^5:1My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding: ^5:2that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge. ^5:3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil, ^5:4but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword. ^5:5Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol. ^5:6She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it. ^5:7Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth. ^5:8Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house, ^5:9lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; ^5:10lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man’s house. ^5:11You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed, ^5:12and say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; ^5:13neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me! ^5:14I have come to the brink of utter ruin, among the gathered assembly.” ^5:15Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well. ^5:16Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares? ^5:17Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you. ^5:18Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. ^5:19A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love. ^5:20For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another? ^5:21For the ways of man are before Yahweh’s eyes. He examines all his paths. ^5:22The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly. ^5:23He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

^6:1My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger; ^6:2You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth. ^6:3Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, since you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor. ^6:4Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. ^6:5Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. ^6:6Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; ^6:7which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, ^6:8provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. ^6:9How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? ^6:10A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: ^6:11so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man. ^6:12A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth; ^6:13who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers; ^6:14in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually, who always sows discord. ^6:15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy. ^6:16There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: ^6:17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; ^6:18a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, ^6:19a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. ^6:20My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching. ^6:21Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. ^6:22When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you. ^6:23For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, ^6:24to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the wayward wife’s tongue. ^6:25Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids. ^6:26For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life. ^6:27Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned? ^6:28Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? ^6:29So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished. ^6:30Men don’t despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry: ^6:31but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house. ^6:32He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul. ^6:33He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away. ^6:34For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won’t spare in the day of vengeance. ^6:35He won’t regard any ransom, neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

^7:1My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you. ^7:2Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. ^7:3Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. ^7:4Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” Call understanding your relative, ^7:5that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words. ^7:6For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice. ^7:7I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding, ^7:8passing through the street near her corner, he went the way to her house, ^7:9in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness. ^7:10Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent. ^7:11She is loud and defiant. Her feet don’t stay in her house. ^7:12Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner. ^7:13So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him: ^7:14“Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. Today I have paid my vows. ^7:15Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you. ^7:16I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. ^7:17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. ^7:18Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning. Let’s solace ourselves with loving. ^7:19For my husband isn’t at home. He has gone on a long journey. ^7:20He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon.” ^7:21With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him. ^7:22He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose. ^7:23Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn’t know that it will cost his life. ^7:24Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth. ^7:25Don’t let your heart turn to her ways. Don’t go astray in her paths, ^7:26for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army. ^7:27Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the rooms of death.

^8:1Doesn’t wisdom cry out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? ^8:2On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands. ^8:3Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud: ^8:4“To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind. ^8:5You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart. ^8:6Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things. ^8:7For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. ^8:8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. ^8:9They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge. ^8:10Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold. ^8:11For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it. ^8:12“I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion. ^8:13The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. ^8:14Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. ^8:15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. ^8:16By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. ^8:17I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. ^8:18With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity. ^8:19My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver. ^8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice; ^8:21that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. ^8:22“Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old. ^8:23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed. ^8:24When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water. ^8:25Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born; ^8:26while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. ^8:27When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep, ^8:28when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong, ^8:29when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth; ^8:30then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him, ^8:31rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men. ^8:32“Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. ^8:33Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it. ^8:34Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts. ^8:35For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh. ^8:36But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death.”

^9:1Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. ^9:2She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. ^9:3She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: ^9:4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, ^9:5“Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! ^9:6Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.” ^9:7He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. ^9:8Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. ^9:9Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. ^9:10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ^9:11For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. ^9:12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. ^9:13The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing. ^9:14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, ^9:15To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways, ^9:16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, ^9:17“Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.” ^9:18But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

^10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. ^10:2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. ^10:3Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked. ^10:4He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. ^10:5He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. ^10:6Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. ^10:7The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. ^10:8The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. ^10:9He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. ^10:10One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall. ^10:11The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. ^10:12Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. ^10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. ^10:14Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. ^10:15The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty. ^10:16The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin. ^10:17He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. ^10:18He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool. ^10:19In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely. ^10:20The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth. ^10:21The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. ^10:22Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. ^10:23It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure. ^10:24What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. ^10:25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever. ^10:26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. ^10:27The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ^10:28The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. ^10:29The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. ^10:30The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. ^10:31The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. ^10:32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

^11:1A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight. ^11:2When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. ^11:3The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. ^11:4Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. ^11:5The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ^11:6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires. ^11:7When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing. ^11:8A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place. ^11:9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. ^11:10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting. ^11:11By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. ^11:12One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace. ^11:13One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. ^11:14Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. ^11:15He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure. ^11:16A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches. ^11:17The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. ^11:18Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. ^11:19He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death. ^11:20Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight. ^11:21Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. ^11:22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. ^11:23The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath. ^11:24There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. ^11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. ^11:26People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. ^11:27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him. ^11:28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. ^11:29He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. ^11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls. ^11:31Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!

