1Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, who ruled in Israel: 2 to know wisdom and discipline, and to understand words of insight, 3 and to receive subtlety of words, and to understand true righteousness, and to direct a judgment,[1] 4 so that it may give cunning to the naive and both experience and insight to a young child.[2] 5 For when the wise hears these things, he will become wiser, and the thoughtful will gain skill in navigation, 6 and will understand a proverb and an obscure word and the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The beginning of wisdom is fear of God, and good insight belongs to all those who practice it, and piety toward God is the beginning of insight; but the ungodly despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Listen, son, to your father’s instruction, and do not drive away your mother’s ordinance. 9 For you would receive a crown of grace for your brow and a golden collar around your neck. 10 Son, may ungodly men not lead you astray, nor should you be willing 11 if they summon you, saying, “Come with us, become a partner of blood, and let us hide a righteous man in the earth unjustly, 12 and let us swallow him alive just as Hades and remove his memory from the earth; 13 let us seize his costly property, and we would fill our houses with booty; 14 throw in your lot also with us, and we may all gain a shared purseand let there be one small sack for us.” 15 Do not proceed along the way with them, but turn away your foot from their path, 17 for one does not spread a net for birds without reason. 18 For those who participate in slaughter store up bad things for themselves, and the destruction of lawless men is bad.[3] 19 These are the ways of all those who carry out lawless deeds, for by ungodliness they take away their own life. 20 Wisdom sings in the exits and leads confidently into open areas, 21 and upon the top of the walls she proclaims, and at the gates she sits beside rulers, and at the gates of the city she speaks boldly: 22 “As long as the naive hold to righteousness, they will not be dishonored; but the foolish, since they are ones who long for insolence, after becoming ungodly, they hated insight, 23 and they became subject to reproofs. Look, I will utter a saying to you with my breath, and I will teach you my word. 24 Since I kept calling yet you did not listen, and I held out words yet you did not pay attention, 25 but you made my counsel void, and you resisted my reproofs; 26 therefore I also will laugh at your destruction, and I will rejoice when your destruction comes, 27 and as your turmoil arrives suddenly, and ruin is present like a hurricane, and when your affliction and siege come, or when your destruction comes. 28 For it will be when you call out for me, then I will not hear you; wicked people will seek me, but they will not find me. 29 For they hated wisdom, and they did not choose the word of the Lord, 30 and they did not want to pay attention to my counsels, but they mocked my reproof. 31 Therefore they will eat the fruit of their own way, and they will be filled with their own ungodliness; 32 for because they were doing wrong to infants, they will be murdered, and scrutiny will destroy the ungodly.
2But the one who listens to me will dwell in hope and will rest without fear of any evil.” 2 Son, if when you receive a saying of my command you hide it close by you, 2 your ear will listen to wisdom, and you will cast your heart toward insight, and you will cast it upon admonition for your son. 3 For if he calls out for wisdom and you lift your voice to insight, 4 and if you seek it like silver and you search it out like treasure, 5 then you will understand fear of the Lord, and you will find knowledge of God; 6 because the Lord gives wisdom and knowledge and insight from his face, 7 and it will store up deliverance for the upright; it will shield their way 8 to guard the ways of righteous deeds, and he will closely watch the way of those who are reverent toward him; 9 then you will understand righteousness and judgment, and you will rectify all good paths; 10 for if wisdom comes toward your mind and perception appears beautiful to your soul, 11 beautiful counsel will guard you and pious insight will keep you, 12 so that it may rescue you from the bad way and from the man who says nothing trustworthy; 13 alas for those who forsake straight ways to proceed along ways of darkness, 14 who rejoice over what is bad and are glad about what is twisted badly, 15 whose paths are crooked and whose paths are bent 16 to set you far from the straight way and make you a stranger from righteous intention. Son, do not let bad counsel overtake you, 17 which abandons the teaching of youth and has forgotten the divine covenant, 18 for she has set her house close by death and her paths close by Hades with the shades. 19 All who go in it will not return, and they would never attain to straight paths, for they are not seized by years of life; 20 for if they proceeded on good paths, they would find smooth paths of righteousness;[4] 21 because the upright will inhabit the land, and the pious will be left in it; 22 the ways of the ungodly will be destroyed from the earth, and the lawless will be thrust out of it.
3Son, do not forget my commandments, and may your heart keep my words, 2 for they will add to you length of life and years of life and peace. 3 May mercy and faithfulness not desert yoususpend them also from your neck and you will find grace 4 and think of what is good in the opinion of the Lord and humans. 5 Trust God with your whole heart and do not be exalted by your own wisdom; 6 make her known in all your ways so that it may direct your ways. 7 Do not be wise by means of yourself, but fear God and turn away from any evil; 8 then it will be healing for your body and treatment for your bones. 9 Honor the Lord from your righteous labors and offer him of your fruits of righteousness 10 so that your storehouses may be filled in abundance with corn, and your wine vats may gush with wine. 11 Son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord or grow weak when reproved by him, 12 for the Lord reproves whomever he loves and punishes any son he receives. 13 Happy is the person who finds wisdom, and the mortal who sees insight, 14 for it is better to trade for it than for treasures of gold and silver. 15 She is more precious also than costly stones; nothing evil shall resist her. She is well known to all who approach her, and all that is precious is not worth as much as she.[5] 16 For length of life and years of life are in her right hand, and wealth and glory are in her left hand; 16 a from her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy on her tongue. 17 Her ways are good ways, and all her paths are in peace; 18 she is a tree of life for all those who cleave to her and for those who lean upon her as on the Lord. 19 God by wisdom laid the foundation of the earth and prepared the skies by insight; 20 by perception depths were broken up, and clouds flowed with pure water. 21 Son, do not abandon but rather keep my counsel and insight, 22 so that your soul may live and grace may be around your neck; 22 a and it shall be healing to your flesh and treatment to your bones, 23 so that you may proceed confidently with peace along all your ways and your foot may not stumble. 24 For if you sit, it will be without fear, and if you sleep, you will go to sleep sweetly; 25 and you will not be frightened by intimidation when it comes, nor an assault of the ungodly when they come, 26 for the Lord will be over all your ways, and he will plant your foot so that you may not be moved. 27 Do not refrain from doing well to the needy when your hand can furnish aid. 28 Do not say, “Go and come back; I will give tomorrow,” when you are able to do well; for you do not know what the hereafter will bring. 29 Do not devise evil things against your friend as he dwells alongside and trusts you. 30 Do not behave with enmity toward a person pointlessly, lest he perpetrate any evil against you. 31 Do not get evil men’s reproach nor be jealous of their ways, 32 for every lawbreaker is impure before the Lord, and he does not sit in the council with the upright ones. 33 A curse of God rests on the houses of the ungodly, and the dwellings of the righteous are blessed. 34 The Lord opposes the arrogant, but he gives the humble grace. 35 The wise will inherit glory, but the ungodly have exalted dishonor.
4Listen, children, to instruction of a father and pay attention to know insight. 2 For I am giving you a good gift; do not forsake my law. 3 For even I was born a son, obedient to my father and beloved in the face of my mother; 4 they kept saying and teaching me: “Fix our word firmly in your heart; keep the commandments; 5 do not forget or overlook the saying of my mouth 6 or forsake it—and it will be devoted to you; love it, and it will keep you. 8 Surround it with a stockade, and it will lift you up; honor it so that it may embrace you, 9 so that it may give your head a crown of grace, and may cover you with a crown of luxury.” 10 Listen, son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be multiplied so that the ways of living may become many for you. 11 For I teach you the ways of wisdom, and I set you on upright tracks. 12 For if you walk, your steps will not be constricted; and if you run, you will not grow weary. 13 Take hold of my instruction; do not let go, but guard it for yourself for your life. 14 Do not travel along the ways of the ungodly, or be jealous of the ways of the lawless; 15 in the place in which they encamp, do not come there, but turn away from them and pass by. 16 For they will never sleep unless they do mischief; their sleep is taken away, and they do not fall asleep; 17 for they feed on the grain of ungodliness, and with lawless wine they get drunk. 18 But the ways of the righteous shine brightly like light; they advance and shine until the day succeeds. 19 But the ways of the ungodly are dark; they do not know how they are stumbling. 20 Son, pay attention to my saying, and entrust your ear to my words; 21 that your springs may not forsake you, guard them in your heart; 22 for it is life to those who find it, and a healing to all flesh. 23 With complete vigilance guard your heart, for out of these are the courses of life. 24 Remove from yourself a crooked mouth, and thrust unjust lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight and your eyelids beckon regarding righteous matters. 26 Make straight paths for your feet, and make your ways straight. 27 Do not turn away to the right or to the left, but turn back your foot from the way of evil. 27 a For God knows the ways from the right, but those from the left are diverted; 27 b and he will make your paths straight, and he will lead your courses forward in peace.
5Son, pay attention to my wisdom, and entrust your ear to my words, 2 so that you may guard good insight; and the perception of my lips is commanding you. 3 Do not pay attention to the worthless woman; for sweet words trickle from the lips of the prostitute woman who oils your throat for a time; 4 later, however, you will find it more bitter than gall and sharpened more than a two-edged sword. 5 For the feet of folly lead downward, those who use her with death into Hades; and her footprints are not firmly fixed, 6 for she does not come upon the ways of life, but her paths are slippery and they are not easy to discern. 7 Now therefore, son, listen to me, and do not make my words invalid. 8 Make your way far from her; do not approach the doors of her houses, 9 so that you may not give away your life to others and your life to the merciless; 10 so that strangers may not be filled with your strength, and your labors come into the houses of strangers; 11 and you will feel regret in the last days, when the flesh of your body wears out, 12 and you will say, “How did I hate discipline, and my heart shunned reproofs; 13 and I did not listen to the voice of the one who trained and taught me, nor did I incline my ear; 14 I very nearly came by every evil into the middle of the assembly and the congregation. 15 Drink water from your jars and from your wells of running water. 16 Do not let your water pour out from your spring, or your water pass into your streets. 17 Let possessions be for you alone, and let no stranger have a share with you; 18 let your spring of water be for you alone, and may you rejoice together with the woman from your youth. 19 May the deer of affection and foal of your favors converse with you, and let her be considered your own and be with you at every time; for you will be great while you live life in this love. 20 Do not be with a strange woman for long, or come together in the embraces of a woman who is not your own; 21 for the ways of a man are before the eyes of God, and he sees into all his paths. 22 Transgressions hunt a man, and each one is tied up with the cords of his own sins. 23 This one dies accompanied by the ignorant, and from the abundance of his own substance he was cast out and perished through folly.
