Proverbs
1,1The proverbs of Solomon,
the son of David, king of Israel;
1,2to know wisdom and
instruction;
to discern the words of understanding;
1,3to receive instruction
in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
1,4to give prudence to
the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man;
1,5that the wise man may
hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;
1,6to understand a
proverb, and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
1,7The fear of the L-rd is the beginning of knowledge;
but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
1,8My son, listen to your
father's instruction,
and don't forsake your mother's teaching;
1,9for they will be a
garland to grace your head,
and chains around your neck.
1,10My son, if sinners
entice you, don't consent.
1,11If they say, 'Come
with us,
Let's lay in wait for blood;
let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
1,12let's swallow them
up alive like Hell,
and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
1,13We'll find all
valuable wealth.
We'll fill our houses with spoil.
1,14You shall cast your
lot among us.
We'll all have one purse.'
1,15My son, don't walk
in the way with them.
Keep your foot from their path,
1,16for their feet run to
evil.
They hurry to shed blood.
1,17For in vain is the
net spread in the sight of any bird;
1,18but these lay wait
for their own blood.
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
1,19So are the ways of
everyone who is greedy for gain.
It takes away the life of its owners.
1,20Wisdom calls aloud in
the street.
She utters her voice in the public squares.
1,21She calls at the head
of noisy places.
At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words;
1,22'How long, you
simple ones, will you love simplicity?
How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,
and fools hate knowledge?
1,23Turn at my reproof.
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.
I will make known my words to you.
1,24Because I have
called, and you have refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
1,25but you have ignored
all my counsel,
and wanted none of my reproof;
1,26I also will laugh at
your disaster.
I will mock when calamity overtakes you;
1,27when calamity
overtakes you like a storm,
when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;
when distress and anguish come on you.
1,28Then will they call
on me, but I will not answer.
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;
1,29because they hated
knowledge,
and didn't choose the fear of the L-rd.
1,30They wanted none of
my counsel.
They despised all my reproof.
1,31Therefore they will
eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own schemes.
1,32For the backsliding
of the simple will kill them.
The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
1,33But whoever listens
to me will dwell securely,
and will be at ease, without fear of harm.'
2,1My son, if you will
receive my words,
and store up my commandments within you;
2,2So as to turn your ear
to wisdom,
and apply your heart to understanding;
2,3Yes, if you call out
for discernment,
and lift up your voice for understanding;
2,4If you seek her as
silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures;
2,5then you will
understand the fear of the L-rd,
and find the knowledge of G-d.
2,6For the L-rd gives
wisdom.
Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
2,7He lays up sound
wisdom for the upright.
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;
2,8that he may guard the
paths of justice,
and preserve the way of his saints.
2,9Then you will
understand righteousness and justice,
equity and every good path.
2,10For wisdom will enter
into your heart.
Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
2,11Discretion will watch
over you.
Understanding will keep you,
2,12to deliver you from
the way of evil,
from the men who speak perverse things;
2,13who forsake the paths
of uprightness,
to walk in the ways of darkness;
2,14who rejoice to do
evil,
and delight in the perverseness of evil;
2,15who are crooked in
their ways,
and wayward in their paths;
2,16To deliver you from
the strange woman,
even from the foreigner who flatters with her words;
2,17who forsakes the
friend of her youth,
and forgets the covenant of her G-d;
2,18for her house leads
down to death,
her paths to the dead.
2,19None who go to her
return again,
neither do they attain to the paths of life;
2,20that you may walk in
the way of good men,
and keep the paths of the righteous.
2,21For the upright will
dwell in the land.
The perfect will remain in it.
2,22But the wicked will
be cut off from the land.
The treacherous will be rooted out of it.
3,1My son, don't forget
my teaching;
but let your heart keep my commandments;
3,2for length of days,
and years of life,
and peace, will they add to you.
3,3Don't let kindness
and truth forsake you.
Bind them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
3,4So you will find favor,
and good understanding in the sight of G-d and man.
3,5Trust in the L-rd with
all your heart,
and don't lean on your own understanding.
3,6In all your ways
acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
3,7Don't be wise in
your own eyes.
Fear the L-rd, and depart from evil.
3,8It will be health to
your body,
and nourishment to your bones.
3,9Honor the L-rd with your
substance,
with the first fruits of all your increase;
3,10so your barns will be
filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
3,11My son, don't
despise the L-rd's discipline,
neither be weary of his reproof;
3,12for whom the L-rd
loves, he reproves;
even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
3,13Happy is the man who
finds wisdom,
the man who gets understanding.
3,14For her good profit
is better than getting silver,
and her return is better than fine gold.
3,15She is more precious
than rubies.
None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
3,16Length of days is in
her right hand.
In her left hand are riches and honor.
3,17Her ways are ways of
pleasantness.
All her paths are peace.
3,18She is a tree of life
to those who lay hold of her.
Happy is everyone who retains her.
3,19By wisdom the L-rd
founded the earth.
By understanding, he established the heavens.
3,20By his knowledge, the
depths were broken up,
and the skies drop down the dew.
3,21My son, let them not
depart from your eyes.
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
3,22so they will be life
to your soul,
and grace for your neck.
3,23Then you shall walk
in your way securely.
Your foot won't stumble.
3,24When you lie down,
you will not be afraid.
Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
3,25Don't be afraid of
sudden fear,
neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;
3,26for the L-rd will be
your confidence,
and will keep your foot from being taken.
3,27Don't withhold good
from those to whom it is due,
when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
3,28Don't say to your
neighbor, 'Go, and come again;
tomorrow I will give it to you,'
when you have it by you.
3,29Don't devise evil
against your neighbor,
since he dwells securely by you.
3,30Don't strive with a
man without cause,
if he has done you no harm.
3,31Don't envy the man
of violence.
Choose none of his ways.
3,32For the perverse is
an abomination to the L-rd,
but his friendship is with the upright.
3,33the L-rd's curse is
in the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.
3,34Surely he mocks the
mockers,
but he gives grace to the humble.
3,35The wise will inherit
glory,
but shame will be the promotion of fools.
4,1Listen, sons, to a
father's instruction.
Pay attention and know understanding;
4,2for I give you sound
learning.
Don't forsake my law.
4,3For I was a son to my
father,
tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
4,4He taught me, and said
to me;
'Let your heart retain my words.
Keep my commandments, and live.
4,5Get wisdom.
Get understanding.
Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
4,6Don't forsake her,
and she will preserve you.
Love her, and she will keep you.
4,7Wisdom is supreme.
Get wisdom.
Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
4,8Esteem her, and she
will exalt you.
She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.
4,9She will give to your
head a garland of grace.
She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.'
4,10Listen, my son, and
receive my sayings.
The years of your life will be many.
4,11I have taught you in
the way of wisdom.
I have led you in straight paths.
4,12When you go, your
steps will not be hampered.
When you run, you will not stumble.
4,13Take firm hold of
instruction.
Don't let her go.
Keep her, for she is your life.
4,14Don't enter into
the path of the wicked.
Don't walk in the way of evil men.
4,15Avoid it, and don't
pass by it.
Turn from it, and pass on.
4,16For they don't
sleep, unless they do evil.
Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.
4,17For they eat the
bread of wickedness,
and drink the wine of violence.
