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Aramaic Peshitta Bible Repository

Lamsa OT - Proverbs

"1 ¶ THE proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive discipline, reverence, righteousness, and justice, and equity; 4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young men knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will listen and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to leadership; 6 To understand proverbs and figures of speech; the words of the wise and their dark sayings."

"7 ¶ The reverence of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise knowledge and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, the ordinance of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother; 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace for your head and a necklace about your neck."

"10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice you, consent not. 11 If they say to you, Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood, let us lie in wait for the innocent, wrongfully; 12 Let us swallow them up alive, as Sheol swallows the living, and whole as those who go down into the pit; 13 We shall find all his wealth and precious things, we shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot with us; let us all have one purse; 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them; but refrain your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely in deceit is the net spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lie in wait, they hide themselves to shed blood. 19 Such are the ways of all who practice iniquity, who take away the life of their owners."

"20 ¶ Wisdom is glorified in the market places; she raises her voice in the streets: 21 She preaches in the chief places of the concourse; in the openings of the gates of the city, she utters her words, saying, 22 How long, you simple ones, will you love childishness? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you will turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words to you. 24 For I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and you did not listen: 25 But you have despised all my counsels, and you were not pleased with my reproof. 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will rejoice when terror and sudden destruction come upon you; 27 When your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you, 28 Then they shall call upon me, but I will not answer them; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me; 29 Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the worship of the LORD. 30 They were not pleased with my counsels; they rejected all of my reproof. 31 Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own ways and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the error of the weak-minded men shall destroy them. 33 But he who listens to me shall live in hope, and shall refrain from many evils."

"2:1 ¶ MY son, if you will receive my words and hide my commandments in your heart, 2 And incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding, 3 Yea, if you cry after knowledge and lift up your voice to understanding, 4 If you seek it as silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure; 5 Then you will understand how to worship the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For it is the LORD who gives wisdom; out of his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up hope for the upright; he helps those who walk without blemish. 8 He keeps the paths of justice, and preserves the ways of his saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and the uprightness of all good ways."

"10 ¶ When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul. 11 Intelligence shall preserve you, and the understanding of the pious men shall deliver you; 12 That you might be delivered from evil ways, from men who speak perverse things, 13 Who forsake the path of uprightness to walk in the way of darkness; 14 Who rejoice to do evil and delight in the perverseness of evil things; 15 Men whose ways are crooked and whose paths are perverse. 16 Wisdom shall deliver you from a strange woman who flatters with her words, 17 Who has forsaken the mother of her youth and forgotten the covenant of her God. 18 For she has forgotten the threshold of her house and the way of her paths. 19 None who go to her return again, neither do they remember the path of life. 20 Therefore you must walk in the way of good men and keep the path of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and those who are unblemished shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the ungodly shall be rooted out of it."

"3:1 ¶ My son, do not forget my law; but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For the length of days and long life will they add to you; 3 And peace, mercy, and truth will not forsake you; bind them about your neck; write them upon the tablets of your heart: 4 So you shall find favor, grace, and understanding in the sight of God and men. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and rely not on your own wisdom. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths."

"7 ¶ Be not wise in your own eyes; revere the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be healing to your flesh and marrow to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your crops; 10 So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your wine presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of his corrections. 12 For whom the LORD loves he corrects, even as a father corrects his son."

"13 ¶ Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the son of the man who finds understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and its gains than fine gold. 15 She is more valuable than precious stones; and there is nothing to be compared to her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; and blessed are those who wait for her. 19 The LORD by his wisdom has founded the earth; by his understanding he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew."

"21 ¶ My son, let not my commandments depart from your eyes; keep my doctrine, and my counsels; 22 So shall they be life to your soul and grace to your neck. 23 Then you shall walk in your way with hope and your foot shall not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yea, you shall lie down and your sleep shall be sweet. 25 You shall not fear sudden tumult, neither the violence of the wicked, when it comes. 26 For the LORD shall be with you and shall keep your foot that you may not be caught in the snare."

"27 ¶ Do not refuse to do that which is good, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. 28 When you have something, do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again tomorrow, and I will give it to you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells in peace beside you. 30 Do not contend with a man without a cause, if he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy a wicked man, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the wicked man is an abomination in the presence of the LORD: but the secret of the LORD is with the upright. 33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked; but he blesses the habitation of the righteous. 34 Surely he despises scorners; but he has compassion on the wise. 35 Wise men shall inherit glory; but fools shall receive disgrace."

"4:1 ¶ HEAR, O my children, the instruction of a father, and give ear to knowledge and understanding. 2 Because I give you good doctrine, do not forsake my law. 3 For I was also a son to my father, tender and the only begotten in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me, and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live; and let my law be as the pupil of the eye. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; and turn not aside from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will save you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all your substance get understanding. 8 Love her, and she shall exalt you; embrace her, and she shall honor you. 9 She shall put upon your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she bestow upon you. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many. 11 I have taught you the ways of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be unsteady; and when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of my instruction, and do not forsake her; keep her, for she is your life."

"14 ¶ Do not walk in the way of evil men, and do not envy the way of the wicked. 15 The place where they dwell, do not pass by it, turn away from it, 16 For they do not sleep until they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away until their evil devices are carried out. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the righteous is like the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know at what they stumble."

"20 ¶ My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; but keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to him who finds them, and health to all his flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from you a perverse mouth, and the counsel of deceit put far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight forward, and let your eyelids look straight before you. 26 Keep your feet away from evil paths; then all your ways shall be firm. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; but remove your foot from evil."

"5:1 ¶ MY son, attend to my wisdom and incline your ear to my understanding, 2 That you may heed counsel and that your lips may keep knowledge. 3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her words are smoother than oil; 4 But the end of her life is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet cause men to go down to death; her steps take her to Sheol. 6 She does not tread upon the land of the living, her paths are devious, and are unknown. 7 Hear me now therefore, O you children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove your way far from her, and do not come near the door of her house; 9 Lest you give your strength to others, and your years to the cruel; 10 Lest strangers be filled with your wealth, and your labors be in the house of strangers; 11 And you have remorse in your old age, when the flesh of your body is consumed, 12 And you say, Why did I hate instruction, and my heart despise reproof, 13 And why have I not obeyed the voice of my teacher, nor inclined my ear to them that instructed me? 14 I was in almost all kinds of evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly."

"15 ¶ Drink water out of your own well, and running water from your own spring. 16 Let your water overflow into your streets, let it be disbursed abroad. 17 Let it be for yourself alone, let not strangers be partners with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed: and rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 Let her be like a loving hind, and pleasant mountain roe; learn her ways always, and be mindful of her love. 20 My son, be not misled by a strange woman, neither embrace the bosom of a strange woman. 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and all his paths lie open in his presence. 22 The wicked shall be caught by his own iniquities, and he will be bound with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray."

"6:1 ¶ MY son, if you have become surety for your friend, if you have obligated yourself to a stranger, 2 Then you are snared with the words of your mouth, you are caught with the words of your lips. 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself because, for the sake of your friend, you have fallen into the hands of your enemies; go, therefore, and stir up your friend for whom you have become surety to meet his obligation. 4 You shall not give sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the snare, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler."

"6 ¶ Be like the ant, consider her ways, and be wise; 7 Though having no harvest and no ruler over her, neither any one to guide her, 8 She provides her bread in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands on the chest; 11 And then poverty shall come upon you, and distress shall overtake you; become a successful man."

"12 ¶ A fool, a wicked man, is unscrupulous. 13 He winks with his eyes, he signals with his feet, he makes signs with his fingers; 14 He is perverse in his heart, he devises mischief continually; he sows discord. 15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly will he be broken without remedy. 16 There are six things which the LORD hates; yea, the seventh is an abomination to him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. 18 A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, and he who sows discord among brothers."