6Son, if you give surety for your friend, you will surrender your hand to the enemy. 2 For one’s own lips are a strong trap for a man, and he is conquered by the lips of his own mouth. 3 Do, son, what I command you and save yourself; for you have come into the hands of evil things through your friend; go without failing, and provoke even your friend for whom you gave surety.[6] 4 Do not give your eyes sleep, or let your eyelids fall asleep, 5 so that you may save yourself like a gazelle from a noose and like a bird from a trap. 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, and be jealous when you see its ways, and grow wiser than that one; 7 for although a field does not belong to that one, and he has no one to compel him and is under no master, 8 he prepares much food for himself during summer, and in the harvest he makes provisions.[7] 8 a Or go to the bee and learn what a worker she is and how solemn she makes her work; 8 b whose toil kings and commoners consume for health, and it is desirable to all and glorious; 8 c although she has feeble bodily strength, because she honors wisdom, she is promoted. 9 How long, sluggard, do you lie down? And when will you rouse yourself from sleep? 10 A little sleeping, and you slumber a little, and you doze briefly, and you might briefly fold your hands across your chest; 11 then poverty comes in upon you like an evil wayfarer and need like a good runner; 11 a but if you would be resolute, your harvest will come like a spring, while lack will desert you like an evil runner. 12 A man who is foolish and a lawbreaker travels ways that are not good; 13 the same one also winks with the eye and signals with the foot and teaches with signals of fingers; 14 he devises evil to divert the heart at all times; such a person brings about tumults for the city. 15 Therefore his destruction comes suddenly, a gash and an incurable crushing, 16 because he rejoices at all that God hates, and he is broken on account of uncleanness of soul: 17 the eye of the insolent, the unjust tongue, the hands that pour out the blood of the righteous, 18 and the heart that devises evil plans, and feet that hasten to do evil. 19 An unjust witness kindles false things and unleashes disputes between brothers. 20 Son, guard the laws of your father, and may you not thrust away the ordinances of your mother; 21 suspend them also from your soul always, and make them a collar about your neck. 22 Whenever you may walk about, bring it and let it be with you; as you lie down, let it guard youso that when you awaken it may converse with you. 23 Because the command of the law is a lamp, and the way of life and reproof and instruction is a light, 24 to preserve you from a married woman and from the slander of a strange tongue. 25 Do not let desire of beauty overcome you or be hunted by your eyes or be captivated by her eyelashes. 26 For the price of a prostitute is about one loaf, a woman of men hunts for a precious soul. 27 Can someone bind fire in his bosom and the garment not burn? 28 Or can someone walk on coals of fire and his feet not burn? 29 So he who goes in unto a married woman; he will not be regarded innocent, nor any who touch her. 30 It is not astonishing when someone who steals is caught, for he steals that he may fill his soul because he is hungry; 31 and when he is caught, he will pay sevenfold, and by giving all his possessions he will rescue himself. 32 But the adulterer through lack of understanding brings about destruction to his soul; 33 he endures both pain and dishonor, and his reproach will not be wiped out into eternity. 34 For the wrath of her husband is full of jealousy, he will not spare on the day of judgment; 35 he will not exchange hatred for any ransom or be reconciled at all by many gifts. 7 Son, guard my words, and hide my commands close by yourself;
7a Son, honor the Lord, and you will be strong, and do not fear any other than him. 2 Guard my commands, and you will live, and my words like the pupil of your eyes; 3 and place them on your fingers, and write upon the surface of your heart. 4 Claim wisdom as your sister, and obtain insight as a friend for yourself, 5 so that it may guard you from the strange and wicked woman, if she falls upon you with words intending charm. 6 For peeping from a window of her house into the streets, 7 at whatever young man without understanding she sees among the foolish children, 8 who was passing by a corner in the passageways of her houses and speaking 9 in the darkness toward evening, when there is nocturnal quiet and darkness, 10 the woman meets him, having a prostitute’s appearance, which causes the heart of the young to flutter. 11 And she is flighty and profligate about the house, and her feet are not at rest; 12 for some time she roams outside, and at another time she lies in wait in the streets by every corner. 13 Then she seized and she kissed him and said to him with a shameless face, 14 “I have a sacrifice of peace; today I am paying my vows, 15 therefore I went out to meet you, longing for your face I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with a bed sheet, and I have spread out a double-sided carpet from Egypt; 17 I have sprinkled my bed with saffron and my house with cinnamon. 18 Come and let us enjoy affection until the dawn; come and let us roll around in sensuous desire. 19 For my husband is not present in the house, and he has traveled a long way, 20 taking a bundle of silver in his hand; after many days he will return to his house.” 21 And she led him astray with much conversation, and she forced him with the snares of her lips. 22 And he followed her because he was easily cajoled, and like an ox is led to slaughter and like a dog to chains, 23 or like a deer is pierced with an arrow in its liver; he also hurries like a bird into a trap, not realizing that he is running for his life. 24 Now therefore, son, listen to me and pay attention to the words of my mouth. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways; 26 for she is wounding and has cut down many, and innumerable are those whom she has murdered; 27 Paths to Hades are her house, leading down to the chambers of death.
8You will proclaim wisdom so that insight may obey you, 2 for she is upon the top of the heights, and she stands among the worn paths; 3 for she sits beside the gates of rulers, and in the entrances she sings: 4 “O people, I summon you, and I utter my voice to the sons of humans. 5 Naive people, perceive cunning, and foolish people, take it to heart![8] 6 Listen to me; for I will say serious things, and I will bring straight things up from my lips; 7 because my throat will meditate on truth, but false lips are repulsive before me. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; nothing in them is crooked or twisted. 9 Everything is before those with understanding and is upright for those who find knowledge. 10 Acquire instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than refined gold; 11 for wisdom is better than costly stones, and all that is precious is not worth as much as it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with counsel, and I call upon knowledge and insight; for wisdom is better than costly stones. 13 The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and also insolence and pride and ways of the wicked; and I hate distorted ways of evil people. 14 Mine are counsel and security; mine is insight and mine is strength; 15 by me kings reign, and the rulers write righteousness; 16 by me mighty men become mighty, and tyrants control the earth by me. 17 I love those who regard me with affection, and those who seek me will find me. 18 Wealth and glory belong to me, and the possessions of many and righteousness; 19 enjoyment of my fruits is better than gold or a precious stone, and my products are better than choicest silver. 20 I walk in ways of righteousness, and among paths of duties I conduct myself, 21 so that I will divide possessions to those who love me, and I will fill their storehouses with good things. 21a If I report to you what happens every day, I will remember to number the events from eternity. 22 The Lord created me as the beginning of his ways for his works; 23 before eternity he founded me in the beginning, before making the earth 24 and before making the depths, before the springs of the waters came forth,[9] 25 before the mountains were settled, and before all the hills, he begets me. 26 The Lord made territories and uninhabited regions and inhabited extremities of the earth under the skies. 27 When he was preparing the heavens, I was there with him, and when he was marking off his own throne upon the winds. 28 And as he was making the clouds above strong, and as he was establishing the unfailing springs of the earth under the heavens, 29 and as he was making the foundations of the earth strong, 30 I was beside him joining it; I was what he delighted in, and every day I rejoiced in his face at all times, 31 when he rejoiced upon completing the inhabited earth, and he rejoiced in the sons of humans. 32 Now therefore, son, listen to me. 34 Happy is the person who will listen to me, and the man who will guard my ways, watching at my doors each day, keeping watch over the doorposts of my entrances. 35 For my courses are the courses of life, and favor is prepared from the Lord. 36 And those who sin against me act profanely toward their own souls, and those who hate me love death.”
9Wisdom built herself a house, and set up seven pillars; 2 she slaughtered her own sacrifices, she mixed her own wine in a mixing bowl, and she prepared her own table; 3 she sent out her own servants, summoning with a loud announcement concerning a feast, saying, 4 “Whoever is foolish, let him turn to me!” And to those lacking understanding she said, 5 “Come! Eat of my bread, and drink wine that I have mixed for you. 6 Abandon folly, that you may reign for eternity, and seek insight and erect insight with knowledge.” 7 The one who disciplines evil persons will receive dishonor for himself; and the one who reproves the ungodly will blame himself. 8 Do not reprove evil persons, in case they hate you; reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9 Give the wise an opportunity to learn, and he will be wiser; make known to the righteous, and he will continue to receive. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of the holy is insight; for to know the law is to be of a good mind. 11 For in this manner you will live a long time, and years of your life will be added to you. 12 Son, if you would become wise for yourself, you will be wise also for those nearby; but if you would prove to be evil, you will endure evil things alone. 12a The one who focuses on lies, this one shepherds the winds, and he will chase flying birds; 12b for he has abandoned the ways of his own vineyard, and he has been misled at the axles of his own farming; 12c and he goes through a waterless desert and a land consigned to thirst, and he gathers fruitlessness with his hands. 13 A foolish and insolent woman becomes in want of a morsel, she who knows no shame; 14 she sits by the doors of her own house upon a seat in plain view in the streets, 15 inviting those who are passing by and those going straight on their ways: 16 “Let him who is most foolish of you turn to me; and I exhort those lacking insight, saying, 17 ‘Seize secret bread with pleasure, and sweet water of theft!’” 18 But he is unaware that shades meet their death by her, and he is encountering a perch of Hades. 18 a But hurry off, do not tarry in the place, and do not fix your eye toward her, for thus you may cross strange water; 18 b keep yourself also far from foreign water, and do not drink from another’s spring, 18 c so that you may live a long time, and years of life may be added to you.
