\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Proverbs}
{\MT The Proverbs

\par }\ChapOne{1}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The
proverbs
of
Solomon,
the
son
of
David,
king
of
Israel:
\par }{\Q \VS{2}to
know
wisdom
and
instruction;
\par }{\QB to
discern
the
words
of
understanding;
\par }{\Q \VS{3}to
receive
instruction
in
wise dealing,
\par }{\QB in
righteousness,
justice,
and
equity;
\par }{\Q \VS{4}to
give
prudence
to
the simple,
\par }{\QB knowledge
and
discretion
to
the
young
man—
\par }{\Q \VS{5}that
the
wise
man
may
hear,
and
increase
in
learning;
\par }{\QB that
the
man
of
understanding
may attain
to
sound
counsel;
\par }{\Q \VS{6}to
understand
a
proverb
and
parables,
\par }{\QB the
words
and
riddles
of
the
wise.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{7}The
fear
of
the
LORD\FTNT{*}{{\FR 1:7 }
When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name.}
is
the
beginning
of
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
the
foolish
despise
wisdom
and
instruction.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}My
son,
listen
to
your
father’s
instruction,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
forsake
your
mother’s
teaching;
\par }{\Q \VS{9}for
they will
be
a
garland
to
grace
your
head,
\par }{\QB and chains
around
your
neck.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}My
son,
if
sinners entice
you,
\par }{\QB don’t
consent.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}If
they
say, “Come
with
us.
\par }{\QB Let’s
lie
in
wait
for
blood.
\par }{\QB Let’s
lurk
secretly
for
the
innocent
without
cause.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Let’s
swallow
them
up
alive
like
Sheol,\FTNT{†}{{\FR 1:12 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
\par }{\QB and
whole,
like those
who
go
down
into
the
pit.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}We’ll
find
all
valuable
wealth.
\par }{\QB We’ll
fill
our
houses
with
plunder.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}You shall
cast
your
lot amongst us.
\par }{\QB We’ll
all
have
one
purse”—
\par }{\Q \VS{15}my
son,
don’t
walk
on
the
path
with
them.
\par }{\QB Keep
your
foot
from
their
path,
\par }{\Q \VS{16}for
their
feet
run
to
evil.
\par }{\QB They
hurry
to
shed
blood.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}For
the
net
is
spread
in
vain
in
the
sight
of
any
bird;
\par }{\Q \VS{18}but
these
lay
in
wait
for
their
own
blood.
\par }{\QB They
lurk
secretly
for
their
own
lives.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}So
are
the
ways
of
everyone
who
is
greedy
for
gain.
\par }{\QB It
takes
away
the
life
of
its
owners.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{20}Wisdom
calls
aloud
in
the
street.
\par }{\QB She
utters
her
voice
in
the
public
squares.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}She
calls
at
the
head
of
noisy
places.
\par }{\QB At
the
entrance
of
the
city
gates,
she
utters
her
words:
\par }{\Q \VS{22}“How
long,
you simple
ones,
will
you
love simplicity?
\par }{\QB How
long
will mockers
delight
themselves
in mockery,
\par }{\QB and
fools
hate
knowledge?
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Turn
at
my
reproof.
\par }{\QB Behold,\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 1:23 }
“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.}
I
will
pour
out
my
spirit
on
you.
\par }{\QB I
will
make
known
my
words
to
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Because
I
have
called,
and
you
have
refused;
\par }{\QB I
have
stretched
out
my
hand,
and
no
one
has
paid
attention;
\par }{\Q \VS{25}but
you
have ignored
all
my
counsel,
\par }{\QB and wanted
none
of
my
reproof;
\par }{\Q \VS{26}I
also
will
laugh
at
your
disaster.
\par }{\QB I
will
mock
when
calamity
overtakes
you,
\par }{\Q \VS{27}when
calamity
overtakes
you
like
a
storm,
\par }{\QB when
your
disaster
comes
on
like
a whirlwind,
\par }{\QB when
distress
and
anguish
come
on
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Then
they
will
call
on
me,
but
I
will
not
answer.
\par }{\QB They
will
seek
me
diligently,
but
they
will
not
find
me,
\par }{\Q \VS{29}because
they
hated
knowledge,
\par }{\QB and
didn’t
choose
the
fear
of
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}They wanted
none
of
my
counsel.
\par }{\QB They
despised
all
my
reproof.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Therefore
they
will
eat
of
the
fruit
of
their own
way,
\par }{\QB and
be
filled
with
their own schemes.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}For
the backsliding
of
the simple
will
kill
them.
\par }{\QB The careless
ease
of
fools
will
destroy
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}But whoever
listens
to me
will
dwell
securely,
\par }{\QB and
will be
at
ease, without
fear
of
harm.”

\par }\PoetryChap{2}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My
son,
if
you
will
receive
my
words,
\par }{\QB and
store
up
my
commandments
within
you,
\par }{\Q \VS{2}so as
to
turn
your
ear
to
wisdom,
\par }{\QB and apply
your
heart
to
understanding;
\par }{\Q \VS{3}yes,
if
you
call out
for
discernment,
\par }{\QB and
lift
up
your
voice
for
understanding;
\par }{\Q \VS{4}if
you
seek
her
as
silver,
\par }{\QB and
search
for
her
as
for
hidden
treasures;
\par }{\Q \VS{5}then
you
will
understand
the
fear
of
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB and
find
the
knowledge
of
God.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 2:5 }
The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).}
\par }{\Q \VS{6}For
the
LORD
gives
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Out
of
his
mouth
comes
knowledge
and
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}He lays
up
sound
wisdom for
the
upright.
\par }{\QB He
is
a
shield
to
those
who
walk
in
integrity,
\par }{\Q \VS{8}that he may
guard
the
paths
of
justice,
\par }{\QB and
preserve
the
way
of
his saints.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Then
you
will
understand
righteousness
and
justice,
\par }{\QB equity
and
every
good
path.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}For
wisdom
will
enter
into
your
heart.
\par }{\QB Knowledge
will
be
pleasant
to
your
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Discretion
will
watch
over
you.
\par }{\QB Understanding
will
keep
you,
\par }{\Q \VS{12}to
deliver
you
from
the
way
of
evil,
\par }{\QB from
the
men
who
speak
perverse
things,
\par }{\Q \VS{13}who
forsake
the
paths
of
uprightness,
\par }{\QB to
walk
in
the
ways
of
darkness,
\par }{\Q \VS{14}who
rejoice to
do
evil,
\par }{\QB and
delight
in
the perverseness
of
evil,
\par }{\Q \VS{15}who
are
crooked
in
their
ways,
\par }{\QB and wayward
in
their
paths,
\par }{\Q \VS{16}to
deliver
you
from
the
strange
woman,
\par }{\QB even
from
the
foreigner
who flatters
with
her
words,
\par }{\Q \VS{17}who forsakes
the friend
of
her
youth,
\par }{\QB and
forgets
the
covenant
of
her
God;
\par }{\Q \VS{18}for
her
house leads
down
to
death,
\par }{\QB her
paths
to
the
departed
spirits.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}None
who
go
to
her
return
again,
\par }{\QB neither
do
they
attain
to
the
paths
of
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Therefore
walk
in
the
way
of
good
men,
\par }{\QB and
keep
the
paths
of
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}For
the
upright
will
dwell
in
the
land.
\par }{\QB The
perfect
will
remain
in
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}But
the
wicked
will
be
cut
off
from
the
land.
\par }{\QB The
treacherous
will
be rooted
out
of
it.

\par }\PoetryChap{3}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My
son,
don’t
forget
my
teaching,
\par }{\QB but
let
your
heart
keep
my
commandments,
\par }{\Q \VS{2}for
they
will
add
to
you
length
of
days,
\par }{\QB years
of
life,
and
peace.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Don’t
let
kindness
and
truth
forsake
you.
\par }{\QB Bind
them
around
your
neck.
\par }{\QB Write
them
on
the
tablet
of
your
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}So
you
will
find favour,
\par }{\QB and
good
understanding
in
the
sight
of
God
and
man.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Trust
in
the
LORD
with
all
your
heart,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
lean
on
your own
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}In
all
your
ways
acknowledge
him,
\par }{\QB and
he
will
make
your
paths
straight.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Don’t
be
wise
in
your
own
eyes.
\par }{\QB Fear
the
LORD,
and
depart
from
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}It
will
be health
to
your
body,
\par }{\QB and nourishment
to
your
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Honour
the
LORD
with
your
substance,
\par }{\QB with
the
first
fruits
of
all
your
increase;
\par }{\Q \VS{10}so
your
barns
will be
filled
with
plenty,
\par }{\QB and
your
vats
will
overflow
with
new
wine.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}My
son,
don’t
despise
the
LORD’s
discipline,
\par }{\QB neither
be weary
of
his
correction;
\par }{\Q \VS{12}for
whom
the
LORD
loves,
he
corrects,
\par }{\QB even
as
a
father
reproves
the
son
in
whom
he
delights.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{13}Happy
is
the
man
who
finds
wisdom,
\par }{\QB the
man
who gets
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}For
her
good
profit
is
better
than getting
silver,
\par }{\QB and
her return
is
better
than
fine
gold.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}She
is
more
precious
than rubies.
\par }{\QB None
of
the
things
you
can
desire
are
to
be compared
to
her.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Length
of
days
is
in
her
right
hand.
\par }{\QB In
her
left
hand
are
riches
and honour.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Her
ways
are
ways
of pleasantness.
\par }{\QB All
her
paths
are
peace.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}She
is
a
tree
of
life
to
those
who lay
hold
of
her.
\par }{\QB Happy
is everyone
who retains
her.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}By
wisdom
the
LORD
founded
the
earth.
\par }{\QB By
understanding,
he
established
the
heavens.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}By
his
knowledge,
the
depths
were
broken
up,
\par }{\QB and
the
skies drop
down
the
dew.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}My
son,
let
them
not
depart
from
your
eyes.
\par }{\QB Keep
sound
wisdom
and
discretion,
\par }{\Q \VS{22}so
they
will
be
life
to
your
soul,
\par }{\QB and
grace
for
your
neck.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Then
you
shall
walk
in
your
way
securely.
\par }{\QB Your
foot
won’t
stumble.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}When
you
lie
down,
you
will
not
be
afraid.
\par }{\QB Yes,
you
will
lie
down,
and
your
sleep
will
be
sweet.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Don’t
be
afraid
of
sudden
fear,
\par }{\QB neither
of
the desolation
of
the
wicked,
when
it
comes;
\par }{\Q \VS{26}for
the
LORD
will
be
your
confidence,
\par }{\QB and
will
keep
your
foot
from
being
taken.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{27}Don’t
withhold
good
from
those
to whom
it
is
due,
\par }{\QB when
it
is
in
the
power
of
your
hand
to
do
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Don’t
say
to
your neighbour, “Go,
and
come
again;
\par }{\QB tomorrow
I
will
give
it
to
you,”
\par }{\QB when
you
have
it
by
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}Don’t devise
evil
against
your neighbour,
\par }{\QB since
he
dwells
securely
by
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}Don’t
strive
with
a
man
without
cause,
\par }{\QB if
he
has
done
you
no
harm.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Don’t
envy
the
man
of
violence.
\par }{\QB Choose
none
of
his
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}For
the perverse
is
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but
his
friendship
is
with
the
upright.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}The
LORD’s
curse
is
in
the
house
of
the
wicked,
\par }{\QB but
he
blesses
the habitation
of
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{34}Surely
he mocks
the mockers,
\par }{\QB but
he
gives
grace
to
the
humble.
\par }{\Q \VS{35}The
wise
will
inherit
glory,
\par }{\QB but
shame
will
be
the promotion
of
fools.

\par }\PoetryChap{4}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Listen,
sons,
to
a
father’s
instruction.
\par }{\QB Pay
attention
and
know
understanding;
\par }{\Q \VS{2}for
I
give
you sound
learning.
\par }{\QB Don’t
forsake
my
law.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}For
I
was
a
son
to
my
father,
\par }{\QB tender
and
an
only
child
in
the
sight
of
my
mother.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}He
taught
me,
and
said
to
me:
\par }{\QB “Let
your
heart retain
my
words.
\par }{\QB Keep
my
commandments,
and
live.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Get
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Get
understanding.
\par }{\QB Don’t
forget,
and
don’t deviate from
the
words
of
my
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Don’t
forsake
her,
and she
will
preserve
you.
\par }{\QB Love
her,
and she
will
keep
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom
is supreme.
\par }{\QB Get
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Yes, though
it costs
all
your
possessions,
get
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Esteem
her,
and
she will
exalt
you.
\par }{\QB She will bring
you
to honour
when
you
embrace
her.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}She
will
give
to
your
head
a
garland
of
grace.
\par }{\QB She
will
deliver
a
crown
of splendour
to
you.”
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{10}Listen,
my
son,
and
receive
my
sayings.
\par }{\QB The
years
of
your
life
will
be
many.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}I have
taught
you
in
the
way
of
wisdom.
\par }{\QB I have
led
you
in straight
paths.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}When
you go,
your
steps
will
not
be hampered.
\par }{\QB When
you
run,
you
will
not
stumble.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take
firm
hold
of
instruction.
\par }{\QB Don’t
let
her
go.
\par }{\QB Keep
her,
for
she
is
your
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Don’t
enter
into
the
path
of
the
wicked.
\par }{\QB Don’t
walk
in
the
way
of
evil
men.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Avoid
it,
and
don’t
pass
by
it.
\par }{\QB Turn
from
it,
and
pass
on.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}For
they
don’t
sleep
unless
they
do
evil.
\par }{\QB Their
sleep
is
taken
away,
unless
they
make someone
fall.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}For
they
eat
the
bread
of
wickedness
\par }{\QB and
drink
the
wine
of
violence.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}But
the
path
of
the
righteous
is
like
the dawning
light
\par }{\QB that
shines more
and more
until
the perfect
day.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}The
way
of
the
wicked
is
like
darkness.
\par }{\QB They
don’t
know
what
they
stumble
over.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{20}My
son, attend
to
my
words.
\par }{\QB Turn
your
ear
to
my
sayings.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Let
them
not
depart
from
your
eyes.
\par }{\QB Keep
them
in
the centre
of
your
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}For
they
are
life
to
those
who
find
them,
\par }{\QB and
health
to
their
whole
body.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Keep
your
heart
with
all
diligence,
\par }{\QB for
out
of
it
is
the wellspring
of
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Put
away
from yourself
a
perverse
mouth.
\par }{\QB Put corrupt
lips
far
from
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let
your
eyes
look
straight
ahead.
\par }{\QB Fix
your
gaze
directly
before
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}Make
the
path
of
your
feet
level.
\par }{\QB Let
all
of
your
ways
be
established.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}Don’t
turn
to
the
right
hand
nor
to
the
left.
\par }{\QB Remove
your
foot
from
evil.

