10 The proverbs by Shelomoh (Solomon):

A wise son makes his father happy,

^ but a foolish son causes grief for his mother.

2 Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing,

^ but doing the right thing rescues you from death.

3 Yahweh doesn’t allow those who do the right thing to go hungry,

^ but he rejects those who are wicked.

4 Idle hands lead to poverty,

^ but those who work hard gain wealth.

5 Anyone who stores their produce in the summer is being sensible,

^ but the one who sleeps during the harvest is a disgraceful son.

6 Blessings come to those who do what is right,

^ but wicked people lie to conceal their violence.

7 The memory of a godly person is a blessing,

^ but the name of the wicked person will rot.

8 The wise person accepts instructions,

^ but fools will be ruined by their own words.

9 Anyone who walks with integrity will walk securely,

^ but the person with crooked ways will soon get found out.

10 The person who winks at you will cause grief,

≈ and those who speak foolishly will be ruined.

11 The words from a godly person are a fountain of life,

^ but the mouth of a wicked person conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,[ref]

^ but love covers over all wrongs.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of a person with discernment,

^ but those lacking morals need to be punished.

14 Wise people store up knowledge,

^ but the mouth of a fool invites destruction.

15 The wealth of a rich person gives them security,

^ but poor people are destroyed by their poverty.

16 The reward of a godly person is life,

^ but a wicked person ends up being punished.

17 The person who accepts instruction is on the path to life,

^ but the one who rejects rebuke ends up lost.

18 Anyone who conceals hatred, has lying lips,

≈ and anyone who spreads slander is foolish.

19 A lot of talking doesn’t mean that a person isn’t doing something wrong,

^ but anyone who keeps their mouth closed is being sensible.

20 The tongue of a godly person adds value like good silver,

^ but the thoughts of the wicked are of little value.

21 The lips of a godly person shepherd many people,

^ but foolish people die from the lack of morals.

22 Yahweh’s blessing leads to prosperity,

and that’s without adding forced labour to it.

23 Doing wicked things is like a sport to foolish people,

^ but a wise person enjoys doing sensible things.

24 The wicked person’s fears will come to pass,

^ but the godly person’s desires will be given to them.

25 When a tornado passes over, it destroys wicked people,

^ but godly people are like an enduring foundation.

26 Lazy people irritate their supervisors

→ like vinegar on their teeth and smoke in their eyes.

27 Striving to obey Yahweh prolongs your life,

^ but the years of wicked people will be short.

28 Godly people anticipate future happiness,

^ but wicked people will never gain what they expect.

29 Staying on Yahweh’s paths is security for the godly,

^ but ruin for those who do evil.

30 Godly people will never be shaken,

^ but the wicked won’t live long in the land.

31 The mouth of a godly person produces wisdom as its fruit,

^ but the tongues of perverse people will be cut off.

32 The lips of godly person experience pleasure,

^ but the mouth of the wicked experience perversity.

11 Yahweh hates dishonest scales,

^ but he delights in an accurate weight

2 When presumption comes, shame follows,

^ but modesty is followed by wisdom.

3 Godly people will be guarded by their integrity,

^ but treacherous people will be destroyed by their deceit.

4 Wealth doesn’t help in the day of rage,

^ but doing what’s right will rescue you from death.

5 When an innocent person does what’s right things go straightforwardly,

^ but the wicked person will fall due to their own wickedness.

6 The godliness of good people will rescue them,

^ but treacherous people will be caught out by their own schemes.

7 When the wicked person dies, all hope is lost,

≈ and the expectation of strength disappears.

8 The godly person is rescued from trouble,

^ but the wicked person gets it instead.

9 A godless person destroys his neighbour with his mouth,

^ but the godly will be rescued by knowledge.

10 When the godly do well, the city celebrates,

^ and when the wicked perish, there’s a cheerful shout.

11 A blessing from the upright people helps to elevate a city,

^ but it gets torn down by the mouth of the wicked.

12 A person who despises their neighbour lacks good morals,

^ but a person with understanding will stay quiet.

13 A gossip goes around revealing secrets,

^ but a trustworthy person keeps things private.