4,18But the path of the
righteous is like the dawning light,
that shines more and more until the perfect day.
4,19The way of the wicked
is like darkness.
They don't know what they stumble over.
4,20My son, attend to my
words.
Turn your ear to my sayings.
4,21Let them not depart
from your eyes.
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
4,22For they are life to
those who find them,
and health to their whole body.
4,23Keep your heart with
all diligence,
for out of it is the wellspring of life.
4,24Put away from
yourself a perverse mouth.
Put corrupt lips far from you.
4,25Let your eyes look
straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
4,26Make the path of your
feet level.
Let all of your ways be established.
4,27Don't turn to the
right hand nor to the left.
Remove your foot from evil.
5,1My son, pay attention
to my wisdom.
Turn your ear to my understanding;
5,2that you may maintain
discretion,
that your lips may preserve knowledge.
5,3For the lips of an
adulteress drip honey.
Her mouth is smoother than oil,
5,4But in the end she is
as bitter as wormwood,
and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5,5Her feet go down to
death.
Her steps lead straight to Hell.
5,6She gives no thought
to the way of life.
Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.
5,7Now therefore, my
sons, listen to me.
Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
5,8Remove your way far
from her.
Don't come near the door of her house,
5,9lest you give your
honor to others,
and your years to the cruel one;
5,10lest strangers feast
on your wealth,
and your labors enrich another man's house.
5,11You will groan at
your latter end,
when your flesh and your body are consumed,
5,12and say, 'How I
have hated instruction,
and my heart despised reproof;
5,13neither have I obeyed
the voice of my teachers,
nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
5,14I have come to the
brink of utter ruin,
in the midst of the gathered assembly.'
5,15Drink water out of
your own cistern,
running water out of your own well.
5,16Should your springs
overflow in the streets,
streams of water in the public squares?
5,17Let them be for
yourself alone,
not for strangers with you.
5,18Let your spring be
blessed.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
5,19A loving doe and a
graceful deer—
let her breasts satisfy you at all times.
Be captivated always with her love.
5,20For why should you,
my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another?
5,21For the ways of man
are before the eyes of the L-rd.
He examines all his paths.
5,22The evil deeds of the
wicked ensnare him.
The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
5,23He will die for lack
of instruction.
In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
6,1My son, if you have
become collateral for your neighbor,
if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
6,2You are trapped by the
words of your mouth.
You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.
6,3Do this now, my son,
and deliver yourself,
since you have come into the hand of your neighbor.
Go, humble yourself.
Press your plea with your neighbor.
6,4Give no sleep to your
eyes,
nor slumber to your eyelids.
6,5Free yourself, like a
gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6,6Go to the ant, you
sluggard.
Consider her ways, and be wise;
6,7which having no chief,
overseer, or ruler,
6,8provides her bread in
the summer,
and gathers her food in the harvest.
6,9How long will you
sleep, sluggard?
When will you arise out of your sleep?
6,10A little sleep, a
little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep;
6,11so your poverty will
come as a robber,
and your scarcity as an armed man.
6,12A worthless person, a
man of iniquity,
is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
6,13who winks with his
eyes, who signals with his feet,
who motions with his fingers;
6,14in whose heart is
perverseness,
who devises evil continually,
who always sows discord.
6,15Therefore his
calamity will come suddenly.
He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
6,16There are six things
which the L-rd hates;
yes, seven which are an abomination to him;
6,17haughty eyes, a lying
tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood;
6,18a heart that devises
wicked schemes,
feet that are swift in running to mischief,
6,19a false witness who
utters lies,
and he who sows discord among brothers.
6,20My son, keep your
father's commandment,
and don't forsake your mother's teaching.
6,21Bind them continually
on your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
6,22When you walk, it
will lead you.
When you sleep, it will watch over you.
When you awake, it will talk with you.
6,23For the commandment
is a lamp,
and the law is light.
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
6,24to keep you from the
immoral woman,
from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.
6,25Don't lust after
her beauty in your heart,
neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
6,26For a prostitute
reduces you to a piece of bread.
The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
6,27Can a man scoop fire
into his lap,
and his clothes not be burned?
6,28Or can one walk on
hot coals,
and his feet not be scorched?
6,29So is he who goes in
to his neighbor's wife.
Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
6,30Men don't despise a
thief,
if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry;
6,31but if he is found,
he shall restore seven times.
He shall give all the wealth of his house.
6,32He who commits
adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
He who does it destroys his own soul.
6,33He will get wounds
and dishonor.
His reproach will not be wiped away.
6,34For jealousy arouses
the fury of the husband.
He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
6,35He won't regard any
ransom,
neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
7,1My son, keep my words.
Lay up my commandments within you.
7,2Keep my commandments
and live!
Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.
7,3Bind them on your
fingers.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
7,4Tell wisdom, 'You
are my sister.'
Call understanding your relative,
7,5that they may keep you
from the strange woman,
from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
7,6For at the window of
my house,
I looked out through my lattice.
7,7I saw among the simple
ones.
I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
7,8passing through the
street near her corner,
he went the way to her house,
7,9in the twilight, in
the evening of the day,
in the middle of the night and in the darkness.
7,10Behold, there a woman
met him with the attire of a prostitute,
and with crafty intent.
7,11She is loud and
defiant.
Her feet don't stay in her house.
7,12Now she is in the
streets, now in the squares,
and lurking at every corner.
7,13So she caught him,
and kissed him.
With an impudent face she said to him;
7,14'Sacrifices of
peace offerings are with me.
This day I have paid my vows.
7,15Therefore I came out
to meet you,
to diligently seek your face,
and I have found you.
7,16I have spread my
couch with carpets of tapestry,
with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
7,17I have perfumed my
bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7,18Come, let's take
our fill of loving until the morning.
Let's solace ourselves with loving.
7,19For my husband
isn't at home.
He has gone on a long journey.
7,20He has taken a bag of
money with him.
He will come home at the full moon.'
7,21With persuasive
words, she led him astray.
With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.
7,22He followed her
immediately,
as an ox goes to the slaughter,
as a fool stepping into a noose.
7,23Until an arrow
strikes through his liver,
as a bird hurries to the snare,
and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
7,24Now therefore, sons,
listen to me.
Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
7,25Don't let your
heart turn to her ways.
Don't go astray in her paths,
7,26for she has thrown
down many wounded.
Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
7,27Her house is the way
to Hell,
going down to the rooms of death.
8,1Doesn't wisdom cry
out?
Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
8,2On the top of high
places by the way,
where the paths meet, she stands.
8,3Beside the gates, at
the entry of the city,
at the entry doors, she cries aloud;
8,4'To you men, I call!
I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
8,5You simple, understand
prudence.
You fools, be of an understanding heart.
8,6Hear, for I will speak
excellent things.
The opening of my lips is for right things.
8,7For my mouth speaks
truth.
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8,8All the words of my
mouth are in righteousness.
There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
8,9They are all plain to
him who understands,
right to those who find knowledge.
8,10Receive my
instruction rather than silver;
knowledge rather than choice gold.
8,11For wisdom is better
than rubies.
All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.
8,12'I, wisdom, have
made prudence my dwelling.
Find out knowledge and discretion.
8,13The fear of the L-rd is
to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
8,14Counsel and sound
knowledge are mine.
