^4:1Hear, [my] sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding: ^4:2For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law. ^4:3For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. ^4:4And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live; ^4:5Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; ^4:6Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee. ^4:7Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding. ^4:8Exalt her, and she will promote thee; She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her. ^4:9She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee. ^4:10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many. ^4:11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness. ^4:12When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ^4:13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life. ^4:14Enter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men. ^4:15Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on. ^4:16For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. ^4:17For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. ^4:18But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. ^4:19The way of the wicked is as darkness: They know not at what they stumble. ^4:20My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. ^4:21Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart. ^4:22For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh. ^4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. ^4:24Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee. ^4:25Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. ^4:26Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. ^4:27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.

^5:1My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding: ^5:2That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge. ^5:3For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil: ^5:4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. ^5:5Her feet go down to death; Her steps take hold on Sheol; ^5:6So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, [and] she knoweth [it] not. ^5:7Now therefore, [my] sons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth. ^5:8Remove thy way far from her, And come not nigh the door of her house; ^5:9Lest thou give thine honor unto others, And thy years unto the cruel; ^5:10Lest strangers be filled with thy strength, And thy labors [be] in the house of an alien, ^5:11And thou mourn at thy latter end, When thy flesh and thy body are consumed, ^5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, And my heart despised reproof; ^5:13Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! ^5:14I was well-nigh in all evil In the midst of the assembly and congregation. ^5:15Drink waters out of thine own cistern, And running waters out of thine own well. ^5:16Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, And streams of water in the streets? ^5:17Let them be for thyself alone, And not for strangers with thee. ^5:18Let thy fountain be blessed; And rejoice in the wife of thy youth. ^5:19[As] a loving hind and a pleasant doe, Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; And be thou ravished always with her love. ^5:20For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, And embrace the bosom of a foreigner? ^5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; And he maketh level all his paths. ^5:22His own iniquities shall take the wicked, And he shall be holden with the cords of his sin. ^5:23He shall die for lack of instruction; And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

^6:1My son, if thou art become surety for thy neighbor, If thou hast stricken thy hands for a stranger; ^6:2Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, Thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. ^6:3Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, Seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbor: Go, humble thyself, and importune thy neighbor; ^6:4Give not sleep to thine eyes, Nor slumber to thine eyelids; ^6:5Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], And as a bird from the hand of the fowler. ^6:6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise: ^6:7Which having no chief, Overseer, or ruler, ^6:8Provideth her bread in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest. ^6:9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? ^6:10[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: ^6:11So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man. ^6:12A worthless person, a man of iniquity, Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth; ^6:13That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers; ^6:14In whose heart is perverseness, Who deviseth evil continually, Who soweth discord. ^6:15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy. ^6:16There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: ^6:17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; ^6:18A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, ^6:19A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren. ^6:20My son, keep the commandment of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: ^6:21Bind them continually upon thy heart; Tie them about thy neck. ^6:22When thou walkest, it shall lead thee; When thou sleepest, it shall watch over thee; And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. ^6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life: ^6:24To keep thee from the evil woman, From the flattery of the foreigner`s tongue. <sup>6:25</sup>Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; Neither let her take thee with her eyelids. <sup>6:26</sup>For on account of a harlot [a man is brought] to a piece of bread; And the adulteress hunteth for the precious life. <sup>6:27</sup>Can a man take fire in his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? <sup>6:28</sup>Or can one walk upon hot coals, And his feet not be scorched? <sup>6:29</sup>So he that goeth in to his neighbor`s wife; Whosoever toucheth her shall not be unpunished. ^6:30Men do not despise a thief, if he steal To satisfy himself when he is hungry: ^6:31But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; He shall give all the substance of his house. ^6:32He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul. ^6:33Wounds and dishonor shall he get; And his reproach shall not be wiped away. ^6:34For jealousy is the rage of a man; And he will not spare in the day of vengeance. ^6:35He will not regard any ransom; Neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