10A wise son brings gladness to a father, but a foolish son pain to the mother. 2 Storehouses will not benefit the lawless, but righteousness will rescue from death. 3 The Lord will not let a righteous soul starve, but the life of the ungodly he will overthrow. 4 Poverty makes a man humble, but the hands of the diligent enrich. 4a A son who has been trained will be wise, and he will use the foolish as a servant. 5 An intelligent son is saved from heat, but a lawless son is blasted by the wind at harvest. 6 A blessing from the Lord is upon the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the ungodly will cover with untimely grief. 7 The memory of the righteous is among common folk, but the name of the ungodly is quenched. 8 The wise of heart will accept commands, but the unguarded of lips, since he is crooked, will be overthrown. 9 The one who walks in integrity walks confidently, but the one who perverts his ways shall be known. 10 The one who signals with his eyes with deceit gathers pain for men, but the one who reproves with confidence makes peace. 11 A spring of life is in the hand of the righteous, but destruction will cover the mouth of the ungodly. 12 Hatred awakens strife, but affection covers all those who are not contentious; 13 it beats a foolish man with a rod. 14 The wise will hide perception, but the mouth of the hasty brings crushing. 15 The possession of the rich is a strong city, but poverty is the crushing of the ungodly. 16 The deeds of the righteous produce life, but the fruit of the ungodly produces sins. 17 Discipline guards the ways of righteous life, but unchastened discipline goes astray. 18 Righteous lips cover enmity, but those who utter slander are most foolish. 19 By an abundance of words you will not escape sin, but when you restrain your lips, you will be intelligent. 20 The tongue of the righteous is purged silver, but the heart of the ungodly will come to an end. 21 The lips of the righteous know lofty things, but the foolish die in want. 22 A blessing from the Lord is on the head of the righteous; this makes him rich, and no heartache is added to it. 23 With laughter a foolish person accomplishes evil, but a man’s wisdom brings forth insight. 24 The ungodly is blown about in destruction, but the desire of the righteous is acceptable. 25 When the storm passes by, the ungodly is removed, but the righteous turns aside and is saved for eternity. 26 Just as an unripe grape is harmful to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is law-breaking to those who practice it. 27 The fear of the Lord adds days, but the years of the ungodly will grow few. 28 Merriment continues for the righteous, but the hope of the ungodly will be destroyed. 29 The fear of the Lord is a stronghold of the pious, but a crushing for those who work at evil. 30 The righteous will not give in forever, but the ungodly will not inhabit the land. 31 The mouth of the righteous drips wisdom, but the tongue of the unrighteous will perish utterly. 32 The lips of righteous men drip gracious things, but the mouth of the ungodly turns back.
11Deceitful scales are an abomination before the Lord, but a righteous weight is acceptable to him. 2 Wherever insolence may enter, there also dishonor will be, but the mouth of the humble meditates on wisdom. 3 When a righteous person dies, he leaves regret, but destruction of the ungodly is quick and a cause for joy. 5 Righteousness cuts blameless ways straight, but ungodliness falls in with unrighteousness. 6 The righteousness of upright men rescues them, but the lawless are caught by their destruction. 7 When a righteous man dies, hope is not destroyed, but the boast of the ungodly is destroyed. 8 The righteous escapes from the hunt, but in his place the ungodly is given over. 9 In the mouth of the ungodly is a trap for citizens, but the perception of the righteous is prosperous. 10 By the good deeds of the righteous, a city goes the right way; 11 but by the mouths of the ungodly, it is destroyed. 12 The one who lacks understanding mocks neighbors, but a wise man remains quiet. 13 The double-tongued man reveals counsels in an assembly, but the faithful in spirit hides a matter. 14 Those who have no direction fall like a leaf, but there is deliverance in much counsel. 15 The wicked does evil when he meets a righteous person, and he hates the sound of security. 16 A gracious woman raises glory for a man, but a woman who hates righteous things is a throne of dishonor. Sluggards become deficient in wealth, but the virtuous support themselves with wealth. 17 A merciful man does good to his soul, but the merciless destroys his body completely. 18 The ungodly performs unjust deeds, but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth. 19 A righteous son is born for life, but the pursuit of the ungodly unto death. 20 Twisted ways are an abomination to the Lord, but all who are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him. 21 One who puts hand to hands wrongfully shall not go unpunished, but the one who sows righteousness will receive reliable wages. 22 Like an earring in the nose of a pig, so is beauty in an evil-minded woman. 23 The desire of the righteous is completely good, but the hope of the ungodly will perish. 24 There are those who by sowing their own, produce much; there are also those who when they gather, receive less. 25 Every sincere soul is blessed, but an angry man is not respectable. 26 May he who hoards grain leave it for the nations, but a blessing is upon the head of him who shares. 27 One who devises good seeks good favor, but, as for one who seeks out evil, evil will take hold of him. 28 The one who trusts in wealth, this one will fall, but the one who takes hold of the righteous, this one will rise up. 29 He who does not deal graciously with his own house will inherit wind, and a foolish person will serve the wise. 30 From the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life, but souls of the lawbreakers are removed before their time. 31 If indeed the righteous is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinful appear?
12The one who loves instruction loves perception, but the one who hates reproofs is foolish. 2 Better is one who finds favor with the Lord, but a lawbreaker will be ignored. 3 A person will not prosper by what is lawless, but the roots of the righteous will not be removed. 4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but, like a worm in a tree, so an evil wife destroys her husband. 5 The reasonings of the righteous are judgments, but the ungodly devise treacheries. 6 The words of the ungodly are deceitful, but the mouth of the upright will rescue them. 7 Wherever the ungodly turns, he is blotted out, but houses of the righteous endure. 8 The mouth of the intelligent is extolled by a man, but a stupid person is mocked. 9 Better is a man who serves himself in dishonor than one who wears honor while lacking bread. 10 A righteous person has compassion for the life of his livestock, but the guts of the ungodly are merciless. 11 The one who works his own land will be filled with bread, but those who pursue pointless things lack understanding. 11 a The one who is happy with wines in pastimes will leave behind dishonor in his own fortresses. 12 The desires of the ungodly are evil, but the roots of the pious are in fortresses. 13 By the sin of his lips the sinful falls into traps, but the righteous escapes from them. 13 a The one who sees smooth things will be shown mercy, but the one who confronts in the gates will afflict souls. 14 From the fruits of the mouth, the soul of a man will be filled with good things, and the reward of his lips will be given to him. 15 The ways of the foolish are upright before them, but a wise person listens to advice. 16 A foolish person immediately makes his anger known, but a prudent person hides his own dishonor. 17 A righteous person reports with demonstrable faithfulness, but the witness of the unjust is deceitful. 18 There are those who wound as they talk like swords, but the tongues of the wise bring healing. 19 Truthful lips establish testimony, but a hasty witness has an unrighteous tongue. 20 Deceit is in the heart of one who devises evil, but those who intend peace will rejoice. 21 Nothing unrighteous will please the righteous, but the ungodly will be filled with evil. 22 False lips are an abomination to the Lord, but the one who makes faithfulness is acceptable before him. 23 An intelligent man is a seat of perception, but the heart of the foolish will meet with curses. 24 The hand of the chosen will be unflinchingly strong, but the deceitful will become plunder. 25 Dreadful news stirs up a righteous man’s heart, but a good message brings gladness to it. 26 A righteous arbiter will be his own friend, evil things will pursue sinners, and the way of the ungodly will mislead them. 27 One who is deceptive will not catch the prey, but a pure man is a precious commodity. 28 Life is in the ways of righteousness, but the ways of the vengeful tend toward death.
13A prudent son is obedient to his father, but a heedless son is in destruction. 2 A good person will eat from the fruits of righteousness, but the souls of the lawbreakers will be destroyed prematurely. 3 One who guards his own mouth keeps his own soul, but the one who is hasty with his lips will terrify himself. 4 Every idle person is in desires, but the hands of the virtuous are in diligence. 5 A righteous person hates an unrighteous word, and the ungodly is ashamed and does not have boldness. 7 There are those who enrich themselves though they have nothing, and there are those who humble themselves with much wealth. 8 One’s own wealth is the ransom of a man’s life, but the needy endures no threat. 9 There is always light for the righteous, but the light of the ungodly is quenched. 9a Deceitful souls wander in sins, but the righteous have compassion and show mercy. 10 Evil with insolence achieves evil things, but those who judge themselves are wise. 11 Property obtained quickly by lawlessness diminishes, but he who collects for himself with piety will be increased; a righteous person has compassion and lends. 12 Better is he that begins helping with the heart than the one who promises and leads unto expectation, for a good desire is a tree of life. 13 Whoever despises a deed will be despised by it, but the one who respects a command, such a one is healthy. 13 a Nothing will be good for a deceitful son, but for a wise servant deeds will be prosperous, and his way will be guided. 14 The law of the wise is a spring of life, but the senseless person will die by a trap. 15 Good insight gives favor, and knowledge of the law is from a good mind, but the ways of scorners lead to destruction. 16 Every prudent person operates with knowledge, but the foolish spreads out his own wickedness. 17 A rash king will fall into evil things, but a wise messenger will rescue him. 18 Discipline removes poverty and dishonor, but the one who keeps reproofs will be honored. 19 The desires of the pious gladden the soul, but the deeds of the ungodly are far from knowledge. 20 By keeping company with the wise, you shall be wise, but the one who keeps company with the foolish shall be known. 21 Evil things will closely pursue sinners, but good things will overtake the righteous. 22 A good man will inherit grandchildren,a but the wealth of the ungodly is stored up for the righteous. 23 The righteous will spend many years in wealth, but the unrighteous will be destroyed suddenly. 24 Whoever restrains the staff hates his son, but the one who loves disciplines carefully. 25 A righteous person satisfies his soul when he eats, but the souls of the ungodly are in want.
