From the Greek Septuagint text as used
by First Century Christians
Mostly written by Solomon about 1000-BCE, but it was later added to by others.
Chapter 1
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon the son of David, who reigned over Israel.
2 To get to
be wise and to truly learn,
You must understand intelligent words.
3 [You must see how] words can
be shifted and turned,
And used to unlock enigmas.
You must also understand true justice…
How to make judgments that are straight,
4 So that all your decisions
can be guileless and wise.
Yet, you must perceive and reflect like a child.
5 Yes, if
you’ll listen, the wise will get wiser
And receive intelligent guidance.
6 You’ll understand dark
illustrations…
The sayings of the wise and enigmas.
7 True
wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah;
And all who follow that rule
Will be understanding and good,
Since perception begins with reverence for God.
For, those that fail to respect Him,
Treat wisdom and learning with contempt.
8 Hear, O
son, the laws of your father,
And don’t reject the rules of your mother.
9 Then, a
garland of favor, you’ll get for your head,
And a gold chain for your neck.
10 O son;
Don’t let the godless lead you astray,
And do not follow their ways.
11 For they’ll offer you
comforting words and then say:
‘Come with us and we will [shed] blood!
For we’ll treat the righteous unfairly,
Then we’ll hide their bodies under the ground.
12 ‘Like the
grave, we’ll swallow them down still alive,
And remove their memory from the land.
13 Then we’ll take all their
things that have value,
And fill our houses with loot.
14 So, come with us and join
what we do,
And we’ll each gain large sacks of money!’
15 But, don’t
ever follow their ways…
Turn your feet from their paths!
16 For their feet always run to
do evil,
And they are quick to shed blood.
17 Haven’t
they wrongfully spread out their traps,
As would be done to catch birds…
18 Then murder to gain evil
treasures?
19 Yes, these are the ways of
the unrighteousness;
And because of their lack of respect,
They are bringing destruction upon their own lives.
20 But the
praises of wisdom are sung in the streets…
She’s celebrated in all public places.
21 For she shouts aloud from
the tops of the walls,
And at city gates, she courageously says:
22 ‘As long as the honest have
justice,
They will never be shamed.’
But the insolent fools who crave [what’s not theirs],
And those who do not fear [God]
Are the ones that are lacking good sense…
23 So, they will be
disciplined.
{Look!} Now I’ll free the sayings of my spirit,
And to teach you, I’ll be speaking [wise] words.
24 Though I
called out to you, you didn’t obey…
I explained it, but you wouldn’t listen.
25 You have ignored all my
council,
And to my scolding, you’ve paid no attention.
26 So I’ll laugh when you are
destroyed,
And I’ll shout in joy at your ruin.
27 Yes, when
troublesome times come upon you,
And in a blast, you’re quickly undone…
When you’re oppressed and assaulted,
28 And you feel the need to cry
out to me,
I will not listen to you.
For when evil men search, they can’t find me,
29 Because they’ve detested
what’s wise,
And they’ve failed to show fear for Jehovah.
30 To my
council, they chose not to listen,
And when they were scolded, they sneered.
31 So they’ll have to eat their
own fruitage,
And ever after, they’ll be disrespected.
32 Because
they’ve done wrong to the simple,
They will soon be destroyed…
Yes, after they’re tried, they’ll be slaughtered.
33 But, those that have chosen to
listen to me
Have camped in peace, and never fear what is bad.
Chapter 2
1 O son;
hear the things that I’m saying…
Take them and hide them within you.
2 Your ears should obey these
wise sayings…
Understand them and put them deep in your heart,
Then pass them along to your sons.
3 If you
should call out for wisdom,
And if you will seek understanding…
4 If you’ll search for
perception like treasure,
5 You’ll learn the fear of the
Lord
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For, wisdom comes from Jehovah…
In His presence, you’ll find understanding and knowledge.
7 For those
that are walking straight paths,
He has treasured away their salvation,
And He’ll shield them wherever they travel,
8 Since He guards the ways of
the righteous,
And protects those that show Him respect.
9 Then, you’ll understand
justice and judgments,
And set yourself on a course to do good.
10 Now,
should you decide to make wisdom your goal…
If your soul decides to search for perception…
11 If you’ll choose to follow
good council,
And if you’ll be careful to do holy things…
12 From evil ways, this will
save you,
And from [the wiles] of men that tell lies.
13 They’re
the ones who’ve abandoned straight paths,
And in ways of darkness, they’ve chosen to walk.
14 For, badness is what makes
them happy,
And about what’s perverse, they rejoice.
15 All of their pathways are
crooked,
And curved are all of their tracks.
16 Away from straight paths,
they will lead you,
And from righteous plans, they’ll drive you away.
So, don’t let bad council mislead you…
17 Rather, [follow] the things
that you’ve learned since your youth,
And don’t overlook God’s Sacred Agreement.
18 There are
women that put death near their homes,
For the things that they do lead to the grave.
19 Those that approach them
will never return,
For they’ll not turn back to straight paths…
From the road of life, they have strayed.
20 But,
smooth are the roads that the righteous have found;
For the meek will inherit the land,
And the honest are those who’ll remain there.
21 Then, only the upright will
camp in the land,
And those who’ll remain are the holy.
22
Disrespectful ways will be gone,
And those that break laws will be banished.
Chapter 3
1 O son;
Don’t forget the laws [that I’ve shown you],
And keep the things that I’ve said in your heart;
2 For, this will add length to
your life.
Yes, you will live [many] years,
And peace will be added to you.
3 May
charity and faith never fail you…
If around your neck, you will tie them
And write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 You will find the favor [of
God].
Before Jehovah and men
You should always plan to do what is good.
5 Wholeheartedly trust in your
God,
And on your own wisdom, never rely.
6 Keep sight
of [wisdom] in all of your ways;
For before you, she cuts a straight path.
7 So, in your own skills, never
trust…
Fear God and turn from all that is bad.
8 Then, healing will come to
your body,
And care will be shown to your bones.
9 You must
always honor Jehovah…
Work hard at doing what’s good.
As first fruits, offer Him your righteousness ways,
10 Then with grain, your stores
will be filled,
And wine will gush from your vats.
11
O son;
Never take lightly instructions from God,
Or be upset when He disciplines you.
12 For Jehovah loves those who
accept His correction,
And He whips those whom He welcomes as sons.
13 The man
that finds wisdom is blest,
As is the mortal that’s smarter.
14 She’s a better trade than
silver or gold,
15 And she’s worth more than
all that’s expensive.
Nothing of value is worth more than her;
16 For long life and survival
are in her right hand,
And in her left, is glory and wealth.
Out of her mouth flows true justice;
On her tongue, there is mercy and law.
17 Goodness is found in her
ways,
And all of her paths lead to peace.
18 She’s a
tree of life to all who’ll grab hold
(Those leaning on her as they do on the Lord)…
They’re the ones who’ll get away safely.
19 For in
wisdom, God founded the earth,
And with intelligence, He assembled the skies.
20 By His perceptions, the
valleys were formed,
As dew flowed down from the clouds.
21 So, don’t
let my council slip by…
Pay attention and learn to gain insight;
22 Then, the
person you are will continue to live
And [God’s] favor will be tied ‘round your neck.
For, to your flesh, this brings healing,
And comfort to all of your bones.
23 Then,
peace will follow in all of your ways,
And your feet will never be stumbled.
24 When you sit, it will
be without any fear;
And when you lie down, your sleep will bring rest.
25
You won’t tremble at terrible things,
Nor will the godless push you aside.
26 For Jehovah will watch all
your ways
And make straight paths for your feet,
So you will never stumble and fall.
27 And don’t
overlook those who are poor
When you have what they need in your hands.
28 Don’t say,
‘You should come back tomorrow…
I’ll give you what you need at some other time.’
Give them what’s good when you have it,
So you’ll never see the birth of what’s evil.
29 And never
plot to do bad to a friend,
Or to those with whom you must travel…
Those who’ve put trust in you.
30 Nor should you quarrel without a
good reason,
So people don’t try to get even.
31 Don’t
follow the evil of those you despise,
Or ever be jealous of the bad things they do.
32 Since Jehovah considers
lawbreakers unclean,
The righteous should not sit among them.
33 The
houses of those that show no respect
Have all been cursed by the Lord,
While the homes of the righteous are blest.
34 For Jehovah opposes the
proud,
And shows favor to those that are humble.
35 So the wise will inherit all glory,
While the godless will just get dishonor.
Chapter 4
1 O child;
Hear the words of your father!
Listen, so you can gain insight!
2 For I’m going to give you a
gift,
And from these instructions, don’t stray!
3 I was also
the son of a father,
And one that was loved by his mother;
4 So, by them both, I was
taught.
[They said], ‘Keep our words in your heart…
Do not forget our instructions!
5
You should seek knowledge and wisdom…
Don’t forget or ignore the words from our mouths,
Or ever turn aside from these things!
6 Stick with this way, do not
leave it…
Love it with passion and you’ll be kept [safe].’
7 Wisdom is
the basis for all [that is good];
So with all you acquire, gain wisdom!
And among all the things you possess,
Be sure that you gain understanding!
8 Build her a fort and she’ll
lift you…
Hold her in esteem and she’ll watch over you…
She’ll place a garland on your head…
9 A luxurious crown that will
shield you.
10 Hear, O
son, and receive all my words;
For they’ll multiply the years of your life,
And many ways, you’ll then understand.
11 I’m
teaching you the ways of the wise…
On you, I’m piling tracks that are straight,
12 So the ways that you go will
not hem you in,
Or ever be a block to your footsteps;
Thus, when you must run, you won’t tire.
13 Grab my
instructions and don’t let them go…
Hold them tight for yourself and your life!
14 Don’t
follow in the ways of the godless
Or be jealous of the ways of lawbreakers.
15 Don’t go to places where
they hang out…
16 Yes, alter your course and
divert;
For they will not sleep until they’ve done wrong.
And since they can’t sleep, they don’t go to bed…
17 On the grain of irreverence,
they feed,
And on the wine of lawless ways, they get drunk.
18 But the
ways of the righteous are like light…
They illuminate and shine until morning.
19 While the ways of the
irreverent are dark,
And they don’t know how often they stumble.
20 O son;
Pay attention to the things that I’m saying
And listen to my words with your ears;
21 For then, your wells will
not fail you.
Yes, store them deep in your heart,
22 For those who find them will
live,
And to your flesh, they’ll bring healing.
23 With all
the things that you guard,
Pay close attention to your heart,
Because it’s the source of your life.
24 From your
mouth, remove all that’s crooked,
And keep unrighteous lips far away.
25 Let your eyes always look
straight ahead…
And don’t let their lids wink at injustice.