\par }\PoetryChap{5}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My
son,
pay
attention
to
my
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Turn
your
ear
to
my
understanding,
\par }{\Q \VS{2}that
you
may maintain
discretion,
\par }{\QB that
your
lips
may
preserve
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}For
the
lips
of
an adulteress
drip
honey.
\par }{\QB Her
mouth
is
smoother
than
oil,
\par }{\Q \VS{4}but
in
the
end she
is
as
bitter
as
wormwood,
\par }{\QB and
as
sharp
as
a
two-edged
sword.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Her
feet
go
down
to
death.
\par }{\QB Her
steps lead straight
to
Sheol.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 5:5 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.
}
\par }{\Q \VS{6}She gives
no
thought
to
the
way
of
life.
\par }{\QB Her
ways
are crooked,
and
she
doesn’t
know
it.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{7}Now
therefore,
my
sons,
listen
to
me.
\par }{\QB Don’t
depart
from
the
words
of
my
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Remove
your
way
far
from
her.
\par }{\QB Don’t
come
near
the
door
of
her
house,
\par }{\Q \VS{9}lest
you
give
your honour
to
others,
\par }{\QB and
your
years
to
the
cruel
one;
\par }{\Q \VS{10}lest
strangers feast
on
your wealth,
\par }{\QB and
your labours enrich
another man’s
house.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}You
will
groan at
your
latter
end,
\par }{\QB when
your
flesh
and
your
body
are
consumed,
\par }{\Q \VS{12}and
say, “How
I
have
hated
instruction,
\par }{\QB and
my
heart
despised
reproof.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}I
haven’t
obeyed
the
voice
of
my
teachers,
\par }{\QB nor
turned
my
ear
to those
who
instructed
me!
\par }{\Q \VS{14}I
have
come
to
the brink
of
utter ruin,
\par }{\QB amongst
the
gathered
assembly.”
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{15}Drink
water
out
of
your own
cistern,
\par }{\QB running
water
out
of
your own
well.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Should your
springs
overflow
in
the
streets,
\par }{\QB streams
of
water
in
the public
squares?
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let
them
be
for
yourself
alone,
\par }{\QB not
for
strangers
with
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Let
your spring
be
blessed.
\par }{\QB Rejoice
in
the
wife
of
your
youth.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}A
loving
doe
and
a
graceful
deer—
\par }{\QB let
her
breasts
satisfy
you
at
all
times.
\par }{\QB Be captivated
always
with
her
love.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}For
why
should
you,
my
son,
be captivated
with an
adulteress?
\par }{\QB Why
embrace
the
bosom
of
another?
\par }{\Q \VS{21}For
the
ways
of
man
are
before
the
LORD’s
eyes.
\par }{\QB He examines
all
his
paths.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}The
evil deeds
of
the
wicked ensnare
him.
\par }{\QB The
cords
of
his
sin
hold
him firmly.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}He
will
die
for
lack
of
instruction.
\par }{\QB In
the
greatness
of
his
folly,
he
will
go
astray.

\par }\PoetryChap{6}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My
son,
if
you
have
become
collateral
for
your neighbour,
\par }{\QB if
you
have struck
your
hands
in
pledge
for
a stranger,
\par }{\Q \VS{2}you
are trapped
by
the
words
of your
mouth;
\par }{\QB you
are
ensnared
with
the
words
of your
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do
this
now,
my
son,
and
deliver
yourself,
\par }{\QB since
you
have
come
into
the
hand
of
your neighbour.
\par }{\Q Go,
humble
yourself.
\par }{\QB Press
your plea
with
your neighbour.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Give
no
sleep
to
your
eyes,
\par }{\QB nor
slumber
to
your
eyelids.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Free
yourself, like
a gazelle
from
the
hand
of
the hunter,
\par }{\QB like
a
bird
from
the snare
of
the
fowler.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{6}Go
to
the
ant,
you
sluggard.
\par }{\QB Consider
her
ways,
and
be
wise;
\par }{\Q \VS{7}which
having
no
chief,
overseer,
or
ruler,
\par }{\QB \VS{8}provides
her
bread
in
the
summer,
\par }{\QB and
gathers
her
food
in
the
harvest.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}How
long
will
you
sleep,
sluggard?
\par }{\QB When
will
you
arise
out
of
your
sleep?
\par }{\Q \VS{10}A
little
sleep,
a
little
slumber,
\par }{\QB a
little
folding
of
the
hands
to
sleep—
\par }{\Q \VS{11}so
your
poverty
will
come
as
a
robber,
\par }{\QB and
your scarcity
as
an
armed
man.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{12}A
worthless
person,
a
man
of
iniquity,
\par }{\QB is
he
who
walks
with
a
perverse
mouth,
\par }{\Q \VS{13}who
winks
with
his
eyes, who
signals
with
his
feet,
\par }{\QB who motions
with
his
fingers,
\par }{\Q \VS{14}in
whose
heart
is perverseness,
\par }{\QB who devises
evil
continually,
\par }{\QB who
always sows
discord.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore
his
calamity
will
come
suddenly.
\par }{\QB He
will
be
broken
suddenly,
and
that
without
remedy.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{16}There
are
six
things which
the
LORD
hates;
\par }{\QB yes,
seven which
are
an
abomination
to
him:
\par }{\Q \VS{17}arrogant
eyes,
a
lying
tongue,
\par }{\QB hands
that
shed
innocent
blood,
\par }{\Q \VS{18}a
heart
that devises
wicked
schemes,
\par }{\QB feet
that
are
swift
in
running
to mischief,
\par }{\Q \VS{19}a
false
witness
who
utters
lies,
\par }{\QB and
he
who sows
discord amongst
brothers.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{20}My
son,
keep
your
father’s
commandment,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
forsake
your
mother’s
teaching.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Bind
them
continually
on
your
heart.
\par }{\QB Tie
them
around
your
neck.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}When
you
walk,
it
will
lead
you.
\par }{\QB When
you
sleep,
it
will
watch
over
you.
\par }{\QB When
you awake,
it
will
talk
with
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}For
the
commandment
is
a
lamp,
\par }{\QB and
the
law
is
light.
\par }{\QB Reproofs
of
instruction
are
the
way
of
life,
\par }{\Q \VS{24}to
keep
you
from
the immoral
woman,
\par }{\QB from
the flattery
of
the wayward
wife’s
tongue.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Don’t
lust after
her
beauty
in
your
heart,
\par }{\QB neither
let
her captivate
you
with
her
eyelids.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}For
a
prostitute reduces
you
to
a piece
of
bread.
\par }{\QB The adulteress
hunts
for
your
precious
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}Can
a
man
scoop
fire
into
his
lap,
\par }{\QB and
his
clothes
not
be
burnt?
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Or
can
one
walk
on
hot
coals,
\par }{\QB and
his
feet
not
be
scorched?
\par }{\Q \VS{29}So
is
he
who
goes
in
to
his neighbour’s
wife.
\par }{\QB Whoever
touches
her
will
not
be
unpunished.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}Men
don’t
despise
a
thief
\par }{\QB if
he
steals
to
satisfy
himself
when
he
is
hungry,
\par }{\Q \VS{31}but if
he
is
found,
he
shall restore
seven
times.
\par }{\QB He
shall
give
all
the
wealth
of
his
house.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}He
who
commits
adultery
with
a
woman
is void
of
understanding.
\par }{\QB He
who
does
it
destroys
his
own
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}He
will get
wounds
and dishonour.
\par }{\QB His
reproach
will
not
be wiped away.
\par }{\Q \VS{34}For
jealousy arouses
the
fury
of
the husband.
\par }{\QB He
won’t
spare
in
the
day
of
vengeance.
\par }{\Q \VS{35}He
won’t
regard
any
ransom,
\par }{\QB neither
will
he rest content,
though
you
give
many
gifts.

\par }\PoetryChap{7}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My
son,
keep
my
words.
\par }{\QB Lay
up
my
commandments
within
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Keep
my
commandments
and
live!
\par }{\QB Guard
my
teaching as
the
apple
of
your
eye.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Bind
them
on
your
fingers.
\par }{\QB Write
them
on
the
tablet
of
your
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Tell
wisdom, “You
are
my
sister.”
\par }{\QB Call
understanding
your relative,
\par }{\Q \VS{5}that they may
keep
you
from
the
strange
woman,
\par }{\QB from
the
foreigner
who flatters
with
her
words.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}For
at
the
window
of
my
house,
\par }{\QB I
looked
out
through
my
lattice.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}I
saw amongst
the simple
ones.
\par }{\QB I
discerned amongst
the
youths
a
young
man void
of
understanding,
\par }{\Q \VS{8}passing
through
the
street
near
her
corner,
\par }{\QB he
went
the
way
to
her
house,
\par }{\Q \VS{9}in
the
twilight,
in
the
evening
of
the
day,
\par }{\QB in
the
middle
of
the
night
and
in
the
darkness.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Behold,
there
a
woman
met
him
with
the attire
of
a
prostitute,
\par }{\QB and
with crafty intent.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}She
is loud
and defiant.
\par }{\QB Her
feet
don’t
stay
in
her
house.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Now she
is
in
the
streets,
now
in
the
squares,
\par }{\QB and lurking
at
every
corner.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}So
she
caught
him,
and
kissed
him.
\par }{\QB With
an impudent
face
she
said
to
him:
\par }{\Q \VS{14}“Sacrifices
of
peace
offerings
are
with
me.
\par }{\QB Today
I
have paid
my
vows.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore
I
came
out
to
meet
you,
\par }{\QB to
diligently
seek
your
face,
\par }{\QB and
I
have
found
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}I
have
spread
my
couch
with carpets
of tapestry,
\par }{\QB with striped cloths
of the yarn
of
Egypt.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}I have perfumed
my
bed
with
myrrh,
aloes,
and
cinnamon.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Come, let’s take
our
fill
of loving
until
the
morning.
\par }{\QB Let’s solace ourselves
with loving.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}For
my
husband isn’t
at
home.
\par }{\QB He
has
gone
on
a
long
journey.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}He
has
taken
a
bag
of
money
with
him.
\par }{\QB He
will
come
home
at
the
full
moon.”
\par }{\Q \VS{21}With persuasive
words,
she
led
him
astray.
\par }{\QB With
the flattering
of
her
lips,
she
seduced
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}He
followed
her
immediately,
\par }{\QB as
an
ox
goes
to
the
slaughter,
\par }{\QB as
a
fool stepping
into
a noose.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Until
an
arrow strikes
through
his
liver,
\par }{\QB as
a
bird hurries
to
the
snare,
\par }{\QB and
doesn’t
know
that
it
will cost
his
life.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{24}Now
therefore,
sons,
listen
to
me.
\par }{\QB Pay
attention
to
the
words
of
my
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Don’t
let
your
heart
turn
to
her
ways.
\par }{\QB Don’t
go
astray
in
her
paths,
\par }{\Q \VS{26}for
she
has thrown
down
many
wounded.
\par }{\QB Yes,
all
her
slain
are
a
mighty army.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}Her
house
is
the
way
to
Sheol,\FTNT{*}{{\FR 7:27 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.
}
\par }{\QB going
down
to
the
rooms
of
death.

\par }\PoetryChap{8}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Doesn’t
wisdom
cry out?
\par }{\QB Doesn’t
understanding
raise
her
voice?
\par }{\Q \VS{2}On
the
top
of
high
places
by
the
way,
\par }{\QB where
the
paths meet, she
stands.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Beside
the
gates,
at
the
entry
of
the
city,
\par }{\QB at
the
entry
doors, she
cries
aloud:
\par }{\Q \VS{4}“I
call
to
you
men!
\par }{\QB I send
my
voice
to
the
sons
of
mankind.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}You simple,
understand
prudence!
\par }{\QB You
fools,
be
of an
understanding
heart!
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Hear,
for
I
will
speak excellent
things.
\par }{\QB The
opening
of
my
lips
is
for
right
things.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}For
my
mouth
speaks
truth.
\par }{\QB Wickedness
is
an
abomination
to
my
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}All
the
words
of
my
mouth
are
in
righteousness.
\par }{\QB There
is
nothing
crooked
or
perverse
in them.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}They
are
all plain
to
him
who
understands,
\par }{\QB right
to
those
who
find
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Receive
my
instruction
rather
than
silver,
\par }{\QB knowledge
rather
than
choice
gold.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}For
wisdom
is
better
than rubies.
\par }{\QB All
the
things
that
may
be
desired
can’t
be compared
to
it.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{12}“I,
wisdom,
have made
prudence
my
dwelling.
\par }{\QB Find
out
knowledge
and
discretion.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}The
fear
of
the
LORD
is
to
hate
evil.
\par }{\QB I
hate
pride,
arrogance,
the
evil
way,
and
the
perverse
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Counsel
and
sound knowledge
are mine.
\par }{\QB I
have
understanding
and
power.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}By me
kings
reign,
\par }{\QB and princes
decree
justice.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}By
me
princes
rule,
\par }{\QB nobles,
and
all
the
righteous
rulers
of
the earth.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}I
love those
who
love
me.
\par }{\QB Those
who
seek
me
diligently
will
find
me.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}With me are
riches, honour,
\par }{\QB enduring
wealth,
and prosperity.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}My
fruit
is
better
than
gold, yes,
than
fine
gold,
\par }{\QB my
yield
than
choice
silver.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}I
walk
in
the
way
of
righteousness,
\par }{\QB in
the
middle
of
the
paths
of
justice,
\par }{\Q \VS{21}that
I
may
give
wealth
to those
who
love
me.
\par }{\QB I
fill
their
treasuries.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{22}“The
LORD
possessed
me
in
the
beginning
of
his work,
\par }{\QB before
his
deeds
of old.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}I
was set up
from
everlasting,
from
the
beginning,
\par }{\QB before
the
earth existed.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}When
there
were
no
depths,
I
was born,
\par }{\QB when
there
were
no
springs
abounding
with
water.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Before
the
mountains
were
settled
in place,
\par }{\QB before
the
hills,
I
was born;
\par }{\Q \VS{26}while
as
yet
he
had
not
made
the
earth,
nor
the
fields,
\par }{\QB nor
the
beginning
of
the
dust
of
the
world.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}When
he
established
the
heavens,
I
was
there.
\par }{\QB When
he
set
a
circle
on
the
surface
of
the
deep,
\par }{\Q \VS{28}when he established
the
clouds
above,
\par }{\QB when
the
springs
of
the
deep
became
strong,
\par }{\Q \VS{29}when
he
gave
to
the
sea
its
boundary,
\par }{\QB that
the
waters
should
not violate
his
commandment,
\par }{\QB when
he
marked
out
the
foundations
of
the
earth,
\par }{\Q \VS{30}then
I
was
the craftsman
by
his
side.
\par }{\QB I
was
a
delight
day
by
day,
\par }{\QB always
rejoicing
before
him,
\par }{\Q \VS{31}rejoicing
in
his whole
world.
\par }{\QB My
delight
was
with
the
sons
of
men.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{32}“Now
therefore,
my
sons,
listen
to
me,
\par }{\QB for
blessed
are
those
who
keep
my
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}Hear
instruction,
and
be
wise.
\par }{\QB Don’t refuse it.
\par }{\Q \VS{34}Blessed
is
the
man
who
hears
me,
\par }{\QB watching
daily
at
my
gates,
\par }{\QB waiting
at
my
door
posts.
\par }{\Q \VS{35}For whoever
finds
me
finds
life,
\par }{\QB and
will
obtain favour
from
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{36}But
he
who
sins
against
me wrongs
his
own
soul.
\par }{\QB All
those
who
hate
me
love
death.”