14Wise women build houses, but the foolish destroys with her hands. 2 The one who proceeds rightly fears the Lord, but the crooked will be dishonored by his ways. 3 Out of the mouth of the foolish comes a staff of insolence, but the lips of the wise guard them. 4 Where there is no ox, mangers are clean, but where there is much produce, the strength of an ox is evident. 5 A trustworthy witness does not lie, but an unjust witness kindles false things. 6 You shall seek wisdom from among what is bad, and you will not find it, but perception is easy to find among the prudent. 7 Everything is contrary to a foolish man, but wise lips are weapons of perception. 8 The wisdom of the prudent will pay attention to their ways, but folly of the foolish is in deception. 9 The houses of the lawbreaker require purification, but the houses of the righteous are acceptable. 10 The heart of a man is sensitive; his soul is sad; but when he rejoices, he does not mingle with insolence. 11 The buildings of the ungodly will be obliterated, but tents of those who are upright will be established. 12 There is a way that appears to be upright to humans, but its ends come into the depths of Hades. 13 Pain does not mingle with merriment, and ultimately joy comes into grief. 14 The bold of heart will be filled with his own ways, and a good man will be filled with his thoughts. 15 The naive believes every word, but a prudent person comes into repentance. 16 The wise, frightened, turned away from evil, but the foolish trusts himself so mixes with the lawless. 17 The quick-tempered person acts with thoughtlessness, but a wise man endures much. 18 The foolish divide wickedness among themselves, but the prudent seize perception. 19 Evil people will slip and fall before good people, and ungodly people will serve at the door of the righteous. 20 Friends will hate poor friends, but the friends of the rich are many. 21 One who dishonors poor people sins, but one who shows mercy toward the needy is most blessed. 22 Those who lead astray devise evil, but the good devise mercy and truth. Craftsmen of evil know no mercy and faithfulness, but mercies and faithful deeds are found with good craftsmen. 23 With everyone who is careful there is surplus, but the pleasure-seeker and unfeeling shall be in want. 24 A prudent person is a crown of the wise, but the pastime of the foolish is evil. 25 A trustworthy witness will rescue the soul out from evil things, but one who is deceptive kindles false things. 26 In the fear of the Lord there is hope of strength, and he leaves support for his children. 27 The ordinance of the Lord is a spring of life, and it makes one turn from a trap of death. 28 A king’s glory is in a great nation, and the crushing of a ruler is in the failing of a people. 29 A patient man has much insight, but the fainthearted are mighty foolish. 30 A meek man is a healer of the heart, but a sensitive heart is a moth of the bones. 31 The one who cheats the needy provokes the one who made him, but the one who honors him shows mercy to the poor. 32 By his evil the ungodly is thrust away, but by his own piety the one who trusts is righteous. 33 Wisdom is in the good heart of a man, but in the heart of the foolish it is not discernible. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sins diminish tribes. 35 An intelligent servant is acceptable to a king, and by his own versatility he removes dishonor.
15Anger destroys even the prudent, but a submissive reply turns back wrath, and painful news stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise is capable of good, but the mouth of the foolish announces evil. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place; they watch both the evil and the good closely. 4 The tongue’s healing is a tree of life, and the one who preserves it will be filled with spirit. 5 A foolish person scorns the instruction of a father, but the one who keeps commands is more prudent. 6 Much strength lies in abundant righteousness, but the ungodly will be destroyed, root and all, from the earth. Much strength lies in the houses of the righteous, but the fruit of the ungodly will perish. 7 The lips of the wise bind themselves to perception, but the hearts of the foolish are not safeguarded. 8 The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord, but prayers of the upright are acceptable before him. 9 The ways of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 10 The discipline of the naive is made known by passersby, but those who hate reproofs die shamefully. 11 Hades and destruction are evident to the Lordhow much more the hearts of humans! 12 A foolish person will not love those who reprove him, and he will not keep company with the wise. 13 When a heart is glad, the face thrives, but when it is in sorrows, it appears sad. 14 An upright heart seeks perception, but the mouth of the ignorant knows evil things. 15 All the time the eyes of the evil welcome evil things, but the good will always be quiet. 16 Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord than big storehouses with fearlessness. 17 Better is hospitality with vegetables, with love and grace, than provisions of calves with enmity. 18 An angry man prepares for fights, but a patient person pacifies the coming fight. 18 a A patient man will quell disputes, but the ungodly raises more. 19 The ways of the idle are spread with thorns, but those of the virtuous are worn smooth. 20 A wise son gladdens a father, but a foolish son scorns his mother. 21 The paths of the unintelligent lack understanding, but a wise man proceeds straight ahead. 22 Those who do not honor the assembly postpone deliberation, but counsel dwells in the hearts of those who deliberate; 23 the evil person will never listen to it, and he will never say something appropriate and good for the community. 24 The thoughts of the intelligent are the ways of life, that he might turn away and be saved from Hades. 25 The Lord pulls down the houses of the haughty, but he establishes the boundary of a widow. 26 Unrighteous reasoning is an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are solemn. 27 The receiver of bribes utterly destroys himself, but the one who hates receiving of gifts is saved. aBy acts of mercy and faithfulness sins are cleansed, and by the fear of the Lord everyone turns from evil. 28 The hearts of the righteous meditate on faithfulness, but the mouth of the ungodly responds with evil things. bThe ways of the righteous are acceptable before the Lord, and by them even enemies become friends. 29 God is far from the ungodly, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. cReceiving a bit with righteousness is better than much produce with unrighteousness.
16A man’s heart considers what is righteous, that his steps may be made straight by God. 2 The eye that gazes at what is good gladdens the heart, and good news nourishes the bones. 3 Whoever pushes away instruction hates himself, but the one who holds to reproofs loves his soul. 4 Fear of God is discipline and wisdom, and the beginning of glory will answer to her. 5 All the deeds of the humble are evident before God, but the ungodly will perish in an evil day. 6 Every proudhearted person is impure before God, and one who puts hands to hand wrongfully will not be regarded innocent. 7 Doing righteous things is the start of a good way, and they are more acceptable before God than slaughtering a sacrifice. 8 The one who seeks the Lord will find knowledge with righteousness, and those who seek him rightly will find peace. 9 All the works of the Lord are with righteousness, but the ungodly is preserved for an evil day. 10 An oracle is upon a king’s lips, and in judgment his mouth will never be misled. 11 The balance of a scale is righteousness before the Lord, and his deeds are righteous weights. 12 The one who does evil things is an abomination to a king, for the throne of ruling is prepared with righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are acceptable to a king, and he loves upright words. 14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will propitiate him. 15 A king’s son is in the light of life, and those acceptable to him are like a late cloud. 16 Nests of wisdom are more preferable than gold, and nests of insight are more preferable than silver. 17 The paths of life turn aside from evil things, and the ways of righteousness are length of life. The one who receives instruction shall be in what is good, and the one who keeps reproofs will be made wise. Whoever keeps his own ways guards his own soul, and the one who loves his life will restrain his mouth. 18 Insolence goes before ruin, and malice before a fall. 19 Better is a meek person with humility than one who apportions booty with the haughty. 20 One intelligent in business is a discoverer of good things, and one who trusts God is most blessed. 21 They call the wise and intelligent worthless, and those who are sweet in word will be listened to more. 22 Insight is a spring of life for those who acquire it, but the discipline of the foolish is evil. 23 The heart of the wise will perceive what is from his own mouth, and upon his lips he will carry prudence. 24 Good words are a honeycomb, and its sweetness is healing for the soul. 25 There are ways that seem upright to a man; however, their ends look into the depth of Hades. 26 A man by toil works for himself and expels destruction from himself; however, the crooked carries destruction in his own mouth. 27 A foolish man digs up evil things for himself, and upon his own lips he treasures fire. 28 A crooked man spreads eviland he will kindle a lantern of deceit for the eviland separates friends. 29 A lawbreaker brings suit against friends and leads them along ways that are not good. 30 One who fixes his eyes will consider twisted things, and he marks out all kinds of evil things with his lips; such a one is a furnace of wickedness. 31 Old age is a crown of honor, but it is found in the ways of righteousness. 32 Better a patient man than strong, and the one who is powerful over anger is better than one who captures a city. 33 Everything comes upon the unjust into their laps, but all righteous things are before the Lord.