14 When there are no directions, a nation falls,

^ but there’s safety in having lots of advisers.

15 You’ll end up getting burnt if you guarantee a stranger’s loan,

^ but avoiding shaking on deals will lead to security.

16 A woman who displays grace to others will obtain honour,

^ but ruthless people seize wealth.

17 People who display loyal commitment benefit themselves,

^ but cruel people harm their own selves.

18 A wicked person can make a living from telling lies,

^ but someone who sows goodness gets a genuine wage.

19 True goodness leads to life,

^ but those who chase after evil, receive death.

20 Yahweh hates those with perverse motives,

^ but he appreciates those who choose blameless ways.

21 Most certainly, an evil person won’t go unpunished,

^ but the descendants of a godly person will be rescued.

22 A beautiful woman without discretion

→ is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.

23 Godly people long for good things,

^ but wicked people can only expect to receive fury.

24 Someone who helps generously, gains even more,

^ but those who without what’s due, end up poor.

25 A person who blesses will prosper,

≈ and those who give water, will also be satisfied.

26 People will curse the person who hoards up grain,

^ but the one who sells it will be blessed by them.

27 Anyone who strives diligently, strives for favour,

^ but if you strive for evil, it’ll come to you.

28 Anyone who trusts in their riches will fall,

^ but godly people will thrive like green leaves.

29 Those who cause trouble for their households will inherit the wind,

≈ and the fool will become a slave to those with sensible values.

30 The fruit of doing what’s right is a tree of life,

≈ and those who win people over are wise.

31 Listen, anyone who does what’s right will be rewarded appropriately,

so how more so the wicked and disobedient person!

12 Anyone who loves discipline, loves knowledge,

^ but those who hate correction are stupid.

2 A good person receives favour from Yahweh,

^ but he will condemn the person with wicked plans.

3 No one can become established by means of wickedness,

^ but the foundations of righteous people can’t be moved.

4 A capable wife is the crown of her husband,

^ but a wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The plans of godly people are to do justice,

^ but wicked people lean towards deceit.

6 The words of wicked people lie in wait for blood,

^ but the speech of godly people rescues them.

7 The wicked get overthrown then disappear,

^ but the homes of godly people endure.

8 A person will be praised for their insightful words,

^ but anyone with a warped mind will end up despised.

9 It’s better to be little known yet have a servant,

than to be self-important but have nothing to eat.

10 A godly person cares for the life of their animal,

^ but wicked people display cruelty rather than compassion.

11 The person who tills the ground will have enough food,

^ but anyone chasing worthless things has the wrong values.

12 The wicked person covets evil gain,

^ but godly people produce like a deep-rooted tree.

13 An evil person entices others with their rebellious lips,

^ but godly people stay out of trouble.

14 A person will be rewarded with good things from the fruit of their mouth,

≈ and a person’s labour will be repaid to them by its results.

15 The fools’ paths seem like the right ones in their own eyes,

^ but a wise person listens to advice.

16 A fool’s anger is made known straightaway,

^ but a sensible person overlooks being disrespected.

17 Anyone who breathes out faithfulness, unashamedly says what’s right,

^ but a biased witness speaks deceitfully.

18 Some people speak recklessly, like a sword thrashing around,

^ but wise people bring healing with their words.

19 Lips that produce reliable words will always be trusted,

^ but a tongue that spurts out lies will be believed only for a moment.

20 Those who make evil plans, do it from a deceitful mind,

^ but those who promote peace, end up contented.

21 Trouble doesn’t come towards people who do what’s right,

^ but wicked people are full of distress.

22 Yahweh hates lying lips,

^ but he’s pleased by those who are trustworthy.

23 A sensible person doesn’t show off everything they know,

^ but foolish people like to proclaim their foolishness.

24 Those who work hard will rule,

^ but an idle person will become forced labour.

25 A person who’s full of anxiety gets weighed down by it,

^ but good news cheers them up.

26 A godly person keeps an eye on their neighbour,

^ but the ways of wicked people leads them astray.

27 A slack hunter doesn’t roast his kill,

^ but a diligent person values all their possessions.

28 Life can be found by following the path of doing what’s right,

≈ and there’s no death if you stay on the pathway.