\par }\PoetryChap{9}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wisdom
has
built
her
house.
\par }{\QB She
has carved
out
her
seven
pillars.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}She has
prepared
her meat.
\par }{\QB She has
mixed
her
wine.
\par }{\QB She has
also set
her
table.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}She has
sent
out
her
maidens.
\par }{\QB She
cries
from
the highest
places
of
the
city:
\par }{\Q \VS{4}“Whoever
is simple, let
him
turn
in
here!”
\par }{\QB As
for
him
who
is void
of
understanding,
she
says
to
him,
\par }{\Q \VS{5}“Come,
eat some
of
my
bread,
\par }{\QB Drink some
of
the
wine
which I have
mixed!
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Leave
your simple
ways,
and
live.
\par }{\QB Walk
in
the
way
of
understanding.”
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{7}One
who
corrects
a mocker invites insult.
\par }{\QB One
who
reproves
a
wicked
man invites abuse.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Don’t
reprove
a scoffer,
lest
he
hate
you.
\par }{\QB Reprove
a
wise
person,
and
he
will
love
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Instruct
a
wise
person,
and
he
will
be
still
wiser.
\par }{\QB Teach
a
righteous
person,
and
he
will
increase
in
learning.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}The
fear
of
the
LORD
is
the
beginning
of
wisdom.
\par }{\QB The
knowledge
of
the
Holy
One
is
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}For
by
me
your
days
will
be
multiplied.
\par }{\QB The
years
of
your
life
will
be
increased.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}If
you are
wise,
you are
wise
for
yourself.
\par }{\QB If
you
mock,
you
alone
will
bear
it.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{13}The foolish
woman
is loud,
\par }{\QB undisciplined,
and
knows
nothing.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}She
sits
at
the
door
of
her
house,
\par }{\QB on
a
seat
in
the
high
places
of
the
city,
\par }{\Q \VS{15}to
call
to those
who
pass
by,
\par }{\QB who
go
straight
on
their
ways,
\par }{\Q \VS{16}“Whoever
is simple, let
him
turn
in
here.”
\par }{\QB As
for
him
who
is void
of
understanding,
she
says
to
him,
\par }{\Q \VS{17}“Stolen
water
is
sweet.
\par }{\QB Food eaten
in secret
is
pleasant.”
\par }{\Q \VS{18}But
he
doesn’t
know
that
the
departed
spirits
are
there,
\par }{\QB that
her
guests
are
in
the depths
of
Sheol.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 9:18 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}

\par }\Chap{10}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The
proverbs
of
Solomon.
\par }{\Q A
wise
son
makes
a
glad
father;
\par }{\QB but
a
foolish
son brings
grief
to
his
mother.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Treasures
of
wickedness
profit
nothing,
\par }{\QB but
righteousness
delivers
from
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
LORD
will
not allow
the
soul
of
the
righteous
to go
hungry,
\par }{\QB but
he thrusts
away
the
desire
of
the
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}He
becomes
poor
who
works
with
a lazy
hand,
\par }{\QB but
the
hand
of
the diligent brings
wealth.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}He
who
gathers
in
summer
is
a
wise
son,
\par }{\QB but
he
who sleeps during
the
harvest
is
a
son
who causes
shame.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Blessings
are
on
the
head
of
the
righteous,
\par }{\QB but
violence
covers
the
mouth
of
the
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
memory
of
the
righteous
is
blessed,
\par }{\QB but
the
name
of
the
wicked
will
rot.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
wise
in
heart
accept
commandments,
\par }{\QB but
a chattering
fool
will fall.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}He
who
walks blamelessly
walks
surely,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
perverts
his
ways
will
be
found
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}One who
winks
with
the
eye
causes sorrow,
\par }{\QB but
a chattering
fool
will fall.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
mouth
of
the
righteous
is
a spring
of
life,
\par }{\QB but
violence
covers
the
mouth
of
the
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hatred
stirs
up
strife,
\par }{\QB but
love
covers
all wrongs.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Wisdom
is
found
on
the
lips
of
him
who
has
discernment,
\par }{\QB but
a
rod
is
for
the back
of
him
who
is void
of
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Wise
men lay
up
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
the
mouth
of
the
foolish
is
near
ruin.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}The
rich
man’s
wealth is
his
strong
city.
\par }{\QB The destruction
of
the
poor is their
poverty.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}The labour
of
the
righteous
leads
to
life.
\par }{\QB The
increase
of
the
wicked
leads
to
sin.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He is
in
the
way
of
life
who
heeds
correction,
\par }{\QB but he
who forsakes
reproof
leads others
astray.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}He
who hides
hatred
has
lying
lips.
\par }{\QB He
who
utters
a
slander
is
a
fool.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}In
the
multitude
of
words
there
is
no lack
of disobedience,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
restrains
his
lips
does wisely.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}The
tongue
of
the
righteous
is
like
choice
silver.
\par }{\QB The
heart
of
the
wicked
is
of
little worth.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}The
lips
of
the
righteous
feed
many,
\par }{\QB but
the
foolish
die
for
lack
of
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}The
LORD’s
blessing brings
wealth,
\par }{\QB and
he
adds
no trouble
to
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}It
is
a
fool’s pleasure
to
do
wickedness,
\par }{\QB but
wisdom
is
a
man
of understanding’s pleasure.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}What
the
wicked fear
will overtake
them,
\par }{\QB but
the
desire
of
the
righteous
will
be
granted.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}When
the whirlwind
passes,
the
wicked
is
no
more;
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous stand firm
forever.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}As
vinegar
to
the
teeth,
and
as
smoke
to
the
eyes,
\par }{\QB so
is
the
sluggard
to those who
send
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}The
fear
of
the
LORD
prolongs
days,
\par }{\QB but
the
years
of
the
wicked
shall
be
shortened.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}The prospect
of
the
righteous
is
joy,
\par }{\QB but
the
hope
of
the
wicked
will
perish.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}The
way
of
the
LORD
is
a
stronghold
to
the
upright,
\par }{\QB but
it
is
a destruction
to
the
workers
of
iniquity.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}The
righteous
will
never
be removed,
\par }{\QB but
the
wicked
will
not
dwell
in
the
land.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}The
mouth
of
the
righteous produces
wisdom,
\par }{\QB but
the
perverse
tongue
will
be
cut
off.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}The
lips
of
the
righteous
know
what
is
acceptable,
\par }{\QB but
the
mouth
of
the
wicked
is
perverse.

\par }\PoetryChap{11}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
false
balance
is
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but accurate
weights
are
his
delight.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}When
pride
comes,
then
comes
shame,
\par }{\QB but
with
humility
comes
wisdom.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
integrity
of
the
upright
shall
guide
them,
\par }{\QB but
the perverseness
of
the
treacherous
shall
destroy
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Riches
don’t
profit
in
the
day
of
wrath,
\par }{\QB but
righteousness
delivers
from
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}The
righteousness
of
the
blameless
will direct
his
way,
\par }{\QB but
the
wicked
shall
fall
by
his own
wickedness.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}The
righteousness
of
the
upright
shall
deliver
them,
\par }{\QB but
the unfaithful
will
be trapped
by evil desires.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}When a
wicked
man
dies,
hope
perishes,
\par }{\QB and
expectation
of power comes
to nothing.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}A
righteous
person
is delivered
out
of
trouble,
\par }{\QB and
the
wicked
takes
his
place.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}With
his
mouth
the
godless
man
destroys
his neighbour,
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
will
be
delivered through
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}When it goes
well
with
the
righteous,
the
city
rejoices.
\par }{\QB When
the
wicked
perish, there
is
shouting.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}By
the
blessing
of
the
upright,
the
city
is
exalted,
\par }{\QB but
it
is
overthrown
by
the
mouth
of
the
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}One
who
despises
his neighbour
is void
of
wisdom,
\par }{\QB but
a
man
of
understanding holds
his peace.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}One
who brings gossip betrays
a confidence,
\par }{\QB but
one
who
is
of
a trustworthy
spirit
is
one
who keeps
a
secret.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Where
there
is
no
wise
guidance,
the
nation
falls,
\par }{\QB but
in
the
multitude
of counsellors
there
is
victory.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}He
who
is
collateral
for
a stranger will suffer
for
it,
\par }{\QB but
he
who refuses pledges of
collateral
is
secure.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}A
gracious
woman obtains honour,
\par }{\QB but
violent
men
obtain
riches.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}The merciful
man
does good
to
his
own
soul,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
is
cruel
troubles
his
own
flesh.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Wicked
people earn
deceitful
wages,
\par }{\QB but
one
who
sows
righteousness
reaps a sure
reward.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}He who
is truly
righteous gets
life.
\par }{\QB He who
pursues
evil gets
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Those
who
are
perverse
in
heart
are
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but those whose
ways
are
blameless
are
his
delight.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Most
certainly,
the
evil
man
will
not
be
unpunished,
\par }{\QB but
the
offspring\FTNT{*}{{\FR 11:21 }
or, seed}
of
the
righteous
will
be
delivered.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Like
a
gold
ring
in
a pig’s
snout,
\par }{\QB is
a
beautiful
woman
who
lacks
discretion.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
desire
of
the
righteous
is
only
good.
\par }{\QB The expectation
of
the
wicked
is
wrath.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}There
is one
who
scatters,
and
increases
yet
more.
\par }{\QB There
is one
who
withholds
more
than
is appropriate,
but gains
poverty.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The liberal
soul
shall
be
made
fat.
\par }{\QB He
who
waters
shall
be watered
also
himself.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}People curse someone who
withholds
grain,
\par }{\QB but
blessing
will
be
on
the
head
of him who
sells
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}He who
diligently
seeks
good
seeks favour,
\par }{\QB but
he who
searches
after
evil,
it shall
come
to
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}He
who
trusts
in
his
riches
will
fall,
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
shall flourish
as
the green
leaf.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}He
who
troubles
his
own
house
shall
inherit
the
wind.
\par }{\QB The
foolish
shall
be
servant
to
the
wise
of
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}The
fruit
of
the
righteous
is
a
tree
of
life.
\par }{\QB He
who
is
wise
wins
souls.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Behold,
the
righteous
shall
be repaid
in
the
earth,
\par }{\QB how
much
more
the
wicked
and
the
sinner!

\par }\PoetryChap{12}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Whoever
loves
correction
loves
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
hates
reproof
is
stupid.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}A
good
man
shall
obtain favour
from
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but
he
will
condemn
a
man
of
wicked
plans.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}A
man
shall
not
be
established
by
wickedness,
\par }{\QB but
the
root
of
the
righteous
shall
not
be
moved.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}A
worthy
woman
is
the
crown
of
her
husband,
\par }{\QB but
a disgraceful
wife
is as
rottenness
in his
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}The
thoughts
of
the
righteous
are
just,
\par }{\QB but
the advice
of
the
wicked
is
deceitful.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}The
words
of
the
wicked
are
about
lying
in
wait
for
blood,
\par }{\QB but
the
speech
of
the
upright
rescues
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
wicked
are
overthrown,
and
are
no
more,
\par }{\QB but
the
house
of
the
righteous
shall
stand.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}A
man
shall
be commended
according
to
his
wisdom,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
has
a warped
mind
shall
be
despised.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Better
is he
who
is little known,
and
has
a
servant,
\par }{\QB than he
who honours
himself
and
lacks
bread.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}A
righteous
man respects
the
life
of
his
animal,
\par }{\QB but
the tender
mercies
of
the
wicked
are
cruel.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}He
who
tills
his
land
shall
have
plenty
of
bread,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
chases fantasies
is void
of
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}The
wicked
desires
the plunder
of
evil
men,
\par }{\QB but
the
root
of
the
righteous flourishes.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}An
evil
man
is trapped
by sinfulness
of
lips,
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous shall
come
out
of
trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}A
man
shall
be
satisfied
with
good
by
the
fruit
of
his
mouth.
\par }{\QB The work
of
a
man’s
hands
shall
be
rewarded
to
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}The
way
of
a
fool
is
right
in
his
own
eyes,
\par }{\QB but he
who
is
wise
listens
to
counsel.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}A
fool shows
his
annoyance
the same
day,
\par }{\QB but one who overlooks an insult
is
prudent.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He
who
is truthful testifies
honestly,
\par }{\QB but
a
false
witness
lies.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}There
is
one
who
speaks
rashly like
the piercing
of
a
sword,
\par }{\QB but
the
tongue
of
the
wise heals.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Truth’s
lips
will
be
established
forever,
\par }{\QB but
a
lying
tongue
is
only momentary.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Deceit
is
in
the
heart
of those
who
plot
evil,
\par }{\QB but
joy comes
to
the promoters
of
peace.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}No mischief
shall happen
to
the
righteous,
\par }{\QB but
the
wicked
shall
be
filled
with
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Lying
lips
are
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but those
who
do
the
truth
are
his
delight.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}A
prudent
man keeps
his
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
the
hearts
of
fools
proclaim
foolishness.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
hands
of
the diligent ones
shall
rule,
\par }{\QB but laziness ends
in slave labour.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Anxiety
in
a
man’s
heart
weighs
it
down,
\par }{\QB but
a
kind
word
makes
it
glad.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}A
righteous person
is cautious
in friendship,
\par }{\QB but
the
way
of
the
wicked
leads
them
astray.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}The slothful
man
doesn’t
roast
his
game,
\par }{\QB but
the possessions
of diligent
men
are prized.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}In
the
way
of
righteousness
is
life;
\par }{\QB in its
path there
is
no
death.

