Proverbs of Solomon

• 10 The proverbs of Solomon:
• A wise child makes a father glad,
  • but a foolish child grieves his mother.
• 2 Treasures of wickedness do not profit,
  • but righteousness delivers from death.
• 3 Yahweh will not cause a righteous person[fn] to go hungry,
  • but the craving of the wicked he will thwart.
• 4 A slack hand causes poverty,
  • but the hand of the diligent enriches.
• 5 He who gathers in the summer is a child who is prudent;
  • he who sleeps at the harvest is a child who brings shame.
• 6 Blessings belong to the head of the righteous,
  • but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
• 7 The memory of righteousness is like a blessing,
  • but the name of the wicked will rot.
• 8 A heart of wisdom will heed commandments,
  • but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
• 9 Whoever walks in integrity[fn] will walk securely,
  • but whoever follows perversity, his ways will be made known.
• 10 The winking of an eye causes[fn] trouble,
  • and the foolishness of lips comes to ruin.
• 11 A fountain of life is a mouth of righteousness,
  • and a mouth of wickedness conceals violence.
• 12 Hatred stirs up strife,
  • but love covers over all offenses.
• 13 On the lips of one who has understanding, wisdom is found,
  • but a rod is for the back of one who lacks sense .[fn]
• 14 Those who are wise lay up knowledge,
  • but to the mouth of the fool, ruin draws near.
• 15 The wealth of the rich is the city of his strength;
  • the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
• 16 The wage of the righteous 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 He who conceals hatred has lips of deceit,
  • and he who utters slander—he is a fool.
• 19 In many words, transgression is not lacking,
  • but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
• 20 Choice silver is a tongue of righteousness,
  • a heart[fn] of wickedness is of little worth .[fn]
• 21 Lips of righteousness feed many,
  • but fools die for lack of sense .[fn]
• 22 The blessing of Yahweh makes 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 The dread of the wicked will come upon him,
  • but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
• 25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness,
  • but the righteous have a foundation forever.
• 26 Like vinegar to the tooth and like smoke to the eyes,
  • thus is the lazy to one who employs[fn] him.
• 27 The fear of Yahweh adds life,
  • but the years of the wicked are shortened.
• 28 The hope of the righteous is gladness,
  • but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.
• 29 A stronghold for the upright is the way of Yahweh,
  • but ruin belongs to evildoers .[fn]
• 30 The righteous one is forever; he will not be removed.
  • But the wicked will not remain in the land.[fn]
• 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
  • but a tongue of perversity will be cut off.
• 32 The lips of the righteous know the acceptable,
  • but the mouth of the wicked, the perverse.
  
  
• 11 Balances of deceit are an abomination of Yahweh,
  • but an accurate weight[fn] delights him.
• 2 Pride comes, then disgrace comes,
  • but wisdom is with the humble.
• 3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
  • but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
• 4 Wealth does not profit on the day of wrath,
  • but righteousness will deliver from death.
• 5 The righteousness of the blameless will keep his ways straight,
  • but the wicked will fall by his wickedness.
• 6 The righteousness of the upright will save them,
  • but by a scheme the treacherous will be taken captive.
• 7 With the death of a wicked person, hope will die,
  • and the expectation of the godless perishes.
• 8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
  • but the wicked enters into it.
• 9 With a mouth, the godless shall destroy his neighbor,
  • but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
• 10 When good is with the righteous, the city rejoices,
  • and with the perishing of the wicked, jubilation.
• 11 By the blessing of the upright, a city will be exalted,
  • but by the mouth of the wicked, it will be overthrown.
• 12 He who lacks sense[fn] belittles his neighbor,
  • but a person of intelligence will remain silent.
• 13 A gossip walks about telling a secret,
  • but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.
• 14 Where there is no guidance, a nation[fn] shall fall,
  • but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.
• 15 He will suffer trouble when he loans to a stranger,
  • but he who refuses a pledge is safe.
• 16 A woman of grace receives honor,
  • but the ruthless gets wealth.
• 17 A person of kindness rewards himself,[fn]
  • but a cruel person harms his own flesh.