"20 ¶ My son, keep your father’s commandment and do not forsake the law of your mother; 21 Impress them firmly on your heart and tie them about your neck. 22 When you walk, let them follow you; let them be with you, keep them that they may keep you; and when you awake, meditate on them. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light, and the reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart; neither let her snare you with her eyes, nor let her captivate you with her eyelids. 26 For the appearance of a harlot is tempting like a loaf of bread; and the adulteress hunts for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife and touches her; he shall not be innocent. 30 No one wonders at a thief when he is caught stealing, for he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry; 31 But if he is caught, he shall pay sevenfold; he shall give all the goods of his house. 32 But he who commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, and he destroys his own soul. 33 And he who does it brings dishonor upon himself; and his reproach shall not be wiped out. 34 For jealousy provokes a man’s rage; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will not regard any ransom; nor will he listen, though you increase the bribe."

"7:1 ¶ MY son, keep my words and hide my commandments within you. 2 Keep my commandments and live, and my law as the pupil of your eye. 3 Bind them about your neck; write them upon the tablets of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, You are my sister; and to understanding, You are my counselor 5 That they may keep you from the strange woman, from the stranger that flatters with her words."

"6 ¶ For from the window of her house and from the balcony she looked out, 7 And she beheld young men, she spied among the youths, and those who lacked understanding, 8 Passing through the street near the corner of her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night; 10 And, behold, there came out a woman with the attire of a harlot to meet one of them, a woman who fluttered the hearts of young men. 11 She is rebellious and gluttonous; her feet do not abide in her house; 12 But she roams around outside, now in the streets, and now lying in wait at the corners. 13 So she caught him and kissed him, and, with an impudent face, said to him, 14 This day I have paid my vows, I have peace offerings with me; 15 Therefore I came out to meet you, for I have been waiting to see you, and now I have found you. 16 I have made my bed upon a carpet; I have covered it with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; let us embrace each other with passion. 19 For my husband is not at home, he has gone on a long journey: 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and it will be a long time before he comes home. 21 With much fair speech she misled him, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He went after her as a little child, as an ox that goes to the slaughter, and as a dog to be muzzled; 23 And as a stag whose liver is pierced with an arrow, as a bird hastens to the snare, and does not know that he goes to his death."

"24 ¶ Now therefore, O my children, hearken to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not your heart incline to her ways, do not go astray in her paths. 26 For she has cast down many wounded; yea, many mighty men have been slain by her. 27 The ways to her house are the ways to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death."

"8:1 ¶ THEREFORE preach wisdom, and understanding will answer you. 2 For wisdom is on the top of high places, she stands between the ways and by the paths. 3 She cries at the gates, at the entrance of the city; she cries aloud, saying, 4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men, 5 So that the simple ones may understand prudence and the fools understand in their heart. 6 Hear, for I will speak truth; and the opening of my mouth shall bring forth uprightness. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth, and lying lips are an abomination before me. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing perverse or deceptive in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands them, and right to those who are willing to find knowledge. 10 Receive discipline and not silver; and choose for yourself knowledge rather than fine gold. 11 For wisdom is much better than fine gold; yea, she is better than precious stones, and nothing can be compared to her."

"12 ¶ I wisdom have created prudence, and I posses knowledge and reason. 13 Reverence of the LORD despises evil; pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverse speech do I hate. 14 counsel and sound doctrine are mine; mine is understanding and might. 15 By me kings reign and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes and nobles rule, even all the righteous judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me shall find me. 18 Riches and honor are mine; yea, enduring riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold, and my ingathering than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those that love me to have hope; and I will fill their treasuries."

"22 ¶ The LORD created me as the first of his creations, before all of his works. 23 I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before he made the earth. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were formed was I conceived; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth nor the valleys nor the best soil of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle upon the face of the deep; 28 When he made firm the clouds above; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep; 29 When he gave to the sea its bounds, that the waters should not transgress his commandment; when he laid down the foundations of the earth: 30 I together with him was establishing them; and daily I was his delight, rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."

"32 ¶ Now therefore hearken to me, O you children; for blessed is he who keeps my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise and do not go astray. 34 Blessed is the man who heeds me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my threshold. 35 For my objectives are the issues of life, they proclaim the will of the LORD. 36 Those who sin against me wrong their own soul; all those who hate me love death."

"9:1 ¶ WISDOM has built her house, she has set up in it seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also prepared her table. 3 She has sent forth her servants to cry out upon the highest places and say, 4 Whosoever is simple, let him come to me; as for him who lacks understanding, she said to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake folly, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 Correction for a bad man brings disgrace; the wicked man is rebuked by his own blemish. 8 Reprove not a bad man, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give an opportunity to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The reverence of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the righteous is understanding. 11 For by her your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased. 12 My son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself and for your friends; but if you are evil-minded, you alone shall bear your evils;"

"13 ¶ He who denies things falsely feeds on winds and pursues fowl of the air; for he has forsaken the way to his vineyard and the paths of his labor, to journey in the wilderness without water; in the places that are trodden he travels thirsty and gains nothing. 14 A foolish woman is enticing; she does not know what shame is; she sits at the door of her home on a high seat, 15 She calls those who pass by, who go right on their ways; 16 She says, He who is simple, let him come to me; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 17 Stolen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18 But he does not know that the mighty men perish with her and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. (9:19) Now rise up, and do not abide in that place; do not cast your eye at her; thus pass by the waters of strangers; cross over a strange river, and turn away from the waters of strangers; you shall not drink of the waters of strangers. For in doing so a multitude of days and years of life shall be added to you."

"10:1 ¶ A WISE son makes his father glad, but a foolish son brings shame to his mother."

"2 ¶ Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; but he casts away the substance of the wicked."

"4 ¶ Poverty humbles a man; but the hands of diligent men make rich."

"5 ¶ He who works in summer is a wise man; but he who sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame."

"6 ¶ Blessings are upon the head of the righteous; but iniquity covers the mouth of the wicked."

"7 ¶ The memory of the just is a blessing; but the heir of the wicked shall be extinct."

"8 ¶ The wise in heart will receive commandments; but one whose lips are full of folly shall be caught."

"9 ¶ He who walks uprightly walks in hope; but he who perverts his ways shall be known."

"10 ¶ He who winks with his eyes deceitfully causes sorrow; but he who reproves openly makes peace."

"11 ¶ The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked is covered with iniquity."

"12 ¶ Hatred stirs up strife; shame shall cover all the wicked."

"13 ¶ He who brings forth wisdom out of his lips shall beat with a rod him that lacks understanding."

"14 ¶ Wise men conceal knowledge; but a hasty mouth is near destruction."

"15 ¶ The rich men’s wealth is their strong cities; the destruction of the poor is their poverty."

"16 ¶ The labor of the righteous tends to life; the harvest of the wicked to sin."

"17 ¶ The true way of life brings discipline; but he who hates reproof is a fool."

"18 ¶ The lips of the wicked are full of deceits, and he who utters a curse is a fool."

"19 ¶ The wicked cannot be delivered by a multitude of words; but he who refrains his lips is wise."

"20 ¶ The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver; the heart of the wicked is full of bitterness. 21 The lips of the righteous are full of mercy; but the fools die for want of wisdom."

"22 ¶ The blessings of the LORD bring riches, and there shall be no sorrow in them."

"23 ¶ It is sport to a fool to do mischief; but a man of understanding has wisdom."

"24 ¶ The wicked shall be dragged to ruin; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passes suddenly, so wicked men shall perish and be no more; but the righteous are an everlasting foundation."

"26 ¶ As unripe grapes are hurtful to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so does wickedness hurt those who indulge in it."

"27 ¶ Reverence for the LORD prolongs life; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish."

"29 ¶ The way of the LORD is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed; but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth."

