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Proverbs
1 |
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The
proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: {2} for
attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
{3} for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is
right and just and fair; {4} for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-- {5} let the wise listen
and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- {6}
for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of
the wise. {7} The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. {8} Listen, my son, to
your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
{9} They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn
your neck. {10} My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to
them. {11} If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait
for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; {12} let's
swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to
the pit; {13} we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill
our houses with plunder; {14} throw in your lot with us, and we
will share a common purse"-- {15} my son, do not go along with
them, do not set foot on their paths; {16} for their feet rush
into sin, they are swift to shed blood. {17} How useless to
spread a net in full view of all the birds! {18} These men lie in
wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves! {19} Such
is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives
of those who get it. {20} Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she
raises her voice in the public squares; {21} at the head of the
noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her
speech: {22} "How long will you simple ones love your simple
ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
{23} If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my
heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. {24} But since
you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out
my hand, {25} since you ignored all my advice and would not
accept my rebuke, {26} I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I
will mock when calamity overtakes you-- {27} when calamity
overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a
whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. {28} "Then
they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but
will not find me. {29} Since they hated knowledge and did not
choose to fear the LORD, {30} since they would not accept my
advice and spurned my rebuke, {31} they will eat the fruit of
their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. {32}
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of
fools will destroy them; {33} but whoever listens to me will live
in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." |
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Proverbs 2 |
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My
son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, {2}
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
{3} and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
{4} and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for
hidden treasure, {5} then you will understand the fear of the
LORD and find the knowledge of God. {6} For the LORD gives
wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. {7}
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose
walk is blameless, {8} for he guards the course of the just and
protects the way of his faithful ones. {9} Then you will
understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. {10}
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your
soul. {11} Discretion will protect you, and understanding will
guard you. {12} Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse, {13} who leave the straight
paths to walk in dark ways, {14} who delight in doing wrong and
rejoice in the perverseness of evil, {15} whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways. {16} It will save you also
from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
{17} who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant
she made before God. {18} For her house leads down to death and
her paths to the spirits of the dead. {19} None who go to her
return or attain the paths of life. {20} Thus you will walk in
the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. {21}
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in
it; {22} but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the
unfaithful will be torn from it |
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Proverbs 3 |
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My
son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
{2} for they will prolong your life many years and bring you
prosperity. {3} Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind
them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. {4}
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
{5} Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; {6} in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will
make your paths straight. {7} Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil. {8} This will bring health to your
body and nourishment to your bones. {9} Honor the LORD with your
wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; {10} then your
barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with
new wine. {11} My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and
do not resent his rebuke, {12} because the LORD disciplines those
he loves, as a father the son he delights in. {13} Blessed is the
man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, {14} for
she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
{15} She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can
compare with her. {16} Long life is in her right hand; in her
left hand are riches and honor. {17} Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace. {18} She is a tree of life to those
who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. {19}
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set
the heavens in place; {20} by his knowledge the deeps were
divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. {21} My son, preserve
sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
{22} they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
{23} Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not
stumble; {24} when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you
lie down, your sleep will be sweet. {25} Have no fear of sudden
disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, {26} for the
LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
{27} Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in
your power to act. {28} Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back
later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you. {29}
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near
you. {30} Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done
you no harm. {31} Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his
ways, {32} for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the
upright into his confidence. {33} The Lord's curse is on the
house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. {34}
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. {35}
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame. |
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Proverbs 4 |
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Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain
understanding. {2} I give you sound learning, so do not forsake
my teaching. {3} When I was a boy in my father's house, still
tender, and an only child of my mother, {4} he taught me and
said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and
you will live. {5} Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget
my words or swerve from them. {6} Do not forsake wisdom, and she
will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. {7}
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,
get understanding. {8} Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you. {9} She will set a garland
of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." {10}
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will
be many. {11} I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along
straight paths. {12} When you walk, your steps will not be
hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. {13} Hold on to
instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
{14} Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of
evil men. {15} Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go
on your way. {16} For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they