26 Make
straight tracks for your feet,
And straighten out all of your paths.
27 Don’t turn aside to the
right or the left…
Just turn your feet from what’s bad.
For God knows the ways that are righteous,
And those that pervert them, He puts on His left.
But if you’ll choose to make your tracks straight,
He’ll lead you in ways that bring peace.
Chapter 5
1 O son; pay
attention to my wisdom
And lend your ears to my words
So that you can understand clearly…
2 Then my lips will tell you
the things I’ve perceived.
To bad women, you should pay no attention!
3 For the lips of a whore drip
with honey,
Which may fatten the throat for a while…
4 But then, you’ll find them more
bitter than bile
And sharper than a double-edged sword.
5 Foolish
are the feet of those turning to her,
For this leads to death and the grave…
And the tracks aren’t easily noticed.
6 Her ways do not lead to life,
And the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.
7 O son,
please listen to me…
Don’t ignore these things that I’m saying!
8 From them, you should stay
far away…
Don’t approach the doors to their homes
9 So you don’t pass your life
onto others
And share your vigor with those who lack mercy.
10 No, don’t
fill a stranger with your vigor…
Your strength shouldn’t enter [a whore]…
11 For you’ll then be sorry when
your flesh falls away.
12 And you’ll say, ‘How I hated to
be told…
How discipline [bothered] my heart…
13 So I wouldn’t accept their
correction,
And my ears wouldn’t hear the things I was taught.
14 So, little by little, I
fell into bad
And away from [God’s] congregation.’
15 O son;
Drink water from your own jar…
Just that which flows from your own well!
16 Let the waters of your
springs overflow…
Carry your own water when you go to the squares!
17 Let it be
yours all alone…
Do not share it with strangers!
18 Let your spring be just
yours alone,
And find joy in the wife of your youth…
19 Your favorite filly, and
your friendly hind.
Let her share conversation with you…
Hold her high and keep her nearby,
For this friendship will mean a great deal.
20 Do not
spend time with strange women,
And never hold one that’s not yours.
21 For the eyes of God watch
the ways of a man,
And He’s tracking the things that we do.
22 Unlawful
acts are a snare to all men,
And for your sins, you’ll be wrapped up in chains.
23 Those that don’t learn this
will come to their end,
And then they will lose all they own…
They’ll perish in their own foolish ways.
Chapter 6
1 O son;
When you co-sign a loan for a friend,
You’ve put yourself in your enemy’s hands.
2 From your own lips you’ve
been captured and snared…
By words that came from your own mouth.
3 O son;
Save yourself by heeding my words.
For, if you choose to do such a thing,
Into evil hands, you will fall.
Don’t leave yourself [in such a position];
For you’ll find that you’ll even anger your friend…
The one for whom you co-signed the loan!
4 So, don’t
let your eyes go to sleep
5 Or allow your eyelids to
slumber,
Before you’ve escaped like a doe from a noose,
And as wild fowl from a snare.
6 Lazy one;
You should learn from the ant…
Feel zeal when you see what he does.
Yes, you should become just like him…
But, you should also be wiser!
7 For he
doesn’t own his own farm,
And he has no one to urge him to work,
Nor is he under a master.
8 But, during the summer, he
gathers much food,
As he prepares to feast in the harvest.
9 O lazy
one;
How much longer will you continue to lie there…
Yes, when will you awaken from sleep?
10 You sit for a while, then
rest for a while,
And after a while, you slumber
With your hands and arms on your chest,
11 As poverty overtakes you
like a mugger,
And lack catches you like a sprinter.
12 A man (a
fool and lawbreaker)
Will travel in ways that are evil.
13 He beckons with his eyes,
Makes signs with his feet,
And teaches with the motions of his fingers.
14 He plans
to do bad, since his heart is perverse,
And he brings disturbance into his own city.
15 But because of this, his
death will come soon…
He’ll be cut off and not be brought back,
16 Since he rejoices over
things that God hates.
He’ll be destroyed, since his life
is unclean…
17 Because his eyes are
insulting…
Because his tongue is unrighteous…
Because his hands have shed righteous blood…
18 Because his heart conspires
to do bad
And his feet have run to do evil.
19 When [a
man] tells a lie [in a courtroom],
This unrighteous witness lights fires,
And between even brothers, brings lawsuits.
20 O son,
guard the laws of your father,
And don’t cast aside the rules of your mother!
21 Fasten them tight to your
soul…
Tie them around your neck with a cord!
22 Bring them
along wherever you walk,
And make sure they are always nearby.
When you sleep, you should let them keep watch,
And have them remind you when you arise.
23 For the
Law’s Commandments are a lamp and a light…
They are a complete way of life!
They’re correction and instruction to guard you
24 From bad women who are
already married,
And from the distractions that come from strange tongues.
25 Don’t let
their beauty entice you…
Do not get trapped by the things you can see,
Or be beguiled by their eyes.
26 For, less than bread is the
value of a whore,
And a woman of men ensnares precious lives.
27 Can a man
light a fire upon his own chest
Without it burning his clothes?
28 Can someone walk on live
coals
Without them consuming his feet?
29 For, when
you [have sex with] another man’s wife,
That’s what will happen to you,
Since none that touch her are found free from guilt.
30 It’s no
surprise when someone’s caught stealing,
For, to fill a hungry soul, men will steal.
31 Then, when they’re caught,
seven times they’ll repay…
They’ll give all they own to be saved.
32 But by
the lack of good sense,
The man that’s committing adultery,
Upon himself, brings destruction.
33 For he suffers both grief
and dishonor,
And his scorn will not be forgotten
Through the rest of the age.
34 Because
of the jealous rage of her man,
He won’t be spared in the day that he’s judged.
35 And because of the hate of
this person,
He’ll not be able to bargain,
Nor will many gifts buy his freedom.
Chapter 7
1 O son;
Keep my words and commandments…
Hide them inside of yourself!
2 Have deep respect for
Jehovah,
And He will make you grow stronger…
In addition to Him, fear no other!
Keep His commands and live [a long] life…
Like the pupil of your eye, guard His words.
3 Wrap them around all your
fingers,
And inscribe them in the depths of your heart.
4 Also guard
wisdom as your own sister
And intelligence as your best friend,
5 So they’ll keep you away from
strange women,
As well as from all that is wicked.
Then, about you, good things will be said.
6 She leans
from the window of her house on the square,
7 And whenever she views
foolish offspring
(Young men that are lacking good sense)
8 Passing the corner near the
path to her house;
9 She speaks from the darkness
of the evening,
When all are at rest in the dimness of night.
10 She meets
with him and she looks like a whore,
And the young man’s heart starts to flutter.
11 She’s so enticing and
carnal…
But, don’t let your feet stop by her [door].
12 At times,
she’ll stray outside of her house,
And stand on the corner of the square.
13 There she reaches out and
she fondles,
And with an impudent face she might say:
14 ‘A
sacrifice of peace, I must offer,
And today, I must render my vows…
15 So, that’s why I’ve met up
with you.
I noticed your face [as you’re passing],
And I came over here just to find you.
16 ‘Now,
while I was sewing, I laid out my bed,
And spread it with sheets [made in] Egypt.
17 With saffron, I sprinkled my
bed,
And cinnamon, I’ve put ‘round my house.
18 ‘So, come
and enjoy my friendship ‘til dawn…
Come, and we’ll wrap up in passion!
19 For, my husband isn’t at
home…
He’s gone away on a journey.
20 He left with a bundle of
silver,
And he’ll not be back for several more days.’
21 She leads
him astray and acts like a friend,
While tying a noose ‘round his neck.
By the words from her lips, she then reels him in;
22 And he follows like an ox to
the slaughter…
Like a dog that’s being led on a leash,
Or a stag that’s been shot in the liver.
23 So he hurries like fowl
toward a snare,
Not knowing that he’s running for his life.
24 Now, hear
and pay close attention
To the sayings that come from my mouth!
25 Don’t turn aside to her ways
in your heart,
And don’t be misled by her wiles.
26 Many she’s
stabbed through and then thrown away…
Unnumbered are those whom she’s murdered.
27 Her house is on the road to
the grave,
And it leads to the storeroom of death.
Chapter 8
1 If you
will call out for wisdom,
Intelligence will also obey you!
2 He is higher than all of the
others,
And he stands in the midst of all roads.
3 He is the
home of the mighty,
And in their doorway, he sings:
4 ‘O men, I will bring comfort
to you,
And I’ll sing this aloud to your sons:
5 All you guileless should
learn to be shrewd,
And the unlearned should store it deep in their hearts.
6 ‘So, you
should listen to me,
For I’m speaking of serious things…
From my lips comes something that’s true!
7 So my throat will be speaking
truly,
Since those with lying lips, I have hated.
8 ‘Righteous
are the sayings that come from my mouth…
Nothing in them is crooked or evil.
9 So the discerning should
stand face to face
With the one who is teaching them knowledge.
10 ‘Seek
instruction, not silver…
Put knowledge above proven gold!
11 And wisdom is better than
most precious gems…
Nothing is worth more than it,
12 Since wisdom camps with
counsel and knowledge!’
‘And as I’m reflecting, I’ll say this:
13 Those fearing Jehovah will hate all injustice,
As well as insolence and pride,
And ways that lead to what’s evil…
For He hates the perversions of those that do bad.
14 ‘Council
and safety are mine!
Intelligence and strength are mine also!
15 For by me, the kings start
their reigns,
And the mighty write about justice.
16 ‘By me,
the great become sovereigns…
Through me, they rule the whole earth.
17 Those fond of me are always
beloved,
And those who seek me find favor.
18 ‘By me,
wealth and glory exist,
As well as the lands of the just.
19 So the blest will gather my
fruitage
Before seeking gold or rare gems…
For my reward is better than silver.
20 ‘I walk
in the ways of the righteous
And return in the pathways of reason.
21 I provide for all those that
love me,
And I fill their treasuries with things that are good.
22 ‘I’ll
proclaim what happens each day,
And I’ll speak of the things of the ages.
For, by Jehovah, I came to be,
And He made the head of His ways…
I’m the one [in charge] of His works.
23 ‘In the
beginning, He made me,
Before this age came to be…
Before He decreed the creation of lands…
24 Before He made the abysses,
And before the springs gushed with water.
25 ‘Yes, I
was fathered by Him
Before the mountains and hills…
26 Before He made the places to
live,
Or the ends of man’s home under the skies.
27 ‘As He
was preparing the heavens,
I’m the one who presented them to Him.
Then He placed His throne on the winds,
28 And moved clouds above with
His strength.
‘Then He made all the springs under the skies,
29 And set limits for the waters
of the seas,
So they couldn’t cross over their borders.