"31 ¶ The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom; but a perverse tongue shall be silenced. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is good; but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse things."

"11:1 ¶ FALSE scales are an abomination to the LORD; but just weights are his delight."

"2 ¶ Where baseness comes, then comes shame; but with the meek is wisdom."

"3 ¶ The hope of the upright shall be granted; but the pride of the wicked shall be destroyed."

"4 ¶ Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivers from death."

"5 ¶ The righteousness of the upright shall direct his way; but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; but the transgressors shall be caught in their own wickedness."

"7 ¶ When a wicked man dies, his expectation perishes; and the hope of the evil doers perishes."

"8 ¶ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead."

"9 ¶ With his mouth a wicked man destroys his neighbor; but through knowledge shall the righteous be strengthened."

"10 ¶ When it goes well with the righteous, the city becomes powerful; and when the wicked perish, there is rejoicing. 11 By the blessings of the upright the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked."

"12 ¶ He who despises his neighbor lacks understanding; but a man of prudence lives in peace. 13 An adversary reveals secrets; but he who is faithful in his spirit conceals the matter."

"14 ¶ A people who have no leader shall fall; but in the multitude of counsels there is deliverance."

"15 ¶ The wicked oppresses the righteous when he meets him, because he hates those who wait and hope."

"16 ¶ A gracious woman sustains the honor of her husband; a woman who hates the truth is the seat of dishonor. Lazy men are in want even when they are rich; and strong men retain knowledge."

"17 ¶ A pious man does good to his soul; but he who is cruel destroys his own flesh."

"18 ¶ The wicked man does a deceitful work; but he who sows righteousness has a true reward."

"19 ¶ A son who is reared in righteousness lives long; but he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death."

"20 ¶ Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD; but those who are upright in their way are his delight."

"21 ¶ He who stretches out his hand against his neighbor shall not go unpunished: but the offspring of the righteous shall be delivered."

"22 ¶ Like a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman without discretion."

"23 ¶ The desire of the righteous is only good; but the expectation of the wicked is wrath."

"24 ¶ There is he who scatters his own seed abroad, and yet brings in plenty; and there is he who gathers that which is not his, and yet has less."

"25 ¶ The liberal soul shall be enriched; and the accursed one shall be cursed more."

"26 ¶ He who holds back grain in the day of distress shall fall into the hands of his enemies; but a blessing shall be upon the head of him who sells it."

"27 ¶ He who diligently seeks good procures favor; but he who seeks mischief, it shall come upon him."

"28 ¶ He who trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish like green leaves."

"29 ¶ He who builds his house with deceit shall leave to his children sorrows; and he who fails to make his household tranquil shall bequeath the wind to his children; and the fool shall be servant to the wise."

"30 ¶ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; but the souls of the wicked shall be driven out."

"31 ¶ If the righteous lives in difficulty, how much more the wicked and the sinner!"

"12:1 ¶ HE who loves discipline loves knowledge; but he who hates reproof is a fool."

"2 ¶ A good man obtains favor of the LORD; but a wicked one will be condemned."

"3 ¶ A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall flourish."

"4 ¶ A virtuous wife is a crown to her husband; but a wife who does evil destroys her husband like a boring-worm, and like a termite."

"5 ¶ The thoughts of the righteous are upright; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit."

"6 ¶ The counsel of the wicked is to lie in wait for the shedding of the blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them."

"7 ¶ The wicked shall be overthrown, and shall not be found; but the house of the righteous shall stand."

"8 ¶ A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he who lacks understanding shall be despised."

"9 ¶ Better is a poor man who serves himself than one who is proud and yet lacks bread."

"10 ¶ A righteous man regards the life of his beast; but the mercies of the wicked are suppressed."

"11 ¶ He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he who follows vain pursuits lacks understanding."

"12 ¶ The wicked desire to do evil; but the root of the righteous shall sprout."

"13 ¶ The ungodly is caught by the wickedness of his lips; but the righteous shall come out of trouble."

"14 ¶ A good man shall be satisfied with the fruits of his mouth; and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered to him."

"15 ¶ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he who listens to counsel is wise."

"16 ¶ A fool’s wrath is soon known; but a prudent man hides his shame."

"17 ¶ A righteous man speaks truth as it is evident; but a false witness is deceptive."

"18 ¶ There are those whose speech is like the piercing of a sword; but the tongue of the wise heals."

"19 ¶ The lips of truth are forthright; but the tongue of a lying witness is wicked."

"20 ¶ Deceit is in the heart of the wicked who plot evil; but those who give counsel of peace shall have joy."

"21 ¶ A deceitful thing is not good in the eyes of the righteous; but the wicked are filled with mischief."

"22 ¶ Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD; but those who deal truly are his delight."

"23 ¶ A prudent man is the seat of knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaims evil."

"24 ¶ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the deceitful shall be under tribute."

"25 ¶ A fearful word troubles a man’s heart; but a good word makes it glad."

"26 ¶ A righteous man gives good counsel to his neighbor; but the way of the wicked shall lead them astray."

"27 ¶ The deceitful man shall not find his prey; but the substance of a diligent man is precious."

"28 ¶ In the way of righteousness is life; but the way of animosity leads to death."

"13:1 ¶ WISE son hears his father’s instructions; but an evil son does not listen to rebuke."

"2 ¶ A good man shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; but the souls of the wicked shall perish."

"3 ¶ He who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who speaks too much shall bring ruin upon himself."

"4 ¶ A sluggard is always craving; but the soul of the diligent shall be enriched."

"5 ¶ A righteous man hates lying; but a wicked man is loathsome, and shall be ashamed and confounded."

"6 ¶ Righteousness keeps him that is upright in his way; but wickedness overthrows the sinner."

"7 ¶ There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; there are others who pretend to be poor, yet have great riches."

"8 ¶ The ransom of a man’s life is his riches; but the poor ignores a rebuke."

"9 ¶ The light of the righteous shall rejoice; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."

"10 ¶ A wicked man commits shameful things; but with the well-advised is wisdom."

"11 ¶ Wealth acquired unjustly will diminish; but he who gathers justly shall increase his wealth."

"12 ¶ Blessed is the man who is willing to help; more blessed is he than he who merely rests in hope, as a tree of life he bears fruit."

"13 ¶ He who despises counsel shall be destroyed by it; but he who fears the commandment shall be spared. A deceitful man shall not benefit; but a wise man whose works are good shall prosper."

"14 ¶ The law of the wise is a fountain of life to those who depart from the snares of death."

"15 ¶ Good understanding brings mercy; but the way of transgressors leads to destruction."

"16 ¶ Every prudent man deals wisely; but a fool speaks foolishness."

"17 ¶ A wicked messenger falls into mischief; but a faithful ambassador is a healer."

"18 ¶ Poverty and shame shall be to him who refuses instruction; but he who regards reproof shall be honored."

"19 ¶ A noble desire is sweet to the soul; but the abomination of the wicked is far away from knowledge."

"20 ¶ He who walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall suffer harm."

"21 ¶ Evil pursues sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid."

"22 ¶ A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous."

"23 ¶ Those who do not understand the manner of life are destroyed by riches; yea, many men are destroyed completely."

"24 ¶ He who spares his rod hates his son; but he who loves his son disciplines him diligently."

"25 ¶ The righteous man eats and is satisfied; but the belly of the wicked shall want."

"14:1 ¶ A WISE woman builds her house; but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."

"2 ¶ He who walks in uprightness has reverence for the LORD; but he who is perverse in his ways despises him."

"3 ¶ In the mouth of the foolish is provocation and disgrace; but the lips of wise men shall preserve them."

"4 ¶ Where there are no oxen, the cribs are clean; but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox."

"5 ¶ A faithful witness will not deceive; but a false witness will utter lies."