17Better a morsel with enjoyment in peace than a house of many good things and unrighteous offerings with fighting. 2 An intelligent servant will overpower foolish masters, and he will divide portions among brothers. 3 Just as silver and gold are tested in a furnace, so hearts are chosen by the Lord. 4 An evil person listens to the tongue of the lawless, but the righteous pays no attention to false lips. 5 One who laughs at a needy person provokes the one who made him, and the one who rejoices over one who is perishing will not be regarded innocent; but the one who shows compassion will be shown mercy. 6 Grandchildrena are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers. 6a A whole world of riches belongs to the trustworthy, but not an obol belongs to the unfaithful. 7 Trustworthy lips are not suitable for a foolish person, nor are false lips suitable for a righteous person. 8 Discipline is the wages of grace for those who make use of it, and wherever it turns, it will be successful. 9 One who hides unrighteous acts seeks love, but one who hates hiding them separates friends and near kin. 10 A threat crushes the heart of the prudent, but when a foolish person is whipped, he does not comprehend. 11 Every evil person awakens controversies, and the Lord will send out a merciless messenger to him. 12 Care will befall an intelligent man, but the foolish devise evil. 13 One who renders evil instead of good things, evil things will not be removed from his house. 14 Government by righteousness gives authority to words, but sedition and strife precede poverty. 15 One who determines that the unjust person is righteous and the righteous person is unjust is unclean and disgusting before God. 16 Why does wealth exist for a fool? For a foolish person is unable to acquire wisdom. aOne who makes his own house high is looking for ruin, band the one who turns aside from learning will fall into evil. 17 May there be a friend for you at all times, and may brothers be useful in hardships, for they were born on account of this. 18 A foolish man claps and rejoices inwardly, as also the one who secures surety for his own friends. 19 One who loves sin rejoices in quarrels, 20 and the hard-hearted does not encounter what is good. A man fickle in tongue will fall into evil, 21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its owner. A father does not rejoice about an ignorant son, but a prudent son gladdens his mother. 22 A heart that is glad puts one in good condition, but the bones of a man of sorrow dry up. 23 The ways of one who receives a gift in his lap wrongfully do not bring prosperity, and the ungodly turns aside the ways of righteousness. 24 The face of the wise man is intelligent, but the eyes of a fool are upon the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her who brought him forth. 26 To punish a righteous man is not good, nor is it pure to plot against righteous rulers. 27 One who shrinks from a harsh word is intelligent, and a prudent man is patient. 28 When an unintelligent person inquires after wisdom, it will be reckoned as wisdom, and someone who makes himself speechless will appear prudent.
18A man who wishes to separate from friends looks for excuses, and he will be reproached at every time. 2 One lacking understanding has no need of wisdom, for rather he is led by folly. 3 When the ungodly comes into a depth of evils, he shows contempt, and dishonor and reproach comes upon him. 4 A word in the heart of a man is deep water, and a river and a spring of life springs up. 5 To have respect for the face of the ungodly is not good, nor is it pure to turn aside righteousness in judgment. 6 The lips of a fool lead him into evil, and his rash mouth calls for death. 7 The mouth of a fool is ruin for him, and his lips are a trap for his soul. 8 Fear overthrows sluggards, and souls of effeminate persons will go hungry. 9 The one who does not heal him by his works is a brother of the one who mistreats himself. 10 The name of the Lord is of greatness of strength, and when the righteous run to it, they are lifted high. 11 The property of a rich man is a strong city, and its glory casts a great shadow. 12 Before ruin, a man’s heart is lifted high, and before glory, it is humbled. 13 One who answers a word before listening, for him it is folly and reproach. 14 A prudent attendant soothes the wrath of a man, but who will endure a discouraged man? 15 The heart of the prudent acquires perception, and the ears of the wise seek insight. 16 A person’s gift enlarges him and seats him before rulers. 17 A righteous person is his own accuser in his introduction, but he is reproved when the opponent takes his turn. 18 A silent person stops arguments, and he delineates among the powerful. 19 A brother helped by a brother is like a fortified and high city and is strong as a founded palace. 20 From the fruits of the mouth a man fills his belly, and from the fruits of his lips he will be filled. 21 Death and life are in the hand of the tongue, and those who grasp it will eat its fruit. 22 One who has found a good woman has found grace and has received cheerfulness from God. 22 a One who puts away a good woman puts away good things, and the one who holds on to an adulteress is foolish and ungodly. 23 aThe folly of a man ruins his ways, and he blames God in his heart.
19Wealth adds many friends, but the poor one is abandoned even by the friend that he has. 2 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who accuses wrongfully will not escape. 3 Many attend to the faces of kings, but every evil person becomes a disgrace to a man. 4 Anyone who hates a needy brother will also be far from affection; good insight will approach those who know it, and a prudent man will find it. The one who does many evil things brings evil to its full, and the one who quarrels with words will not be saved. 5 The one who acquires insight loves himself, and the one who guards insight will find good things. 6 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever kindles wickedness will be destroyed by it. 7 Luxury is unprofitable for a fool, also whenever a servant begins to wield power with insolence. 8 A merciful man is patient, and his boast overcomes lawbreakers. 9 A king’s threat is like the roaring of a lion, and like dew upon grass so is his cheerfulness. 10 A foolish son is a shame to a father; prayers from the pay of a prostitute are not pure. 11 Fathers divide house and property among their children, but a woman is adapted to a husband by God. 12 Cowardice detains an effeminate person, and the soul of an idle person will go hungry. 13 The one who keeps a command guards his own soul, but the one who despises his own ways will perish. 14 The one who shows mercy to the poor lends to God, and it will be given back to him according to his gift. 15 Discipline your son, for in this way he will be hopeful; and do not be raised to insolence in your soul. 16 A evil-minded man will be punished, and if he commits injury, he will even add his soul. 17 Listen, son, to your father’s discipline, so that you may become wise during your last times. 18 Many thoughts are in the heart of a man, but the counsel of the Lord endures for eternity. 19 Mercy is fruit to a man, and better a righteous poor person than a rich liar. 20 The fear of the Lord leads to life for a man, but the fearless will lodge in places where knowledge is not examined. 21 The one who hides his hands in his lap wrongfully also will never bring them to his mouth. 22 When a pest is whipped, a fool becomes more prudent; and if you reprove a prudent man, he will perceive knowledge. 23 The one who dishonors his father and who drives his mother away will be shamed and will be reproached. 24 A son who abandons keeping his father’s discipline will meditate on evil words. 25 The one who gives surety for a foolish child despises a duty, and the mouth of the ungodly will swallow up justice. 26 Whips are readied for the undisciplined, and punishments likewise to the foolish.
20Wine is undisciplined, and strong drink is insolent, and every fool is entangled with such as these. 2 A threat of a king does not differ from the wrath of a lion, and the one who provokes him sins against his own life. 3 To turn away from reproaches is glory for a man, but every fool is entangled with such as these. 4 When reproached, a sluggard is not shamed, and so is one who borrows grain in harvest. 5 Counsel in the heart of a man is deep water, but a prudent man will draw it out. 6 Humanity is something great, and a man is something precious, but finding a trustworthy man is hard work. 7 The one who conducts himself blameless in righteousness will leave his children happy. 8 When a righteous king sits upon a throne, he opposes no wicked thing with his eyes. 9 Who will boast claiming to have a holy heart? Or who will speak boldly claiming to be clean from sins? 10 aOne who speaks evil of father or mother will extinguish a lantern, and the pupils of his eyes will see darkness. 11 A portion that is hurried at the outset at the end will not be blessed. 12 Do not say, “I will avenge myself against an enemy.” But wait for the Lord, so that he may help you. 13 bA great and small weight, and double standards, are both impure before the Lord, 14 and one who makes them will be shackled in his pursuits; a youth with a pious person, his way also will be straight. 15 An ear listens, and an eye sees; both are deeds of the Lord. 16 Do not be fond of contrary speaking, lest you be taken away; open your eyes and be filled with bread. 17 cA double weight is an abomination to the Lord, and a deceitful scale is not good before him. 18 The steps for a man are directed from the Lord, so how could a mortal perceive his ways? 19 It is a trap for a man quickly to dedicate something of his own, for after praying, a change of mind takes place. 20 A wise king is a winnower of the ungodly, and he will impose a wheel upon them. 21 The light of the Lord is the breath of humans, who seeks the chambers of the belly. 22 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and they will surround his throne with righteousness. 23 Wisdom is the ornament for young men, and the glory of elders is gray hairs. 24 Black eyes and fractures befall evil people, and blows enter into chambers of the belly.
21As a torrent of water, so is the heart of a king in the hand of God; wherever he wants to incline it, there he pours it out. 2 Every man appears righteous to himself, but the Lord guides hearts. 3 To do righteousness and to speak truth are pleasing before God more than the blood of sacrifices. 4 The bold of heart is haughty in insolence, and sin is the lantern of the ungodly. 6 The one who produces treasures with a false tongue pursues pointless things into the traps of death. 7 Destruction will be entertained by the ungodly, for they prefer not to do righteous things. 8 To the crooked, God sends crooked ways, for holy and upright are his deeds. 9 It is better to live in an open corner than in rooms plastered with injustice and in a shared house. 10 The soul of the ungodly will not be shown mercy by any people. 11 When the undisciplined is punished, the evil person becomes more prudent; but when the wise understands, he will receive knowledge. 12 The righteous understands the heart of the ungodly and despises the ungodly in evil deeds. 13 The one who closes the ear to not hear the weak will also call out, and there will be no one listening. 14 A covert gift overturns anger, and one who is sparing with gifts awakens fierce wrath. 15 The gladness of the righteous does judgment, but that which is pure is unclean to evildoers. 16 A man who is misled from the way of righteousness will sleep in the congregation of the giants. 17 A poor man loves gladness, being fond of wine and olive oil in abundance; 18 but the lawless is the ransom of the righteous. 19 It is better to live in the desert than with a talkative, quarrelsome, wrathful woman.[10] 20 A desirable storehouse will rest upon the mouth of the wise, but foolish men will swallow it up. 21 The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory. 22 The wise entered strong cities and broke down the stronghold upon which the ungodly had relied. 23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue preserves his life from distress. 24 The rash and stubborn and pretentious is called a pest, and the one who bears a grudge is a lawbreaker. 25 Desires kill the sluggard, for his hands prefer not to do anything. 26 The ungodly desires evil desires all the day long, but the righteous shows mercy and compassion lavishly. 27 The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord, for they even present them unlawfully. 28 A false witness will perish, but an obedient man will speak guardedly. 29 The ungodly man shamelessly resists with his face; as for the upright, he understands his ways. 30 There is no wisdom, there is no courage, there is no counsel with regard to the ungodly. 31 A horse is prepared for a day of battle, but help comes from the Lord.
