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¤1 °1 These are proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: °2 for you to obtain wisdom and instruction, to penetrate words of significance, °3 to acquire well-ordered knowledge, and become just with discernment and integrity. °4 Simple people will become clever and the young will acquire understanding and foresight. °5 Let the wise man listen: he will add to his learning, and the man of sound judgment will acquire skill, °6 to understand the proverbs and sayings, the words of the wise and their riddles. °7 The beginning of knowledge is the fear of Yahweh, only fools have contempt for wisdom and discipline. § Avoid the company of evildoers°8 Listen, my son, to the teaching of your father, do
not ignore your mother’s instruction: °9 for
they will be your graceful crown, a precious chain around your neck. °10 My son, if sinners try to tempt you, do not give in. °11 They will invite you, “Come with us, let us spill
blood, let us ambush the innocent without a second thought. °12 We will engulf them as does the netherworld and
snatch them suddenly as does death. °13 We
will help ourselves to many riches and fill our houses with booty. °14 Join forces with us; one purse will be shared
between us!” °15 My son, do not go with them, do not set foot along
their way. °16 See how they speed on to evil! How they
hasten to spill blood! °17 What bird would fall into a trap if you set it up in
its sight? °18 But these people stalk themselves and set
a trap for their own lives. °19 Such is the lot of all who live by plunder: plunder
will rob them of their own lives. § Listen to me today°20 Wisdom shouts aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the marketplace; °21 at street corners she cries; she delivers her speeches at the city gates: °22 “You ignorant people, how long will you continue to cling to your foolishness? How long will mockers revel in their mockery, and fools have contempt for knowledge? °23 Listen to my warning. I will now pour my spirit upon you and make you know my words. °24 Indeed if I cry out and you refuse to listen, if I offer my hand and no one cares, °25 if you ignore my advice and reject my warning, °26 I, in turn, will laugh at your disaster, I will sneer when terror grips you; °27 when terror comes down on you like a hurricane, and distress and anxiety befall you. °28 Then people will cry to me but I will not respond. They will seek me but will not find me, °29 because they despised knowledge and did not choose the fear of Yahweh; °30 they would not listen to any advice and they rejected all my warnings. °31 They will harvest the fruit of their evil ways and have their fill of their own designs. °32 For the error of the ignorant leads to death, the idleness of fools brings about their ruin. °33 But whoever listens to me will feel secure and at ease, without fear of evil.” § It is good to acquire wisdom¤2 °1 My son,
if you heed my words and value my commands, °2 with
your ear attentive to wisdom and your heart obedient to understanding; °3 if you call for perception and raise your voice for
insight; °4 if you seek it as silver and search for
it more than any treasure °5 then you will understand the fear of
Yahweh, and you will find the knowledge of God. °6 For Yahweh gives wisdom and from his mouth come
knowledge and insight. °7 He reserves his help for the upright and
is a shield for those who walk in integrity; °8 he
guards the ways of the just and protects the steps of his faithful. °9 Then you will understand justice, discernment and
integrity – all that leads you to happiness. °10 Wisdom will abide in your heart and knowledge will
comfort your inner self. °11 Foresight will guide you and
understanding will protect you. °12
It will guard you
from evil, from people of misleading speech, °13 from
those who have abandoned the ways of honesty to walk the roads of darkness; °14 they rejoice in evildoing, they revel in
perversions; °15 their paths are crooked and their ways
devious. °16 Wisdom keeps you from the alien woman, from the
stranger with her smooth words, °17
who deserts the
partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. °18 For her house inclines towards death, her paths
towards the grave. °19 Those who go to her never return, they do
not regain the paths of life. °20 So you will walk along the way of the good, and keep
to the paths of the virtuous. °21 For the honest will inherit the land; the
people of integrity will live on it. °22 The evildoers instead will be cut off from the land.
The wicked will be rooted out of it. ¤3 °1 My
son,do not forget my instruction, my commands; keep them in your heart. °2 For they will bring you length of days, years of
life and peace. °3 Let loyalty and kindness never leave you; tie them
around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, °4 that you may find favor and a good name
in the eyes of God and people. § Put wisdom into practice°5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart; do not rely on
your own insight. °6 Let his presence pervade all your ways
and he will protect your foot from the snare. °7 Do not consider yourself wise, fear God, and turn
away from evil. °8 This will be a medicine to your body and
a relief to your bones. °9 Honor Yahweh, giving him from what you have, the
first fruits of all your produce. °10
Then your barns will
be filled to overflowing, your vats will brim over with wine. °11 My son, do not scorn the discipline of Yahweh; do
not ignore his correction. °12 For Yahweh corrects those he loves, as a
father does his beloved son. °13 Happy the one who finds wisdom and gains insight. °14 For she is of more value than silver and more useful than gold. °15 She is more precious than pearls; nothing you could wish for would compare with her. °16 With her right hand she offers you length of days, with her left, riches and glory. °17 She leads you through delightful ways; all her roads are peace. °18 She is a tree of life for those who clasp her; those who possess her are happy. °19 It is by his wisdom that Yahweh founded the earth; by his understanding that he made firm the heavens. °20 By his knowledge the depths were scooped out, and the clouds rained down dew. °21 My son, hold on to sound judgment and discretion and do not let them out of your sight. °22 They will give life to your inner self, and adorn your neck. °23 Then you can go your way safely and your foot will not stumble. °24 You will have no fear when you lie down and your sleep will be peaceful. °25 You will not fear sudden terror or the attack of evildoers. °26 For Yahweh is at your side and he guards your steps from the snare. °27 Do not hold back from those who ask your help, when it is in your power to do it. °28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come another time; tomorrow I will give it to you!” when you can help him now. °29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you, °30 nor fight a man without cause when he has done you no wrong. °31 Do not envy the man of violence or follow his example. °32 For Yahweh hates the wicked but guides the honest. °33 He curses the house of the evildoer but blesses the home of the upright. °34 If there are mockers, he mocks them in turn but he shows his favor to the humble. °35 The wise will possess his glory while the foolish will inherit disgrace. § Keep to the right path¤4 °1 Listen,
my sons, to a father’s instruction and pay attention so that you may gain
insight. °2 For I have given you good principles; do
not discard my teaching! °3 For when I, too, was a young boy, and my mother
fondly looked on me as special, °4
my father taught me
and said to me: Treasure my words in your heart; listen to my directions and
you will live. °5 Acquire wisdom and insight and do not forget or
reject the words of my mouth. °6 Do not abandon wisdom for she will
protect you. Love her and she will be your salvation. °7 The beginning of wisdom is to work to acquire it. At
the cost of all you possess, strive to gain insight. °8 Hold her close, for she will exalt you and bring you
honor if you embrace her. °9 She will crown you with grace and put a
diadem of splendor on your head. °10 Listen, my son, and take my words to heart; then the
years of your life will be multiplied. °11 Because I have taught you the way of wisdom and have
guided you along honest ways, °12 you will walk with ease and run without falling. °13 Hold firm to discipline; never let her go. Guard her
well for she is your salvation. °14 Do not follow the way of the wicked nor walk with
evildoers. °15 Avoid them, turn your back on them and
pass on. °16 For they do not sleep unless they have
done evil; they cannot rest unless they have caused someone’s downfall. °17 Wickedness is their bread and violence their wine. °18 The way of the upright is like the dawn that becomes
brighter until the fullness of day. °19 The
way of the wicked is total darkness and they do not notice that which will
make them fall. °20 My son, be attentive and listen carefully to my
words. °21 Never let them out of your sight but
guard them in the bottom of your heart. °22 For
they are life to those who cling to them and healing for the inner spirit. °23 Above all else, guard your heart, for therein is the
source of life. °24 Keep your mouth from lies and let not
deceit come from your lips. °25 Keep your sight on what is ahead and your eyes
directed straight in front of you. °26 Test
the ground under your feet and all your ways will be secure. °27 Turn neither to left nor to right and keep your path
from evil. § Beware of the adulteress¤5 °1 My son,
pay heed to my wisdom and listen to my insights; °2 remember
my counsel and let your lips not depart from this knowledge. °3 Know that the lips of the adulteress are sweet as
honey and her words smoother than oil, °4 but the
outcome is bitter as herbs. It is as sharp as a double-edged sword. °5 Her feet go down to the grave and her steps lead to
death. °6 She
pays no attention to the path of life and strays without knowing it. °7 Now then, my son, listen to me and do not forget my
words: °8 Stay away from her and never approach the
door of her house, °9 lest you surrender your honor to
strangers and your best years to cruel men, °10 lest
others benefit from your goods, and your earnings go to an alien house. °11 You will complain in the end, when your body and
flesh are already devoured and °12
you will say, “Why
did I reject instruction and turn my back on sound advice? °13 Why did I not listen to the voice of my teachers and
follow their counsel? °14 For I have come to the depths of disgrace
in the midst of the whole community.” °15 Drink, then, from the water of your own cistern, from that which flows in your own well. °16 Do not let your fountains be wasted elsewhere nor in the public streets. °17 They are for you alone and not for strangers. °18 May your fountainhead be blessed and may you find joy in the wife of your youth, °19 your beautiful hind and graceful gazelle! May her breasts be your delight at all times: be always in love with her. °20 My son, why be infatuated with an adulteress and embrace a strange woman? °21 For Yahweh watches the ways of men and he observes all their paths. °22 The wicked will be caught in his own evil and remain entangled in the nets of his own sin. °23 He will die for want of discipline and will drown in the rising tide of his own evil. ¤6 °1 My son,
if you have stood bail for your neighbor or guaranteed the word of a
stranger; °2 if you have committed yourself with your
own lips, know that you have trapped yourself with your own words. °3 Then do this, my son: release yourself. If you have
fallen into the hands of your neighbor, go speedily, kneel down and plead
with him; °4 do not give sleep to your eyes or rest to
your eyelids. °5 Break free, like a gazelle from the trap
or a bird from the hand. § The idlers and the fools°6 You idler, go to the ant, watch her ways and be
wise. °7 She has no master, no steward or
overseer. °8 She secures food in summer and stores up
provisions during harvest time. °9 How long, you idler, are you going to lie around?