"6 ¶ An evil man seeks wisdom, and finds it not; but knowledge is easy to a man of understanding."

"7 ¶ Everything is a hindrance to a foolish man; but the lips of a wise man are like a weapon."

"8 ¶ The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; but the way of fools is deceit."

"9 ¶ Truly the households of the wicked need purifying; but the households of the righteous are acceptable."

"10 ¶ Fools commit sins; but the children of the upright have good will."

"11 ¶ A heart which has understanding knows its own bitterness; and a stranger does not share in its joy. The house of the wicked shall be destroyed; but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish."

"12 ¶ There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

"13 ¶ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of joy is grief."

"14 ¶ The insolent in heart shall be filled with the fruit of his ways; and a good man shall be satisfied with the respect he receives."

"15 ¶ The simple man believes every word; but the prudent discerns between good and evil."

"16 ¶ A wise man is cautious, and departs from evil; but the fool tampers with it confidently."

"17 ¶ A man hasty in whatever he does never seeks counsel; but a wise man is moderate."

"18 ¶ Fools inherit folly; but the prudent dispense knowledge."

"19 ¶ Evil men shall prostrate themselves before good men; and the wicked shall come to beg at the gates of the righteous."

"20 ¶ The poor is hated even of his own neighbors; but the rich has many friends."

"21 ¶ He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he."

"22 ¶ The wicked err when they devise evil; but compassionate and righteous men do all kinds of good. The workers of iniquity do not understand truth and mercy; kindness and truth are with the workers of good things."

"23 ¶ In all your labor there is profit; but he who is young is carefree and at ease. The LORD heals every wound; but the talk of the lips of the wicked tends only to poverty."

"24 ¶ The crown of the wise is their riches; but the perverseness of fools is their folly."

"25 ¶ A true witness delivers lives; but a deceitful witness speaks falsehood."

"26 ¶ in reverence for the LORD is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 Reverence for the LORD is a fountain of life to those who turn away from the snares of death."

"28 ¶ In the abundance of population is the king’s honor; but in the destruction of the people is the ruin of the king."

"29 ¶ He who is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he who is hasty of temper is exceedingly foolish."

"30 ¶ He who cools down his anger is a healer of his own heart; but wrath is the rottenness of the bones."

"31 ¶ He who oppresses the poor provokes his Maker; but he who honors the LORD has mercy on the needy."

"32 ¶ The wicked is overthrown through his wickedness; but he who is confident that he is without sin is a righteous man."

"33 ¶ Wisdom shall rest in the heart of the righteous; but in the heart of fools it shall not be made known."

"34 ¶ Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people."

"35 ¶ The king’s favor is toward a wise servant; but the wicked shall be overthrown by his own devices. He who is confident that he is without sin is righteous. Anger destroys even wise men."

"15:1 ¶ A SOFT word turns away wrath; but a harsh word stirs up anger."

"2 ¶ The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools pours out curses."

"3 ¶ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the good men and the bad."

"4 ¶ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he who eats of its fruit shall be filled with it."

"5 ¶ A fool mocks his father’s instruction; but he who regards reproof is prudent."

"6 ¶ In the house of the righteous is much strength; but the crops of the wicked shall be destroyed."

"7 ¶ The lips of the wise utter knowledge; but the hearts of fools are unjust."

"8 ¶ The sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

"9 ¶ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but he loves him who follows after righteousness."

"10 ¶ The chastisement of those who do not know evil is evident; but those who hate reproof shall die."

"11 ¶ Sheol and destruction are before the LORD; how much more than the hearts of men?"

"12 ¶ An evil man does not love one who reproves him, neither will he walk with the wise."

"13 ¶ A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken."

"14 ¶ The heart of the just seeks knowledge; but the mouth of the wicked utters evil."

"15 ¶ All the days of the poor are filled with hardships; but those who are of merry heart have a continual tranquillity."

"16 ¶ Better is a little with reverence for the LORD than the great treasures of the wicked. 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than fatted steer and hatred with it."

"18 ¶ A wrathful man stirs up contention; but he who is slow to anger appeases strife."

"19 ¶ The ways of the sluggard are full of thorns; but the paths of the upright are plain."

"20 ¶ A wise son makes his father happy; but a foolish son is a disgrace to his mother."

"21 ¶ A foolish man lacks understanding; but a man of understanding walks uprightly."

"22 ¶ Those who have undue respect for the counsel fail to appreciate its purpose; but in the multitude of counsellors the counsel is established."

"23 ¶ A man’s joy is revealed by the word of his mouth; and he who speaks at the right time, how good is it to him!"

"24 ¶ The way of life leads upward for the wise, that he may depart from the depths of Sheol."

"25 ¶ The LORD will destroy the house of the proud; but he will insure the possession of widows."

"26 ¶ Evil thoughts are an abomination before the LORD; but pure words are pleasant to him."

"27 ¶ He who accepts a bribe destroys his own soul; but he who hates a bribe shall live."

"28 ¶ The heart of the righteous meditates in truth; but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."

"29 ¶ The LORD is far from the wicked; but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

"30 ¶ The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good heart makes the bones fat."

"31 ¶ The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise."

"32 ¶ He who refuses instruction despises his own soul; but he who listens to reproof gains wisdom."

"33 ¶ Reverence for the LORD is the instruction of life; and the glory of the meek goes before him."

"16:1 ¶ THE reasoning of the mind is from man; but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD."

"2 ¶ All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD directs his way."

"3 ¶ Commit your works to the LORD, and he will establish your thoughts."

"4 ¶ All the works of the LORD are for those who will hearken to him; but the wicked are reserved for the day of calamity."

"5 ¶ Every one who is proud in his heart is an abomination to the LORD; and he who stretches out his hand against his neighbor shall not be pardoned because of this evil."

"6 ¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and reverence of the LORD causes men to depart from evil."

"7 ¶ When a man’s ways are according to the will of the LORD, even to his enemies he shall recompense."

"8 ¶ Better is a little with righteousness than great ingathering acquired unjustly."

"9 ¶ A man’s heart devises his ways; but the LORD directs his steps."

"10 ¶ Oracles are on the lips of the king; his mouth does not err in judgment."

"11 ¶ The weight of a just balance is the LORD’S judgment; all his works are just weights."

"12 ¶ Kings who commit wickedness are an abomination; for a throne is established by righteousness."

"13 ¶ The lips of a righteous man are the delight of a king; and he loves the word of the upright."

"14 ¶ The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favor is like a cloud of the early rain."

"16 ¶ To get wisdom is much better than gold; and to get understanding is better than silver."

"17 ¶ The path of the upright causes one to turn away from evil; he who is careful of his soul safeguards his way."

"18 ¶ Disgrace goes before destruction, and pride before misfortune."

"19 ¶ It is better to be humble and lowly in pride than he who divides spoil with the mighty."

"20 ¶ He who understands a command shall find good; who trusts in the LORD, happy is he!"

"21 ¶ The wise in heart is a man of discernment; and he whose speech is sweet increases learning."

"22 ¶ Understanding is a spring of life to those who have it; but the instruction of the fools is folly."

"23 ¶ The heart of the wise understands the speech of his mouth and adds learning to his lips."

"24 ¶ The speech of a wise man is like honeycomb, sweet to his soul, and health to his bones."

"25 ¶ There is a way that seems right in the eyes of men, but the paths thereof are the paths of death."

"26 ¶ A sorrowful person grieves himself; from his own mouth comes his destruction."

"27 ¶ An ungodly man devises evil; out of his mouth issues a burning fire. 28 A wicked man threatens justice and persecutes his neighbor without cause."

"29 ¶ A wicked man entices his neighbor and leads him into the way that is not good. 30 He winks his eyes and devises corrupt things; he purposes with his lips and accomplishes mischief."

"31 ¶ The hoary head is a crown of glory and is exalted in the way of righteousness."

