Prologue

• 2 to understand sayings of understanding,
• 3 [fn] righteousness and justice and equity,
• 4 [fn] to the simple, knowledge and purpose[fn] to the young,
• 5  and the one who understands gain direction,[fn]
• 6  words of wisdom and their riddles.
• 7 is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction, fools despise.

Lecture Against Gang Behavior

• 8 [fn] your father’s instruction, and do not reject your mother’s teachings,
• 9 are a garland of favor for your head, and pendants for your neck.
10 
• 11  “Come with us!
• We shall lie in wait for blood;
• we shall ambush the innocent without cause.[fn]
• 12 [fn] we will swallow them alive and whole,[fn]
• 13  we shall fill our houses with booty,
• 14  there will be one purse for all of us.”
• 15 [fn] Keep your foot from their paths,
• 16  and they hurry to shed blood,
• 17 [fn] is the net scattered, in the sight of any[fn]
• 18 own blood. They ambush their own lives.
• 19 for gain— it will take the life of its possessors.

The Call of Lady Wisdom

• 20 in the squares she raises her voice.
• 21 [fn] she cries out, at the entrances of the gates in the city, she speaks her sayings:
• 22 [fn] O simple ones, will you love simplicity? And how long will scoffers delight in their scoffing,
• and fools hate knowledge?
• 23 [fn] Behold, I shall pour out my spirit upon you;
• I will make my words known to you.
• 24  I stretched out my hand, yet there is none who heeds.
• 25  and my reproof you are not willing to accept.
• 26 [fn] I will mock when panic[fn] comes upon you.
• 27  and your calamity arrives like a whirlwind,
• when distress and anguish come upon you,
• 28 [fn] me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but not find me.
• 29  and did not choose the fear of Yahweh,
• 30 to accept my counsel, they despised all my reproof.
• 31  and they shall be sated from their own schemes,
• 32  and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
• 33  and rest securely[fn] from dread and disaster.”

The Benefits of Wisdom

• and hide my commands with you,
• 2 in order to incline your ear toward wisdom, then you shall apply your heart to understanding.
• 3 [fn] if you lift[fn] your voice for insight,
• 4 and search her out[fn]
• 5  and the knowledge of God you will find.
• 6  from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
• 7 [fn] sound judgment, a shield for those who walk uprightly,
  • 8 in order to guard paths of justice and keep[fn] the way of his faithful ones.
  • 9  and uprightness—every good course—
  • 10  and knowledge will be pleasing to your soul.[fn]
  • 11  understanding will protect you,
  • 12 in order to deliver you from the way of evil,[fn] from a man who speaks devious things—
  • 13  to walk in ways of darkness,
  • 14  for they delight in the deviousness of evil,
  • 15 [fn] and devious in their paths;
  • 16 in order to deliver you from a strange woman, from a foreign woman who flatters[fn] with her sayings,
  • 17  and has forgotten the covenant of her God,
  • 18  and to the dead[fn] are her paths.
  • 19 Of all who go to her, none shall return, nor do they reach paths of life.
  • 20  and the paths of those who are righteous you shall keep.
  • 21 in the land,[fn] and those who are blameless[fn] will remain in it.
  • 22 and those who are treacherous will be uprooted from it.

Wisdom and Piety

• and may your heart guard my commands.
• 2  and peace they[fn] shall add to you.
• 3 [fn] and truth not forsake you; bind them around your neck,
• write them upon your heart.
• 4 [fn] in the eyes of God and humankind.
• 5 [fn] with all your heart; do not lean toward your own understanding.
• 6  and he will straighten your paths.
• 7  fear Yahweh and retreat from evil.
• 8 [fn] and refreshment for your body.
• 9 [fn] and from the firstfruits of all that will come to you,
• 10  and your vats shall burst with new wine.

Happy Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

• 11 Do not be weary of his reproof
• 12  as a father delights in his son.
• 13 is[fn] who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding.
• 14 [fn] income is better than the income of silver, and her revenue than that of gold.
• 15  and all your desires shall not compare with her.
• 16 is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
• 17 are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
• 18  those who take hold of her are considered happy.

Role of Wisdom in Creation and Society

• 19 he established the heavens in understanding.
• 20  and clouds dropped dew.
• 21 [fn] not escape from your [fn] may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
• 22 [fn] and adornment[fn] for your neck.
• 23  and your foot will not stumble.
• 24 [fn] and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
• 25 [fn] or the storm of wickedness that will come.
• 26 [fn] and guard your foot from capture.
• 27 [fn] when it is in the power of your hand to do.
• 28  “Go and return and tomorrow I will give it,”
• [fn]
• 29  who dwells in confidence beside you.
• 30  when he did not do you harm.
• 31  and do not choose any of his ways,
• 32 is an abomination of Yahweh, but those who are upright are his confidence.
• 33 is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.
• 34  but to those who are humble, he gives favor.
• 35  but stubborn fools, disgrace.

The Father’s Wisdom

• and be attentive in order to know insight.
• 2  do not forsake my teaching.
• 3  tender and alone before my mother,
• 4  “May your heart hold fast to my words;
• guard my commandments and live.
• 5  do not forget and do not turn from the sayings of my mouth.
• 6  love her and she will keep you.
• 7  With all that is in your possession, gain insight.
• 8  she will honor you if you embrace her.
• 9  she shall bestow a crown of glory upon you.”

The Right Path

• 10 and the years of your life shall be great.
• 11  I have led you in the path of uprightness.
• 12 [fn] your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.
• 13  Guard her, for she is your life.
• 14  do not walk in the way of those who do evil.
• 15  turn away from it and pass by.
• 16  and they are robbed of their sleep if they do not cause stumbling.
• 17  and they drank the wine of violence.
• 18 is like the light of dawn, leading and shining until the day[fn]
• 19 is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.

Staying the Course

• 20 to my sayings incline your ear.
• 21 [fn] keep them in the midst of your heart.
• 22  and healing[fn]
• 23  for from it comes the source[fn] of life.
• 24 [fn] and abolish[fn] from yourself.
• 25 [fn] and your gaze be straight before you.
• 26  and all your ways be sure.
• 27  remove your foot from evil.
• and to my understanding incline your ear;
• 2 in order to keep prudence, and knowledge will guard your lips.
• 3  and smoother than oil is her mouth.[fn]
• 4  sharp as a two-edged sword.
• 5 to death; her steps take hold of Sheol.[fn]
• 6 [fn] the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.