\par }\PoetryChap{13}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
wise
son
listens
to
his
father’s
instruction,
\par }{\QB but
a scoffer
doesn’t
listen
to
rebuke.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}By
the
fruit
of
his
lips,
a
man
enjoys
good things,
\par }{\QB but
the unfaithful crave
violence.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}He
who
guards
his
mouth
guards
his
soul.
\par }{\QB One
who
opens
wide
his
lips comes
to
ruin.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
soul
of
the
sluggard
desires,
and
has
nothing,
\par }{\QB but
the
desire
of
the diligent
shall
be fully satisfied.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A
righteous
man
hates
lies,
\par }{\QB but
a
wicked
man brings
shame
and
disgrace.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Righteousness
guards
the
way
of
integrity,
\par }{\QB but
wickedness
overthrows
the sinner.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}There
are
some
who pretend
to
be
rich,
yet
have
nothing.
\par }{\QB There
are
some
who pretend
to
be
poor,
yet
have
great
wealth.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
ransom
of
a
man’s
life
is
his
riches,
\par }{\QB but
the
poor
hear
no threats.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}The
light
of
the
righteous shines brightly,
\par }{\QB but
the
lamp
of
the
wicked
is snuffed
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Pride
only breeds quarrels,
\par }{\QB but
wisdom
is
with people who
take
advice.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Wealth gained dishonestly
dwindles away,
\par }{\QB but
he who
gathers
by
hand makes
it grow.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hope
deferred makes
the
heart
sick,
\par }{\QB but
when longing
is
fulfilled,
it
is
a
tree
of
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoever
despises
instruction
will
pay
for
it,
\par }{\QB but
he
who respects
a
command
will
be rewarded.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
teaching
of
the
wise
is a spring
of
life,
\par }{\QB to
turn
from
the
snares
of
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Good
understanding
wins favour,
\par }{\QB but
the
way
of
the unfaithful
is
hard.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Every
prudent
man
acts
from
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
a
fool exposes
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}A
wicked
messenger
falls
into
trouble,
\par }{\QB but
a
trustworthy
envoy gains
healing.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Poverty
and
shame come
to
him
who refuses
discipline,
\par }{\QB but he
who
heeds
correction shall be honoured.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Longing
fulfilled
is
sweet
to
the
soul,
\par }{\QB but
fools detest
turning
from
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}One
who
walks
with
wise
men grows
wise,
\par }{\QB but
a companion
of
fools suffers
harm.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Misfortune
pursues
sinners,
\par }{\QB but
prosperity
rewards
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}A
good
man
leaves
an
inheritance
to
his
children’s
children,
\par }{\QB but
the
wealth
of
the
sinner
is
stored
for
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}An
abundance
of
food
is
in
poor people’s fields,
\par }{\QB but injustice sweeps
it
away.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}One
who spares
the
rod
hates
his
son,
\par }{\QB but
one
who
loves
him
is careful
to
discipline
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The
righteous
one
eats
to
the satisfying
of
his
soul,
\par }{\QB but
the
belly
of
the
wicked goes hungry.

\par }\PoetryChap{14}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Every wise
woman
builds
her
house,
\par }{\QB but
the
foolish
one
tears
it
down
with
her own
hands.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}He
who
walks
in
his
uprightness
fears
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
is perverse
in
his
ways
despises
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
fool’s
talk brings
a
rod
to
his
back,
\par }{\QB but
the
lips
of
the
wise
protect
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Where
no
oxen
are,
the crib
is
clean,
\par }{\QB but
much
increase
is
by
the
strength
of
the
ox.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A truthful
witness
will
not
lie,
\par }{\QB but
a
false
witness pours
out
lies.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}A scoffer
seeks
wisdom,
and doesn’t
find
it,
\par }{\QB but
knowledge
comes easily
to
a
discerning
person.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Stay
away
from
a
foolish
man,
\par }{\QB for
you won’t
find
knowledge
on
his
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
wisdom
of
the
prudent
is
to think
about
his
way,
\par }{\QB but
the
folly
of
fools
is
deceit.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Fools
mock
at making atonement for sins,
\par }{\QB but amongst
the
upright there
is
good
will.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}The
heart
knows
its
own bitterness
and
joy;
\par }{\QB he
will
not
share these
with
a stranger.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
house
of
the
wicked
will
be overthrown,
\par }{\QB but
the
tent
of
the
upright
will flourish.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}There
is
a
way
which seems
right
to
a
man,
\par }{\QB but
in
the
end
it leads
to
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Even
in
laughter
the
heart
may
be sorrowful,
\par }{\QB and
mirth
may
end
in heaviness.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The unfaithful
will
be repaid
for
his
own
ways;
\par }{\QB likewise
a
good
man
will
be rewarded
for
his
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}A simple
man
believes
everything,
\par }{\QB but
the
prudent
man
carefully
considers
his
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}A
wise
man
fears
and shuns
evil,
\par }{\QB but
the
fool
is hot headed
and reckless.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He
who
is quick
to become
angry
will commit
folly,
\par }{\QB and
a crafty
man
is
hated.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}The simple
inherit
folly,
\par }{\QB but
the
prudent
are
crowned
with
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}The
evil
bow
down
before
the
good,
\par }{\QB and
the
wicked
at
the
gates
of
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}The
poor
person
is shunned
even
by
his own neighbour,
\par }{\QB but
the
rich
person
has
many
friends.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}He
who
despises
his neighbour
sins,
\par }{\QB but he
who has
pity
on
the
poor
is
blessed.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Don’t
they
go
astray
who
plot
evil?
\par }{\QB But
love
and
faithfulness belong
to those
who plan
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}In
all hard
work
there
is
profit,
\par }{\QB but
the
talk
of
the
lips
leads
only
to
poverty.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
crown
of the
wise
is their
riches,
\par }{\QB but the
folly
of
fools
crowns them with
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}A
truthful
witness
saves
souls,
\par }{\QB but
a
false
witness
is
deceitful.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}In
the
fear
of
the
LORD
is
a
secure fortress,
\par }{\QB and
he
will
be
a
refuge
for
his
children.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}The
fear
of
the
LORD
is
a
fountain
of
life,
\par }{\QB turning
people
from
the
snares
of
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}In
the
multitude
of
people
is
the
king’s
glory,
\par }{\QB but
in
the
lack
of
people
is
the destruction
of
the prince.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}He
who
is
slow
to
anger
has
great
understanding,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
has
a quick
temper displays
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}The
life
of
the
body
is
a
heart at peace,
\par }{\QB but
envy rots
the
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}He
who
oppresses
the
poor shows contempt for
his Maker,
\par }{\QB but
he
who is kind
to
the
needy honours
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}The
wicked
is brought
down
in his
calamity,
\par }{\QB but
in
death,
the
righteous
has
a
refuge.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}Wisdom
rests
in
the
heart
of
one
who
has
understanding,
\par }{\QB and
is even
made
known
in
the
inward
part
of
fools.
\par }{\Q \VS{34}Righteousness
exalts
a
nation,
\par }{\QB but
sin
is
a disgrace
to any
people.
\par }{\Q \VS{35}The
king’s favour
is towards
a
servant
who deals wisely,
\par }{\QB but
his
wrath
is towards
one
who causes
shame.

\par }\PoetryChap{15}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
gentle
answer
turns
away
wrath,
\par }{\QB but
a harsh
word
stirs
up
anger.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}The
tongue
of
the
wise commends
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
the
mouths
of
fools gush
out
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
LORD’s
eyes
are
everywhere,
\par }{\QB keeping
watch
on
the
evil
and
the
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}A gentle
tongue
is
a
tree
of
life,
\par }{\QB but deceit
in
it
crushes
the
spirit.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A
fool despises
his
father’s
correction,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
heeds
reproof shows prudence.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}In
the
house
of
the
righteous
is
much
treasure,
\par }{\QB but
the
income
of
the
wicked
brings
trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
lips
of
the
wise
spread
knowledge;
\par }{\QB not
so
with
the
heart
of
fools.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
sacrifice made
by
the
wicked
is
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but
the
prayer
of
the
upright
is
his
delight.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}The
way
of
the
wicked
is
an
abomination
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB but
he
loves
him
who
follows
after
righteousness.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}There
is stern
discipline
for one
who forsakes
the
way.
\par }{\QB Whoever
hates
reproof
shall
die.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Sheol\FTNT{*}{{\FR 15:11 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
and
Abaddon
are
before
the
LORD—
\par }{\QB how
much
more
then
the
hearts
of
the
children
of
men!
\par }{\Q \VS{12}A scoffer
doesn’t
love
to
be
reproved;
\par }{\QB he
will
not go
to
the
wise.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}A
glad
heart
makes
a
cheerful
face,
\par }{\QB but
an aching
heart breaks
the
spirit.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
heart
of
one
who
has
understanding
seeks
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
the mouths
of
fools
feed
on
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}All
the
days
of
the
afflicted
are
wretched,
\par }{\QB but
one
who
has
a cheerful
heart enjoys
a
continual
feast.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Better
is
little,
with
the
fear
of
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB than
great
treasure
with trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Better
is
a dinner
of herbs,
where
love
is,
\par }{\QB than
a
fattened calf
with
hatred.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}A
wrathful
man
stirs
up
contention,
\par }{\QB but
one
who
is
slow
to
anger appeases
strife.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}The
way
of
the
sluggard
is
like
a thorn patch,
\par }{\QB but
the
path
of
the
upright
is
a
highway.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}A
wise
son
makes
a
father
glad,
\par }{\QB but
a
foolish
man
despises
his
mother.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Folly
is
joy
to
one
who
is void
of
wisdom,
\par }{\QB but
a
man
of
understanding keeps
his way
straight.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Where
there
is
no
counsel,
plans
fail;
\par }{\QB but
in
a
multitude
of counsellors
they
are
established.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Joy comes
to
a
man
with
the
reply
of
his
mouth.
\par }{\QB How
good
is
a
word
at
the
right
time!
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
path
of
life
leads
upward
for
the
wise,
\par }{\QB to
keep
him
from going
downward
to
Sheol.\FTNT{†}{{\FR 15:24 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The
LORD
will uproot
the
house
of
the
proud,
\par }{\QB but
he
will keep
the
widow’s
borders intact.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}The
LORD detests
the
thoughts
of
the
wicked,
\par }{\QB but
the
thoughts
of
the
pure
are pleasing.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}He
who
is
greedy
for
gain
troubles
his own
house,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
hates
bribes
will
live.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}The
heart
of
the
righteous weighs
answers,
\par }{\QB but
the
mouth
of
the
wicked gushes
out
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}The
LORD
is
far
from
the
wicked,
\par }{\QB but
he
hears
the
prayer
of
the
righteous.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}The
light
of
the
eyes
rejoices
the
heart.
\par }{\QB Good
news gives health
to
the
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}The
ear
that
listens
to
reproof
lives,
\par }{\QB and
will
be at home amongst
the
wise.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}He
who refuses
correction
despises
his
own
soul,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
listens
to
reproof
gets
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}The
fear
of
the
LORD teaches
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Before honour
is
humility.

\par }\PoetryChap{16}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The
plans
of
the
heart belong
to
man,
\par }{\QB but
the
answer
of
the
tongue
is
from
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}All
the
ways
of
a
man
are
clean
in
his
own
eyes,
\par }{\QB but
the
LORD
weighs
the
motives.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Commit
your
deeds
to
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB and
your
plans
shall succeed.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
LORD
has
made
everything
for
its own end—
\par }{\QB yes,
even
the
wicked
for
the
day
of
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Everyone
who
is proud
in
heart
is
an
abomination
to
the
LORD;
\par }{\QB they
shall
certainly
not
be
unpunished.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}By
mercy
and
truth
iniquity
is atoned
for.
\par }{\QB By
the
fear
of
the
LORD men
depart
from
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}When
a
man’s
ways
please
the
LORD,
\par }{\QB he
makes
even
his
enemies
to
be
at peace
with
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Better
is
a
little
with
righteousness,
\par }{\QB than
great revenues
with injustice.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}A
man’s
heart
plans
his
course,
\par }{\QB but
the
LORD
directs
his
steps.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Inspired judgements
are
on
the
lips
of
the
king.
\par }{\QB He
shall
not betray
his
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Honest
balances
and
scales
are
the
LORD’s;
\par }{\QB all
the
weights
in
the
bag
are
his
work.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}It
is
an
abomination
for
kings
to
do wrong,
\par }{\QB for
the
throne
is
established
by
righteousness.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Righteous
lips
are
the
delight
of
kings.
\par }{\QB They value
one
who
speaks
the truth.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
king’s
wrath
is
a
messenger
of
death,
\par }{\QB but
a
wise
man
will pacify it.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}In
the
light
of
the
king’s
face
is
life.
\par }{\QB His favour
is
like
a
cloud
of
the
spring
rain.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}How
much
better
it
is
to
get
wisdom
than
gold!
\par }{\QB Yes,
to
get
understanding
is
to
be
chosen rather
than
silver.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}The
highway
of
the
upright
is
to
depart
from
evil.
\par }{\QB He
who
keeps
his
way
preserves
his
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Pride
goes
before
destruction,
\par }{\QB and
an arrogant
spirit
before
a fall.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}It
is
better
to be
of
a
lowly
spirit
with
the
poor,
\par }{\QB than
to
divide
the
plunder
with
the
proud.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}He
who heeds
the
Word
finds
prosperity.
\par }{\QB Whoever
trusts
in
the
LORD
is
blessed.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}The
wise
in
heart
shall
be
called
prudent.
\par }{\QB Pleasantness
of
the
lips promotes
instruction.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Understanding
is a
fountain
of
life
to
one
who
has it,
\par }{\QB but
the
punishment
of
fools
is their
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
heart
of
the
wise instructs
his
mouth,
\par }{\QB and
adds
learning
to
his
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Pleasant
words
are a
honeycomb,
\par }{\QB sweet
to the
soul,
and
health
to the
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}There
is
a
way
which seems
right
to
a
man,
\par }{\QB but
in
the
end
it leads
to
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}The
appetite
of
the labouring
man labours
for
him,
\par }{\QB for
his
mouth
urges
him
on.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}A
worthless
man devises mischief.
\par }{\QB His
speech
is
like
a scorching
fire.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}A
perverse
man stirs up
strife.
\par }{\QB A whisperer
separates close
friends.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}A
man
of
violence
entices
his neighbour,
\par }{\QB and leads
him
in
a
way
that
is
not
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}One who
winks
his
eyes
to
plot perversities,
\par }{\QB one who
compresses
his
lips,
is bent
on
evil.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Grey
hair
is
a
crown
of
glory.
\par }{\QB It
is attained
by
a life
of
righteousness.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}One
who
is
slow
to
anger
is
better
than
the
mighty;
\par }{\QB one
who
rules
his
spirit,
than
he
who
takes
a
city.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}The
lot
is
cast
into
the
lap,
\par }{\QB but
its
every
decision
is
from
the
LORD.

