Proverbs

Proverbs

We are now entering the sacred scroll of Proverbs (Hebrew: Mishlei) — a book of divine wisdom spoken through Solomon and other sages of Israel.

Proverbs is not just moral advice — it is spiritual instruction that reveals the path of life (derekh chayim) in contrast to the way of folly, evil, and death.

The Hebrew word for “wisdom” (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) carries the sense of skill, applied understanding, and living alignment with divine order.

The aim of this scroll is not merely intellect — it is formation of character, rooted in the fear of YHWH.

———

The proverbs of Shelomoh, son of David, king of Yisrael:

To know wisdom and discipline,

to understand words of insight,

to receive correction that shapes rightness—

in justice, judgment, and uprightness.

To give subtlety to the simple,

knowledge and discernment to the youth.

Let the wise grow wiser through listening,

and the understanding gain guidance—

to perceive a proverb, a riddle,

the words of the wise and their hidden sayings.

The awe of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and correction.

Listen, my son, to the instruction of your father,

and do not abandon your mother’s teaching—

for they are a wreath of favor upon your head,

a necklace of honor around your neck.

My son, if those who walk in distortion invite you, do not go.

If they say, “Come with us,

let us lie in wait for blood,

let us ambush the innocent without cause.

Like the grave, let us swallow them alive,

whole, like those who go down into the pit.

We will find all kinds of treasure,

we will fill our houses with plunder.

Join us—share one purse”—

Do not walk the path with them, my son.

Keep your foot from their road.

For their feet run to evil,

and they hasten to spill blood.

Surely in vain the net is spread

in the sight of any winged one—

yet they lie in wait for their own blood,

they ambush their own lives.

Such are the ways of all who chase after unjust gain;

it robs those who possess it of their breath.

Wisdom cries aloud in the street,

raises her voice in the squares.

At the head of the noisy corners she calls out;

at the entrance of the gates in the city she speaks:

“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?

How long will mockers delight in their mocking,

and fools hate knowledge?

Turn at my rebuke—

behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;

I will make my words known to you.

Because I called and you refused to listen,

I stretched out my hand and no one regarded.

You ignored all my counsel,

and rejected all my correction—

I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when your terror comes,

when terror strikes like a storm,

and your ruin comes like a whirlwind,

when distress and anguish overwhelm you.

Then you will call me, but I will not answer;

you will seek me early, but will not find me.

Because you hated knowledge,

and did not choose the awe of YHWH—

you would have none of my counsel,

you rejected all my correction—

You will eat the fruit of your own way,

and be filled with your own schemes.

For the turning away of the simple will kill them,

and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

But the one who listens to me will dwell secure,

at rest from the dread of evil.”

———

My son, if you receive my words,

and treasure my commandments within you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding—

yes, if you call out for insight,

and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek her like silver

and search for her as hidden treasure—

then you will understand the awe of YHWH,

and discover the knowledge of God.

For YHWH gives wisdom;

from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

He guards the paths of justice

and preserves the way of His faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just,

and every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you;

understanding will watch over you—

to rescue you from the way of evil,

from men whose words are perverse,

who leave the straight paths

to walk in the ways of darkness,

who rejoice in doing evil

and delight in the perversity of the wicked,

whose paths are crooked,

and whose ways are twisted.

Wisdom will rescue you also

from the foreign woman, the stranger with smooth words,

who forsakes the companion of her youth,

and forgets the covenant of her God.

Her house sinks down to death,

her paths lead to the shades.

None who go to her return,

nor do they regain the paths of life.

So you will walk in the way of the good,

and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will dwell in the land,

and the blameless will remain in it;

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,

and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.

———

My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments—

for length of days and years of life,

and peace, they will add to you.

Let steadfast love and truth not forsake you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will find favor and good understanding

in the sight of God and humanity.

Trust in YHWH with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear YHWH, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body

and refreshment to your bones.

Honor YHWH with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce.

Then your barns will be filled with abundance,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.

My son, do not reject the discipline of YHWH,

and do not despise His correction—

for YHWH corrects the one He loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding—

for her profit is better than silver,

and her gain better than fine gold.

She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire compares with her.

Long life is in her right hand;

in her left are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant,

and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who hold her;

those who embrace her are blessed.

By wisdom YHWH founded the earth;

by understanding He established the heavens.

By His knowledge the deeps broke open,

and the clouds drop down dew.

My son, do not let these slip from your sight—

keep sound wisdom and discretion.

They will be life for your soul,

and grace around your neck.

Then you will walk securely on your way,

and your foot will not stumble.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not fear sudden terror

or the storm that strikes the wicked—

for YHWH will be your confidence

and will guard your foot from being caught.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to act.

Do not say to your neighbor, “Go and come again,”

when you have it with you now.

Do not plot harm against your neighbor,

who dwells beside you in trust.

Do not contend with anyone for no reason,

when no harm has been done to you.

Do not envy the violent

or choose any of their ways—

for the twisted are an abomination to YHWH,

but the upright are in His confidence.

YHWH’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

Though He mocks the proud mockers,

He gives favor to the humble.

The wise inherit honor,

but fools carry shame.

———

Listen, my sons, to the discipline of a father;

pay attention, that you may gain insight.

For I give you sound instruction;

do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a son with my father,

tender and cherished in the sight of my mother,

he taught me and said to me:

“Let your heart hold fast my words;

keep my commandments and live.

Get wisdom—get understanding!

Do not forget, and do not turn away

from the words of my mouth.

Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

and with all your getting, get understanding.

Prize her, and she will exalt you;

she will honor you if you embrace her.

She will place on your head a graceful garland;

she will bestow on you a crown of beauty.”

Hear, my son, and accept my words,

that the years of your life may be many.

I have taught you the way of wisdom;

I have led you in upright paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,

and when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold fast to instruction; do not let go;

guard her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked,

and do not walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it; do not travel on it;

turn away from it and pass by.

For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;

they are robbed of rest unless they cause someone to stumble.

For they eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know over what they stumble.

My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

Guard your heart above all things,

for from it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you a deceitful mouth,

and keep devious lips far from you.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Consider the path for your feet,

and all your ways will be sure.

Do not turn to the right or to the left;

turn your foot away from evil.

———

My son, pay attention to my wisdom;

incline your ear to my understanding,

that you may preserve discretion,

and your lips may guard knowledge.

For the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey,

and her speech is smoother than oil—

but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

sharp as a double-edged sword.

Her feet go down to death;

her steps lead to the grave.

She does not ponder the path of life;

her ways wander, and she does not know it.

Now then, my sons, listen to me,

and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

Keep your path far from her,

and do not go near the door of her house—

lest you give your honor to others

and your years to one who is cruel;

lest strangers take their fill of your strength,

and your labors go to the house of a foreigner.

And at the end of your life, you will groan,

when your flesh and body are consumed,

and you say, “How I hated discipline,

and my heart despised correction!

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers

or incline my ear to my instructors.

I was on the brink of utter ruin

in the midst of the assembly.”

Drink water from your own cistern,

flowing water from your own well.

Should your springs be scattered abroad,

streams of water in the streets?

Let them be yours alone,

not for strangers with you.

Let your fountain be blessed,

and rejoice in the wife of your youth—

a lovely deer, a graceful doe.

Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;

be intoxicated always in her love.

Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman

and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

For the ways of a man are before the eyes of YHWH,

and He examines all his paths.

The wicked are ensnared by their own wrongdoing,

and held fast in the cords of sin.

He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is lost.

———

My son, if you have given a pledge for your neighbor,

if you have struck hands in a promise with a stranger,

if you are trapped in the words of your mouth—

then do this, my son, to free yourself,

since you have come under your neighbor’s control:

go, hurry, and plead urgently with your neighbor.

Give your eyes no sleep

and your eyelids no slumber;

free yourself like a gazelle from the hunter,

like a bird from the snare.

Go to the ant, O sluggard;

consider her ways and be wise.

Without chief, overseer, or ruler,

she prepares her food in summer

and gathers her provision at harvest.

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

When will you rise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

A worthless person, a wicked man,

goes about with crooked speech,

winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,

points with his fingers.

With perversion in his heart, he devises evil continually,

and sows discord.

Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;

in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.

There are six things YHWH hates,

seven that are detestable to Him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that run swiftly to evil,

a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

My son, keep your father’s commandment,

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Bind them always on your heart;

tie them around your neck.

When you walk, they will guide you;

when you lie down, they will watch over you;

when you awake, they will speak with you.

For the commandment is a lamp,

and the instruction is a light,

and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life—

to guard you from the evil woman,

from the smooth tongue of the seductress.

Do not desire her beauty in your heart,

and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.

For the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,

but a married woman hunts the precious life.

Can a man carry fire next to his chest

and his clothes not be burned?

Or can he walk on hot coals

and his feet not be scorched?

So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;

none who touches her will go unpunished.

People do not despise a thief

if he steals to satisfy his hunger when starving.

Yet if caught, he must repay sevenfold;

he must give all the wealth of his house.

He who commits adultery lacks sense;

he who does it destroys himself.

He will get wounds and dishonor,

and his shame will not be wiped away.

For jealousy arouses a man’s fury,

and he shows no mercy when he takes revenge.

He will accept no compensation;

he will refuse any bribe, however great.

———

My son, guard my words;

treasure my commandments within you.

Keep my commandments and live;

guard my teaching like the apple of your eye.

Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

and call understanding your close friend—

to keep you from the forbidden woman,

from the outsider with smooth words.

From the window of my house

I looked out through my lattice,

and I saw among the simple—

I observed among the young—

a youth lacking sense,

passing along the street near her corner,

walking toward her house at twilight,

in the evening, in the dark of night.

And behold, a woman comes out to meet him,

dressed like a prostitute, with hidden intent.

She is loud and defiant;

her feet do not stay at home.

Now in the street, now in the square,

she lies in wait at every corner.

She seizes him and kisses him;

with bold face she says:

“I had to offer peace offerings,

and today I paid my vows.

So I came out to meet you,

to seek your face—and I found you.

I have spread my couch with coverings,

colored linens from Egypt.

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;

let us delight ourselves with passion.

For my husband is not at home;

he has gone on a long journey.

He took a bag of silver with him;

he will not return until the full moon.”

With much seductive speech she persuades him;

with her smooth talk she compels him.

He follows her at once,

like an ox going to the slaughter,

like a stag caught fast,

until an arrow pierces his liver;

like a bird rushing into a snare—

he does not know it will cost him his life.

Now, sons, listen to me,

and pay attention to the words of my mouth.

Do not let your heart turn to her ways;

do not stray into her paths.

For many are the wounded she has cast down,

and numerous are all her slain.

Her house is the road to Sheol,

descending to the chambers of death.

———

Does not Wisdom call?

Does not Understanding raise her voice?