Do Not Commit Adultery Against Wisdom

• 7 do not depart from the sayings of my mouth.
• 8  and do not go near to the door of her house,
• 9  and your years to the merciless,
• 10 their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
• 11  when your flesh and body are consumed,
• 12  and I despised reproof!”
• 13  and I did not incline my ear to my instructors!
• 14 [fn] ruin[fn] in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”
• 15 own cistern and flowing waters from inside your own well.
• 16  In the streets, shall there be streams of water?
• 17  and not for strangers who are with you.
• 18  and rejoice in the wife[fn] of your youth.
• 19 She is a deer of love and a doe of grace; may her breasts satisfy you[fn]
• by her love may you be intoxicated continually.
• 20  and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?
• 21 are[fn] and all his paths he examines.
• 22  and in the vanity of his sin he shall be caught.
• 23 [fn] discipline, and in the greatness of his folly he shall be lost.

Against Pledges

• if you have bound[fn] to the stranger,
• 2 if you are snared by the sayings of your mouth, if you are caught by the sayings of your mouth,
• 3  for you have come into[fn]
• Go, humble yourself, plead with your neighbor.
• 4  or slumber to your eyelids.
• 5  or like a bird from the hand of a fowler.

Against Sloth

• 6 Consider its ways and be wise.
• 7  officer, or ruler.
• 8  in the harvest, it gathers its sustenance.
• 9  When will you rise up from your sleep?
• 10  a little folding of the hands for rest—
• 11 [fn] shall your poverty come, and what you lack like an armed man.

Against Worthlessness

• 12 goes around with[fn]
• 13  pointing in his fingers,
• 14  at all times he will send out discord.[fn]
• 15 [fn] suddenly shall his calamity come; in a moment he will be damaged and there is no healing.[fn]

What Yahweh Hates

• 16 things Yahweh hates, and seven things are abominations of his soul:[fn]
• 17 and hands that shed innocent blood,
• 18  feet that hurry to run to evil,[fn]
• 19  and sends out discord[fn] between brothers.

Commandment and Instruction as Guardians

• 20 the commandment of your father, and do not disregard the instruction of your mother.
• 21  tie them upon your neck.
• 22 [fn] she[fn] will lead you, [fn] she will watch over you,
• and when you awake, she will converse with you.
• 23 like a lamp is a commandment, and instruction is light, and the way of life[fn] is the reproof of discipline,
• 24 in order to preserve you from an evil woman,[fn] from the smoothness of the tongue of a[fn]
• 25  may she not capture you with her eyelashes.
• 26 the price of a woman, a prostitute,[fn] is the price of a loaf of bread, but the[fn] hunts precious life.

Warning Against Relations with a Married Woman

• 27 and his clothes not burn?
• 28  will his feet not be burned?
• 29  any who touches her shall not go unpunished.
• 30 People do not despise a thief when he steals to fill himself[fn] when he is hungry.
• 31 if he is found, he will pay sevenfold, every possession of his house he shall give.
• 32 with a woman lacks[fn] he destroys himself[fn] who does it.
• 33  and his disgrace will not be wiped out.
• 34 is the fury of a husband, and he will not show restraint on the day of revenge.
• 35 [fn] and he will not be willing, though the bribe is large.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

• store my commandments with you.
• 2  and my teaching like the[fn]
• 3  write them on the tablet of your heart.
• 4 [fn] “you are my sister,” and you shall call insight,[fn] “[fn]
• 5 In order to guard yourself from[fn] from the foreigner who[fn]
• 6  through my lattice, I looked down.
• 7  I observed among the youth,
• a young man lacking[fn]
• 8 [fn] her corner, and he takes the road to her house,
• 9 the day’s evening, in the midst of night and the darkness.
• 10 comes to meet him with the garment of a prostitute[fn] and [fn]
• 11  her feet do not stay at her house.
• 12 [fn] every corner she lies in wait.
• 13 [fn] him and kissed him. Her face was impudent, and she said to him,
• 14 are upon me;[fn] I completed my vows.
• 15 [fn] I have come out to meet you, to seek your face, and I have found you.
• 16 With coverings I have adorned my couch, spreads of the linen of Egypt;
• 17 with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
• 18 our fill of love making, until the morning let us delight in love.
• 19 [fn] in his home; he has gone on a[fn]
• 20  for on the day of the full moon he will come home.”
• 21  with her smooth lips she compels him.
• 22  like an ox to the slaughter he goes,
• and like a stag to the instruction of a fool,
• 23 [fn] like a bird rushing into a snare,
• but he does not know that[fn]

Reiteration of the Warning Against a Strange Woman

• 24 and be attentive to the sayings of my mouth.
• 25  do not stray into her path.
• 26  and countless[fn] are all of her killings.
• 27 [fn] are her house, descending to chambers of death.

Wisdom Calls

• and understanding raise its voice?
• 2 [fn] beside the road, at the crossroads she stands.
• 3  at the entrance of doors, she cries out:
• 4 [fn] I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind.
• 5  fools, learn[fn]
• 6  and upright things from the opening of my lips.
• 7  and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
• 8 are in righteousness; none of them are twisted and crooked.
• 9  and upright to those who find knowledge.
• 10  may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.
• 11  and all desires shall not compare with her.
• 12  and I find knowledge and discretion.
• 13 is hatred of evil, pride, and arrogance and an evil way.
• And I hate a mouth of perversity.
• 14 [fn] are mine; I am understanding,[fn]
• 15  and rulers decree righteousness.
• 16  and nobles—all judges of righteousness.
• 17 [fn] and those who seek me diligently shall find me.
• 18 are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
• 19 [fn] even refined gold, and my yield than choice silver.
• 20  in the midst of paths of justice,
• 21 in order to endow those who love me with wealth, and I will fill their treasuries.

Wisdom at Creation

• 22 [fn] me, the first of his ways, before his acts[fn]
• 23 the first, from the beginning[fn] of the earth.
• 24  when there were no springs of[fn] water.
• 25  before hills, I was brought forth.
• 26  or the first dust of the world,
• 27 [fn] the heavens, there I was,[fn] a circle upon the face of the deep,
• 28 [fn] skies from above, when he founded fountains of the deep,
• 29 [fn] his limits to the sea, that waters shall not transgress his[fn]
• [fn] the foundations of the earth,
• 30 [fn] him, a master workman, and I was delighting day by day,
• rejoicing before him[fn]
• 31  and my delight was with the children of humankind.

Benefits of Following Wisdom

• 32 happy are those who will keep my ways.
• 33  do not neglect it.
• 34 is the person who listens to me, in order to keep watch at my doors day by day,
• in order to guard the frames of my entrances.
• 35 is he who finds[fn] life, and he obtains favor from Yahweh.
• 36 [fn] All those who hate me love death.”

