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.
25:1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 25:2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. 25:3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. 25:4Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner; 25:5Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. 25:6Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men; 25:7for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen. 25:8Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you? 25:9Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another; 25:10lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart. 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. 25:13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters. 25:14As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively. 25:15By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone. 25:16Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it. 25:17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you. 25:18A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. 25:19Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot. 25:20As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: 25:22for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you. 25:23The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face. 25:24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman. 25:25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 25:26Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. 25:27It is not good to eat much honey; nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. 25:28Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
26:1Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 26:2Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest. 26:3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools! 26:4Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. 26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 26:6One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence. 26:7Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 26:8As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. 26:9Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 26:10As an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by. 26:11As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly. 26:12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 26:13The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!” 26:14As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed. 26:15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 26:16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion. 26:17Like one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own. 26:18Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death, 26:19is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?” 26:20For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. 26:21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife. 26:22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts. 26:23Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. 26:24A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart. 26:25When his speech is charming, don’t believe him; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26:26His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 26:27Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him. 26:28A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.
27:1Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring. 27:2Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. 27:3A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. 27:4Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy? 27:5Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 27:6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse. 27:7A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. 27:8As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home. 27:9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend. 27:10Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster: better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother. 27:11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor. 27:12A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. 27:13Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman! 27:14He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him. 27:15A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike: 27:16restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand. 27:17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. 27:18Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored. 27:19Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. 27:20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied. 27:21The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise. 27:22Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him. 27:23Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds: 27:24for riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to all generations. 27:25The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in. 27:26The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field. 27:27There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food, for your family’s food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
28:1The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 28:2In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. 28:3A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. 28:4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. 28:5Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully. 28:6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. 28:7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. 28:8He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. 28:9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 28:10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. 28:11The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him. 28:12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 28:13He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 28:14Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 28:15As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. 28:16A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. 28:17A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him. 28:18Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. 28:19One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 28:20A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. 28:21To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 28:22A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him. 28:23One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. 28:24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not wrong.” He is a partner with a destroyer. 28:25One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper. 28:26One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. 28:27One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. 28:28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
29:1He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy. 29:2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 29:3Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 29:4The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down. 29:5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 29:6An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad. 29:7The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge. 29:8Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. 29:9If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. 29:10The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright. 29:11A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control. 29:12If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked. 29:13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both. 29:14The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever. 29:15The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother. 29:16When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. 29:17Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul. 29:18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed. 29:19A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond. 29:20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 29:21He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end. 29:22An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin. 29:23A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. 29:24Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify. 29:25The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. 29:26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh. 29:27A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
30:1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: 30:2“Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don’t have a man’s understanding. 30:3I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. 30:4Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you know? 30:5“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 30:6Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. 30:7“Two things I have asked of you; don’t deny me before I die: 30:8Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me; 30:9lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. 30:10“Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. 30:11There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother. 30:12There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness. 30:13There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up. 30:14There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men. 30:15“The leach has two daughters: ‘Give, give.’ “There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don’t say, ‘Enough:’ 30:16Sheol, the barren womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn’t say, ‘Enough.’ 30:17“The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it. 30:18“There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don’t understand: 30:19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; and the way of a man with a maiden. 30:20“So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ 30:21“For three things the earth trembles, and under four, it can’t bear up: 30:22For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food; 30:23for an unloved woman when she is married; and a servant who is heir to her mistress. 30:24“There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 30:25the ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer. 30:26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks. 30:27The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks. 30:28You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces. 30:29“There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going: 30:30The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn’t turn away for any; 30:31the greyhound, the male goat also; and the king against whom there is no rising up. 30:32“If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth. 30:33For as the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood; so the forcing of wrath produces strife.”
31:1The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him. 31:2“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! 31:3Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 31:4It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ 31:5lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. 31:6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul: 31:7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 31:8Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. 31:9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.” 31:10Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. 31:11The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. 31:12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 31:13She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands. 31:14She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. 31:15She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls. 31:16She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 31:17She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. 31:18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. 31:19She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 31:20She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 31:21She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 31:22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 31:23Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 31:24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 31:25Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. 31:26She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue. 31:27She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. 31:28Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 31:29“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.” 31:30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. 31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!
Ecclesiastes
1:1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem: 1:2“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 1:3What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun? 1:4One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever. 1:5The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises. 1:6The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses. 1:7All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again. 1:8All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 1:9That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 1:10Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold, this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. 1:11There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after. 1:12I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 1:13I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 1:14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. 1:15That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted. 1:16I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 1:17I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. 1:18For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
2:1I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure”; and behold, this also was vanity. 2:2I said of laughter, “It is foolishness”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?” 2:3I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. 2:4I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards. 2:5I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit. 2:6I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared. 2:7I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem; 2:8I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts. 2:9So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me. 2:10Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. 2:11Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. 2:12I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago. 2:13Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. 2:14The wise man’s eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness—and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all. 2:15Then I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 2:16For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, since in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool! 2:17So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. 2:18I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. 2:19Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. 2:20Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun. 2:21For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 2:22For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun? 2:23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. 2:24There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. 2:25For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? 2:26For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.