are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. {17} They eat
the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. {18} The
path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever
brighter till the full light of day. {19} But the way of the
wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
{20} My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my
words. {21} Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within
your heart; {22} for they are life to those who find them and
health to a man's whole body. {23} Above all else, guard your
heart, for it is the wellspring of life. {24} Put away perversity
from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. {25} Let
your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
{26} Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are
firm. {27} Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot
from evil. |
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Proverbs 5 |
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My
son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,
{2} that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve
knowledge. {3} For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her
speech is smoother than oil; {4} but in the end she is bitter as
gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. {5} Her feet go down to
death; her steps lead straight to the grave. {6} She gives no
thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
{7} Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I
say. {8} Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of
her house, {9} lest you give your best strength to others and
your years to one who is cruel, {10} lest strangers feast on your
wealth and your toil enrich another man's house. {11} At the end
of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. {12}
You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned
correction! {13} I would not obey my teachers or listen to my
instructors. {14} I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the
midst of the whole assembly." {15} Drink water from your own
cistern, running water from your own well. {16} Should your
springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public
squares? {17} Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with
strangers. {18} May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice
in the wife of your youth. {19} A loving doe, a graceful deer--
may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her
love. {20} Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why
embrace the bosom of another man's wife? {21} For a man's ways
are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. {22}
The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold
him fast. {23} He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by
his own great folly. |
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Proverbs 6 |
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My
son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck
hands in pledge for another, {2} if you have been trapped by what
you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, {3} then do this,
my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's
hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
{4} Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. {5}
Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a
bird from the snare of the fowler. {6} Go to the ant, you
sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! {7} It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler, {8} yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. {9} How long will you lie there,
you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? {10} A little
sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- {11}
and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an
armed man. {12} A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a
corrupt mouth, {13} who winks with his eye, signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers, {14} who plots evil with deceit in
his heart-- he always stirs up dissension. {15} Therefore
disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be
destroyed--without remedy. {16} There are six things the LORD
hates, seven that are detestable to him: {17} haughty eyes, a
lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, {18} a heart that
devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, {19}
a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension
among brothers. {20} My son, keep your father's commands and do
not forsake your mother's teaching. {21} Bind them upon your
heart forever; fasten them around your neck. {22} When you walk,
they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you
awake, they will speak to you. {23} For these commands are a
lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are
the way to life, {24} keeping you from the immoral woman, from
the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. {25} Do not lust in your
heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, {26}
for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the
adulteress preys upon your very life. {27} Can a man scoop fire
into his lap without his clothes being burned? {28} Can a man
walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? {29} So is he
who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go
unpunished. {30} Men do not despise a thief if he steals to
satisfy his hunger when he is starving. {31} Yet if he is caught,
he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
{32} But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so
destroys himself. {33} Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his
shame will never be wiped away; {34} for jealousy arouses a
husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. {35}
He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe,
however great it is. |
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Proverbs 7 |
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My
son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. {2} Keep
my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your
eye. {3} Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of
your heart. {4} Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call
understanding your kinsman; {5} they will keep you from the
adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. {6}
At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. {7} I
saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked
judgment. {8} He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house {9} at twilight, as
the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. {10} Then out
came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty
intent. {11} (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at
home; {12} now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner
she lurks.) {13} She took hold of him and kissed him and with a
brazen face she said: {14} "I have fellowship offerings at home;
today I fulfilled my vows. {15} So I came out to meet you; I
looked for you and have found you! {16} I have covered my bed
with coloured linens from Egypt. {17} I have perfumed my bed with
myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. {18} Come, let's drink deep of love
till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! {19} My husband is
not at home; he has gone on a long journey. {20} He took his
purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon." {21}
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her
smooth talk. {22} All at once he followed her like an ox going to
the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose {23} till an
arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little
knowing it will cost him his life. {24} Now then, my sons, listen
to me; pay attention to what I say. {25} Do not let your heart
turn to her ways or stray into her paths. {26} Many are the
victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. {27}
Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of
death. |
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Proverbs 8 |
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Does
not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? {2}
On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
{3} beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she
cries aloud: {4} "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to
all mankind. {5} You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are
foolish, gain understanding. {6} Listen, for I have worthy things
to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. {7} My mouth
speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. {8} All the
words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. {9}
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those