\par }\PoetryChap{17}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better
is
a dry
morsel
with
quietness,
\par }{\QB than
a
house
full
of
feasting
with
strife.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}A
servant
who deals wisely
will
rule
over
a
son
who causes
shame,
\par }{\QB and
shall
have
a
part
in
the
inheritance amongst
the
brothers.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
refining
pot
is
for
silver,
and
the
furnace
for
gold,
\par }{\QB but
the
LORD
tests
the
hearts.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}An evildoer heeds
wicked
lips.
\par }{\QB A
liar gives
ear
to
a mischievous
tongue.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Whoever
mocks
the
poor reproaches
his Maker.
\par }{\QB He
who
is
glad
at
calamity
shall
not
be
unpunished.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Children’s
children
are
the
crown
of
old
men;
\par }{\QB the
glory
of
children
is their
parents.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Excellent
speech
isn’t
fitting
for
a
fool,
\par }{\QB much
less
do
lying
lips fit
a
prince.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}A
bribe
is
a precious
stone
in
the
eyes
of
him
who gives
it;
\par }{\QB wherever
he
turns,
he prospers.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}He who
covers
an offence promotes
love;
\par }{\QB but he who
repeats
a
matter
separates best
friends.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}A
rebuke enters
deeper into
one
who
has
understanding
\par }{\QB than
a
hundred lashes into
a
fool.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}An
evil
man
seeks
only
rebellion;
\par }{\QB therefore
a
cruel
messenger
shall
be
sent against
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Let
a
bear
robbed
of
her cubs
meet
a
man,
\par }{\QB rather
than
a
fool
in
his
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoever rewards
evil
for
good,
\par }{\QB evil
shall
not
depart
from
his
house.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
beginning
of
strife
is
like breaching
a dam,
\par }{\QB therefore
stop
contention
before quarrelling
breaks
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}He
who
justifies
the
wicked,
and
he
who
condemns
the
righteous,
\par }{\QB both
of
them
alike
are
an
abomination
to
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Why
is
there money
in
the
hand
of
a
fool
to
buy
wisdom,
\par }{\QB since
he
has
no
understanding?
\par }{\Q \VS{17}A
friend
loves
at
all
times;
\par }{\QB and
a
brother
is
born
for
adversity.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}A
man void
of
understanding
strikes
hands,
\par }{\QB and
becomes
collateral
in
the
presence
of
his neighbour.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}He who
loves disobedience
loves
strife.
\par }{\QB One who builds
a
high
gate
seeks
destruction.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}One
who
has
a
perverse
heart
doesn’t
find
prosperity,
\par }{\QB and
one
who
has
a deceitful
tongue
falls
into
trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}He
who becomes
the
father
of
a
fool grieves.
\par }{\QB The
father
of
a
fool
has
no
joy.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}A
cheerful
heart
makes
good
medicine,
\par }{\QB but
a crushed
spirit
dries
up
the
bones.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}A
wicked
man
receives
a
bribe
in secret,
\par }{\QB to
pervert
the
ways
of
justice.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Wisdom
is
before
the
face
of
one
who
has
understanding,
\par }{\QB but
the
eyes
of
a
fool wander
to
the ends
of
the
earth.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}A
foolish
son
brings grief
to
his
father,
\par }{\QB and
bitterness
to
her
who
bore
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}Also
to punish
the
righteous
is
not
good,
\par }{\QB nor
to
flog officials
for
their
integrity.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}He
who spares
his
words
has
knowledge.
\par }{\QB He
who
is even tempered
is
a
man
of
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Even
a
fool,
when
he keeps
silent,
is
counted
wise.
\par }{\QB When
he
shuts
his
lips,
he
is
thought
to
be
discerning.

\par }\PoetryChap{18}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
man
who isolates
himself pursues selfishness,
\par }{\QB and defies
all
sound judgement.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}A
fool
has
no
delight
in
understanding,
\par }{\QB but
only
in
revealing
his own
opinion.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}When wickedness
comes,
contempt
also
comes,
\par }{\QB and
with
shame
comes
disgrace.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
words
of
a
man’s
mouth
are
like
deep
waters.
\par }{\QB The
fountain
of
wisdom
is
like
a
flowing
brook.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}To
be partial
to
the
faces
of
the
wicked
is
not
good,
\par }{\QB nor
to
deprive
the
innocent
of
justice.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}A
fool’s
lips
come
into
strife,
\par }{\QB and
his
mouth
invites beatings.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}A
fool’s
mouth
is
his destruction,
\par }{\QB and
his
lips
are
a
snare
to
his
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
words
of
a
gossip
are
like
dainty
morsels:
\par }{\QB they
go
down
into
a person’s
innermost
parts.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}One
who
is
slack
in
his
work
\par }{\QB is
brother
to
him
who
is
a master
of
destruction.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}The
LORD’s
name
is
a
strong
tower:
\par }{\QB the
righteous
run
to
him,
and
are
safe.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
rich
man’s
wealth is
his
strong
city,
\par }{\QB like an unscalable
wall
in
his own
imagination.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Before
destruction
the
heart
of
man
is
proud,
\par }{\QB but
before honour
is
humility.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}He
who
answers
before
he
hears,
\par }{\QB that
is
folly
and
shame
to
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}A
man’s
spirit
will
sustain
him
in
sickness,
\par }{\QB but
a crushed
spirit,
who
can
bear?
\par }{\Q \VS{15}The
heart
of
the
discerning
gets
knowledge.
\par }{\QB The
ear
of
the
wise
seeks
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}A
man’s
gift
makes
room
for
him,
\par }{\QB and
brings
him
before
great
men.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He
who
pleads
his
cause
first
seems
right—
\par }{\QB until
another
comes
and questions
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}The
lot settles
disputes,
\par }{\QB and keeps
strong
ones
apart.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}A
brother
offended
is more difficult than
a
fortified
city.
\par }{\QB Disputes are like
the
bars
of
a fortress.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}A
man’s
stomach
is
filled
with
the
fruit
of
his
mouth.
\par }{\QB With
the
harvest
of
his
lips
he
is
satisfied.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}Death
and
life
are
in
the
power
of
the
tongue;
\par }{\QB those who
love
it
will
eat
its
fruit.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Whoever
finds
a
wife
finds
a
good thing,
\par }{\QB and
obtains favour
of
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
poor plead for mercy,
\par }{\QB but
the
rich
answer
harshly.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}A
man
of many
companions
may
be ruined,
\par }{\QB but
there
is
a
friend
who
sticks closer than
a
brother.