"32 ¶ He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he who conquers himself than he who takes a city."

"33 ¶ The evil of the vicious falls into his own bosom; and his judgment proceeds from before the LORD."

"17:1 ¶ BETTER is dry bread, and quietness with it, than a house full of feasting with strife."

"2 ¶ A wise servant shall rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share the inheritance among the brothers."

"3 ¶ The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold; but the LORD tries the heart."

"4 ¶ A wicked man listens to perverse lips; but a righteous man does not heed the tongues of vicious men."

"5 ¶ He who mocks the poor provokes his Maker; and he who is glad at calamity shall not be forgiven."

"6 ¶ Children’s children are the crowns of old men; and the glory of children is their fathers."

"7 ¶ Excellent speech is unbecoming to a fool, and lying lips to a righteous man."

"8 ¶ A precious stone is beautiful in the eyes of him who has it; wherever it turns it is admired."

"9 ¶ He who forgets an offense seeks friendship; but he who hates to forget an offense estranges himself from a friend and neighbor."

"10 ¶ A threat breaks the heart of a wise man; but the fool instead of a rebuke receives a scourging, and yet he is not conscious of it."

"11 ¶ A quarrelsome man seeks mischief; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him."

"12 ¶ Meditation and reverence are suitable for a wise man; but a fool meditates in his folly."

"13 ¶ He who rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house."

"14 ¶ He who sheds blood stirs up judgment before the ruler."

"15 ¶ He who justifies the wicked and condemns the just is an abomination before the LORD."

"16 ¶ What good is wealth in the possession of a fool who has no desire to acquire wisdom?"

"17 ¶ A friend loves at all times; but a brother is born for adversity."

"18 ¶ A foolish man pledges himself, for he becomes surety for his friend."

"19 ¶ He who loves iniquity loves deceit and strife; and he who exalts himself seeks destruction."

"20 ¶ He who slanders in heart will not find good; and he who has an evil tongue falls into mischief."

"21 ¶ He who begets a fool does it to his own shame; his father will have no joy in him."

"22 ¶ A merry heart makes the body healthy; but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

"23 ¶ He who accepts a bribe is wicked; for he perverts the way of justice."

"24 ¶ The face of a man of understanding is set toward wisdom; but the eyes of a fool are in the depths of the earth."

"25 ¶ A foolish son provokes his father, and is bitterness to her who bore him."

"26 ¶ To punish the just is not good, nor to scourge the righteous men who speak the truth."

"27 ¶ He who spares his words has knowledge; and he who is patient is a wise man. 28 Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; and he who shuts his lips is counted a man of understanding."

"18:1 ¶ WHEN a man is inactive he imagines lust and mocks at good instruction."

"2 ¶ A fool has no delight in wisdom, because his mind devises folly."

"3 ¶ When the wicked reaches the depths of evil, then folly comes upon him, iniquity, disgrace, and shame."

"4 ¶ The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters; and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook."

"5 ¶ It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, nor to pervert justice against the righteous."

"6 ¶ A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth brings him to death, 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."

"8 ¶ The words of a slothful man bring evil to him, and they cause him to go down into the inner chambers of Sheol."

"9 ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer."

"10 ¶ The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous and the mighty run into it."

"11 ¶ The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; and his dwelling place is fenced by a strong wall."

"12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty; and before honor is humility."

"13 ¶ He who gives answer before he hears is a fool and a reviler."

"14 ¶ The spirit of a man will endure his suffering; but a distressing spirit, who can bear?"

"15 ¶ The heart of the prudent acquires wisdom; and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge."

"16 ¶ A man’s gifts make room for him and bring him before great men."

"17 ¶ A man is deemed innocent in his lawsuit; but when his neighbor comes he examines him."

"18 ¶ Casting lots causes contentions to cease and decides between mighty men."

"19 ¶ A brother helped by a brother is like a city helped by its fortifications; and his helpers are like the bars of a castle."

"20 ¶ A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruits of his mouth; and with the fruits of his lips shall he be filled."

"21 ¶ Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it shall eat the fruits thereof."

"22 ¶ He who finds a good wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD. And he who puts out a good wife, puts out good from his house."

"23 ¶ The poor speak humbly; but the rich talk of great things."

"24 ¶ There are friends who are merely friends; and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

"19:1 ¶ BETTER is the poor man who walks in his integrity than the rich man who is perverse in his ways."

"2 ¶ He who has no knowledge of his own soul, it is not good for him; and he who is hasty with his feet sins."

"3 ¶ The folly of a man perverts his ways; he frets in his heart against the LORD."

"4 ¶ Wealth makes many friends; but a poor man is deserted by his friends."

"5 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall not escape."

"6 ¶ Many serve in the presence of a prince; he gives gifts even to those who are bad. 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; also his friends go far from him. He who makes mischief with his words is insincere."

"8 ¶ He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps faithfulness shall find good."

"9 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he who speaks lies shall perish."

"10 ¶ To live in luxury is not fitting for a fool; much less is it seemly for a servant to rule over princes."

"11 ¶ The discretion of a man is shown by his patience; he glories when his iniquity is removed."

"12 ¶ The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion; but his favor is like dew upon grass."

"13 ¶ A foolish son is a disgrace to his father; and the contentions of a wife are like drippings."

"14 ¶ House and riches are the inheritance from fathers; but a wife is betrothed to a man from the LORD."

"15 ¶ Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and a proud man shall suffer hunger."

"16 ¶ He who keeps the law keeps his own soul; but he who despises right ways shall die."

"17 ¶ He who has pity upon the poor is a companion of the LORD; and he shall be repaid according to his works."

"18 ¶ Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul share his dishonor."

"19 ¶ A man of great wrath shall suffer harm; the more he is hostile the more he increases his burden."

"20 ¶ Hear counsel and receive instruction that you may be wise in your ways."

"21 ¶ There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD shall stand firm."

"22 ¶ The longing of a man is to do good; and a poor man is better than a rich man who lies."

"23 ¶ Reverence for the LORD leads to life; and he who is satisfied with it shall abide; he shall not be visited with evil."

"24 ¶ A sluggard hides his hands in his bosom and will not even try to bring them to his mouth again."

"25 ¶ When an evil man is scourged, a wise man takes heed; and when a wise man is reproved, he will gain understanding."

"26 ¶ He who plunders his father and grieves his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach."

"27 ¶ Wait, my son, and hear the instruction, and do not forget the words of knowledge."

"28 ¶ An ungodly witness scorns justice; and the mouth of the wicked devours him."

"29 ¶ Grief is prepared for those who scoff at justice, and a scourge for foolish people."

"20:1 ¶ WINE is grievous, drunkenness is shameful; and whosoever drinks excessively is not wise."

"2 ¶ The anger of the king is as the roaring of a lion; he who provokes him to anger sins against his own life."

"3 ¶ It is an honor for a man to cease from strife; but every fool will delight in it."

"4 ¶ The lazy man is reproached and he will not cease from talking; therefore he shall beg during harvest but will not receive even water."

"5 ¶ The counsel in a king’s heart is deep; but a wise man will draw it out."

"6 ¶ Many men are considered merciful; but a faithful man who can find?"

"7 ¶ The just man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him."

"8 ¶ A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil things from before him."

"9 ¶ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sins?"

"10 ¶ Diverse weights and diverse measures, both alike, are an abomination in the presence of the LORD."

"11 ¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his works are pure and whether they are right."

"12 ¶ The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them."

"13 ¶ Love not sleep test you come to poverty; open your eyes and you shall be satisfied with bread."

"14 ¶ A friend says to his friend, I have made a gain; then he boasts."

"15 ¶ Again he says, Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and precious vessels; but the lips of knowledge are precious jewels."

"16 ¶ Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger; and take his pledge for the sake of a stranger."