who have knowledge. {10} Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold, {11} for wisdom is more
precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
{12} "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge
and discretion. {13} To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate
pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. {14}
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
{15} By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; {16}
by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. {17}
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. {18}
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. {19}
My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice
silver. {20} I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths
of justice, {21} bestowing wealth on those who love me and making
their treasuries full. {22} "The LORD brought me forth as the
first of his works, before his deeds of old; {23} I was appointed
from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. {24}
When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs
abounding with water; {25} before the mountains were settled in
place, before the hills, I was given birth, {26} before he made
the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world. {27} I
was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the
horizon on the face of the deep, {28} when he established the
clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, {29}
when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his
command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. {30}
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day
after day, rejoicing always in his presence, {31} rejoicing in
his whole world and delighting in mankind. {32} "Now then, my
sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. {33}
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. {34}
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway. {35} For whoever finds me finds life and
receives favor from the LORD. {36} But whoever fails to find me
harms himself; all who hate me love death." |
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Proverbs 9 |
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Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. {2}
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her
table. {3} She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the
highest point of the city. {4} "Let all who are simple come in
here!" she says to those who lack judgment. {5} "Come, eat my
food and drink the wine I have mixed. {6} Leave your simple ways
and you will live; walk in the way of understanding. {7} "Whoever
corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs
abuse. {8} Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a
wise man and he will love you. {9} Instruct a wise man and he
will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his
learning. {10} "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. {11} For through
me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. {12}
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker,
you alone will suffer." {13} The woman Folly is loud; she is
undisciplined and without knowledge. {14} She sits at the door of
her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, {15}
calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. {16}
"Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack
judgment. {17} "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is
delicious!" {18} But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave. |
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Proverbs 10 |
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The
proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish
son grief to his mother. {2} Ill-gotten treasures are of no
value, but righteousness delivers from death. {3} The LORD does
not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the
wicked. {4} Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring
wealth. {5} He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he
who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. {6} Blessings
crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of
the wicked. {7} The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot. {8} The wise in heart accept
commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. {9} The man of
integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found
out. {10} He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering
fool comes to ruin. {11} The mouth of the righteous is a fountain
of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. {12}
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. {13}
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back
of him who lacks judgment. {14} Wise men store up knowledge, but
the mouth of a fool invites ruin. {15} The wealth of the rich is
their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. {16}
The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked
brings them punishment. {17} He who heeds discipline shows the
way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. {18}
He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads
slander is a fool. {19} When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise. {20} The tongue of the
righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little
value. {21} The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die
for lack of judgment. {22} The blessing of the LORD brings
wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. {23} A fool finds pleasure
in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. {24}
What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire
will be granted. {25} When the storm has swept by, the wicked are
gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. {26} As vinegar to
the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.
{27} The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the
wicked are cut short. {28} The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. {29} The way of the
LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do
evil. {30} The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked
will not remain in the land. {31} The mouth of the righteous
brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. {32}
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the
wicked only what is perverse. |
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Proverbs 11 |
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The
LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
{2} When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes
wisdom. {3} The integrity of the upright guides them, but the
unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. {4} Wealth is
worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
{5} The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for
them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. {6}
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful
are trapped by evil desires. {7} When a wicked man dies, his hope
perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. {8}
The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked
instead. {9} With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape. {10} When the
righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are
shouts of joy. {11} Through the blessing of the upright a city is
exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. {12} A
man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding
holds his tongue. {13} A gossip betrays a confidence, but a
trustworthy man keeps a secret. {14} For lack of guidance a
nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. {15} He who
puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to
strike hands in pledge is safe. {16} A kindhearted woman gains
respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. {17} A kind man
benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. {18}
The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness
reaps a sure reward. {19} The truly righteous man attains life,
but he who pursues evil goes to his death. {20} The LORD detests
men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
{21} Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those
who are righteous will go free. {22} Like a gold ring in a pig's
snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. {23} The
desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked
only in wrath. {24} One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. {25} A generous
man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
{26} People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him
who is willing to sell. {27} He who seeks good finds goodwill,
but evil comes to him who searches for it. {28} Whoever trusts in