I have understanding and power.
8,15By me kings reign,
and princes decree justice.
8,16By me princes rule;
nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
8,17I love those who love
me.
Those who seek me diligently will find me.
8,18With me are riches,
honor,
enduring wealth, and prosperity.
8,19My fruit is better
than gold, yes, than fine gold;
my yield than choice silver.
8,20I walk in the way of
righteousness,
in the midst of the paths of justice;
8,21That I may give
wealth to those who love me.
I fill their treasuries.
8,22'the L-rd possessed
me in the beginning of his work,
before his deeds of old.
8,23I was set up from
everlasting, from the beginning,
before the earth existed.
8,24When there were no
depths, I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
8,25Before the mountains
were settled in place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
8,26while as yet he had
not made the earth, nor the fields,
nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8,27When he established
the heavens, I was there;
when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
8,28when he established
the clouds above,
when the springs of the deep became strong,
8,29when he gave to the
sea its boundary,
that the waters should not violate his commandment,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth;
8,30then I was the
craftsman by his side.
I was a delight day by day,
always rejoicing before him,
8,31Rejoicing in his
whole world.
My delight was with the sons of men.
8,32'Now therefore, my
sons, listen to me,
for blessed are those who keep my ways.
8,33Hear instruction, and
be wise.
Don't refuse it.
8,34Blessed is the man
who hears me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my door posts.
8,35For whoever finds me,
finds life,
and will obtain favor from the L-rd.
8,36But he who sins
against me wrongs his own soul.
All those who hate me love death.'
9,1Wisdom has built her
house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
9,2She has prepared her
meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has also set her table.
9,3She has sent out her
maidens.
She cries from the highest places of the city;
9,4'Whoever is simple,
let him turn in here!'
As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9,5'Come, eat some of
my bread,
Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
9,6Leave your simple
ways, and live.
Walk in the way of understanding.'
9,7He who corrects a
mocker invites insult.
He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
9,8Don't reprove a
scoffer, lest he hate you.
Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9,9Instruct a wise man,
and he will be still wiser.
Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
9,10The fear of the L-rd is
the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
9,11For by me your days
will be multiplied.
The years of your life will be increased.
9,12If you are wise, you
are wise for yourself.
If you mock, you alone will bear it.
9,13The foolish woman is
loud,
Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
9,14She sits at the door
of her house,
on a seat in the high places of the city,
9,15To call to those who
pass by,
who go straight on their ways,
9,16'Whoever is simple,
let him turn in here.'
as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9,17'Stolen water is
sweet.
Food eaten in secret is pleasant.'
9,18But he doesn't know
that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Hell.
10,1The proverbs of
Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father;
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
10,2Treasures of
wickedness profit nothing,
but righteousness delivers from death.
10,3the L-rd will not allow
the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
10,4He becomes poor who
works with a lazy hand,
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
10,5He who gathers in
summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
10,6Blessings are on the
head of the righteous,
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10,7The memory of the
righteous is blessed,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
10,8The wise in heart
accept commandments,
but a chattering fool will fall.
10,9He who walks
blamelessly walks surely,
but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10,10One winking with the
eye causes sorrow,
but a chattering fool will fall.
10,11The mouth of the
righteous is a spring of life,
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10,12Hatred stirs up
strife,
but love covers all wrongs.
10,13Wisdom is found on
the lips of him who has discernment,
but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
10,14Wise men lay up
knowledge,
but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
10,15The rich man's
wealth is his strong city.
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
10,16The labor of the
righteous leads to life.
The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
10,17He is in the way of
life who heeds correction,
but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
10,18He who hides hatred
has lying lips.
He who utters a slander is a fool.
10,19In the multitude of
words there is no lack of disobedience,
but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
10,20The tongue of the
righteous is like choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
10,21The lips of the
righteous feed many,
but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
10,22the L-rd's blessing
brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
10,23It is a fool's
pleasure to do wickedness,
but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
10,24What the wicked
fear, will overtake them,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
10,25When the whirlwind
passes, the wicked is no more;
but the righteous stand firm forever.
10,26As vinegar to the
teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
10,27The fear of the L-rd
prolongs days,
but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
10,28The prospect of the
righteous is joy,
but the hope of the wicked will perish.
10,29The way of the L-rd is
a stronghold to the upright,
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
10,30The righteous will
never be removed,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
10,31The mouth of the
righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
10,32The lips of the
righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
11,1A false balance is an
abomination to the L-rd,
but accurate weights are his delight.
11,2When pride comes,
then comes shame,
but with humility comes wisdom.
11,3The integrity of the
upright shall guide them,
but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
11,4Riches don't profit
in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
11,5The righteousness of
the blameless will direct his way,
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
11,6The righteousness of
the upright shall deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
11,7When a wicked man
dies, hope perishes,
and expectation of power comes to nothing.
11,8A righteous person is
delivered out of trouble,
and the wicked takes his place.
11,9With his mouth the
godless man destroys his neighbor,
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
11,10When it goes well
with the righteous, the city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11,11By the blessing of
the upright, the city is exalted,
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
11,12One who despises his
neighbor is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding holds his peace.
11,13One who brings
gossip betrays a confidence,
but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
11,14Where there is no
wise guidance, the nation falls,
but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
11,15He who is collateral
for a stranger will suffer for it,
but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
11,16A gracious woman
obtains honor,
but violent men obtain riches.
11,17The merciful man
does good to his own soul,
but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
11,18Wicked people earn
deceitful wages,
but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
11,19He who is truly
righteous gets life.
He who pursues evil gets death.
11,20Those who are
perverse in heart are an abomination to the L-rd,
but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
11,21Most certainly, the
evil man will not be unpunished,
but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
11,22Like a gold ring in
a pig's snout,
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
11,23The desire of the
righteous is only good.
The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
11,24There is one who
scatters, and increases yet more.
There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
11,25The liberal soul
shall be made fat.
He who waters shall be watered also himself.
11,26People curse someone
who withholds grain,
but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
11,27He who diligently
seeks good seeks favor,
but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
11,28He who trusts in his
riches will fall,
but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
11,29He who troubles his
own house shall inherit the wind.
The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
11,30The fruit of the
righteous is a tree of life.
He who is wise wins souls.
11,31Behold, the
righteous shall be repaid in the earth;
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
12,1Whoever loves
correction loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
12,2A good man shall
obtain favor from the L-rd,
but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
12,3A man shall not be
established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
12,4A worthy woman is the
crown of her husband,
but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
12,5The thoughts of the
righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
12,6The words of the
wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
12,7The wicked are
overthrown, and are no more,
but the house of the righteous shall stand.
12,8A man shall be
commended according to his wisdom,
but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
12,9Better is he who is
lightly esteemed, and has a servant,
than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
12,10A righteous man
respects the life of his animal,
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
12,11He who tills his
land shall have plenty of bread,
but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12,12The wicked desires
the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
12,13An evil man is
trapped by sinfulness of lips,
but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
12,14A man shall be
satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
12,15The way of a fool is
right in his own eyes,
but he who is wise listens to counsel.
12,16A fool shows his
annoyance the same day,
but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
12,17He who is truthful
testifies honestly,
but a false witness lies.
12,18There is one who
speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise heals.
12,19Truth's lips will
be established forever,
but a lying tongue is only momentary.