And when the foundations of the earth were made strong,
I’m the one that stood there beside Him.
30 ‘By Him,
all things worked together,
And He found joy in them all.
Each day that I stood there before Him,
In this, I also found much delight.
31 Then He was pleased when He
finished man’s home,
And over sons of men, He was happy.’
32 Now,
listen to me, O my son:
Blest are those that are guarding his ways!
33 Learn from wisdom and you
will be wise…
Do not cover it over!
Blest is the man that listens to it…
The man that guards all its ways…
34 The one that’s awake at its
entrance each day,
And that pays close attention at its doors!
35 For,
those that seek it find life
And receive the favor of God!
36 But, those who are sinning
against it
Are disrespecting their souls…
All who hate it are lovers of death.
Chapter 9
1 Wisdom has
built a house for himself,
And atop seven columns, he’s propped it.
2 He has offered the needed
sacrifices…
He has mixed the wine in their jars,
And he has readied his table.
3 Then he sends his servants to
call [all the guests],
And with a grand proclamation, he says:
4 ‘All you who are foolish;
turn here to me!’
5 He says to
those that are lacking good sense:
‘Come eat my bread and drink my wine
That I have mixed up for you!
6 Stop being a fool, become
smarter,
So you will live a long time…
Get straight with wisdom and knowledge!’
7 Those that
attempt to straighten the godless,
Upon themselves, bring dishonor.
For, when you scold those who have no respect,
You just make a fool of yourself.
8 So, don’t
scold those who are evil,
For they will just start to detest you!
But, reprove the wise and they’ll love you…
9 Give them help and they will
be wiser…
An explanation to those that are righteous,
Will thereafter, bring them much more.
10 Wisdom
starts with the fear of Jehovah,
And counsel about holiness brings understanding.
Also, knowledge of the Law is good to consider;
11 For if you learn it, you’ll
live a long time…
Many years, it will add to your life.
12 O son; if
you choose to seek wisdom,
You will make yourself wise.
But, if you choose to seek evil,
You’ll just bring bad things on yourself.
13 A woman
without food who is foolish and bold,
Has no knowledge of shame.
14 She sits at the door of her
house in a chair
To make herself seen in the square.
15 Then she
calls out to those that pass on the street,
And to those that are walking straight paths:
16 ‘You who are the most
foolish;
Turn aside and come here to me!’
She arouses the stupid by saying,
17 ‘You’ll touch secret bread
loaves in pleasure,
And steal sweet water to drink!’
18 But the
thing that they don’t understand,
Is that she brings destruction upon earthly men…
That she’s perching them on the edge to the grave!
Chapter 10
1 A wise son
gladdens a father;
But a foolish son brings his mother distress.
2 Treasures
bring no help to the lawless;
But, they can rescue the righteous from death.
3 Jehovah
won’t let the righteous go hungry;
But, impious ways [lead to famine].
4 Poverty
humbles a man;
But, hard-working hands will enrich him.
Correcting a son makes him wiser;
So the foolish, he’ll treat as his servants.
5 An
intelligent son will be saved
And he’ll not [have to slave in] sweltering heat;
But wind will destroy all the harvest
Of the son who is a lawbreaker.
6 Jehovah
sends blessing to the heads of the righteous,
And mourning to the mouths of the wicked.
7 The
righteous are remembered and commended;
While the names of the irreverent will perish.
8 A wise
heart does as it’s told;
But, back-talking lips will be stumbled.
9 For those
who comply, things go easy;
But, resistance will not be forgotten.
10 The eye
that winks at bad things
Is creating distress for the rest.
But, the man who openly scolds,
Is the one that is bringing them peace.
11 Mouths of
the righteous are like springs of life;
But a mouth that curses, leads to destruction.
12 Hatred
leads to a war;
But, those that won’t fight create friendships.
13 Those
whose lips bring forth wisdom
Are beating the heartless with a stick.
14 The wise
learn to hide their perceptions;
But, mouths that speak rashly, bring destruction.
15 The rich
man’s wealth is his fortress,
While poverty brings ruin to the poor.
16 The deeds
of the righteous bring life,
While the fruit of the irreverent brings sin.
17 Following
instructions leads you to life;
For, without instructions, you’ll stray.
18 Righteous
lips cover your hatred;
But, those that shout insults are fools.
19 A sin can’t
be covered with many words;
So it’s wise for your lips to say little.
20 A
righteous tongue is like refined silver,
But the hearts of the irreverent are worthless.
21 The lips
of the righteous speak of high things,
While fools die for the lack of understanding.
22 Jehovah
blesses the heads of the righteous…
He enriches and brings no distress to their hearts.
23 The fool
will laugh when he’s doing what’s bad;
But, wisdom makes a man act much smarter.
24 By
destruction, the impious are carried away,
While the righteous will receive the things that they crave.
25 A blast
will come to destroy the impious;
But the righteous will turn and escape in that age.
26 As green
grapes are bad for your teeth,
And smoke is bad for your eyes;
So are lawless ways to those that are harmed.
27 The fear
of Jehovah adds days to your life,
While the lives of the irreverent are shortened by years.
28 Happiness
stays with the righteous,
While the irreverent one’s hopes are destroyed.
29 Jehovah’s
a fort of those that show mercy,
But a ruin to those that are doing what’s bad.
30 The
righteous will live through the ages;
But the impious will not live long in the land.
31 From the
mouths of the righteous, drips wisdom,
While unrighteous tongues lead to ruin.
32 From the
lips of the righteous comes loving care;
But rejection comes from the mouths of the godless.
Chapter 11
1 Dishonest
scales are disgusting to [God]…
Fair weights are what He approves.
2 Those that
shout insults show their dishonor,
While the mouths of the humble speak wisely.
3 The righteous leave no regrets when they die;
But, the irreverent are ridiculed when they’re gone.
4 The
perfection of the righteous will guide them,
While the Godless are plundered by failure…
In the day of [God’s] rage, their possessions will fail,
As the righteous are rescued from death.
5 Holiness
keeps the righteous on their straight paths;
But by their godless ways, the unrighteous fail.
6 The right
ways of the good is what saves them;
But the thoughtless ways of lawbreakers
Is the thing that leads them to jail.
7 When a
righteous man comes to his end,
The things that he’s hoped for are never destroyed.
But the boastful ways of the godless
Will soon bring about their destruction.
8 When the
righteous are saved from a trap,
The irreverent thereafter fall in it.
9 The mouths
of the irreverent are snares to their friends;
But the mouths of the righteous bring blessings.
10 By the
good of the righteous, a city is born,
And the destruction of the irreverent brings it joy.
11 By the praises of the upright, a city is raised;
But the mouths of the impious tear it back down.
12 A
senseless man sneers at his comrades;
But, an intelligent man leads them to rest.
13 A
double-tongued man reveals other’s plans,
While the trustworthy keep matters hidden.
14 Those
with no guidance will fall like the leaves;
But, salvation is found [by seeking] advice.
15 The
wicked act badly among righteous men,
And the sounds of their safety, they hate.
16 A
praiseworthy woman brings glory to her man,
But those hating what’s right, bring dishonor.
The lazy will never be wealthy,
While those that work hard will be rich.
17 A
merciful man brings good to his soul,
While the merciless bring themselves ruin.
18 The
impious receive what is wrong as their wage,
While the seed of the righteous is their reward.
19 A
righteous son will gain life,
While an irreverent son will bring his own death.
20 Twisted
ways are disgusting to [God]…
He just approves of those who walk in straight paths.
21 Those who
lay hands on another for bad reasons
Will not go unpunished for their evil ways.
But, those that are fair are assured a reward.
22 As a gold
ring in the snout of a pig
Is a pretty woman with evil desires.
23 The
righteous will receive what is good,
While the hopes of the godless will perish.
24 There are
those who’ll plant seeds and reap more…
But, there are some that will also reap less.
25 A
generous man will be blest…
For, those that water will be watered.
26 A man that
hoards grain will leave it to [others],
While the heads of those that share it are blest.
27 Those
planning to do good, seek its blessings;
But, those that plan to do evil,
Will be captured by those who do what is good.
28 Those that
trust in their wealth won’t succeed;
But, those that help the righteous will last.
29 The man
that doesn’t love those in his own home
Will just inherit the wind…
To the intelligent, he’ll be just a fool and a slave.
30 From the
tree of life, the righteous [gather] fruit,
While the souls of the lawless are lost.
31 If the
righteous will be saved [by the skin of their teeth];
What hope is there for the impious and sinners?
Chapter 12
1 Those who
love to be taught, love understanding,
While those hating correction are fools.
2 Those who
find the favor of [God]
Are the ones who’ll receive what is best,
While the lawless just get condemnation.
3 Those that
break laws won’t endure;
While the righteous will not be uprooted.
4 A virtuous
woman is a crown to her man;
But, one that is bad will eat him away
Like a worm that is boring through wood.
5 True
judgments are the ways of the righteous,
And treacherous are the ways of the godless.
6 The
impious lie in wait to shed blood,
While righteous mouths offer protection.
7 When the
irreverent lose, they just pass away,
While the homes of the righteous remain.
8 The mouths
of the discerning are praised by all men,
While those with dull hearts are just sneered at.
9 It’s best
for the dishonored to be servants
Than be too proud and go without bread.
10 The
righteous are concerned for the lives of their cattle,
While the impious feel no compassion or mercy.
11 Those that
work their ground will eat bread,
While those that chase vain things go hungry.
There are those that drink wine as their pastime…
But they leave their honor behind.
12 The
desires of the impious are evil;
But the roots of those that show deep respect
Will become strongly entrenched.
13 By the
sins of his lips, a sinner is snared,
While the righteous will flee from such things.
14 From the
fruits of his mouth, a man’s soul receives good…
He’ll be repaid for the things his lips say.
15 Fools
will follow in their own ways,
While the wise will follow advice.
16 A fool
bares his rage before all,
But the wise will hide his dishonor.
17 The
righteous put trust in telling the truth;
But an unrighteous witness will lie.
18 There are
some that speak as though stabbing with swords,
While the tongues of the wise send healing.
19 Lips that
are straight will speak what is true,
While unrighteous lips are too hasty.
20 Those
planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts,
While those planning peace will find joy.
21 Injustice
displeases the righteous,
While the godless [find pleasure] in all that is bad.
22 Lying
lips are disgusting to [God]…
He only accepts those whose lips He can trust.
23 The wise
don’t show all the things that they know;
But the hearts of fools blurt their folly.
24 Hands
that are honest, easily win,
While the hands of the deceitful are plundered.
25 Frightful
words disturb hearts of men,
But a message that’s good brings them joy.