22A good name is preferable to much wealth, and good favor is above silver and gold. 2 The rich and needy have met each other, and the Lord made both. 3 When a prudent person sees the wicked punished, he is disciplined powerfully; but when fools pass by, they suffer loss. 4 The fear of the Lord is a descendant of wisdom and wealth and glory and life. 5 Thistles and snares are in crooked ways, but the one who guards his own soul will stay away from them. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters. 8 The one who sows what is worthless will reap evil things, and he will achieve a beating for his deeds. 8 a God blesses a cheerful and giving man, and he will achieve futility for his deeds. 9 The one who shows mercy to the needy will be sustained, for he has given some of his own bread to the poor. 9a The one who gives a gift procures victory and honor; however, it removes the soul of those who acquire it. 10 Expel the pest from the assembly, and strife will also depart from it; for when he sits in the assembly, he dishonors everyone. 11 The Lord loves holy hearts, and acceptable to him are all who are blameless; a king shepherds with his lips. 12 But the eyes of the Lord preserve perception, but the lawbreaker despises words. 13 The sluggard makes excuses and says, “A lion is in the ways, and murderers are in the streets.” 14 The mouth of the lawbreaker is a deep pit, and the one hated by the Lord will fall into it. 14 a There are evil ways before a man, and he does not love to turn back from them, but it is necessary to turn back from a crooked and evil way. 15 Folly clings to the heart of the young, but a rod and discipline are far from him. 16 The one who slanders the poor makes his own things many, but he gives to the rich unto less. 17 Incline your ear to words of the wise and listen to my word, and place your heart so that you may know that they are good. 18 And if you would cast them into your heart, they will bring gladness to you at once upon your lips, 19 so that hope for you may be in the Lord, and he may disclose your away to you. 20 And you also should copy them for yourself three times for counsel and knowledge upon the surface of your soul. 21 Therefore, I teach you a true word and good knowledge that is good to hear, to answer with words of truth those who accuse you. 22 Do not treat the needy with violence, because he is poor, and do not dishonor the weak in the gates; 23 for the Lord will judge his judgment, and you will rescue your life unharmed. 24 Do not be a friend to an angry man, and do not have dealings with a friend prone to anger, 25 lest you learn from his ways and get snares for your soul. 26 Do not give yourself as surety because you are shamed by someone’s face, 27 for if he does not have anythingb with which he should repay, they will take the bed which is under your sides. 28 Do not remove eternal boundaries, which your fathers set up. 29 A man who is observant and keen in his deeds must stand before kings and not stand before slothful men.
23If you sit to dine at the table of rulers, carefully consider what is placed before you 2 and apply your hand, realizing that it is necessary for you to prepare such as this. But if you are insatiable, 3 do not long for his delicacies, for these belong to a false life. 4 When poor, do not compare yourself to the rich, and stay remote in your insight.[11] 5 If you set your eye toward him, it will fall nowhere at all; for a wing is made for him, just as for an eagle, and he returns to the house of his master. 6 Do not dine with a grudging man or long for his food; 7 for the way one swallows a hair, so he eats and drinks. And do not bring him toward you aor eat your morsel with him, 8 for he will vomit it and waste your fine words. 9 Say nothing into the ears of a fool, lest he scoff at your intelligent words. 10 Do not move eternal boundaries, and do not trespass into the property of orphans; 11 for the mighty Lord is their redeemer, and he will judge their judgment against you. 12 Give your heart to instruction, and prepare your ears for words of perception. 13 Do not refrain from disciplining a child, because if you strike him with a rod, he will surely not die; 14 for indeed you shall strike him with a rod, and you will rescue his soul from death. 15 Son, if your heart becomes wise, you will gladden my heart, 16 and your lips will converse with my lips, if they may be upright. 17 Let your heart not be jealous of sinners, but be in fear of the Lord all the day long. 18 For if you guard them, there will be offspring for you, and your hope will not be removed. 19 Listen, son, and become wise, and prosper your heart’s insight. 20 Do not be a wine-bibber or extend yourself for shared meals and purchases of meat; 21 for every drunkard and whoremonger will become poor and will wear tatters, and every drowsy person will wear rags. 22 Son, listen, to the father who fathered you, and do not act with contempt because your mother has grown old. 24 A righteous father raises children well, and his soul rejoices over a wise son. 25 May father and mother rejoice over you, and may the one who brought you forth be glad. 26 Give me, son, your heart, and may your eyes keep my ways. 27 For another’s house is a leaky wine jar, and another’s cistern is narrow. 28 For this will suddenly perish, and every lawbreaker will be destroyed.[12] 29 Who has woe? Who has turmoil? Who has judgment? Who has nausea and gossip? Who has fractures for no reason? Who has palea eyes? 30 Is it not those who linger over wines? Is it not those who hunt for where the drinking parties are? 31 Do not be drunk with wines, but converse with righteous people, and converse on walks; for if you give your eyes into the bowls and cups, you will eventually walk more naked than a pestle. 32 And finally he stretches out like one bitten by a serpent, and like the venom is poured into him as if by a horned serpent. 33 When your eyes see another’s wife, then your mouth will say perverse things; 34 and you will lie down just as in the heart of the sea and just like a helmsman in a strong swell. 35 And you will say, “They beat me, and I was not wounded; and they mocked me, but I did not know it; when will dawn come, so that I may go and seek those with whom I will assemble?”
24Son, do not be jealous of evil men or long to be with them; 2 for their heart meditates on false things, and their lips talk of troubles. 3 With wisdom a house is built, and with insight it is set right; 4 the chambersb are filled with perception from all precious and good wealth. 5 Better wise than strong, and a man who has insight than a large farm. 6 A battle takes place with administration, and help with the heart of a counselor. 7 Wisdom and insight are good in the gates of the wise; the wise do not turn aside from the mouth of the Lord, 8 but they consider in the assembly. Death befalls the ignorant, 9 and the foolish die in sins. 10 in an evil day and in a day of affliction until he comes to an end. 11 Rescue those being led to death, and saw out those who are being killed; do not hold back. 12 But if you say, “I did not know this,” know that the Lord knows the heart of all; and the one who formed breath for all knows all, the one who renders to each according to his deeds. 13 Eat honey, son, for a honeycomb is good, so that your throat may be sweetened. 14 So you shall perceive wisdom for your soul, for if you find it, your death will be good, and hope will not forsake you. 15 Do not bring the ungodly to the dwelling of the righteous or be deceived by filling your belly. 16 For the righteous will fall seven times and will get up, but the ungodly will be weak in evil things. 17 If your enemy falls, do not rejoice over him, and do not become elated by his stumbling; 18 because the Lord will see it, and it will not please him, and he will turn his wrath away from him. 19 Do not rejoice at evildoers or be jealous of sinners; 20 for surely the wicked one does not get offspring, and the lamp of the ungodly will be extinguished. 21 Fear God, son—and the king, and disobey neither of them; 22 for they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who shall know the retributions of both?[13] 22 a A son who keeps the word will be beyond destruction, and, receiving, he received it. 22 b Let no falsehood be spoken from the tongue to the king, and let no falsehood come out from his tongue. 22 c The tongue of the king is a sword, and not one of flesh, and whoever shall be given up to it will be crushed. 22 d For if his wrath is sharpened, it destroys humans together with sinews; 22 e and he devours the bones of humans, and burns them up like a flame, so that they are inedible for eagles’ young. 24 Fear my words, son, and when you receive them, repent.b cThis is what the man says to those who trust in God: “And I cease.” 25 For I am the most foolish of all humans, and the insight of humans is not in me. 26 God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the holy. 27 Who has ascended into the heavens and come down? Who has gathered the winds in his lap? Who has wrapped up water in his garment? Who has seized the ends of the earth? What is his name? Or what is the name of his children? 28 For all the words of God are tried by fire, and he shields those who revere him. 29 Do not supplement his words, lest he reprove you, and you become a liar. 30 Two things I request of you, do not remove your favor from me before I die: 31 Make the futile and false word far from me; and do not give me wealth or poverty, but appoint me what is necessary and sufficient 32 lest because I am filled, I become a liar and say, “Who sees me?”; or, because I am poor, I steal and I swear by the name of God. 33 Do not betray a servant into the hands of his master, lest he curse you, and you be ruined. 34 A wicked offspring curses their father, and does not bless their mother. 35 A wicked offspring judges himself righteous but did not wash his exit. 36 A wicked offspring has haughty eyes, and with his eyelashes he exalts himself. 37 A wicked offspring has swords for teeth and knives for molars, to consume and devour the lowly from the earth and their poor from humankind. 38 And I say these things to you who are wise, for you to recognize them; in judgment it is not fitting to have respect for a face. 39 The one who says the ungodly is righteous will be accursed to peoples and hated among the nations; 40 and those who reprove will appear to be better, and blessing will come to them. 41 And they will kiss lips that answer with good words. 42 Prepare your deeds for your departure, and prepare for the field and come after me, and you will build up your house. 43 Do not be a false witness against your countryman or widen with your lips. 44 Do not say, “I will treat him the way he treated me, and I will punish him for the wrong he did to me.” 45 A foolish man is like a farm, and a person lacking understanding is like a vineyard; 46 if you ignore him, he will lie barren and be completely covered with grass and become abandoned, and his stone fences are destroyed. 47 Eventually I reconsidered, and I looked around to pick instruction. 48 I doze a little, and I sleep a little, and I fold my hands across my chest a little; 49 and if you do this, your poverty shall come advancing, and your need like a good runner. 50 aThe leech had three daughters, loved with love, yet these three did not satisfy her. And the fourth was not satisfied enough to say, “Enough.” 51 Hades and desire of a woman and the netherworld and the earth not filled with water, and water and fire, would never say, “It is adequate.” 52 The eye that scorns a father and dishonors an elderly mother, may ravens from the ravines pluck it out, and eagle chicks devour it. 53 And there are three things impossible for me to understand, and I am unfamiliar with the fourth: 54 the track of an eagle in flight, and the ways of a serpent upon a rock, and the paths of a ship traversing the sea, and the ways of a man in his youth. 55 Such is the way of an adulterous woman, who, when she acts, cleanses herself and claims to have done nothing improper. 56 On account of three things the earth quakes, and it is able not to bear the fourth: 57 if a servant rules, and a fool is filled with grain, 58 and if a maid drives out her own mistress, and if a hateful woman meets a good man. 59 And four things are the smallest upon the earth, yet these are wiser than the wise: 60 the ants who have no strength and prepare food during the summer; 61 and the rabbits, who are not a strong nation, they made houses for themselves in the rocks; 62 the locust is kingless, yet at one command he marches in an orderly manner; 63 and a spotted lizard, although it steadies itself with its hands and is easily caught, dwells in fortresses of kings. 64 And there are three things that prosper and a fourth that passes by finely: 65 a lion cub, stronger than livestock, who does not turn back or cower before livestock; 66 and a rooster, walking bold among hens; and a goat leading a herd; and a king addressing the nation. 67 If you would let go of yourself in gladness and extend your hand with strife, you will be dishonored. 68 Squeeze out milk, and there will be butter; and if you squeeze a nose, blood will come out; and if you drag out reasonings, disputes and contentions will issue forth. 69 My words are said by God, a divine statement of a king whom his mother trained. 70 What, child, will you keep? What? The words of God; firstborn, I am speaking to you, son. What, child of my belly? What, child of my prayers? 71 Do not give women your wealth, and your mind and life to remorse. 72 Do everything with counsel; drink wine with counsel. Rulers are prone to anger, but may they not drink wine, 73 so that by drinking they do not neglect wisdom, and they have no power to judge what is right for the weak. 74 Give strong drink to those in pain, and wine to drink for those in grief, 75 so that they may forget their need and remember their toil no more. 76 Open your mouth with a word of God, and judge everyone fairly; 77 open your mouth and judge rightly, and judge for the needy and the weak.
