5:1My son, attend unto my wisdom, incline thine ear to my understanding; 5:2that thou mayest keep reflection, and that thy lips may preserve knowledge. 5:3For the lips of the strange woman drop honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 5:4but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5:5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol. 5:6Lest she should ponder the path of life, her ways wander, she knoweth not [whither]. 5:7And now, children, 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 honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel; 5:10lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, and the fruits of thy toil [come] into the house of a stranger; 5:11and thou mourn in thine end, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed; 5:12and thou say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof! 5:13and I have not hearkened unto the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to those that instructed me; 5:14I was well nigh in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. 5:15Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 5:16Thy fountains shall be poured forth, as water-brooks in the broadways. 5:17Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 5:18Let thy fountain be blessed; and have joy of the wife of thy youth. 5:19As a lovely hind and a graceful roe, let her breasts satisfy thee at all times: be thou ravished continually with her love. 5:20And why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah, and he pondereth 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 want of discipline; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
6:1My son, if thou hast become surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand 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, since thou hast come into the hand of thy friend: go, humble thyself, and be urgent with thy friend. 6:4Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids: 6:5deliver thyself as a gazelle 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, sluggard, wilt thou lie down? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 6:10A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest! 6:11So shall thy poverty come as a roving plunderer, and thy penury as an armed man. 6:12A man of Belial, a wicked person, is he that goeth about with a perverse mouth; 6:13he winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 6:14deceits are in his heart; he deviseth mischief at all times, he soweth discords. 6:15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly: in a moment shall he be broken, and without remedy. 6:16These six [things] doth Jehovah hate, yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 6:17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; 6:18a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations; feet that are swift in running to mischief; 6:19a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discords among brethren. 6:20My son, observe thy father's commandment, and forsake not the teaching 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 keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 6:23For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 6:24to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 6:25Lust not after her beauty in thy heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids; 6:26for by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a loaf of bread, and another's wife doth hunt for the precious soul. 6:27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his garments not be burned? 6:28Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? 6:29So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife: whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. 6:30They do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry: 6:31and if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. 6:32Whoso committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 6:33A wound and contempt 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 multipliest [thy] gifts.
7:1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 7:2Keep my commandments, and live; and my teaching, 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 intelligence [thy] kinswoman: 7:5that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger who 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 sons, 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 blackness of night and the darkness. 7:10And behold, there met him a woman in the attire of a harlot, and subtle of heart. 7:11She is clamorous and unmanageable; her feet abide not in her house: 7:12now without, now in the broadways, and she lieth in wait at every corner. 7:13And she caught him and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, 7:14I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows: 7:15therefore came I forth to meet thee, to seek earnestly thy face, and I have found thee. 7:16I have decked my bed with tapestry coverlets of variegated linen from Egypt; 7:17I have perfumed my couch with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 7:18Come, let us revel in love until the morning, let us delight ourselves with loves. 7:19For the husband is not at home, he is gone a long journey; 7:20he hath taken the money-bag with him, he will come home on the day of the full moon. 7:21With her much enticement she beguiled him; with the smoothness of her lips she constrained him. 7:22He went after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, and as stocks [serve] for 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 its life. 7:24And now, ye 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, and all slain by her were strong. 7:27Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
8:1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding give forth her voice? 8:2On the top of high places by the way, at the cross-paths she taketh her stand. 8:3Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud. 8:4Unto you, men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man: 8:5O ye simple, understand prudence; and ye foolish, understand sense. 8:6Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 8:7For my palate shall meditate truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8:8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing tortuous 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 equal to it. 8:12I wisdom dwell [with] prudence, and find the knowledge [which cometh] of reflection. 8:13The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate. 8:14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am intelligence; I have strength. 8:15By me kings reign, and rulers make just decrees; 8:16by me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. 8:17I love those that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me. 8:18Riches and honour are with me; durable wealth and righteousness. 8:19My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 8:20I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 8:21that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries. 8:22Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 8:23I was set up from eternity, 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 prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of the deep; 8:28when he established the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong; 8:29when he imposed on the sea his decree that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 8:30then I was by him [his] nursling, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 8:31rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights [were] with the sons of men. 8:32And now, sons, hearken unto me, and 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 obtaineth favour of Jehovah; 8:36but he that sinneth against me doeth violence to his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