"17 ¶ He who becomes surety for a man by means of deceitful gain will afterwards have his mouth filled with gravel."

"18 ¶ A good purpose is established by counsel; but by provocation war is made."

"19 ¶ He who reveals a secret causes slander; therefore do not meddle with him who is hasty with his lips."

"20 ¶ He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be extinguished."

"21 ¶ An inheritance hastily acquired in the beginning, shall not be blessed in the end."

"22 ¶ Do not say, I will recompense evil; but wait for the LORD that he may save you."

"23 ¶ Diverse weights are an abomination in the presence of the LORD; and false scales are not good."

"24 ¶ A man’s steps are directed by the LORD; who is the man, then, who can direct his own way?"

"25 ¶ It is a snare for a man who vows to give something to a holy place, and regrets after he has vowed."

"26 ¶ A wise king scatters the wicked and crushes them under the wheel."

"27 ¶ The soul of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the heart."

"28 ¶ Mercy and truth preserve a king; and his throne is established by grace."

"29 ¶ The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is their grey hair."

"30 ¶ Misery and torment befall the evil men; and wounds smite the inner parts of their body."

"21:1 ¶ LIKE streams of water, so is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will."

"2 ¶ Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but the LORD sets the heart in order."

"3 ¶ He who does righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than he who offers a sacrifice."

"4 ¶ Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and the posterity of the wicked are sinful."

"5 ¶ The thoughts of the elect tend surely to plenteousness; but those of evil men cause want."

"6 ¶ The getting of treasure by a lying tongue will bring destruction and death to those who seek it."

"7 ¶ The destruction of the wicked shall come upon them because they refused to do justice."

"8 ¶ He who perverts his own way acts strangely; but he who is pure, his works are right."

"9 ¶ It is better to dwell alone in a corner of the housetop than to live with a quarrelsome woman in a large house."

"10 ¶ The soul of a wicked man is hidden from his neighbor’s eyes."

"11 ¶ When a wicked man suffers harm, even the simple become wise; but a wise man receives knowledge through his own counsel."

"12 ¶ The righteous man wisely understands the hearts of the wicked; and he overthrows the wicked into mischief."

"13 ¶ He who closes his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry to God, but he shall not answer him."

"14 ¶ A gift in secret pacifies anger; but he who is sparing with his gifts stirs wrath."

"15 ¶ It is joy to the righteous to do justice, but destruction to the workers of iniquity."

"16 ¶ The man who wanders from the way of understanding shall lie in the congregation of the dead."

"17 ¶ He who lacks wealth and yet loves entertainment, wine, and pleasure shall not be rich."

"18 ¶ The wicked shall be given as a ransom for the righteous, and the deceitful for the upright."

"19 ¶ It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome and an angry wife."

"20 ¶ A coveted treasure and ointment are in a dwelling place; but the wisdom and understanding of men shall dispense it."

"21 ¶ He who seeks after righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor."

"22 ¶ A wise man scales the defenses of the city of mighty men and conquers the stronghold in which they trusted."

"23 ¶ He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble."

"24 ¶ In his wrath a hasty and proud man commits iniquity."

"25 ¶ The desire of the sluggard kills him; for his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all the day long; but the righteous man gives and does not spare."

"27 ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; because they bring it in an unjust way."

"28 ¶ A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man speaks truth."

"29 ¶ The face of a wicked man is shameless; but he who is upright amends his ways."

"30 ¶ There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel like that of the LORD. 31 The horse may be prepared for the day of battle; but salvation is of the LORD."

"22:1 ¶ GOOD name is better than great riches, and loving favor than silver and gold."

"2 ¶ The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the maker of them both."

"3 ¶ A prudent man sees an evil man scourged and is greatly instructed by it; but fools pass by and suffer loss."

"4 ¶ The result of humility is reverence for the LORD, and riches and honor and life."

"5 ¶ Snares and traps are found on a crooked way; he who keeps his soul shall be far from them."

"6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."

"7 ¶ The rich shall be ruled by the poor, and the servant shall loan to his former lender."

"8 ¶ He who sows iniquity shall reap deceit; and the staff of his anger shall be broken."

"9 ¶ He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor."

"10 ¶ Destroy evil, cast out strife, do away with contention and reproach, lest they sit in the assembly and reproach all who are present."

"11 ¶ The LORD loves him who is pure in heart and is gracious to the lips of the king’s friends."

"12 ¶ The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge and destroy the words of deceit."

"13 ¶ When he is sent on an errand, the sluggard says, There is a lion on the road! and, Behold, there is murder in the streets!"

"14 ¶ The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry shall fall into it."

"15 ¶ Foolishness moves the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."

"16 ¶ He who oppresses the poor adds to his evil; and he who gives to the rich, shall suffer a loss."

"17 ¶ Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge. 18 For both of them are pleasant, keep them within you; let them together be made ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made these things known to you this day, even to you. 20 Behold, this is the third time that I have written them to you, 21 That I might make you know counsel and knowledge and peace and the words of truth; so that you could answer words of truth to him who might send to you."

"22 ¶ Do not oppress the poor because he is poor; neither afflict the needy in the gate. 23 For the LORD will plead their cause and avenge the injustice which is done to them."

"24 ¶ Make no friendship with wrathful man; and with a man given to anger you shall not go, 25 Lest you learn his ways and find a stumbling block to your soul."

"26 ¶ Do not become a surety for a debt simply because you are ashamed to turn down those who ask you, 27 For if you have nothing to pay, they will take your bed from under you."

"28 ¶ Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers have set."

"29 ¶ When you see that a man is diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men."

"23:1 ¶ WHEN you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is set before you, 2 That you may not put poison in your mouth. And if you are a man given to excessive appetite, 3 Be not desirous of his food; for his bread is bread of deceit."

"4 ¶ Do not quarrel with a rich man; but keep away from him wisely. 5 For if you should fix your eye on him, you cannot see him; for he makes for himself wings like an eagle and flies away toward the sky."

"6 ¶ Do not eat with a hypocrite, neither desire his food; 7 For he is like him that swallows pitch; in like manner you will eat and drink with him, but his heart is not with you. 8 The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up, and you will lose your sweet words."

"9 ¶ Do not speak in the presence of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of your words."

"10 ¶ Do not remove the old landmark; nor enter into the field of the fatherless; 11 For their saviour is mighty; he will plead their cause with you."

"12 ¶ Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold chastisement from a child; for if you beat him, he will not die. 14 For when you beat him with the rod, you will deliver his soul from Sheol. 15 My son, if your heart be wise, my heart also will rejoice. 16 Yea, my heart shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things."

"17 ¶ Let not your heart envy sinners; but revere the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely you will have a future; and your hope shall not be cut off."

"19 ¶ Hear, my son, and be wise, and fasten my counsel in your heart. 20 Be not drunk with wine; and be not a gluttonous eater of meat: 21 For the drunkard and the gluttonous shall come to poverty; and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell wisdom; also buy understanding and instruction. 24 The father of a righteous man shall greatly rejoice; and he who begets a wise child shall be glad. 25 Your father and your mother shall rejoice in you; and the one who bore you shall be happy. 26 My son. give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep pit; and a strange woman is a narrow well. 28 She destroys men suddenly, and increases iniquity among men."

"29 ¶ Who has woe? Who has trouble? Who has contentions? Who has hardships? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who tarry long over the wine; and who search for a place of drinking. Be not drunken with wine, but converse with righteous men; walk and talk with them. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red in the cup, but meditate on righteousness. 32 For at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. 33 When your eyes behold a strange woman, then your heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, you shall be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as a sailor in a tempest. 35 They have beaten me, you shall say, but I did not suffer, they have mocked me, but I did not know it; when I shall awake sober, I will go and seek it yet again."

"24:1 ¶ BE not envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them, 2 For their hearts devise evil and their lips talk of iniquity."