12,20Deceit is in the
heart of those who plot evil,
but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
12,21No mischief shall
happen to the righteous,
but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
12,22Lying lips are an
abomination to the L-rd,
but those who do the truth are his delight.
12,23A prudent man keeps
his knowledge,
but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
12,24The hands of the
diligent ones shall rule,
but laziness ends in slave labor.
12,25Anxiety in a man's
heart weighs it down,
but a kind word makes it glad.
12,26A righteous person
is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12,27The slothful man
doesn't roast his game,
but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
12,28In the way of
righteousness is life;
in its path there is no death.
13,1
A wise son listens to his father's instruction,
but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
13,2By the fruit of his
lips, a man enjoys good things;
but the unfaithful crave violence.
13,3He who guards his
mouth guards his soul.
One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
13,4The soul of the
sluggard desires, and has nothing,
but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
13,5A righteous man hates
lies,
but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
13,6Righteousness guards
the way of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13,7There are some who
pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
13,8The ransom of a
man's life is his riches,
but the poor hear no threats.
13,9The light of the
righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
13,10Pride only breeds
quarrels,
but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
13,11Wealth gained
dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
13,12Hope deferred makes
the heart sick,
but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13,13Whoever despises
instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
13,14The teaching of the
wise is a spring of life,
to turn from the snares of death.
13,15Good understanding
wins favor;
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
13,16Every prudent man
acts from knowledge,
but a fool exposes folly.
13,17A wicked messenger
falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
13,18Poverty and shame
come to him who refuses discipline,
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
13,19Longing fulfilled is
sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
13,20One who walks with
wise men grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
13,21Misfortune pursues
sinners,
but prosperity rewards the righteous.
13,22A good man leaves an
inheritance to his children's children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
13,23An abundance of food
is in poor people's fields,
but injustice sweeps it away.
13,24One who spares the
rod hates his son,
but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
13,25The righteous one
eats to the satisfying of his soul,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
14,1Every wise woman
builds her house,
but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
14,2He who walks in his
uprightness fears the L-rd,
but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
14,3The fool's talk
brings a rod to his back,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
14,4Where no oxen are,
the crib is clean,
but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
14,5A truthful witness
will not lie,
but a false witness pours out lies.
14,6A scoffer seeks
wisdom, and doesn't find it,
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
14,7Stay away from a
foolish man,
for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
14,8The wisdom of the
prudent is to think about his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
14,9Fools mock at making
atonement for sins,
but among the upright there is good will.
14,10The heart knows its
own bitterness and joy;
he will not share these with a stranger.
14,11The house of the
wicked will be overthrown,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
14,12There is a way which
seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
14,13Even in laughter the
heart may be sorrowful,
and mirth may end in heaviness.
14,14The unfaithful will
be repaid for his own ways;
likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
14,15A simple man
believes everything,
but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
14,16A wise man fears,
and shuns evil,
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
14,17He who is quick to
become angry will commit folly,
and a crafty man is hated.
14,18The simple inherit
folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
14,19The evil bow down
before the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
14,20The poor person is
shunned even by his own neighbor,
but the rich person has many friends.
14,21He who despises his
neighbor sins,
but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
14,22Don't they go
astray who plot evil?
But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
14,23In all hard work
there is profit,
but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
14,24The crown of the
wise is their riches,
but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
14,25A truthful witness
saves souls,
but a false witness is deceitful.
14,26In the fear of
the L-rd is a secure fortress,
and he will be a refuge for his children.
14,27The fear of the L-rd
is a fountain of life,
turning people from the snares of death.
14,28In the multitude of
people is the king's glory,
but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
14,29He who is slow to
anger has great understanding,
but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
14,30The life of the body
is a heart at peace,
but envy rots the bones.
14,31He who oppresses the
poor shows contempt for his Maker,
but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
14,32The wicked is
brought down in his calamity,
but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
14,33Wisdom rests in the
heart of one who has understanding,
and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
14,34Righteousness exalts
a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
14,35The king's favor
is toward a servant who deals wisely,
but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
15,1A gentle answer turns
away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
15,2The tongue of the
wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
15,3the L-rd's eyes are
everywhere,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
15,4A gentle tongue is a
tree of life,
but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
15,5A fool despises his
father's correction,
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
15,6In the house of the
righteous is much treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
15,7The lips of the wise
spread knowledge;
not so with the heart of fools.
15,8The sacrifice made by
the wicked is an abomination to the L-rd,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
15,9The way of the wicked
is an abomination to the L-rd,
but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
15,10There is stern
discipline for one who forsakes the way;
whoever hates reproof shall die.
15,11Hell and Abaddon are before the L-rd;
how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
15,12A scoffer doesn't
love to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
15,13A glad heart makes a
cheerful face;
but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
15,14The heart of one who
has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15,15All the days of the
afflicted are wretched,
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
15,16Better is little,
with the fear of the L-rd,
than great treasure with trouble.
15,17Better is a dinner
of herbs, where love is,
than a fattened calf with hatred.
15,18A wrathful man stirs
up contention,
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
15,19The way of the
sluggard is like a thorn patch,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
15,20A wise son makes a
father glad,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
15,21Folly is joy to one
who is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
15,22Where there is no
counsel, plans fail;
but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
15,23Joy comes to a man
with the reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time!
15,24The path of life
leads upward for the wise,
to keep him from going downward to Hell.
15,25the L-rd will uproot
the house of the proud,
but he will keep the widow's borders intact.
15,26the L-rd detests the
thoughts of the wicked,
but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
15,27He who is greedy for
gain troubles his own house,
but he who hates bribes will live.
15,28The heart of the
righteous weighs answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
15,29the L-rd is far from
the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
15,30The light of the
eyes rejoices the heart.
Good news gives health to the bones.
15,31The ear that listens
to reproof lives,
and will be at home among the wise.
15,32He who refuses
correction despises his own soul,
but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
15,33The fear of the L-rd
teaches wisdom.
Before honor is humility.
16,1The plans of the
heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the L-rd.
16,2All the ways of a man
are clean in his own eyes;
but the L-rd weighs the motives.
16,3Commit your deeds to
the L-rd,
and your plans shall succeed.
16,4the L-rd has made
everything for its own end;
even the wicked for the day of evil.
16,5Everyone who is proud
in heart is an abomination to the L-rd;
they shall certainly not be unpunished.
16,6By mercy and truth
iniquity is atoned for.
By the fear of the L-rd men depart from evil.
16,7When a man's ways
please the L-rd,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
16,8Better is a little
with righteousness,
than great revenues with injustice.
16,9A man's heart plans
his course,
but the L-rd directs his steps.
16,10Inspired judgments
are on the lips of the king.
He shall not betray his mouth.
16,11Honest balances and
scales are the L-rd's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
16,12It is an abomination
for kings to do wrong,
for the throne is established by righteousness.
16,13Righteous lips are
the delight of kings.
They value one who speaks the truth.
16,14The king's wrath
is a messenger of death,
but a wise man will pacify it.
16,15In the light of the
king's face is life.
His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16,16How much better it
is to get wisdom than gold!
Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
16,17The highway of the
upright is to depart from evil.
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
16,18Pride goes before
destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
16,19It is better to be
of a lowly spirit with the poor,
than to divide the plunder with the proud.