When do you intend to rise from sleep? °10 A
little sleep, a little drowsiness and your laziness creeps upon you and then,
like a tramp, °11 poverty comes, bringing misery like a
vagabond. °12 The villain, the unjust man, goes about with a sneer
on his lips, °13 winking his eye, shuffling his feet and
beckoning with his finger. °14 His heart is deceitful; he is forever
plotting evil and causing arguments. °15 Therefore,
disaster will suddenly and irrevocably overtake him. °16 There are six things Yahweh hates; seven his inner
being detests: °17 the proud look, the lying tongue, hands
which spill innocent blood, °18 the depraved heart, feet which speed
towards evil, °19 a false and lying witness and the one who
sows discord among people. °20 My son, respect your father’s instruction and do not
reject your mother’s teaching. °21
Hold them forever in
your heart and hang them around your neck. °22 These
will guard your footsteps, protect you when you sleep and speak to you on
waking. °23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a
light; correction teaches you the way of life. °24 It will protect you from the evil woman, the smooth
talking of the stranger. °25 Do not covet her beauty in your heart or
let her captivate you with her looks. °26 For
the prostitute deserves a piece of bread but the adulteress hunts after your
worthy life. °27 Can you hold fire in your pocket without setting
fire to your clothes or °28 walk on hot coals without burning your
feet? °29 So it is for the man who approaches his
neighbor’s wife: all who touch her will be punished. °30 One does not condemn the hungry thief who steals to
fill his stomach; °31 nevertheless, if he is caught, he must
pay sevenfold and give all the goods in his house. °32 How
senseless is the adulterer! Whoever commits adultery destroys himself. °33 He will reap blows and contempt and his disgrace
will not be erased. °34 Jealousy inflames the husband’s heart and when he
can take revenge he will have no mercy. °35 He
will accept nothing, neither reparation nor lavish gifts. ¤7 °1 My son, keep my words and remain faithful to my
commands. °2 Hold fast to my instruction and you will
have life; treasure my teachings as the apple of your eye. °3 Bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablets
of your heart. °4 Let wisdom be your sister and knowledge
your friend, °5 so that you will be saved from the
adulterous woman, from the stranger with her enticing words. °6 From my window I was looking out through the lattice
and °7 I saw among the young men, an
inexperienced youth °8 who walked along the road near her
corner, towards the path to her house. °9 It was
dusk, daylight was fading – the time of darkness and shadow. °10 And look! Out comes this woman to meet him, dressed
like a prostitute, covered with a veil. °11 She is brazen and shameless, unable to remain in the
house. °12 Now at the corner, now in the square, she
is on the lookout. °13 She throws herself at him, kisses him and
confidently says, °14 “I have to offer sacrifices and terminate
my vows; because of this °15 I came out to meet you. I sought and
found you. °16 I have spread on my bed quilts and fine
Egyptian sheets and °17 sprinkled it with myrrh, aloes and
cinnamon. °18 Come, let us abandon ourselves to
pleasure and drink our fill of love all night, °19 for my
husband is not at home but away on a long journey. °20 He has
taken his moneybags and will not return before the full moon.” °21 She led him astray with such smooth and seductive
words. °22 At once he followed her, as an ox led to slaughter
or a deer caught in a snare °23 until its liver is pierced by an arrow;
as a bird springs at the snare unaware that its life is at stake. °24 Now then, my sons, listen and pay attention to my words. °25 Do not be led astray or lose yourself on her paths. °26 For she has brought many to their death and the strongest were all her victims. °27 Her house leads to hell and death. § Wisdom calls¤8 °1 Who calls? Is it not Wisdom? Who lifts up her voice? °2 Is it not Knowledge? She shouts from the hilltops and waits by the crossroads; °3 in the vicinity of the city gates she speaks, °4 “To you, people, I call, for my message is directed to all that live, °5 so that the ignorant may learn and the thoughtless come to their senses. °6 Listen to me for I speak of vital things and everything I say is true. °7 Truthful words come from my mouth and my lips do not lend themselves to evil. °8 All my words are right, none are twisted or deceitful. °9 The intelligent will verify their truth, the wise perceive their sincerity. °10 Prefer my teaching to silver and seek wisdom rather than gold, °11 because wisdom has more value than any jewel and all that you may desire cannot equal it. °12 I, Wisdom, dwell with discretion and count prudence among my friends. °13 The fear of Yahweh is rejection of evil. I hate all pride, arrogance, wicked ways and lies, °14 but I love counsel, discretion, prudence and strength. °15 Kings reign by my power, their ministers issue just laws; °16 by me princes govern, and the great and noble of the earth as well. °17 I love those who love me and go to meet those who seek me. °18 Riches and honor are with me, true well-being and upright living. °19 More precious than silver and gold are my fruit and my yield. °20 I proceed on the path of righteousness and make use of the ways of justice, °21 giving riches to those who love me, and filling their cellars. § Yahweh formed me at the beginning°22 Yahweh created me first, at the beginning of his works. °23 He formed me from of old, from eternity, even before the earth. °24 The abyss did not exist when I was born, the springs of the sea had not gushed forth, °25 the mountains were still not set in their place nor the hills, when I was born °26 before he made the earth or countryside, or the first grains of the world’s dust. °27 I was there when he made the skies and drew the earth’s compass on the abyss, °28 when he formed the clouds above and when the springs of the ocean emerged; °29 when he made the sea with its limits, that it might not overflow. When he laid the foundations of the earth, °30 I was close beside him, the designer of his works, and I was his daily delight, forever playing in his presence, °31 playing throughout the world and delighting to be with humans. °32 Now then, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who follow my ways. °33 Listen to my teaching and gain wisdom; do not ignore it. °34 Happy are those who listen to me and wait at my gates every day, watching, close to my threshold. °35 Those who find me find life: theirs is Yahweh’s blessing. °36 Those who offend me will undergo affliction; they hate me for they love death. § Wisdom invites to her table¤9 °1 Wisdom has built her house set upon seven pillars; °2 she has slaughtered her beasts, prepared her wine and laid her table. °3 Next, she sent her servants to call from the central square of the city, °4 “Pass by here, you who are fools.” To the senseless she says, °5 “Come, eat and drink of the bread and wine I have prepared. °6 Give up your foolishness and you will live; take the straight path of discernment.” °7 He who corrects a mocker gains insults; and he who
reprimands an evildoer receives abuse. °8 Do not
rebuke the mocker lest he hate you, but counsel the wise who will be
grateful. °9 Give to the wise man and he will become
wiser each day; teach an upright man and he will increase his wisdom. °10 Fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom and to
know the Holy One brings discernment. °11 Then I
will multiply your days and increase your years of life. °12 If you are wise your wisdom will work to your
advantage, but if you mock you alone will be harmed. °13 Lady Foolishness is impetuous, a simpleton who knows
nothing. °14 She sits at the door of her house, on a
throne in the central square of the city, °15 to
invite all passersby, “Come here, whoever is ignorant.” °16 To the foolish she says, °17 “Stolen
waters are sweet and pilfered bread is the tastiest.” °18 But he does not see the Shadow world lying there; nor realize that its guests are heading towards the abyss of death. §SECOND PART: THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON
¤10 °1 A wise
son is his father’s joy, a foolish one his mother’s heartbreak. °2 Treasures wrongfully acquired are of no value but
upright living saves from death. °3 Yahweh does not let the righteous go hungry but he
denies satisfaction to the evildoers. °4 The lazy hand brings poverty; the diligent hand
brings wealth. °5 The prudent man reaps in summer; the one who sleeps
at harvest time deserves scorn. °6 Blessings on the head of the upright man! Violence
silences the cry of the wicked. °7 The righteous will be remembered with blessings, the
