Proverbs chapter 1
Reason for the proverbs
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.
2 To understand wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding,
3 to receive instruction in wise behavior, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give 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 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for blood; let’s ambush the innocent without cause,”
12 We will swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will find all kinds of riches, we will fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast your lot among us; let us all have one purse .
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them; keep your foot from their paths,
16 for their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed blood.
17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird;
18 but they lie in wait for their own blood, and set a snare for their own lives.
19 Such are the paths of everyone who is greedy for gain, which takes away the life of its possessors.
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 she cries aloud at the head of the congregation; at the entrances of the city gates she speaks her words.
22 How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you and make my words known to you.
24 Because I called and you refused to listen, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention,
25 but you rejected all my counsel and would not accept my reproof,
26 I too will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fears come upon you;
27 when your fears come like destruction, and your calamity arrives like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 they would not accept my counsel and despised all my reproof,
31 they shall eat the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell securely and will be at ease, without fear of harm.
Proverbs Chapter 2
Excellence of wisdom
1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding,
3 if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
8 He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 discretion will protect you; Understanding will protect you,
12 to deliver you from the evil way, from men who speak perverse things,
13 who forsake the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perversity of wickedness,
15 whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.
16 You will be delivered from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman who seduces with her words,
17 who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 Therefore her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead;
19 All who go to it will not return, nor will they again follow the paths of life.
20 So you will walk in the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous;
21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and the blameless will remain in it,
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.
Proverbs Chapter 3
Exhortation to obedience
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment 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 one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding,
14 for her profit is better than silver and her gain better than fine 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 take hold of her; those who hold her fast are 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 skies drop down dew.
21 My son, do not let these things depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk securely on your way, 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 You will not fear sudden terror, nor the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
26 For the Lord will be your confidence, and he will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it to you,” when you have it with you.
29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor who dwells securely beside you.
30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, if they have done you no wrong.
31 Do not envy the wicked man, nor choose any of his ways.
32 For the Lord detests the perverse, but he takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Surely he mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools will bear disgrace.
Proverbs Chapter 4
Beneficios de la sabiduría
1 Listen, my children, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound teaching; do not forsake my law.
3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender and cherished by my mother.
4 He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commands, and you will live.”
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all your getting get understanding.
8 Honor her, and she will exalt you; embrace her and bring you honor.
9 She will place a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.
10 Listen, my son, and accept my words, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have guided you in the way of wisdom; I have led you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it, for it is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, nor walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity and perversity far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs Chapter 5
Admonition against impurity
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and incline your ear to my understanding,
2 that you may store up discretion, and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of an adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol.
6 Her ways are unstable; you will not know them unless you consider the path of life.
7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your honor to strangers and your years to the cruel one;
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors be in the house of another.
11 And groan at the end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
12 and say, “How I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof!
13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers, nor incline my ear to those who instructed me!
14 I was almost in every kind of trouble, in the midst of the congregation and the assembly.”
15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing 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 for yourself alone, never for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 Like a loving doe, a graceful gazelle, may her breasts satisfy you always, and may you always be captivated by her love.
20 Why, my son, be infatuated with another man’s wife, why embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.
22 The sins of the wicked ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.
23 He will die for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he will go astray.
Proverbs Chapter 6
Admonition against laziness and falsehood
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger,
2 you are ensnared by the words of your mouth; you are trapped by the words of your lips.
3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, since you have come into the hand of your neighbor; go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.
4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids;
5 escape like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer, no ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, O 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 So your poverty will come like a thief, and your need like an armed man.
12 A wicked man, a depraved man, is one who walks with perverse speech,
13 winking his eyes, gesturing with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.
14 Perversity is in his heart; he plots evil continually; he sows discord.
15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; in an instant he will be broken beyond repair.
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 person who stirs up conflict among brothers. Warning Against Adultery
Admonition against adultery
20 My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart; tie 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 the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.
24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty, nor let her captivate you with her eyes;
26 for because of a prostitute a man is reduced to a loaf of bread, and an adulteress preys on a man’s precious life.
27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is hungry;
31 but if he is caught, he must pay seven times what he stole; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
32 But he who commits adultery lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
33 He will find wounds and shame, and his reproach will never be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is the fury of man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not accept any ransom, nor will he be willing to forgive, even if you multiply gifts.