16,20He who heeds the
Word finds prosperity.
Whoever trusts in the L-rd is blessed.
16,21The wise in heart
shall be called prudent.
Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
16,22Understanding is a
fountain of life to one who has it,
but the punishment of fools is their folly.
16,23The heart of the
wise instructs his mouth,
and adds learning to his lips.
16,24Pleasant words are a
honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
16,25There is a way which
seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
16,26The appetite of the
laboring man labors for him;
for his mouth urges him on.
16,27A worthless man
devises mischief.
His speech is like a scorching fire.
16,28A perverse man stirs
up strife.
A whisperer separates close friends.
16,29A man of violence
entices his neighbor,
and leads him in a way that is not good.
16,30One who winks his
eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
16,31Gray hair is a crown
of glory.
It is attained by a life of righteousness.
16,32One who is slow to
anger is better than the mighty;
one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
16,33The lot is cast into
the lap,
but its every decision is from the L-rd.
17,1Better is a dry
morsel with quietness,
than a house full of feasting with strife.
17,2A servant who deals
wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
17,3The refining pot is
for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but the L-rd tests the hearts.
17,4An evildoer heeds
wicked lips.
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
17,5Whoever mocks the
poor reproaches his Maker.
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
17,6Children's children
are the crown of old men;
the glory of children are their parents.
17,7Arrogant speech
isn't fitting for a fool,
much less do lying lips fit a prince.
17,8A bribe is a precious
stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
wherever he turns, he prospers.
17,9He who covers an
offense promotes love;
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
17,10A rebuke enters
deeper into one who has understanding
than a hundred lashes into a fool.
17,11An evil man seeks
only rebellion;
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
17,12Let a bear robbed of
her cubs meet a man,
rather than a fool in his folly.
17,13Whoever rewards evil
for good,
evil shall not depart from his house.
17,14The beginning of
strife is like breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
17,15He who justifies the
wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
both of them alike are an abomination to the L-rd.
17,16Why is there money
in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
since he has no understanding?
17,17A friend loves at
all times;
and a brother is born for adversity.
17,18A man void of
understanding strikes hands,
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
17,19He who loves
disobedience loves strife.
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
17,20One who has a
perverse heart doesn't find prosperity,
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
17,21He who becomes the
father of a fool grieves.
The father of a fool has no joy.
17,22A cheerful heart
makes good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
17,23A wicked man
receives a bribe in secret,
to pervert the ways of justice.
17,24Wisdom is before the
face of one who has understanding,
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
17,25A foolish son brings
grief to his father,
and bitterness to her who bore him.
17,26Also to punish the
righteous is not good,
nor to flog officials for their integrity.
17,27He who spares his
words has knowledge.
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
17,28Even a fool, when he
keeps silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
18,1An unfriendly man
pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment.
18,2A fool has no delight
in understanding,
but only in revealing his own opinion.
18,3When wickedness
comes, contempt also comes,
and with shame comes disgrace.
18,4The words of a
man's mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
18,5To be partial to the
faces of the wicked is not good,
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
18,6A fool's lips come
into strife,
and his mouth invites beatings.
18,7A fool's mouth is
his destruction,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
18,8The words of a gossip
are like dainty morsels;
they go down into a person's innermost parts.
18,9One who is slack in
his work
is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
18,10The name of the L-rd
is a strong tower;
the righteous run to him, and are safe.
18,11The rich man's
wealth is his strong city,
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
18,12Before destruction
the heart of man is proud,
but before honor is humility.
18,13He who gives answer
before he hears,
that is folly and shame to him.
18,14A man's spirit
will sustain him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
18,15The heart of the
discerning gets knowledge.
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
18,16A man's gift makes
room for him,
and brings him before great men.
18,17He who pleads his
cause first seems right;
until another comes and questions him.
18,18The lot settles
disputes,
and keeps strong ones apart.
18,19A brother offended
is more difficult than a fortified city;
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
18,20A man's stomach is
filled with the fruit of his mouth.
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
18,21Death and life are
in the power of the tongue;
those who love it will eat its fruit.
18,22Whoever finds a wife
finds a good thing,
and obtains favor of the L-rd.
18,23The poor plead for
mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
18,24A man of many
companions may be ruined,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19,1Better is the poor
who walks in his integrity
than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
19,2It isn't good to
have zeal without knowledge;
nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
19,3The foolishness of
man subverts his way;
his heart rages against the L-rd.
19,4Wealth adds many
friends,
but the poor is separated from his friend.
19,5A false witness shall
not be unpunished.
He who pours out lies shall not go free.
19,6Many will entreat the
favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
19,7All the relatives of
the poor shun him;
how much more do his friends avoid him!
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
19,8He who gets wisdom
loves his own soul.
He who keeps understanding shall find good.
19,9A false witness shall
not be unpunished.
He who utters lies shall perish.
19,10Delicate living is
not appropriate for a fool,
much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
19,11The discretion of a
man makes him slow to anger.
It is his glory to overlook an offense.
19,12The king's wrath
is like the roaring of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
19,13A foolish son is the
calamity of his father.
A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.
19,14House and riches are
an inheritance from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from the L-rd.
19,15Slothfulness casts
into a deep sleep.
The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
19,16He who keeps the
commandment keeps his soul,
but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
19,17He who has pity on
the poor lends to the L-rd;
he will reward him.
19,18Discipline your son,
for there is hope;
don't be a willing party to his death.
19,19A hot-tempered man
must pay the penalty,
for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
19,20Listen to counsel
and receive instruction,
that you may be wise in your latter end.
19,21There are many plans
in a man's heart,
but the L-rd's counsel will prevail.
19,22That which makes a
man to be desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.
19,23The fear of the L-rd
leads to life, then contentment;
he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
19,24The sluggard buries
his hand in the dish;
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
19,25Flog a scoffer, and
the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
19,26He who robs his
father and drives away his mother,
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
19,27If you stop
listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
19,28A corrupt witness
mocks justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
19,29Penalties are
prepared for scoffers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
20,1Wine is a mocker, and
beer is a brawler.
Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
20,2The terror of a king
is like the roaring of a lion.
He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
20,3It is an honor for a
man to keep aloof from strife;
but every fool will be quarreling.
20,4The sluggard will not
plow by reason of the winter;
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
20,5Counsel in the heart
of man is like deep water;
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
20,6Many men claim to be
men of unfailing love,
but who can find a faithful man?
20,7A righteous man walks
in integrity.
Blessed are his children after him.
20,8A king who sits on
the throne of judgment
scatters away all evil with his eyes.
20,9Who can say, 'I
have made my heart pure.
I am clean and without sin?'
20,10Differing weights
and differing measures,
both of them alike are an abomination to the L-rd.
20,11Even a child makes
himself known by his doings,
whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
20,12The hearing ear, and
the seeing eye,
the L-rd has made even both of them.
20,13Don't love sleep,
lest you come to poverty.
Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
20,14'It's no good,
it's no good,' says the buyer;
but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
20,15There is gold and
abundance of rubies;
but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
20,16Take the garment of
one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
20,17Fraudulent food is
sweet to a man,
but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
20,18Plans are
established by advice;
by wise guidance you wage war!