"3 ¶ Through wisdom a house is built; and by understanding it is established; 4 And by knowledge the inner chambers are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is better than a strong man; yea, a man of knowledge than a mighty man. 6 For by provocation is war waged; and in a multitude of counsels there is salvation."

"7 ¶ Wisdom crushes a fool; he opens not his mouth in the gate. 8 He who devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of a fool is sin; and an abomination of men is evil."

"10 ¶ The wicked shall be driven away by evil in the day of affliction."

"11 ¶ Deliver those who are led away to death, and spare not to redeem those who are held to be slain. 12 If you say, Behold, I did not know it, then know that it is God who searches the thought of the heart; and he who keeps your soul knows it, and shall render to every man according to his works."

"13 ¶ My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste. 14 Thus shall wisdom find your soul; and you will have good prospects, and your hope shall not be cut off."

"15 ¶ Do not devise plots of iniquity in the dwelling of the righteous; do not spoil his resting place; 16 For a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again; but the wicked shall fall into mischief."

"17 ¶ Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he is overthrown, 18 Lest the LORD see it and it displease him and he turn away his anger from him."

"19 ¶ Do not envy evildoers nor be jealous of the wicked; 20 For there shall be no future for evil men, and the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."

"21 ¶ My son, fear the LORD and give good counsel; and meddle not with the fools; 22 For their calamity shall come suddenly; and who knows the end of their years?"

"23 ¶ These things I say to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment, 24 Nor to say to a wicked man, You are righteous; him shall the people curse, and nations shall abhor him. 25 But to those who rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. 26 The people shall kiss the lips of those who give admonition."

"27 ¶ Prepare your work out of doors, and make it ready in the field; and afterwards build your house."

"28 ¶ Be not a false witness against your neighbor; and do not deceive him with your lips. 29 Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me; I will render to him according to his works."

"30 ¶ I passed by the field of a sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I looked upon it, and considered it well, and I received instruction: 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands upon your chest; 34 So shall poverty come upon you, and want shall overtake you suddenly like a runner."

"25:1 ¶ THESE are also profound proverbs of Solomon which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judah wrote."

"2 ¶ It is the glory of God to keep secret a matter; but the glory of the king is to search it out. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of the king is unsearchable."

"4 ¶ Purge dross from silver that it may come forth a pure vessel. 5 Let wicked men be driven from the presence of the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness."

"6 ¶ Do not glorify yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; 7 For it is better that it be said to you, Come up higher, than that you should be put lower. In the presence of the ruler report what your eyes have seen."

"8 ¶ Do not go forth hastily to bring a suit, lest when you plead your cause, at the end your neighbor shall reproach you. 9 Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and do not disclose the secret to another, 10 Lest he who hears it reproach you and many people mock you."

"11 ¶ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold, and a precious sardius, so is the reproof of the wise men to a listening ear."

"13 ¶ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, which cools the air, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters."

"14 ¶ Like clouds and wind without rain, so is the man who boasts of false gifts."

"15 ¶ By long forbearing, a ruler is persuaded; and a soft tongue breaks the bones."

"16 ¶ When you find honey, eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled with it and vomit it."

"17 ¶ Do not visit your neighbor’s house too frequently, lest he become weary of you and so hate you."

"18 ¶ A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like an iron bar, a sword, and a sharp arrow."

"19 ¶ Like a sore tooth and a foot out of joint, such is the confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble."

"20 ¶ As he who takes away a garment from his neighbor in cold weather, as one who drops sand on the string of a musical instrument, as he who afflicts a broken heart, as a moth on a garment, and as a boring-worm on a tree: such is the effect of sorrow on a man’s heart."

"21 ¶ If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For when you shall do these things for him, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward you."

"23 ¶ Like the north wind which brings forth rain, so are an evil countenance and a backbiting tongue."

"24 ¶ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a quarrelsome wife and a house divided against itself."

"25 ¶ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."

"26 ¶ Like a stopped fountain or a polluted spring is a righteous man when he falls down before the wicked."

"27 ¶ It is not good to eat much honey, nor to search for high praises for oneself."

"28 ¶ Like a breached city that has no wall, so is a man who is impatient."

"26:1 ¶ LIKE snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool."

"2 ¶ Like sparrows wandering and like birds flying in the air, so the curse that is causeless shall be driven away."

"3 ¶ A whip for the horse, a goad for the ass, and a rod for the back of a fool."

"4 ¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be also like him. 5 But answer a fool according to your wisdom, lest he think in himself that he is wise."

"6 ¶ He who sends a message by the hand of a fool drinks iniquity from under his own feet. 7 As a lame man who cannot walk, so is a parable in the mouth of a fool. 8 Like a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. 9 Thorns spring up in the hand of a drunkard, and folly in the mouth of a foot."

"10 ¶ The body of a fool is greatly afflicted, and a drunkard thinks that he can cross a sea."

"11 ¶ As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool that misbehaves in his folly."

"12 ¶ If you should see a man wise in his own eyes, a fool is much better than he."

"13 ¶ The sluggard says, when he is sent out, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets."

"14 ¶ As a door turns upon its hinges, so does the slothful turn on his bed."

"15 ¶ The slothful hides his hands in his bosom; it grieves him to bring them again to his mouth."

"16 ¶ The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men with good reasoning."

"17 ¶ He who meddles with a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears."

"18 ¶ Like haughty men who utter words sharp and deadly as arrows, 19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor; when he is caught, he says, I was merely jesting."

"20 ¶ When there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no troublesome person, the strife ceases. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a malicious person to kindle strife. 22 The words of the malicious stir up trouble; they go down into the innermost parts of the heart."

"23 ¶ Like silver dross which sticks to an earthen pot, so are enraged lips and an evil heart."

"24 ¶ He who hates is known by his own speech; in his heart he entertains deceit; 25 Though he speaks in a gentle tone, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 He who conceals hatred in his heart, his wickedness shall be revealed in the congregation."

"27 ¶ He who digs a pit shall fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it will return upon him."

"28 ¶ A lying tongue hates the truth; and a troublesome mouth stirs up a quarrel."

"27:1 ¶ BOAST not for tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth."

"2 ¶ Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth; another, and not your own lips."

"3 ¶ A stone is heavy and sand is weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both. 4 Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous; but who can stand before envy?"

"5 ¶ Open rebuke is better than deceitful friendship. 6 Better are the wounds of a friend than the kisses of an enemy."

"7 ¶ A person who is full loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry person even a bitter thing is sweet."

"8 ¶ Like a bird that wanders from its nest, so is a man who is moved from his place."

"9 ¶ As oil and perfume rejoice the heart, so does the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. 10 Your own friend and your father’s friend forsake not; neither go into your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; for better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far off."

"11 ¶ My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, and remove from me the reproach of those who reproach me."

"12 ¶ A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself; but the fools pass on and suffer loss."

"13 ¶ He who is surety for a stranger, his cloak will be taken away from him and held in pledge for the stranger."

"14 ¶ He who blesses his friend with a flattering loud voice is not different from him who curses."

"15 ¶ Like a continual dripping on a rainy day, so is a quarrelsome woman. 16 The north wind is severe, but it is called the right wind."

"17 ¶ Iron sharpens iron; so a man enlightens the face of his friend."

"18 ¶ He who guards his fig tree shall eat its fruit; and he who is careful of his master shall be honored."

"19 ¶ As faces do not resemble faces, so hearts do not resemble hearts."

"20 ¶ Sheol and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied."

"21 ¶ As the refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man tested by the mouth of those who praise him. The heart of the wicked desires evil, and the heart of the pious desires knowledge."

"22 ¶ Though you should beat a fool in the midst of an assembly, you will not do him any good, nor will you cause his foolishness to depart from him."