Wisdom’s Banquet

• she has hewn her seven pillars.
• 2  and also set her table.
• 3 [fn] she calls upon the wings of the high places of town,
• 4 is simple, let him turn here.” As for the one who lacks[fn] she says to him,
• 5  drink with the wine I have mixed.
• 6  walk in the way of understanding.”
• 7  and he who rebukes the wicked[fn]
• 8  rebuke the wise and he will love you.
• 9 [fn] a righteous one and he will increase learning.

Foolishness’ Banquet

• 10 and knowledge of the Holy One,[fn] insight.
• 11 and years of life shall multiply for you.
• 12  and if you scoff, alone you shall bear it.
• 13  simple, and does not know[fn]
• 14  upon a throne at the high places of town,
• 15 in order to call to those who pass by the road, those who go straight on their way:
• 16  As for he who lacks[fn] she says to him,
• 17  and bread of secrecy is pleasant.”
• 18 [fn] are there, in the depths of Sheol[fn] are her guests.

Proverbs of Solomon

• A wise child makes a father glad,
  • but a foolish child grieves his mother.
  • 2  but righteousness delivers from death.
  • 3 [fn] to go hungry, but the craving of the wicked he will thwart.
  • 4  but the hand of the diligent enriches.
  • 5 is a child who is prudent; he who sleeps at the harvest is a child who brings shame.
  • 6 belong to the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
  • 7 is like a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
  • 8  but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
  • 9 [fn] will walk securely, but whoever follows perversity, his ways will be made known.
  • 10 [fn] trouble, and the foolishness of lips comes to ruin.
  • 11 is a mouth of righteousness, and a mouth of wickedness conceals violence.
  • 12  but love covers over all offenses.
  • 13  but a rod is for the back of one who lacks[fn]
  • 14  but to the mouth of the fool, ruin draws near.
  • 15 is the city of his strength; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
  • 16 leads to life; the gain of the wicked to sin.
  • 17 On the path to life is he who guards instruction, but he who rejects rebuke goes astray.
  • 18 has lips of deceit, and he who utters slander—he is a fool.
  • 19  but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
  • 20  a heart[fn] of wickedness is [fn]
  • 21  but fools[fn]
  • 22 one rich, and he does not increase sorrow with it.
  • 23 It is like a sport for a fool to do wrong, wisdom for a person of understanding.
  • 24  but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
  • 25  but the righteous have a foundation forever.
  • 26  thus is the lazy to one who employs[fn] him.
  • 27 but the years of the wicked are shortened.
  • 28 is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.
  • 29  but ruin belongs to[fn]
  • 30  But the wicked will not remain in the land.[fn]
  • 31  but a tongue of perversity will be cut off.
  • 32 the acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, the perverse.
  • but[fn] delights him.
  • 2  but wisdom is with the humble.
  • 3  but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
  • 4  but righteousness will deliver from death.
  • 5  but the wicked will fall by his wickedness.
  • 6  but by a scheme the treacherous will be taken captive.
  • 7  and the expectation of the godless perishes.
  • 8  but the wicked enters into it.
  • 9  but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
  • 10 is with the righteous, the city rejoices, and with the perishing of the wicked, jubilation.
  • 11  but by the mouth of the wicked, it will be overthrown.
  • 12 [fn] belittles his neighbor, but a person of intelligence will remain silent.
  • 13 about telling a secret, but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.
  • 14 [fn] shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.
  • 15  but he who refuses a pledge is safe.
  • 16  but the ruthless gets wealth.
  • 17 [fn] but a cruel person harms his own flesh.
  • 18 [fn] [fn] but he who sows righteousness, a[fn]
  • 19 is to life as[fn] he who pursues evil is to death.
  • 20 are the[fn] but his delight are[fn]
  • 21 [fn] the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring[fn] of the righteous will escape.
  • 22 the snout of a pig is a woman who is beautiful but without discretion.
  • 23 is only good, but the expectation of the wicked, wrath.
  • 24 [fn] but he who withholds[fn] only finds need.
  • 25  and he who gives water also will be refreshed.
  • 26  but a blessing is for the head of him who sells.
  • 27  but he who inquires of evil, it will come to him.
  • 28 is he who will fall, but like a green leaf the righteous will flourish.
  • 29 to his household, he will inherit wind,[fn] and a fool will serve the wise of heart.
  • 30  and he who captures souls[fn] is wise.
  • 31 [fn] the wicked and sinner.
  • but he who hates rebuke is stupid.
  • 2  but anyone who schemes, he condemns.
  • 3  but the root of the righteous will not be moved.
  • 4 [fn] is the crown of her master,[fn] but like rot in his bones is she who brings shame.
  • 5 [fn] just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
  • 6 are an ambush of blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
  • 7 [fn] but the house of the righteous shall stand.
  • 8  but he who is of perverse[fn] will be despised.
  • 9 [fn] than self-glorifying and lacking food.
  • 10 [fn] of his animal, but the compassion[fn] of the wicked is cruel.
  • 11  but he who follows worthless things lacks[fn]
  • 12  but the root of the righteous[fn]
  • 13  but the righteous escapes from trouble.
  • 14  and the reward of[fn] will return to him.
  • 15 own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
  • 16 [fn] he makes his anger known, but he who ignores an insult is prudent.
  • 17  but the witness of falsehood, deceit.
  • 18  but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
  • 19  but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.
  • 20 is in the heart[fn] of [fn] evil, but to[fn] peace, there is joy.
  • 21 [fn] to the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
  • 22  but they who act faithfully are his delight.
  • 23  but the heart[fn] of a fool[fn] announces folly.
  • 24  but the lazy will belong to forced labor.
  • 25 [fn] of a man will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him.
  • 26  but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.
  • 27  but diligence is the precious wealth of a man.
  • 28  and on the way of the path, may there be no death.
  • but a scoffer does not listen to a rebuke.
  • 2  but the desire[fn] of the treacherous, wrongdoing.
  • 3 [fn] he who opens his lips, ruin belongs to him.
  • 4 [fn] of the lazy craves, but there is nothing, but the person of diligence is richly supplied.
  • 5  the wicked will bring shame and[fn]
  • 6  but wickedness will overthrow sin.
  • 7 [fn] another who pretends to be poor but has wealth.
  • 8 is his wealth, but the poor does not receive a threat.
  • 9  but the lamp of the wicked will die out.
  • 10  and wisdom is with those who take advice.
  • 11 gained from haste[fn] will dwindle, but he who gathers[fn] will increase it.
  • 12 [fn] sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
  • 13  but he who respects a commandment will be rewarded.
  • 14 is a fountain of life, in order to avoid the snares of death.
  • 15  but the way of the faithless is coarse.
  • 16  but the fool will display folly.
  • 17  but an envoy of the faithful brings healing.
  • 18 belong to him who ignores instruction, but he who guards reproof will be honored.
  • 19 [fn] will be sweet to the soul, but an abomination of fools is turning from evil.
  • 20  but as for the companion of fools, he will suffer harm.
  • 21  but the righteous[fn]
  • 22 [fn] and stored up for the righteous is the wealth of a sinner.
  • 23 There is much food in the field of the poor, but[fn] by [fn]
  • 24  but he who loves him[fn] discipline.
  • 25 [fn] but the belly of the wicked will lack.
  • but the foolish tears it down with her hands.
  • 2  but he who is devious in his ways displeases him.