• 18 The wicked earns[fn] deceptive gain ,[fn]
  • but he who sows righteousness, a true reward .[fn]
• 19 He who is steadfast in righteousness is to life
  • as[fn] he who pursues evil is to death.
• 20 An abomination of Yahweh are the crooked of heart ,[fn]
  • but his delight are those with blameless ways .[fn]
• 21 Rest assured ,[fn] the wicked will not go unpunished,
  • but the offspring[fn] of the righteous will escape.
• 22 A ring of gold in the snout of a pig
  • is a woman who is beautiful but without discretion.
• 23 The desire of the righteous is only good,
  • but the expectation of the wicked, wrath.
• 24 There is one who gives yet grows richer ,[fn]
  • but he who withholds what is right[fn] only finds need.
• 25 A person of blessing will be enriched,
  • and he who gives water also will be refreshed.
• 26 He who withholds grain, the people curse him,
  • but a blessing is for the head of him who sells.
• 27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
  • but he who inquires of evil, it will come to him.
• 28 He who trusts in his wealth is he who will fall,
  • but like a green leaf the righteous will flourish.
• 29 He who brings trouble to his household, he will inherit wind,[fn]
  • and a fool will serve the wise of heart.
• 30 The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life,
  • and he who captures souls[fn] is wise.
• 31 If the righteous on earth will be repaid,
  • how much more[fn] the wicked and sinner.
  
  
• 12 He who loves discipline loves knowledge,
  • but he who hates rebuke is stupid.
• 2 The good obtains favor from Yahweh,
  • but anyone who schemes, he condemns.
• 3 A person will not be established by wickedness,
  • but the root of the righteous will not be moved.
• 4 A woman of strength[fn] is the crown of her master,[fn]
  • but like rot in his bones is she who brings shame.
• 5 The thoughts of the righteous are[fn] just;
  • the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
• 6 The words of the wicked are an ambush of blood,
  • but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
• 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more ,[fn]
  • but the house of the righteous shall stand.
• 8 For his mouth of good sense, a man will be recommended,
  • but he who is of perverse mind[fn] will be despised.
• 9 It is better to be lowly and a servant to someone[fn]
  • than self-glorifying and lacking food.
• 10 The righteous knows the life[fn] of his animal,
  • but the compassion[fn] of the wicked is cruel.
• 11 He who works his land will have plenty of food,
  • but he who follows worthless things lacks sense .[fn]
• 12 The wicked covets the proceeds of evil,
  • but the root of the righteous bears fruit .[fn]
• 13 By the transgression of lips, evil is ensnared,
  • but the righteous escapes from trouble.
• 14 From the fruit of the mouth of a man, he is filled with good,
  • and the reward of a man’s labor[fn] will return to him.
• 15 The way of a fool is upright in his own eyes,
  • but he who listens to advice is wise.
• 16 As for a fool, on that very day[fn] he makes his anger known,
  • but he who ignores an insult is prudent.
• 17 He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness,
  • but the witness of falsehood, deceit.
• 18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword,
  • but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
• 19 A lip of truth endures forever,
  • but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.
• 20 Deceit is in the heart[fn] of those who plan[fn] evil,
  • but to those who plan[fn] peace, there is joy.
• 21 No evil will happen[fn] to the righteous,
  • but the wicked are filled with trouble.
• 22 An abomination of Yahweh are lips of deceit,
  • but they who act faithfully are his delight.
• 23 A clever person conceals knowledge,
  • but the heart[fn] of a fool[fn] announces folly.
• 24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule,
  • but the lazy will belong to forced labor.
• 25 Anxiety in the heart[fn] of a man will weigh him down,
  • but a good word will cheer him.
• 26 A righteous person will seek out his neighbor,
  • but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.
• 27 The lazy will not roast his game,
  • but diligence is the precious wealth of a man.
• 28 On the road of righteousness is life,
  • and on the way of the path, may there be no death.
  
  
• 13 A wise child hears the discipline of a father,
  • but a scoffer does not listen to a rebuke.
• 2 From the fruit of the mouth of a man, he shall eat what is good,
  • but the desire[fn] of the treacherous, wrongdoing.
• 3 He who keeps his mouth guards his life;[fn]
  • he who opens his lips, ruin belongs to him.