9:1Wisdom hath built her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; 9:2she hath slaughtered her cattle, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also prepared her table; 9:3she hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the summits of the high places of the city, 9:4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither. To him that is void of understanding, she saith, 9:5Come, eat ye of my bread, and drink of the wine that I have mingled. 9:6Forsake follies and live, and go in the way of intelligence. 9:7He that instructeth a scorner getteth to himself shame; and he that reproveth a wicked [man] [getteth] to himself a blot. 9:8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise [man], and he will love thee. 9:9Impart to a wise [man], and he will become yet wiser; teach a righteous [man], and he will increase learning. 9:10The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is intelligence. 9:11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee. 9:12If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 9:13The foolish woman is clamorous; she is stupid, and knoweth nothing. 9:14And she sitteth at the entry of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 9:15to call passers-by who go right on their ways: 9:16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither. And to him that is void of understanding she saith, 9:17Stolen waters are sweet, and the bread of secrecy 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 grief of his mother. 10:2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivereth from death. 10:3Jehovah suffereth not the soul of the righteous [man] to famish; but he repelleth the craving of the wicked. 10:4He cometh to want that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 10:5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 10:6Blessings are upon the head of a righteous [man]; but the mouth of the wicked covereth violence. 10:7The memory of the righteous [man] shall be blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot. 10:8The wise in heart receiveth commandments; but a prating fool shall fall. 10:9He that walketh in integrity walketh securely; but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. 10:10He that winketh with the eye causeth grief, and a prating fool shall fall. 10:11The mouth of a righteous [man] is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked covereth violence. 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all transgressions. 10:13In the lips of an intelligent [man] wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 10:14The wise lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the fool is near destruction. 10:15The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 10:16The labour of a righteous [man] [tendeth] to life; the revenue of a wicked [man], to sin. 10:17Keeping instruction is the path to life; but he that forsaketh reproof goeth astray. 10:18He that covereth hatred hath lying lips, and he that sendeth forth a slander is a fool. 10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; but he that restraineth his lips doeth wisely. 10:20The tongue of the righteous [man] is [as] choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. 10:21The lips of a righteous [man] feed many; but fools die for want of understanding. 10:22The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow to it. 10:23It is as sport to a foolish [man] to do wickedness; but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 10:24The fear of a wicked [man], it shall come upon him; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 10:25As a whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked 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 is joy; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 10:29The way of Jehovah is strength to the perfect [man], but destruction to the workers of iniquity. 10:30The righteous [man] shall never be moved; but the wicked shall not inhabit the land. 10:31The mouth of a righteous [man] putteth forth wisdom; but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 10:32The lips of a righteous [man] know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked is frowardness.
11:1A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; but a just weight is his delight. 11:2[When] pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom. 11:3The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them. 11:4Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death. 11:5The righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way; but the wicked falleth by his own wickedness. 11:6The righteousness of the upright delivereth them; but the treacherous are taken in their own craving. 11:7When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish; and the hope of evil [men] perisheth. 11:8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 11:9With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous 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 neighbour is void of heart; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 11:13He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 11:14Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 11:15It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure. 11:16A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches. 11:17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh. 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. 11:19As righteousness [tendeth] to life, so he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death. 11:20The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in [their] way are his delight. 11:21Hand for hand! an evil [man] shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 11:22A fair woman who is without discretion, is [as] a gold ring in a swine's snout. 11:23The desire of the righteous is only good; the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 11:24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is right, 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 corn, the people curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 11:27He that is earnest after good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for mischief, it shall come upon him. 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf. 11:29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and the wise winneth souls. 11:31Behold, the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner.
