands,
-
yet it is in kings' palaces.
-
-
30:29 "There are three things
which are stately in their march,
-
four which are stately in going:
-
30:30 The lion, which is mightiest
among animals,
-
and doesn't turn away for any;
-
30:31 the greyhound,
-
the male goat also;
-
and the king against whom there is no rising up.
-
-
30:32 "If you have done foolishly
in lifting up yourself,
-
or if you have thought evil,
-
put your hand over your mouth.
-
30:33 For as the churning of milk
brings forth butter,
-
and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood;
-
so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."
31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle
which his mother taught him.
-
31:2 "Oh, my son!
-
Oh, son of my womb!
-
Oh, son of my vows!
-
31:3 Don't give your strength to women,
-
nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
-
31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel;
-
it is not for kings to drink wine;
-
nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
-
31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law,
-
and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
-
31:6 Give strong drink to him who is
ready to perish;
-
and wine to the bitter in soul:
-
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his
poverty,
-
and remember his misery no more.
-
31:8 Open your mouth for the mute,
-
in the cause of all who are left desolate.
-
31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
-
and serve justice to the poor and needy."
-
-
31:10 *Who
can find a worthy woman?
-
For her price is far above rubies.
-
31:11 The heart of her husband trusts
in her.
-
He shall have no lack of gain.
-
31:12 She does him good, and not harm,
-
all the days of her life.
-
31:13 She seeks wool and flax,
-
and works eagerly with her hands.
-
31:14 She is like the merchant ships.
-
She brings her bread from afar.
-
31:15 She rises also while it is yet
night,
-
gives food to her household,
-
and portions for her servant girls.
-
31:16 She considers a field, and buys
it.
-
With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
-
31:17 She girds her waist with
strength,
-
and makes her arms strong.
-
31:18 She perceives that her
merchandise is profitable.
-
Her lamp doesn't go out by night.
-
31:19 She lays her hands to the
distaff,
-
and her hands hold the spindle.
-
31:20 She opens her arms to the poor;
-
yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
-
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for
her household;
-
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
-
31:22 She makes for herself carpets of
tapestry.
-
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
-
31:23 Her husband is respected in the
gates,
-
when he sits among the elders of the land.
-
31:24 She makes linen garments and
sells them,
-
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
-
31:25 Strength and dignity are her
clothing.
-
She laughs at the time to come.
-
31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom.
-
Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
-
31:27 She looks well to the ways of her
household,
-
and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
-
31:28 Her children rise up and call her
blessed.
-
Her husband also praises her:
-
31:29 "Many women do noble things,
-
but you excel them all."
-
31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is
vain;
-
but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
-
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her
hands!
-
Let her works praise her in the gates!
Notes:
[1] back to 31:10 Proverbs
31:10-31 form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of
the Hebrew alphabet, in order.