• 4 The soul[fn] of the lazy craves, but there is nothing,
  • but the person of diligence is richly supplied.
• 5 The righteous hates a word of falsehood;
  • the wicked will bring shame and disgrace .[fn]
• 6 Righteousness will guard the upright of way,
  • but wickedness will overthrow sin.
• 7 There is one who acts rich but has nothing ;[fn]
  • another who pretends to be poor but has wealth.
• 8 The ransom of the life of a man is his wealth,
  • but the poor does not receive a threat.
• 9 The light of the righteous will rejoice,
  • but the lamp of the wicked will die out.
• 10 Only by insolence is strife set up,
  • and wisdom is with those who take advice.
• 11 Wealth gained from haste[fn] will dwindle,
  • but he who gathers little by little[fn] will increase it.
• 12 Hope that is deferred makes the heart[fn] sick,
  • but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
• 13 He who despises a word will bring destruction on himself,
  • but he who respects a commandment will be rewarded.
• 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
  • in order to avoid the snares of death.
• 15 Good sense grants favor,
  • but the way of the faithless is coarse.
• 16 Anyone who is clever will act with intelligence,
  • but the fool will display folly.
• 17 A messenger of wickedness will fall into trouble,
  • but an envoy of the faithful brings healing.
• 18 Poverty and disgrace belong to him who ignores instruction,
  • but he who guards reproof will be honored.
• 19 A desire fulfilled[fn] will be sweet to the soul,
  • but an abomination of fools is turning from evil.
• 20 Walk with the wise and be wise,
  • but as for the companion of fools, he will suffer harm.
• 21 Misfortune will pursue sinners,
  • but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity .[fn]
• 22 He who is good will leave an inheritance to his grandchildren ,[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 it is swept away[fn] by injustice .[fn]
• 24 He who withholds his rod hates his child,
  • but he who loves him gives him[fn] discipline.
• 25 The righteous eats to satisfy his life,[fn]
  • but the belly of the wicked will lack.
  
  
• 14 The wisest of women[fn] builds her house,
  • but the foolish tears it down with her hands.
• 2 He who walks in uprightness fears Yahweh,
  • but he who is devious in his ways displeases him.
• 3 In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride,
  • but the lips of the wise preserve them.
• 4 When there are no[fn] oxen the manger is empty,
  • but an abundance of crops comes by the strength of an ox.[fn]
• 5 A faithful witness does not lie,
  • but he who breathes out falsehood is a witness of deceit.
• 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, but there is none,
  • but knowledge comes easily to him who understands .[fn]
• 7 Leave the presence of a foolish man ,[fn]
  • for you will not come to know words of knowledge .[fn]
• 8 The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways,
  • but the folly of fools is deceit.
• 9 Fools mock[fn] the guilt offering,
  • but among the upright, it is favorable.
• 10 The heart[fn] knows the bitterness of its soul,[fn]
  • but in its joy, it will not share itself with a stranger.
• 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
  • but the tent of the upright will flourish.
• 12 There is a way that seems upright to[fn] a man,
  • but its end is the way of death.
• 13 Even in laughter, a heart may be sad,
  • and the end of joy may be grief.
• 14 From his ways, the perverse of heart will be satisfied,
  • and from his own ,[fn] so shall a good man.
• 15 The simple will believe every word,
  • but the clever will consider his step.
• 16 The wise is cautious and turns from evil,
  • but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.
• 17 He who is short of temper[fn] will act foolishly,
  • and the man who schemes will be hated.
• 18 The simple are adorned with folly,
  • but the clever are crowned with knowledge.
• 19 The evil bow down before the good,
  • and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
• 20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
  • but the lovers of the rich are many.
• 21 He who despises his neighbor is a sinner,
  • but he who has mercy on the poor blesses him.
• 22 Have they not erred, those who plan evil?
  • But loyalty and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
• 23 In all toil, there is profit,
  • but the talk[fn] of lips leads only to poverty.
• 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth;
  • the folly of fools is folly.
• 25 He who saves lives[fn] is a witness of truth,
  • but he who utters lies is a betrayer.
• 26 In the fear of Yahweh, there is confidence of strength,
  • and for his children, there will be refuge.