On the heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

beside the gates, in front of the city,

at the entrance she cries aloud:

“To you, O people, I call,

and my cry is to all humanity.

O simple ones, learn shrewdness;

O fools, gain insight.

Listen, for I will speak noble things,

and from my lips will come what is right.

For my mouth speaks truth;

wickedness is detestable to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are righteous;

none are twisted or crooked.

They are all straight to the one who understands,

and right to those who find knowledge.

Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

For wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

I, Wisdom, dwell with shrewdness,

and I find knowledge and discretion.

The awe of YHWH is hatred of evil.

Pride and arrogance and the evil way,

and the perverse mouth—I despise.

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;

I have insight, I have strength.

By me kings reign,

and rulers decree what is just.

By me princes govern,

and all noble ones who judge rightly.

I love those who love me,

and those who seek me diligently will find me.

Riches and honor are with me,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,

and my yield than choice silver.

I walk in the way of righteousness,

in the paths of justice,

granting wealth to those who love me,

and filling their treasuries.

YHWH possessed me at the beginning of His way,

before His works of old.

From everlasting I was set in place,

from the beginning, before the earth began.

When there were no depths, I was brought forth,

when there were no springs abounding with water.

Before the mountains were shaped,

before the hills, I was brought forth—

before He made the earth or the fields,

or the first dust of the world.

When He established the heavens, I was there;

when He drew a circle on the face of the deep;

when He made firm the skies above,

when He set the fountains of the deep;

when He assigned to the sea its limit,

so that the waters might not transgress His command;

when He marked out the foundations of the earth—

then I was beside Him, like a master craftsman,

and I was daily His delight,

rejoicing always before Him,

rejoicing in His inhabited world,

and delighting in the children of man.

Now then, children, listen to me:

blessed are those who keep my ways.

Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it.

Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life,

and obtains favor from YHWH.

But the one who misses me wrongs his own soul;

all who hate me love death.”

———

Wisdom has built her house;

she has hewn out her seven pillars.

She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

She has sent out her maidens;

she calls from the highest places in the town:

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

To those who lack understanding she says,

“Come, eat of my bread,

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

Leave behind the simple way, and live;

walk in the path of insight.”

Whoever corrects a scoffer invites abuse,

and whoever rebukes the wicked gets shame.

Do not reprove a mocker, lest he hate you;

reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Give instruction to the wise, and he will become wiser still;

teach the righteous, and he will grow in learning.

The awe of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Set-Apart One is understanding.

For by me your days will be multiplied,

and years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;

if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The woman Folly is loud;

she is naïve and knows nothing.

She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat in the highest places of the town,

calling to those who pass by,

who go straight on their way:

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

To him who lacks sense she says,

“Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

But he does not know

that the dead are there,

and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

This section marks the beginning of the Solomonic collections—a series of parallel sayings, often in couplets, comparing the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly, diligence and laziness, integrity and deceit. These are timeless truths given in compact form, designed for reflection, memorization, and ethical formation.

———

A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

Treasures gained through injustice bring no lasting good,

but righteousness delivers from death.

YHWH does not let the righteous go hungry,

but He thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Idle hands lead to poverty,

but diligent hands bring wealth.

He who gathers in summer is prudent,

but he who sleeps during harvest brings shame.

Blessings are on the head of the righteous,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing,

but the name of the wicked will rot.

The wise of heart accept instruction,

but babbling fools will be thrown down.

Whoever walks with integrity walks securely,

but the one who twists his ways will be found out.

A wink of the eye causes trouble,

but the one who rebukes openly brings peace.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all transgressions.

On the lips of the discerning is wisdom,

but a rod is for the back of the one without understanding.

The wise store up knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool invites ruin.

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,

but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

The wages of the righteous lead to life,

but the earnings of the wicked bring sin.

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path of life,

but the one who ignores correction goes astray.

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,

and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

When words are many, sin is not absent,

but the one who restrains his lips is wise.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,

but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

The lips of the righteous nourish many,

but fools die for lack of sense.

The blessing of YHWH makes rich,

and He adds no sorrow with it.

Doing wrong is like a game to a fool,

but wisdom is a delight to the discerning.

What the wicked dreads will come upon him,

but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

When the storm has passed, the wicked are gone,

but the righteous stand firm forever.

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

so is the sluggard to those who send him.

The awe of YHWH prolongs life,

but the years of the wicked are cut short.

The hope of the righteous is gladness,

but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.

The way of YHWH is a refuge for the blameless,

but it is ruin to those who do evil.

The righteous will never be uprooted,

but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,

but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,

but the mouth of the wicked speaks what is twisted.

———

Dishonest scales are an abomination to YHWH,

but a just weight is His delight.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

but righteousness delivers from death.

The righteousness of the blameless makes their way straight,

but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright delivers them,

but the unfaithful are trapped by their desires.

When the wicked dies, his hope perishes,

and the expectation of strength comes to nothing.

The righteous is delivered from trouble,

and the wicked takes his place.

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices,

and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,

but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a person of understanding keeps silent.

A gossip betrays a secret,

but the trustworthy conceal a matter.

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in abundance of counselors there is safety.

Whoever guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer,

but whoever hates striking hands is secure.

A gracious woman gains honor,

but ruthless men gain only riches.

The merciful do themselves good,

but the cruel bring trouble on their own flesh.

The wicked earns deceptive wages,

but the one who sows righteousness has a sure reward.

Whoever is steadfast in righteousness attains life,

but whoever pursues evil brings death upon himself.

