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.
3:1For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 3:2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3:3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 3:4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 3:5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 3:6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 3:7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 3:8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 3:9What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? 3:10I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 3:11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end. 3:12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. 3:13Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. 3:14I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him. 3:15That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away. 3:16Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there. 3:17I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” 3:18I said in my heart, “As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. 3:19For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity. 3:20All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again. 3:21Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?” 3:22Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?
4:1Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. 4:2Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive. 4:3Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. 4:4Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 4:5The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself. 4:6Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. 4:7Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. 4:8There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business. 4:9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 4:10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. 4:11Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? 4:12If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 4:13Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. 4:14For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. 4:15I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. 4:16There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
5:1Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil. 5:2Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 5:3For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool’s speech with a multitude of words. 5:4When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. 5:5It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. 5:6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? 5:7For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God. 5:8If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them. 5:9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field. 5:10He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity. 5:11When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes? 5:12The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep. 5:13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. 5:14Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand. 5:15As he came out of his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand. 5:16This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind? 5:17All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath. 5:18Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. 5:19Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 5:20For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
6:1There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men: 6:2a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease. 6:3If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he: 6:4for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. 6:5Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other. 6:6Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don’t all go to one place? 6:7All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. 6:8For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living? 6:9Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. 6:10Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. 6:11For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man? 6:12For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?
7:1A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth. 7:2It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart. 7:3Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good. 7:4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 7:5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 7:6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. 7:7Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding. 7:8Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 7:9Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. 7:10Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this. 7:11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun. 7:12For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. 7:13Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked? 7:14In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him. 7:15All this I have seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing. 7:16Don’t be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 7:17Don’t be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 7:18It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don’t withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come out of them all. 7:19Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 7:20Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn’t sin. 7:21Also don’t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you; 7:22for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others. 7:23All this I have proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; but it was far from me. 7:24That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out? 7:25I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness. 7:26I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her. 7:27“Behold, I have found this,” says the Preacher, “to one another, to find out the scheme; 7:28which my soul still seeks; but I have not found. I have found one man among a thousand; but I have not found a woman among all those. 7:29Behold, I have only found this: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.”