^7:1My son, keep my words, And lay up my commandments with thee. ^7:2Keep my commandments and live; And my law as the apple of thine eye. ^7:3Bind them upon thy fingers; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart. ^7:4Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understanding [thy] kinswoman: ^7:5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words. ^7:6For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice; ^7:7And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding, ^7:8Passing through the street near her corner; And 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. ^7:10And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart. ^7:11She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house: ^7:12Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner. ^7:13So she caught him, and kissed him, [And] with an impudent face she said unto him: ^7:14Sacrifices of peace-offerings are with me; This day have I paid my vows. ^7:15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, Diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. ^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 us take our fill of love until the morning; Let us solace ourselves with loves. ^7:19For the man is not at home; He is gone a long journey: ^7:20He hath taken a bag of money with him; He will come home at the full moon. ^7:21With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield; With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along. ^7:22He goeth after her straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter, Or as [one in] fetters to the correction of the fool; ^7:23Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life. ^7:24Now therefore, [my] sons, hearken unto me, And attend to the words of my mouth. ^7:25Let not thy heart decline to her ways; Go not astray in her paths. ^7:26For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, all her slain are a mighty host. ^7:27Her house is the way to Sheol, Going down to the chambers of death.

^8:1Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice? ^8:2On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she standeth; ^8:3Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud: ^8:4Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men. ^8:5O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart. ^8:6Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things. ^8:7For my mouth shall utter truth; And 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 that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge. ^8:10Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold. ^8:11For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it. ^8:12I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledge [and] discretion. ^8:13The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate. ^8:14Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might. ^8:15By me kings reign, And princes decree justice. ^8:16By me princes rule, And nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth. ^8:17I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. ^8:18Riches and honor are with me; [Yea], durable wealth and righteousness. ^8:19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver. ^8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice; ^8:21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries. ^8:22Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. ^8:23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. ^8:24When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. ^8:25Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I 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 upon the face of the deep, ^8:28When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, ^8:29When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; ^8:30Then I was by him, [as] a master workman; And I was daily [his] delight, Rejoicing always before him, ^8:31Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men. ^8:32Now therefore, [my] sons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways. ^8:33Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not. ^8:34Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. ^8:35For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favor of Jehovah. ^8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: All they that hate me love death.

^9:1Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars: ^9:2She hath killed her beasts; She hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table: ^9:3She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city: ^9:4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him, ^9:5Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled. ^9:6Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding. ^9:7He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man [getteth] himself a blot. ^9:8Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. ^9:9Give [instruction] to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. ^9:10The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ^9:11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased. ^9:12If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it. ^9:13The foolish woman is clamorous; [She is] simple, and knoweth nothing. ^9:14And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city, ^9:15To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways: ^9:16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him, ^9:17Stolen waters are sweet, And bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant. ^9:18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

^10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. ^10:2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death. ^10:3Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked. ^10:4He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. ^10:5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; [But] he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. ^10:6Blessings are upon the head of the righteous; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. ^10:7The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot. ^10:8The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall. ^10:9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. ^10:10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; But a prating fool shall fall. ^10:11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. ^10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions. ^10:13In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. ^10:14Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction. ^10:15The rich man`s wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. ^10:16The labor of the righteous [tendeth] to life; The increase of the wicked, to sin. ^10:17He is in the way of life that heedeth correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth. ^10:18He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; And he that uttereth a slander is a fool. ^10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely. ^10:20The tongue of the righteous is [as] choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. ^10:21The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding. ^10:22The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith. ^10:23It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And [so is] wisdom to a man of understanding. ^10:24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; And the desire of the righteous shall be granted. ^10:25When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more; But the righteous is an everlasting foundation. ^10:26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him. ^10:27The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days; But the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ^10:28The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness; But the expectation of the wicked shall perish. ^10:29The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. ^10:30The righteous shall never be removed; But the wicked shall not dwell in the land. ^10:31The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom; But the perverse tongue shall be cut off. ^10:32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] perverseness.