Those of perverse heart are detestable to YHWH,

but the blameless in their ways are His delight.

Be assured, the evil will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

is a beautiful woman without discretion.

The desire of the righteous ends in good,

but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what is right, and only suffers want.

A generous person will be enriched,

and the one who waters others will himself be refreshed.

People curse the one who withholds grain,

but blessing is on the head of the one who sells it.

Whoever diligently seeks good finds favor,

but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and whoever wins souls is wise.

If the righteous are repaid on earth,

how much more the wicked and the sinner!

———

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but the one who hates correction is stupid.

A good person obtains favor from YHWH,

but He condemns a schemer.

A person is not established by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will not be moved.

A noble wife is a crown to her husband,

but she who brings shame is like decay in his bones.

The thoughts of the righteous are just,

but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous stands firm.

A person is praised for their wisdom,

but a twisted heart will be held in contempt.

Better to be lowly and have a servant

than to pretend to be great and lack bread.

The righteous care for the life of their animals,

but the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

Whoever works his land will have plenty of food,

but the one who chases fantasies lacks sense.

The wicked desire the catch of evil men,

but the root of the righteous yields fruit.

The wicked are trapped by their own sinful speech,

but the righteous escape from trouble.

From the fruit of his mouth a person is filled with good,

and the work of their hands returns to them.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise person listens to counsel.

A fool’s anger is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult.

Whoever speaks truth gives honest testimony,

but a false witness utters lies.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,

but those who promote peace have joy.

No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

YHWH detests lying lips,

but He delights in those who act faithfully.

The prudent conceal knowledge,

but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

The diligent will rule,

but laziness leads to forced labor.

Anxiety weighs down the heart,

but a kind word lifts it up.

The righteous choose their friends carefully,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

The lazy do not roast their prey,

but the diligent gain precious treasure.

In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its way there is no death.

———

A wise son listens to his father’s instruction,

but a scoffer does not respond to correction.

From the fruit of his mouth a person eats good things,

but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

The one who guards his lips protects his life,

but the one who opens wide his mouth comes to ruin.

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,

while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

The righteous hate falsehood,

but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless,

but sin overthrows the wicked.

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

The wealth of the rich is his fortress,

but the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

The light of the righteous rejoices,

but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

By pride comes only strife,

but with the humble is wisdom.

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,

but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning one away from the snares of death.

Good sense wins favor,

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

Every prudent person acts with knowledge,

but a fool flaunts folly.

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Poverty and disgrace come to the one who ignores instruction,

but whoever regards reproof will be honored.

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is detestable to fools.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools suffers harm.

Disaster pursues sinners,

but the righteous are rewarded with good.

A good person leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,

but it is swept away through injustice.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

but the one who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

———

The wise woman builds her house,

but with her own hands the foolish tears it down.

Whoever walks in uprightness fears YHWH,

but one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,

but the lips of the wise preserve them.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant harvest comes by the strength of the ox.

A faithful witness does not lie,

but a false witness breathes out lies.

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,

but knowledge is easy for one with understanding.

Leave the presence of a fool,

for there you will not find words of knowledge.

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools is deception.

Fools mock guilt offerings,

but among the upright there is favor.

The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no stranger shares its joy.

The house of the wicked will be overthrown,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and the end of joy may be grief.

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,

and a good person with the fruit of theirs.

The simple believe everything,

but the prudent give thought to their steps.

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

A quick-tempered person acts foolishly,

and a person who schemes is hated.

The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

The evil bow down before the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

but the rich has many friends.

Whoever despises his neighbor is sinful,

but blessed is the one who is kind to the poor.

Do they not go astray who devise evil?

But those who plan peace have joy.

In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the folly of fools yields only foolishness.

A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

In the fear of YHWH one has strong confidence,

and His children will have a refuge.

The fear of YHWH is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,

but without people a prince is ruined.

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but one who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

A tranquil heart gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker,

but he who is kind to the needy honors Him.

The wicked are overthrown by their evil,

but the righteous find refuge in their integrity.

Wisdom rests quietly in the heart of the discerning,

but even among fools it becomes known.

Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.

A wise servant gains the king’s favor,

but one who acts shamefully is his ruin.

———

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

but the mouth of fools gushes folly.

The eyes of YHWH are in every place,

watching the evil and the good.

A soothing tongue is a tree of life,

but perversion in it breaks the spirit.

A fool despises his father’s discipline,

but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,

but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

but not so the hearts of fools.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH,

but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

The way of the wicked is detestable to YHWH,

but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.

There is severe discipline for one who forsakes the way;

whoever hates correction will die.

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before YHWH;

how much more the hearts of the children of man!

A scoffer does not love one who corrects him;

he will not go to the wise.

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,

but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

All the days of the afflicted are evil,

but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Better is a little with the fear of YHWH

than great treasure with turmoil.

Better is a meal of vegetables where love is

than a fattened ox with hatred.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

but one slow to anger calms a quarrel.

The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,

but the path of the upright is a level highway.

A wise son makes a glad father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense,

but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

Without counsel plans fail,

but with many advisors they succeed.

To give an answer with joy is a good thing,

and a word in season, how good it is!

The path of life leads upward for the wise,

that he may avoid Sheol below.

YHWH tears down the house of the proud,

but He sets the widow’s boundary in place.

The thoughts of the wicked are detestable to YHWH,

but gracious words are pure in His sight.

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own house,

but the one who hates bribes will live.