20,19He who goes about as
a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
20,20Whoever curses his
father or his mother,
his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
20,21An inheritance
quickly gained at the beginning,
won't be blessed in the end.
20,22Don't say, 'I
will pay back evil.'
Wait for the L-rd, and he will save you.
20,23the L-rd detests
differing weights,
and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
20,24A man's steps are
from the L-rd;
how then can man understand his way?
20,25It is a snare to a
man to make a rash dedication,
then later to consider his vows.
20,26A wise king winnows
out the wicked,
and drives the threshing wheel over them.
20,27The spirit of man is
the L-rd's lamp,
searching all his innermost parts.
20,28Love and
faithfulness keep the king safe.
His throne is sustained by love.
20,29The glory of young
men is their strength.
The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
20,30Wounding blows
cleanse away evil,
and beatings purge the innermost parts.
21,1The king's heart is
in the L-rd's hand like the watercourses.
He turns it wherever he desires.
21,2Every way of a man is
right in his own eyes,
but the L-rd weighs the hearts.
21,3To do righteousness
and justice
is more acceptable to the L-rd than sacrifice.
21,4A high look, and a
proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
21,5The plans of the
diligent surely lead to profit;
and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
21,6Getting treasures by
a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
21,7The violence of the
wicked will drive them away,
because they refuse to do what is right.
21,8The way of the guilty
is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
21,9It is better to dwell
in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
21,10The soul of the
wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
21,11When the mocker is
punished, the simple gains wisdom.
When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
21,12The Righteous One
considers the house of the wicked,
and brings the wicked to ruin.
21,13Whoever stops his
ears at the cry of the poor,
he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
21,14A gift in secret
pacifies anger;
and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
21,15It is joy to the
righteous to do justice;
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
21,16The man who wanders
out of the way of understanding
shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
21,17He who loves
pleasure shall be a poor man.
He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
21,18The wicked is a
ransom for the righteous;
the treacherous for the upright.
21,19It is better to
dwell in a desert land,
than with a contentious and fretful woman.
21,20There is precious
treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man swallows it up.
21,21He who follows after
righteousness and kindness
finds life, righteousness, and honor.
21,22A wise man scales
the city of the mighty,
and brings down the strength of its confidence.
21,23Whoever guards his
mouth and his tongue
keeps his soul from troubles.
21,24The proud and
haughty man, 'scoffer' is his name;
he works in the arrogance of pride.
21,25The desire of the
sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
21,26There are those who
covet greedily all day long;
but the righteous give and don't withhold.
21,27The sacrifice of the
wicked is an abomination;
how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
21,28A false witness will
perish,
and a man who listens speaks to eternity.
21,29A wicked man hardens
his face;
but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
21,30There is no wisdom
nor understanding
nor counsel against the L-rd.
21,31The horse is
prepared for the day of battle;
but victory is with the L-rd.
22,1A good name is more
desirable than great riches,
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
22,2The rich and the poor
have this in common;
the L-rd is the maker of them all.
22,3A prudent man sees
danger, and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
22,4The result of
humility and the fear of the L-rd
is wealth, honor, and life.
22,5Thorns and snares are
in the path of the wicked;
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
22,6Train up a child in
the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
22,7The rich rule over
the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.
22,8He who sows
wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
22,9He who has a generous
eye will be blessed;
for he shares his food with the poor.
22,10Drive out the
mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
22,11He who loves purity
of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king's friend.
22,12The eyes of the L-rd
watch over knowledge;
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
22,13The sluggard says,
'There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!'
22,14The mouth of an
adulteress is a deep pit;
he who is under the L-rd's wrath will fall into it.
22,15Folly is bound up in
the heart of a child;
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
22,16Whoever oppresses
the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty.
22,17Turn your ear, and
listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
22,18For it is a pleasant
thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
22,19That your trust may
be in the L-rd,
I teach you today, even you.
22,20Haven't I written
to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
22,21To teach you truth,
reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22,22Don't exploit the
poor, because he is poor;
and don't crush the needy in court;
22,23for the L-rd will
plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
22,24Don't befriend a
hot-tempered man,
and don't associate with one who harbors anger;
22,25lest you learn his
ways,
and ensnare your soul.
22,26Don't you be one
of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.
22,27If you don't have
means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?
22,28Don't move the
ancient boundary stone,
which your fathers have set up.
22,29Do you see a man
skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won't serve obscure men.
23,1When you sit to eat
with a ruler,
consider diligently what is before you;
23,2put a knife to your
throat,
if you are a man given to appetite.
23,3Don't be desirous
of his dainties,
since they are deceitful food.
23,4Don't weary
yourself to be rich.
In your wisdom, show restraint.
23,5Why do you set your
eyes on that which is not?
For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
23,6Don't eat the food
of him who has a stingy eye,
and don't crave his delicacies;
23,7for as he thinks
about the cost, so he is.
'Eat and drink!' he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
23,8The morsel which you
have eaten you shall vomit up,
and lose your good words.
23,9Don't speak in the
ears of a fool,
for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
23,10Don't move the
ancient boundary stone.
Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless;
23,11for their Defender
is strong.
He will plead their case against you.
23,12Apply your heart to
instruction,
and your ears to the words of knowledge.
23,13Don't withhold
correction from a child.
If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
23,14Punish him with the
rod,
and save his soul from Hell.
23,15My son, if your
heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad, even mine;
23,16yes, my heart will
rejoice,
when your lips speak what is right.
23,17Don't let your
heart envy sinners;
but rather fear the L-rd all the day long.
23,18Indeed surely there
is a future hope,
and your hope will not be cut off.
23,19Listen, my son, and
be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path!
23,20Don't be among
ones drinking too much wine,
or those who gorge themselves on meat;
23,21for the drunkard and
the glutton shall become poor;
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
23,22Listen to your
father who gave you life,
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23,23Buy the truth, and
don't sell it.
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
23,24The father of the
righteous has great joy.
Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
23,25Let your father and
your mother be glad!
Let her who bore you rejoice!
23,26My son, give me your
heart;
and let your eyes keep in my ways.
23,27For a prostitute is
a deep pit;
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
23,28Yes, she lies in
wait like a robber,
and increases the unfaithful among men.
23,29Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has strife?
Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises?
Who has bloodshot eyes?
23,30Those who stay long
at the wine;
those who go to seek out mixed wine.
23,31Don't look at the
wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly.
23,32In the end, it bites
like a snake,
and poisons like a viper.
23,33Your eyes will see
strange things,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
23,34Yes, you will be as
he who lies down in the midst of the sea,
or as he who lies on top of the rigging;
23,35'They hit me, and
I was not hurt!
They beat me, and I don't feel it!
When will I wake up? I can do it again.
I can find another.'
24,1Don't be envious of
evil men;
neither desire to be with them;
24,2for their hearts plot
violence,
and their lips talk about mischief.
24,3Through wisdom a
house is built;
by understanding it is established;
24,4by knowledge the
rooms are filled
with all rare and beautiful treasure.
24,5A wise man has great
power;
and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
24,6for by wise guidance
you wage your war;
and victory is in many advisors.
24,7Wisdom is too high
for a fool;
he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.
24,8One who plots to do
evil
will be called a schemer.
24,9The schemes of folly
are sin.
The mocker is detested by men.