"23 ¶ When you are feeding the sheep, know their faces and set your mind on the flock. 24 Possessions are not for ever; nor can riches be handed down from one generation to another. 25 The grass springs up, the tender growth shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for your clothing and the kids are for your sustenance; 27 And the goats’ milk is for your food and for the food of your household."

"28:1 ¶ THE wicked flee when no man pursues them; but the righteous are confident as a lion."

"2 ¶ Because of the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by righteous men who know justice the stability thereof shall be prolonged."

"3 ¶ A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which is of no benefit."

"4 ¶ Those who forsake the law glory in wickedness; but those who keep the law receive strength."

"5 ¶ Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand all good things."

"6 ¶ Better is the poor man walking in his uprightness than a rich man whose ways are perverse."

"7 ¶ He who keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is engaged in vanity shames his father."

"8 ¶ He who increases his wealth by usury and unjust means shall leave it for him who is kind to the poor."

"9 ¶ He who closes his ears from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."

"10 ¶ He who causes the righteous to go astray in an evil path shall fall himself into the pit; but the upright shall inherit good things."

"11 ¶ The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but a poor man of understanding will reprove him."

"12 ¶ When righteous men are strong, there is a great glory; but when the wicked rise to power, the glory diminishes."

"13 ¶ He who hides his transgression shall not prosper; but he who confesses his sins and forsakes them, God will have mercy upon him."

"14 ¶ Blessed is the man who is reverent always; but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief."

"15 ¶ As a roaring lion and a raging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor."

"16 ¶ A ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor; but he who hates deceit shall prolong his life."

"17 ¶ A man who is engaged in shedding of blood shall flee even to the jailer, and no one shall help him."

"18 ¶ He who walks uprightly shall be saved; but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall into a pit."

"19 ¶ He who tills the land shall have abundance of bread; but he who follows after vain pursuits shall have plenty of poverty."

"20 ¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but an evil man shall not be innocent."

"21 ¶ A man who shows partiality is not good; for a piece of bread a man will become a traitor."

"22 ¶ He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye and considers not that poverty shall come upon him."

"23 ¶ He who rebukes a man shall find more favor afterwards than he who flatters with his tongue."

"24 ¶ He who robs his father or his mother and says, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a wicked man."

"25 ¶ A greedy man stirs up strife; but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall be enriched."

"26 ¶ He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but he who walks with integrity will be delivered."

"27 ¶ He who gives to the poor shall not lack; but he who turns his eyes away from the needy shall have many a curse."

"28 ¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase."

"29:1 ¶ HE who refuses reproof and stiffens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."

"2 ¶ When the righteous are many, the people increase; but when the wicked are in authority, the people groan."

"3 ¶ He who loves wisdom rejoices his father; but he who keeps company with harlots shall lose his substance."

"4 ¶ The king by justice enriches the land; but a wicked man causes it to be in want."

"5 ¶ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."

"6 ¶ An evil man shall be ensnared in his wickedness; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice."

"7 ¶ A righteous man considers the cause of the poor; but the wicked has no understanding to regard it."

"8 ¶ Scornful men set cities on fire; but wise men turn away wrath."

"9 ¶ A wise man contends with a fool, and when he is angry, he laughs and does not scoff."

"10 ¶ Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent; but the righteous have compassion upon them."

"11 ¶ A fool utters all his wrath; but a wise man uses his mind."

"12 ¶ If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked."

"13 ¶ The poor man and the oppressor meet together, and the LORD lightens the eves of both."

"14 ¶ The king who faithfully judges the people, his throne shall be established for ever."

"15 ¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child who lacks discipline brings shame upon his mother."

"16 ¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous shall rejoice in their fall."

"17 ¶ Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yea, he shall give delight to your soul."

"18 ¶ When the wicked men multiply, the people are ruined; but he who keeps the law, blessed is he."

"19 ¶ A servant will not be corrected by words; for he knows then that he will not be beaten."

"20 ¶ When you see a man who is hasty in his words, know that a fool is better than he."

"21 ¶ He who is given to pleasures from his youth will be a servant, and in the end will groan."

"22 ¶ An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression."

"23 ¶ A man’s pride shall bring him low; but his meekness shall add to his honor."

"24 ¶ He who is a partner with a thief hates his own soul; they put him under oaths, but he does not confess."

"25 ¶ The iniquity of a man becomes a stumblingblock to him; but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall become strong."

"26 ¶ Many seek the ruler’s favor; but a man’s judgment comes from the LORD."

"27 ¶ An unjust man is an abomination to the just; and a right way is an abomination to the wicked."

"30:1 ¶ THESE are the words of Agur the son of Jakeh, who prophesied and received power, He said to Ithliel, 2 Surely, I am weak minded, and have not the understanding of men. 3 I know not wisdom, nor have I learned the knowledge of the holy men. 4 Tell me, Who has ascended up into heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a handkerchief? Who has established all the borders of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you can tell? 5 Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in him. 6 Do not add to his words; lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar."

"7 ¶ Two things have I asked of thee; deny them not to me before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; give me life sufficient 9 Lest I be full, and lie, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."

"10 ¶ Do not deliver a slave to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 11 There is a generation that curses their fathers, and does not bless their mothers. 12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, and vet is not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation. O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation, whose teeth are like swords, and their jaw teeth like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men."

"15 ¶ A gluttonous man has three beloved daughters. There are three things that are never satisfied; yea, a fourth that never says, It is enough: 16 Sheol; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that never says, It is enough. 17 The eye that mocks at his father and despises the old age of his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young vultures shall eat it."

"18 ¶ There are three things that are hidden from me, yea, four which I do not know: 19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man in his youth. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipes her mouth, and says, I have done no evil. 21 Under three things the earth quakes, and under four it cannot endure: 22 Under a servant when he reigns: and under a fool when he is filled with bread; 23 Under an odious woman when she is married; and under a maidservant who ousts her mistress."

"24 ¶ There are four things that are small upon the earth, but they are wiser than wise men: 25 The ants which have no strength, yet they provide their food in the summer; 26 The conies who lack strength, and yet they make their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts who have no king, and yet they all gather together. 28 The chameleon which takes hold with her hands, but is found in kings’ palaces."

"29 ¶ There are three things that go well, yea, four are graceful in their going: 30 The lion which is mightiest among beasts, and neither fears nor turns back before any of the beasts: 31 The cock that walks proudly among the chickens; the he-goat that goes before the flock; and a king who speaks among the people. 32 Covet not that you may not be reproached; do not feed yourself by things acquired wrongfully. 33 Out of the richness of the milk comes forth butter; and if you press your hand on a raw grain of wheat, it will bring forth juices; thus out of the strife goes forth judgment."

"31:1 ¶ THE words of Moael, a king and prophet, which his mother taught him, saying, 2 Oh my son! Oh the son of my womb! Oh the son of my vows! 3 Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to the extravagance of kings. 4 Of kings, O Moael, be careful of kings who drink wine; and of princes who drink strong drink, 5 Lest you drink and forget the law and forsake the judgment of the afflicted. 6 Let strong drink be given to those who mourn, and wine to those who are of heavy heart, 7 That they may drink, and forget their sorrows, and remember their miseries no more. 8 Open your mouth with words of truth, and judge all the sons of the wicked. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."

"10 ¶ Who can find a diligent woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, and her food supplies never diminish. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and linen, and works willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant’s ship, she brings her merchandise from afar. 15 She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household and work to her maids. 16 She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out all night. 19 She stretches out her arms diligently, and puts her hands to the spindle. 20 She stretches out her hands to the poor; yea, she stretches forth her arms to the needy. 21 The members of her household are not afraid of snow; for all of them are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes herself a covering of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in cities, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 The ways of her household are above reproach, and she does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; and her husband also praises her. 29 Many daughters have become rich, but you have excelled them all. 30 Comeliness is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman who reverences the LORD shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gate."