13 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline,

^ but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.

2 A person can eat well as a result of the fruit of their mouth,

^ but the appetite of treacherous people is violence.

3 The person who zips their lips, protects their life,

^ but those who open their mouths, destroy themselves.

4 Lazy people want a lot but get nothing,

^ but those who are diligent will have plenty.

5 Godly people hate fake news,

^ but the wicked person causes a stink and disgrace.

6 doing what’s right preserves those who like to display integrity,

^ but wickedness overcomes the sinner.

7 Some people pretend to be wealthy, but have very little.

Others act as if they’re poor, but are actually very wealthy.

8 The rich man’s wealth might be needed to ransom his life,

^ but the poor person hears no threat.

9 The person who does what’s right has a light that shines brightly,

^ but the lamp of the wicked person gets put out.

10 Insolence only causes friction,

^ but those who take advice, advance in wisdom.

11 Wealth gained dishonestly gets frittered away,

^ but what’s earnt through hard work will increase.

12 Hoping for something that never happens causes stress,

^ but when a longing is fulfilled, it’s like a new lease of life.

13 Anyone who despises instruction will pay for it,

^ but a person who respects a command will be rewarded.

14 Instruction from the wise is a fountain of life,

→ turning a person away from deadly traps.

15 Good insight gives favour,

^ but the path of treacherous people is hard.

16 Every sensible person makes use of knowledge,

^ but the fool displays his foolishness.

17 A wicked messenger gets into trouble,

^ but reliable messengers help the situation.

18 Poverty and disgrace are for those who ignore discipline,

^ but the person who heeds correction will end up being honoured.

19 A desire that gets fulfilled makes a person feel pleased,

^ but foolish people hate to turn away from evil.

20 The person who walks with wise people will become wise,

^ but anyone associating with fools will get harmed.

21 Calamity chases after sinners,

^ but goodness will reward those who do what’s right.

22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children,

^ but a sinner’s wealth will be saved for those who do what’s right.

23 The unused field of a poor person could produce a lot of food,

^ but injustice sweeps it away from them.

24 The parent who doesn’t spank their children must hate them,

^ but the one who loves them, is diligent in disciplining them.

25 The person who does what’s right will be able to satisfy their appetite,

^ but the stomach of wicked people doesn’t get enough.

14 The wisest woman builds her house,

^ but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

2 A good citizen respects and honours Yahweh,

^ but a devious person despises him.

3 What comes out of a fool’s mouth is prodded on by pride,

^ but the lips of wise people protect them.

4 Where there’s no cattle, the feeding trough will be spotless,

^ but a good harvest requires the strength of the bull.

5 A trustworthy witness doesn’t tell lies,

^ but a biased witness just breathes out lies.

6 A mocker searches for wisdom, but finds none,

^ but knowledge is simple to find for the one who understands.

7 Go away from where a fool is,

→ otherwise you won’t find knowledgable lips.

8 a sensible person has the wisdom to understand their direction,

^ but fools are deceived by their own foolishness.

9 Fools mock the idea of feeling guilty,

→ so good citizens favour each other.

10 A person holds their own bitterness inside,

≈ and they don’t share their happiness with a stranger either.

11 The wicked person’s house will be destroyed,

^ but the good citizen’s tent will do well.

12 There’s a nice path right in front of a person,

→ but there’s death at the end of that road.

13 People who are laughing can still be aching inside,

≈ and the end of happiness might be grief.

14 Someone who turns back on their morals will be satisfied by their ways,

^ but a good person will be satisfied by what they do.

15 Naive people believe everything they hear,

^ but smart people carefully consider their steps.

16 A wise person fears trouble and turns away from it,

^ but a stupid one is careless and overconfident.

17 People who quickly become angry, act foolishly,

≈ and those planning evil schemes are hated.

18 Naive people inherit foolishness,

^ but clever people are surrounded by knowledge.

19 Evil people will be forced to bow down in front of those who are good,

≈ and wicked people at the gates of those who do what’s right.

20 A poor person is hated even by their neighbour,

^ but there are many who love the rich.

21 Anyone who despises their neighbour disobeys God,

^ but the person who is kind to the poor will be happy.