The heart of the righteous reflects before answering,

but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

YHWH is far from the wicked,

but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

and good news refreshes the bones.

The ear that listens to life-giving correction

will dwell among the wise.

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof gains understanding.

The fear of YHWH is instruction in wisdom,

and humility comes before honor.

———

To mortals belong the plans of the heart,

but the answer of the tongue is from YHWH.

All a person’s ways seem pure in his own eyes,

but YHWH weighs the spirit.

Commit your works to YHWH,

and your plans will be established.

YHWH has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Everyone arrogant in heart is an abomination to YHWH;

be assured, he will not go unpunished.

By steadfast love and truth iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of YHWH one turns away from evil.

When a man’s ways please YHWH,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Better is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice.

The heart of a man plans his way,

but YHWH directs his steps.

An oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth must not betray justice.

Honest scales and balances are YHWH’s;

all the weights in the bag are His doing.

It is an abomination for kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

Righteous lips are the delight of kings,

and they love the one who speaks what is right.

A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

but the wise will appease it.

In the light of a king’s face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring spring rain.

How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;

whoever guards his path preserves his life.

Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

It is better to be of lowly spirit with the poor

than to divide spoil with the proud.

Whoever gives thought to the word will find good,

and blessed is the one who trusts in YHWH.

The wise of heart is called discerning,

and sweetness of speech increases learning.

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,

but the instruction of fools is folly.

The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious

and adds learning to his lips.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.

There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

The appetite of the laborer works for him;

his hunger drives him on.

A worthless man plots evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

A perverse person spreads strife,

and a whisperer separates close friends.

A man of violence entices his neighbor

and leads him in a way that is not good.

Whoever winks his eyes plans perverse things;

whoever purses his lips brings evil to pass.

Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and the one who rules his spirit than one who takes a city.

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from YHWH.

———

Better a dry crust with peace

than a house full of feasting with strife.

A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son

and share the inheritance among brothers.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

but YHWH tests the hearts.

An evildoer listens to wicked lips,

and a liar gives ear to a malicious tongue.

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;

he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

and the glory of children is their fathers.

Fine speech is not fitting for a fool,

still less is false speech for a ruler.

A bribe is seen as a charm in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns, he succeeds.

Whoever covers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

A rebuke goes deeper into a discerning person

than a hundred blows into a fool.

An evil man seeks only rebellion,

and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs

rather than a fool in his folly.

If anyone returns evil for good,

evil will never leave his house.

The beginning of strife is like letting out water,

so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous—

both are detestable to YHWH.

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom

when he has no heart for it?

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

One without sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

The one who loves transgression loves strife;

the one who builds a high gate invites destruction.

A crooked heart does not prosper,

and a twisted tongue falls into trouble.

One who fathers a fool gets himself sorrow,

and the father of a fool has no joy.

A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

The wicked accept bribes in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

Wisdom is in the presence of the discerning,

but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

A foolish son is a grief to his father

and bitterness to her who bore him.

To impose a fine on the righteous is not good,

nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,

and one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding.

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;

when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

———

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing his own opinion.

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

It is not good to be partial to the wicked

or to deprive the righteous of justice.

A fool’s lips bring strife,

and his mouth invites a beating.

A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

The words of a whisperer are like choice morsels;

they go down to the inner parts of the body.

Whoever is slack in his work

is a brother to the one who destroys.

The name of YHWH is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

A rich person’s wealth is his fortified city

and like a high wall in his imagination.

Before destruction the heart of a man is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

If one gives an answer before he hears,

it is folly and shame to him.

A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,

but a crushed spirit who can bear?

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks understanding.

A gift opens the way for the giver

and ushers him into the presence of the great.

The first to state his case seems right,

until the other comes and examines him.

Casting the lot puts an end to quarrels

and settles disputes between powerful ones.

A brother offended is harder to win than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a castle.

From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is filled;

he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from YHWH.

The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer harshly.

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

———

Better is a poor person who walks in integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Desire without knowledge is not good,

and one who hurries with his feet misses the path.

A person’s own folly leads to ruin,

yet his heart rages against YHWH.

Wealth brings many companions,

but the poor are deserted by their friends.

A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who speaks lies will not escape.

Many seek the favor of the generous,

and everyone is a friend to one who gives gifts.

All the relatives of the poor despise them;

how much more do their friends go far from them!

Whoever gets wisdom loves his own soul;

he who keeps understanding will find good.

A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who utters lies will perish.

It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,

much less for a servant to rule over princes.

Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

A foolish son is ruin to his father,

and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping.

House and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife is from YHWH.

Laziness brings deep sleep,

and an idle person will go hungry.

Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;

he who despises his ways will die.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to YHWH,

and He will repay him for his deed.

Discipline your son, for there is hope;

do not set your heart on his destruction.

A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,

for if you deliver him, you will have to do it again.

Listen to advice and accept instruction,

that you may gain wisdom in the end.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the purpose of YHWH that will stand.

What is desirable in a person is loyalty,

and it is better to be poor than a liar.

The fear of YHWH leads to life,

and whoever has it rests satisfied;

he will not be visited by harm.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish

and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wise;

reprove one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

He who does violence to his father

and chases away his mother

is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

Cease to hear instruction, my son,

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

A worthless witness mocks justice,

and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.

Judgments are prepared for scoffers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.

———

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;

whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

It is an honor for a person to keep away from strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

The purposes in a man’s heart are deep waters,

but a person of understanding draws them out.