12:1Whoso loveth discipline loveth knowledge, but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 12:2A good [man] obtaineth favour of Jehovah; but a man of mischievous 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 woman of worth is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 12:5The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 12:6The words of the wicked are a lying-in-wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 12:7Overthrow the wicked, and they are no [more]; but the house of the righteous shall stand. 12:8A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverted heart shall be despised. 12:9Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. 12:10A righteous man is concerned for the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 12:11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless 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 an evil snare; but a righteous [man] shall go forth out of trouble. 12:14A man is satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. 12:16The vexation of the fool is presently known; but a prudent [man] covereth shame. 12:17He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit. 12:18There is that babbleth 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 evil happen to a righteous [man]; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 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 the foolish proclaimeth folly. 12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful [hand] shall be under tribute. 12:25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad. 12:26The righteous guideth his neighbour; but the way of the wicked misleadeth them. 12:27The slothful roasteth not what he took in hunting; but man's precious substance is to the diligent. 12:28In the path of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
13:1A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction; but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 13:2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; but the soul of the treacherous, violence. 13:3He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his soul; destruction shall be to him that openeth wide his lips. 13:4A sluggard's soul desireth and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 13:5A righteous [man] hateth lying; but the wicked maketh himself odious and cometh to shame. 13:6Righteousness preserveth him that is perfect in the way; but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 13:7There is that feigneth himself rich, and hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, and hath great wealth. 13:8The ransom of a man's life is his riches; but the indigent heareth not rebuke. 13:9The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 13:10By pride there only cometh contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom. 13:11Wealth [gotten] by vanity diminisheth; but he that gathereth by manual-labour shall increase [it]. 13:12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but the desire [that] cometh to pass is a tree of life. 13:13Whoso despiseth the word shall be held by it; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 13:14The teaching of the wise [man] is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death. 13:15Good understanding procureth favour; but the way of the treacherous is hard. 13:16Every prudent [man] acteth with knowledge; but the foolish layeth open [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 instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 13:19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; but it is abomination to the foolish to depart from evil. 13:20He that walketh with wise [men] becometh wise; but a companion of the foolish will be depraved. 13:21Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid. 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; but the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous [man]. 13:23Much food is in the tillage of the poor; but there is that is lost for want of judgment. 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.
14:1The wisdom of women buildeth their house; but folly plucketh it down with her hands. 14:2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; but he that is perverted in his ways despiseth him. 14:3In the fool's mouth is a rod of 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 scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none [for him]; but knowledge is easy unto the intelligent. 14:7Go from the presence of a foolish man, in whom thou perceivest not the lips of knowledge. 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way; but the folly of the foolish is deceit. 14:9Fools make a mock at trespass; but for the upright there is favour. 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 that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death. 14:13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is sadness. 14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and the good man from what is in himself. 14:15The simple believeth every word; but the prudent [man] heedeth his going. 14:16A wise [man] feareth and departeth from evil; but the foolish is overbearing and confident. 14:17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly, and a man of mischievous devices is hated. 14:18The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 14:19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous [man]. 14:20He that is poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends. 14:21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious to the afflicted, happy is he. 14:22Do they not err that devise evil? but loving-kindness and truth are for those that devise good. 14:23In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to want. 14:24The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of the foolish is folly. 14:25A true witness delivereth souls; but deceit uttereth lies. 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, to turn away from the snares of death. 14:28In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the lack of people is the ruin of a prince. 14:29He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 14:30A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones. 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth Him is gracious to the needy. 14:32The wicked is driven away by his evil-doing; but the righteous trusteth, [even] in his death. 14:33Wisdom resteth in the heart of the intelligent [man]; but that which is in the foolish maketh itself known. 14:34Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to peoples. 14:35The king's favour is toward a wise servant; but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.
15:1A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger. 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly. 15:3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 15:4Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit. 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh prudent. 15:6In the house of a righteous [man] is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked [man] is disturbance. 15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish. 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 15:9The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth. 15:10Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die. 15:11Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 15:12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise. 15:13A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 15:14The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly. 15:15All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast. 15:16Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith. 15:17Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith. 15:18A furious 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 plain. 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 sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk. 15:22Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word in its season, how good is it! 15:24The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath. 15:25Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow. 15:26The thoughts of the evil [man] are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are pleasant. 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 15:28The heart of a righteous [man] 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. 15:30That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat. 15:31The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise. 15:32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense. 15:33The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.
16:1The purposes of the heart are of 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 thoughts shall be established. 16:4Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 16:5Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent. 16:6By loving-kindness 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. 16:8Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right. 16:9The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps. 16:10An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment. 16:11The just balance and scales are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are his work. 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness. 16:13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright. 16:14The fury of a king is [as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it. 16:15In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver! 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth his soul. 16:18Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 16:19Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 16:20He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he. 16:21The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 16:22Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly. 16:23The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning. 16:24Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones. 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death. 16:26The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on. 16:27A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire. 16:28A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends. 16:29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good. 16:30He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass. 16:31The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is 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 decision is of Jehovah.
17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting [with] strife. 17:2A wise servant shall rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. 17:3The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but Jehovah trieth the hearts. 17:4The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. 17:5Whoso mocketh a poor [man] reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent. 17:6Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 17:7Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble! 17:8A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it prospereth. 17:9He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again separateth very friends. 17:10A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool. 17:11An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion; but 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 contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement. 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to Jehovah. 17:16To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense? 17:17The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 17:18A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour. 17:19He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction. 17:20He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil. 17:21He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow, and the father of a vile [man] hath no joy. 17:22A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones. 17:23A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment. 17:24Wisdom is before 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 bore him. 17:26To punish a righteous [man] is not good, nor to strike nobles because of [their] uprightness. 17:27He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit. 17:28Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.