• 27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
  • in order to turn from the snares of death.
• 28 In the multitude of people is the glory of the king,
  • 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 A heart[fn] of tranquility[fn] is life to the flesh,
  • but causes bones of passion to rot.
• 31 He who oppresses the poor insults him who made him,
  • but he who has mercy on the poor honors him.
• 32 By his evildoing, the wicked will be overthrown,
  • and the righteous will find refuge in his death.
• 33 In the heart[fn] of him who has understanding, wisdom rests,
  • but even in the midst of fools it becomes known.
• 34 Righteousness will exalt a nation,
  • but sin is a reproach to a people.
• 35 The favor of a king is for the servant who deals wisely,
  • but his wrath will be on him who acts shamefully.
  
  
• 15 A soft answer will turn away wrath,
  • but a word of trouble will stir anger .[fn]
• 2 The tongue of the wise will dispense knowledge,
  • but the mouth of fools will pour out folly.
• 3 In every place, the eyes of Yahweh
  • keep watch over the evil and the good.
• 4 Gentleness[fn] of tongue is a tree of life,
  • but perverseness in it[fn] causes a break in spirit.
• 5 A fool will despise the instruction of his father,
  • 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 The lips of the wise will spread knowledge,
  • but the heart[fn] of fools, not so.
• 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of Yahweh,
  • but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
• 9 An abomination of Yahweh is the way of the wicked,
  • but he who pursues righteousness he will love.
• 10 Severe discipline belongs to him who forsakes the way;
  • he who hates a rebuke will die.
• 11 Sheol[fn] and Abaddon[fn] are before Yahweh,
  • how much more[fn] the hearts of the children of men!
• 12 A scoffer does not like his rebuke ;[fn]
  • to the wise he will not go.
• 13 A heart[fn] of gladness will make good countenance ,[fn]
  • but in sorrow of heart[fn] a spirit is broken.
• 14 The heart of him who understands will seek knowledge,
  • but the faces of fools, they[fn] will feed on folly.
• 15 All the days of the poor are hard,
  • but goodness of heart[fn] is a continuous feast.
• 16 Better is little with the fear of Yahweh
  • than great treasure and trouble with it.[fn]
• 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables when[fn] love is there
  • than a fattened ox and hatred with it.[fn]
• 18 A man who is hot-tempered will stir up strife,
  • but he who is slow to anger ,[fn] he will calm contention.
• 19 The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns,[fn]
  • but the path of the upright is a highway.
• 20 A child of wisdom will make a father glad,
  • but a foolish person ,[fn] he despises his mother.
• 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense ,[fn]
  • and a person of understanding will walk upright .[fn]
• 22 Plans go wrong when there is no counsel,
  • but with many advisors it will succeed.
• 23 Joy belongs to a man with answers in his mouth,
  • and a word in its time, how good it is!
• 24 The path of life leads upward for him who has insight,
  • in order to turn away from Sheol below.
• 25 The house of the proud, Yahweh will tear it down,
  • but he will maintain the property line[fn] of the widow.
• 26 Plans of evil are an abomination of Yahweh,
  • but gracious words are pure.
• 27 He who makes trouble for his house is he who is greedy for unjust gain,
  • but he who hates bribes will live.
• 28 A heart[fn] of righteousness will ponder the answer,
  • but a mouth of wickedness will pour out deceit.
• 29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
  • but the prayers of the righteous he will hear.
• 30 From the light of the eyes, the heart[fn] will rejoice,
  • and good news will enliven the bones.[fn]
• 31 The ear of him who listens to admonitions of life,
  • in the midst of the wise it will lodge.
• 32 He who ignores instruction despises himself,[fn]
  • but he who hears admonition gains heart.[fn]
• 33 Fear of Yahweh is the instruction of the wise,
  • and before honor comes humility.
  
  
• 16 To mortals belong the plans of the heart,
  • but from Yahweh comes the answer of the tongue.
• 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
  • but Yahweh weighs the spirit.[fn]
• 3 Commit your work to Yahweh,
  • and your plans will be established.
• 4 All Yahweh has made is for his[fn] purpose,
  • and even the wicked for the day of trouble.