Proverbs Chapter 7
The harlot's tricks
1 My son, keep my words, and treasure my commandments within you.
2 Keep my commandments and live, and my law 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 close relative,
5 that they may keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman who seduces with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my latticework,
7 and saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man lacking understanding,
8 passing along the street near the corner, going on the way to her house,
9 in the evening of the day, in the darkest night.
10 And behold, a woman met him, dressed as a prostitute, and crafty of heart.
11 She is loud and quarrelsome; her feet cannot stay at home;
12 Sometimes he is in the street, sometimes in the squares, lurking at every corner.
13 She seized him and kissed him. With a brazen face she said to him,
14 “ I had promised peace offerings; today I have paid my vows.
15 Therefore I have come out to meet you, diligently seeking your face, and I have found you.
16 I have adorned my bed with coverings embroidered with fine linen from Egypt;
17 I have perfumed my chamber with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us be intoxicated with love until morning; let us rejoice in love.
19 For the bridegroom is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took a purse of money with him; on the appointed day he will return home.”
21 With her many words she seduced him; with her flattering lips she enticed him.
22 At once he went after her, like an ox going to the slaughter, or like a fool to the stocks to be punished;
23 Like a bird that rushes into a snare, not knowing it will cost him his life, until the arrow pierces his heart.
24 Now therefore, my children, listen to me; pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths.
26 For she has struck down many wounded, and even the strongest are slain by her.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol, leading down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs Chapter 8
Excellence and eternity of wisdom
1 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights by the wayside, at the crossroads she stands;
3 at the gates, at the entrance to the city, at the entrance of the gates she cries aloud:
4 “ To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to the sons of men.
5 Be wise, O simple ones, and gain understanding, O fools.
6 Listen, for I will speak excellent things; I will open my lips to speak what is right.
7 For my mouth will speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing perverse or crooked in them.
9 They are all right to him who understands, and reasonable to those who find wisdom.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; And all that can be desired cannot compare with her.
12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge of discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance, the evil way, and perverse speech I hate.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I am insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and all governors judge the earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my yield better than choice silver.
20 I lead in the paths of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 to bestow on those who love me their inheritance and to fill their treasuries.
22 The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth began.
24 Before the deeps I was brought forth, before the springs overflowed with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep;
28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep;
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command; when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, ordering everything. I was his delight day after day, rejoicing in his presence always.
31 I rejoice in the habitable part of his land; my delight is in the children of men.
32 Now therefore, my children, listen to me, and blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Heed instruction and be wise, and do not disregard it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.
36 But whoever sins against me wrongs himself; all who hate me love death.
Proverbs Chapter 9
Wisdom and the foolish woman
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her slaughtered animals; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants; she calls from the highest point of the city.
4 To all who are simple, she says, “Come here!” To those who lack understanding, she says,
5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake your simple ways and live, and walk in the way of understanding.”
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked person incurs disgrace.
8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise person, and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise person, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will be yours; if you are a mocker, you alone will pay the penalty.
13 The foolish woman is loud and boisterous; she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house, on the high places of the city,
15 calling to those who pass by on the road, who go straight ahead.
16 She says to any simple person, “Come here!” To those who lack understanding she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs Chapter 10
Contrast between the righteous and the wicked
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry, but he will drive out the wicked.
4 Lazy hands bring poverty, but the hands of the diligent make rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a foolish man of lips will fall.
9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10 He who winks with his eye brings trouble, and a fool of lips will be punished.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.
13 On the lips of the discerning is found wisdom, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of fools is near ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The work of the righteous leads to life, but the fruit of the wicked leads to sin.
17 He who heeds instruction is the way to life, but he who rejects reproof goes astray.
18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is worthless.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.
23 Doing evil is like amusement to a fool, but wisdom is a delight to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dread will overtake them, but the desires of the righteous will be granted.
25 As a whirlwind passes, so the wicked are no more, but the righteous endure forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a lazy person to those who send them on errands.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but destruction for 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 the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the mouth of the wicked pours out perversity.
Proverbs Chapter 11
1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of sinners destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their path straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but sinners are trapped by their own sin.