^12:1Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. ^12:2A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans. ^12:3A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. ^12:4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. ^12:5The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. ^12:6The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. ^12:7The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand. ^12:8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised. ^12:9Better is he who is little know, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread. ^12:10A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ^12:11He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. ^12:12The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. ^12:13An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble. ^12:14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him. ^12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel. ^12:16A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent. ^12:17He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. ^12:18There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. ^12:19Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. ^12:20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. ^12:21No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. ^12:22Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight. ^12:23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. ^12:24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. ^12:25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. ^12:26A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. ^12:27The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized. ^12:28In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

^13:1A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke. ^13:2By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence. ^13:3He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. ^13:4The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. ^13:5A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. ^13:6Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. ^13:7There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth. ^13:8The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. ^13:9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. ^13:10Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom. ^13:11Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. ^13:12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. ^13:13Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded. ^13:14The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death. ^13:15Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard. ^13:16Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly. ^13:17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing. ^13:18Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored. ^13:19Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. ^13:20One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. ^13:21Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous. ^13:22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous. ^13:23An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away. ^13:24One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him. ^13:25The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

^14:1Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. ^14:2He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him. ^14:3The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. ^14:4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox. ^14:5A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies. ^14:6A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person. ^14:7Stay away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips. ^14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. ^14:9Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will. ^14:10The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger. ^14:11The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. ^14:12There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. ^14:13Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness. ^14:14The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways. ^14:15A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. ^14:16A wise man fears and shuns evil, but the fool is hot headed and reckless. ^14:17He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated. ^14:18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. ^14:19The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. ^14:20The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends. ^14:21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor. ^14:22Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good. ^14:23In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. ^14:24The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly. ^14:25A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful. ^14:26In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children. ^14:27The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death. ^14:28In the multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. ^14:29He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly. ^14:30The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones. ^14:31He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him. ^14:32The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge. ^14:33Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools. ^14:34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. ^14:35The king’s favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.

^15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ^15:2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly. ^15:3Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. ^15:4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. ^15:5A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. ^15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble. ^15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools. ^15:8The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. ^15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness. ^15:10There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die. ^15:11Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh— how much more then the hearts of the children of men! ^15:12A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. ^15:13A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit. ^15:14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. ^15:15All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. ^15:16Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. ^15:17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred. ^15:18A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife. ^15:19The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway. ^15:20A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. ^15:21Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. ^15:22Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established. ^15:23Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! ^15:24The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. ^15:25Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact. ^15:26Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing. ^15:27He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. ^15:28The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. ^15:29Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. ^15:30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones. ^15:31The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise. ^15:32He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding. ^15:33The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

^16:1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. ^16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives. ^16:3Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. ^16:4Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. ^16:5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished. ^16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil. ^16:7When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ^16:8Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. ^16:9A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. ^16:10Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. ^16:11Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. ^16:12It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. ^16:13Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. ^16:14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. ^16:15In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. ^16:16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. ^16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. ^16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. ^16:19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. ^16:20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. ^16:21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. ^16:22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. ^16:23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. ^16:24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ^16:25There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. ^16:26The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth urges him on. ^16:27A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire. ^16:28A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. ^16:29A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. ^16:30One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. ^16:31Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. ^16:32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. ^16:33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.

^17:1Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. ^17:2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. ^17:3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. ^17:4An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. ^17:5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. ^17:6Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents. ^17:7Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. ^17:8A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. ^17:9He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. ^17:10A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. ^17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. ^17:12Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. ^17:13Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. ^17:14The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. ^17:15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ^17:16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding? ^17:17A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. ^17:18A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. ^17:19He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. ^17:20One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. ^17:21He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. ^17:22A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ^17:23A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. ^17:24Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. ^17:25A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. ^17:26Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. ^17:27He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. ^17:28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

^18:1An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. ^18:2A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. ^18:3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace. ^18:4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. ^18:5To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice. ^18:6A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings. ^18:7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. ^18:8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts. ^18:9One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction. ^18:10Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. ^18:11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. ^18:12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. ^18:13He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. ^18:14A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? ^18:15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. ^18:16A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. ^18:17He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him. ^18:18The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart. ^18:19A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a fortress. ^18:20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. ^18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. ^18:22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. ^18:23The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. ^18:24A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