26 A friend
is one that suggests what is right.
But, sinners support evil and impious ways.
27 A
deceitful man won’t get what he wants,
While those with pure hearts will be wealthy.
28 The ways
of the righteous lead them to life…
From death, it turns them away.
Chapter 13
1 A wise son
does as his father directs,
While those that won’t listen will meet with destruction.
2 From the
fruit of righteous lips, good people will eat,
As the lives of the lawless are all wiped away.
3 Those that
keep watch on the things that they say
Are also keeping watch on their lives;
While those who let their lips go
Are turning their lives into failure.
4 While idle
men think of the things that they want,
Hardworking hands bring results.
5 The
righteous hate words that aren’t true,
While the lies of the wicked bring themselves shame.
6
Righteousness guards the ways of the honest,
While the irreverent are led into sin.
7 There are
those that seek wealth and get nothing;
And there are those who put themselves low that get rich.
8 A man’s
wealth may be used to ransom his life,
While the poor have nothing to fear.
9 The righteous
will always have light,
While the light of the irreverent is extinguished.
10 Those
practicing evil, [shout] insults,
While the wise argue just with themselves.
11 Things
gained in haste by the lawless
Will soon lose all of their value,
As things that are gathered by the righteous
Will keep on growing in worth.
12 Those that
plan in their hearts to help others
Are better than those that just promise
And raise [false] hopes in [the poor].
A tree of life is the will to do good;
13 But those that hate to do
what is right
Will be hated for that very same reason.
Those that deceive will get nothing good,
While the wise ways of a servant will prosper.
14 The Law
is a well of life to the wise,
Which turns them away from death’s snares.
15 Understanding
what’s good, brings [God’s] favor…
Knowing and considering [His] Law, is what’s good.
But the roads of all those that hate it
Are the paths that lead to destruction.
16 A wise
man acts on the things he has learned,
While the fool continues in his evil ways.
17 A hasty
king will find trouble…
But wise counselors can save him from this.
18 Poverty
and dishonor are removed by instruction,
And those following correction, will be blest.
19 The
irreverent desire whatever delights them.
But, ignorance is all they accomplish.
20 Those who
travel with the wise will be wise,
While those traveling with fools will also be fools.
21 Sinners
will do evil things.
While the righteous will do what is good.
22 A good
man will inherit the sons of his sons,
And the wealth of the impious is reserved for the righteous.
23 The
righteous will spend many years with their wealth,
While the wicked will suddenly perish.
24 Those who
don’t spank them, dislike their sons,
While those that love them give careful correction.
25 The
righteous will eat and make their lives full,
As the lives of the godless go lacking.
Chapter 14
1 A woman
that’s wise will strengthen her home;
But the foolish rips theirs down with their own hands.
2 Those on
straight paths fear Jehovah,
While those on crooked paths [truly] hate Him.
3 From the
mouth of a fool comes an insult,
While the lips of the wise hold it back.
4 Where
there are no cattle, the stables are clean;
But the strength of the ox is apparent
In barns that are prospering well.
5 A
trustworthy witness won’t lie;
But a lying witness will commit other sins.
6 The bad
who seek wisdom, won’t find it;
But, to the discerning, it comes easily.
7 Whatever
the foolish say will be wrong;
But wise lips are the weapons of those with good sense.
8 From their
wisdom, the wise get direction,
While fools are misled by their own thoughtless ways.
9 The homes
of the lawless need cleaning,
While the homes of the righteous are worthy of praise.
10 A man
whose heart is easily hurt
Will always be in distress.
But, insults won’t bother a heart filled with joy.
11 The homes
of the impious will meet with destruction,
While the tents of the upright will last.
12 There are
ways that may seem straight to a man,
But they end in the depths of the grave.
13 Bold
hearts are always filled with their ways,
While a good man is filled with his thoughts.
14 –
15 A
gullible man believes every word,
While the wise will think it all through.
16 In fear,
a wise man will turn from what’s bad,
While a fool gives in and breaks laws.
17 A man
prone to rage will act without thought,
While the wise will endure many things.
18 A fool
will share in doing what’s bad,
While the wise will maintain their good sense.
19 Evil
men slip in among those who are good,
And the irreverent watch the doors of the righteous.
20 Friends
dislike friends that are poor,
While many are the friends of the rich.
21 Those that
dishonor the needy are sinners,
While those that show mercy are blest.
22 Those that
stray, contrive evil schemes,
While the good contrive mercy and truth.
The bad have no mercy or faith,
While the good are generous and trusting.
23 For those
that care, there’s more than enough,
While those that seek pleasure are lacking.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth;
But, evil is the pastime of fools.
25 A trustworthy
witness snatches lives from the evil,
While a deceitful man will just lie.
26 Those that
trust in the strength of Jehovah,
Will leave an inheritance for their children.
27 The rules
of Jehovah are life-giving springs
That lead men away from death’s snares.
28 A
prosperous nation brings glory to its king;
But a nation in want brings him ruin.
29 An
intelligent man forgives freely;
But a faint-hearted man [holds a grudge].
30 A
practical man is a healer of hearts;
But a sensitive man is a moth to the bones.
31 The man
that’s extorting the needy
Is provoking the One by whom he was made;
But, those whom He holds in esteem
Are the ones that show mercy to the poor.
32 For their
evil, the irreverent will be shunned,
While the righteous will be looked on as holy.
33 In the
heart of a good man, rests wisdom,
Which can’t be found in the heart of a fool.
34 Justice
will build up a nation;
But, sinners will bring its decline.
35 Wise
counselors are [a joy to] the king,
For they can remove his dishonor
In very ingenious ways.
Chapter 15
1 Even the
smart are destroyed by their rage;
For harsh words will make others angry,
While an answer that’s mild turns back rage.
2 Tongues of
the wise bring forth knowledge;
But the mouths of fools just speak evil.
3 The eyes
of Jehovah see all…
He watches both the good and the bad.
4 A tree of
life, is the tongue that brings healing…
Those that have it are filled with [God’s] Breath.
5 A fool
will sneer at his father’s instructions,
While the wise will do what he says.
Where there’s justice, [a nation] is strong,
For the irreverent will be rooted out of their land.
6 There is
strength in the homes of the righteous,
While the fruits of the impious bring them ruin.
7 The lips
of the wise are bound by good sense;
But, the hearts of fools can’t be trusted.
8 Sacrifices
of the irreverent are disgusting to God…
He accepts just the vows of those who walk straight.
9 The ways of
the irreverent are disgusting to God;
But He loves those who do what is righteous.
10 Those that
heed the instructions of the guileless
Will be the ones that follow straight paths.
Those who dislike correction
Will come to their end in disgrace.
11 Of destruction
and the grave, God has warned us;
So, why isn’t this in the hearts of all men?
12 The
ignorant hate those who correct them,
And they don’t wish to stay near the wise.
13 A happy
heart makes a face shine;
But a heart in distress makes it downcast.
14 An
upright heart will seek understanding;
But an ignorant heart knows just evil.
15 Evil eyes
enjoy seeing what’s evil,
While the [eyes] of the good [search for] peace.
16 It’s better
to have little and the fear of Jehovah,
Than to have great treasures and no fear of God.
17 It’s
better to eat vegetables in a place where there’s love,
Than to dine on calves where there’s hatred.
18 An
outraged man is ready to fight;
But, with an apology, he can be soothed.
A forgiving man prevents lawsuits,
While the irreverent would rather create them.
19 The roads
of the lazy lead into thorns,
As the industrious travel on busy highways.
20 A wise
son brings joy to his father;
But a foolish son sneers at his mother.
21 The paths
of the unthinking don’t make any sense;
But the ways of the wise lead them in a straight line.
22 From the
hearts of advisors, there’s much to be [learned];
23 But a man who is bad won’t
[take their advice],
Nor will he learn from what’s useful.
For to him, what’s good is mundane.
24 The
thoughts of the discerning lead men to life,
And they’ll turn a man back from the grave.
25 Jehovah
tears down the homes of the proud,
While He gives support to the widows.
26 The ways
of the unrighteous are disgusting to God…
He only respects the requests of the pure.
27 Those that
takes bribes, bring themselves ruin,
While those that hate them are saved.
Mercy and faith wipe away sins,
And the fear of Jehovah turns us from bad.
28 Faithful
hearts think of what’s righteous,
While irreverent mouths speak of what’s evil.
The ways of the righteous are accepted by God…
By them, even enemies become friends.
29 From the
irreverent, God stays far away;
But He hears the vows of the righteous.
It’s better to be fair and gain little
Than to gain many things through injustice.
30 An eye
that sees good, brings joy to the heart,
And good news puts fat on the bones.
31 Those that
heed the corrections of life
Will find themselves lodging with those who are wise.
32 Those who
won’t listen to instruction,
Really don’t care for themselves,
While those that heed correction, love life.
33 The fear
of Jehovah is instruction and wisdom…
Heeding Him is the sum of all glory,
And the humble will be led to this glory.
Chapter 16
1 May hearts
of men consider what’s righteous,
So that God can set their feet on straight paths.
2 The deeds
of the humble are apparent to God…
But He’ll destroy the irreverent in His day.
3, 4, –
5 To God,
proud hearts are unclean,
And He will never forgive
Those who lay their hands on another unjustly.
6 Goodness
starts with doing what’s right…
7 It’s better than offering
sacrifices.
8 Those
seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justice…
Those that righteously seek Him, find peace.
9 A man’s
heart is what sets his direction,
But Jehovah sets the course for his feet.
10 Though a
curse may be on the lips of a king,
His mouth must not err in his judgments.
11 A scale
that gives a true measure
Is something that’s righteous with God…
And His ways require honest weights.
12 The king
is disgusted by those that are bad,
For the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.
13 Righteous
lips are what the king will accept…
Your lord loves things that are straight.
14 The rage
of a king is a messenger of death;
But a man that is wise can appease him.
15 The sons
of a king are the light of his life,
For to Him, those he loves are like gentle rain.
16 Sources
of wisdom are better than gold,
And understanding is worth more than silver.
17 The road
[to long] life avoids what is bad,
And righteous ways lead to growing old.
Those willing to learn are counted as good,
And those accepting correction are thought of as wise.
The man that keeps watch on his ways
Is someone that’s protecting his soul…
So, those that love life will watch what [they say].
18 Insolent
ways lead to destruction,
And evil thoughts lead to a downfall.
19 It’s
better to share a little with the meek
Than to share great spoils with the haughty.
20 The
discerning are inventers of good things,
And those yielding to God find His blessings.
21 Though
the vile may shout to the wise and discerning,
Those with sweet words are the ones they will hear.