7 When the wicked die, their hope perishes; the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.
8 The righteous are delivered from trouble, but the wicked take their place.
9 With their mouths, hypocrites destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 He who lacks understanding despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 Where there is no wise guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but he who hates suretyship will live securely.
16 A gracious woman gains honor, and ruthless men gain riches.
17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18 The wicked earn deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil does so to his own death.
20 The Lord detests the perverse in heart; But those whose ways are blameless are pleasing to him.
21 Sooner or later, the wicked will be punished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 Some give freely, yet gain even more; others withhold unduly, but come to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 The people will curse the one who hoards grain, but blessings will come upon the one who sells it.
27 Whoever does good finds favor, but evil comes upon the one who seeks it.
28 Whoever trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles their own household will inherit the wind, and fools will be servants to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who wins souls is wise.
31 Surely the righteous will be rewarded on earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Proverbs Chapter 12
1 Whoever loves instruction loves wisdom, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, but he condemns a person of evil thoughts.
3 A person cannot establish themselves through wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be uprooted.
4 A virtuous wife is a crown to her husband, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 God overthrows the wicked, and they will be no more, but the house of the righteous will stand firm.
8 A person is praised according to their wisdom, but a perverse-hearted person is despised.
9 Better is a despised person who has servants than one who boasts and lacks bread.
10 The righteous person cares for the needs of their livestock; But the heart of the wicked is cruel.
11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who chases after worthless people lacks understanding.
12 The wicked covet the net of the wicked, but the root of the righteous will bear fruit.
13 The wicked are ensnared by the transgression of their lips, but the righteous will escape trouble.
14 From the fruit of their mouths, people will be satisfied with good things, and their work will be rewarded according to their efforts.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
16 A fool quickly reveals his anger, but he who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness brings deceit.
18 There is one whose words are like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy is in the heart of those who plot good.
21 No harm will befall the righteous, but the wicked will be filled with troubles.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be forced into slavery.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a kind word makes him glad.
26 The righteous guide their neighbors, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy man will not even roast what he has hunted, but diligence is a precious possession to him.
28 In the path of righteousness there is life, and in its ways there is no death.
Proverbs Chapter 13
1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man will eat good, but the soul of the treacherous will find evil.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips will have calamity.
4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made rich.
5 The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace upon themselves.
6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 There are those who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; and there are those who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
8 A man’s wealth is the ransom for his life, but the poor do not listen to rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Surely pride breeds strife, but wisdom is with the prudent.
11 Wealth gained fleetingly will dwindle, but whoever gathers diligently will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises instruction will perish, but whoever heeds a command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays folly.
17 A wicked messenger brings trouble, but a trustworthy messenger brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to those who despise advice, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled brings joy, but fools detest turning away from evil.
20 Walks with the wise and grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Evil will pursue sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with good.
22 A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children, but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fallow ground of the poor yields plenty of food, but it is destroyed through lack of judgment.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
25 The righteous eat until they are satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs Chapter 14
1 The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is crooked in his ways despises him.
3 In the mouth of fools is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the barn is empty, but by the strength of an ox there is plenty of bread.
5 A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and does not find it, but wisdom comes easily to a person of understanding.
7 Stay away from a foolish person, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is goodwill.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares 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 person, but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy is grief.
14 A fool is filled with his own ways, but a good person is content with his.
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear evil and shun it, but a fool is hot-headed and reckless.
17 A hot-tempered person does foolish things, and a wicked person is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The wicked bow down to the good, and the ungodly at the gates of the righteous.
20 Even friends hate the poor, but the rich have many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the poor.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plot good find mercy and truth.
23 All labor yields profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools is their pride.
25 A truthful witness delivers souls, but a deceitful one pours out lies.
26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of hope.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
28 A king’s glory is in the multitude of the people, but a ruler’s weakness is in the absence of the people.
29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but a quick-tempered person displays folly.
30 A tranquil heart gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 The wicked will be brought down by their own wickedness, but the righteous have hope in their death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning, but it is not found among fools.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 A king’s favor is for a wise servant; But his anger is against the one who shames him.
Proverbs Chapter 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who heeds correction becomes prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous there is ample treasure, but trouble comes to the wicked.