name of the wicked will rot away. °8 The wise of heart is open to instruction, the
chattering fool speeds towards ruin. °9 Whoever behaves honorably will walk safely, but the
follower of crooked ways will be punished. °10 The wink of an eye brings trouble; but a rebuke wins
peace. °11 The mouth of the righteous is a source of life, but
violence is concealed in the mouths of evildoers. °12 Hatred enkindles disputes, love covers over all
offenses. °13 Wisdom is to be found on the lips of the discerning
man; the stick is for the fool’s back. °14 The wise store up learning but the mouth of the fool
makes way for ruin. °15 The rich man’s fortune is his fortress, the poverty
of the poor is their undoing. °16 The virtuous man’s toil brings him life, while the
sins of the evil man destroy him. °17 Respect for discipline is the path of life; he who
ignores correction is doomed. °18 Hypocritical is he who tolerates hatred; he who
slanders is a fool. °19 Sin will not be lacking where too many words are spoken;
the prudent man controls his tongue. °20 The upright man’s tongue is pure silver, but the
hearts of evildoers have little value. °21 The lips of one righteous feed many people while
fools die for lack of sense. °22 The blessing of Yahweh brings riches, no effort can
replace it. °23 The fool delights in doing evil and the wise man in
acquiring wisdom. °24 The evildoer will encounter the evil he dreaded
whereas the upright man will receive what he looked forward to. °25 After the storm the wicked man is seen no more, but
the upright man remains forever. °26 The lazy man is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke
to the eyes of his master. °27 Fear of Yahweh lengthens one’s life, but the years
of the wicked will be cut short. °28 The hope of the upright ends in happiness but the
expectations of the wicked come to nothing. °29 The ways of Yahweh are a fortress for the upright
but for evildoers only ruin. °30 The righteous will never be disturbed but evildoers
will not survive on the land. °31 Wisdom springs forth from the mouth of the virtuous
but the corrupt tongue will be torn out. °32 Goodness
dwells on the lips of the upright, corruption in the mouth of the wicked. ¤11 °1 Yahweh
detests a false scale but a just weight pleases him. °2 Disgrace always accompanies pride; wisdom resides
with the humble. °3 Honesty illumines the path of the upright; but the
corrupt are confounded by their own evil. °4 On the day of vengeance riches will prove useless
but honest living will save from death. °5 The virtuous man’s integrity smooths his way, while
the wicked man falls by his own evil. °6 Upright living saves the virtuous while evildoers
are caught in their own greed. °7 The hope of the wicked is buried with them and their
trust in riches is of no avail. °8 The upright will escape from distress; a wicked man
will take his place. °9 The godless man uses his mouth to destroy his
neighbor but the virtuous use their wisdom to save themselves. °10 The city rejoices in the good fortune of the upright
and delights in the ruin of the wicked. °11 A city is raised on the blessing of the upright and
destroyed by the mouth of the wicked. °12 Whoever mocks his neighbor is a fool; an intelligent
person chooses silence. °13 The gossip reveals secrets, but the trustworthy man
keeps a secret. °14 Lack of guidance leads to a nation’s decline whereas
numerous counselors bring success. °15 He who stands bail for a stranger harms himself; he
who avoids going bail will be safe. °16 A gracious woman wins renown, and bold men acquire
riches. °17 The generous man does himself a favor while a cruel
man wounds his own flesh. °18 The pay of the wicked is an illusion; while the
upright man reaps a sure reward. °19 Upright living leads to life but the way of evil
leads to death. °20 Yahweh detests the corrupt of heart but loves those
whose life is upright. °21 Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will be saved. °22 The pretty woman without discretion is like a gold
ring in the snout of a pig. °23 The upright desire nothing but good; the desires of
the wicked are in vain. °24 Those who are generous increase their riches; others
are misers and impoverish themselves. °25 The warmhearted soul will prosper; he who waters
will himself be watered. °26 He who hoards wheat is cursed by the people; blessed
is he who sells his seeds. °27 Yahweh rewards the one who seeks good; but he who
pursues evil will be caught by it. °28 He who trusts in riches will stumble; while the
upright will flourish like leaves. °29 Whoever mismanages his house will inherit only wind;
the fool will end up a slave of the wise. °30 The fruit of the upright is a tree of life while the
wicked are uprooted before their time. °31 If here on earth the upright get their due, how much
more the wicked and the sinner! ¤12 °1 He who
loves discipline, loves knowledge; foolish is he who rejects correction. °2 The good man wins the favor of Yahweh who condemns
the one of evil schemes. °3 No man is made secure by evil but nothing undermines
the roots of the upright. °4 A good wife is her husband’s crown while the
shameless woman is like a cancer in his bones. °5 The plans of the upright are honest and the
plottings of the wicked deceitful. °6 The words of the wicked are mortal snares but the
virtuous refute and elude them. °7 The evildoers are thrown down and are no more; but the house of the virtuous will never crumble. °8 Everyone is praised in proportion to his prudence; while the corrupt of heart will be met with contempt. °9 Better to be a common man and have a servant than to feel oneself great and run short of bread. °10 The upright man looks after his animals but the wicked are heartless. °11 He who cultivates the earth will have his fill of bread, while the fool chases after illusions. °12 The desires of the wicked produce evil, but the roots of the virtuous produce fruit. °13 The wicked man is entangled in his own lies, but the virtuous man will be saved from misfortune. °14 Those who meditates on wisdom will attain all that is good; each one is rewarded according to the works of his hands. °15 The fool considers his way right while the wise man listens to advice. °16 The fool shows his annoyance immediately, but the discreet man overlooks an insult. °17 The trustworthy witness leads to the truth, and the liar to confusion. °18 The one who speaks thoughtlessly pierces like a sword; but the words of the wise bring healing. °19 Truthful words endure forever but lies, for only a moment. °20 Deceit dwells in the heart of the schemer, happiness in those who pursue peace. °21 No misfortune will befall the virtuous but the wicked will have their fill of troubles. °22 Yahweh hates the lips of liars and loves those who speak the truth. °23 The discreet man conceals his wisdom while fools make public their nonsense. °24 The hardworking hand will rule; and the lazy will have to obey. °25 Intense grief depresses the heart while a friendly word makes it glad. °26 The just man guides his neighbor while the way of the wicked leads them astray. °27 The lazy hand will have no game to cook: being industrious is the secret of wealth. °28 Life is to be found on the path of virtue, the way of the wicked leads to death. ¤13 °1 An
intelligent child listens to his father’s advice, but a mocker listens to no
correction. °2 A man can taste goodness from the fruit of his own
mouth, but the treacherous feed on violence. °3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, the
constant talker is lost. °4 The lazy man hopes but his desires are in vain,
whereas hard workers have their desires fulfilled. °5 The righteous hates lying words but the evildoer
slanders and defames. °6 Virtue protects those of honest life; while sin
brings ruin to the wicked. °7 One pretends to be rich but has nothing, another, of
great wealth, feigns poverty. °8 A man’s wealth lets him ransom his life but the poor
man has nothing with which to do so. °9 The light of the virtuous is bright, the lamp of the
godless is extinguished. °10 Arrogance only brings trouble; wisdom is found in
those who take advice. °11 Sudden riches will decrease, he who gathers little
by little will be enriched. °12 Delayed hope makes the heart languish, but desire
fulfilled is a tree of life. °13 The one who scorns teaching will be in want, those
who respect the commandment will be rewarded. °14 The wise man’s teaching is a life-giving fountain
for escaping the snares of death. °15 Prudent intelligence wins favor, the way of liars
leads nowhere. °16 Every prudent man acts with reflection, the fool
parades his stupidity. °17 A wicked messenger falls on misfortune, the reliable
one brings healing. °18 Poverty and shame to the one who rejects correction;