his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
{29} He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and
the fool will be servant to the wise. {30} The fruit of the
righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. {31}
If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly
and the sinner! |
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Proverbs 12 |
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Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is
stupid. {2} A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD
condemns a crafty man. {3} A man cannot be established through
wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. {4} A wife of
noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like
decay in his bones. {5} The plans of the righteous are just, but
the advice of the wicked is deceitful. {6} The words of the
wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues
them. {7} Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the
house of the righteous stands firm. {8} A man is praised
according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised. {9}
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be
somebody and have no food. {10} A righteous man cares for the
needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
{11} He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who
chases fantasies lacks judgment. {12} The wicked desire the
plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. {13}
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man
escapes trouble. {14} From the fruit of his lips a man is filled
with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. {15}
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to
advice. {16} A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent
man overlooks an insult. {17} A truthful witness gives honest
testimony, but a false witness tells lies. {18} Reckless words
pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. {19}
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a
moment. {20} There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot
evil, but joy for those who promote peace. {21} No harm befalls
the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. {22}
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
{23} A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of
fools blurts out folly. {24} Diligent hands will rule, but
laziness ends in slave labour. {25} An anxious heart weighs a man
down, but a kind word cheers him up. {26} A righteous man is
cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
{27} The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man
prizes his possessions. {28} In the way of righteousness there is
life; along that path is immortality. |
|
Proverbs 13 |
|
A
wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to
rebuke. {2} From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. {3} He who guards
his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
{4} The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the
diligent are fully satisfied. {5} The righteous hate what is
false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. {6} Righteousness
guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
{7} One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends
to be poor, yet has great wealth. {8} A man's riches may ransom
his life, but a poor man hears no threat. {9} The light of the
righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
{10} Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who
take advice. {11} Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who
gathers money little by little makes it grow. {12} Hope deferred
makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. {13}
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a
command is rewarded. {14} The teaching of the wise is a fountain
of life, turning a man from the snares of death. {15} Good
understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. {16}
Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his
folly. {17} A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a
trustworthy envoy brings healing. {18} He who ignores discipline
comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
{19} A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest
turning from evil. {20} He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm. {21} Misfortune pursues
the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. {22} A
good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a
sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. {23} A poor man's
field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. {24}
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful
to discipline him. {25} The righteous eat to their hearts'
content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry. |
|
Proverbs 14 |
|
The
wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one
tears hers down. {2} He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but
he whose ways are devious despises him. {3} A fool's talk brings
a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. {4}
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of
an ox comes an abundant harvest. {5} A truthful witness does not
deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. {6} The mocker seeks
wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
{7} Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on
his lips. {8} The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to
their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. {9} Fools mock
at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
{10} Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share
its joy. {11} The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the
tent of the upright will flourish. {12} There is a way that seems
right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. {13} Even in
laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. {14} The
faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded
for his. {15} A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man
gives thought to his steps. {16} A wise man fears the LORD and
shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. {17} A
quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
{18} The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with
knowledge. {19} Evil men will bow down in the presence of the
good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. {20} The poor
are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
{21} He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is
kind to the needy. {22} Do not those who plot evil go astray? But
those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. {23} All
hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. {24}
The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields
folly. {25} A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness
is deceitful. {26} He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge. {27} The fear of the
LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
{28} A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a
prince is ruined. {29} A patient man has great understanding, but
a quick-tempered man displays folly. {30} A heart at peace gives
life to the body, but envy rots the bones. {31} He who oppresses
the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the
needy honors God. {32} When calamity comes, the wicked are
brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. {33}
Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she
lets herself be known. {34} Righteousness exalts a nation, but
sin is a disgrace to any people. {35} A king delights in a wise
servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath. |
|
Proverbs 15 |
|
A
gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. {2}
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool
gushes folly. {3} The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping
watch on the wicked and the good. {4} The tongue that brings
healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
{5} A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds
correction shows prudence. {6} The house of the righteous
contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them
trouble. {7} The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the
hearts of fools. {8} The LORD detests the sacrifice of the
wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. {9} The LORD
detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue
righteousness. {10} Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the
path; he who hates correction will die. {11} Death and
Destruction lie open before the LORD-- how much more the hearts of men!
{12} A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.