7 The mouth of the wise spreads knowledge, but not the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is 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 pursues righteousness.
10 Reproof is grievous to him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of men!
12 A mocker does not love one who reproves him, nor will he go to the wise.
13 A cheerful heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with trouble.
17 Better is a meal of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox where hatred is.
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father; But a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one who lacks understanding, but a man of understanding walks straight in his ways.
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, that they may turn away from Sheol below.
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but he will establish the widow’s inheritance.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pure.
27 The greedy bring trouble upon their own house, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
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 good news refreshes the bones.
31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever disregards discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs Chapter 16
Proverbs about life and conduct
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.
3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 The Lord detests everyone who is proud in heart; he will certainly not go unpunished.
6 By love and faithfulness sin is purged, and by the fear of the Lord people depart from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great wealth without justice.
9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king; his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Just weights and scales belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do wickedness, for by righteousness their thrones are established.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right.
14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will avoid it.
15 In the joy of a king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than precious gold; to get understanding is more valuable than silver.
17 The path of the upright departs from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who heeds the word will find good, and he who trusts in the Lord is blessed.
21 The wise in heart are called prudent, and gracious words increase instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but the learning of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise makes his mouth prudent, and adds grace to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.
26 The worker’s soul works for them, because their mouth stirs them up.
27 A perverse person digs for evil, and their lips are like a burning fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A wicked person flatters their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 They shut their eyes to devise wickedness; with their lips they carry out evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
Proverbs Chapter 17
1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance with his brothers.
3 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
4 The wicked listen to malicious lips, and a liar pays attention to a slanderous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are a crown to the aged, and parents are the glory of their children.
7 Eloquent speech is not fitting for a fool, much less lying lips for a ruler!
8 A bribe is like a precious stone to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 Whoever covers over a transgression seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke profits a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 A rebellious person seeks only evil, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoever repays evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
14 Starting a quarrel is like letting out a flood; so stop a dispute before it breaks out.
15 Whoever justifies the wicked and whoever condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
16 What good is money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man lacking understanding gives security and puts up security in the presence of his friend.
19 Whoever loves strife loves transgression, and whoever opens the door wide invites ruin.
20 A perverse heart will never find good, and a slanderous tongue will fall into evil.
21 He who fathers a fool does so to his own sorrow; and the father of a fool will have no joy.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accept bribes from the bosom of the servant to pervert the paths of justice.
24 Wisdom is seen in the face of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 It is not good to condemn the righteous, nor to strike down the noble who do what is right.
27 Whoever spares their words has wisdom, and a person of understanding is prudent in spirit.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs Chapter 18
1 He who strays seeks his own desire, and meddles in every matter.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in having his heart exposed.
3 When the wicked come, contempt also comes, and with the dishonorable comes reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to show deference to the wicked, to pervert the justice of the righteous.
6 The lips of a fool bring strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to the spendthrift.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his fortified city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, and humility comes before honor.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it is folly and shame to him.
14 A man’s spirit can endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks understanding.
16 A gift opens the way for him and brings him before great men.
17 He who is the first to plead his case seems righteous, but his adversary comes and exposes him.
18 Lots settle disputes and decide between the strong.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city, and quarrels among brothers are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is filled; he is satisfied by the produce of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor man speaks with entreaties, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs Chapter 19
1 Better is the poor man who walks in integrity than one who is perverse in speech and foolish.
2 A soul without knowledge is not good, and he who is hasty with his feet sins.
3 A man’s folly leads him astray, and immediately his heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth brings many friends, but the poor man is forsaken by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of the generous, and everyone is a friend to the one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of the poor man hate him; how much more will his friends be far from him! He will seek words, but will not find them.
8 He who has understanding loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will perish.
10 Pleasure is not fitting for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes!
11 A man’s wisdom yields patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is a grief to his father, 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 negligent person will suffer hunger.
16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life, but whoever despises his ways will die.
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.
18 Discipline your children while there is hope; do not be eager to destroy them.
19 A hot-tempered person will pay the penalty; if he uses violence, he will add to his troubles.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in your old age.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
22 It is a man’s pleasure to show mercy; but better is a poor man than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will rest secure, untouched by evil.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and does not even bring it to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will gain prudence; rebuke a discerning person, and he will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening, my son, to instruction that leads you astray from the words of wisdom.