Many proclaim their own loyalty,

but who can find someone truly trustworthy?

The righteous who walks in integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

A king who sits on the throne of judgment

winnows all evil with his eyes.

Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;

I am clean from my sin”?

Unequal weights and unequal measures

are both alike an abomination to YHWH.

Even a child makes himself known by his actions,

by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

The hearing ear and the seeing eye—

YHWH has made them both.

Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;

open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

“It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer—

but when he goes away, then he boasts.

There is gold and abundance of costly stones,

but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

Take a garment for one who gives security for a stranger,

and hold it in pledge for a foreign woman.

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.

Plans are established by counsel;

by wise guidance wage war.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

If one curses his father or his mother,

his lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

Do not say, “I will repay evil”;

wait for YHWH, and He will deliver you.

Unequal weights are an abomination to YHWH,

and false scales are not good.

A person’s steps are from YHWH;

how then can a mortal understand his way?

It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”

and then to reflect only after making a vow.

A wise king winnows the wicked

and drives the wheel over them.

The spirit of a person is the lamp of YHWH,

searching all his innermost parts.

Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,

and by loyalty his throne is upheld.

The glory of young men is their strength,

but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Blows that wound cleanse away evil;

strokes make clean the innermost parts.

———

The heart of a king is a stream of water in the hand of YHWH;

He directs it wherever He will.

Every way of a person is right in his own eyes,

but YHWH weighs the heart.

To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to YHWH than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart—

the lamp of the wicked—is sin.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.

The violence of the wicked will drag them away,

because they refuse to do what is right.

The guilty walk a crooked path,

but the innocent conduct their way uprightly.

It is better to live in a corner of the housetop

than in a house shared with a quarrelsome woman.

The soul of the wicked desires evil;

his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wise;

when the wise are instructed, they gain knowledge.

The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;

He throws the wicked down to ruin.

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor

will himself call out and not be answered.

A gift in secret pacifies anger,

and a bribe concealed in the cloak, strong wrath.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous,

but terror to evildoers.

One who wanders from the way of understanding

will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;

whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

and the treacherous for the upright.

It is better to live in a desert land

than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise person’s dwelling,

but a fool devours it.

Whoever pursues righteousness and covenant love

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

A wise person scales the city of the mighty

and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

keeps himself out of trouble.

The arrogant, haughty person—named “Mocker”—

acts with proud fury.

The desire of the sluggard kills him,

for his hands refuse to work.

All day long he craves and craves,

but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable,

especially when brought with evil intent.

A false witness will perish,

but the one who listens will speak forever.

A wicked man puts on a bold face,

but the upright considers his path.

No wisdom, no understanding,

no counsel can avail against YHWH.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle,

but the victory belongs to YHWH.

———

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

and favor over silver and gold.

The rich and the poor meet together;

YHWH is the Maker of them all.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself,

but the simple go on and suffer for it.

The reward for humility and the fear of YHWH

is riches and honor and life.

Thorns and snares are in the path of the crooked;

whoever guards his soul stays far from them.

Train a child according to their way;

even when grown, they will not turn from it.

The rich rules over the poor,

and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Whoever sows injustice will reap trouble,

and the rod of his fury will fail.

The generous will be blessed,

for he shares his bread with the poor.

Drive out the scoffer, and strife will go out,

and quarreling and abuse will cease.

He who loves purity of heart,

and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as a friend.

The eyes of YHWH guard knowledge,

but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!”

The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;

he with whom YHWH is angry will fall into it.

Folly is bound in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far away.

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,

or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

The Thirty Sayings of the Wise Begin

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge.

For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

So that your trust may be in YHWH,

I make them known to you today—even to you.

Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

to make you know what is right and true,

that you may give a true answer to those who send you?

Do not rob the poor, because they are poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate;

for YHWH will plead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

Make no friendship with a person given to anger,

and do not go with a wrathful person,

lest you learn their ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Be not one of those who give pledges,

who put up security for debts.

If you have nothing with which to pay,

why should your bed be taken from under you?

Do not move the ancient boundary stone

which your ancestors set.

Do you see a person skillful in his work?

He will stand before kings;

he will not stand before obscure men.

———

When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

observe carefully what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to appetite.

Do not desire his delicacies,

for they are deceptive food.

Do not toil to acquire wealth;

be wise enough to desist.

When your eyes light on it, it is gone,

for suddenly it sprouts wings,

flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Do not eat the bread of a stingy man;

do not desire his delicacies,

for he is like one who inwardly calculates:

“Eat and drink!” he says to you,

but his heart is not with you.

You will vomit up the morsels you have eaten

and waste your pleasant words.

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Do not move the ancient boundary stone

or enter the fields of the fatherless,

for their Redeemer is strong;

He will plead their cause against you.

Apply your heart to instruction

and your ears to words of knowledge.

Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you strike them with the rod, they will not die.

If you strike them with the rod,

you will save their soul from Sheol.

My son, if your heart is wise,

my heart too will rejoice.

My inmost being will exult

when your lips speak what is right.

Let not your heart envy sinners,

but continue in the fear of YHWH all the day.

Surely there is a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Hear, my son, and be wise,

and direct your heart in the way.

Be not among drunkards

or among gluttonous eaters of meat,

for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,

and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Listen to your father who gave you life,

and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Buy truth, and do not sell it—

wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;

he who fathers a wise child will be glad in him.

Let your father and mother be glad;

let her who bore you rejoice.

My son, give me your heart,

and let your eyes observe my ways.