\par }\PoetryChap{19}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better
is
the
poor
who
walks
in
his
integrity
\par }{\QB than
he
who
is
perverse
in
his
lips
and
is
a
fool.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}It
isn’t
good
to
have zeal
without
knowledge,
\par }{\QB nor
being
hasty
with
one’s
feet
and missing
the way.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}The
foolishness
of
man
subverts
his
way;
\par }{\QB his
heart
rages
against
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wealth
adds
many
friends,
\par }{\QB but
the
poor is
separated
from
his
friend.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A
false
witness
shall
not
be
unpunished.
\par }{\QB He
who pours
out
lies
shall
not
go
free.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many
will
entreat
the favour
of
a ruler,
\par }{\QB and
everyone
is
a
friend
to
a
man
who gives
gifts.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}All
the
relatives
of
the
poor
shun
him;
\par }{\QB how
much
more
do
his
friends
avoid
him!
\par }{\QB He
pursues
them
with pleas,
but
they
are
gone.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}He
who
gets
wisdom
loves
his
own
soul.
\par }{\QB He
who
keeps
understanding
shall
find
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}A
false
witness
shall
not
be
unpunished.
\par }{\QB He
who
utters
lies
shall
perish.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Delicate living
is
not
appropriate
for
a
fool,
\par }{\QB much
less
for
a
servant
to
have
rule
over
princes.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
discretion
of
a
man
makes
him
slow
to
anger.
\par }{\QB It
is
his
glory
to
overlook
an offence.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}The
king’s
wrath
is
like
the
roaring
of
a
lion,
\par }{\QB but
his favour
is
like
dew
on
the
grass.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}A
foolish
son
is
the
calamity
of
his
father.
\par }{\QB A
wife’s quarrels
are
a continual
dripping.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}House
and
riches
are
an
inheritance
from
fathers,
\par }{\QB but
a prudent
wife
is
from
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Slothfulness
casts
into
a
deep
sleep.
\par }{\QB The idle
soul
shall
suffer
hunger.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}He
who
keeps
the
commandment
keeps
his
soul,
\par }{\QB but he
who
is contemptuous
in
his
ways
shall
die.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He
who
has
pity
on
the
poor
lends
to
the
LORD;
\par }{\QB he
will
reward
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Discipline
your
son,
for
there
is
hope;
\par }{\QB don’t
be
a willing party
to
his
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}A
hot-tempered man
must pay
the
penalty,
\par }{\QB for
if
you
rescue
him,
you
must
do
it
again.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Listen
to
counsel
and
receive
instruction,
\par }{\QB that
you
may
be
wise
in
your
latter
end.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}There
are
many
plans
in
a
man’s
heart,
\par }{\QB but
the
LORD’s
counsel
will prevail.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}That which makes
a
man
to
be
desired
is
his
kindness.
\par }{\QB A
poor
man
is
better
than
a liar.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
fear
of
the
LORD
leads
to
life,
then contentment;
\par }{\QB he rests
and
will
not
be touched
by
trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
sluggard
buries
his
hand
in
the
dish;
\par }{\QB he
will
not
so
much
as
bring
it
to
his
mouth
again.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Flog
a scoffer,
and
the simple
will learn prudence;
\par }{\QB rebuke
one
who
has
understanding,
and
he
will
gain
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}He
who robs
his
father
and
drives
away
his
mother
\par }{\QB is
a
son
who causes
shame
and
brings reproach.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}If
you
stop
listening
to
instruction,
my
son,
\par }{\QB you
will
stray
from
the
words
of
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}A corrupt
witness mocks
justice,
\par }{\QB and
the
mouth
of
the
wicked gulps down
iniquity.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}Penalties
are
prepared
for scoffers,
\par }{\QB and beatings
for
the backs of
fools.
\par }{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{20}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wine
is
a mocker
and
beer
is
a
brawler.
\par }{\QB Whoever
is led
astray
by them
is
not
wise.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}The
terror
of
a
king
is
like
the
roaring
of
a
lion.
\par }{\QB He
who provokes
him
to
anger
forfeits
his
own
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}It
is
an honour
for
a
man
to keep aloof
from
strife,
\par }{\QB but
every
fool
will
be quarrelling.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
sluggard
will
not plough
by reason
of
the
winter;
\par }{\QB therefore
he
shall
beg
in
harvest,
and
have
nothing.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Counsel
in
the
heart
of
man
is
like
deep
water,
\par }{\QB but
a
man
of
understanding
will draw
it
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many
men claim
to
be
men
of unfailing
love,
\par }{\QB but
who
can
find
a
faithful
man?
\par }{\Q \VS{7}A
righteous
man
walks
in
integrity.
\par }{\QB Blessed
are
his
children
after
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}A
king
who
sits
on
the
throne
of judgement
\par }{\QB scatters
away
all
evil
with
his
eyes.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Who
can
say, “I have made
my
heart
pure.
\par }{\QB I am
clean
and without
sin?”
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Differing
weights
and
differing
measures,
\par }{\QB both
of
them
alike
are
an
abomination
to
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Even
a
child makes
himself known
by
his
doings,
\par }{\QB whether
his
work
is
pure,
and
whether
it
is
right.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}The
hearing
ear,
and
the
seeing
eye,
\par }{\QB the
LORD
has
made
even
both
of
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Don’t
love
sleep,
lest
you
come
to
poverty.
\par }{\QB Open
your
eyes,
and
you shall
be
satisfied
with
bread.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}“It’s no good, it’s no good,”
says
the
buyer;
\par }{\QB but
when
he
is
gone
his
way,
then
he
boasts.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}There
is
gold
and
abundance
of rubies,
\par }{\QB but
the
lips
of
knowledge
are
a rare
jewel.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Take
the
garment
of
one
who
puts up
collateral
for
a
stranger;
\par }{\QB and hold
him
in pledge
for
a wayward
woman.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Fraudulent
food
is
sweet
to
a
man,
\par }{\QB but
afterwards
his
mouth
is
filled
with
gravel.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Plans
are
established
by
advice;
\par }{\QB by
wise
guidance
you
wage
war!
\par }{\Q \VS{19}He
who
goes
about
as
a tale-bearer
reveals
secrets;
\par }{\QB therefore
don’t keep
company
with
him
who
opens wide
his
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Whoever
curses
his
father
or
his
mother,
\par }{\QB his
lamp
shall
be
put
out
in blackness
of
darkness.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}An
inheritance quickly gained
at
the
beginning
\par }{\QB won’t
be
blessed
in
the
end.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Don’t
say, “I
will
pay
back
evil.”
\par }{\QB Wait
for
the
LORD,
and
he
will
save
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
LORD detests
differing
weights,
\par }{\QB and
dishonest
scales
are
not pleasing.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}A
man’s
steps
are
from
the
LORD;
\par }{\QB how
then
can
man
understand
his
way?
\par }{\Q \VS{25}It
is a
snare
to a
man
to
make a rash dedication,
\par }{\QB then
later
to consider
his
vows.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}A
wise
king
winnows
out
the
wicked,
\par }{\QB and
drives
the threshing
wheel
over
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}The
spirit
of
man
is
the
LORD’s
lamp,
\par }{\QB searching
all
his
innermost
parts.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Love
and
faithfulness
keep
the
king safe.
\par }{\QB His
throne
is sustained
by
love.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}The
glory
of
young
men is
their
strength.
\par }{\QB The splendour
of
old
men is
their grey
hair.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}Wounding
blows
cleanse
away
evil,
\par }{\QB and
beatings purge
the
innermost
parts.
\par }{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{21}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The
king’s
heart
is
in
the
LORD’s
hand
like
the watercourses.
\par }{\QB He
turns
it
wherever
he
desires.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Every
way
of
a
man
is
right
in
his
own
eyes,
\par }{\QB but
the
LORD
weighs
the
hearts.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}To
do
righteousness
and
justice
\par }{\QB is more acceptable
to
the
LORD than
sacrifice.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}A high
look
and
a
proud
heart,
\par }{\QB the lamp
of
the
wicked,
is
sin.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}The
plans
of
the diligent
surely
lead
to
profit;
\par }{\QB and
everyone
who
is
hasty
surely rushes
to
poverty.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Getting
treasures
by
a
lying
tongue
\par }{\QB is
a
fleeting vapour
for those who
seek
death.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
violence
of
the
wicked
will drive
them
away,
\par }{\QB because
they
refuse
to
do
what
is
right.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}The
way
of
the
guilty
is devious,
\par }{\QB but
the
conduct
of
the innocent
is
upright.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}It
is
better
to
dwell
in
the
corner
of
the
housetop
\par }{\QB than
to share
a
house
with
a contentious
woman.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}The
soul
of
the
wicked
desires
evil;
\par }{\QB his neighbour finds
no
mercy
in
his
eyes.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}When
the mocker
is
punished,
the simple gains
wisdom.
\par }{\QB When
the
wise
is instructed,
he
receives
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}The
Righteous
One
considers
the
house
of
the
wicked,
\par }{\QB and brings
the
wicked
to ruin.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoever
stops
his
ears
at
the
cry
of
the
poor,
\par }{\QB he
will
also
cry out,
but
shall
not
be heard.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}A
gift
in secret pacifies
anger,
\par }{\QB and
a
bribe
in
the cloak,
strong
wrath.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}It
is
joy
to
the
righteous
to
do
justice;
\par }{\QB but
it
is
a
destruction
to
the
workers
of
iniquity.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}The
man
who
wanders out
of
the
way
of
understanding
\par }{\QB shall
rest
in
the
assembly
of
the
departed
spirits.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}He
who
loves
pleasure
will
be
a
poor
man.
\par }{\QB He
who
loves
wine
and
oil
won’t
be
rich.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}The
wicked
is
a
ransom
for
the
righteous,
\par }{\QB the
treacherous
for
the
upright.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}It
is
better
to
dwell
in
a
desert
land,
\par }{\QB than
with
a
contentious
and fretful
woman.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}There
is
precious
treasure
and
oil
in
the
dwelling
of
the
wise,
\par }{\QB but
a
foolish
man
swallows it
up.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}He
who
follows
after
righteousness
and
kindness
\par }{\QB finds
life,
righteousness,
and honour.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}A
wise
man
scales
the
city
of
the
mighty,
\par }{\QB and
brings
down
the
strength
of
its
confidence.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Whoever
guards
his
mouth
and
his
tongue
\par }{\QB keeps
his
soul
from troubles.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
proud
and
arrogant man—“Scoffer”
is
his
name—
\par }{\QB he
works
in
the
arrogance
of
pride.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The
desire
of
the
sluggard
kills
him,
\par }{\QB for
his
hands
refuse
to labour.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}There
are
those
who covet
greedily
all
day
long;
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
give
and
don’t
withhold.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}The
sacrifice
of
the
wicked
is
an
abomination—
\par }{\QB how
much
more,
when
he
brings
it
with
a
wicked mind!
\par }{\Q \VS{28}A
false
witness
will
perish.
\par }{\QB A
man
who
listens
speaks
to eternity.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}A
wicked
man hardens
his
face;
\par }{\QB but
as
for
the
upright,
he
establishes
his
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{30}There
is
no
wisdom
nor
understanding
\par }{\QB nor
counsel
against
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}The
horse
is
prepared
for
the
day
of
battle;
\par }{\QB but
victory
is
with
the
LORD.
\par }{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{22}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
good
name
is
more desirable
than
great
riches,
\par }{\QB and loving favour
is
better
than
silver
and
gold.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}The
rich
and
the
poor
have
this
in
common:
\par }{\QB The
LORD
is
the maker
of
them
all.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}A
prudent
man
sees
danger
and
hides himself;
\par }{\QB but
the simple
pass
on,
and suffer
for
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The result
of
humility
and
the
fear
of
the
LORD
\par }{\QB is
wealth, honour,
and
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Thorns
and
snares
are
in
the
path
of
the wicked;
\par }{\QB whoever
guards
his
soul stays
from
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Train
up
a
child
in
the
way
he
should
go,
\par }{\QB and
when
he
is
old
he
will
not
depart
from
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
rich
rule
over
the
poor.
\par }{\QB The borrower
is
servant
to
the lender.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}He who
sows
wickedness reaps
trouble,
\par }{\QB and
the
rod
of
his
fury
will be
destroyed.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}He
who
has
a generous
eye
will
be
blessed,
\par }{\QB for
he shares
his
food
with
the
poor.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Drive
out
the mocker,
and
strife
will
go
out;
\par }{\QB yes, quarrels
and insults
will stop.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}He
who
loves
purity
of
heart
and speaks gracefully
\par }{\QB is
the
king’s
friend.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}The
LORD’s
eyes
watch
over
knowledge,
\par }{\QB but
he frustrates
the
words
of
the unfaithful.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}The
sluggard
says, “There
is
a
lion
outside!
\par }{\QB I will be
killed
in
the
streets!”
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
mouth
of
an adulteress
is
a
deep
pit.
\par }{\QB He
who
is under
the
LORD’s wrath
will
fall
into
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Folly
is
bound
up
in
the
heart
of
a
child;
\par }{\QB the
rod
of
discipline drives
it
far
from
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Whoever
oppresses
the
poor
for
his own
increase
and
whoever
gives
to
the
rich,
\par }{\QB both come
to
poverty.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{17}Turn
your
ear,
and
listen
to
the
words
of
the
wise.
\par }{\QB Apply
your
heart
to
my teaching.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}For
it
is
a
pleasant
thing
if
you
keep
them
within
you,
\par }{\QB if
all
of
them
are
ready
on
your
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}I
teach
you
today,
even
you,
\par }{\QB so
that
your
trust
may
be
in
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Haven’t
I
written
to
you thirty excellent
things
\par }{\QB of counsel
and
knowledge,
\par }{\Q \VS{21}To
teach
you
truth, reliable
words,
\par }{\QB to
give sound
answers
to
the ones who
sent
you?
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{22}Don’t
exploit
the
poor
because
he
is
poor;
\par }{\QB and
don’t
crush
the
needy
in
court;
\par }{\Q \VS{23}for
the
LORD
will
plead
their
case,
\par }{\QB and plunder
the
life
of
those
who plunder
them.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{24}Don’t befriend
a
hot-tempered
man.
\par }{\QB Don’t
associate
with
one
who harbours
anger,
\par }{\Q \VS{25}lest
you
learn
his
ways
\par }{\QB and ensnare
your
soul.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{26}Don’t
you
be
one
of
those who strike
hands,
\par }{\QB of
those who
are
collateral
for
debts.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}If
you
don’t
have
means
to
pay,
\par }{\QB why
should
he
take
away
your
bed
from
under
you?
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{28}Don’t
move
the
ancient
boundary
stone
\par }{\QB which
your
fathers
have
set up.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{29}Do
you
see
a
man
skilled
in
his
work?
\par }{\QB He
will
serve
kings.
\par }{\QB He won’t
serve
obscure
men.
\par }{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{23}{\Q \VerseOne{1}When
you
sit
to
eat
with
a
ruler,
\par }{\QB consider
diligently
what
is
before
you;
\par }{\Q \VS{2}put
a
knife
to
your
throat
\par }{\QB if
you
are
a
man given
to
appetite.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Don’t
be desirous
of
his dainties,
\par }{\QB since
they are deceitful
food.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Don’t
weary yourself
to
be
rich.
\par }{\QB In
your wisdom, show restraint.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Why
do
you
set
your
eyes
on
that
which
is
not?
\par }{\QB For
it
certainly sprouts
wings
like
an
eagle
and
flies
in
the
sky.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Don’t
eat
the
food
of
him who
has
a stingy
eye,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
crave
his
delicacies,
\par }{\QB \VS{7}for
as
he
thinks about
the cost,
so
he
is.
\par }{\QB “Eat
and
drink!”
he
says
to
you,
\par }{\QB but
his
heart
is
not
with
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}You
will
vomit
up
the
morsel
which
you
have
eaten
\par }{\QB and
waste
your
pleasant
words.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{9}Don’t
speak
in
the
ears
of
a
fool,
\par }{\QB for
he
will
despise
the
wisdom
of
your
words.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{10}Don’t
move
the
ancient
boundary stone.
\par }{\QB Don’t
encroach
on
the
fields
of
the
fatherless,
\par }{\Q \VS{11}for
their Defender
is
strong.
\par }{\QB He
will
plead
their
case
against
you.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{12}Apply
your
heart
to
instruction,
\par }{\QB and
your
ears
to
the
words
of
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Don’t
withhold
correction
from
a
child.
\par }{\QB If
you punish
him
with
the
rod,
he
will
not
die.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Punish
him
with
the
rod,
\par }{\QB and
save
his
soul
from
Sheol.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 23:14 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{15}My
son,
if
your
heart
is
wise,
\par }{\QB then
my
heart
will
be
glad,
even mine.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Yes,
my
heart
will
rejoice
\par }{\QB when
your
lips
speak
what
is
right.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Don’t
let
your
heart
envy
sinners,
\par }{\QB but
rather
fear
the
LORD
all
day
long.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Indeed
surely
there
is
a
future
hope,
\par }{\QB and
your
hope
will
not
be
cut
off.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Listen,
my
son,
and
be
wise,
\par }{\QB and
keep
your
heart
on
the right
path!
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Don’t
be amongst ones drinking too much
wine,
\par }{\QB or
those who gorge themselves
on
meat;
\par }{\Q \VS{21}for
the drunkard
and
the glutton shall
become
poor;
\par }{\QB and
drowsiness
clothes
them
in
rags.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Listen
to
your
father
who
gave
you life,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
despise
your
mother
when
she
is
old.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Buy
the
truth,
and
don’t
sell
it.
\par }{\QB Get
wisdom,
discipline,
and
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}The
father
of
the
righteous
has great
joy.
\par }{\QB Whoever
fathers
a
wise
child delights
in
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let
your
father
and
your
mother
be
glad!
\par }{\QB Let
her
who
bore
you
rejoice!
\par }{\Q \VS{26}My
son,
give
me
your
heart;
\par }{\QB and
let
your
eyes keep
in
my
ways.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}For
a
prostitute
is
a
deep
pit;
\par }{\QB and
a wayward wife
is
a narrow
well.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Yes,
she
lies
in
wait
like
a
robber,
\par }{\QB and
increases
the unfaithful amongst
men.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{29}Who
has
woe?
\par }{\QB Who
has
sorrow?
\par }{\QB Who
has
strife?
\par }{\QB Who
has complaints?
\par }{\QB Who
has needless
bruises?
\par }{\QB Who
has bloodshot
eyes?
\par }{\Q \VS{30}Those who
stay
long
at
the
wine;
\par }{\QB those who
go
to seek
out
mixed
wine.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Don’t
look
at
the
wine
when
it
is
red,
\par }{\QB when
it sparkles
in
the cup,
\par }{\QB when
it
goes
down
smoothly.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}In
the
end,
it bites like a
snake,
\par }{\QB and poisons like a viper.
\par }{\Q \VS{33}Your
eyes
will
see
strange
things,
\par }{\QB and
your
mind
will imagine confusing
things.
\par }{\Q \VS{34}Yes,
you
will
be
as
he who
lies
down
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
\par }{\QB or
as
he who
lies
on
top
of
the rigging:
\par }{\Q \VS{35}“They
hit
me,
and
I
was
not hurt!
\par }{\QB They
beat
me,
and
I don’t feel
it!
\par }{\QB When
will
I
wake up?
I
can
do
it
again.
\par }{\QB I
will
look
for
more.”
\par }{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{24}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Don’t
be
envious
of
evil
men,
\par }{\QB neither
desire
to
be
with
them;
\par }{\Q \VS{2}for
their
hearts plot
violence
\par }{\QB and
their
lips
talk
about
mischief.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Through
wisdom
a
house
is
built;
\par }{\QB by
understanding
it
is
established;
\par }{\Q \VS{4}by
knowledge
the
rooms
are
filled
\par }{\QB with
all
rare
and beautiful treasure.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A
wise
man
has great
power.
\par }{\QB A knowledgeable
man
increases
strength,
\par }{\Q \VS{6}for
by
wise
guidance
you
wage
your
war,
\par }{\QB and
victory
is
in
many advisors.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom
is
too
high
for
a
fool.
\par }{\QB He
doesn’t
open
his
mouth
in
the
gate.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}One
who
plots
to do
evil
\par }{\QB will be
called
a schemer.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}The
schemes
of
folly
are
sin.
\par }{\QB The mocker
is detested
by
men.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}If
you falter
in
the
time
of
trouble,
\par }{\QB your
strength
is small.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Rescue those who are being led
away
to
death!
\par }{\QB Indeed,
hold
back those who are
staggering
to
the
slaughter!
\par }{\Q \VS{12}If
you
say, “Behold,
we
didn’t
know
this,”
\par }{\QB doesn’t
he
who
weighs
the
hearts
consider
it?
\par }{\Q He
who
keeps
your
soul,
doesn’t
he
know
it?
\par }{\QB Shall
he
not
render
to every
man according
to
his
work?
\par }{\Q \VS{13}My
son,
eat
honey,
for
it
is
good,
\par }{\QB the droppings
of
the honeycomb, which
are
sweet
to
your
taste;
\par }{\Q \VS{14}so
you
shall
know
wisdom
to
be
to
your
soul.
\par }{\QB If
you
have
found
it,
then
there
will
be
a reward:
\par }{\QB Your
hope
will
not
be
cut
off.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}Don’t
lay
in
wait,
wicked
man, against
the habitation
of
the
righteous.
\par }{\QB Don’t
destroy
his
resting
place;
\par }{\Q \VS{16}for
a
righteous
man
falls
seven
times
and
rises
up
again,
\par }{\QB but
the
wicked
are
overthrown
by
calamity.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Don’t
rejoice
when
your
enemy
falls.
\par }{\QB Don’t
let
your
heart
be
glad
when
he
is
overthrown,
\par }{\Q \VS{18}lest
the
LORD
see
it,
and
it displease
him,
\par }{\QB and
he
turn
away
his
wrath
from
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Don’t
fret yourself because
of evildoers,
\par }{\QB neither
be
envious
of
the
wicked;
\par }{\Q \VS{20}for
there
will
be
no reward
to
the
evil
man.
\par }{\QB The
lamp
of
the
wicked
will
be snuffed
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}My
son,
fear
the
LORD
and
the
king.
\par }{\QB Don’t
join
those
who
are rebellious,
\par }{\Q \VS{22}for
their
calamity
will
rise
suddenly.
\par }{\QB Who
knows
what
destruction
may
come
from
them
both?
\par }{\BB \par }{\PP \VS{23}These
also
are sayings
of
the
wise:
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q To
show
partiality
in judgement
is
not
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}He
who
says
to
the
wicked, “You
are
righteous,”
\par }{\QB peoples
will curse
him,
and
nations
will
abhor
him—
\par }{\Q \VS{25}but
it
will
go
well
with
those
who convict
the guilty,
\par }{\QB and
a rich
blessing
will
come
on
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}An honest
answer
\par }{\QB is
like
a kiss
on
the
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}Prepare
your
work
outside,
\par }{\QB and
get
your
fields
ready.
\par }{\QB Afterwards,
build
your
house.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Don’t
be
a
witness
against
your neighbour
without
cause.
\par }{\QB Don’t deceive
with
your
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{29}Don’t
say, “I
will
do
to
him
as
he
has
done
to
me;
\par }{\QB I
will
repay
the
man
according
to
his
work.”
\par }{\Q \VS{30}I
went
by
the
field
of
the
sluggard,
\par }{\QB by
the
vineyard
of
the
man void
of
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Behold,
it
was
all grown
over
with thorns.
\par }{\QB Its
surface
was
covered
with
nettles,
\par }{\QB and
its
stone
wall
was
broken
down.
\par }{\Q \VS{32}Then
I
saw,
and
considered
well.
\par }{\QB I
saw,
and
received
instruction:
\par }{\Q \VS{33}a
little
sleep,
a
little
slumber,
\par }{\QB a
little
folding
of
the
hands
to
sleep,
\par }{\Q \VS{34}so
your
poverty
will
come
as
a
robber
\par }{\QB and
your
want
as
an
armed
man.