25These are the instructions of Solomon of varied sort, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea wrote down. 2 The glory of God hides a word, and the glory of a king honors matters. 3 The heavens are high, and the earth is deep, and the heart of a king is unfathomable. 4 Beat unrefined silver, and it will be purified completely pure; 5 slay the ungodly from the face of a king, and his throne will be upright in righteousness. 6 Do not make false pretensions before a king, or offer resistance in places belonging to rulers; 7 for it is better that it is said to you, “Come up to me!” than to humble you in the face of a ruler. Speak of that which your eyes have seen. 8 Do not fall into a fight quickly, lest you feel regret in the end when your friend reproaches you. 9 Retreat to the rear; do not be disdainful, 10 lest the friend reproach you, and your fight and enmity not depart,[14] 10 a but it will be equal to death for you. Favor and affection are free things that you should keep for yourself, lest you become reproached, but guard your ways peaceably. 11 A golden apple in a small necklace of sardius, so is speaking a word. 12 A costly sardius is set in a golden earring, a wise word in an obedient ear. 13 Just as in harvest a departure is helpful with respect to heat, so is a trustworthy messenger with respect to those who sent him out; for he is of use to the souls of those who employ him. 14 Just as winds and clouds and rain are conspicuous, so is the boasting about a false gift. 15 In patience there is prosperity for kings, and a gentle tongue crushes bones. 16 Upon finding honey, eat what is sufficient, lest you be filled and vomit. 17 Bring your foot seldom toward your own friend, lest he become filled with you and hate you. 18 A club and a sword and a pointed arrow, so is a man who bears witness against his friend with false testimony. 19 The way of an evil person and a foot of a lawbreaker will be destroyed in an evil day. 20 Just as vinegar is bad for a wound, so misfortune that befalls the body brings grief to the heart. 20 a Like a moth on a garment and a worm in a tree, so a man’s pain hurts the heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; 22 for one who does this will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will repay good things to you. 23 The north wind awakens clouds, and a shameless face provokes the tongue. 24 It is better to live on the corner of a house than in a shared building with an abusive woman. 25 Just as cold water is agreeable to a thirsty soul, so is a good message from a distant land. 26 Just as someone might stop up a spring and waste a course of water, so it is out of order for the righteous to fall before the ungodly. 27 It is not good to eat much honey, but it is necessary to honor notable words. 28 Just as a city is when overthrown by its walls and unfortified, so is a man who does nothing with counsel.
26Just as dew at harvest and just as rain in summer, so there is no honor for a fool. 2 Just as birds and sparrows fly, so a pointless curse will not come upon anyone. 3 As a whip for a horse and a goad for a donkey, so is a rod for a lawbreaker. 4 Do not respond to a fool according to that person’s folly, lest you become like him. 5 Rather, respond to a fool with respect to his folly, lest he appear wise to himself. 6 He does a disgrace from his own ways who sends a word by a foolish messenger. 7 Take away motion from legs and law breaking from the mouth of the foolish. 8 One who binds a stone in a sling is like the one who gives a fool praise. 9 Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and bondage in the hand of the foolish.[15] 10 All the flesh of fools suffer many things, for their entrancement is crushed. 11 As a dog when he comes upon his own vomit and becomes detestable, so is a fool who in his own wickedness returns to his own sin. 11 a There is a shame that brings on sin, and there is a shame that is glory and favor. 12 I saw a man who seemed wise to himself; however, a fool has more hope than he has. 13 A sluggard who is sent out on the road says, “A lion is on the roads!” 14 Just as a door turns upon a hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed. 15 A sluggard who has hidden his hand in his lap will be unable to bring it to his mouth. 16 A sluggard appears to himself wiser than one who brings back a message in abundance. 17 Like one who grasps the tail of a dog, so is one who champions another’s dispute. 18 As those being healed put arguments forward to people, and the one who counters the argument first will be tripped up, 19 so are all those who lie in wait for their own friends; and when they are seen, they say, “I did it playing.” 20 Among many trees fire rages, but where there is no dissenter, fighting stops. 21 A hearth is for charcoal and firewood for fire, but a pestilent man tends to disturbance of strife.[16] 22 Words of cunning knaves are soft, and these beat in the chambers of the guts. 23 Silver that is given with deceit is to be considered earthenware; smooth lips conceal a sorrowful heart. 24 He who weeps for enemies promises everything with his lips, but in the heart he devises words. 25 If your enemy begs you with a great voice, do not be persuaded; for seven vices are in his soul. 26 The one who hides hatred keeps company with deceit, but he who is well known in the assemblies conceals his own sins. 27 One who digs a pit for his neighbor will fall into it, and one who rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself. 28 A false tongue hates truth, and an unguarded mouth makes confusion.
27Do not boast about tomorrow’s things, for you do not know what the next day will bring. 2 May your neighbor and not your own mouth extol you, another person and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy and sand is cumbersome, but the anger of a fool is heavier than both. 4 Wrath is merciless and anger is sharp, but jealousy tolerates no one. 5 Better are open reproofs than hidden affection. 6 More trustworthy are wounds of a friend than spontaneous kisses of an enemy. 7 A soul enjoying abundance scorns a honeycomb, but for a soul in need even bitter things appear sweet. 8 Just as when a bird flies down from its own nest, so is a person enslaved when he is banished from his own place. 9 The heart is delighted by ointments and wines and perfumes, but the soul is broken by mishaps. 10 Do not forsake a friend of yours or a friend of your father, and do not enter into the house of your brother when unlucky; better is a friend nearby than a brother living far away. 11 Become wise, son, so that your heart may rejoice, and turn disgraceful words away from you. 12 When evils come, a prudent person hides himself, but fools will forge ahead and pay a penalty. 13 Take away his garment, for he has passed; whoever damages what is another’s is insolent. 14 Whoever blesses a friend in the morning with a great voice will seem to differ in no way from one who curses. 15 Drops on a wintery day drive out a person from his house; similarly also an abusive wife drives him from his own house. 16 The north wind is a harsh wind, but is called auspicious by name. 17 Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens his comrade’s face. 18 The one who plants a fig tree will eat its fruit, and the one who protects his own lord will be honored. 19 Just as faces are not like faces, so neither are the minds of humans. 20 Hades and destruction are not filled completely; similarly also the eyes of humans are insatiable. 20 a One who staresa is an abomination to the Lord, and the undisciplined lack control of the tongue. 21 For silver there is testing, and for gold there is burning; but a man is tested by the mouth of those who praise him. 21 a The heart of the lawless seeks out evil, but the upright heart seeks knowledge. 22 Though you dishonor a fool with whips in the middle of the assembly, you will never remove his folly. 23 You shall know the souls of your flock clearly and set your heart on your herd, 24 because a man’s strength and power are not for eternity, and they do not transfer from generation to generation. 25 Care for the greenery in the plain, and you will cut grass and gather provender from the mountainous lands, 26 so that you may have sheep for clothing; value the plain, so that lambs may belong to you. 27 Son, from me you have mighty words for your life and for the life of your attendants.