28 A perverse witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked covers up iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Proverbs Chapter 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against himself.
3 It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 The sluggard does not plow in the winter; therefore he will beg at harvest and have nothing.
5 The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many men proclaim their own goodness, but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8 The king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his gaze.
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?
10 Dishonest weights and false measures—both are an abomination to the Lord.
11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the Lord has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty to eat.
14 The buyer says, “It’s bad, it’s bad!” But when he goes away, he boasts.
15 Gold and many precious stones are plunder, but the lips of discretion are a precious jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge if he gives surety for others.
17 The bread of falsehood is sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth is filled with gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel, and by wise guidance a war is waged.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 Whoever curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in utter darkness.
21 Goods gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will take revenge”; wait for the Lord, and he will save you.
23 False weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.
24 A man’s steps are directed by the Lord; how then can he understand his own way?
25 It is a snare for a man to make a vow hastily, and then to consider it afterward.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and makes the wheel roll over them.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost being.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by faithfulness his throne is established.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30 Wounds that sting heal the wicked, and punishment purifies the heart.
Proverbs Chapter 21
1 Like streams of water, so is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases.
2 Every way a person thinks is right in their own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the schemes of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 Laying up treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath to those who seek death.
7 The plunder of the wicked will destroy them, because they refused to do justice.
8 The way of the perverse is crooked and strange, but the deeds of the pure are upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; their neighbor finds no favor in their eyes.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple become wise; and when a wise person is admonished, he gains knowledge.
12 The righteous consider the house of the wicked, how the wicked are overthrown by evil.
13 Whoever shuts their ear to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be heard.
14 A gift given in secret pacifies anger, and a present from the bosom, fierce wrath.
15 It is a joy for the righteous to do justice, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
16 Whoever strays from the path of wisdom will go to the grave.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not grow rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous person for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and angry woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it all.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, prosperity, and honor.
22 The wise take the city of the mighty and bring down the stronghold in which it trusted.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 The proud and arrogant person is called a scoffer, acting in their insolence.
25 The craving of the sluggard kills them, for their hands refuse to work.
26 One person craves all day long, but the righteous give generously and do not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more so when offered with malice!
28 A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will stand by their testimony.
29 The wicked harden their face, but the upright man orders his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.
Proverbs Chapter 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked, but those who guard their lives will avoid 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 rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of their anger will be broken.
9 The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
10 Drive out the scoffer, and strife will go out; contention and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart, through the graciousness of his lips, will have the king’s favor.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the ways of the treacherous.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; he against whom the Lord is angry 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 own wealth, or who gives to the rich, will surely become poor. Precepts and Admonitions
Precepts and admonitions
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my wisdom.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if they are steady on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today also.
20 Have I not written to you three times with counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know the certainty of the words of truth, so that you may again carry words of truth to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 for the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24 Do not associate with a hot-tempered person, nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Do not be one of those who make pledges or put up security for debts.
27 If you have nothing to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not move the ancient boundary stones that your ancestors set up.
29 Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Proverbs Chapter 23
1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you.
2 Put a knife to your throat if you are very hungry.
3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise and desist.
5 Cast your eyes on 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 bread of a miser, nor crave his delicacies.
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up what you have eaten, and your smooth talk will be a waste.
9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or enter the fields of the fatherless;
11 For their defender is the Mighty One, who will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of wisdom.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Strike him with the rod, and you will save his soul from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will also rejoice;
16 my inmost being will also rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be steadfast in the fear of the Lord;
18 for surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path.
20 Do not be among winebibbers, nor among gluttons of meat;
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe 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, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad; let her who gave you birth rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a wayward woman is a narrow well.
28 She also lies in wait like a robber, and multiplies treacherous men.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger long over wine, those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup. It goes down smoothly;
32 but in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will utter perverse things.
34 You will be like one who lies in the midst of the sea, or like one on the top of a mast.
35 You will say, “They struck me, but I felt no pain.” They whipped me, but I didn’t feel it; When I wake up, I’ll still look for him again.
Proverbs Chapter 24
1 Do not envy wicked men, nor desire to be with them;
2 for their hearts plot robbery, and their lips speak mischief.
3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
4 and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is strong, and a man of understanding gains strength.