22 Don’t those who devise evil schemes end up losing their way?

^ However, those with loyal commitment and faithfulness devise good things.

23 Hard work results in a profit,

^ but words from lips only lead to poverty.

24 The crown of wise people is their wealth.

^ The foolishness of fools is really foolish.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

^ but a deceitful one breathes out lies.

26 Respecting and obeying Yahweh leads to confidence of strength,

and that will be a safe place for their children.

27 Respecting and obeying Yahweh is a fountain of life,

→ to turn people from deadly traps.

28 The pride of a king is being over lots of people,

^ but a shortage of people signals the ruin of a ruler.

29 People who are slow to get angry, have more understanding,

^ but a quick-tempered person prioritises foolishness.

30 A peaceful mind gives a healthy body,

^ but envy causes the bones to rot.

31 Anyone who oppresses the poor, taunts their maker,

^ but showing favour to a needy person honours him.

32 Wicked people destroy themselves by doing evil things,

^ but those who do what’s right find a safe place in their death.

33 Wisdom resides in an understanding mind,

→ and it’s made known even among foolish people.

34 Doing what’s right makes a nation great,

^ but disobeying God brings disgrace to people groups.

35 The king shows favour to a servant who acts with insight,

^ but his rage is for those who act shamefully.

15 A gentle answer turns fury away,

^ but a hurtful reply makes people angrier.

2 A wise person’s tongue advances knowledge,

^ but the mouth of fools pours out nonsense.

3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere—

→ watching both good and evil people.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,

^ but perversity crushes the spirit.

5 Fools reject discipline from their father,

^ but sensible people accept correction.

6 There’s great wealth in the home of a person who does what’s right,

^ but the income of a wicked person will just be trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

^ but it’s not so for the minds of fools.

8 The sacrifices of wicked people are hated by Yahweh,

^ but he delights in the prayer of a godly person.

9 Yahweh detests what wicked people do,

^ but he loves those who strive to do what’s right.

10 Severe discipline is coming for those who abandon the right path,

≈ and those who hate correction will die.

11 The grave and place of destruction aren’t hidden from Yahweh,

→ so how much more the thoughts and values of humankind.

12 Mockers never love the one who corrects them,

→ and they never approach the wise.

13 Inner happiness makes a face glad,

^ but a spirit is crushed by a broken heart.

14 A discerning mind wants knowledge,

^ but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 Every day is bad for those who are suffering,

^ but cheerful people have a continual feast.

16 It’s better to have a little along with respect for Yahweh,

^ than having great wealth, and then turmoil with it.

17 It’s better to have a meal of vegetables where there’s love,

^ than to have roast meat where there’s hate.

18 Quick-tempered people stir up trouble,

^ but a patient person calms a quarrel.

19 The path of a slacker is like a hedge of thorns,

^ but the road for godly people is a level highway.

20 A wise child brings happiness to their father,

^ but a foolish person despises their mother.

21 Foolishness brings happiness to those who lack morals,

^ but an understanding person makes sensible decisions.

22 Plans go wrong where no one gets advice,

^ but they get implemented where there’s many advisers.

23 A person is always pleased to give the right answer,

≈ and the right thing said at the right time is so good.

24 Life’s path is upward for the wise person,

→ to prevent them going down to the grave.

25 Yahweh tears down the houses of the proud,

^ but he’ll protect a widow’s boundary.

26 Evil plans are hated by Yahweh,

^ but kind messages are pure.

27 The person who makes unjust gains, brings troubles on their own home,

^ but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The person who does what’s right, thinks carefully before answering,

^ but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.

29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,

^ but he hears the prayer of those who do what’s right.

30 A bright look makes others glad.

≈ Good news makes your bones healthy.

31 The ear that listens to correction lives—

→ it will remain among the wise people.

32 Someone who ignores discipline, despises themself,

^ but anyone who listens to correction strengthens their values.

33 Wise instructions lead to striving to obey Yahweh,

≈ and humility leads to honour.

16 People make their own plans,

→ then Yahweh decides what will happen.

2 People always tell themselves that they’re doing the right thing,

^ but Yahweh evaluates their motives.