honor to him who accepts rebuke. °19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul; but fools
spurn rejection of evil. °20 Walk with the wise and you will gain wisdom; those
who befriend fools become wicked. °21 Misfortune hounds the sinner, while the upright
abound in good fortune. °22 A good man’s inheritance is for his children’s
children, a sinner’s wealth will be kept for the virtuous. °23 The tillage of the poor supplies food, while others
perish because of their lack of righteousness. °24 Unloved is the child whom the father hates to
punish; the loving father frequently corrects. °25 The upright man eats his fill, while the stomach of
the wicked goes hungry. ¤14 °1 Wisdom
builds her house, foolishness destroys it with her own hands. °2 Upright living is fear of Yahweh, but he who is
devious in his ways scorns him. °3 From the fool’s mouth comes the rod of his pride,
the wise man’s lips protect him. °4 Where there’s no oxen, there’s no wheat, in the
oxen’s strength there’s abundant harvest. °5 The truthful witness does not lie; the false witness
breathes deceit. °6 The mocker searches for wisdom in vain; knowledge
comes easily to the discreet man. °7 Keep away from the fool for you will find no wisdom
in his words. °8 The wisdom of the discreet man lies in guarding his
conduct, but the foolishness of fools is full of deceit. °9 Fools never make amends, while goodwill dwells among
the upright. °10 The heart understands its own grief; no stranger can
share in its joy. °11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the
tent of the upright will stand firm. °12 To one, his way appears correct, but in the end it
leads to death. °13 The heart feels pain in the midst of laughter, and
joy ends in sorrow. °14 The reckless man reaps the fruit of his ways; the
good man will earn reward. °15 The simpleton believes all he’s told, the prudent
man watches his step. °16 The wise man fears and avoids evil, the fool goes
near and feels safe. °17 The angry man does foolish things, the crafty man
makes himself hated. °18 Foolishness is the inheritance of fools, the prudent
choose wisdom as their crown. °19 The wicked shall kneel before the good, and the
godless, before the gates of the virtuous. °20 The poor man is detestable even to his neighbor
while the rich man has many friends. °21 A sinner is he who looks down on his neighbor, happy
is he who shows pity to the poor. °22 Does evil plotting not lead to ruin? Do goodness and
sincerity not belong to those devoted to good? °23 Hard work yields a profit but the idler brings
misfortune. °24 Wealth is the wise man’s crown, foolishness the
diadem of fools. °25 A truthful witness saves lives; he who lies will be
lost. °26 There is great security in the fear of Yahweh, his sons find refuge in him. °27 The fear of Yahweh is a life-giving fountain for escaping the snares of death. °28 Numerous people are a king’s glory; lack of subjects ruins a prince. °29 The discerning man is slow to anger, the impatient one displays stupidity. °30 A peaceful heart is the body’s life but the passions are a cancer in the bones. °31 Oppression of the weak insults their creator, he is honored by those who have compassion on the needy. °32 The evildoer is overthrown by his own evil, the upright man feels safe up to death. °33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning; who ever sees her among fools? °34 Virtue makes a nation great; the sinner disgraces a people. °35 The clever servant enjoys the king’s favor but the fool has to suffer his anger. ¤15 °1 A kind
answer soothes anger; while a cutting word increases wrath. °2 The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge, but the
mouth of fools spreads stupidity. °3 The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere, watching the good
and the evil. °4 The pacifying tongue is a tree of life, while the
viper’s tongue destroys the heart. °5 Paternal correction is scorned by the fool, but the
one who listens shows discretion. °6 Abundance resides in the house of the virtuous, but
disgrace descends on the profits of the wicked. °7 The lips of the wise sow knowledge whereas the
fool’s thoughts are not safe. °8 Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but
listens to the prayer of the honest man. °9 Yahweh abhors the conduct of the wicked but loves
him who seeks virtue. °10 Correct severely him who strays from the way;
whoever hates being rebuked will die. °11 Yahweh sees into hell and the abyss; how much more
into the hearts of the sons of men! °12 The mocker does not like being reprimanded; he does
not go to the wise. °13 A glad heart brightens the face, a sad one weighs
down the spirit. °14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of
fools feeds on stupidity. °15 Every day is evil to the afflicted one; while the
happy heart is always feasting. °16 Better to have little but fear the Lord than to have
a fortune accompanied by anxiety. °17 Better to have vegetables where there is love than
to have a fattened ox with nothing but hatred. °18 The hotheaded man provokes disputes, while the one slow
to anger reconciles differences. °19 The way of the lazy is strewn with thorns, but the
path of hard workers is a spacious road. °20 The wise child is his father’s joy, but the foolish
despises his mother. °21 Foolishness appeals to the man with no sense but the
discerning man goes on his way. °22 Plans fall through for lack of deliberation; a
multitude of counselors ensures success. °23 Happy is he who knows how to answer. Welcome indeed
is the apt word! °24 To the discerning man, the way of life leads upward;
he will be saved from the place of darkness below. °25 Yahweh tears down the house of the proud, but he
strengthens the widow’s boundaries. °26 Yahweh detests corrupt designs but words of goodness
are pleasing to him. °27 He who craves dishonest gain brings trouble on his
house; he who accepts no tempting bribes will live. °28 The man of upright heart thinks before he speaks,
the mouth of the wicked pours out evil. °29 Yahweh stays far away from the wicked but hears the
prayer of the virtuous. °30 A kind look delights the heart, good news revives
one’s strength. °31 The ear which listens to helpful correction is found
among the wise. °32 He who ignores correction despises himself, he who
heeds the reprimand acquires discernment. °33 The fear of Yahweh is a school of wisdom; humility
precedes praise. ¤16 °1 Man’s heart makes plans but it is Yahweh who answers. °2 Although people are satisfied with all of their deeds Yahweh considers the motives. °3 Entrust all you do to Yahweh and your plans will be realized. °4 Yahweh made everything for a purpose, even the evildoer for the day of punishment. °5 Yahweh hates the arrogant heart; you can be sure it will not go unpunished. °6 With goodness and faithfulness you atone for your sin; with fear of Yahweh you may turn away from evil. °7 When Yahweh is pleased with a man’s conduct, he reconciles even his enemies with him. °8 Better to have little but be just than to have a great income without honesty. °9 Man’s heart seeks the right way but it is Yahweh who makes his footsteps sure. °10 The lips of the king utter oracles; he will not be mistaken when he judges. °11 Yahweh demands a just balance and scales; the weights are the work of his hands. °12 Kings who do evil are an abomination; it is justice
that supports the kingship. °13 He who judges according to justice wins the king’s
favor, honest men are pleasing to him. °14 The king’s anger is a messenger of death but the
wise man knows how to appease him. °15 The king’s serene countenance means life, his favor
is like the spring rain. °16 Better to have acquired wisdom rather than gold,
discernment rather than silver. °17 The way of the honest man is to turn away from evil;
he who watches his steps keeps his life safe. °18 Pride goes before destruction, an arrogant spirit
before a fall. °19 Better be humble among the lowly than share loot
with the proud. °20 He who listens to the word will find happiness;
blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh. °21 He whose heart is wise will be proclaimed
discerning; moderate speech brings knowledge. °22 Good sense is a life-giving fountain to those who
possess it, foolishness is the punishment of fools. °23 The wise man’s heart keeps guard over his mouth,
making his words more effective. °24 Kind words are like a honeycomb: sweet to the spirit
and healthy to the body. °25 To one, his way seems honest, but ultimately it
leads to death. °26 The worker’s appetite works to his benefit; the need
to eat spurs him on. °27 The troublemaker prepares disgrace, a scorching fire
is on his lips. °28 The scoundrel stirs up trouble; his critical
comments split up friends. °29 A violent man deceives his neighbor and leads him