{13} A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes
the spirit. {14} The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the
mouth of a fool feeds on folly. {15} All the days of the
oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
{16} Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth
with turmoil. {17} Better a meal of vegetables where there is
love than a fattened calf with hatred. {18} A hot-tempered man
stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. {19} The
way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright
is a highway. {20} A wise son brings joy to his father, but a
foolish man despises his mother. {21} Folly delights a man who
lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
{22} Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they
succeed. {23} A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how
good is a timely word! {24} The path of life leads upward for the
wise to keep him from going down to the grave. {25} The LORD
tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries
intact. {26} The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but
those of the pure are pleasing to him. {27} A greedy man brings
trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. {28}
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the
wicked gushes evil. {29} The LORD is far from the wicked but he
hears the prayer of the righteous. {30} A cheerful look brings
joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. {31}
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
{32} He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds
correction gains understanding. {33} The fear of the LORD teaches
a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. |
|
Proverbs 16 |
|
To
man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of
the tongue. {2} All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but
motives are weighed by the LORD. {3} Commit to the LORD whatever
you do, and your plans will succeed. {4} The LORD works out
everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
{5} The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They
will not go unpunished. {6} Through love and faithfulness sin is
atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. {7}
When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies
live at peace with him. {8} Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice. {9} In his heart a man plans his
course, but the LORD determines his steps. {10} The lips of a
king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
{11} Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights
in the bag are of his making. {12} Kings detest wrongdoing, for a
throne is established through righteousness. {13} Kings take
pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. {14}
A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease
it. {15} When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor
is like a rain cloud in spring. {16} How much better to get
wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! {17}
The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards
his life. {18} Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit
before a fall. {19} Better to be lowly in spirit and among the
oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. {20} Whoever
gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the
LORD. {21} The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant
words promote instruction. {22} Understanding is a fountain of
life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. {23}
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote
instruction. {24} Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the
soul and healing to the bones. {25} There is a way that seems
right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. {26} The
labourer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. {27}
A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. {28}
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close
friends. {29} A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him
down a path that is not good. {30} He who winks with his eye is
plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. {31}
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
{32} Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his
temper than one who takes a city. {33} The lot is cast into the
lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. |
|
Proverbs 17 |
|
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting,
with strife. {2} A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son,
and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. {3} The
crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the
heart. {4} A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays
attention to a malicious tongue. {5} He who mocks the poor shows
contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go
unpunished. {6} Children's children are a crown to the aged, and
parents are the pride of their children. {7} Arrogant lips are
unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler! {8} A
bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he
succeeds. {9} He who covers over an offense promotes love, but
whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. {10} A rebuke
impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
{11} An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official
will be sent against him. {12} Better to meet a bear robbed of
her cubs than a fool in his folly. {13} If a man pays back evil
for good, evil will never leave his house. {14} Starting a
quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute
breaks out. {15} Acquitting the guilty and condemning the
innocent-- the LORD detests them both. {16} Of what use is money
in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? {17}
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
{18} A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up
security for his neighbor. {19} He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction. {20} A man of
perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into
trouble. {21} To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no
joy for the father of a fool. {22} A cheerful heart is good
medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. {23} A wicked
man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. {24}
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to
the ends of the earth. {25} A foolish son brings grief to his
father and bitterness to the one who bore him. {26} It is not
good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their
integrity. {27} A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and
a man of understanding is even-tempered. {28} Even a fool is
thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. |
|
Proverbs 18 |
|
An
unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.
{2} A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing
his own opinions. {3} When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes disgrace. {4} The words of a man's mouth are
deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. {5}
It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of
justice. {6} A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth
invites a beating. {7} A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his
lips are a snare to his soul. {8} The words of a gossip are like
choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. {9} One who
is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. {10} The
name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are
safe. {11} The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they
imagine it an unscalable wall. {12} Before his downfall a man's
heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. {13} He who
answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame. {14}
A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can
bear? {15} The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the
ears of the wise seek it out. {16} A gift opens the way for the
giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. {17} The
first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and
questions him. {18} Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps
strong opponents apart. {19} An offended brother is more
unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates
of a citadel. {20} From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is
filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. {21} The
tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat
its fruit. {22} He who finds a wife finds what is good and
receives favor from the LORD. {23} A poor man pleads for mercy,
but a rich man answers harshly. {24} A man of many companions may
come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
|
Proverbs 19 |
|
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are
perverse. {2} It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor
to be hasty and miss the way. {3} A man's own folly ruins his
life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. {4} Wealth brings
many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him. {5} A false
witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go
free. {6} Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the
friend of a man who gives gifts. {7} A poor man is shunned by all
his relatives-- how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he
pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. {8} He
who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding
prospers. {9} A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who
pours out lies will perish. {10} It is not fitting for a fool to
live in luxury-- how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
{11} A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to
overlook an offense. {12} A king's rage is like the roar of a
lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. {13} A foolish son
is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant
dripping. {14} Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but
a prudent wife is from the LORD. {15} Laziness brings on deep
sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry. {16} He who obeys
instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways
will die. {17} He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and
he will reward him for what he has done. {18} Discipline your
son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.
{19} A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you
will have to do it again. {20} Listen to advice and accept
instruction, and in the end you will be wise. {21} Many are the
plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
{22} What a man desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a
liar. {23} The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests
content, untouched by trouble. {24} The sluggard buries his hand
in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! {25}
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning
man, and he will gain knowledge. {26} He who robs his father and
drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. {27}
Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the
words of knowledge. {28} A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and
the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. {29} Penalties are
prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. |
|
Proverbs 20 |
|
Wine
is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not
wise. {2} A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who
angers him forfeits his life. {3} It is to a man's honor to avoid
strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. {4} A sluggard does
not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
{5} The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of
understanding draws them out. {6} Many a man claims to have
unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? {7} The
righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after
him. {8} When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out
all evil with his eyes. {9} Who can say, "I have kept my heart
pure; I am clean and without sin"? {10} Differing weights and
differing measures-- the LORD detests them both. {11} Even a
child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
{12} Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.