28An ungodly person flees when no one is pursuing, but a righteous person has confidence like a lion. 2 By the sins of the ungodly disputes are stirred up, but a prudent man will quell them. 3 One who is valiant in ungodly deeds slanders the needy. Just as rain is fierce and unprofitable, 4 similarly those who forsake the law praise ungodliness; but those who love the law erect a wall around themselves. 5 Evil men will not understand judgment, but those who seek the Lord have insight concerning everything. 6 Better to be a needy person who conducts himself in truth than a rich person who is untrue. 7 An intelligent son watches over the law, but the one who shepherds wastefulness dishonors a father. 8 The one who multiplies his wealth by means of usury and unjust gains collects it for the one who shows mercy toward the needy. 9 The one who turns his ear away from listening to the law, even he has made his prayer abhorrent. 10 The one who misleads the upright into an evil way will himself fall into destruction, but the lawless pass through good things and do not enter into them. 11 A rich man is wise according to himself, but an intelligent needy person will see through him. 12 Much glory comes from helping the righteous, but in the places of the ungodly people are snared. 13 The one who covers up his own ungodliness will not prosper, but the one who explains reproofs will be loved. 14 Happy is the man who trembles before all in reverence, but the hard-hearted will fall into evil things. 15 A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf, so is he who rules over the needy when he is poor. 16 A king lacking advice is a great oppressor, but the one who hates injustice will live a long time. 17 The one who gives surety for a man accused of murder will be a fugitive and not in security. 17 a Discipline a son, and he will love you, and he will give your soul an ornament; do not listen to a law-breaking nation. 18 The one who proceeds rightly is helped, but the one who proceeds along crooked ways will be entangled. 19 The one who works his own land will be filled with bread, but the one who pursues leisure will be filled with need. 20 A trustworthy man will be blessed in many ways, but the evil one will not go unpunished. 21 The one who is not shamed at the faces of the righteous is not good; one of this sort will hand over a man for a morsel of bread. 22 A stingy man hastens to be rich, yet does not realize that a merciful person will prevail over him. 23 The one who reproves the ways of a person will have more grace than the one who flatters. 24 The one who rejects a father or mother and appears not to be sinning, such a one is a partner with an ungodly man. 25 The unfaithful man makes decisions rashly, but the one who trusts the Lord will be careful. 26 The one who relies on a brash heart, such a person is foolish; but the one who proceeds in wisdom will be saved. 27 The one who gives to the poor will not be subject to want, but the one who turns back his eye will be in much difficulty. 28 In places of the ungodly the righteous groan, but at the destruction of those people the righteous will be multiplied.
29Better a man who reproves than a stiff-necked man, for when he is suddenly burned there is no healing. 2 When the righteous are praised, the peoples will rejoice; but when the ungodly rule, the peoples groan. 3 When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices; but the one who tends prostitutes will destroy wealth. 4 A righteous king establishes a territory, but a lawless man destroys it. 5 The one who prepares a net in the face of his own friend casts it for his own feet. 6 There is a great trap for a man who sins, but the righteous will be in joy and in gladness. 7 The righteous knows how to judge the poor, but the ungodly does not understand knowledge, and there is no intelligent mind for the poor. 8 Lawless men ignite a city, but the wise turn back anger. 9 A wise man judges a nation, but when a worthless man is angry, he scoffs and is not afraid. 10 Men who share in blood, who hate what is purea —but the upright will seek out his soul. 11 A fool brings forth his whole wrath, but the wise dispenses according to portion. 12 When a king listens to an unjust word, all under him are lawbreakers. 13 When moneylender and debtor gather together, the Lord makes examination of them both. 14 When a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established as a testimony. 15 Wounds and reproofs provide wisdom, but a misled child dishonors his parents. 16 When many are ungodly, many sins take place, but the righteous become fearful of the downfall of those people. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest, and he will give your soul an ornament. 18 A seer will never come to a lawless people, but those who keep the law are most blessed. 19 A stubborn servant will not be disciplined by words, for even though he may perceive, yet he will not obey. 20 If you see a man quick with words, know that a fool has more hope than he. 21 The one who lives luxuriously from childhood will be a domestic, and at last will be pained in himself. 22 A angry man arouses strife, and a wrathful man digs out sins. 23 Insolence humbles a man, but the Lord sustains the humble in glory. 24 He hates his own life who shares with a thief; and if they do not report it when an oath is uttered and hear it, 25 since they feared and were shamed before people, they will be overthrown; but the one who trusts in the Lord will rejoice. Ungodliness gives a man a misstep, but the one who relies on the master will be saved. 26 Many attend to the faces of leaders, but what is righteous comes to a man from the Lord. 27 A righteous man is an abomination to the unrighteous, and to the lawless the straight way is an abomination. 28 aWho can find a virtuous woman? And such a one is more precious than costly stones. 29 The heart of her husband is confident with her; a woman such as this will not be in want of good spoils, 30 for she produces good things for her husband all his life. 31 Gathering wool and flax she makes something useful with her hands. 32 She has become like a ship trading from afar; and this one gathers livelihood, 33 and she gets up during the nights. She also has given food to the household and works to the servant girls. 34 After considering a field, she bought it, and with the fruits of her hands, she plants the property. 35 Girding up her loins powerfully, she strengthened her arms for work. 36 And she has tasted that it is good to work, and her lamp is not extinguished during the entire night. 37 She stretches her arms toward fruitful activities, and she applies her hands to the spindle. 38 She also opens her hands to the needy, and she extends fruit to the poor. 39 Her husband takes no thought for the matters in the house when he spends time somewhere, for all those with her are clothed. 40 She makes double cloaks for her husband, and garments for herself of fine flax and purple. 41 Her husband also becomes admired in the gates when he sits in the assembly with the elderly inhabitants of the land. 42 She made and sold fine linen, aprons to the Canaanites. 43 bShe opened her mouth carefully and lawfully and dispatched orderliness with her tongue. 44 cShe clothed herself with strength and dignity, and she rejoiced in the final days. 45 Her pastimes are a tight house, and she did not eat idle grain. But she opens her mouth to the wise according to the law; and her charity 46 raised up her children, and they were rich; and her husband praises her. 47 Many daughters have acquired wealth, many have accomplished mighty things, but you have surpassed them, and you exalt yourself beyond all. 48 Desires to please are false, and a woman’s beauty is to no avail, for an intelligent woman is blessed, and may she praise the fear of the Lord. 49 Give her of the fruits of her lips, and may her husband be praised in the gates.
30These things says the man to those who trust in God; and I cease. 2 For I am the most simple of all men, and there is not in me the wisdom of men. 3 God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who has gone up to heaven, and come down? Who has gathered the winds in his bosom? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has dominion over all the ends of the earth? What is his name? And what is the name of his children? 5 For all the words of God are tried in the fire, and he defends those who revere him. 6 Add not to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. 7 Two things I ask of you; do not withhold them from me before I die. 8 Remove far from me vanity and falsehood; give me neither riches nor poverty, but provide me with what is needful and sufficient. 9 Lest I be full and deny you, saying, ‘Who sees me?’ or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God. 10 Do not deliver a servant into the hands of his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 11 A wicked generation curses their father and does not bless their mother. 12 A wicked generation considers themselves just but does not cleanse their ways. 13 A wicked generation has lofty eyes and exalts themselves with their eyelids. 14 A wicked generation has teeth like swords and jaw teeth like knives, to destroy and devour the lowly from the earth, and the poor from among men. 15 The leech has three beloved daughters, and these three are never satisfied; the fourth does not say, ‘Enough.’ 16 Hades, the love of a woman, Tartarus, and the earth never filled with water; fire also never says, ‘It is enough.’[17] 17 The eye that scorns a father and dishonors the old age of a mother, let the ravens of the valley pick it out, and let the young eagles devour it. 18 There are three things too wonderful for me, and a fourth which I do not understand: 19 The path of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the course of a ship through the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats, wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done no wrong.’ 21 By three things the earth is troubled, and the fourth it cannot bear: 22 A servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food, 23 A maidservant who displaces her mistress, and a hateful woman who is married to a good man. 24 There are four small things on the earth that are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants, which are weak, yet prepare their food in summer; 26 The rock badgers, which are feeble, yet make their homes in the rocks; 27 The locusts, which have no king, yet march forward in ranks; 28 The lizard, which can be caught in the hand, yet dwells in the palaces of kings. 29 There are three things that move with stateliness, and a fourth that marches with dignity: 30 A lion, the mightiest among beasts, which does not turn back before any; 31 A rooster strutting among hens, a male goat leading the herd, and a king confidently addressing his people. 32 If you give yourself over to arrogance and extend your hand in strife, you will be disgraced. 33 Churn milk, and it will yield butter; twist the nose, and it will bring forth blood; so stirring up strife brings forth conflict.
31Who shall find a virtuous woman? For such a one is more valuable than precious stones. 2 The heart of her husband trusts in her; such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils. 3 For she employs all her living for her husband's good. 4 Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands. 5 She is like a ship trading from a distance; so she procures her livelihood. 6 And she rises by night and gives food to her household and appointed tasks to her maidens. 7 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 8 She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms for work. 9 And she finds by experience that working is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 10 She reaches forth her hands to needful work and applies her hands to the spindle. 11 She opens her hands to the needy and stretches out her hands to the poor. 12 Her husband has no anxiety about his household when he is away, for all her household are clothed. 13 She makes for her husband garments of double texture and clothes for herself of fine linen and scarlet. 14 Her husband is honored in the gates when he sits in council with the elders of the land. 15 She makes fine linen and sells it; she delivers girdles to the merchants. 16 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. 17 She clothes herself with strength and dignity, and she rejoices in the days to come. 18 She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 19 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 20 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all. 21 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. 22 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.