6 For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he will not open his mouth in the gate.
8 He who plots evil will be called a man of wicked schemes.
9 The thoughts of a fool are sin, and a mocker is an abomination to mankind.
10 If you are lazy in the day of trouble, your strength will be small.
11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those stabbing to death.
12 For if you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the hearts perceive it? He who watches over your soul will know him, and will repay each person according to their deeds.
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
14 So will the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you find it, you will have a reward, and in the end, your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait for the tent of the righteous, do not plunder his chambers;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls; do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn his wrath away from him.
19 Do not contend with evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked;
20 for there is no future for the wicked, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 Fear the Lord, my son, and the king; Do not associate with fickle people,
22 for their downfall will come suddenly, and who can foresee the downfall of both of them?
23 These also are sayings of the wise: “It is not good to show partiality in judgment.”
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him;
25 But those who rebuke him will have happiness, and a great blessing will come upon them.
26 The lips of him who answers with right words will be kissed.
27 Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready, and after that build your house.
28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not flatter with your lips.
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay a man according to his deeds.”
30 I passed by the field of the sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding;
31 and behold, thorns had grown up all over it, nettles had covered its surface, and its stone wall was broken down.
32 I looked and considered it well; I saw it and took it to heart.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 so poverty will come on you like a thief, and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs Chapter 25
Comparisons and moral lessons
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but it is the glory of kings to search it out.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are beyond investigation.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel will come forth for the refiner.
5 Remove the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, nor stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be humiliated in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.
8 Do not go hastily into a lawsuit, lest you not know what to do in the end, after your neighbor has put you to shame.
9 Discuss your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal your secret to another,
10 lest he who hears it dishonor you, and your shame cannot be undone.
11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and a jewel of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a receptive ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his master.
14 Like clouds and winds without rain is a man who boasts of false liberality.
15 By long patience a ruler can be won over, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat only enough, lest you become weary of it and vomit it up.
17 Keep your foot away from your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a hammer, a knife, or a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19 Like a broken tooth or a dislocated foot is trust in a faithless person in times of trouble.
20 Like someone who takes off a garment in cold weather or pours vinegar on soap is like someone who sings songs to a broken heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For you will heap burning coals on her head, and the Lord will repay you.
23 The north wind drives away the rain, and a slanderous tongue a look of anger.
24 It is better to be in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person without self-control.
Proverbs Chapter 26
1 As snow is unsuitable in summer, nor rain in harvest, so honor is unsuitable for a fool.
2 Like a sparrow in its wandering, or a swallow in its flight, so a curse without cause never comes.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Like one who cuts off his feet and drinks poison, so is one who sends a message by the hand of a fool.
7 The legs of a lame man hang uselessly; so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is one who honors a fool.
9 Like thorns stuck in the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires fools and vagrants.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who 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! There is a lion in 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 to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven who can give sound advice.
17 Like one who grabs a dog by the ears, who stirs up anger in another’s strife, who passes by.
18 Like a madman who throws fireballs, arrows, and death,
19 so is a man who deceives his friend and says, “I only did it in jest.”
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire; and as a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like silver dross poured on pottery are flattering lips with an evil heart.
24 A person who hates dissembles with their lips, but in their heart they plot deceit.
25 Though they speak kindly, do not believe them, for seven abominations are in their heart.
26 Though their hatred is concealed by deceit, their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue torments those it has hurt, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Proverbs Chapter 27
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, 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 overwhelming, but who can stand before envy?
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are detestable.
7 A person who is full loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry person even bitter things taste sweet.
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest, so is a person who strays from their home.
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasant counsel of a friend is sweet to a person.
10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your father; Do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may have answers for him who reproaches me.
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13 Take the garment of him who puts up security for a stranger; and hold it in pledge if he gives security for a stranger.
14 If anyone loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be considered a curse on him.
15 A constant dripping on a rainy day is like a quarrelsome wife;
16 trying to restrain her is like trying to hold back the wind or grasp oil in the right hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever looks after his master’s interests will be honored.
19 As water reflects a face, so a person’s heart reflects a person’s heart.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so a person’s eyes are never satisfied.