3 Entrust what you’re doing to Yahweh,

→ and your plans will be effective.

4 Yahweh makes everything for his purpose,

→ even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Yahweh detests every person who’s arrogant—

→ they certainly won’t go unpunished.

6 Disobedience can be made up for by faithfulness and loyal commitment,

and those who respect and honour Yahweh avoid doing what’s evil.

7 When Yahweh is pleased with a person’s behaviour,

→ he causes even his enemies to be at peace with them.

8 It’s better to have just a little from doing what’s right,

than a large income acquired dishonestly.

9 People plan their ways in their minds,

→ but Yahweh directs their steps.

10 Inspired judgements come from the king’s lips.

When making judgements, his mouth must not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances come from Yahweh.

≈ The weights in the bag are his work.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings,

≈ because a throne is established by doing what’s right.

13 Kings appreciate lips that say what’s right,

and they value people who tell the truth.

14 A king’s rage is a messenger of death,

→ and wise people will appease it.

15 When a king’s face brightens, there’s life.

His favour is like a rain cloud in the spring.

16 It’s better to acquire wisdom than gold,

and to choose understanding rather than silver.

17 The highway of godly people steers them away from evil.

≈ Anyone who carefully considers their path, protects their life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

≈ and arrogance before a stumble.

19 It’s better to live humbly among poor people,

^ than to be dividing up the plunder with the proud.

20 The person who gives attention to a matter will succeed,

≈ and those who put their trust in Yahweh will be blessed.

21 A person with a wise nature will be called ‘understanding’,

and pleasant lips are more persuasive.

22 Having insight is like a fountain of life,

^ but disciplining fools would be foolishness.

23 The wise person’s mind gives insight to their mouth,

≈ and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24 Kind messages are like the honey in a honeycomb,

→ sweet for the self-esteem, and healing for the bones.

25 There’s a clear path right in front of a person,

→ but its end is the ways to death.

26 The workers’ appetites work on their behalf,

→ because their hunger presses them on.

… 27 A worthless person dredges up scandal,

→ and it’s like scorching fire on their lips.

28 Perverse people stir up strife,

→ then it separates close friends.

29 Violent people deceive their neighbours,

→ and lead them on a path that isn’t good.

30 Those who shut their eyes are planning perverse things.

≈ People who purse their lips are doing evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendour,

that’s found with a life of doing what’s right.

32 It’s better to be slow to get angry than to be powerful,

≈ and better to be able to control yourself than to capture a city.

33 The dice are thrown onto the table,

^ but Yahweh determines their fall.

17 It’s better to have a dry piece of bread in quietness,

^ than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a shameful son,

→ and he’ll share in the inheritance along with the brothers.

3 There’s a crucible and furnace for gold and silver,

^ but it’s Yahweh who tests hearts.

4 Those who do evil pay attention to wicked lips.

≈ A liar listens to a destructive tongue.

5 Anyone who mocks the poor, taunts their maker.

≈ Someone who’s happy about a calamity won’t go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

≈ and children are proud of their parents.

7 Excellent lips wouldn’t be suitable for a fool,

≈ and certainly deceptive lips don’t suit a ruler.

8 Doing a favour can act like a bribe for the donor.

→ It causes everything they do to prosper.

9 The person who conceals an offence is seeking acceptance,

^ but the one repeating the matter separates close friends.

10 Rebukes work on a sensible person,

more than a hundred lashes on a fool.

11 Only an evil person seeks rebellion

→ and so a cruel opponent will be sent against him.

12 It’s better to meet a mother bear robbed of its cubs,

→ than to meet a fool displaying their foolishness.

13 Someone who returns evil for good,

→ will find that evil never departs from their house.

14 The beginning of a dispute is like a small water leak,

→ so stop it before it breaks out into a quarrel.

15 The person who justifies wicked people,

≈ and the one who condemns an innocent person,

→ are both detestable to Yahweh.

16 Why would a fool need money in their hand

when they have no intention of acquiring wisdom.

17 A true friend loves at all times,

≈ and relatives are born to help during periods of difficulty.