• 5 An abomination of Yahweh are all who are arrogant of heart;[fn]
  • rest assured ,[fn] he will not go unpunished.
• 6 By loyalty and faithfulness, iniquity will be covered over,[fn]
  • and by fear of Yahweh one turns[fn] from evil.
• 7 When the ways of a man are pleasing to Yahweh,
  • even his enemies he will cause to make peace with him.
• 8 Better is little with righteousness
  • than great income with no justice.
• 9 The mind[fn] of a person will plan his ways,
  • and Yahweh will direct his steps.
• 10 A decision is upon the lips of a king;
  • in judgment his mouth will not sin.
• 11 A balance and scales of justice belong to Yahweh;
  • all the weights of the bag are his work.
• 12 An abomination to kings is doing evil,
  • for by righteousness the throne will be established.
• 13 The delight of kings are the lips of righteousness,
  • and he who speaks what is upright he will love.
• 14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,
  • but one who is wise will appease[fn] it.
• 15 In the light of the face of the king there is life,
  • and his favor is like a cloud of spring rain.
• 16 Getting wisdom: how much[fn] better than gold!
  • And getting understanding: it is chosen over[fn] silver.
• 17 The highway of the upright, it turns from evil,
  • he who guards himself[fn] keeps his way.
• 18 Before destruction comes pride,
  • and before a fall, a haughty spirit.[fn]
• 19 Better a lowly spirit with the poor
  • than dividing the spoil with the proud.
• 20 He who is attentive to a matter will find goodness,
  • and he who trusts in Yahweh, his own happiness.
• 21 The wise of heart[fn] is called perceptive,
  • but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.
• 22 A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner,[fn]
  • but the instruction[fn] of fools is folly.
• 23 The heart[fn] of the wise will make his mouth judicious,
  • and upon his lips, it[fn] will add persuasiveness.
• 24 Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb,
  • sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.
• 25 There is a way that seems upright to[fn] a man,
  • but its end is the way of death.
• 26 The life[fn] of a worker works for him,
  • for his hunger[fn] urges him.
• 27 A man of wickedness concocts evil,
  • and his lips are like a scorching fire.
• 28 A person of perversity will spread dissent,
  • and he who whispers separates a close friend.
• 29 A person of violence will entice his neighbor
  • and cause him to walk on a way that is not good.
• 30 He who winks his eyes does so in order to plan perverse things;
  • he who purses his lips will bring evil to pass.
• 31 A crown of glory is gray hair;
  • by a righteous life it is gained.
• 32 He who is slow to anger[fn] is better than him who is mighty,
  • and he who controls his spirit than him who captures a city.
• 33 The lot will be cast into the lap,
  • but all of its decisions are from Yahweh.
  
  
• 17 Better a dry morsel and quiet with it
  • than a house filled with feasts of strife.
• 2 A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully,
  • and in the midst of brothers he will share his inheritance.
• 3 A crucible is for the silver, and a furnace is for the gold,
  • but Yahweh will test hearts.
• 4 He who does evil listens to lips of wickedness,
  • and the liar gives heed to the tongue of mischief.
• 5 He who mocks the poor insults him who made him;
  • he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
• 6 The crown of the elderly are grandchildren ,[fn]
  • and the glory of children is their fathers.
• 7 Fine speech[fn] is not becoming a fool,
  • still less[fn] is false speech[fn] for a ruler.
• 8 The bribe is a stone of magic in the eyes of its owner;[fn]
  • everywhere[fn] he will turn, he will prosper.
• 9 He who forgives an affront fosters love,
  • but he who waits on a matter will alienate a friend.
• 10 A rebuke strikes him who understands
  • deeper than one hundred blows to a fool.
• 11 An evil person will seek only rebellion,
  • 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 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous,
  • the two of them are both abominations of Yahweh.
• 16 Why is this? A price in the hand of a fool,
  • in order to buy wisdom where[fn] there is no sense .[fn]
• 17 The friend loves at all times[fn],
  • but a brother is born for adversity.
• 18 A person who lacks sense[fn] pledges ;[fn]
  • he becomes security before his neighbor.
• 19 He who loves transgression loves strife;
  • he who builds his high thresholds seeks destruction.