21 The crucible tests silver and the furnace tests gold, but a person is tested by the words of those who praise them.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with crushed grain, his folly will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds;
24 for riches do not last forever, and a crown does not endure to all generations.
25 The grass sprouts, the plants appear, and the herbs of the hills are gathered.
26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the young goats for the price of a field;
27 and plenty of goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and for the sustenance of your maidservants.
Proverbs Chapter 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 Because of the rebellion of the land, its rulers are many, but by a man of understanding and wisdom, it remains secure.
3 A poor man who robs the poor is like a torrential rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep it contend with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in his ways and rich.
7 He who keeps the law is a prudent son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by usury and exorbitant interest amasses it for him who is kind to the poor.
9 He who turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 He who leads the upright astray into an evil path will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good things.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with understanding tests him.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 A roaring lion or a hungry bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler lacking understanding multiplies oppression, but one who hates covetousness will live long.
17 A man burdened with human blood will flee to the grave, and no one will stop him.
18 The one whose walk is blameless will be saved; But he who is perverse in his ways will fall into one.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows idlers will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but he who is eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality; even for a morsel of bread a man will betray his faith.
22 A greedy person is eager to get rich, but does not realize that poverty will come upon him.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or mother and says, “It is no wrong,” is a companion of a destroyer.
25 A proud person stirs up conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever turns a blind eye will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs Chapter 29
1 He who is often reproved, yet hardens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who frequents prostitutes loses his wealth.
4 By justice a king establishes a land, but he who exacts bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 A snare is found in the transgression of the wicked, but the righteous will sing and be glad.
7 The righteous understand the cause of the poor, but the wicked do not understand knowledge.
8 Mockers set a city ablaze, but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contends with a fool, let him rage or laugh—he will have no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the blameless, but the upright seek their pleasure.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps it under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the usurer have one another in common; the Lord enlightens the eyes of both.
14 The throne of a king who judges the poor with fairness will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are many, transgression is great, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish, but blessed is the one who keeps the law.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words; though he understands, he pays no attention.
20 Do you see a man who speaks rashly? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 The servant pampered from childhood by his master, in the end will be his heir.
22 An angry man stirs up conflict, and a furious man often sins.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will gain honor.
24 A accomplice of a thief hates his own soul; for he hears the curse and says nothing.
25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be exalted.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler, but judgment for each one comes from the Lord.
27 The righteous detest a wicked man, and the wicked detest a man of upright ways.
Proverbs Chapter 30
Agur's words
1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh, the prophecy the man spoke to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have no understanding as a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor do I know the knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!
5 Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.
7 Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9 lest I have too much and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that being poor, he steals, and blasphemes the name of my God.
10 Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you bear your own punishment.
11 There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not cleansed of its filth.
13 There is a generation whose eyes are haughty and whose eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among mankind.
15 The leech has two daughters that say, “Give! Give!” There are three things that are never satisfied; yet a fourth never says, “Enough!”
16 Sheol, the barren womb, the earth that is never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough!”
17 The eye that mocks a father, and scorns a mother’s teaching, the ravens of the valley will pluck it out, and the young eagles will devour it.
18 Three things are too wonderful for me; a fourth I do not understand:
19 The path of an eagle in the air, the path of a snake on a rock, the path of a ship on the high seas, and the path of a man with a young woman.
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.”
21 For three things the earth is in turmoil, and for four it cannot bear up:
22 For a servant who becomes king, for a fool who is well fed,
23 For the hated woman when she marries; and for the servant when she inherits from her mistress.
24 Four things on earth are small, yet they are wiser than the wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 Rabbits are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;
27 Locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks;
28 A spider can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.
29 Three things walk gracefully, and four move with splendor:
30 A lion is mightier than any beast, and turns no hesitation;
31 a girded-backed one, a male goat, and a king whom no one can resist.
32 If you have foolishly sought to exalt yourself, or if you have plotted evil, put your finger on your mouth.
33 For as churning milk produces butter, so blowing the nose produces blood, and stirring up anger produces strife.
Proverbs Chapter 31
Exhortation to a king
1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my desire?
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor strong drink for princes,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the justice due to all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the needy.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. A Psalm of the Virtuous Woman
Praise of the virtuous woman
10 A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not harm all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax and works willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her household and portions for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hand to the distaff, and her hands to the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes to the merchants.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.