{13} Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you
will have food to spare. {14} "It's no good, it's no good!" says
the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. {15}
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge
are a rare jewel. {16} Take the garment of one who puts up
security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward
woman. {17} Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he
ends up with a mouth full of gravel. {18} Make plans by seeking
advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. {19} A gossip betrays a
confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. {20} If a man
curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch
darkness. {21} An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
will not be blessed at the end. {22} Do not say, "I'll pay you
back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
{23} The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not
please him. {24} A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then
can anyone understand his own way? {25} It is a trap for a man to
dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. {26}
A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel
over them. {27} The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man
; it searches out his inmost being. {28} Love and faithfulness
keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. {29}
The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the
old. {30} Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge
the inmost being. |
|
Proverbs 21 |
|
The
king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a
watercourse wherever he pleases. {2} All a man's ways seem right
to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. {3} To do what is right
and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. {4}
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! {5}
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to
poverty. {6} A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor
and a deadly snare. {7} The violence of the wicked will drag them
away, for they refuse to do what is right. {8} The way of the
guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. {9}
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a
quarrelsome wife. {10} The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor
gets no mercy from him. {11} When a mocker is punished, the
simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
{12} The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and
brings the wicked to ruin. {13} If a man shuts his ears to the
cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. {14} A
gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak
pacifies great wrath. {15} When justice is done, it brings joy to
the righteous but terror to evildoers. {16} A man who strays from
the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.
{17} He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and
oil will never be rich. {18} The wicked become a ransom for the
righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. {19} Better to
live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife. {20}
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a
foolish man devours all he has. {21} He who pursues righteousness
and love finds life, prosperity and honor. {22} A wise man
attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which
they trust. {23} He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps
himself from calamity. {24} The proud and arrogant man--" Mocker"
is his name; he behaves with overweening pride. {25} The
sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to
work. {26} All day long he craves for more, but the righteous
give without sparing. {27} The sacrifice of the wicked is
detestable-- how much more so when brought with evil intent! {28}
A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be
destroyed forever. {29} A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an
upright man gives thought to his ways. {30} There is no wisdom,
no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. {31} The
horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the
LORD. |
|
Proverbs 22 |
|
A
good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better
than silver or gold. {2} Rich and poor have this in common: The
LORD is the Maker of them all. {3} A prudent man sees danger and
takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. {4}
Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.
{5} In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who
guards his soul stays far from them. {6} Train a child in the way
he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. {7}
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
{8} He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury
will be destroyed. {9} A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. {10} Drive out the mocker,
and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. {11} He who
loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for
his friend. {12} The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. {13} The sluggard
says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the
streets!" {14} The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who
is under the Lord's wrath will fall into it. {15} Folly is bound
up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far
from him. {16} He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich--both come to poverty. {17}
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to
what I teach, {18} for it is pleasing when you keep them in your
heart and have all of them ready on your lips. {19} So that your
trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. {20} Have
I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
{21} teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give
sound answers to him who sent you? {22} Do not exploit the poor
because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, {23}
for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder
them. {24} Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not
associate with one easily angered, {25} or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared. {26} Do not be a man who strikes hands
in pledge or puts up security for debts; {27} if you lack the
means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. {28}
Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
{29} Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before
kings; he will not serve before obscure men. |
|
Proverbs 23 |
|
When
you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, {2}
and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. {3}
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. {4} Do
not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
{5} Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will
surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. {6} Do
not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; {7}
for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost.
"Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. {8}
You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted
your compliments. {9} Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn
the wisdom of your words. {10} Do not move an ancient boundary
stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, {11} for their
Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. {12}
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
{13} Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with
the rod, he will not die. {14} Punish him with the rod and save
his soul from death. {15} My son, if your heart is wise, then my
heart will be glad; {16} my inmost being will rejoice when your
lips speak what is right. {17} Do not let your heart envy
sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. {18}
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut
off. {19} Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the
right path. {20} Do not join those who drink too much wine or
gorge themselves on meat, {21} for drunkards and gluttons become
poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. {22} Listen to your
father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is
old. {23} Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom,
discipline and understanding. {24} The father of a righteous man
has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. {25} May
your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
{26} My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,
{27} for a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow
well. {28} Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the
unfaithful among men. {29} Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has
strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot
eyes? {30} Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of
mixed wine. {31} Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it
sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! {32} In the end
it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. {33} Your eyes
will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. {34}
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the
rigging. {35} "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt!