  • 3  but the lips of the wise preserve them.
  • 4 [fn] oxen the manger is empty, but an abundance of crops comes by the strength of an ox.[fn]
  • 5 but he who breathes out falsehood is a witness of deceit.
  • 6  but knowledge[fn]
  • 7 [fn] for you will not come to know[fn]
  • 8  but the folly of fools is deceit.
  • 9 [fn] the guilt offering, but among the upright, it is favorable.
  • 10 [fn] knows the bitterness of its soul,[fn] but in its joy, it will not share itself with a stranger.
  • 11  but the tent of the upright will flourish.
  • 12 that seems upright[fn] a man, but its end is the way of death.
  • 13  and the end of joy may be grief.
  • 14  and[fn] so shall a good man.
  • 15  but the clever will consider his step.
  • 16  but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.
  • 17 [fn] will act foolishly, and the man who schemes will be hated.
  • 18 with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.
  • 19  and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
  • 20  but the lovers of the rich are many.
  • 21  but he who has mercy on the poor blesses him.
  • 22  But loyalty and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
  • 23  but the[fn] of lips leads only to poverty.
  • 24 is their wealth; the folly of fools is folly.
  • 25 [fn] is a witness of truth, but he who utters lies is a betrayer.
  • 26  and for his children, there will be refuge.
  • 27 is a fountain of life, in order to turn from the snares of death.
  • 28  but without a population, a prince is ruined.
  • 29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the hasty of spirit[fn] exalts folly.
  • 30 [fn] of tranquility[fn] is life to the flesh, but causes bones of passion to rot.
  • 31  but he who has mercy on the poor honors him.
  • 32  and the righteous will find refuge in his death.
  • 33 [fn] of him who has understanding, wisdom rests, but even in the midst of fools it becomes known.
  • 34  but sin is a reproach to a people.
  • 35 is for the servant who deals wisely, but his wrath will be on him who acts shamefully.
  • but a word of trouble will stir[fn]
  • 2  but the mouth of fools will pour out folly.
  • 3  keep watch over the evil and the good.
  • 4 [fn] of tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it[fn] causes a break in spirit.
  • 5  but he who guards reproof is prudent.
  • 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
  • 7  but the heart[fn] of fools, not so.
  • 8  but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
  • 9  but he who pursues righteousness he will love.
  • 10 belongs to him who forsakes the way; he who hates a rebuke will die.
  • 11 [fn] and Abaddon[fn] are before Yahweh,[fn] the hearts of the children of men!
  • 12 [fn] to the wise he will not go.
  • 13 [fn] of gladness will make good [fn] but in sorrow of heart[fn] a spirit is broken.
  • 14  but the faces of fools, they[fn] will feed on folly.
  • 15 are hard, but goodness of heart[fn] is a continuous feast.
  • 16 is little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure and trouble with it.[fn]
  • 17 is a dinner of vegetables when[fn] love is there than a fattened ox and hatred with it.[fn]
  • 18  but he who is slow to[fn] he will calm contention.
  • 19 [fn] but the path of the upright is a highway.
  • 20  but a[fn] he despises his mother.
  • 21 [fn] and a person of understanding[fn]
  • 22  but with many advisors it will succeed.
  • 23 belongs to a man with answers in his mouth, and a word in its time, how good it is!
  • 24 leads upward for him who has insight, in order to turn away from Sheol below.
  • 25 it down, but he will maintain the[fn] of the widow.
  • 26 are an abomination of Yahweh, but gracious words are pure.
  • 27 is he who is greedy for unjust gain, but he who hates bribes will live.
  • 28 [fn] of righteousness will ponder the answer, but a mouth of wickedness will pour out deceit.
  • 29  but the prayers of the righteous he will hear.
  • 30 [fn] will rejoice, and good news will enliven the bones.[fn]
  • 31 to admonitions of life, in the midst of the wise it will lodge.
  • 32 [fn] but he who hears admonition gains heart.[fn]
  • 33 is the instruction of the wise, and before honor comes humility.
  • but from Yahweh comes the answer of the tongue.
  • 2 are pure in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the spirit.[fn]
  • 3  and your plans will be established.
  • 4 is for his[fn] purpose, and even the wicked for the day of trouble.
  • 5 are all who are arrogant of heart;[fn] [fn] he will not go unpunished.
  • 6 [fn] and by fear of Yahweh[fn] from evil.
  • 7 to Yahweh, even his enemies he will cause to make peace with him.
  • 8  than great income with no justice.
  • 9 [fn] of a person will plan his ways, and Yahweh will direct his steps.
  • 10  in judgment his mouth will not sin.
  • 11 belong to Yahweh; all the weights of the bag are his work.
  • 12 is doing evil, for by righteousness the throne will be established.
  • 13 are the lips of righteousness, and he who speaks what is upright he will love.
  • 14 is a messenger of death, but one who is wise will appease[fn] it.
  • 15 there is life, and his favor is like a cloud of spring rain.
  • 16 [fn] better than gold! And getting understanding: it is chosen[fn] silver.
  • 17  he who guards himself[fn] keeps his way.
  • 18 comes pride, and before a fall, a haughty spirit.[fn]
  • 19  than dividing the spoil with the proud.
  • 20  and he who trusts in Yahweh, his own happiness.
  • 21 [fn] is called perceptive, but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.
  • 22 [fn] but the instruction[fn] of fools is folly.
  • 23 [fn] of the wise will make his mouth judicious, and upon his lips, it[fn] will add persuasiveness.
  • 24 are a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.
  • 25 that seems upright[fn] a man, but its end is the way of death.
  • 26 [fn] of a worker works for him, for his[fn] urges him.
  • 27  and his lips are like a scorching fire.
  • 28  and he who whispers separates a close friend.
  • 29  and cause him to walk on a way that is not good.
  • 30 does so in order to plan perverse things; he who purses his lips will bring evil to pass.
  • 31  by a righteous life it is gained.
  • 32 [fn] is better than him who is mighty, and he who controls his spirit than him who captures a city.
  • 33  but all of its decisions are from Yahweh.
  • than a house filled with feasts of strife.
  • 2  and in the midst of brothers he will share his inheritance.
  • 3 is for the silver, and a furnace is for the gold, but Yahweh will test hearts.
  • 4  and the liar gives heed to the tongue of mischief.
  • 5  he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
  • 6 are[fn] and the glory of children is their fathers.
  • 7 [fn] is not becoming a fool,[fn] is[fn] for a ruler.
  • 8 is a stone of magic in the eyes of its owner;[fn] [fn] he will turn, he will prosper.
  • 9  but he who waits on a matter will alienate a friend.
  • 10  deeper than one hundred blows to a fool.
  • 11  and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
  • 12 May a man meet a she-bear robbed of offspring and not a fool in his folly.
  • 13 For he who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
  • 14 Like the release of water is the beginning of strife; before it breaks out, stop the quarrel.
  • 15  the two of them are both abominations of Yahweh.
  • 16 is this? A price in the hand of a fool, in order to buy wisdom where[fn] there is no [fn]
  • 17 [fn], but a brother is born for adversity.
  • 18 [fn] [fn] he becomes security before his neighbor.
  • 19  he who builds his high thresholds seeks destruction.
  • 20 [fn] will not find goodness, and he who is perverse, by his tongue he will fall into calamity.
  • 21 there is trouble for him; the father of a fool will not rejoice.
  • 22  but a downcast spirit will dry out bones.
  • 23  in order to pervert the ways of justice.
  • 24 his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool, to the end of the earth.[fn]
  • 25 is the child of a fool, and bitterness to her who bore him.