18 A person lacking integrity is quick to give a handshake—

→ guaranteeing a loan in front of their neighbour.

19 The one who loves to disobey, loves contention.

The person who builds a high fence, invites destruction.

20 The person with twisted values won’t find goodness,

≈ and the one with a perverse tongue will descend into disaster.

21 It’s sad for the parents of a child who makes bad choices,

≈ and the father of a fool won’t be a happy person.

22 A cheerful attitude promotes healing,

^ but a crushed spirit makes your bones dry up.

23 A wicked person accepts a secret bribe

→ to pervert the paths of justice.

24 Wisdom is present with the understanding person,

^ but a fool’s eyes are unable to concentrate.

25 A foolish child brings grief to his father,

≈ and bitterness to the mother who gave birth to them.

26 It’s not good to impose a fine on the innocent.

Beating up an official isn’t a good thing to do.

27 A person who’s truly knowledgable, restrains what they say,

≈ and an understanding person stays calm.

28 Even a fool who stays silent is considered to be wise.

≈ The one with closed lips appears to have understanding.

18 People who keep themselves separate, seek their own desires,

They reject sound wisdom.

2 Fools don’t enjoy learning,

^ but always like to make their opinions known.

3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt from others also comes,

≈ and when shame arrives, so does reproach.

4 The utterances from a person’s mouth are deep waters.

≈ A fountain of wisdom produces a flowing stream.

5 It’s not good to show partiality to the wicked

≈ or to deprive an innocent person of justice.

6 The fool’s lips brings strife,

≈ and the fool’s mouth invites a beating.

7 The fool’s mouth will bring ruin,

≈ and the lips of fools are a trap for their minds.

8 ‘News’ snippets from a gossip are like delicious snacks—

→ they get absorbed like food going down into your stomach.

9 The person who is slack in their work,

→ is a cousin to the one who destroys.

10 Yahweh’s name is a strong tower.

→ Godly people run into it to be safe.

11 The rich person’s wealth is like a fortified city,

≈ and in their imagination, like a high wall.

12 Before destruction hits, a person is proud,

^ but humility precedes honour.

13 Someone who answers before they’ve even listened

→ is being foolish and shameful.

14 A person’s spirit can endure through sickness,

^ but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15 Understanding people acquire knowledge,

≈ and wise people want information.

16 A person’s donation can make space for them,

≈ and it will give them access to important people.

17 The first person to state their case sounds right,

→ until their opponent cross-examines them.

18 Tossing a coin ends quarrels,

→ and it settles things between powerful people.

19 Someone who’s offended is as approachable as a fortified city,

≈ and quarrels are like the bars on a fortress.

20 The fruit of a person’s mouth satisfies their stomach,

≈ and they’ll be satisfied with the product of their lips.

21 The tongue has power over life and death,

→ and those who love using it will eat its fruit.

22 A man who finds a wife, finds a good thing,

→ and receives favour from Yahweh.

23 Poor people make requests,

^ but the rich person answers harshly.

24 A person with many companions will come to ruin,

^ but there is a companion that sticks closer than a brother.

19 It’s better to walk with integrity,

^ than to be a foolish person with perverse speech.

2 What’s more, a person without knowledge isn’t good,

and anyone who shifts their feet quickly, misses their way.

3 A person’s foolishness subverts their course,

→ then their mind rages against Yahweh.

4 Wealth adds many friends,

^ but the poor friend ends up being isolated.

5 A false witness won’t go unpunished,

≈ and the one who tells lies, won’t escape the consequences.

6 Many people make requests to a generous leader,

≈ and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

7 All the relatives of a poor person hates them,

→ so how much more do their friends avoid them.

The poor person sends messages after them, but they’re no longer around.

8 Anyone who acquires integrity, loves their own life.

≈ The one who preserves understanding will find success.

9 A lying witness won’t go unpunished,

≈ and the one who tells lies will die.

10 Luxury is not suitable for a fool—

≈ even worse for a slave to rule over princes.

11 A person’s insight makes them slow to anger,

≈ and it’s their privilege to overlook an offense.

12 The king’s rage is like a lion’s roar,

^ but his favour is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish child leads to their father’s destruction,

≈ and an argumentative wife is like something constantly dripping.