They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find
another drink?" |
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Proverbs 24 |
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Do
not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; {2} for their
hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. {3}
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is
established; {4} through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare
and beautiful treasures. {5} A wise man has great power, and a
man of knowledge increases strength; {6} for waging war you need
guidance, and for victory many advisers. {7} Wisdom is too high
for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. {8}
He who plots evil will be known as a schemer. {9} The schemes
of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker. {10} If you falter in
times of trouble, how small is your strength! {11} Rescue those
being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
{12} If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who
weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done? {13}
Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your
taste. {14} Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you
find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut
off. {15} Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous
man's house, do not raid his dwelling place; {16} for though a
righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are
brought down by calamity. {17} Do not gloat when your enemy
falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, {18} or
the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
{19} Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,
{20} for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked
will be snuffed out. {21} Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and
do not join with the rebellious, {22} for those two will send
sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can
bring? {23} These also are sayings of the wise: To show
partiality in judging is not good: {24} Whoever says to the
guilty, "You are innocent"-- peoples will curse him and nations denounce
him. {25} But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them. {26} An honest answer is
like a kiss on the lips. {27} Finish your outdoor work and get
your fields ready; after that, build your house. {28} Do not
testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to
deceive. {29} Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me;
I'll pay that man back for what he did." {30} I went past the
field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
{31} thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with
weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. {32} I applied my heart
to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: {33} A
little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--
{34} and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an
armed man. |
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Proverbs 25 |
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These
are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of
Judah: {2} It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search
out a matter is the glory of kings. {3} As the heavens are high
and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. {4}
Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the
silversmith; {5} remove the wicked from the king's presence, and
his throne will be established through righteousness. {6} Do not
exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among
great men; {7} it is better for him to say to you, "Come up
here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have
seen with your eyes {8} do not bring hastily to court, for what
will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? {9} If
you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's
confidence, {10} or he who hears it may shame you and you will
never lose your bad reputation. {11} A word aptly spoken is like
apples of gold in settings of silver. {12} Like an earring of
gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening
ear. {13} Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a
trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of
his masters. {14} Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who
boasts of gifts he does not give. {15} Through patience a ruler
can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. {16} If
you find honey, eat just enough-- too much of it, and you will vomit.
{17} Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house-- too much of you, and
he will hate you. {18} Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is
the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. {19} Like
a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of
trouble. {20} Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or
like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
{21} If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is
thirsty, give him water to drink. {22} In doing this, you will
heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. {23}
As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
{24} Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with
a quarrelsome wife. {25} Like cold water to a weary soul is good
news from a distant land. {26} Like a muddied spring or a
polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. {27}
It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek
one's own honor. {28} Like a city whose walls are broken down is
a man who lacks self-control. |
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Proverbs 26 |
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Like
snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
{2} Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved
curse does not come to rest. {3} A whip for the horse, a halter
for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! {4} Do not
answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
{5} Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his
own eyes. {6} Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is
the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. {7} Like a lame
man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. {8}
Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
{9} Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth
of a fool. {10} Like an archer who wounds at random is he who
hires a fool or any passer-by. {11} As a dog returns to its
vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. {12} Do you see a man wise in
his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. {13}
The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming
the streets!" {14} As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard
turns on his bed. {15} The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. {16} The sluggard
is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. {17}
Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in
a quarrel not his own. {18} Like a madman shooting firebrands or
deadly arrows {19} is a man who deceives his neighbor and says,
"I was only joking!" {20} Without wood a fire goes out; without
gossip a quarrel dies down. {21} As charcoal to embers and as
wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. {22}
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's
inmost parts. {23} Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are
fervent lips with an evil heart. {24} A malicious man disguises
himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. {25}
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven
abominations fill his heart. {26} His malice may be concealed by
deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. {27}
If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone,
it will roll back on him. {28} A lying tongue hates those it
hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. |
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Proverbs 27 |
|
Do
not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring
forth. {2} Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips. {3} Stone is heavy and sand
a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. {4}
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
{5} Better is open rebuke than hidden love. {6} Wounds from a
friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. {7} He who
is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes
sweet. {8} Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who
strays from his home. {9} Perfume and incense bring joy to the
heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest
counsel. {10} Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your
father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes
you-- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. {11} Be
wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who
treats me with contempt. {12} The prudent see danger and take
refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. {13} Take
the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in
pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. {14} If a man loudly
blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
{15} A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
{16} restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil
with the hand. {17} As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
another. {18} He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he
who looks after his master will be honored. {19} As water
reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. {20} Death
and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.