\par }\Chap{25}{\PP \VerseOne{1}These
also
are
proverbs
of
Solomon,
which
the
men
of
Hezekiah
king
of
Judah
copied
out.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}It
is
the
glory
of
God
to
conceal
a
thing,
\par }{\QB but
the
glory
of
kings
is
to
search
out
a
matter.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}As
the
heavens
for
height,
and
the
earth
for
depth,
\par }{\QB so
the
hearts
of
kings
are unsearchable.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Take
away
the
dross
from
the
silver,
\par }{\QB and material
comes
out
for
the refiner.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Take
away
the
wicked
from
the
king’s
presence,
\par }{\QB and
his
throne
will
be
established
in
righteousness.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Don’t exalt yourself
in
the
presence
of
the
king,
\par }{\QB or
claim
a
place amongst
great
men;
\par }{\Q \VS{7}for
it
is
better
that
it
be
said
to
you, “Come
up
here,”
\par }{\QB than
that
you
should
be
put
lower
in
the
presence
of
the
prince,
\par }{\QB whom
your
eyes
have
seen.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Don’t
be hasty
in
bringing charges
to
court.
\par }{\QB What
will
you
do
in
the
end
when
your neighbour shames
you?
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Debate
your
case
with
your neighbour,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
betray
the confidence
of
another,
\par }{\QB \VS{10}lest
one
who
hears
it
put
you
to shame,
\par }{\QB and
your
bad reputation
never depart.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{11}A
word fitly
spoken
\par }{\QB is
like
apples
of
gold
in
settings
of
silver.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}As
an
earring
of
gold,
and
an
ornament
of
fine
gold,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
wise
reprover
to
an
obedient
ear.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}As
the cold
of
snow
in
the
time
of
harvest,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
faithful
messenger
to
those
who
send
him;
\par }{\QB for
he
refreshes
the
soul
of
his
masters.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}As clouds
and
wind
without
rain,
\par }{\QB so
is
he
who boasts
of
gifts deceptively.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}By patience
a
ruler
is persuaded.
\par }{\QB A
soft
tongue
breaks
the
bone.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Have
you
found
honey?
\par }{\QB Eat
as much
as
is
sufficient
for
you,
\par }{\QB lest
you
eat too much,
and
vomit
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let
your
foot
be seldom
in
your neighbour’s
house,
\par }{\QB lest
he
be
weary
of
you,
and
hate
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}A
man
who gives
false
testimony
against
his neighbour
\par }{\QB is
like
a
club,
a
sword,
or
a
sharp
arrow.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Confidence
in someone unfaithful
in
time
of
trouble
\par }{\QB is
like
a bad
tooth
or
a lame
foot.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}As one
who takes
away
a
garment
in
cold weather,
\par }{\QB or
vinegar
on
soda,
\par }{\QB so
is one
who
sings
songs
to
a heavy
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}If
your
enemy
is
hungry,
give
him
food
to
eat.
\par }{\QB If
he
is
thirsty,
give
him
water
to
drink;
\par }{\Q \VS{22}for
you
will
heap
coals
of fire
on
his
head,
\par }{\QB and
the
LORD
will
reward
you.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}The
north
wind produces
rain;
\par }{\QB so
a backbiting
tongue brings
an
angry
face.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}It
is
better
to
dwell
in
the
corner
of
the
housetop
\par }{\QB than
to share
a
house
with
a
contentious
woman.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Like
cold
water
to
a thirsty
soul,
\par }{\QB so
is
good
news
from
a
far
country.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}Like
a muddied
spring
and
a
polluted
well,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
righteous
man
who
gives
way
before
the
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}It
is
not
good
to
eat
much
honey,
\par }{\QB nor
is
it honourable
to
seek
one’s own honour.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Like
a
city
that
is
broken
down
and
without
walls
\par }{\QB is
a
man
whose
spirit
is
without restraint.

\par }\PoetryChap{26}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Like
snow
in
summer,
and
as
rain
in
harvest,
\par }{\QB so honour
is
not
fitting
for
a
fool.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Like
a fluttering
sparrow,
\par }{\QB like
a darting
swallow,
\par }{\QB so
the undeserved
curse
doesn’t
come
to rest.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}A
whip
is for
the
horse,
\par }{\QB a
bridle for
the
donkey,
\par }{\QB and a
rod for
the back
of
fools!
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Don’t
answer
a
fool according
to
his
folly,
\par }{\QB lest
you
also
be like him.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Answer
a
fool according
to
his
folly,
\par }{\QB lest he
be
wise
in
his
own
eyes.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}One
who
sends
a
message
by
the
hand
of
a
fool
\par }{\QB is
cutting
off
feet
and
drinking
violence.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Like
the
legs
of
the
lame
that
hang loose,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
parable
in
the
mouth
of
fools.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}As
one
who binds
a
stone
in
a
sling,
\par }{\QB so
is
he
who
gives honour
to
a
fool.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Like
a
thorn
bush
that
goes
into
the
hand
of
a
drunkard,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
parable
in
the
mouth
of
fools.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}As an archer
who wounds
all,
\par }{\QB so
is
he
who
hires
a
fool
\par }{\QB or
he
who
hires
those
who
pass
by.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}As
a
dog
that
returns
to
his
vomit,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
fool
who
repeats
his
folly.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}Do
you
see
a
man
wise
in
his
own
eyes?
\par }{\QB There
is
more
hope
for
a
fool
than
for
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}The
sluggard
says, “There
is
a
lion
in
the
road!
\par }{\QB A fierce
lion roams
the
streets!”
\par }{\Q \VS{14}As
the
door
turns
on
its hinges,
\par }{\QB so does
the
sluggard
on
his
bed.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}The
sluggard
buries
his
hand
in
the
dish.
\par }{\QB He
is too
lazy
to
bring
it
back
to
his
mouth.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}The
sluggard
is
wiser
in
his
own
eyes
\par }{\QB than
seven
men
who
answer
with
discretion.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Like
one
who grabs
a
dog’s
ears
\par }{\QB is
one
who
passes
by
and meddles
in
a
quarrel
not
his
own.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Like a madman who shoots torches,
arrows,
and
death,
\par }{\QB \VS{19}is
the
man
who deceives
his neighbour
and
says, “Am
I
not
joking?”
\par }{\Q \VS{20}For
lack
of
wood
a
fire
goes
out.
\par }{\QB Without
gossip,
a quarrel dies
down.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}As
coals
are
to
hot
embers,
\par }{\QB and
wood
to
fire,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
contentious
man
to kindling
strife.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}The
words
of
a whisperer
are
as
dainty
morsels,
\par }{\QB they
go
down
into
the
innermost
parts.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Like
silver
dross
on
an
earthen
vessel
\par }{\QB are
the
lips
of
a
fervent one
with
an
evil
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}A malicious man disguises
himself
with
his
lips,
\par }{\QB but
he harbours evil
in
his
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}When
his speech
is charming,
don’t
believe
him,
\par }{\QB for there
are
seven
abominations
in
his
heart.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}His malice
may be concealed
by deception,
\par }{\QB but
his
wickedness
will be
exposed
in
the
assembly.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}Whoever
digs
a
pit
shall
fall
into
it.
\par }{\QB Whoever
rolls
a
stone,
it
will
come
back
on
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}A
lying
tongue
hates
those
it hurts;
\par }{\QB and
a
flattering
mouth
works
ruin.

\par }\PoetryChap{27}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Don’t
boast
about
tomorrow;
\par }{\QB for
you
don’t
know
what
a
day
may
bring.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Let
another man
praise
you,
\par }{\QB and
not
your own
mouth;
\par }{\QB a
stranger,
and
not
your own
lips.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}A
stone
is
heavy,
\par }{\QB and
sand
is
a burden;
\par }{\QB but
a
fool’s provocation
is
heavier than
both.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wrath
is cruel,
\par }{\QB and
anger
is overwhelming;
\par }{\QB but
who
is able
to
stand
before
jealousy?
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Better
is
open
rebuke
\par }{\QB than
hidden
love.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}The
wounds
of
a
friend are
faithful,
\par }{\QB although
the
kisses
of an
enemy are profuse.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}A
full
soul
loathes
a honeycomb;
\par }{\QB but
to
a
hungry
soul,
every
bitter
thing
is
sweet.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}As
a
bird
that
wanders
from
her
nest,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
man
who
wanders
from
his
home.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Perfume
and
incense bring
joy
to
the
heart;
\par }{\QB so
does earnest
counsel
from
a
man’s
friend.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Don’t
forsake
your
friend
and
your
father’s
friend.
\par }{\QB Don’t
go
to
your
brother’s
house
in
the
day
of
your
disaster.
\par }{\QB A neighbour
who
is
near
is
better
than
a
distant
brother.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}Be
wise,
my
son,
\par }{\QB and
bring
joy
to
my
heart,
\par }{\QB then
I
can
answer
my tormentor.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}A
prudent
man
sees
danger
and takes refuge;
\par }{\QB but
the simple
pass
on,
and suffer
for
it.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take
his
garment
when
he
puts up
collateral
for
a
stranger.
\par }{\QB Hold
it
for
a wayward
woman!
\par }{\Q \VS{14}He who
blesses
his neighbour
with
a
loud
voice
early
in
the
morning,
\par }{\QB it
will
be taken
as
a
curse
by
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}A continual dropping
on
a rainy
day
\par }{\QB and
a
contentious
wife
are alike:
\par }{\Q \VS{16}restraining
her
is
like restraining
the
wind,
\par }{\QB or
like grasping
oil
in
his
right
hand.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{17}Iron
sharpens
iron;
\par }{\QB so
a
man
sharpens
his
friend’s
countenance.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Whoever
tends
the
fig
tree
shall
eat
its
fruit.
\par }{\QB He
who looks
after
his
master
shall
be honoured.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}Like
water reflects
a
face,
\par }{\QB so
a
man’s
heart reflects
the
man.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Sheol\FTNT{*}{{\FR 27:20 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
and Abaddon
are
never
satisfied;
\par }{\QB and
a
man’s
eyes
are
never
satisfied.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}The
crucible
is
for
silver,
\par }{\QB and
the
furnace
for
gold;
\par }{\QB but
man
is refined
by
his
praise.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}Though
you grind
a
fool
in
a
mortar
with
a
pestle
along
with
grain,
\par }{\QB yet
his
foolishness
will
not
be
removed
from
him.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{23}Know
well
the state
of
your
flocks,
\par }{\QB and
pay
attention
to
your
herds,
\par }{\Q \VS{24}for
riches
are
not
forever,
\par }{\QB nor
does
the
crown
endure
to
all
generations.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The hay
is
removed,
and
the
new
growth
appears,
\par }{\QB the grasses
of
the
hills
are
gathered
in.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}The
lambs are
for your
clothing,
\par }{\QB and
the
goats are
the
price
of
a
field.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}There
will
be
plenty
of
goats’
milk
for
your
food,
\par }{\QB for
your family’s
food,
\par }{\QB and
for
the nourishment
of
your servant
girls.

\par }\PoetryChap{28}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The
wicked
flee
when
no
one
pursues;
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
are
as
bold
as
a
lion.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}In
rebellion,
a
land
has
many
rulers,
\par }{\QB but order
is maintained
by
a
man
of
understanding
and
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}A needy
man
who
oppresses
the
poor
\par }{\QB is like
a
driving
rain
which
leaves
no crops.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Those
who
forsake
the
law
praise
the
wicked;
\par }{\QB but those
who
keep
the
law
contend
with
them.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}Evil
men
don’t
understand
justice;
\par }{\QB but
those
who
seek
the
LORD
understand
it fully.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Better
is
the
poor
who
walks
in
his
integrity
\par }{\QB than
he
who
is
perverse
in
his
ways,
and
he
is
rich.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Whoever
keeps
the
law
is
a wise
son;
\par }{\QB but
he
who
is
a companion
of gluttons shames
his
father.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}He who
increases his
wealth
by excessive
interest
\par }{\QB gathers
it for one who has
pity
on
the
poor.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}He
who
turns
away
his
ear
from
hearing
the
law,
\par }{\QB even
his
prayer
is
an
abomination.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Whoever causes
the
upright
to
go
astray
in
an
evil
way,
\par }{\QB he
will
fall
into
his
own trap;
\par }{\QB but
the
blameless
will
inherit
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
rich
man
is
wise
in
his
own
eyes;
\par }{\QB but
the
poor
who
has
understanding
sees
through
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}When
the
righteous
triumph, there
is
great
glory;
\par }{\QB but
when
the
wicked
rise,
men
hide themselves.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}He
who
conceals
his sins
doesn’t
prosper,
\par }{\QB but whoever
confesses
and renounces
them
finds
mercy.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}Blessed
is
the
man
who
always
fears;
\par }{\QB but
one
who
hardens
his
heart
falls
into
trouble.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}As
a
roaring
lion
or
a charging
bear,
\par }{\QB so
is
a
wicked
ruler
over helpless
people.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}A tyrannical
ruler
lacks judgement.
\par }{\QB One
who
hates ill-gotten
gain
will
have
long
days.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}A
man
who
is tormented
by
blood
guilt
will
be
a
fugitive
until
death.
\par }{\QB No
one
will
support
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Whoever
walks
blamelessly
is kept
safe;
\par }{\QB but
one
with perverse
ways
will
fall suddenly.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}One who
works
his
land
will
have an
abundance
of
food;
\par }{\QB but one who
chases fantasies
will
have
his
fill
of
poverty.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}A
faithful
man
is
rich
with
blessings;
\par }{\QB but
one
who
is eager
to
be
rich
will
not
go
unpunished.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}To
show
partiality
is
not
good,
\par }{\QB yet
a
man
will do wrong
for
a
piece
of
bread.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}A stingy
man hurries
after
riches,
\par }{\QB and
doesn’t
know
that
poverty waits
for
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}One
who
rebukes
a
man
will
afterward
find more favour
\par }{\QB than
one
who flatters
with
the
tongue.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whoever
robs
his
father
or
his
mother
and
says, “It’s
not wrong,”
\par }{\QB is
a partner
with
a
destroyer.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}One
who
is greedy
stirs
up
strife;
\par }{\QB but
one
who
trusts
in
the
LORD
will
prosper.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}One
who
trusts
in
himself
is
a
fool;
\par }{\QB but
one
who
walks
in
wisdom
is kept safe.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}One
who
gives
to
the
poor
has
no
lack;
\par }{\QB but
one
who closes
his
eyes
will
have
many
curses.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}When
the
wicked
rise,
men
hide themselves;
\par }{\QB but
when they
perish,
the
righteous thrive.