  • 26  nor to flog nobles for uprightness.
  • 27  and a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
  • 28 [fn] he who closes his lips is intelligent.
  • against all sound judgment he shows contempt.
  • 2  but in expressing his heart.[fn]
  • 3  and with dishonor, disgrace.
  • 4 are words of the mouth of a man; a gushing stream is a fountain of wisdom.
  • 5 to faces of evil is not good, nor to subvert the righteous at the judgment.
  • 6  and his mouth calls out for a flogging.
  • 7 is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.[fn]
  • 8 are like delicious morsels, and they themselves go down to inner parts of the body.
  • 9  he is brother to a master[fn] of destruction.
  • 10  into him[fn] the righteous will run and be safe.
  • 11 is[fn] and like a wall, it is high in his imagination.
  • 12 [fn] of a man will be haughty, but in the presence of honor, humble.
  • 13  folly itself belongs to him as well as[fn] shame.
  • 14 but a broken spirit, who may bear it?
  • 15 [fn] will acquire knowledge, and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
  • 16  and before the great, it gives him access.
  • 17 deemed righteous, but his neighbor will come and examine him.
  • 18  and between powerful contenders it will decide.
  • 19 is worse than a city of strength, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortification.
  • 20  as for the yield of his lips, it will satisfy.
  • 21 are in the[fn] of the tongue, and those who love her[fn] will eat of her fruit.
  • 22 [fn] finds good, and he will obtain favor from Yahweh.
  • 23  but the rich will answer roughly.
  • 24 many friends will come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
  • than one who is perverse[fn] and is a fool.
  • 2 [fn] without knowledge is not good, and he who moves quickly with his feet[fn]
  • 3  and against Yahweh his heart[fn] will rage.
  • 4  but the poor will be left by his friends.
  • 5  and he who breathes lies will not escape.
  • 6  and everyone is the friend of a man of gifts.[fn]
  • 7 if they hate him, how much more will his friends keep away from him.
  • He pursues them with words, and they are gone.[fn]
  • 8 [fn] he who guards understanding loves to find good.
  • 9  and he who breathes lies will perish.
  • 10  any more than it is for a slave to rule over princes.
  • 11 [fn] and his glory overlooks offense.
  • 12  but his favor is like dew on the grass.
  • 13  and the quarreling of a woman[fn] is a continuous dripping.
  • 14 are an inheritance from fathers, but from Yahweh comes a woman[fn] who is prudent.
  • 15 and a person[fn] of idleness will suffer hunger.
  • 16 [fn] he who is careless of his ways will be killed.
  • 17 is he who is kind to the poor, and his benefits he will repay to him.
  • 18  but on his destruction do not set your desire.[fn]
  • 19  if you rescue him, you will do it yet again.
  • 20 to advice and accept instruction so that you will gain wisdom for your[fn]
  • 21 are in the heart[fn] of a man, but the purpose of Yahweh will be established.
  • 22 is his steadfast loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a[fn]
  • 23 leads to life; he who is filled with it will rest—he will not suffer harm.
  • 24  and even to his mouth he will not bring it back.
  • 25  and reprove the intelligent and he will gain knowledge.
  • 26  is a child who causes shame and brings reproach.
  • 27 [fn] from sayings of knowledge.
  • 28  and the mouth of the wicked will devour iniquity.
  • 29 [fn] are prepared for the scoffers, and flogging for the back of fools.
  • and any who go astray by it are not wise.
  • 2 is the dreaded anger of a king; he who provokes him forfeits his life.[fn]
  • 3 It is honorable for the man to refrain from strife, but every fool will be quick to quarrel.
  • 4  he will expect at the harvest, but there will be nothing.
  • 5 are like purpose in the heart[fn] of a man, and a man of understanding will draw it[fn] out.
  • 6 for himself, but a man who is trustworthy, who can find?
  • 7 is righteous; happy are his children who follow him.
  • 8 the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
  • 9 [fn] clean; I am pure from my sin”?
  • 10 [fn] are an abomination of Yahweh.
  • 11 [fn] will make himself known, whether his acts are pure and upright.
  • 12  Yahweh has made[fn]
  • 13  open your eyes and have plenty bread.
  • 14  but when one goes to him, then he will boast.
  • 15  but precious jewels are lips of knowledge.
  • 16 to a stranger, and on behalf of a foreigner—take it as pledge.
  • 17  but afterward, his mouth will be filled with gravel.
  • 18 [fn] will be established by advice, and with guidance make war.
  • 19 about with gossip, and do not associate with a babbler’s lips.
  • 20  his lamp will be extinguished[fn]
  • 21 hastily[fn] will not be blessed at its end.
  • 22  wait for Yahweh and he will deliver you.
  • 23 is[fn] and scales of falsehood are not good.
  • 24 Away from Yahweh are the steps of a strong man, and how will humankind understand his ways?
  • 25 It is a snare to humankind to say rashly “It is holy,” and after vows, to scrutinize.
  • 26  and he will drive a wheel over them.
  • 27 is the spirit[fn] of humankind, he who searches every[fn]
  • 28  and he is upheld with the righteousness of his throne.
  • 29 is their strength,[fn] but the beauty of the aged is gray hair.
  • 30  as will[fn] beatings of the [fn]
  • [fn] he will desire, he will turn.
  • 2 own eyes, but Yahweh weighs hearts.[fn]
  • 3 more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
  • 4 the eyes and pride of heart, the lamp of the wicked are sin.
  • 5 lead to abundance, but all who are hasty, only to want.
  • 6  is a fleeting vapor and seeker[fn] of death.
  • 7 for they refuse to do justice.
  • 8  but the pure is upright in his conduct.
  • 9  than to share a house with a woman[fn] of contention.
  • 10 [fn] of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor will not find mercy in his eyes.
  • 11  and with the instruction of the wise, he will obtain knowledge.
  • 12  he throws the wicked to ruin.
  • 13  he also will cry out and not be heard.
  • 14 [fn] will avert [fn] and a[fn] strong wrath.
  • 15 It is a joy to the righteous to do justice, but dismay to those who do evil.
  • 16  in the assembly of the dead[fn] he will rest.
  • 17 is he who loves pleasure; he who loves wine and oil[fn] will not become rich.
  • 18  and the faithless instead of the upright.
  • 19  than with a wife of quarrels and provocation.
  • 20 are in the house of the wise, but the foolish person[fn] will devour them.[fn]
  • 21  will find life, righteousness, and honor.
  • 22  and he will bring down the stronghold—its object of trust.
  • 23  he guards his life[fn] from danger.
  • 24 is his name; he acts with arrogance of pride.
  • 25  for his hands refuse to work.[fn]
  • 26 [fn] he craves a craving, but the righteous will give and not hold back.
  • 27 is an abomination; how much more when he brings it in divisiveness!
  • 28  but a man who listens will testify with[fn] success.
  • 29 [fn] but the upright will appoint his paths.
  • 30  nor counsel to oppose Yahweh.
  • 31  but to Yahweh belongs the victory.
  • [fn]
  • 2 much in common; Yahweh is the maker of all of them.
  • 3  but the simple go on and suffer.
  • 4 is the fear of Yahweh— wealth and honor and life.
  • 5 and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards himself[fn] will keep away from them.
  • 6 [fn] even when he is old, he will not stray from it.
  • 7  and the borrower is a slave of[fn]
  • 8  and the rod of his anger will fail.
  • 9 who[fn] will be blessed, for he gives to the poor from his own bread.
  • 10  quarrel and abuse will cease.
  • 11  and has[fn] his friend is the king.
  • 12  but he will overthrow the words of the faithless.
  • 13  In the middle of the highway, I shall be killed!”
  • 14 [fn] he with whom Yahweh is angry will fall there.
  • 15 [fn] of a boy;[fn] the rod of discipline will drive it[fn] from him.
  • 16 in order to enrich himself, or gives to the rich,[fn]