14 Houses and wealth are an inheritance from your parents,

→ but a sensible wife is from Yahweh.

15 Laziness makes a person fall into a deep sleep,

≈ and a slack person will go hungry.

16 The ones who obey Yahweh’s instructions will preserve their lives.

^ Anyone who despises his ways, will die.

17 Someone who’s kind to a poor person is lending to Yahweh,

→ and he will repay for the good deed.

18 Discipline your child because that gives hope,

^ but don’t think about their death.

19 People who get very angry will end up paying a fine,

→ because if you rescue them, you’ll have to do it again and again.

20 Listen to advise and accept correction

→ so that you’ll become wise for your life ahead.

21 People make many plans in their minds,

^ but Yahweh’s advice will endure time.

22 People desire loyal commitment from others,

≈ and it’s better to have a poor friend than one who lies.

23 Respecting and honouring Yahweh leads to life,

→ and that person will have peaceful nights without trouble arriving.

24 The lazy person hides their hands in the dish—

→ not even troubling to lift it to their mouth.

25 Beat a mocker then that simple one will become sensible,

≈ and correct an intelligent person and they’ll know even more.

26 Children who assault their fathers and drive away their mothers

→ bring shame and reproach.

27 My child, if you want to stray from knowledge,

→ stop listening to correction.

28 A worthless witness makes a mockery of justice,

and the mouth of the wicked person gulps in more wickedness.

29 Judgements are prepared for scoffers,

≈ and beatings for the backs of fools.

20 Wine is a mocker and strong drink makes you boisterous,

→ and everyone who staggers due to it, isn’t wise.

2 A king’s rage is like a roaring lion.

→ Anyone who provokes him to anger risks their life.

3 It’s honourable for a person to step away from strife,

^ but every fool would rather break out an argument.

4 A lazy person won’t plough when it’s still cold,

→ then he looks at harvest time and there’s nothing.

5 The plans in a person’s mind are like deep water,

^ but an understanding person will draw them out.

6 Many people talk about their loyalty,

^ but who can actually find a faithful person.

7 Godly people act with integrity.

→ Their children will be blessed after them.

8 A king sitting on his throne to make a judgement,

→ sifts all evil out with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I’ve kept my motives pure—

≈ I’ve been freed from sin”?

10 Differing weights and unequal measures—

→ Yahweh hates both of them.

11 Even young people are known by their actions

→ if they’re honest and obedient.

12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees—

→ it was Yahweh that made both of them.

13 Don’t love sleep or you might end up in poverty.

≈ Open your eyes then you’ll have enough food.

14 “Worthless, worthless,” say the buyers,

^ but as soon as they’ve left, they boast about the good deal.

15 There’s gold around, and plenty of jewels,

^ but lips with knowledge are a rare commodity.

16 Take the person’s coat if they’ve used it to guarantee the loan of a stranger,

≈ and hold it in pledge if they did it for a foreign woman.[ref]

17 The bread of lies tastes good at first,

^ but afterwards it’s like a mouthful of gravel.

18 Plans are established with advisers,

→ so wise guidance is required for war.

19 The person who gossips reveals a secret,

→ so don’t get involved with someone with a big mouth.

20 The one who curses their father and mother,

→ will have their lamp extinguished in deep darkness.

21 An inheritance that’s gained at too young an age,

→ won’t be a blessing in the end.

22 Don’t say, “I’ll repay that evil.”

→ Wait for Yahweh and he’ll rescue you.

23 Fiddling with the weights is hated by Yahweh,

≈ and deceitful scales aren’t good.

24 It’s Yahweh that determines a person’s steps,

→ so how does a mere human understand their course?

25 It’s a trap for a person to rashly declare something as sacred,

→ and then to only reflect later after making vows.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked to separate them.

≈ He uses the thresher to break them off.

27 The human spirit is Yahweh’s lamp,

→ searching all the innermost parts.

28 Loyal commitment and faithfulness to king preserves him,

≈ and his throne is upheld by that loyal commitment.

29 The splendour of young men is their strength,

≈ and the adornment of old people is their gray hair.