\par }\PoetryChap{29}{\Q \VerseOne{1}He
who
is often rebuked
and stiffens
his
neck
\par }{\QB will
be
destroyed
suddenly,
with
no
remedy.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}When
the
righteous thrive,
the
people
rejoice;
\par }{\QB but
when
the
wicked
rule,
the
people
groan.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Whoever
loves
wisdom brings
joy
to
his
father;
\par }{\QB but
a companion
of
prostitutes squanders
his
wealth.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}The
king
by
justice makes
the
land stable,
\par }{\QB but
he
who
takes
bribes
tears
it
down.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}A
man
who flatters
his neighbour
\par }{\QB spreads
a
net
for
his
feet.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}An
evil
man
is snared
by
his sin,
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
can
sing
and
be
glad.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}The
righteous care
about
justice
for
the
poor.
\par }{\QB The
wicked aren’t
concerned
about
knowledge.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Mockers stir up
a
city,
\par }{\QB but
wise
men
turn
away
anger.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}If
a
wise
man
goes
to court
with
a
foolish
man,
\par }{\QB the
fool
rages
or scoffs,
and
there
is
no
peace.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}The bloodthirsty
hate
a
man
of
integrity;
\par }{\QB and
they
seek
the
life
of
the
upright.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}A
fool vents
all
of
his
anger,
\par }{\QB but
a
wise
man
brings himself under control.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}If
a
ruler
listens
to
lies,
\par }{\QB all
of
his officials
are
wicked.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}The
poor
man
and
the oppressor
have
this
in
common:
\par }{\QB The
LORD
gives
sight
to
the
eyes
of
both.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}The
king
who fairly
judges
the
poor,
\par }{\QB his
throne
shall
be
established
forever.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}The
rod
of
correction
gives
wisdom,
\par }{\QB but
a
child
left
to himself
causes
shame
to
his
mother.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}When
the
wicked
increase, sin
increases;
\par }{\QB but
the
righteous
will
see
their downfall.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Correct
your
son,
and
he
will
give
you
peace;
\par }{\QB yes,
he
will
bring
delight
to
your
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}Where
there
is
no revelation,
the
people cast off restraint;
\par }{\QB but
one
who
keeps
the
law
is
blessed.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}A
servant
can’t
be corrected
by
words.
\par }{\QB Though
he
understands,
yet
he
will
not respond.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Do
you
see
a
man
who
is
hasty
in
his
words?
\par }{\QB There
is
more
hope
for
a
fool
than
for
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}He
who
pampers
his
servant
from
youth
\par }{\QB will
have
him
become
a
son
in
the
end.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}An
angry
man
stirs
up
strife,
\par }{\QB and
a
wrathful
man abounds
in sin.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}A
man’s
pride
brings
him
low,
\par }{\QB but
one
of
lowly
spirit
gains honour.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whoever
is
an accomplice
of
a
thief
is
an
enemy
of
his
own
soul.
\par }{\QB He takes
an
oath,
but dares
not testify.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}The
fear
of
man proves
to
be
a
snare,
\par }{\QB but whoever
puts
his
trust
in
the
LORD
is
kept
safe.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}Many
seek
the
ruler’s favour,
\par }{\QB but
a
man’s
justice
comes
from
the
LORD.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}A dishonest
man detests
the
righteous,
\par }{\QB and
the
upright
in
their
ways detest
the
wicked.

\par }\Chap{30}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The
words
of
Agur
the
son
of
Jakeh,
the revelation:
\par }{\Q the
man
says
to
Ithiel,
\par }{\QB to
Ithiel
and
Ucal:
\par }{\Q \VS{2}“Surely
I
am
the most ignorant
man,
\par }{\QB and
don’t
have
a
man’s
understanding.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}I
have
not learnt
wisdom,
\par }{\QB neither do
I
have
the
knowledge
of
the
Holy
One.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}Who
has
ascended
up
into
heaven,
and
descended?
\par }{\QB Who
has
gathered
the
wind
in
his
fists?
\par }{\QB Who
has bound
the
waters
in
his
garment?
\par }{\QB Who
has
established
all
the
ends
of
the
earth?
\par }{\QB What
is
his
name,
and
what
is
his
son’s
name,
if
you
know?
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{5}“Every
word
of
God
is flawless.
\par }{\QB He
is
a
shield
to
those
who
take
refuge
in
him.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Don’t
you
add
to
his
words,
\par }{\QB lest
he
reprove
you,
and
you
be found
a
liar.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{7}“Two
things
I
have
asked
of
you.
\par }{\QB Don’t
deny
me
before
I
die.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Remove
far
from
me
falsehood
and
lies.
\par }{\QB Give
me
neither
poverty
nor
riches.
\par }{\QB Feed
me
with
the
food
that
is needful
for
me,
\par }{\Q \VS{9}lest
I
be
full,
deny
you,
and
say, ‘Who
is
the
LORD?’
\par }{\QB or
lest
I
be
poor,
and
steal,
\par }{\QB and
so dishonour
the
name
of
my
God.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{10}“Don’t
slander
a
servant
to
his
master,
\par }{\QB lest
he
curse
you,
and
you
be
held
guilty.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{11}There
is
a
generation
that
curses
their
father,
\par }{\QB and
doesn’t
bless
their
mother.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}There
is
a
generation
that
is
pure
in
their
own
eyes,
\par }{\QB yet
are
not
washed
from
their
filthiness.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}There
is
a
generation, oh
how
lofty
are
their
eyes!
\par }{\QB Their
eyelids
are
lifted
up.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}There
is
a
generation
whose
teeth
are
like
swords,
\par }{\QB and
their
jaws
like
knives,
\par }{\QB to
devour
the
poor
from
the
earth,
and
the
needy
from amongst
men.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{15}“The
leech
has
two
daughters:
\par }{\QB ‘Give,
give.’
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q “There
are
three
things
that
are
never
satisfied;
\par }{\QB four
that
don’t
say, ‘Enough!’:
\par }{\QB \VS{16}Sheol,\FTNT{*}{{\FR 30:16 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
\par }{\QB the
barren
womb,
\par }{\QB the
earth
that
is
not
satisfied
with
water,
\par }{\QB and
the
fire
that
doesn’t
say, ‘Enough!’
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{17}“The
eye
that
mocks
at
his
father,
\par }{\QB and scorns
obedience
to
his
mother,
\par }{\QB the
ravens
of
the
valley
shall
pick
it out,
\par }{\QB the
young
eagles
shall
eat
it.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{18}“There
are
three
things which
are
too
amazing
for
me,
\par }{\QB four which
I
don’t
understand:
\par }{\QB \VS{19}The
way
of
an
eagle
in
the air,
\par }{\QB the
way
of
a
serpent
on
a
rock,
\par }{\QB the
way
of
a
ship
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
\par }{\QB and
the
way
of
a
man
with
a
maiden.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{20}“So
is
the
way
of
an
adulterous
woman:
\par }{\QB She
eats
and wipes
her
mouth,
\par }{\QB and
says, ‘I
have
done
nothing
wrong.’
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{21}“For
three
things
the
earth
trembles,
\par }{\QB and
under
four,
it
can’t
bear
up:
\par }{\QB \VS{22}For
a
servant
when
he
is
king,
\par }{\QB a
fool
when
he
is
filled
with
food,
\par }{\QB \VS{23}for
an
unloved
woman
when
she
is
married,
\par }{\QB and
a
servant
who
is
heir
to
her
mistress.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{24}“There
are
four
things which
are
little
on
the
earth,
\par }{\QB but
they
are
exceedingly
wise:
\par }{\QB \VS{25}The
ants
are
not
a
strong
people,
\par }{\QB yet
they
provide
their
food
in
the
summer.
\par }{\QB \VS{26}The hyraxes
are
but
a feeble folk,
\par }{\QB yet
make
they
their
houses
in
the
rocks.
\par }{\QB \VS{27}The
locusts
have
no
king,
\par }{\QB yet
they advance
in ranks.
\par }{\QB \VS{28}You can catch
a
lizard
with
your
hands,
\par }{\QB yet
it
is
in
kings’
palaces.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{29}“There
are
three
things which
are
stately
in
their
march,
\par }{\QB four which
are
stately
in going:
\par }{\QB \VS{30}The
lion,
which
is
mightiest amongst
animals,
\par }{\QB and
doesn’t
turn
away
for
any;
\par }{\QB \VS{31}the greyhound;
\par }{\QB the
male
goat;
\par }{\QB and
the
king
against whom there
is no rising
up.
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{32}“If
you
have
done foolishly
in lifting
up
yourself,
\par }{\QB or
if
you
have thought evil,
\par }{\Q put
your
hand
over
your
mouth.
\par }{\QB \VS{33}For
as
the
churning
of
milk
produces
butter,
\par }{\QB and
the wringing
of
the
nose
produces
blood,
\par }{\QB so
the forcing
of
wrath
produces
strife.”

\par }\Chap{31}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The
words
of
King
Lemuel—the revelation
which
his
mother
taught
him:
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{2}“Oh,
my
son!
\par }{\QB Oh,
son
of
my
womb!
\par }{\QB Oh,
son
of
my
vows!
\par }{\Q \VS{3}Don’t
give
your
strength
to
women,
\par }{\QB nor
your
ways
to
that
which destroys
kings.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}It
is
not
for
kings,
Lemuel,
\par }{\QB it
is
not
for
kings
to
drink
wine,
\par }{\QB nor
for princes
to
say, ‘Where
is
strong
drink?’
\par }{\Q \VS{5}lest
they
drink,
and
forget
the law,
\par }{\QB and pervert
the
justice due
to
anyone
who
is
afflicted.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}Give
strong
drink
to
him
who
is ready
to
perish,
\par }{\QB and
wine
to
the
bitter
in
soul.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Let
him
drink,
and
forget
his
poverty,
\par }{\QB and
remember
his
misery
no
more.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Open
your
mouth
for
the
mute,
\par }{\QB in
the
cause
of
all
who
are left desolate.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Open
your
mouth,
judge
righteously,
\par }{\QB and serve
justice
to
the
poor
and
needy.”
\par }{\BB \par }{\Q \VS{10}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 31:10 }
Proverbs 31:10-31 form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order.}Who
can
find
a
worthy
woman?
\par }{\QB For
her value
is
far above rubies.
\par }{\Q \VS{11}The
heart
of her
husband
trusts
in her.
\par }{\QB He
shall
have
no
lack
of
gain.
\par }{\Q \VS{12}She
does
him
good,
and
not
harm,
\par }{\QB all
the
days
of
her
life.
\par }{\Q \VS{13}She
seeks
wool
and
flax,
\par }{\QB and
works eagerly
with her
hands.
\par }{\Q \VS{14}She
is
like
the
merchant
ships.
\par }{\QB She
brings
her
bread
from
afar.
\par }{\Q \VS{15}She
rises
also
while
it
is
yet
night,
\par }{\QB gives
food
to
her
household,
\par }{\QB and
portions
for
her servant
girls.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}She
considers
a
field,
and
buys
it.
\par }{\QB With
the
fruit
of
her
hands, she
plants
a
vineyard.
\par }{\Q \VS{17}She
arms
her
waist
with
strength,
\par }{\QB and
makes
her
arms
strong.
\par }{\Q \VS{18}She perceives
that
her
merchandise
is profitable.
\par }{\QB Her
lamp
doesn’t
go out
by
night.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}She lays
her
hands
to
the
distaff,
\par }{\QB and
her
hands
hold
the
spindle.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}She opens
her
arms
to
the
poor;
\par }{\QB yes, she
extends
her
hands
to
the
needy.
\par }{\Q \VS{21}She
is
not
afraid
of
the
snow
for
her
household,
\par }{\QB for
all
her
household
are
clothed
with
scarlet.
\par }{\Q \VS{22}She
makes
for herself carpets
of tapestry.
\par }{\QB Her
clothing
is
fine
linen
and
purple.
\par }{\Q \VS{23}Her
husband
is respected
in
the
gates,
\par }{\QB when
he
sits amongst
the
elders
of
the
land.
\par }{\Q \VS{24}She
makes
linen
garments
and
sells
them,
\par }{\QB and
delivers sashes
to
the merchant.
\par }{\Q \VS{25}Strength
and
dignity
are
her
clothing.
\par }{\QB She
laughs
at
the
time
to
come.
\par }{\Q \VS{26}She
opens
her
mouth
with
wisdom.
\par }{\QB Kind
instruction
is
on
her
tongue.
\par }{\Q \VS{27}She
looks
well
to
the
ways
of
her
household,
\par }{\QB and
doesn’t
eat
the
bread
of
idleness.
\par }{\Q \VS{28}Her
children
rise
up
and
call
her
blessed.
\par }{\QB Her
husband also
praises
her:
\par }{\Q \VS{29}“Many
women
do noble
things,
\par }{\QB but
you
excel
them
all.”
\par }{\Q \VS{30}Charm
is
deceitful,
and
beauty
is
vain;
\par }{\QB but
a
woman
who
fears
the
LORD,
she
shall
be
praised.
\par }{\Q \VS{31}Give
her
of
the
fruit
of
her
hands!
\par }{\QB Let
her
works
praise
her
in
the
gates!
\par }