24,10If you falter in the
time of trouble,
your strength is small.
24,11Rescue those who are
being led away to death!
Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
24,12If you say,
'Behold, we didn't know this;'
doesn't he who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, doesn't he know it?
Shall he not render to every man according to his work?
24,13My son, eat honey,
for it is good;
the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste;
24,14so you shall know
wisdom to be to your soul;
if you have found it, then there will be a reward,
your hope will not be cut off.
24,15Don't lay in wait,
wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.
Don't destroy his resting place;
24,16for a righteous man
falls seven times, and rises up again;
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
24,17Don't rejoice when
your enemy falls.
Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;
24,18lest the L-rd see it,
and it displease him,
and he turn away his wrath from him.
24,19Don't fret
yourself because of evildoers;
neither be envious of the wicked;
24,20for there will be no
reward to the evil man;
and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
24,21My son, fear the L-rd
and the king.
Don't join those who are rebellious;
24,22for their calamity
will rise suddenly;
the destruction from them both—who knows?
24,23These also are
sayings of the wise.
To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24,24He who says to the
wicked, 'You are righteous;'
peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him—
24,25but it will go well
with those who convict the guilty,
and a rich blessing will come on them.
24,26An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
24,27Prepare your work
outside,
and get your fields ready.
Afterwards, build your house.
24,28Don't be a witness
against your neighbor without cause.
Don't deceive with your lips.
24,29Don't say, 'I
will do to him as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.'
24,30I went by the field
of the sluggard,
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
24,31Behold, it was all
grown over with thorns.
Its surface was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
24,32Then I saw, and
considered well.
I saw, and received instruction;
24,33a little sleep, a
little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep;
24,34so your poverty will
come as a robber,
and your want as an armed man.
25,1These also are
proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
25,2It is the glory of
G-d to conceal a thing,
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
25,3As the heavens for
height, and the earth for depth,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
25,4Take away the dross
from the silver,
and material comes out for the refiner;
25,5Take away the wicked
from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25,6Don't exalt
yourself in the presence of the king,
or claim a place among great men;
25,7for it is better that
it be said to you, 'Come up here,'
than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
whom your eyes have seen.
25,8Don't be hasty in
bringing charges to court.
What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
25,9Debate your case with
your neighbor,
and don't betray the confidence of another;
25,10lest one who hears
it put you to shame,
and your bad reputation never depart.
25,11A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
25,12As an earring of
gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
25,13As the cold of snow
in the time of harvest,
so is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
25,14As clouds and wind
without rain,
so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
25,15By patience a ruler
is persuaded.
A soft tongue breaks the bone.
25,16Have you found honey?
Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
25,17Let your foot be
seldom in your neighbor's house,
lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
25,18A man who gives
false testimony against his neighbor
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
25,19Confidence in
someone unfaithful in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
25,20As one who takes
away a garment in cold weather,
or vinegar on soda,
so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
25,21If your enemy is
hungry, give him food to eat.
If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
25,22for you will heap
coals of fire on his head,
and the L-rd will reward you.
25,23The north wind
brings forth rain;
so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
25,24It is better to
dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25,25Like cold water to a
thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
25,26Like a muddied
spring, and a polluted well,
so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
25,27It is not good to
eat much honey;
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
25,28Like a city that is
broken down and without walls
is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
26,1Like snow in summer,
and as rain in harvest,
so honor is not fitting for a fool.
26,2Like a fluttering
sparrow,
like a darting swallow,
so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
26,3A whip is for the
horse,
a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the back of fools!
26,4Don't answer a fool
according to his folly,
lest you also be like him.
26,5Answer a fool
according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
26,6One who sends a
message by the hand of a fool
is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
26,7Like the legs of the
lame that hang loose;
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
26,8As one who binds a
stone in a sling,
so is he who gives honor to a fool.
26,9Like a thornbush that
goes into the hand of a drunkard,
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
26,10As an archer who
wounds all,
so is he who hires a fool
or he who hires those who pass by.
26,11As a dog that
returns to his vomit,
so is a fool who repeats his folly.
26,12Do you see a man
wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
26,13The sluggard says,
'There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion roams the streets!'
26,14As the door turns on
its hinges,
so does the sluggard on his bed.
26,15The sluggard buries
his hand in the dish.
He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
26,16The sluggard is
wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who answer with discretion.
26,17Like one who grabs a
dog's ears
is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
26,18Like a madman who
shoots torches, arrows, and death,
26,19is the man who
deceives his neighbor and says, 'Am I not joking?'
26,20For lack of wood a
fire goes out.
Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
26,21As coals are to hot
embers,
and wood to fire,
so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
26,22The words of a
whisperer are as dainty morsels,
they go down into the innermost parts.
26,23Like silver dross on
an earthen vessel
are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
26,24A malicious man
disguises himself with his lips,
but he harbors evil in his heart.
26,25When his speech is
charming, don't believe him;
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26,26His malice may be
concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
26,27Whoever digs a pit
shall fall into it.
Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
26,28A lying tongue hates
those it hurts;
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
27,1Don't boast about
tomorrow;
for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
27,2Let another man
praise you,
and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
27,3A stone is heavy,
and sand is a burden;
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
27,4Wrath is cruel,
and anger is overwhelming;
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
27,5Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
27,6Faithful are the
wounds of a friend;
although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
27,7A full soul loathes a
honeycomb;
but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
27,8As a bird that
wanders from her nest,
so is a man who wanders from his home.
27,9Perfume and incense
bring joy to the heart;
so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
27,10Don't forsake your
friend and your father's friend.
Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster;
better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.
27,11Be wise, my son,
and bring joy to my heart,
then I can answer my tormentor.
27,12A prudent man sees
danger and takes refuge;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
27,13Take his garment
when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
Hold it for a wayward woman!
27,14He who blesses his
neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse by him.
27,15A continual dropping
on a rainy day
and a contentious wife are alike;
27,16restraining her is
like restraining the wind,
or like grasping oil in his right hand.
27,17Iron sharpens iron;
so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
27,18Whoever tends the
fig tree shall eat its fruit.
He who looks after his master shall be honored.
27,19As water reflects a
face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
27,20Hell and Abaddon are never satisfied;
and a man's eyes are never satisfied.
27,21The crucible is for
silver,
and the furnace for gold;
but man is refined by his praise.
27,22Though you grind a
fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
27,23Know well the state
of your flocks,
and pay attention to your herds;
27,24for riches are not
forever,
nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
27,25The hay is removed,
and the new growth appears,
the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
27,26The lambs are for
your clothing,
and the goats are the price of a field.
27,27There will be plenty
of goats' milk for your food,
for your family's food,
and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
28,1The wicked flee when
no one pursues;
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
28,2In rebellion, a land
has many rulers,
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
28,3A needy man who
oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
28,4Those who forsake the
law praise the wicked;
but those who keep the law contend with them.
28,5Evil men don't
understand justice;
but those who seek the L-rd understand it fully.
28,6Better is the poor
who walks in his integrity,
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
28,7Whoever keeps the law
is a wise son;
but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
28,8He who increases his
wealth by excessive interest
gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
28,9He who turns away his
ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
28,10Whoever causes the
upright to go astray in an evil way,
he will fall into his own trap;
but the blameless will inherit good.