For a prostitute is a deep pit;

an adulteress is a narrow well.

She lies in wait like a robber

and increases the traitors among men.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has strife? Who has complaining?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes?

Those who linger long over wine,

those who go to taste mixed wine.

Do not look at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup,

when it goes down smoothly.

In the end it bites like a serpent

and stings like a viper.

Your eyes will see strange things,

and your heart will speak perverse things.

You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

like one who lies on the top of a mast.

“They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;

they beat me, but I did not feel it.

When shall I awake?

I will seek another drink.”

———

Do not envy evil men,

nor desire to be with them,

for their hearts plot violence,

and their lips talk of trouble.

By wisdom a house is built,

and by understanding it is established;

by knowledge its rooms are filled

with all precious and pleasant riches.

A wise man is full of strength,

and a person of knowledge enhances power.

For by wise guidance you can wage your war,

and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Wisdom is too high for a fool;

in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Whoever plans to do evil

will be called a schemer.

The devising of folly is sin,

and the scoffer is an abomination to all.

If you faint in the day of adversity,

your strength is small.

Rescue those who are being taken away to death;

hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”

does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?

Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it,

and will He not repay each person according to their work?

My son, eat honey, for it is good,

and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.

Know that wisdom is such to your soul;

if you find it, there will be a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;

do not destroy their resting place;

for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,

but the wicked stumble in calamity.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,

and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,

lest YHWH see it and it displease Him,

and He turn away His wrath from him.

Fret not yourself because of evildoers,

and do not envy the wicked,

for the evil man has no future;

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

My son, fear YHWH and the king,

and do not join with those who do otherwise,

for disaster will arise suddenly from them,

and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

More Sayings of the Wise

These also are sayings of the wise:

To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Whoever says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;

but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

Prepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;

I will repay the man according to his work.”

I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of one lacking sense,

and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall was broken down.

Then I looked and considered;

I saw and received instruction.

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

These chapters begin a new section:

“These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.”

Preserved during a time of spiritual reform (2 Kings 18), they reflect a return to wisdom for leaders, neighbors, and nations.

———

These also are proverbs of Solomon,

which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out:

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,

but the glory of kings is to search it out.

As the heavens in height and the earth in depth,

so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Remove the dross from the silver,

and a vessel comes forth for the smith;

remove the wicked from the presence of the king,

and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,

and do not stand in the place of the great,

for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of the noble.

What your eyes have seen—do not hastily bring into court,

for what will you do in the end

when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Argue your case with your neighbor himself,

and do not reveal another’s secret,

lest one who hears you bring disgrace,

and your infamy never depart.

A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

is a faithful messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Like clouds and wind without rain

is one who boasts of a gift never given.

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

If you find honey, eat only what you need,

lest you have too much and vomit it.

Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,

lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

A man who bears false witness against his neighbor

is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Trusting in a treacherous person in time of trouble

is like a bad tooth or a slipping foot.

Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart

is like one who takes away a garment on a cold day

or pours vinegar on soda.

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;

if he is thirsty, give him water to drink—

for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and YHWH will reward you.

The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

It is better to live in a corner of the housetop

than in a spacious house with a quarrelsome woman.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul

is good news from a distant land.

Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain

is the righteous who gives way before the wicked.

It is not good to eat too much honey,

nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

A person without self-control

is like a city broken into and left without walls.

———

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,

so honor is not fitting for a fool.

Like a fluttering sparrow or a flying swallow,

so a curse without cause does not come to rest.

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,

and a rod for the back of fools.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

lest you be like him yourself.

Answer a fool according to his folly,

lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool

cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Like lame legs that hang limp

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Like binding a stone in a sling

is giving honor to a fool.

Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Like an archer who wounds at random

is the one who hires a fool or a passerby.

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so a fool repeats his folly.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!

A lion is in the streets!”

As a door turns on its hinges,

so does the sluggard on his bed.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes

than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own

is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.

Like a madman throwing firebrands, arrows, and death

is the one who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

For lack of wood the fire goes out,

and where there is no whisperer, strife ceases.

As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the innermost parts.

Like a coating of silver glaze on earthenware

are fervent lips with an evil heart.

Whoever hates disguises it with his lips

and harbors deceit in his heart;

when he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

for there are seven abominations in his heart.

Though his hatred is covered with deception,

his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,

and a stone will come back on the one who rolls it.

A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.

———

Do not boast about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—

a stranger, and not your own lips.

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,

but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

One who is full loathes honey,

but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Like a bird that strays from its nest

is a man who strays from his home.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

and the sweetness of a friend comes from earnest counsel.

Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,

and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of trouble;

better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,

that I may answer the one who reproaches me.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself,

but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,

and hold it in pledge when he does it for an outsider.

If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,

it will be counted as a curse to him.

A continual dripping on a rainy day

and a quarrelsome woman are alike;

to restrain her is to restrain the wind

or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.

Iron sharpens iron,

and one person sharpens another.

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,

and he who guards his master will be honored.

As water reflects the face,

so the heart of a person reflects the person.

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,

and never satisfied are the eyes of man.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

and a person is tested by their praise.

Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle

along with grain,

yet his folly will not depart from him.

Know well the condition of your flocks,

and give attention to your herds,

for riches do not last forever,

and a crown does not endure to all generations.

When the grass is gone and the new growth appears

and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

the lambs will provide your clothing,

and the goats the price of a field.

There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,

for the food of your household

and nourishment for your maidens.

———

The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,

but with a person of understanding and knowledge, its stability will last.