Words of the Wise

• 17 you shall apply your heart[fn] to my teaching.
• 18 it is pleasant if you guard them[fn] together they will be ready upon your lips.
• 19 In order for your trust to be in Yahweh, I have made them known to you[fn]—even[fn] you.
• 20 sayings with admonitions and knowledge?
• 21 In order to show you what is right—sayings of truth— in order to return a true saying to him who sent you.
• 22  and do not crush the afflicted at the gate;
• 23  and despoil those who despoil them of life.[fn]
• 24 [fn] of [fn] and with a man of wrath you shall not associate;
• 25  and become entangled in a snare to yourself.[fn]
• 26 [fn] [fn] surety.
• 27 [fn] why will he take your bed from under you?
• 28  which your ancestors[fn] made.
• 29  before kings, he will serve;
• he will not serve before the commoners.
• you shall surely observe what is before you,
• 2  if you have a[fn]
• 3  for[fn] it is food of deception.
• 4 in order to become rich; out of your understanding, may you desist.
• 5 [fn] on it, but there is nothing to it, for suddenly it will make for itself wings
• like an eagle and it will be exhausted in the heavens.
• 6 [fn] and do not desire his delicacies.
• 7 [fn] so it is.[fn] “Eat and drink!” he will say to you,
• but his heart will not be with you.
• 8  and you will waste your pleasant words.
• 9  for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
• 10  and on the fields of orphans do not encroach;
• 11  he himself will plead their cause against you.
• 12 [fn] to instruction, and your ear to sayings of knowledge.
• 13  if you will beat him with the rod, he will not die.
• 14  and his life[fn] you will save from Sheol.[fn]
• 15 [fn] is wise, my heart will be glad—even me!
• 16 [fn] will rejoice when your lips speak what is upright.
• 17 [fn] not envy the sinners, but live in fear of Yahweh[fn]
• 18 [fn] there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
• 19  and direct your heart[fn] on the road.
• 20  among gluttonous eaters of[fn]
• 21  and with rags, drowsiness will clothe them.
• 22 [fn] and do not despise your mother when[fn] she is old.
• 23 it, wisdom and instruction and understanding.
• 24  he who bears a wise person will be happy with him.
• 25  and may she who bore you rejoice.
• 26 [fn] to me, and may your eyes delight in my ways.
• 27 [fn] and a narrow well is[fn]
• 28 is also like a robber lying in wait, and the faithless among mankind she increases.
• 29 is woe? To whom is sorrow? To whom are quarrels? To whom is complaint? To whom are wounds without cause? To whom is redness of the eyes?
• 30  to those who come to try mixed wine.
• 31  when it[fn] on the cup,
• going down smoothly.
• 32 [fn] it will bite like a serpent, and it will sting like an adder.
• 33  and your heart[fn] will speak perverse things.
• 34  and like him who lies down on top of a mast.
• 35 it. When I will awake, I will continue; I will seek it again.”
• and do not desire to be with them.
• 2  and their lips will speak mischief.
• 3  and by understanding it is established.
• 4  with all riches, precious and pleasant.
• 5 is in strength, and a man of knowledge is strong in power.
• 6  and victory is in an abundance of counsel.
• 7 is too high for fools; at the gate he will not open his mouth.
• 8 [fn] himself, they will call him “master[fn] of mischief.”
• 9 is a sin, and an abomination to humankind is a scoffer.
• 10 If you faint on the day of adversity, little is your strength.
• 11  and those who stagger to the slaughter. If you hold back,
• 12  does not he who weighs hearts perceive it?
• And he who keeps your soul,[fn]
• he knows and will repay humankind according to his deeds.
• 13 it is good, and the dripping of the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
• 14 the sake of your soul,[fn] if you find it, then there is a future,
• and your hope will not be cut off.
• 15 like an outlaw against the home of the righteous; do not do violence to his dwelling place.
• 16 times the righteous will fall, but he will rise, but the wicked will be overthrown by calamity.
• 17  when he trips himself, may your heart[fn] not be glad
• 18 it be evil in his eyes, and turn his anger away from him.
• 19  do not envy the wicked.
• 20  the lamp of the wicked will die out.
• 21  with those who change, do not associate.
• 22  and the ruin of[fn] who knows?
• 23 sayings are also for the wise:[fn] in judgment is not good.
• 24  the nations will abhor him.
• 25  and upon them blessings of goodness will come.
• 26 the lips, he who gives an honest answer.
• 27  afterward, then[fn] you shall build your house.
• 28  nor deceive with your lips.
• 29  I will pay back the man according to his deed.”
• 30  and over the vineyard of a person lacking[fn]
• 31 with thorns, its surface with nettles, and[fn] was broken down.
• 32 [fn] considered; I looked, and I took hold of instruction:
• 33  a little folding of the hands for rest,
• 34  and your lack like an armed warrior.