28,11The rich man is wise
in his own eyes;
but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
28,12When the righteous
triumph, there is great glory;
but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
28,13He who conceals his
sins doesn't prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
28,14Blessed is the man
who always fears;
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
28,15As a roaring lion or
a charging bear,
so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
28,16A tyrannical ruler
lacks judgment.
One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
28,17A man who is
tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death;
no one will support him.
28,18Whoever walks
blamelessly is kept safe;
but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
28,19One who works his
land will have an abundance of food;
but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
28,20A faithful man is
rich with blessings;
but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
28,21To show partiality
is not good;
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
28,22A stingy man hurries
after riches,
and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
28,23One who rebukes a
man will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue.
28,24Whoever robs his
father or his mother, and says, 'It's not wrong.'
He is a partner with a destroyer.
28,25One who is greedy
stirs up strife;
but one who trusts in the L-rd will prosper.
28,26One who trusts in
himself is a fool;
but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
28,27One who gives to the
poor has no lack;
but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28,28When the wicked
rise, men hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
29,1He who is often
rebuked and stiffens his neck
will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
29,2When the righteous
thrive, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
29,3Whoever loves wisdom
brings joy to his father;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
29,4The king by justice
makes the land stable,
but he who takes bribes tears it down.
29,5A man who flatters
his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
29,6An evil man is snared
by his sin,
but the righteous can sing and be glad.
29,7The righteous care
about justice for the poor.
The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
29,8Mockers stir up a
city,
but wise men turn away anger.
29,9If a wise man goes to
court with a foolish man,
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
29,10The bloodthirsty
hate a man of integrity;
and they seek the life of the upright.
29,11A fool vents all of
his anger,
but a wise man brings himself under control.
29,12If a ruler listens
to lies,
all of his officials are wicked.
29,13The poor man and the
oppressor have this in common;
the L-rd gives sight to the eyes of both.
29,14The king who fairly
judges the poor,
his throne shall be established forever.
29,15The rod of
correction gives wisdom,
but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
29,16When the wicked
increase, sin increases;
but the righteous will see their downfall.
29,17Correct your son,
and he will give you peace;
yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
29,18Where there is no
revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but one who keeps the law is blessed.
29,19A servant can't be
corrected by words.
Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
29,20Do you see a man who
is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
29,21He who pampers his
servant from youth
will have him become a son in the end.
29,22An angry man stirs
up strife,
and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
29,23A man's pride
brings him low,
but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
29,24Whoever is an
accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
29,25The fear of man
proves to be a snare,
but whoever puts his trust in the L-rd is kept safe.
29,26Many seek the
ruler's favor,
but a man's justice comes from the L-rd.
29,27A dishonest man
detests the righteous,
and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
30,1The words of Agur the
son of Jakeh, the oracle;
the man says to Ithiel,
to Ithiel and Ucal;
30,2'Surely I am the
most ignorant man,
and don't have a man's understanding.
30,3I have not learned
wisdom,
neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
30,4Who has ascended up
into heaven, and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has bound the waters in his garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?
30,5'Every word of G-d
is flawless.
He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
30,6Don't you add to
his words,
lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
30,7'Two things I have
asked of you;
don't deny me before I die;
30,8Remove far from me
falsehood and lies.
Give me neither poverty nor riches.
Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
30,9lest I be full, deny
you, and say, 'Who is the L-rd?'
or lest I be poor, and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my G-d.
30,10'Don't slander a
servant to his master,
lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
30,11There is a
generation that curses their father,
and doesn't bless their mother.
30,12There is a
generation that is pure in their own eyes,
yet are not washed from their filthiness.
30,13There is a
generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
Their eyelids are lifted up.
30,14There is a
generation whose teeth are like swords,
and their jaws like knives,
to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
30,15'The leach has two
daughters;
'Give, give.'
'There are three things that are never satisfied;
four that don't say, 'Enough;'
30,16Hell,
the barren womb;
the earth that is not satisfied with water;
and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'
30,17'The eye that
mocks at his father,
and scorns obedience to his mother;
the ravens of the valley shall pick it out,
the young eagles shall eat it.
30,18'There are three
things which are too amazing for me,
four which I don't understand;
30,19The way of an eagle
in the air;
the way of a serpent on a rock;
the way of a ship in the midst of the sea;
and the way of a man with a maiden.
30,20'So is the way of
an adulterous woman;
she eats and wipes her mouth,
and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'
30,21'For three things
the earth tremble,
and under four, it can't bear up;
30,22For a servant when
he is king;
a fool when he is filled with food;
30,23for an unloved woman
when she is married;
and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
30,24'There are four
things which are little on the earth,
but they are exceedingly wise;
30,25the ants are not a
strong people,
yet they provide their food in the summer.
30,26The conies are but a
feeble folk,
yet make they their houses in the rocks.
30,27The locusts have no
king,
yet they advance in ranks.
30,28You can catch a
lizard with your hands,
yet it is in kings' palaces.
30,29'There are three
things which are stately in their march,
four which are stately in going;
30,30The lion, which is
mightiest among animals,
and doesn't turn away for any;
30,31the greyhound,
the male goat also;
and the king against whom there is no rising up.
30,32'If you have done
foolishly in lifting up yourself,
or if you have thought evil,
put your hand over your mouth.
30,33For as the churning
of milk brings forth butter,
and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood;
so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.'
31,1The words of king
Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
31,2'Oh, my son!
Oh, son of my womb!
Oh, son of my vows!
31,3Don't give your
strength to women,
nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
31,4It is not for kings,
Lemuel;
it is not for kings to drink wine;
nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
31,5lest they drink, and
forget the law,
and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
31,6Give strong drink to
him who is ready to perish;
and wine to the bitter in soul;
31,7Let him drink, and
forget his poverty,
and remember his misery no more.
31,8Open your mouth for
the mute,
in the cause of all who are left desolate.
31,9Open your mouth,
judge righteously,
and serve justice to the poor and needy.'
31,10Who can find
a worthy woman?
For her price is far above rubies.
31,11The heart of her
husband trusts in her.
He shall have no lack of gain.
31,12She does him good,
and not harm,
all the days of her life.
31,13She seeks wool and
flax,
and works eagerly with her hands.
31,14She is like the
merchant ships.
She brings her bread from afar.
31,15She rises also while
it is yet night,
gives food to her household,
and portions for her servant girls.
31,16She considers a
field, and buys it.
With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
31,17She arms her waist
with strength,
and makes her arms strong.
31,18She perceives that
her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp doesn't go out by night.
31,19She lays her hands
to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
31,20She opens her arms
to the poor;
yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
31,21She is not afraid of
the snow for her household;
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31,22She makes for
herself carpets of tapestry.
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31,23Her husband is
respected in the gates,
when he sits among the elders of the land.
31,24She makes linen
garments and sells them,
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
31,25Strength and dignity
are her clothing.
She laughs at the time to come.
31,26She opens her mouth
with wisdom.
Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
31,27She looks well to
the ways of her household,
and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
31,28Her children rise up
and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her;
31,29'Many women do
noble things,
but you excel them all.'
31,30Charm is deceitful,
and beauty is vain;
but a woman who fears the L-rd, she shall be praised.
31,31Give her of the
fruit of her hands!
Let her works praise her in the gates!
[Index]