22
Understanding brings life to its seekers,
While the instruction of fools brings bad results.
23 From
their own mouths, the hearts of wise learn,
And from their own lips, they’ll gain knowledge.
24 Sweet
words are like combs filled with honey,
For their sweetness brings healing to the soul.
25 There are
ways that may seem straight to a man,
But they end on the road to the grave.
26 A
hardworking man works for himself,
And this leads him from poverty,
As the rest wear failure over their mouths.
27 The
foolish search for what’s evil,
And to their own lips, they bring fire.
28 A man that
is crooked spreads evil…
With treachery, he lights many fires,
And in this, he drives friends apart.
29 A
lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test,
And he leads them into corruption.
30 for his eyes are fixed as he
plans to do wrong,
And he confirms what’s bad with his lips…
Such a man is a furnace of evil.
31 Old age
is a crown of which one can boast
When it’s found among those who are righteous.
32 It’s
better to be forgiving than strong,
And smartness is better than owning much land.
But, better than taking a city,
Is the ability to keep your temper in check.
33
Unrighteous lips will bring what is bad;
While all that’s good comes from [God].
Chapter 17
1 A scrap of
food that’s eaten in peace
Is better than a house of feasting with fights.
2 Over
foolish masters, a smart slave will win,
And he’ll divide what he takes with his brothers.
3 As silver
and gold are refined in a furnace,
Is how Jehovah tries hearts.
4 A bad man
obeys what lawbreakers say,
And the unrighteous will heed lying lips.
5 Those that
make fun of the poor
Provoke the One by whom they were made.
Those that rejoice at the downfall of others
Won’t [find their sins overlooked];
For, mercy comes to those who show that they care.
6 The crown of old age is grandchildren,
And fathers will boast of their sons.
The arrangements of [God] can be trusted;
But the faithless won’t know how [He] did it.
7
Trustworthy lips aren’t enough for a fool,
Nor will lying lips pleasure the righteous.
8
Instruction pays well to those that will learn,
And all who use it will prosper.
9 Those
covering offenses are looking for love;
But the unforgiving leave family and friends.
10
Intimidation breaks the heart of someone that’s wise;
But a fool that is whipped never learns.
11 All evil
men like to argue;
But against them, Jehovah sends merciless angels.
12 An
intelligent man will be anxious [for right];
But, about evil things, fools will argue.
13 The one
that repays good things with bad,
Will never see evil removed from his home.
14 When a
ruler supports righteous words,
There are fewer fights and divisions.
15 When the
righteous must judge the unjust,
They’ll find them unclean and disgusting.
16 Value
means nothing to fools;
For, in their hearts, there’s no wisdom.
As those that are building tall houses
Make plans for something that will fall…
Evil plans bring the downfall of the crooked.
17 Use your
time to gain friends;
For in bad days, they’ll be your brothers…
It’s for such favor that they have been born!
18 A foolish
man claps and shakes hands,
Then he [co-signs] a loan for a friend.
19 Those
fond of sinning bring strife,
And those with hard hearts bring nothing good.
20 A tongue
that twists words will bring evil,
And the heart of a fool brings grief to himself.
21 A father
won’t be proud of an ignorant son…
But, smart ones bring joy to their mothers.
22 While a
joyful heart brings good health;
A worried heart dries a man’s bones.
23 The
unrighteous want gifts to be dropped in their laps
So that they can pervert true justice.
24 Faces of
the discerning look wise;
But the eyes of the foolish look distant.
25 A foolish
son angers his father
And brings grief to the [mother] that bore him.
26 It is
wrong to penalize the righteous
And unholy to plot against a just king.
27 Those
holding back harsh words show insight,
And a man that concedes shows his wisdom.
28 When an
unthinking man asks a question,
He is often thought of as wise;
And when he refuses to argue,
He’ll be thought of as a person that’s smarter.
Chapter 18
1 Those
making excuses are rejected by friends,
And they’ll always be spoken of poorly.
2 Those
lacking good sense have no use for wisdom;
For, by what’s foolish, they wish to be led.
3 When the irreverent
reach the depths of their evil,
They don’t notice that they’re scorned and dishonored.
4 A word
that touches the heart
Is like very deep water…
Like a river or a life-giving spring.
5 It is evil
to favor the wicked,
And unholy to deny justice to the righteous.
6 A fool’s
lips will lead him toward bad,
And the boldness of his mouth beckons his death.
7 The mouth
of a fool will destroy him,
For his lips are snares to his own soul.
8 The lazy
are easily frightened,
And timid souls will go hungry.
9 A man that
won’t work for himself
Is a brother to the one that brings himself ruin.
10 In the
Name of the Lord there is power…
It’s where the righteous can turn for their
strength.
11 The
wealth of the rich is a fortified town,
And its glory casts a long shadow.
12 Before
his ruin, a man’s heart is proud,
And just before glory, it’s humbled.
13 When a
man replies before hearing,
It’s foolish and it brings him much scorn.
14 A man can
endure a [long] illness;
But, who can endure a spirit that’s worried?
15 The
hearts of the smart gain perception
And the ears of the wise search for insight.
16 When a
man brings a gift, he makes friends,
And he will sit beside rulers.
17 Before
speaking, the righteous examine themselves;
For they know that they’ll be reproved
By those who do not agree.
18 Choosing by lottery ends a dispute
And it defines the boundaries of rulers.
19 A brother
who is helped by his brothers
Is like a high city with fortified walls,
And a castle that’s well-built and strong.
20 From the
fruits of his mouth, a man’s belly is filled…
From the fruits of his lips, he’ll get what he needs.
21 The
handle of the tongue carries both life and death,
And those who fail to restrain it
Will end up eating its fruitage.
22 The man
who’s found a good woman
Has done himself a great favor…
Joy from Jehovah is what he’s received.
The man that sends a good woman away
Doesn’t recognize things that have value;
But the one that keeps an adulteress
Is a foolish and irreverent man.
23 Though
those in need make many requests,
The rich will respond very harshly.
24 A man
should seek many friendships,
For some friends will stick closer than brothers.
Chapter 19
1, 2, –
3 Doing what’s
foolish lays waste to men’s ways;
But in their hearts, they’ll blame it on God.
4 Wealth
will bring many friends;
But, friends will be few when you’re poor.
5 A lying
witness will not go unpunished,
And a false accuser will never escape.
6 Many will seek
the king’s favor,
And all that bring gifts are his friends.
7 Those that
hate a brother that is poor
Will never be good at making friends.
Insight is good for all those who seek it,
And an intelligent man will soon find it.
The evil are good at doing what’s bad,
And those that aggravate won’t be saved.
8 Those
[willing to learn], love themselves;
For those seeking what’s wise will find what is good.
9 A lying
witness will not go unpunished,
And those bringing evil will perish by it.
10 Luxury is
no advantage to the fool;
And it’s wrong for a servant who’s been given some power
To use it in ways that are haughty.
11 A
merciful man is forgiving,
And he triumphs over those that have sinned against him.
12
Intimidation from a king is like a lion’s [roar];
But, bringing him joy is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son will bring shame to his father.
Impure, are all of the vows
That are paid with the wage of a whore.
14 Though
fathers may leave us homes and possessions,
A sensible wife comes from [God].
15 Worry
holds back a cowardly man,
And the lives of the idle go hungry.
16 Those
keeping the Commandments are protecting their souls,
While those hating its ways will soon perish.
17 God lends
to those showing mercy to the poor,
And He repays them according to the gifts that they give.
18 Though
correction builds confidence in sons,
You can’t make them better with insults.
19 An
evil-minded man will be punished;
And if he [kills], he must pay with his life.
20 Listen, O
son, to the words of your father,
So that in your last days, you will be wise.
21 There are
many choices in a man’s heart;
But counsel from God lasts through ages.
22 Charity
is what is desired of a man;
And it’s better to be righteous and poor
Than to be rich and a liar.
23 The fear
of Jehovah brings life to a man;
But, those that have no such fear
Will lodge where no knowledge is found.
24 The
unrighteous hide their hands behind folded arms,
So they can’t bring [what’s good] to their mouths.
25 When you
whip a foolish man for his mischief,
It will make all simple men wiser;
But an intelligent man will understand more,
And he’ll make the needed corrections.
26 Those that
show their fathers disrespect
And push their mothers away,
Will always be reviled and disgraced.
27 Sons that
disobey their father’s instructions
Will focus on the evil that they hear.
28 The man
that [co-signs] a loan
Is the same as a child that is foolish.
The mouths of the irreverent will swallow
All those that show disrespect for the Law.
29 Whips are
prepared for all those
Who fail to watch what they say,
And for the backs of the foolish.
Chapter 20
1 Wine and
strong drink can make you drunk,
And fools will get involved in such things.
2 The
intimidation of a king is like a lion’s rage,
And those who dare to provoke him
Are sinning against their own lives.
3 It’s glory
for a man to avoid shouting insults;
But a fool stays involved in such matters.
4 If you
scold the lazy, he’ll never be shamed…
He even borrows grain in the harvest.
5
Instruction is deep water within a man’s heart
From which the intelligent can draw.
6 A
respected man has much value,
And a merciful man isn’t easily found…
But it’s harder to find one that’s faithful.
7 Those who
offer true justice
Will leave many blessings for their children.
8 When a
just king sits on a throne,
He won’t abide evil in his presence.
9 Who can
boast that he has a pure heart,
And openly say that he’s clean from all sins?
10 An untrue
weight, whether large or small,
Is something unclean to Jehovah…
So, both the weights and their makers
11 Will be bound hand and foot
for using such things.
A young man who’s [a friend] to the holy
Will surely find his ways straight.
12 Ears
can hear and the eyes see;
For they’re both the works of Jehovah.
13 Do not
love too much sleep,
So that you don’t end up as poor;
Rather, open your eyes and be filled with bread!
14 The
barterer says, ‘It’s bad, it’s bad!’
But, after he [buys it], he’ll boast.
15 There
[are treasures] of gold and of precious gems;
But understanding lips have more value.
16 If you
should offer all of your clothes
As security for the loan of a stranger;
May that stranger thereafter reclaim them.
17 The bread
of deceit may seem good to a man;
But he’ll find his mouth filled up with gravel.
18 Make
plans with discussion, counsel, and guidance,
Before you go to fight battles.
19
Double-tongued is the man who reveals someone’s plan
When he is speaking to others;
For his lips shouldn’t speak of things that aren’t his.
20 The man
that speaks badly to his father or mother
Will find that his torch is extinguished,
And the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.
21 Whenever
a thing is easily gained,
In the end, it will have little value.
22
Don’t ever say you’ll get even…
Just wait on Jehovah to help you.