More Proverbs of Solomon

• 2 [fn] conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
• 3  so is the heart[fn] of kings—there is no searching.
• 4 and it will become a vessel for the smith.
• 5  and his throne will be established in righteousness.[fn]
• 6  and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
• 7 it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble.
• What your eyes have seen,
  • 8  for[fn] what will you do at its end,
  • when your neighbor puts you to shame?
  • 9 himself, the secret of another do not disclose,
  • 10  and your ill repute will not end.
  • 11  is a matter spoken at[fn] its proper time.
  • 12  is a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.
  • 13 [fn] of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
  • and the soul[fn] of his master is refreshed.[fn]
  • 14 Like clouds and wind when there is no rain, so too is a man who boasts in a gift of deception.
  • 15 [fn] a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.[fn]
  • 16 If you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it out.
  • 17  lest he become weary of you and hate you.
  • 18 Like a club and sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
  • 19  is the trust of a faithless person[fn] of trouble.
  • 20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron,[fn] is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.
  • 21 is hungry, feed him bread, and if thirsty, let him drink water.
  • 22  and Yahweh will reward you.
  • 23  and a backbiting tongue, angry faces.
  • 24  than with a woman[fn] of contention and in a shared house.
  • 25 Like cold water[fn] upon a weary soul,[fn] so too is good news from a distant place.
  • 26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is the righteous who gives way before the wicked.
  • 27  nor is seeking one’s honor[fn] honorable.
  • 28 where there is no wall is like a man who[fn] self-control for his spirit.
  • so honor is not fitting for a fool.
  • 2 is to fluttering and like the swallow is to flying, so an undeserved curse does not go forth.
  • 3  and a rod for the back of fools.
  • 4  lest you become like him—even you.
  • 5  or else he will be wise in his own eyes.
  • 6 Like cutting off feet or drinking violence, so is he who sends messages in the hand of a fool.
  • 7 Like legs that hang limp from a lame person, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
  • 8  so is giving honor to a fool.
  • 9 Like a thorn that goes up in the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
  • 10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires passersby.
  • 11  is a fool reverting to his folly.
  • 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
  • 13 is in the road! A lion among the streets!”
  • 14  and a lazy person on his bed.
  • 15  he is too tired to return it to his mouth.
  • 16  than seven who answer discreetly.
  • 17  passing by is one who meddles in a quarrel that is not his own.
  • 18  firebrands, arrows, and death,
  • 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor, but says “Am I not joking?”
  • 20  and where there is no whisperer, quarreling will cease.
  • 21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood is to fire, so a man of quarrels is to kindling strife.
  • 22 are like delicious morsels, and they go down to the inner parts of the body.
  • 23 Like[fn] which overlays an earthen vessel, so are smooth lips and an evil heart[fn].
  • 24 but[fn] he will harbor deceit.
  • 25  for seven abominations are in his heart.
  • 26  its evil will be exposed in the assembly.
  • 27  and he who rolls a stone, on him it will come back.
  • 28  and a flattering mouth makes ruin.
  • for you do not know what the day will bring.
  • 2  a stranger and not your own lips.
  • 3 is a stone and weighty is sand, but the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
  • 4 is wrath and overwhelming is anger, but who will stand before jealousy?
  • 5  than a love that is hidden.
  • 6  but the kisses of an enemy are profane.
  • 7 [fn] that is sated spurns honey, but to an[fn] that is ravenous, all bitterness is sweet.
  • 8  so is a man who strays from his place.
  • 9  and the pleasantness of one’s friend is[fn]
  • 10 them, and the house of your brother, do not enter on the day of your calamity.
  • Better is a close neighbor than a distant brother.
  • 11  and I will answer him who reproaches me with a word.
  • 12 When the clever sees danger, he hides; the simple go on and suffer.
  • 13 to a stranger, and to[fn]— so take his pledge.
  • 14  early in the morning,
  • a curse will be reckoned to him.
  • 15  and a woman[fn] of contention are alike.
  • 16 In restraining her, he restrains wind,[fn] and his right hand will grasp oil[fn].
  • 17 As iron sharpens[fn] iron, so[fn]
  • 18  and he who guards his master[fn] will be honored.
  • 19 reflect[fn] so the heart of a person reflects the person.
  • 20 [fn] and Abaddon[fn] will not be satisfied, and the eyes of a person will not be satisfied either.
  • 21 is for the silver, and a furnace for the gold, but a man is tested by the mouth of him who praises him.
  • 22 [fn] the crushed grain, it will not drive folly from upon him.
  • 23 [fn] of your flock; your heart[fn] attends to the herds.
  • 24 are not forever, nor a crown for generation after generation.
  • 25  and the herbs of the mountains will be gathered.
  • 26 will be your clothing, and goats the price of the field.
  • 27 there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and the[fn] of your maidservants.
  • but the righteous is bold like a lion.
  • 2  but by a person of intelligence who knows justice, it will last.
  • 3 who is poor and oppresses the impoverished is a beating rain[fn] no food.
  • 4  but they who guard instruction will struggle against them.
  • 5  but seekers of Yahweh understand completely.[fn]
  • 6 to be poor and walking in one’s integrity than to be crooked of ways when one is rich.
  • 7 is a child of understanding, but the companion of gluttons will shame his father.
  • 8  gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.
  • 9  even his prayer is an abomination.
  • 10  into his pits he will fall.
  • But as for the blameless, they will inherit good.
  • 11 is wise in his own eyes, but the intelligent poor sees through him.
  • 12 is the glory, but with the rising of the wicked, a person will be hidden.
  • 13  but he who confesses and forsakes will obtain mercy.
  • 14  but he who is stubborn of heart,[fn] will fall into calamity.
  • 15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
  • 16 [fn] a cruel oppressor, but those who hate unjust gain will have long[fn] days.
  • 17 the blood of[fn] until death he will flee;
  • do not take hold of him.
  • 18  but he who takes crooked paths will fall in one.
  • 19  but he who follows fantasies will have plenty of poverty.
  • 20 has abundant blessings, but he who hurries to become rich will not go unpunished.
  • 21 [fn] is not good, and over a morsel of bread, a strong man will do wrong.
  • 22 [fn] but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
  • 23 more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
  • 24  is partner to a man who corrupts.
  • 25 [fn] will stir up strife, but he who trusts in Yahweh will be enriched.
  • 26 [fn] is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be saved.
  • 27 For he who gives to the poor, there is no lacking, but for he[fn] who turns his eyes, there are many curses.
  • 28 the rising of the wicked, humankind will be hidden, and with their perishing, the righteous will multiply.
  • suddenly he will be broken, and there will not be healing.
  • 2  but when the wicked are ruling, people will groan.
  • 3  but the friend of prostitutes[fn] will squander his wealth.
  • 4 to a land, but a man of bribes will ruin it.
  • 5  is spreading a net for his feet.
  • 6 is a snare, but the righteous will sing and rejoice.[fn]
  • 7 The righteous knows the case of the poor, but the wicked does not understand knowledge.
  • 8  but the wise turn away wrath.
  • 9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, then there is rankling and ridicule,[fn] but there is no relief.
  • 10 the blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.[fn]
  • 11 [fn] but the wise holds back in quiet.
  • 12  all his officials are wicked.
  • 13 this in common: Yahweh gives[fn]
  • 14 to the poor, his throne will be established forever.
  • 15 [fn] will give wisdom, but a neglected child is disgraced by his mother.
  • 16  but the righteous will look on his downfall.
  • 17  and they will give delight to your soul.[fn]
  • 18  but as for he who guards instruction, happiness is his.
  • 19  for he will understand, but there is no giving heed.
  • 20  there is more hope for a fool than him.
  • 21 [fn]
  • 22  and the owner of anger, much transgression.
  • 23  and the lowly of spirit will obtain honor.
  • 24 [fn] a curse he will hear, but not disclose.
  • 25  but he who trusts in Yahweh will be secure.
  • 26 [fn] of a ruler, but from Yahweh[fn]
  • 27  but the[fn] is an abomination to the wicked.