along a path that is not good. °30 He who closes his eyes and purses his lips to plot
deceit already commits evil. °31 White hairs are a magnificent crown for the one who
has followed the path of virtue. °32 The patient man is to be preferred to the hero;
better the man who masters himself than the conqueror of cities. °33 Fate is thrown in the bag but the decision depends
on Yahweh. ¤17 °1 Better
a crust of dry bread in peace than the discord of a house full of feasting. °2 A shrewd servant will replace the foolish son of the
master and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. °3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold but
Yahweh is the tester of hearts. °4 The evil plotter listens to the lips of liars; and
the liar gives an ear to the corrupt tongue. °5 He who mocks the poor insults their Creator, he who
laughs at the deprived will not go unpunished. °6 The crown of the aged is their children’s children,
the children’s glory is their father. °7 Noble language does not suit the fool and even less
do lies suit a prince. °8 The giver of gifts possesses a treasure, wherever he
goes he will succeed. °9 Whoever covers over a fault promotes friendships,
but he who reveals a word divides friends. °10 A discerning man is more impressed by a reprimand
than a fool is by a hundred lashes. °11 The wicked man seeks nothing but rebellion; a cruel
messenger will be sent against him. °12 It is better to meet with a bear deprived of her
cubs than with a fool in his foolishness. °13 He who repays good with evil will not rid his house
of evil. °14 To begin legal proceedings is like opening a dam;
withdraw before the dispute erupts. °15 To excuse the guilty and condemn the just: both are
detestable to Yahweh. °16 What good is money in a fool’s hand? How can he buy
wisdom? He has no sense. °17 A friend will love you at all times, a brother has
been born to you for times of adversity. °18 He who is full of promises and goes bail for his
neighbor has no sense. °19 The sinner loves disputes, the man of arrogant words
hastens his own ruin. °20 The man of double-dealing does not find happiness,
the sly tongue falls into disgrace. °21 He who fathers a fool has acquired misery, there is
no joy for a fool’s father. °22 A joyful heart gives health to the body, while a sad
spirit dries up the bones. °23 The corrupt man takes bribes to pervert the course
of justice. °24 The discerning man keeps wisdom before his eyes; the
fool’s eyes are on every corner of the world. °25 The foolish son is a worry to his father and
distress to her who gave him birth. °26 It is not right to fine the upright; the noble ought
not to be beaten. °27 The prudent of speech are wise; he who keeps his
temper is an educated man. °28 Then the fool, if silent, can pass as wise; the
clever man keeps his lips sealed. ¤18 °1 He who
holds himself aloof follows his own whims and is annoyed at others’ advice. °2 The fool does not relish reflection but only the
airing of his own views. °3 When the wicked come, scorn also comes, and offense
brings shame. °4 Man’s words are like deep waters; an overflowing
torrent is the fountain of wisdom. °5 It is not good to give consideration to the wicked
or to harm the virtuous when giving judgment. °6 The fool’s lips cause disputes and his mouth
attracts blows. °7 The fool’s mouth is his undoing; his lips will
ensnare his life. °8 The gossiper’s words are tasty mouthfuls which go
right to the bottom of the stomach. °9 He who dawdles at work is a brother of the
destroyer. °10 Yahweh’s name is a strong tower, the virtuous rely
on it and are safe. °11 The rich man’s wealth is his fortress; he relies on
it as on a high wall. °12 Before its downfall, the heart is wrapped in pride;
while humility goes before honor. °13 To argue before listening to the facts shows
stupidity which leads to disgrace. °14 The spirit of man sustains him when ill but who will
lift the one of broken spirit? °15 The discerning heart obtains wisdom, the ear of the
wise searches out knowledge. °16 A present opens all doors to you and brings you into
the company of the powerful. °17 The first to plead his case seems to be right, but
his opponent appears and there is matter for trial. °18 Casting lots terminates disputes and decides between
the powerful. °19 A brother who is helped is more steadfast than a
fortress but quarrels are like the bars of a castle. °20 A man is filled with what comes from his mouth and
is nourished by what his lips provide. °21 The tongue has power over life and death, those who
like speaking will eat its fruit. °22 He who finds a wife finds happiness, he has won
Yahweh’s favor. °23 The poor man pleads, while the rich man responds
harshly. °24 Some friends only bring ruin, others are closer than
a brother. ¤19 °1 Better
the poor man who lives honestly than the fool who lies. °2 It is bad for men not to reflect, and acting too
quickly can lead one astray. °3 A man spoils his chances through his own stupidity
but it is against Yahweh that his heart rages. °4 Wealth multiplies friends, but the poor man is
deprived of his only friend. °5 The false witness will not go unpunished, the liar
will not escape. °6 Many are the flatterers of the noble man, the whole
world is a friend to the rich man. °7 A poor man is hated by all his brothers, and even
more so do his friends desert him. He searches for someone to talk to but
finds no one. °8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself, he who
respects knowledge will be happy. °9 The false witness will not go unpunished, the liar
will perish. °10 It is not good that a fool live luxuriously, still
less that a slave command princes. °11 A clever man is slow to anger; his glory lies in
forgetting offenses. °12 The angry king is like a roaring lion but his favor
is like the dew on the grass. °13 The foolish son is the ruination of his father; the
nagging wife is like a dripping gutter. °14 House and wealth are inherited from a father but a
sensible wife is a gift from Yahweh. °15 Laziness makes a man fall asleep, the idler will go
hungry. °16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who
despises it dies. °17 He who shows compassion to the poor lends to Yahweh,
who will repay his good deed. °18 Correct your son as long as there is hope, lest you
be responsible for his death. °19 The violent man leaves himself open to a fine; if
you spare him he will continue. °20 Listen to counsel and accept correction, and you
will be wise in the end. °21 Plans abound in the human heart but only Yahweh’s
purpose will be realized. °22 Goodness is attractive in a person; better a poor
man than a liar. °23 Love of Yahweh leads you to life; you will have your
fill and live without fear. °24 The lazy man dips his hand in the dish but he cannot
even lift it to his mouth. °25 Punish the mocker and the ignorant will be more
careful; rebuke a discerning man and he will listen to reason. °26 He who dispossesses his father and evicts his mother
is a shameful and degenerate son. °27 My son, listen to instruction and stop straying from
the words of wisdom. °28 An unworthy witness makes a mockery of justice; the
mouth of the wicked feeds on evil. °29 Punishments were made for mockers and blows, for the
backs of fools. ¤20 °1 Wine
leads to vulgarity and strong drink, to bravado; he who strays in it will
never be wise. °2 The angry king is like a roaring lion; whoever
provokes him risks his life. °3 It is good for man to avoid quarrels; it is the fool
who does not master himself. °4 Autumn is over, yet the fool does no work; come the
harvest, he searches and finds nothing. °5 Counsel is like deep water in the heart, the
discerning man has only to draw it out. °6 Many are called good but where can the trustworthy
man be found? °7 The upright man who works honestly will make his sons
happy after him. °8 The king who sits in judgment discovers evil at a
single glance. °9 Who can say, “I have purified my heart, I am
cleansed from sin?” °10 The crooked measure and scales – these are the
things that Yahweh detests. °11 The child reveals himself in his deeds: whether his
actions are honest and upright. °12 The ear that hears, the eye that sees, Yahweh has
made them both. °13 Do not love sleep lest you become poor; keep your
eyes open and you will have your fill of bread. °14 “No good, no good,” says the buyer but off he goes
congratulating himself. °15 Although you have gold and abundance of pearls, the
most valuable adornment is lips which speak wisely. °16 Get rid of his clothes because he has stood bail for
a stranger; arrest him for the profit of those unknown! °17 Stolen bread tastes good but later on your mouth is
full of sand. °18 Plans take shape, thanks to advice; do battle, then,
with wise strategies. °19 The gossiper reveals secrets; have nothing to do