• 20 He who is crooked of heart[fn] will not find goodness,
  • and he who is perverse, by his tongue he will fall into calamity.
• 21 He who begets a fool, there is trouble for him;
  • the father of a fool will not rejoice.
• 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
  • but a downcast spirit will dry out bones.
• 23 The wicked will accept a bribe from the lap,
  • in order to pervert the ways of justice.
• 24 He who understands sets his face toward wisdom,
  • but the eyes of a fool, to the end of the earth.[fn]
• 25 A grief to his father is the child of a fool,
  • and bitterness to her who bore him.
• 26 Also, imposing a fine on the righteous is not good,
  • nor to flog nobles for uprightness.
• 27 He who spares his sayings knows knowledge,
  • and a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
• 28 Even a fool who keeps silent shall be considered wise ;[fn]
  • he who closes his lips is intelligent.
  
  
• 18 He who is selfish seeks a craving;[fn]
  • against all sound judgment he shows contempt.
• 2 A fool will not take pleasure in understanding,
  • but in expressing his heart.[fn]
• 3 With the coming of wickedness comes contempt also,
  • and with dishonor, disgrace.
• 4 Deep waters are words of the mouth of a man;
  • a gushing stream is a fountain of wisdom.
• 5 Being partial to faces of evil is not good,
  • nor to subvert the righteous at the judgment.
• 6 The lips of a fool will bring strife,
  • and his mouth calls out for a flogging.
• 7 The mouth of a fool is ruin to him,
  • and his lips are a snare to his soul.[fn]
• 8 The words of a whisper are like delicious morsels,
  • and they themselves go down to inner parts of the body.
• 9 Even he who is slack in his work,
  • he is brother to a master[fn] of destruction.
• 10 A tower of strength is the name of Yahweh;
  • into him[fn] the righteous will run and be safe.
• 11 The wealth of the rich is his strong city ,[fn]
  • and like a wall, it is high in his imagination.
• 12 In the presence of destruction, the heart[fn] of a man will be haughty,
  • but in the presence of honor, humble.
• 13 He who returns a word before he will hear,
  • folly itself belongs to him as well as[fn] shame.
• 14 The spirit of a man will endure his sickness,
  • but a broken spirit, who may bear it?
• 15 An intelligent mind[fn] will acquire knowledge,
  • and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
• 16 The gift of a person will open doors for him,
  • and before the great, it gives him access.
• 17 The first in his dispute is deemed righteous,
  • but his neighbor will come and examine him.
• 18 The lot will put an end to disputes,
  • and between powerful contenders it will decide.
• 19 A brother who is offended is worse than a city of strength,
  • and quarrels are like the bars of a fortification.
• 20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth, his stomach will be satisfied,
  • as for the yield of his lips, it will satisfy.
• 21 Death and life are in the power[fn] of the tongue,
  • and those who love her[fn] will eat of her fruit.
• 22 He who finds a wife[fn] finds good,
  • and he will obtain favor from Yahweh.
• 23 The poor may speak entreaties,
  • but the rich will answer roughly.
• 24 A man of many friends will come to ruin,
  • but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
  
  
• 19 Better a poor person walking in integrity
  • than one who is perverse in his speech[fn] and is a fool.
• 2 Also, a life[fn] without knowledge is not good,
  • and he who moves quickly with his feet misses the mark .[fn]
• 3 As for the folly of humankind, its way leads to ruin,
  • and against Yahweh his heart[fn] will rage.
• 4 Wealth adds many friends,
  • but the poor will be left by his friends.
• 5 A witness of falsehood will not go unpunished,
  • and he who breathes lies will not escape.
• 6 Many will seek favor before the generous,
  • and everyone is the friend of a man of gifts.[fn]
• 7 All the brothers of the poor, 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 He who acquires wisdom loves himself;[fn]
  • he who guards understanding loves to find good.
• 9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
  • and he who breathes lies will perish.
• 10 For a fool living in luxury is not fitting,
  • any more than it is for a slave to rule over princes.
• 11 The understanding of a person makes him slow to his anger ,[fn]
  • and his glory overlooks offense.
• 12 The rage of a king growls like a lion,
  • but his favor is like dew on the grass.