23 Two
different weights are disgusting to [God],
And a balance that’s off is evil to Him.
24 A man’s steps
must be set straight by [God];
For, how can mortals know the right ways to go?
25 It’s a
snare to offer something as holy too quickly;
For, after you vow, you might change your mind.
26 A wise
king rejects those who don’t show respect,
And he’ll have them put on the wheel.
27 The spirit of men is a light to Jehovah,
Which He uses to see what’s inside them.
28 Mercy and
truth safeguard a king;
For, to his throne, they’ll bring justice.
29 The glory
of young men is their strength,
And the glory of old age is gray hair.
30 The bad
will have bruises and broken [bones],
And illness will come to their bellies.
Chapter 21
1 The heart of a king
is like waves [of the sea]
When it’s in the hand of our God.
For, wherever He wishes, He nods,
And that’s the way he will go.
2 All men
like to think themselves righteous;
But, Jehovah’s the One that weighs all their hearts.
3 Telling
the truth and doing what’s right
Is more pleasing to God than a blood sacrifice.
4 A
high-minded man is insolent and bold,
And the torch of the impious is sin.
5 The
thoughts of hard-workers are of [gaining much] more;
But, those who’re too hasty will end up with less.
6 Those who
seek treasures by lying
Are really pursuing in vain;
For, in death’s snares, they’ll be caught.
7 The ruin
of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest
By those that prefer righteous ways.
8 To the
crooked, God sends what is crooked;
For His ways are all straight and pure.
9 It’s
better to live on the corner of a roof
Than in a house whitewashed with injustice,
Or to live in one that’s unclean.
10 Since the
godless prefer to do what is bad,
They’ll never see mercy from others.
11 When you
discipline men for their lack of restraint,
You make the guileless more clever;
For, by his insight, the wise man will learn.
12 Impious
hearts are examined by the righteous
Who treat their evil ways with contempt.
13 Those that
close their ears to the weak
Will call out and no one will listen.
14 A gift
that is given in private
Will soothe [a person that’s angry];
But, where there’s no gift, the rage may remain.
15 The pure
are joyful when the righteous get justice;
But this terrifies those that do evil.
16 A person
who travels in righteous ways,
Will rest among gatherings of great ones.
17 A man that
loves pleasure won’t end up with much;
And those fond of wine and [olive] oil
Will never [find themselves] wealthy.
18 To the
righteous, the wicked are trash…
And that’s also how they view the Law-breakers.
19 It’s
better to live in the desert
Than with a wife that argues and fights,
Or with one that is prone to be angry.
20 Treasure
rests in the mouths of the wise,
For the foolish just swallow theirs down.
21 Those who
seek charity and justice,
Will also find glory and life.
22 A wise
man can attack a fortified city,
And he can demolish the forts
In which the irreverent put trust.
23 Those who
keep watch on their mouths and their tongues
Are saving their souls from the problems they
cause.
24 A bold,
self-willed, and presumptuous man,
Is one that’s considered a plague;
For, all resent those that live without law.
25 Lazy
desires bring death to a man,
For his hands will choose to do nothing.
26 The
irreverent just want to do evil,
While the righteous show pity and mercy.
27 The
sacrifices that the irreverent bring
Are viewed as disgusting by [God];
For, whatever they bring is not by the Law.
28 Since a
witness that lies deserves death;
A [wise man] will watch what he says.
29 The
irreverent impudently stand in the front,
But the upright know what they’re planning.
30 The
godless have no wisdom or courage,
And the advice that they offer is bad.
31 Though a
horse is prepared for the day of the war,
Help really comes from Jehovah.
Chapter 22
1 A good
name is better than wealth,
And good favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich
and the poor should meet with each other;
For, both were made by Jehovah.
3 When a
clever man sees the bad being punished,
He makes corrections in himself…
But this escapes the fools that pass by.
4 The fear
of Jehovah is the father of wisdom…
Its rewards are wealth, glory, and life.
5 Thistles
and snares line ways of the crooked;
But those guarding their souls will avoid them.
6 Raise your
child [in good] ways,
And when he grows old, he won’t leave them.
7 The rich
are in control of the poor…
They’re the masters of all those that borrow.
Those planting evil will harvest what’s bad…
Calamity is what they will reap
From all the bad things that they sow.
8 God loves
those that are cheerful givers,
And overlooks the foolish things that they do.
9 Those that
show mercy to the poor
Will eat the same bread that they give them.
Gift-givers buy victory and honor,
While those that withhold them may lose their lives.
10 If you
keep mischief-makers out of your group,
Their unpleasantness also goes with them.
For, you’re dishonored when they sit in your midst.
11 Jehovah
loves hearts that are holy…
Those with pure ways, He accepts.
12 The eyes
of Jehovah keep guard on good sense,
And He treats lawbreakers as [refuse].
13 The lazy
make many excuses…
They say, ‘There’s a lion out in the street;
So, I could be killed in the square.’
14 The
mouths of the lawless are cesspools,
Into which those whom God hates will fall.
15 Foolish
ways delight the hearts of the young;
But instruction and spankings will drive them
away.
16 Those who
swindle the needy,
Upon themselves, bring what’s evil…
And they’ll give all they’ve gained to the wealthy.
17 Lean your
ears toward these wise words from my mouth…
Pay attention to the things that I’m saying.
Yes, prepare your heart to fully comprehend;
18 For, what I am saying is
good!
If you’ll store it all deep in your heart,
You’ll see that it will bring joy to your lips.
19 Put your
hope in Jehovah,
And He will show you His ways.
20 Write them down three times
for yourself,
For your own instruction and knowledge.
21 I’m
teaching you words that are true;
So, listen closely and learn.
Then, you can reply with words that are true,
When people are asking you questions.
22 Don’t push
away the needy and poor,
And don’t dishonor the weak at your gates.
23 Since it’s Jehovah who
argues their cause,
You’ll save your soul from reprisal.
24 Don’t be
a friend to a man prone to rage,
And don’t lodge men prone to anger,
25 So that you don’t learn from
their ways,
And bring a noose to your life.
26 Don’t
shame your face by ensuring a loan;
For, if [your friend] can’t repay it,
They’ll take the bed that’s under your back.
28 Never
move the markers of the ages,
Which were set in place by your fathers.
29 An
observant man who is sharp in his ways
Will also stand beside kings…
He won’t stand beside the dull witted.
Chapter 23
1 If you’re
invited to dine with a ruler,
Pay attention to all that’s around you.
2 Especially pay attention to
your hands…
Have them prepared at such [times].
And though you may be very hungry,
3 Don’t be too fond of his
meal,
For that will not save your life.
4 And should
you find yourself in great need,
Do not reach out to the wealthy…
Use insight and stay at a distance.
5 For, though you keep watch,
they will not appear,
Since they have the wings of an eagle,
Or they can stay in their homes.
6 Don’t dine
with a man prone to envy,
Nor should you desire his food…
7 Eat and drink like you’re
swallowing hair.
And don’t bring him into your house for a meal;
8 For, he will just vomit it
out
And lay waste to the things you’ve prepared.
9 Don’t
speak into the ears of a fool,
So he doesn’t sneer at your wisdom.
10 Don’t
move the markers of the ages,
And never take an orphan’s possessions,
Since their ransom is paid by Jehovah…
11 He’s mighty and He’ll argue
their case.
12 Open your
hearts to great learning,
And prepare your ears for sensible words!
13 Don’t
avoid correcting the young…
For, if you spank him, no way will he die.
14 And if you give him a
spanking;
From death, you may rescue his soul.
15 Son;
If
you teach yourself to be wise,
You’ll bring much joy to my heart.
16 And if [what you say] should
prove to be straight,
We’ll spend time sharing the words from our lips.
17 Don’t let
your heart be jealous of sinners…
Fear Jehovah all day!
18 For, if you choose to take this
advice,
You will have many descendants,
And you will get all that you’ve hoped for.
19 Hear me O
son and be wise…
Straighten the thoughts in your heart!
20 Don’t be a person who drinks
too much wine,
Or reclines with the meat in the markets!
21 For, whoremongers and drunks
will be poor…
The nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.
22 O son,
pay attention to your father,
And don’t disrespect your old mother.
23 With all you have, [search
for] the truth…
And don’t reject wisdom, instruction, or knowledge!
24 A
righteous father is one that provides,
And a son that is wise brings joy to his soul.
25 So, please bring joy to your
father and mother…
May the one that bore you, rejoice!
26 Lend me
your heart and your eyes…
O son, pay attention to my words!
27 The house of a [whore] is a
keg with a hole…
It’s a well that is narrow and strange,
28 And all [who enter] will
perish!
For, those that break laws are destroyed.
29 Who is
the one that has problems and woes…
For whom are there many disputes…
For whom is there intrigue and rancor…
Who is destroyed for no reason…>
And who’s the one with dark eyes?
30 It is those that linger with
wine,
And those that go looking for parties!
So, don’t be a man that drinks too much wine,
Or hangs out with [the unrighteous]…
Don’t go around [with those that are bad]!
31 For, if you search for [the
contents of] cups,
You’ll end up as bare as a pestle…
32 Stretched out like one that’s
been struck by a snake,
Or one poisoned by the bite of horned vipers.
33 When your
eyes behold a strange woman,
And your mouth starts to speak perverse things;
34 For if you lie with her,
you will then be
Like one that has fallen in the depths of the sea…
As a sailor that’s been covered by waves!
35 (You’ll say): ‘They beat me,
but I felt no pain;
They mocked me, but I didn’t know it.
How long will it be ‘til it’s dawn
So I can go back and do it again?’
Chapter 24
1 Son;
Never be jealous of evil men,
Or desire to go along with them.
2 For their hearts just think
about lies,
And misery is found in their lips.
3 Wisdom has
built a house for himself,
And it was erected with skill.
4 Its storerooms are filled
with good sense…
Things of value, goodness, and wealth.
5 Gaining
wisdom is better than gaining strength,
And being smart is better than owning much land.
6 Seek
guidance before going to war;
For from the hearts of advisors, comes aid.
7 Wisdom and
insight are good,
And they’re found in the gates of the wise.
8 The wise
won’t turn from the Laws of Jehovah,
And they consider His things in their meetings.
9 Those that fail to learn this
will die,
9 Since the fool will fail because
of his sins.
10 With what’s
dirty, do not get involved;
For when a day of trouble arrives,
You’ll see how such things have worked out.
11 Rescue
those being led to their deaths,
And ransom those about to be slain!
12 Don’t say that you never knew
them,
For the Lord knows what’s in the hearts of all men,
Since He’s the One that put breath in them all.
So, He’s aware of all that we do,
And He pays us back for the [sins] we commit.