with chatterers. °20 Whoever curses his father and mother will see his
lamp extinguished in the midst of darkness. °21 Advantage hastily gained in the beginning will not
be blessed in the long run. °22 Never say, “I will take revenge.” Trust in Yahweh;
he will save you. °23 Yahweh detests false weights; it does no good to
have false scales. °24 Yahweh directs a man’s steps, who can know where his
way leads? °25 It is dangerous to make hasty promises to Yahweh and
only then reflect on them. °26 A king throws evildoers to the wind and runs the
thresher over them. °27 Man’s spirit is Yahweh’s lamp which searches the
hidden places of the heart. °28 Goodness and loyalty keep guard over the king; his
throne stands due to goodness. °29 Energy is the adornment of youth, white hair the
dignity of age. °30 Bleeding wounds purify evil, blows bring healing to
the inner self. ¤21 °1 In the
hands of Yahweh, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it
wherever he wishes. °2 To the eyes of man all his ways are honest but it is Yahweh who weighs the heart. °3 To do what is upright and just pleases Yahweh more
than sacrifice. °4 Haughty looks, proud heart, the light of the wicked
is sin. °5 The plans of a hardworking man result in earnings;
poverty is for those who act too hastily. °6 To make a fortune by means of deceit is like running
after the wind; the end is death. °7 The violence of the wicked carries them away because
they refuse to practice justice. °8 The way of the criminal is devious; but honest are
the ways of the innocent man. °9 Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house
shared with a raging woman. °10 The soul of the wicked desires nothing but evil; not
even his friend is treated with compassion. °11 When the mocker is punished the ignorant man grows
wise; when the wise man is instructed he grows in knowledge. °12 The Just One watches the house of the evildoer and
hurls the wicked into misfortune. °13 He who is deaf to the poor man’s cry will not be
heard when he himself calls out. °14 A discreet gift pacifies anger, a bribe diverts
violent rage. °15 Upright men are glad when justice reigns but
evildoers tremble. °16 He who departs from the ways of prudence will sleep
in the assembly of the Shades. °17 Pleasure-lovers remain poor, he who loves wine and
perfume will never grow rich. °18 The wicked man will pay for the virtuous and the
treacherous man, for the honest. °19 Better to live in a deserted place than with a
raging and abusive woman. °20 There is oil and precious treasure in the wise man’s
house, things which the fool squanders. °21 He who seeks justice and mercy will gain life,
prosperity and honor. °22 The wise man conquers a city of warriors and tears
down the walls they trust in. °23 He who keeps guard over his mouth and tongue saves
himself from anguish. °24 “Mocker” is the name of the arrogant and haughty, he
in whom pride abounds. °25 The idler’s desires lead him to death because his
hands refuse to work. °26 He covets all day long while the upright
man gives without stinting. °27 Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, above
all when they offer it for an unjust cause. °28 The lying witness will perish but he who listens
wisely will be given time to speak. °29 The wicked man tries to appear firm and stable while
the honest man confirms his way. °30 No wisdom, prudence or advice can withstand the look
of Yahweh. °31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle but it
is Yahweh who gives the victory. ¤22 °1 A good
name is better than great wealth; fame is preferable to silver or gold. °2 Rich and poor have something in common, Yahweh has
made them all. °3 The discreet man foresees disgrace and hides, the
ignorant keep going at their own expense. °4 The reward of humility is fear of Yahweh, wealth,
honor and life. °5 The path of the wicked is paved with thorns and
traps, he who loves his life will keep his distance. °6 Teach a child the way he should go, he will not
stray from it while he lives. °7 The rich man lords it over the poor, the borrower is
the moneylender’s slave. °8 Whoever sows injustice reaps disaster; the power of
the wicked will be broken. °9 The warmhearted man will be blessed since he shares
his bread with the poor. °10 Throw out the mocker and the dispute will cease,
fighting and insults will end. °11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks sensibly
will find a friend in the king. °12 Yahweh’s look protects the wise man and discredits
the words of the liar. °13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside, he will
kill me in the street.” °14 The adulterous woman’s mouth is a deep pit, he whom
Yahweh wishes to punish will fall into it. °15 The heart of the child is naturally foolish, the
beating of instruction will cure it. °16 When you oppress the poor, you make them grow; when
you give to the rich, you waste everything. § The proverbs of the wise°17 Give ear, listen to the words of the wise and apply
yourself to understanding them, °18
because it will be
your delight to keep them deep within you, to have them always ready on your
lips. °19 I wish now to teach you, so that you will place your
trust in Yahweh. °20 Have I not written for you thirty
chapters of advice and knowledge °21
so that you may
recognize the truth and be able to answer rightly him who sent you? °22 Do not take from the poor man just because he is
poor or condemn the one in misfortune, °23 because
Yahweh will intercede for them and will carry off the life of their
oppressors. °24 Do not befriend the angry man or be a companion to
the one of rage, °25 for fear you adopt their ways and lose
your life in their midst. °26 Do not be one of those who undertake a commitment
and act as guarantor of debts; °27
if you cannot pay,
they will take from you the very bed in which you sleep. °28 Do not move the ancient boundaries established by
your ancestors. °29 You see a clever man at work? He will enter the
service of kings; he will not stay in the service of people of no renown. ¤23 °1 If you
sit at a table with a great man, beware of what is in front of you; °2 if your appetite is too great, put a knife to your
throat. °3 Do not greedily desire his fine food for
it is deceptive nourishment. °4 Do not wear yourself out trying to be rich, do not
dwell on it. °5 Set your eyes on wealth and it no longer
exists; it sprouts wings and flies into the sky like an eagle. °6 Do not eat with the wicked man or be greedy for his
choice food. °7 All is appearance, for he plots in his
heart. “Eat and drink,” he says but he is not to be trusted. °8 You will spit it out as soon as it is tasted and
your words of praise will be wasted. °9 Do not speak with a fool; he will not be able to
appreciate your remarks. °10 Do not move the ancient boundaries or take
possession of the orphan’s land because his Avenger is powerful; °11 he will take sides against you. °12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to
words of wisdom. °13 Do not hold back from correcting a youth; the rod
will not kill him. °14 With several strokes, you save him from
death. °15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my own heart is
glad, °16 and my whole being will rejoice when you
speak the truth. °17 Do not envy sinners but, each day, fear Yahweh; then
you will have a future and °18 your hope will not be in vain. °19 Listen, my son, and you will be wise and you will
make your heart go straight on its way. °20 Do not be one of those who get drunk with wine or
who stuff themselves with meat, °21
since the drunkard
and the glutton impoverish themselves and the sleepyhead is clothed in rags. °22 Listen to your father who begot you; do not despise
your mother in her old age. °23 Acquire truth and never sell it; gain wisdom,
discipline and discernment. °24 Happy the father of a virtuous man! How he will
rejoice, °25 he who fathers a wise man! May your
father and mother rejoice and may she who bore you be glad. °26 My son, give me your heart, that your eyes may
delight in my ways. °27 You should know that the prostitute is a
deep abyss and the unknown woman a narrow well. °28 Like a
thief she lies in wait and she increases the sinners among men. °29 For whom are the cries and laments? For whom the
complaints and sighs? For whom the blows without reason? For whom the eyes
which see double? °30 For those who abandon themselves to wine and go in
search of the well-blended wine. °31
Do not consider the
wine: how red it is and how sparkling the glass! How smoothly it flows! °32 In the end, it bites like a snake and stings like a
viper. °33 Your eyes will see strange things and you
will end up speaking nonsense. °34
You will be like a
man asleep on the high seas or at the rudder: “They hit me but I am not hurt.