18:1He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement 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 reproach. 18:4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook. 18:5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment. 18:6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes. 18:7A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 18:8The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 18:9He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer. 18:10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 18:11The 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 honour [goeth] humility. 18:13He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him. 18:14The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear? 18:15The heart of an intelligent [man] 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. 18:17He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 18:18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 18:19A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace. 18:20A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied. 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 18:22Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah. 18:23He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly. 18:24A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
19:1Better is a poor [man] that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 19:2Also that a person be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet maketh false steps. 19:3The folly of man distorteth his way, and his heart is irritated against Jehovah. 19:4Wealth addeth many friends; but the poor is separated from his friend. 19:5A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 19:6Many court the favour of a noble; and every one is friend to a man that giveth. 19:7All the brethren of a poor [man] hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him: he pursueth [them] with words, they are not [to be found]. 19:8He that getteth sense loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 19:9A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall perish. 19:10Good living beseemeth not a fool; how 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 displeasure is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 19:13A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 19:14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers; but a prudent wife is from Jehovah. 19:15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 19:16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; he that is careless of his ways shall die. 19:17He that is gracious to the poor lendeth unto Jehovah; and what he hath bestowed will he repay unto him. 19:18Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; but set not thy soul upon killing him. 19:19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again. 19:20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 19:21Many are the thoughts in a man's heart, but the counsel of Jehovah, that doth stand. 19:22The charm of a man 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 rest satisfied without being visited with evil. 19:24A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again. 19:25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge. 19:26He that ruineth [his] father and chaseth away [his] mother is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. 19:27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction which causeth to stray from the words of knowledge. 19:28A witness of Belial scorneth judgment, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth down iniquity. 19:29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of the foolish.
20:1Wine is a scorner, strong drink is raging; and whoso 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 soul. 20:3It is an honour for a man to cease from strife; but every fool rusheth into it. 20:4The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 20:5Counsel in the heart of man is deep water, and a man of understanding draweth it out. 20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; but a faithful man who shall find? 20:7The righteous walketh in his integrity: blessed are his children after him! 20:8A king sitting 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? 20:10Divers weights, divers measures, even both of them are abomination to Jehovah. 20:11Even a child is 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, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread. 20:14Bad! bad! saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 20:15There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a precious Jewel. 20:16Take his garment that is become surety [for] another, and hold him in pledge for strangers. 20:17Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 20:18Plans are established by counsel; and with good advice make war. 20:19He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth his lips. 20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness. 20:21An inheritance obtained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed in the end. 20:22Say not, I will recompense evil: wait on Jehovah, and he shall save thee. 20:23Divers weights are an abomination unto Jehovah; and a false balance is not good. 20:24The steps of a man are from Jehovah; and how can a man understand his own way? 20:25It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is hallowed, and after vows to make inquiry. 20:26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. 20:27Man's spirit is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inner parts of the belly. 20:28Mercy and truth preserve the king; and he upholdeth his throne by mercy. 20:29The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the grey head. 20:30Wounding stripes purge away evil, and strokes [purge] the inner parts of the belly.
21:1The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: 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 exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. 21:4Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 21:5The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want. 21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death. 21:7The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 21:8Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright. 21:9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common. 21:10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 21:11When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 21:12One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin. 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard. 21:14A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury. 21:15It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity. 21:16The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead. 21:17He that loveth mirth 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 a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright. 21:19It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman. 21:20There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up. 21:21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 21:22A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 21:23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 21:24Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath. 21:25The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work: 21:26He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose! 21:28A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly. 21:29A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way. 21:30There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah. 21:31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.