• 13 A foolish child is a ruin to his father,
  • and the quarreling of a woman[fn] is a continuous dripping.
• 14 A house and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
  • but from Yahweh comes a woman[fn] who is prudent.
• 15 Laziness will bring on a deep sleep,
  • and a person[fn] of idleness will suffer hunger.
• 16 He who guards commandments guards his life;[fn]
  • he who is careless of his ways will be killed.
• 17 He who lends to Yahweh is he who is kind to the poor,
  • and his benefits he will repay to him.
• 18 Discipline your child, for there is hope,
  • but on his destruction do not set your desire.[fn]
• 19 A hot-tempered person pays a penalty;
  • if you rescue him, you will do it yet again.
• 20 Listen to advice and accept instruction
  • so that you will gain wisdom for your future .[fn]
• 21 Many plans are in the heart[fn] of a man,
  • but the purpose of Yahweh will be established.
• 22 The craving of a man is his steadfast loyalty,
  • and it is better to be poor than a liar .[fn]
• 23 Fear of Yahweh leads to life;
  • he who is filled with it will rest—he will not suffer harm.
• 24 A lazy person buries his hand in the dish,
  • and even to his mouth he will not bring it back.
• 25 The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence,
  • and reprove the intelligent and he will gain knowledge.
• 26 He who does violence to a father, he who chases away a mother,
  • is a child who causes shame and brings reproach.
• 27 Cease to listen to instruction, my child,
  • and you will stray[fn] from sayings of knowledge.
• 28 A worthless witness will mock justice,
  • and the mouth of the wicked will devour iniquity.
• 29 Judgments[fn] are prepared for the scoffers,
  • and flogging for the back of fools.
  
  
• 20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
  • and any who go astray by it are not wise.
• 2 Roaring like the lion 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 The lazy person will not plow in season;
  • he will expect at the harvest, but there will be nothing.
• 5 Deep waters are like purpose in the heart[fn] of a man,
  • and a man of understanding will draw it[fn] out.
• 6 Many a person will proclaim his loyalty for himself,
  • but a man who is trustworthy, who can find?
• 7 He who walks in his integrity is righteous;
  • happy are his children who follow him.
• 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
  • winnows all evil with his eyes.
• 9 Who will say “I have made my heart[fn] clean;
  • I am pure from my sin”?
• 10 Stone and stone, measure and measure,
  • both of them[fn] are an abomination of Yahweh.
• 11 Even by his acts, a young man[fn] will make himself known,
  • whether his acts are pure and upright.
• 12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees,
  • Yahweh has made them both .[fn]
• 13 Do not love sleep, lest you become poor;
  • open your eyes and have plenty bread.
• 14 “Bad, bad,” the buyer will say,
  • but when one goes to him, then he will boast.
• 15 There is gold and many costly stones,
  • but precious jewels are lips of knowledge.
• 16 Take his garment, for he has given security to a stranger,
  • and on behalf of a foreigner—take it as pledge.
• 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet for the man,
  • but afterward, his mouth will be filled with gravel.
• 18 A plan[fn] will be established by advice,
  • and with guidance make war.
• 19 He reveals a secret, he who walks about with gossip,
  • and do not associate with a babbler’s lips.
• 20 He who curses his father and his mother,
  • his lamp will be extinguished in the midst of darkness .[fn]
• 21 An inheritance acquired hastily at the beginning[fn]
  • will not be blessed at its end.
• 22 Do not say “I will repay evil”;
  • wait for Yahweh and he will deliver you.
• 23 An abomination of Yahweh is a stone and a weight ,[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 A wise king winnows the wicked,
  • and he will drive a wheel over them.
• 27 The lamp of Yahweh is the spirit[fn] of humankind,
  • he who searches every innermost part .[fn]
• 28 Loyalty and faithfulness will preserve a king,
  • and he is upheld with the righteousness of his throne.
• 29 The glory of young men is their strength,[fn]
  • but the beauty of the aged is gray hair.
• 30 The blows of a wound will cleanse evil,
  • as will[fn] beatings of the innermost part .[fn]
  
  
• 21 Streams of water are the heart[fn] of a king in the hand of Yahweh;
  • wherever[fn] he will desire, he will turn.