°35 They beat me but I feel nothing. When
will I wake up? I will go in search of more.” ¤24 °1 Do not
envy the wicked or desire their company, °2 for
their hearts dream only of violence and their lips speak nothing but evil. °3 With wisdom a house is built. °4 It is strengthened by prudence. Its
granaries are filled by knowledge with all that is good, precious and
desirable. °5 The wise man is powerful; the one of knowledge adds
to his strength. °6 Because of this, he goes into battle with wise
plans, since success depends on many advisers. °7 Wisdom is beyond the reach of the fool; let him not
open his mouth in the assembly. °8 The plotter of evil is called an unscrupulous
mastermind. °9 The fool dreams only of sin, the mocker deserves
only contempt. °10 If you lose heart when misfortune comes, miserable
is your strength. °11 Rescue those who are being carried away to die; save
those who are being dragged away to torture. °12 Afterwards
you will say, “We did not know.” But he who weighs the heart, does he not
understand? He who watches over the soul is aware and he will give to each
one according to his deeds. °13 Eat honey, my son, because it is good; the honeycomb
is sweet to the taste. °14 So also will wisdom be to your soul. If
you find it, you have a future and your hope will not be in vain. °15 Evildoer, do not spy on the house of the virtuous
man, do not disturb his home. °16 Because even though the virtuous man
falls seven times, he gets up again, while the wicked sink in their
adversity. °17 Do not rejoice if your enemy falls or let your heart
be glad if he stumbles, °18 lest Yahweh see and be displeased and his anger be
turned on you. °19 Do not be incensed by the wicked or envious of the
ungodly, °20 since there is no future in evil and the
lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. °21 Fear Yahweh and the king, my son; make no deals with
agitators, °22 for disaster will befall them without
warning and who knows when their ruin will come? § Other proverbs of the wise°23 It is not good for judges to show partiality. People
curse and nations hate him °24 who says to the wicked man, “You are
just.” °25 But those who punish the evildoer can
boast; blessing and happiness will be theirs. °26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. °27 Finish your work out-of-doors and plan your work in
the fields; afterwards, you can think of building your house. °28 Do not lightly bear witness against your neighbor
lest you lie. °29 Do not say, “I will do to him what he did to me; I
will repay him for his deeds.” °30 I passed by the lazy man’s field, near the vineyard
of the senseless man. °31 Everywhere it was full of weeds; thistles
covered the ground and the stonewall was fallen apart. °32 Seeing all this, I reflected and drew this lesson
from what I saw. °33 A little sleep, a little drowsiness and °34 your laziness creeps upon you and then, like a
tramp, poverty comes, bringing misery like a vagabond. § Solomon’s proverbs¤25 °1These are also Proverbs of Solomon,
recorded in the time of Hezekiah, king of Judah. °2 The glory of God is in hiding secrets and the glory
of the king, in revealing them. °3
As high as the skies,
as deep as the earth, such is the heart of kings. °4 Remove the impurity from silver and it will become a
vessel in the hands of the silversmith. °5 Remove
the wicked from the king’s presence and he will affirm his power through
justice. °6 Do not boast before the king or put yourself among
the great. °7 It would be better to be invited, “Come
up here,” than to be humiliated after having seen the prince. °8 Do not be too hasty in accusing your neighbor for
what would happen to you should he confound you? °9 Defend your case against your neighbor but do not
reveal the secret of another, °10 lest he overhear it and despise you and
your reputation be lost. °11 An opportune word is like golden apples encased in
silver. °12 A gold ring or an ornament of fine gold,
such is the wise man’s rebuke to a responsive person. °13 The trustworthy messenger is like the coolness of
snow at harvest time, to him who sends him: he revives the soul of his
master. °14 Clouds and wind but no rain, such is the one who promises but does not fulfill. °15 With a little patience you will persuade the judge; a soft tongue can break bones. °16 If you find honey, eat enough but not too much, lest you bring it up again. °17 Go rarely to your neighbor’s house lest he tire of you and grow to hate you. °18 A mace, a sword, a keen arrow: such is the one who lies about his neighbor. °19 A decaying tooth, a lame foot, such is the trust put in the ungodly on the day of trouble. °20 Singing songs to a grieving person is like taking off your cloak in frosty weather or pouring vinegar into a wound. °21 If your enemy is hungry give him something to eat, if thirsty, something to drink; °22 thus you pile up red-hot coals on his head and Yahweh will reward you. °23 As the north wind brings the rain, so the gossiping tongue leaves angry faces. °24 Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house shared with a whimsical woman. °25 Good news from a distant country is like cool water to a dry throat. °26 A churning river or a polluted spring is like the virtuous man who trembles before the evildoer. °27 It is not good to eat too much honey and even less good to be greedy for honors. °28 The man who cannot contain his anger is like an open city, without defenses. ¤26 °1 Honors
do not suit the fool any more than snow in summer and rain at harvest. °2 The sparrow escapes, the swallow flies off, so the
motiveless curse will have no effect. °3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, a
stick for the backs of fools. °4 Do not answer the stupidity of fools lest you become
like them. °5 Answer the stupidity of the fool lest he consider
himself intelligent. °6 He who sends messages by a fool is cutting his own
feet. °7 Like the unsteady legs of a lame man, such is a
proverb in the mouth of fools. °8 Honoring a fool is like tying a stone in a sling. °9 Like a thorn branch in a drunkard’s hands, such is a
proverb in the mouth of fools. °10 Like an archer wounding all passersby, so is he who
employs a fool. °11 The fool reverts to his stupidity just as a dog
returns to his vomit. °12 See that man who thinks himself wise? There is more
hope for a fool! °13 “There’s a lion in the street,” the lazy man says,
“a lion in the square.” °14 The door turns on its hinges and the lazy man, on
his bed. °15 The idler dips his hand in the dish but
is too tired to lift it to his mouth. °16 The
idler considers himself wiser than many people who answer tactfully. °17 Interfering in the disputes of others is like
grabbing a passing dog by the tail. °18 As a madman hurls flaming, deadly arrows, °19 so does the one who lies to his friend and then
says, “It was just a joke.” °20 For lack of wood, the fire goes out; for want of a
gossiper, the quarrel dies down. °21 Charcoal on hot coals, wood on a fire, and a
quarrelsome man for stirring up disputes. °22 The words of the gossiper are delicious mouthfuls
which go right down to the bottom of the stomach. °23 Like
silver on earthenware, so are smooth lips with a corrupt heart. °24 The one who hates, disguises his words and keeps his
treachery inside; °25 do not trust his sweet language for seven evils fill
his heart. °26 But although he conceals his hatred like
a hypocrite, his evil will be revealed in the assembly. °27 He who digs a pit falls in it and the rock he rolls
away falls back on him. °28 The liar hates his victims, the flattering mouth
brings destruction. ¤27 °1 Do not
feel confident about tomorrow since you do not know how today will end. °2 Let another praise you but not your own mouth; a
stranger but not your own lips. °3 Heavy the stone and weighty the sand but the fool’s
anger outweighs both. °4 Wrath is cruel and anger, impulsive but who can
withstand jealousy? °5 Better an honest rebuke than false affection. °6 Worthy of trust is the friend who speaks honestly;
the enemy is he who multiplies caresses. °7 The full mouth looks down on honey, the hungry one
finds any bitter thing sweet. °8 Like a bird far from its nest, so is the one who
wanders from his own place. °9 Oil and perfume gladden the heart; so too does the
sweetness of friendship comfort the soul. °10 Never desert your friend or your father’s friend; do
not hasten to your brother’s house when troubles strike: better a friend
nearby than a brother far away. °11 Learn to be wise, my son, and make me happy so that
I can reply to those who insult me. °12 The discerning man foresees danger and takes cover,
but fools keep going, to their own loss. °13 Get rid of his clothes since he has gone surety for
a stranger, seize him for the benefit of those unknown. °14 If he, at dawn, blesses his neighbor in a loud
voice, it shall be interpreted as a curse. °15 The constant dripping of a gutter on a rainy day and
a nagging woman have something in common. °16 Stopping
her is like stopping the wind and grasping oil in one’s hand. °17 Iron is sharpened with iron, contact with a neighbor
sharpens a man’s wit. °18 He who tends the fig tree eats its fruit, he who
looks after his master will be honored. °19 As the face is reflected in water, so man finds
himself in his own heart. °20 Death and hell are never satisfied; so, also, the
eyes of men. °21 A crucible for silver, a furnace for gold; you will
know a man by his reputation. °22 Even though you grind the fool in a mortar, you will
not rid him of his stupidity. °23 Know well the state of your herd and tend to your
flock °24 because wealth does not last forever and
riches are not handed down from generation to generation. °25 Once the pasture is mowed and the aftergrowth
appears and the hay is gathered in from the hills, °26 you
should have lambs to clothe you and goats to pay for your fields, °27 sufficient
goats’ milk to feed you, to sustain your household and provide for your
serving girls. ¤28 °1 The
wicked man runs away even when no one is after him but the virtuous man feels
as safe as a lion. °2 A country, for its sins, has many rulers; but with
one wise ruler there is stability. °3 The evildoer oppressing the poor is like destructive