22:1A [good] name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold. 22:2The rich and 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 are punished. 22:4The reward of humility [and] the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honour, and life. 22:5Thorns [and] snares are in the way of the perverse: he that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them. 22:6Train up the child according to the tenor of his way, and 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 unrighteousness shall reap iniquity, and the rod of his wrath shall have an end. 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 22:10Cast out the scorner, and contention will depart, and strife and ignominy shall cease. 22:11He that loveth pureness of heart, upon whose lips is grace, the king is his friend. 22:12The eyes of Jehovah preserve knowledge; but he overthroweth the words of the unfaithful. 22:13The sluggard saith, There is a lion without, I shall be killed in the streets! 22:14The mouth of strange women is a deep ditch: he with whom Jehovah is displeased shall fall therein. 22:15Folly is bound in the heart of a child; the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 22:16He that oppresseth the poor, it is to enrich him; he that giveth to the rich, [bringeth] 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: they shall be together fitted on thy lips. 22:19That thy confidence may be in Jehovah, I have made [them] known to thee this day, even to thee. 22:20Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsels and knowledge, 22:21that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest 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 the soul of those that despoil them. 22:24Make no friendship with an angry man, and go not with a furious man; 22:25lest thou learn his paths, and get a snare to thy soul. 22:26Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts: 22:27if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? 22:28Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set. 22:29Hast thou seen a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before the mean.
23:1When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider well who 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; for they are deceitful food. 23:4Weary not thyself to become rich; cease from thine own intelligence: 23:5wilt thou set thine eyes upon it, it is gone; for indeed it maketh itself wings and it flieth away as an eagle towards the heavens. 23:6Eat thou not the food of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainties. 23:7For as he thinketh in his soul, so is he. Eat and drink! will he say unto thee; but his heart is not with thee. 23:8Thy morsel which thou hast eaten must thou vomit up, and thou wilt have wasted thy sweet words. 23:9Speak not in the ears of a foolish [man], 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 mighty; 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 beatest him with the rod, he shall 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 shall rejoice, even mine; 23:16and my reins shall exult, when thy lips speak right things. 23:17Let not thy heart envy sinners, but [be thou] in the fear of Jehovah all the day; 23:18for surely there is a result, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. 23:19Thou, my son, hear and be wise, and direct thy heart in the way. 23:20Be not among winebibbers, among riotous eaters of flesh. 23:21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; and drowsiness clotheth 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; wisdom, and instruction, and intelligence. 23:24The father of a righteous [man] shall greatly rejoice, and he that begetteth a wise [son] shall have joy of him: 23:25let thy father and thy mother have joy, and let her that bore thee rejoice. 23:26My son, give me thy heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 23:27For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 23:28She also lieth in wait as a robber, and increaseth the treacherous among men. 23:29Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who contentions? Who complaining? Who wounds without cause? Who redness of eyes? 23:30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to try mixed wine. 23:31Look not upon the wine when it is red, when it sparkleth in the cup, and goeth down smoothly: 23:32at the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 23:33Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thy heart shall speak froward things; 23:34and thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, and as he that lieth down upon the top of a mast: 23:35''They have smitten me, [and] I am not sore; they have beaten me, [and] I knew it not. When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.''
24:1Be not thou envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them; 24:2for their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 24:3Through wisdom is a house built, and by understanding it is established; 24:4and by knowledge are the chambers filled with all precious and pleasant substance. 24:5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 24:6For with good advice shalt thou make thy war; and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 24:7Wisdom is too high for a fool: he will not open his mouth in the gate. 24:8He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a master of intrigues. 24:9The purpose of folly is sin, and the scorner is an abomination to men. 24:10[If] thou losest courage in the day of trouble, thy strength is small. 24:11Deliver them that are taken forth unto death, and withdraw not from them that stagger to slaughter. 24:12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not, will not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that preserveth thy soul, he knoweth it; and he rendereth to man according to his work. 24:13Eat honey, my son, for it is good; and a honeycomb is sweet to thy taste: 24:14so consider wisdom for thy soul; if thou hast found it, there shall be a result, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. 24:15Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; lay not waste his resting-place. 24:16For the righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again; but the wicked stumble into disaster. 24:17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth; 24:18lest Jehovah see it, and it be evil in his sight, and he turn away his anger from him. 24:19Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, [and] be not envious of the wicked: 24:20for there shall be no future to the evil [man]; the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 24:21My son, fear Jehovah and the king: meddle not with them that are given to change. 24:22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? 24:23These things also come from the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24:24He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him; 24:25but to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing cometh upon them. 24:26He kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer. 24:27Prepare thy work without, and put thy field in order, and afterwards build thy house. 24:28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and wouldest thou deceive with thy lips? 24:29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me, I will render to the man according to his work. 24:30I went by the field of a sluggard, and by the vineyard of a man void of understanding; 24:31and lo, it was all grown over with thistles, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and its stone wall was broken down. 24:32Then I looked, I took it to heart; I saw, I received instruction: 24:33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest! 24:34So shall thy poverty come [as] a roving plunderer, and thy penury as an armed man.