{21} The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is
tested by the praise he receives. {22} Though you grind a fool in
a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his
folly from him. {23} Be sure you know the condition of your
flocks, give careful attention to your herds; {24} for riches do
not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.
{25} When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass
from the hills is gathered in, {26} the lambs will provide you
with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. {27} You
will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to
nourish your servant girls. |
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Proverbs 28 |
|
The
wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as
a lion. {2} When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but
a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. {3} A ruler
who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
{4} Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep
the law resist them. {5} Evil men do not understand justice, but
those who seek the LORD understand it fully. {6} Better a poor
man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
{7} He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of
gluttons disgraces his father. {8} He who increases his wealth by
exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the
poor. {9} If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers
are detestable. {10} He who leads the upright along an evil path
will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good
inheritance. {11} A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a
poor man who has discernment sees through him. {12} When the
righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to
power, men go into hiding. {13} He who conceals his sins does not
prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. {14}
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his
heart falls into trouble. {15} Like a roaring lion or a charging
bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people. {16} A
tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will
enjoy a long life. {17} A man tormented by the guilt of murder
will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. {18} He
whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse
will suddenly fall. {19} He who works his land will have abundant
food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
{20} A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get
rich will not go unpunished. {21} To show partiality is not
good-- yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. {22} A
stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
{23} He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he
who has a flattering tongue. {24} He who robs his father or
mother and says, "It's not wrong"-- he is partner to him who destroys.
{25} A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD
will prosper. {26} He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who
walks in wisdom is kept safe. {27} He who gives to the poor will
lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
{28} When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when
the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. |
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Proverbs 29 |
|
A man
who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be
destroyed--without remedy. {2} When the righteous thrive, the
people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. {3} A man
who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of
prostitutes squanders his wealth. {4} By justice a king gives a
country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
{5} Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
{6} An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can
sing and be glad. {7} The righteous care about justice for the
poor, but the wicked have no such concern. {8} Mockers stir up a
city, but wise men turn away anger. {9} If a wise man goes to
court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
{10} Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the
upright. {11} A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man
keeps himself under control. {12} If a ruler listens to lies, all
his officials become wicked. {13} The poor man and the oppressor
have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. {14}
If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be
secure. {15} The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child
left to himself disgraces his mother. {16} When the wicked
thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. {17}
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring
delight to your soul. {18} Where there is no revelation, the
people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. {19}
A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands,
he will not respond. {20} Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. {21} If a man pampers
his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end. {22} An
angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
{23} A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains
honor. {24} The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put
under oath and dare not testify. {25} Fear of man will prove to
be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. {26}
Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man
gets justice. {27} The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked
detest the upright. |
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Proverbs 30 |
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The
sayings of Agur son of Jakeh--an oracle : This man declared to Ithiel,
to Ithiel and to Ucal: {2} "I am the most ignorant of men; I do
not have a man's understanding. {3} I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. {4} Who has gone up to
heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his
hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established
all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know! {5} "Every word of God is flawless; he is a
shield to those who take refuge in him. {6} Do not add to his
words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. {7} "Two
things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: {8}
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread. {9} Otherwise, I may have too
much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and
steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. {10} "Do not slander a
servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.
{11} "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their
mothers; {12} those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are
not cleansed of their filth; {13} those whose eyes are ever so
haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; {14} those whose teeth
are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from
the earth, the needy from among mankind. {15} "The leech has two
daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are
never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!': {16} the grave,
the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire,
which never says, 'Enough!' {17} "The eye that mocks a father,
that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of
the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. {18} "There are three
things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:
{19} the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
{20} "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth
and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.' {21} "Under three things the
earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: {22} a servant who
becomes king, a fool who is full of food, {23} an unloved woman
who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress. {24}
"Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
{25} Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their
food in the summer; {26} coneys are creatures of little power,
yet they make their home in the crags; {27} locusts have no king,
yet they advance together in ranks; {28} a lizard can be caught
with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces. {29} "There are
three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with
stately bearing: {30} a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats
before nothing; {31} a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king
with his army around him. {32} "If you have played the fool and
exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your
mouth! {33} For as churning the milk produces butter, and as
twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." |
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