• 2 Every way of a man is upright in his own eyes,
  • but Yahweh weighs hearts.[fn]
• 3 Doing righteousness and justice is more acceptable
  • to Yahweh than sacrifice.
• 4 Haughtiness of the eyes and pride of heart,
  • the lamp of the wicked are sin.
• 5 The plans of the diligent only lead to abundance,
  • but all who are hasty, only to want.
• 6 He who makes treasure by a lying tongue
  • is a fleeting vapor and seeker[fn] of death.
• 7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
  • for they refuse to do justice.
• 8 Crooked is the way of a man and a foreigner,
  • but the pure is upright in his conduct.
• 9 Better to dwell on the corner of a roof
  • than to share a house with a woman[fn] of contention.
• 10 The soul[fn] of the wicked desires evil;
  • his neighbor will not find mercy in his eyes.
• 11 With the punishment of a scoffer, the simple will become wise,
  • and with the instruction of the wise, he will obtain knowledge.
• 12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked;
  • he throws the wicked to ruin.
• 13 He who closes his ear from the cry of the poor,
  • he also will cry out and not be heard.
• 14 A gift in secret[fn] will avert anger ,[fn]
  • and a concealed bribe ,[fn] strong wrath.
• 15 It is a joy to the righteous to do justice,
  • but dismay to those who do evil.
• 16 Whoever wanders from the way of understanding,
  • in the assembly of the dead[fn] he will rest.
• 17 A man of want is he who loves pleasure;
  • he who loves wine and oil[fn] will not become rich.
• 18 A ransom for the righteous is the wicked,
  • and the faithless instead of the upright.
• 19 Better to live in a land of wilderness
  • than with a wife of quarrels and provocation.
• 20 Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise,
  • but the foolish person[fn] will devour them.[fn]
• 21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness
  • will find life, righteousness, and honor.
• 22 To a city of warriors, the wise ascends,
  • and he will bring down the stronghold—its object of trust.
• 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
  • he guards his life[fn] from danger.
• 24 The proud, haughty one: “scoffer” is his name;
  • he acts with arrogance of pride.
• 25 The craving of a lazy person will kill him,
  • for his hands refuse to work.[fn]
• 26 All day[fn] he craves a craving,
  • but the righteous will give and not hold back.
• 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
  • how much more when he brings it in divisiveness!
• 28 A false witness will perish,
  • but a man who listens will testify with[fn] success.
• 29 A wicked man is strong in his countenance ,[fn]
  • but the upright will appoint his paths.
• 30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding,
  • nor counsel to oppose Yahweh.
• 31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
  • but to Yahweh belongs the victory.
  
  
• 22 A reputation[fn] is to be chosen rather than[fn] great riches;
  • favor is better than silver and gold .[fn]
• 2 Rich and poor have much in common;
  • Yahweh is the maker of all of them.
• 3 The clever sees danger and hides,
  • but the simple go on and suffer.
• 4 The reward of humility is the fear of Yahweh—
  • wealth and honor and life.
• 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
  • he who guards himself[fn] will keep away from them.
• 6 Train the child concerning his way ;[fn]
  • even when he is old, he will not stray from it.
• 7 The rich will rule over the poor,
  • and the borrower is a slave of the lender .[fn]
• 8 He who sows injustice will reap calamity,
  • and the rod of his anger will fail.
• 9 He who is generous[fn] will be blessed,
  • for he gives to the poor from his own bread.
• 10 Drive out a scoffer and strife will go out;
  • quarrel and abuse will cease.
• 11 He who loves purity of heart
  • and has gracious speech ,[fn] his friend is the king.
• 12 The eyes of Yahweh keep watch over knowledge,
  • but he will overthrow the words of the faithless.
• 13 A lazy person says “A lion in the street!
  • In the middle of the highway, I shall be killed!”
• 14 A deep pit is the mouth of an adulteress ,[fn]
  • he with whom Yahweh is angry will fall there.
• 15 Folly is bound up in the heart[fn] of a boy;[fn]
  • the rod of discipline will drive it[fn] from him.
• 16 He who oppresses the poor in order to enrich himself,
  • or gives to the rich, will come to poverty .[fn]