^11:1A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight. ^11:2When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom. ^11:3The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. ^11:4Riches profit not in the day of wrath; But righteousness delivereth from death. ^11:5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ^11:6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity. ^11:7When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish; And the hope of iniquity perisheth. ^11:8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, And the wicked cometh in his stead. ^11:9With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered. ^11:10When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; And 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. ^11:12He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace. ^11:13He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter. ^11:14Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. ^11:15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure. ^11:16A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches. ^11:17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. ^11:18The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness [hath] a sure reward. ^11:19He that is stedfast in righteousness [shall attain] unto life; And he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death. ^11:20They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in [their] way are his delight. ^11:21[Though] hand [join] in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. ^11:22[As] a ring of gold in a swine`s snout, [So is] a fair woman that is without discretion. ^11:23The desire of the righteous is only good; [But] the expectation of the wicked is wrath. ^11:24There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] only to want. ^11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat; And he that watereth shall be watered also himself. ^11:26He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. ^11:27He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him. ^11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. ^11:29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. ^11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls. ^11:31Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: How much more the wicked and the sinner!

^12:1Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; But he that hateth reproof is brutish. ^12:2A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn. ^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 she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. ^12:5The thoughts of the righteous are just; [But] the counsels of the wicked are deceit. ^12:6The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood; But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. ^12:7The wicked are overthrown, and are not; But the house of the righteous shall stand. ^12:8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. ^12:9Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread. ^12:10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ^12:11He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain [persons] is void of understanding. ^12:12The wicked desireth the net of evil men; But the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit]. ^12:13In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble. ^12:14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; And the doings of a man`s hands shall be rendered unto him. <sup>12:15</sup>The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. <sup>12:16</sup>A fool`s vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame. ^12:17He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit. ^12:18There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health. ^12:19The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment. ^12:20Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy. ^12:21There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil. ^12:22Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight. ^12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. ^12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork. ^12:25Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad. ^12:26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err. ^12:27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of men [is to] the diligent. ^12:28In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.

^13:1A wise son [heareth] his father`s instruction; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke. <sup>13:2</sup>A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherous [shall eat] violence. <sup>13:3</sup>He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; [But] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. <sup>13:4</sup>The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. <sup>13:5</sup>A righteous man hateth lying; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. <sup>13:6</sup>Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner. <sup>13:7</sup>There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth. <sup>13:8</sup>The ransom of a man`s life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening. ^13:9The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. ^13:10By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom. ^13:11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase. ^13:12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. ^13:13Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. ^13:14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death. ^13:15Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard. ^13:16Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth [his] folly. ^13:17A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health. ^13:18Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored. ^13:19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. ^13:20Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it. ^13:21Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good. ^13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children`s children; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous. ^13:23Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice. ^13:24He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. ^13:25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.

^14:1Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands. ^14:2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. ^14:3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for [his] pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them. ^14:4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox. ^14:5A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies. ^14:6A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding. ^14:7Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive [in him] the lips of knowledge. ^14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit. ^14:9A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will. ^14:10The heart knoweth its own bitterness; And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy. ^14:11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; But the tent of the upright shall flourish. ^14:12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death. ^14:13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of mirth is heaviness. ^14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself. ^14:15The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going. ^14:16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident. ^14:17He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices 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 is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends. ^14:21He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he. ^14:22Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth [shall be to] them that devise good. ^14:23In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury. ^14:24The crown of the wise is their riches; [But] the folly of fools is [only] folly. ^14:25A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies [causeth] deceit. ^14:26In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge. ^14:27The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death. ^14:28In the multitude of people is the king`s glory; But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. <sup>14:29</sup>He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. <sup>14:30</sup>A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones. <sup>14:31</sup>He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him. <sup>14:32</sup>The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death. <sup>14:33</sup>Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding; But [that which is] in the inward part of fools is made known. <sup>14:34</sup>Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people. <sup>14:35</sup>The king`s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; But his wrath will be [against] him that causeth shame.

^15:1A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger. ^15:2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly. ^15:3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good. ^15:4A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. ^15:5A fool despiseth his father`s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence. ^15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. ^15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so. ^15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight. ^15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. ^15:10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; [And] he that hateth reproof shall die. ^15:11Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah: How much more then the hearts of the children of men! ^15:12A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise. ^15:13A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. ^15:14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. ^15:15All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast. ^15:16Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. ^15:17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. ^15:18A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. ^15:19The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway. ^15:20A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother. ^15:21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going. ^15:22Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. ^15:23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it! ^15:24To the wise the way of life [goeth] upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath. ^15:25Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow. ^15:26Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words [are] pure. ^15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live. ^15:28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. ^15:29Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. ^15:30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; [And] good tidings make the bones fat. ^15:31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise. ^15:32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. ^15:33The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.