The Oracle of Agur

• Thus says the man to Ithiel, to Ithiel, and Ucal:[fn]
• 2 am more stupid than a man, and the understanding of humankind is not for me.
• 3  nor will I know knowledge of the Holy One.[fn]
• 4 to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of his hand?
• Who has wrapped water in a[fn] garment?
• Who has established all the ends of the earth?
• What is his name and what is the name of his child?
• For surely you know.
• 5 is flawless; he is a shield for him who takes refuge in him.
• 6  lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
• 7  do not deny me before I die:
• 8 [fn] far from me; do not give me poverty or wealth;
• provide me with food only for my need.
• 9 him and say “Who is Yahweh?”
• Or[fn] I will be poor and will steal
  • and profane the name of my God.
  • 10  or else he will curse you and you will be guilty.
  • 11 There is a generation that will curse its father, and its mother it will not bless.
  • 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, but from its filthiness it will not be cleansed.
  • 13 There is a generation—how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids they will lift.
  • 14 There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and its jawbones, knives,
• in order to devour the poor from the earth[fn]
  • and the needy from humankind.
  • 15 there are two daughters; “Give, give!” they cry.
• As for three of these, they are not satisfied;
  • as for four, they do not say enough.
  • 16 [fn] and barrenness of womb, the land is not satisfied with water,
  • and fire does not say “enough!”
  • 17 that mocks a father and scorns the obedience of a mother—
• the ravens of the valley will peck it out,
  • and the offspring of vultures will eat it.
  • 18 too wonderful for me, and four, I do not understand them:
  • 19  the way of a snake on a rock,
  • the way of a ship in the heart of the sea,
  • and the way of a man with a young woman.
  • 20  she eats and wipes her mouth,
  • and says “I have not done wrong.”
  • 21 things the earth[fn] trembles, and under four, it is not able to bear up:
  • 22  and a fool when he is satisfied with food;
  • 23  and a maid when she succeeds her mistress.
  • 24 are four small things on the earth, and they are[fn]
  • 25 are a people who are not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
  • 26 are a people who are not mighty, yet they set their house on the rock;
  • 27  yet it marches in rank;
  • 28 can seize with hands, yet it is in palaces of kings.
  • 29 are three things that are magnificent of stride, and four that are magnificent when moving:
  • 30 [fn] but he will not turn back from[fn]
  • 31  and a king whose army is with him.
  • 32  and if you have devised evil, put your hand to your mouth.
  • 33  and pressing the nose produces blood,
  • so pressing[fn] produces strife.

The Oracle of King Lemuel

• that his mother taught him:
• 2  And what, son of my vows?
• 3  and your ways to destroy kings.
• 4 It is not for the kings, O Lemuel; drinking wine is not for the kings,
• nor is strong drink for rulers.
• 5  and he will pervert the rights[fn] of all the [fn]
• 6  and wine to those[fn]
• 7  and his misery he will not remember any more.
• 8  for the rights[fn] of all the [fn]
• 9  and defend the poor and needy.

An Excellent Woman[fn]

• 10 [fn] of excellence,[fn] who will find? For her worth is far more than precious jewels.
• 11 [fn] trusts in her, and gain he will not lack.
• 12  all the days of her life.
• 13  and she works with the diligence of[fn]
• 14  from far off she brings her food;[fn]
• 15 it is still night, and gives food to her household,
• and tasks to her servant girls.
• 16  from the fruit of[fn] she plants a vineyard.
• 17  and makes her arms strong.
• 18 is good; her lamp does not go out in the night.
• 19 [fn] and her palms hold a spindle.
• 20  and her hand she reaches out to the needy.
• 21 when it snows, for[fn] is clothed in crimson.
• 22  her clothing is fine linen and purple.
• 23 [fn] is known at the gates, in his seat among the elders of the land.
• 24  and she supplies sashes for the merchants.
• 25  and she laughs[fn]
• 26  and instruction of kindness is upon her tongue.
• 27  and the bread of idleness she will not eat.
• 28  her husband[fn] also, and he praises her;
• 29 [fn] but[fn] all of them.”
• 30 [fn] is deceit and beauty[fn] is vain;[fn] but a woman who fears Yahweh shall be praised.
• 31  and may they praise her works in the city gates.