30 Lashes and wounds clean out evil,

≈ and beatings clean out the innermost parts.

21 The king’s thoughts are like streams of water to Yahweh—

→ he directs them to go wherever he wants.

2 All a person’s ways seem right in their own eyes,

^ but Yahweh evaluates motives.

3 To do what’s right and fair

→ is more desirable to Yahweh than sacrificing.

4 Arrogance and pride—the lamp of wicked people,

→ is disobeying Yahweh.

5 The plans of diligent people will only lead to abundance,

^ but those who just rush around will only get poverty.

6 Wealth that’s acquired via a lying tongue,

→ will be like a quick breath for those seeking death.

7 The violence of wicked people will drag them away,

because they refuse to apply justice.

8 The paths of a guilty person are crooked,

^ but well-behaved people act with decency.

9 It’s better to live in the corner of the attic[fn]

than inside the main house with the company of an argumentative wife.

10 Wicked people have a strong, inner craving for evil.

→ Even their neighbours won’t be shown any favour.

11 By punishing a mocker, a naive person becomes wise,

≈ and when wise people are instructed, they acquire knowledge.

12 People who do what’s right pay attention to the wicked person’s house,

→ subverting the wicked until they’re ruined.

13 Any person who shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

→ will also call out for help but won’t be answered.

14 A discreet gift subdues anger,

≈ and a bribe quietens down a strong rage.

15 The godly person enjoys promoting justice,

^ but brings terror to those doing wicked things.

16 Anyone who wanders away from the path of insight,

→ will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 The lover of pleasure will become poor.

≈ Anyone who loves wine and rich food won’t become wealthy.

18 A wicked person becomes the payment to free someone who does what’s right,

≈ and a treacherous person to free a godly person.

19 It’s better to live in a wilderness region,

than with a wife who’s argumentative and negative.

20 Precious treasures and oil will be in the house of a wise person,

^ but a foolish person consumes it all.

21 The person who strives to do what’s right and who shows loyal commitment,

→ will find life, forgiveness, and honour.

22 A wise man can climb up into a city of warriors,

→ and bring down the strength of its confidence.

23 Any person who guards their mouth and tongue

→ will keep trouble away from their life.

24 A proud and arrogant person is called a mocker,

→ because they act with arrogant presumption.

25 The craving of slackers will kill them,

because their hands refuse to work.

26 All day long, they fantasise their craving,

^ but people who do what’s right, give without holding back.

27 The wicked person’s sacrifice is detestable,

because it’s brought with evil intent.

28 A lying witness will die,

^ but a good listener will speak out success.

29 The wicked person makes their face look stern,

^ but godly people carefully consider their ways.

30 There’s no wisdom or understanding

or advice that would oppose Yahweh.

31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,

^ but the victory belongs to Yahweh.

22 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth,

≈ and good favour more than gold or silver.

2 Rich and poor meet each other at their end.

≈ Yahweh is the creator of all of them.

3 A prudent person notices trouble and avoids it,

whereas naive people just blunder onwards and suffer.

4 The consequence of humility and respecting and honouring Yahweh

→ is riches and honour and life.

5 Thorns and traps are on the perverse person’s path,

^ but those who guard their own self-esteem keep far away from them.

6 Train your children in the way they should go,

→ then when they’re older they won’t turn away from it.

7 A rich person rules over those who are poor,

≈ and the one who borrows is enslaved to the lender.

8 The person who sows evil will harvest trouble,

and the power from his anger will end.

9 Generous people will be blessed,

because they share their food with the poor.

10 Drive away a mocker and then strife will disappear,

→ and abuse and disputes will stop.

11 The person who values pure motives, who speaks graciously,

→ will have the king for a friend.

12 Yahweh’s eyes guard knowledge,

^ but he overthrows the plans of those who behave treacherously.

13 The lazy person says, “There’s a lion outside—

→ I’ll be killed if I go outside!”

14 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit.

→ Those who are cursed by Yahweh will fall into it.

15 Foolish ideas are natural in the mind of a youth.

→ but the rod bringing discipline drives it far from them.

16 Those who oppress the poor or give to the rich, in order to make a profit,

→ will just end up in poverty themselves.