13 Son;
To eat honey from the comb is delightful;
For into your throat, this brings sweetness…
14 And that’s how wisdom should
be in your life;
For, if you find it, your death will be good,
And your hopes will not be abandoned.
15 Never
lead the irreverent into the field
Of any man that is righteous,
Or join with them in deception.
16 For, though the righteous
may fall seven times,
They will also stand up again,
While the irreverent will be plagued for their badness.
17 Do not
rejoice if your enemy falls,
And after his fall, he can’t rise.
18 For, Jehovah
will see this and He’ll be displeased,
Then He’ll send His rage upon you.
19 And do
not rejoice over those doing evil,
Or ever be jealous of sinners!
20 For the lives of the wicked
will come to an end,
And the torch of the irreverent will be extinguished.
21 Fear God,
O son, as well as the king…
Never resist their persuasion!
22 For they both can bring
sudden death
Upon those that show no respect.
So, who can know how they’ll punish?
23 I’m
saying this to the wise and to you:
If you’re in awe of a person you’re judging,
That’s a poor way to start out a trial.
24 For a man that declares the
irreverent just
Will be cursed among all his people
And detested within every nation.
25 But, those that reprove will
look better,
And upon such one will come praise…
26 Lips will kiss his righteous
decisions.
27 Now,
prepare to stop what you’re doing,
And let’s go out to work in your field…
Then, follow me, and we’ll work on your house!
28 Don’t
ever be a witness that lies,
And don’t be too quick to open your lips.
29 Don’t say, ‘I’ll do what he
did to me…
I’ll get even with the one that has wronged me!’
30 A foolish
man is much like a farm,
And one lacking good sense, like a vineyard.
31 For, if you just leave them
alone,
They each will become overgrown…
Their stone fences will fail and fall down.
32 I once
decided to change…
I planned to just [sit back] and learn.
33 Then I started to doze and
fell fast asleep
With my hands folded over my chest.
34 And if you allow this to
happen to you,
Poorness will soon overtake you,
And lack will pass you like a sprinter.
Chapter 25
1 These are the [proverbs] of Solomon that were recorded by friends of HezekiAh, the king of Judah.
2 God’s
glory covers a matter;
But, kings view all things as important.
3 As the
heavens are high over the earth…
So is the heart of a king.
4 Beating
out unrefined silver
Is one way to make it more [pure].
5 Slay the
impious surrounding the king,
And you’ll make his throne one of justice.
6 Don’t
boast when you’re standing in front of the king,
Nor do it in gatherings of the mighty.
7 It’s
better if [a king] says, ‘You may approach,’
Than to be humbled in the presence of the mighty.
Tell the king only those things
That you have seen with your eyes.
8 Don’t be
too quick to start fights;
Or in the end, you’ll wish you had not.
Whenever a friend wants to scold you,
9 Don’t pull away or get angry.
10 For, if his scolding makes
you hate him,
It’s the same as bringing his death.
Since favor and friendships bring freedom,
Pay close attention to the things that you do,
And give him no reasons to scold you…
Do not do things that cause trouble!
11 As a gold
apple in a pendant of rubies
Is the value of words that are wise.
12 And as a gold earring with a
setting of [gems]
Are wise words to ears that will listen.
13 A
trustworthy messenger is like falling snow
In the heat of the harvest;
For he benefits the lives of all whom he tells.
14 As winds,
clouds, and rain are apparent;
So is the man that chooses to boast
Of gifts that he didn’t give.
15 Patience
before a king brings success,
And a mild reply will break bones.
16 When you
find honey, just eat what’s enough,
Lest you should get filled and vomit it out.
17 Be
sparing in the ways that you [visit] your friends
So they don’t get tired and start to detest you.
18 The same
as clubs, swords, and arrows,
Is the person that slanders a friend.
19 For their
evil, the lawless will die
In the bad days that are [coming].
20 As
vinegar on a [cut] will bring [pain]
Is a heart in distress to its body.
Like a moth in [wool] clothes and as worms inside wood
Is how worry [will eat] a man’s heart.
21
If your enemy is hungry, you should feed him,
And if he’s thirsty, you should give him a drink!
22 By this, you’ll pile burning
coals on his head,
And Jehovah will repay you for the good things you did.
23 As a wind
from the north will bring clouds…
An impudent tongue will cause aggravation.
24 It’s
better to live on the corner of a roof
Than with a woman that likes to complain.
25 As cold
water is enjoyed by the thirsty;
So is good news that comes from afar.
26 As
unbecoming as plugging a spring,
Which results in wasting the water,
Is the fall of someone that’s righteous
Before those whose ways are impious.
27 As eating
too much honey isn’t good;
Kind words can also give too much praise.
28 As a city
without walls and protection
Is the person that won’t take advice.
Chapter 26
1 As snow in
the summer and rain in the harvest;
It’s wrong for a fool to be honored.
2 As
sparrows and other winged creatures
May spread [their wings, but not] fly;
An undeserved curse will not happen.
3 Like a
whip to a horse or a spur to a mule;
A nation of the lawless must be beaten.
4 Don’t
answer a fool in his same foolish way
So you’re not thought of being just like him.
5 Rather, reply to show how he’s
foolish,
So he doesn’t think himself wise.
6 The man
that sends a foolish report
Heaps scorn upon all his ways.
7 Remove
from fools their reasons [to speak],
And take their proverbs out of their mouths.
8 For, as a man that ties a stone
to a sling,
Is the person that gives glory to a fool.
9 As thorns
will grow in the hands of a drunk;
Slavery grows in the hands of a fool.
10 As a bad
storm may cause damage;
The flesh of fools will meet with destruction
Over things in which they find pleasure.
11 As a dog
returns to its vomit;
A fool will return to the evil he’s done
And commit same sins again.
12 I’ve seen
men who thought themselves wise,
Yet, they were no better than fools.
13 When you
send out the lazy, they’ll say:
‘There are lions in the roads and murderers in the squares.’
14 The lazy
one rolls in his bed
Like a door that’s swinging on hinges.
15 When the
lazy one hides his hands in [his robe],
He’s unable to bring them up to his mouth.
16 The lazy
one thinks himself wiser
When something he says appears to be true.
17 As one
that grabs hold of the tail of a dog
Is the man that joins in a quarrel not his.
18 As
doctors also need healing;
Those that give council will stumble.
19 When a
man is caught stealing from friends,
He’ll claim that it was a joke.
20 Where
there’s plenty of wood, a fire will grow;
But, when there’s no reason to disagree,
There’s also no reason to fight.
21 As a
grate filled with coals or wood on a fire;
A man that shouts insults is seeking a fight.
22 The words
of those who are bad may sound soft;
But they beat the insides of the bowels.
23 Silver
that you get from treacherous deeds
Is the same as a fine pot that’s cracked.
Comforting [words] will bring rest
To hearts that are deeply distressed.
24 An enemy
that cries will always agree,
As he makes wicked plans in his heart.
25 When an
enemy is calling to you,
Don’t pay him any attention;
For, there are seven kinds of evil in his heart.
26
Treacherous are those that hide hatred;
But in a court, their sins are revealed.
27 The man
that digs a pit for his neighbor
Will be the one that falls in it;
And the one that’s rolling a boulder
Will roll it back on himself.
28 A lying
tongue hates the truth,
And an open mouth can bring problems.
Chapter 27
1 Don’t
boast of the things that you’ll do tomorrow;
For, [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.
2 Let your
praises come from your friends (not from you)…
Let them come from the lips of strangers (not yours).
3 Rocks and
sand are heavy to bear;
But the rage of a fool is greater than both.
4 Rage has
no mercy and anger is sharp;
But, before the zealous, no one can stand.
5 It is
better to offer correction
Than to use many flattering words.
6 The wounds
of a friend can be trusted
More than an enemy’s kisses.
7 At
honeycombs, the foolish will laugh;
And to the starving, what’s bitter tastes sweet.
8 Like a
bird that flies from its nest,
Is the man that strays from his home.
9 Perfume,
incense, and wine
Can make the heart very happy;
But, things that go wrong will shatter a soul.
10 Don’t
leave a friend or a friend of your father,
And in hard times, don’t go to the house of your brother.
For a friend that is near is much better
Than a brother who lives far away.
11 Become
wise, my son, and make my heart glad…
Do not shout hateful words!
12 When the
clever see evil, they flee;
But a fool passing by gets involved.
13 Take the
clothes from the man who shouts insults
And from one who destroys the goods of a stranger.
14 Shouting
praises of a friend too early in the day
Is the same as when you shout curses.
15 As a
house leaking rain in the winter;
A nagging wife drives a man from his home.
16 Since
wind from the north blows so hard,
It is fittingly called the north wind.
17 As iron
is sharpened by iron;
A man can sharpen the face of a friend.
18 The man
that is planting a fig tree
Is the one who will gather its fruit;
And the man who guards [the life of] his master
Is the one who’ll be held in esteem.
19 As faces
aren’t like other faces;
Men’s hearts are also quite different.
20 As the grave and destruction can never be filled;
The eyes of men can’t be satisfied.
But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to [God],
As are the stupid that don’t mind their tongues.
21 As silver
and gold are refined in a fire;
A man is refined by correction.
22 You can
dishonor a fool with a whip before crowds,
But you can’t drive his foolishness from him.
23 Know the
condition of the lives of your flock,
And keep your herd in your heart.
24 A man’s
might and strength won’t last through the ages…
Through generations, he cannot retain them.
25 If you
tend the greens that grow in your field,
You’ll take their cuttings for food.
And if you’ll gather hay from the hills,
26 You’ll also have wool for
your clothes.
Therefore, hold your fields in high esteem,
So you can own many lambs.
27 O son;
All of these proverbs that I’ve spoken
Will add many years to your life…
And they’ll also bring life to your servants.
Chapter 28
1 The godless will flee when they’re not being chased;
But, as secure as lions, are the righteous.
2 From the
sins of the irreverent come lawsuits;
But a clever man can avoid them.
3 An
energetic man who does evil things
Can damage the poor like a storm.
4 Those
leaving the Law will praise godless ways;
But for those that love it, the Law is a wall.
5 The evil
don’t understand fairness…
But those seeking Jehovah know what it means.
6 It’s
better to be poor and walking in truth
Than to be rich and a liar.
7 A
discerning son will follow the Law;
But those driven by lust dishonor their parents.
8 Those that
gain wealth from interest on loans
Will [pay it] to those who are kind to the poor.
9 [God]
hates the prayers of any man
Who turn his ears from the Law.
10 Those that
lead the righteous toward evil
Will also fall into corruption.
Then the honest will claim all their good things,
And won’t let them enter among them again.