A poor man who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law strive against them.

Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek YHWH understand it completely.

Better is a poor person who walks in integrity

than one who is crooked in ways, though rich.

The one who keeps instruction is a discerning son,

but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his father.

Whoever multiplies wealth by interest and unjust gain

gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

If one turns away his ear from hearing the instruction,

even his prayer is detestable.

Whoever leads the upright into evil ways

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit good.

A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

but the one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Blessed is the one who fears always,

but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

If someone is burdened by the guilt of human blood,

let him flee to the pit;

let no one support him.

Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,

but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

A faithful person will abound with blessings,

but one who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

To show partiality is not good,

but for a piece of bread a person may do wrong.

A stingy person is eager for wealth

and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor

than one who flatters with the tongue.

Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “There is no wrong,”

is a companion to a destroyer.

A greedy person stirs up strife,

but whoever trusts in YHWH will be enriched.

Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Whoever gives to the poor will not want,

but the one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,

but when they perish, the righteous increase.

———

One who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

He who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders wealth.

By justice a king builds up the land,

but one who exacts gifts tears it down.

A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,

but the righteous sings and rejoices.

A righteous person knows the rights of the poor;

a wicked one does not understand such knowledge.

Scoffers set a city aflame,

but the wise turn away wrath.

If a wise person has an argument with a fool,

the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no peace.

Bloodthirsty men hate the blameless

and seek the life of the upright.

A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

but a wise person quietly holds it back.

If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials will become wicked.

The poor and the oppressor meet together;

YHWH gives light to the eyes of both.

If a king faithfully judges the poor,

his throne will be established forever.

The rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

When the wicked increase, transgression multiplies,

but the righteous will see their fall.

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;

he will give delight to your soul.

Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint,

but blessed is the one who keeps the instruction.

By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not respond.

Do you see someone hasty in their words?

There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Whoever pampers his servant from youth

will find him to be rebellious later on.

An angry person stirs up strife,

and one given to wrath causes much transgression.

A person’s pride will bring him low,

but the humble in spirit will obtain honor.

The partner of a thief hates his own life;

he hears the curse and discloses nothing.

The fear of man lays a snare,

but whoever trusts in YHWH is safe.

Many seek the face of a ruler,

but it is from YHWH that one gets justice.

An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,

and the upright are detestable to the wicked.

Proverbs Chapter 30 — The Words of Agur, Son of Yaqeh

The words of Agur son of Yaqeh, the oracle—

this man’s utterance to Itiel, to Itiel and Ukal:

I am more brutish than anyone,

I have not the understanding of a human.

I have not learned wisdom,

nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.

Who has gone up to the heavens and come down?

Who has gathered the wind in His fists?

Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?

Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is His name, and what is His Son’s name? Surely you know!

Every word of God is tested;

He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Do not add to His words,

lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Two things I ask of You—

do not deny them to me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the bread that is my portion—

lest I be full and deny You

and say, “Who is YHWH?”

or lest I be poor and steal

and profane the name of my God.

Do not slander a servant to his master,

lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

There is a generation who curse their father

and do not bless their mother.

There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes,

yet are not cleansed of their filth.

There is a generation—how lofty are their eyes,

how their eyelids are lifted!

There is a generation whose teeth are swords,

whose jaws are knives,

to devour the poor from the earth

and the needy from among mankind.

The leech has two daughters: “Give! Give!”

Three things are never satisfied;

four never say, “Enough”:

Sheol, and the barren womb,

land never satisfied with water,

and fire that never says, “Enough.”

The eye that mocks a father

and scorns obedience to a mother—

ravens of the valley will pluck it out;

young vultures will eat it.

Three things are too wonderful for me;

four I do not understand:

the way of an eagle in the sky,

the way of a serpent on a rock,

the way of a ship on the sea,

and the way of a man with a young woman.

This is the way of the adulteress:

she eats and wipes her mouth

and says, “I have done no wrong.”

Under three things the earth trembles;

under four it cannot bear up:

a servant when he becomes king,

a fool when filled with food,

an unloved woman when she gets a husband,

and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

Four things on earth are small,

yet they are exceedingly wise:

the ants are a people not strong,

yet they prepare their food in the summer;

the rock badgers are a weak people,

yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

the locusts have no king,

yet all of them march in rank;

the lizard you can take in your hands,

yet it is in kings’ palaces.

Three things have a stately stride;

four are stately in their going:

the lion, mightiest among beasts,

who does not turn aside for any;

the strutting rooster, the he-goat,

and a king against whom none can rise.

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,

or if you have devised evil,

put your hand over your mouth.

For pressing milk produces curds,

pressing the nose brings blood,

and pressing anger produces strife.

Proverbs Chapter 31 — The Words of Lemuel & The Woman of Strength

The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

What, my son?

What, son of my womb?

What, son of my vows?

Do not give your strength to women,

your ways to those who destroy kings.

It is not for kings, Lemuel,

it is not for kings to drink wine,

or for rulers to crave strong drink,

lest they drink and forget what is decreed

and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,

and wine to those in bitter distress;

let them drink and forget their poverty

and remember their misery no more.

Open your mouth for the mute,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Woman of Strength (Eshet-Chayil)

A woman of strength, who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not harm

all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

She is like the ships of a merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

She rises while it is still night

and provides food for her household

and tasks for her servant-girls.

She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is good;

her lamp does not go out at night.

She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates,

when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the days to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many daughters have done valiantly,

but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears YHWH is to be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.