^16:1The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. ^16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits. ^16:3Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established. ^16:4Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. ^16:5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: [Though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished. ^16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil. ^16:7When a man`s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. <sup>16:8</sup>Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice. <sup>16:9</sup>A man`s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. ^16:10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment. ^16:11A just balance and scales are Jehovah`s; All the weights of the bag are his work. <sup>16:12</sup>It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness. <sup>16:13</sup>Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. <sup>16:14</sup>The wrath of a king is [as] messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. <sup>16:15</sup>In the light of the king`s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. ^16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. ^16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. ^16:18Pride [goeth] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. ^16:19Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. ^16:20He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he. ^16:21The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. ^16:22Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly. ^16:23The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips. ^16:24Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ^16:25There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. ^16:26The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him [thereto]. ^16:27A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire. ^16:28A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends. ^16:29A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good. ^16:30He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass. ^16:31The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. ^16:32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. ^16:33The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.

^17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. ^17:2A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. ^17:3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. ^17:4An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; [And] a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. ^17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; [And] he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. ^17:6Children`s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. ^17:7Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. ^17:8A bribe is [as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. ^17:9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. ^17:10A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. ^17:11An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. ^17:12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. ^17:13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. ^17:14The beginning of strife is [as] when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling. ^17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. ^17:16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? ^17:17A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. ^17:18A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor. ^17:19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. ^17:20He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. ^17:21He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy. ^17:22A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. ^17:23A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. ^17:24Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. ^17:25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. ^17:26Also to punish the righteous is not good, [Nor] to smite the noble for [their] uprightness. ^17:27He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. ^17:28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is [esteemed as] prudent.

^18:1He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. ^18:2A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. ^18:3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach. ^18:4The words of a man`s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook. <sup>18:5</sup>To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment. <sup>18:6</sup>A fool`s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. ^18:7A fool`s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. <sup>18:8</sup>The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. <sup>18:9</sup>He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. <sup>18:10</sup>The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. <sup>18:11</sup>The rich man`s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. ^18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility. ^18:13He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. ^18:14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? ^18:15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. ^18:16A man`s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. <sup>18:17</sup>He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. <sup>18:18</sup>The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. <sup>18:19</sup>A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle. <sup>18:20</sup>A man`s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. ^18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ^18:22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. ^18:23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. ^18:24He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

^19:1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. ^19:2Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. ^19:3The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah. ^19:4Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend. ^19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. ^19:6Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. ^19:7All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth [them with] words, [but] they are gone. ^19:8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. ^19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish. ^19:10Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. ^19:11The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. ^19:12The king`s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. <sup>19:13</sup>A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. <sup>19:14</sup>House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah. <sup>19:15</sup>Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. <sup>19:16</sup>He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; [But] he that is careless of his ways shall die. <sup>19:17</sup>He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. <sup>19:18</sup>Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; nd set not thy heart on his destruction. <sup>19:19</sup>A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver [him], thou must do it yet again. <sup>19:20</sup>Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. <sup>19:21</sup>There are many devices in a man`s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand. ^19:22That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar. ^19:23The fear of Jehovah [tendeth] to life; And he [that hath it] shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. ^19:24The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. ^19:25Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge. ^19:26He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. ^19:27Cease, my son, to hear instruction [Only] to err from the words of knowledge. ^19:28A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity. ^19:29Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools.

^20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. ^20:2The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own life. ^20:3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling. ^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. ^20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? ^20:7A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. ^20:8A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. ^20:9Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? ^20:10Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. ^20:11Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. ^20:12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them. ^20:13Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread. ^20:14It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. ^20:15There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. ^20:16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge [that is surety] for foreigners. ^20:17Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ^20:18Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war. ^20:19He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. ^20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. ^20:21An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed. ^20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee. ^20:23Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good. ^20:24A man`s goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way? ^20:25It is a snare to a man rashly to say, [It is] holy, And after vows to make inquiry. ^20:26A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the [threshing] -wheel over them. ^20:27The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. ^20:28Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness. ^20:29The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. ^20:30Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes [reach] the innermost parts.