11 A rich
man thinks himself wise;
But, an intelligent poor man sees through him.
12 When the
righteous triumph, there’s glory;
But when the wicked succeed, men will hide.
13 Those who
excuse their ungodly ways
Won’t live to see prosperous times.
But, those that admit and make the correction
Will find themselves truly loved.
14 Blest is the man who worships in awe
When those with hard hearts see only what’s bad.
15 Like a
thirsty wolf or a lion that’s starved
Is the king that rules a poor nation.
16 A king
who doesn’t tax learns to extort;
But those hating corruption will live a long life.
17 The man
that stands good for a loan
Is the same as a man blamed for murder;
For, he will be sent into exile,
Where he won’t find a safe place to hide.
18 The one
who travels right ways will be helped,
While those walking crooked paths will get tangled.
19 The man
that works his land will eat bread;
But, the lazy will always be poor.
20 A
trustworthy man will be praised over much;
But, any evil will not go unpunished.
21 The evil
look down on the righteous…
For a scrap of food, I’d sell such a man.
22 Though
evil eyes quickly want to get rich;
They don’t know that poverty awaits them.
23 Those
offering correction will be loved
More than those that just flatter.
24 Those that
throw out their fathers and mothers
Assume that they have not sinned…
But, to the godless, they’ve become partners.
25 A
dissatisfied man makes bad choices;
But those trusting in God find His [love].
26 Fools
will yield to rash ways in their hearts,
While those that act wisely stay safe.
27 Those who
give to the poor will not be in want,
While those passing them by will never be filled.
28 Where the
rulers are godless, the righteous will moan;
And the righteous will prosper when they are destroyed.
Chapter 29
1 It’s
better to accept your correction
Than to be someone that’s proud.
For, upon the proud will come flames
From which they will never be healed.
2 When the
righteous are honored, the people rejoice;
But, when the godless rule, people moan.
3 Lovers of
wisdom bring joy to their parents;
But, those that seek whores destroy wealth.
4 A
righteous king makes his land firm,
While a lawless king tears it down.
5 The one
that sets a snare for a friend,
Wraps it around his own feet.
6 A snare is
set for those who choose sin…
Which brings gladness and joy to the righteous.
7 The
righteous give justice to the poor…
But, because the godless don’t understand justice;
To the poor, they’re very bad judges.
8 Those fond
of mischief will burn their own city;
But the wise can turn back their rage.
9 A wise man
will judge many nations,
While the ignorant will only bring rage,
Along with ridicule and disrespect.
10 Partners
in blood hate the holy and upright,
So they’re always seeking their lives.
11 A fool
will show all his rage,
While the wise will hold it within.
12 A king
who will listen to unrighteous things
Brings joy to [the hearts] of the lawless.
13 In
meetings between lenders and debtors;
Jehovah observes their agreements.
14 When a
king gives justice to the poor,
He brings good reports to his throne.
15 Spanking and scolding brings wisdom;
But a child who is left to his own ways
Will soon bring shame to his parents.
16 When the
godless are many, many will sin.
But, when they fall, the righteous learn fear.
17 Correct
your son and he’ll bring you rest…
He’ll be a decoration throughout your whole life.
18 No one
can save a lawbreaking nation;
But, those that obey the laws will be blest.
19 You can’t
correct stubborn servants with words;
For, if they understand, they still won’t obey.
20 When you
see a man that speaks hasty words,
Know that he shares the same hopes as a fool.
21 A man who
is raised without purpose
Will soon become somebody’s servant,
And he’ll grieve for himself in the end.
22 An angry
man looks for reasons to fight,
And a man who’s enraged will seek ways to sin.
23 Insolence
tears down a man;
But, meekness brings glory from God.
24 The man
that shares with a thief
Is a man that hates his own life.
And if he should hear public cursing,
He will never report it.
25 Those who
fear men will be stumbled;
But those yielding to God will find joy.
Disrespect is what stumbles a man;
But the one that yields to his lord will be saved.
26 Though
many come to stand before rulers,
True justice comes from Jehovah.
27 To the
wicked, the righteous are foolish;
And to the lawless, those walking in straight paths [are fools].
Chapter 30
The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh.
1 Thus says
this man to those trusting in God:
‘I’m weary, 2 for I’m the most
foolish of men,
And the intelligence of man isn’t in me.
3 Yet, God has taught me much
wisdom,
And the holiest of knowledge, I know.’
4 Who’s gone
up into the sky and returned?
Who has gathered the winds to His chest?
Who has bundled the seas in His robe?
Who has held the ends of the earth?
Yes, what is the name by which He is known,
And by what names has He called His sons?
5 All of God’s
words are truly pure,
And He’s a shield to those showing respect.
6 But don’t add to His words or
He’ll whip you,
And He will prove you a liar.
7 These are
the things that I’ve asked Him to do:
· May I find Your favor [throughout my life].
· 8 Please take away my vain,
foolish words.
· Don’t give me poverty or wealth…
Just give me the things that I need
So I can remain self-sufficient.
· 9 Don’t leave me in need, so
I’d steal,
And thereby profane the Name of my God.
10 Don’t
return a [slave] to his master
So he’ll have no reason to curse you.
11 A bad son
curses his father
And doesn’t speak in praise of his mother.
12 A bad son
is one who judges himself
And refuses to clean up his ways.
13 A bad son
is one that is [proud]
And holds himself high in his own eyes.
14 A bad son
has teeth that are swords
And molars that are like pruning knives,
Which he uses to consume the weak of the land
And to take from the needy.
15 To the
leech was [born] three beloved daughters;
But, with the three, she wasn’t satisfied,
So she also [gave birth to] a fourth,
Since she couldn’t say, ‘That’s enough!’
16 For, the desires of a woman
and the grave can’t be filled,
As the ground never gets too much water…
As with fire and water, it’s never enough!
17 May the
eyes of those that make fun of their fathers
And dishonor their mothers in their old age
Be removed by crows in ravines,
And be devoured by the chicks of vultures.
18 There are
three things that I can’t comprehend,
And there’s a fourth that I do not know:
· 19 The tracks of the flight
of an eagle
· The ways of a snake on a rock
· The path of a ship as it travels the seas
· And the ways of men in their youth.
20 As an
adulterous wife is still washing herself,
She’ll claim that she has done nothing wrong.
21 These
three things shake the ground,
And the fourth it’s unable to bear:
· 22 When someone’s servant
becomes king
· When a fool has plenty of food
· 23 When a handmaid’s released
by her lady
· When a hateful woman gets a good man.
24 There are
four lesser things on the earth,
And these are wiser than the wise:
· 25 The ants that are weak,
But spend their summers storing food.
· 26 Rabbits that form a weak
nation,
But make their houses in rocks.
· 27 Locusts that live all
alone,
But march in order when given the command.
· 28 And the lizard with hands
that are sticky…
For, though they are easily caught,
They live in the castles of kings.
29 There are
three things that continue to prosper,
And a fourth that is best overlooked:
· 30 The cub of a lion; for
though it’s not strong,
It won’t turn away and it doesn’t know fear.
· 31 A rooster that struts
among hens.
· A male goat that takes the lead of his flock.
· And a king that addresses his nation.
32 When you
lose your joy and raise fists to fight,
You have lost all your honor.
33 If you
churn cream, you’ll get butter;
If you squeeze your nose, it will bleed;
And if you just keep on talking,
Arguing and fights will result.
Chapter 31
The words of the King Belonging to God.
1 These
words [that I’ve written] were spoken by God…
Through a king came an answer divine.
He was once asked by his mother:
2 ‘What, O my child, what
should I tell you…
Which saying of God should I tell my firstborn?
What, O child of my belly…
What, O child of my vows?
3 ‘Don’t
[waste] your money on bad women,
Nor your abilities and mind seeking pleasure.
Think it all over and follow [my] words…
And [do not] drink [too much] wine!
4 ‘Since the
mighty are easy to anger;
Never offer them wine,
5 Lest they lose their wisdom
in drink.
For they make poor decisions when they’re weak.
6 ‘Give
liquor to those in distress;
Offer wine to those that are grieving,
7 So they can forget their
condition,
And remember their misery no more.
8 ‘O son;
Open your mouth to speak Godly words,
And offer fair judgments to all.
9 Open your mouth with
righteous decisions…
Stand up for the needy and weak!
10 ‘Who can
find an industrious wife?
More than precious gems, is her value!
11 If the heart of her man
courageously guards her,
He’ll never be lacking good treasures;
12 For, she’ll uses her strength
to support him,
And she’ll not waste her life in doing what’s bad!
13 She’ll work with her hands
spinning linen and wool,
14 And act like a ship that
trades far away…
For, that’s how she’ll gather her money.
15 ‘She gets
up while it is still dark,
Along with her female attendants,
To ready the food for her household.
16 She may see a farm and then
buy it…
From the fruits of her hands, she’ll gain more.
17 ‘She
wraps her waist to give it support,
And readies her arms to do work.
18 She’s tasted and found work
to be good,
And keeps her lamp lit all night long.
19 ‘She
reaches for things advantageous,
And applies her hands to the spindle.
20 She opens her hands to the
needy,
And stretches her arms toward the poor.
21 ‘She
wouldn’t consider using what’s yours
Whenever you’re gone for a while;
And all that are hers will have enough clothes.
22 ‘A
doubled coat made of goat’s hair,
She has sewn for her man;
And from the bolt-ends of linen and purple,
She’s also made one for herself.
23 So, her man is admired when
he sits at the gate,
And meets with the rest of the elders.
24 ‘She
takes fine linen to make loincloths
For all of her CanaAnite [servants].
25 She’s [proud] of her
strength and her beauty,
And is happy throughout the rest of her days.
26 ‘She
opens her mouth to speak wisdom and Law,
And charity rests on her tongue.
27 Her pastimes are things that
shelter her home,
And the grain of laziness, she doesn’t eat.
28 ‘She
raises her sons so they will grow rich,
And her man sings praises of her.
29 Her many daughters will also
be rich
By doing the things that she’s [taught them].
‘But, you are still the first [in her eyes]…
Above all the rest, she holds you.
30 ‘For,
beauty and allurement are false;
So, that isn’t what you should seek.
Rather, find a woman that’s praised and discerning…
One that’s known for her fear of God.
31 Take from her, the fruit of
her lips,
And you’ll always be praised at the gates.’
The Ancient Scriptures of Israel
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
- Joshua
- Judges
- Ruth
- 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Kings
- 2 Kings
- 1 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles
- Ezra
- Nehemiah
- Esther
- Job
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Solomon
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Lamentations
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
The Christian Era Scriptures
Note that this is the legacy version of the translation last updated in December 2020. You can also see the latest version.