^19:1Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. ^19:2It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way. ^19:3The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh. ^19:4Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. ^19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free. ^19:6Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. ^19:7All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone. ^19:8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. ^19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish. ^19:10Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. ^19:11The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense. ^19:12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. ^19:13A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping. ^19:14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. ^19:15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger. ^19:16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. ^19:17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him. ^19:18Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death. ^19:19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again. ^19:20Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. ^19:21There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail. ^19:22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. ^19:23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. ^19:24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. ^19:25Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. ^19:26He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. ^19:27If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. ^19:28A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. ^19:29Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

^20:1Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. ^20:2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. ^20:3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling. ^20:4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. ^20:5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. ^20:6Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? ^20:7A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him. ^20:8A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. ^20:9Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?” ^20:10Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ^20:11Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. ^20:12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them. ^20:13Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. ^20:14“It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. ^20:15There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. ^20:16Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. ^20:17Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. ^20:18Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! ^20:19He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. ^20:20Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. ^20:21An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won’t be blessed in the end. ^20:22Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. ^20:23Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. ^20:24A man’s steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way? ^20:25It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. ^20:26A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them. ^20:27The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts. ^20:28Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. ^20:29The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. ^20:30Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

^21:1The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. ^21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. ^21:3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. ^21:4A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. ^21:5The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. ^21:6Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. ^21:7The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. ^21:8The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. ^21:9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman. ^21:10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. ^21:11When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. ^21:12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. ^21:13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. ^21:14A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. ^21:15It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. ^21:16The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. ^21:17He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. ^21:18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous for the upright. ^21:19It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. ^21:20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up. ^21:21He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. ^21:22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. ^21:23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. ^21:24The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; he works in the arrogance of pride. ^21:25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. ^21:26There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold. ^21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! ^21:28A false witness will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity. ^21:29A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. ^21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. ^21:31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.

^22:1A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. ^22:2The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all. ^22:3A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. ^22:4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. ^22:5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards his soul stays from them. ^22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. ^22:7The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. ^22:8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. ^22:9He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor. ^22:10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop. ^22:11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend. ^22:12Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge; but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. ^22:13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!” ^22:14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it. ^22:15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from him. ^22:16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty. ^22:17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. ^22:18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. ^22:19I teach you today, even you, So that your trust may be in Yahweh. ^22:20Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, ^22:21To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? ^22:22Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court; ^22:23for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them. ^22:24Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: ^22:25lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul. ^22:26Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. ^22:27If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? ^22:28Don’t move the ancient boundary stone, which your fathers have set up. ^22:29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.

^23:1When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; ^23:2put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite. ^23:3Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food. ^23:4Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. ^23:5Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. ^23:6Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: ^23:7for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. ^23:8The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words. ^23:9Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. ^23:10Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless: ^23:11for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you. ^23:12Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. ^23:13Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. ^23:14Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol. ^23:15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine: ^23:16yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right. ^23:17Don’t let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all day long. ^23:18Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off. ^23:19Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! ^23:20Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: ^23:21for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags. ^23:22Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. ^23:23Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. ^23:24The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. ^23:25Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice! ^23:26My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. ^23:27For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well. ^23:28Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men. ^23:29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? ^23:30Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine. ^23:31Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. ^23:32In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. ^23:33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things. ^23:34Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging: ^23:35“They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”

^24:1Don’t be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them: ^24:2for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief. ^24:3Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established; ^24:4by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure. ^24:5A wise man has great power; and a knowledgeable man increases strength; ^24:6for by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors. ^24:7Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn’t open his mouth in the gate. ^24:8One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. ^24:9The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men. ^24:10If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small. ^24:11Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! ^24:12If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this”; doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work? ^24:13My son, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste: ^24:14so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it, then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off. ^24:15Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. Don’t destroy his resting place: ^24:16for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. ^24:17Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; ^24:18lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. ^24:19Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers; neither be envious of the wicked: ^24:20for there will be no reward to the evil man; and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out. ^24:21My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious: ^24:22for their calamity will rise suddenly; the destruction from them both—who knows? ^24:23These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. ^24:24He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous”; peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him— ^24:25but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them. ^24:26An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. ^24:27Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house. ^24:28Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips. ^24:29Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” ^24:30I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; ^24:31Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. ^24:32Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: ^24:33a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep; ^24:34so your poverty will come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.