floods which leave no food. °4 Those who foresake the Law applaud evil; those
faithful to the Law fight evil. °5 The wicked have no understanding of justice but
those who seek Yahweh understand all. °6 Better the poor but honest life than devious living,
with riches. °7 A clever man keeps the Law, while he who associates
with scoundrels brings shame to his father. °8 He who adds to his wealth by usury and greed amasses
it for another who has compassion on the poor. °9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the Law, even his
prayer is contaminated by sin. °10 He who leads the virtuous astray will fall into his
own trap. The upright will inherit happiness. °11 The rich man thinks himself wise while the poor but
sensible man knows how to show him up. °12 When the virtuous triumph, there is great feasting,
but when the wicked dominate, everybody hides. °13 Whoever conceals his faults will not prosper, but he
who confesses and renounces them will be shown mercy. °14 Happy the one who always lives in the fear of God;
he who hardens his heart will fall on disaster. °15 A roaring lion, a hungry bear, such is the bad
leader of a poor people. °16 The ruler lacking intelligence multiplies
oppression; but he who abhors greed will endure. °17 The man wanted for murder will be on the run until
death. Let him go! °18 He who goes his way honestly will be saved, he who
vacillates between two ways will fall in one of them. °19 He who tends his land will have an abundance of
bread, while he who chases illusions will have his fill of misery. °20 The trustworthy man will be heaped with blessings,
but he who is preoccupied with getting rich will not be guiltless. °21 It is not good to show partiality but a man will do
wrong for a mouthful of bread. °22 The greedy-eyed man is on the lookout for wealth not
knowing that misfortune will befall him. °23 He who reproves another will eventually enjoy more
favor than the flatterer. °24 He who steals from his father and mother saying,
“It’s not a sin,” is just like a criminal. °25 The greedy man brings about trouble; but he who
trusts in Yahweh will be filled with good things. °26 He who trusts in himself is just like a fool; while
he who walks wisely will be saved. °27 He who gives to the poor will not be in need; but he
who turns a blind eye to them will have his fill of disgrace. °28 When the wicked triumph, everybody hides; but when
they perish, the virtuous multiply. ¤29 °1 He who
resists correction will be broken suddenly and without remedy. °2 When the virtuous rule, the people are happy, but
they groan when the wicked are in power. °3 He who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but
whoever maintains prostitutes will lose his wealth. °4 Through justice a king makes his country prosper;
but the extortioner brings it to ruin. °5 The one who flatters his neighbor lays a snare at
his feet. °6 In the wicked man’s sins lies a snare for himself,
while the upright man runs on rejoicing. °7 The virtuous man is concerned about the problems of
the poor; the evildoer, however, understands nothing. °8 Mockers create disturbances in the city but the wise
turn troubles away. °9 When the wise man argues with the fool, whether he
is annoyed or joking, he will get nowhere. °10 The violent hate the blameless man but the virtuous
seek out his presence. °11 The fool gives free rein to his rage; while the wise
man restrains it. °12 When a ruler listens to false reports, all his
ministers will be scoundrels. °13 The poor man and usurer have something in common:
both receive the light of day from God. °14 The king who judges the poor with justice will
affirm his throne forever. °15 Both the stick and rebuke bring wisdom, while the
spoilt child brings shame to his mother. °16 When the wicked rule, sin abounds, but the virtuous
shall witness their downfall. °17 Correct your son and he will bring you rest; you
will be happy in him. °18 Where prophets are lacking, the people get out of
hand; happy is he who obeys the Law. °19 A slave is not corrected by words; even if he
understands he will take no notice. °20 You see a man dying to speak? There is more hope for
a fool. °21 If you spoil your slave from childhood, he will end
up a rebel. °22 The hot-tempered man provokes disputes, his anger
multiplies his sins. °23 A man’s pride results in his humiliation, but he who
humbles himself will achieve honors. °24 He who shares with the thief harms himself; even you
who kept silent when you should have denounced him. °25 To be afraid of people is a trap; but whoever trusts
in Yahweh will be safe. °26 Many seek a ruler’s favor but each one’s fate comes
from God. °27 The upright man detests the wicked and the evildoer
hates the honest man. § Sayings of Agur¤30 °1The sayings of Agur, Son of Jakeh, of
Massa. °2 He says, “My God, my God, I am worn-out and weary.
Too stupid to be human, I am devoid of intelligence; °3 I have not acquired wisdom or grasped the knowledge
of the Holy One.” °4 Who has ascended the heavens and descended? Who has
gathered the wind in his hands? Who has encircled the waters with his cloak?
Who has established the limits of the earth? What is his name or the name of
his son? Do
you know? °5 Every word of God is true, he is a shield in whom
man can find refuge. °6 Add nothing to his words lest he rebuke
you and take you for a liar. °7 O God, two things I beg of you, do not deny me them
before I die. °8 Keep lying and falsehood far away from
me, give me neither poverty nor riches. Give me just as much food as I need
lest, °9 satisfied,
I deny you and say, “Who is Yahweh?” Or else, out of necessity, I steal and
profane the name of my God. °10 Do not accuse a slave to his master’s face lest he
curse you and you have to pay. °11 What a people are those who curse their father and
do not bless their mother, °12 who consider themselves pure but their
sins have not been cleansed! °13 They have a haughty look and disdainful
eye; °14 their teeth are like daggers and their
fangs, like blades to devour the weak of the land and the poor of the people. °15 The leech has two daughters, “Give me!” and “Give
me!” °16 There are three insatiable things and four which
never say, “Enough”: the grave, the sterile womb, the earth longing for water
and the fire which never cries, “Enough.” °17 The eye which challenges a father and despises his
aging mother, will be gouged out by the ravens of the valley and devoured by
the eagles. °18 There are three things which I cannot comprehend and
four which I do not understand: °19
the way of the eagle
through the sky, the way of the snake on the rock, the way of the ship on
high seas and the way of the human being within the mother. °20 What can I say of the adulterous woman? She eats, and having wiped her mouth,
she says, “I have done nothing wrong.” °21 Three things make the earth tremble; there are four
which it cannot withstand: °22 the slave who becomes king, the fool
stuffed with bread, °23 the unbearable woman who marries and the
maid who inherits from her mistress. °24 There are four tiny creatures on the earth that are
among the wisest of the wise: °25 the ants that are without strength, but
in summer make sure of their supplies; °26 the
rock-rabbits that are without vigor, but make their home in the rocks; °27 the locusts that have no king, but move forward in
organized groups; °28 the lizard which can be caught by hand,
but lives in the palaces of kings. °29 Three things have a stately step and four have a
noble bearing: °30 the lion, the bravest of animals, that
retreats before nothing; °31 the cock that struts proudly among the
hens; the he-goat that leads his flock, and the king at the head of his army. °32 If you have been foolish enough to get angry and
afterwards regret it, cover your mouth with your hand. °33 Since by churning the milk butter is produced, by
squeezing the nose blood flows, and by stirring up anger arguments arise. § The sayings of Lemuel¤31 °1The sayings of Lemuel, king
of Massa, taught him by his mother. °2 No, my son! Son of my womb, no! No,
my most beloved son! °3 Do not waste your strength on women, or your life on
those who destroy kings. °4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to
drink wine or for rulers to love strong drink. °5 Lest in
drinking they forget what they have decreed and override the cause of the
helpless. °6 Give strong drink to the one about to die and wine
to the heart full of bitterness: °7
so that he may drink
and forget his misfortune and remember his pain no more. °8 Speak on behalf of the dumb and defend the cause of
all who are destitute. °9 Open your mouth, pronounce just sentences, defend
the needy and the poor. § The perfect wife°10 The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel. °11 Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him. °12 She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life. °13 She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands. °14 She is like the merchant ships which bring provisions from afar. °15 She gets up while it is still dark, feeds her household and allots tasks to the servants. °16 If she sets her heart on a field, she buys it and plants a vineyard with her own hands. °17 She is full of energy and her arms show her strength. °18 She knows her work is successful and, at night, her light remains unextinguished. °19 She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle. °20 She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor. °21 When snow comes, she has no fears for her household since they are all doubly clothed. °22 She makes her own quilts and her clothes are purple and fine linen. °23 Her husband is well-respected; he sits in council with the elders of the people. °24 She weaves linen cloth and sells it; she supplies the merchants with sashes. °25 She is strong and dignified and looks with confidence to the future. °26 She speaks wisely and her words are kind. °27 She keeps an eye on the conduct of her household and is never idle. °28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed, her husband sings her praises: °29 “Many women have done wonders but you surpass them all.” °30 Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise. °31 May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works. The End. |