^21:1The king`s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will. ^21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. ^21:3To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. ^21:4A high look, and a proud heart, [Even] the lamp of the wicked, is sin. ^21:5The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty [hasteth] only to want. ^21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death. ^21:7The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice. ^21:8The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right. ^21:9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house. ^21:10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes. ^21:11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. ^21:12The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, [How] the wicked are overthrown to [their] ruin. ^21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard. ^21:14A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, 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 that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. ^21:17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. ^21:18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous [cometh] in the stead of 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 swalloweth it up. ^21:21He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor. ^21:22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof. ^21:23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles. ^21:24The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride. ^21:25The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor. ^21:26There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. ^21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind! ^21:28A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure. ^21:29A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways. ^21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah. ^21:31The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

^22:1A [good] name is rather to be chosen than great riches, [And] loving favor rather than silver and gold. ^22:2The rich and the poor meet together: Jehovah is the maker of them all. ^22:3A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. ^22:4The reward of humility [and] the fear of Jehovah [Is] riches, and honor, and life. ^22:5Thorns [and] snares are in the way of the perverse: He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them. ^22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it. ^22:7The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender. ^22:8He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity; And the rod of his wrath shall fail. ^22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor. ^22:10Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out; Yea, strife and ignominy will cease. ^22:11He that loveth pureness of heart, [For] the grace of his lips the king will be his friend. ^22:12The eyes of Jehovah preserve [him that hath] knowledge; But he overthroweth the words of the treacherous man. ^22:13The sluggard saith, There is a lion without: I shall be slain in the streets. ^22:14The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein. ^22:15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; [But] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. ^22:16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [gain], [And] he that giveth to the rich, [shall come] only to want. ^22:17Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge. ^22:18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips. ^22:19That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I have made [them] known to thee this day, even to thee. ^22:20Have not I written unto thee excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, ^22:21To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee? ^22:22Rob not the poor, because he is poor; Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: ^22:23For Jehovah will plead their cause, And despoil of life those that despoil them. ^22:24Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go: ^22:25Lest thou learn this ways, And get a snare to thy soul. ^22:26Be thou not one of them that strike hands, [Or] of them that are sureties for debts. ^22:27If thou hast not wherewith to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee? ^22:28Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set. ^22:29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.

^23:1When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee; ^23:2And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. ^23:3Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food. ^23:4Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom. ^23:5Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For [riches] certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven. ^23:6Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainties: ^23:7For as he thinketh within himself, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee. ^23:8The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, And lose thy sweet words. ^23:9Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words. ^23:10Remove not the ancient landmark; And enter not into the fields of the fatherless: ^23:11For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their cause against thee. ^23:12Apply thy heart unto instruction, And thine ears to the words of knowledge. ^23:13Withhold not correction from the child; [For] if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die. ^23:14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from Sheol. ^23:15My son, if thy heart be wise, My heart will be glad, even mine: ^23:16Yea, my heart will rejoice, When thy lips speak right things. ^23:17Let not thy heart envy sinners; But [be thou] in the fear of Jehovah all the day long: ^23:18For surely there is a reward; And thy hope shall not be cut off. ^23:19Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And guide thy heart in the way. ^23:20Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh: ^23:21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; And drowsiness will clothe [a man] with rags. ^23:22Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old. ^23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; [Yea], wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. ^23:24The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; And he that begetteth a wise child will have joy of him. ^23:25Let thy father and thy mother be glad, And let her that bare thee rejoice. ^23:26My son, give me thy heart; And let thine eyes delight in my ways. ^23:27For a harlot is a deep ditch; And a foreign woman is a narrow pit. ^23:28Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber, And increaseth the treacherous among men. ^23:29Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? ^23:30They that tarry long at the wine; They that go to seek out mixed wine. ^23:31Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it sparkleth in the cup, When it goeth down smoothly: ^23:32At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder. ^23:33Thine eyes shall behold strange things, And thy heart shall utter perverse things. ^23:34Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. ^23:35They have stricken me, [shalt thou say], and I was not hurt; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.