Chapter One<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1:2 to know wisdom and instruction, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
to discern the sayings of understanding, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1:3 to receive instruction of prudence,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
to do <\/em>righteousness, justice, and equity, <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:4 to give shrewdness to the naive,<\/p>\n\n\n\n to the youth, knowledge and discretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:5 Let the wise man hear and increase learning, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and let the discerning (person) acquire guidance<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:6 to discern the meaning of <\/em>a proverb and a parable,<\/p>\n\n\n\n the words of the wise person and theirriddles.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;<\/p>\n\n\n\n but fools despise wisdom and instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:8 Listen my son to the instruction of your father<\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:9 For they are like <\/em>a graceful garland for your head<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and a necklace for your neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t do not give in to them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:11 If they say, \u201cCome with us;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t let us lie in wait for blood,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t let us ambush the innocent without cause;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:12 let\u2019s swallow them alive like Sheol, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t even whole as they go down to the pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:13 all kinds of precious wealth we will find,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t we will fill our houses with plunder; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:14 If you<\/em> throw in your lot with us,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t there will be to all of us, one purse.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:15 My son, do not walk in the way of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Keep your foot from their path;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:16 for their feet run to evil<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and they hasten to shed blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:17 Surely, it is useless spreading (throwing) a net<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t in the sight of any creature that flies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t they ambush their own lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violencethat kind of<\/em> gain<\/p>\n\n\n\n It (greed for gain) takes away the life of the one who possesses it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:20 Wisdom calls out in the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t in the public squares, she lifts her voice; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:21 at the top of the wall of <\/em>the noisy streets she calls out,<\/p>\n\n\n\n at the entrance to the gates of the city, she speaks her sayings (speech):<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:22 \u201cHow long you naive ones will you love being <\/em>naive<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and scoffers delighting themselves with scoffing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and fools hate knowledge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:23 Turn to my rebuke;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t then I will pour out my spirit (thoughts) on you<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t I will make my words known to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:24 Because I called and you refused to listen<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:25 and you neglected all my counsel<\/p>\n\n\n\n and you do not want my rebuke,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:26 I will in turn laugh at your disaster,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t I will scoff when your calamity comes<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:27 when your calamity comes like a storm<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and your disaster arrives as a whirlwind<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when distress and anguish come upon you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:28 Then they will call on me but I will not answer;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t they will seek diligently for me but will not find me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:29 because they hated knowledge <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and did not choose the fear of the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:30 They would not accept my counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t they spurned every rebuke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:31 So they shall eat from the fruit of their way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t And be satiated with their own devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:32 For the apostasy of the naive will kill them<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the complacency of the fools will destroy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1:33 but the one who listens to me and obeys <\/em>will live in security<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t even be at ease from the dread of evil.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Two<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:1 My son, if you receive my words <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and store up my commands within you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:2 by making your ear attentive to wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t you apply your heart to understanding,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:3 surely if you call out for discernment,<\/p>\n\n\n\n lift your voice for understanding;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:4 if you seek her as silver<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and search for her as hidden treasures,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and will find the knowledge of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:6 for the LORD gives wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:7 and he stores up for the upright effective wisdom,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t a shield to those who walk in integrity,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:8 guarding the paths of justice, \t\t <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t watching the way of his godly ones;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:9 then you will understand what is right and just and equity,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and every good course;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:10 for wisdom will enter into your heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and knowledge will be pleasant to you;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:11 discretion will watch over you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t understanding will guard you;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t from the man who speaks perverse things,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:13 those who abandon the paths of uprightness<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t to walk in the paths of darkness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:14 those who take pleasure in doing evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and <\/em>rejoice in the perversity of evil;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:15 whose paths are crooked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and who are devious in their tracks;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:16 to deliver you from the adulteress,<\/p>\n\n\n\n from the outsider [of the covenant] who speaks flattering words;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:17 who abandons the companion of her youth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and forgets the covenant of her God;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:18 for her house sinks down to death, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and her paths to the realm of <\/em>the departed;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:19 all who enter into her house<\/em> do not return,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and they will not reach the paths of life;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:20 so you will walk in the way of good men,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and keep to the paths of the righteous;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:21 for the upright will live in the land, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the blameless will remain in it;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2:22 but the wicked will be cut off from the earth<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Three<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t but let your heart keep my commandments; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:2 for length of days and years of life <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and peace they will add to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:3 Let not kindness and faithfulness leave you<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t bind them upon your neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t write them on the tablet of your heart<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:4 and you will find favor and a good name<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t in the sight of God and man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not lean on your own understanding,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:6 in all your ways know Him wholeheartedly<\/em>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and He will make your paths smooth and straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t fear the LORD and turn away from evil;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:8 let there be healing to your navel<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and refreshment to your bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:9 Honor the LORD from your wealth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t from the firstfruits of all your produce,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:10 and your barns will be filled with plenty,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and your vats will overflow with new wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:11 Do not reject, my son, the discipline of the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not loath His correction, <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:12 because whom the LORD loves he reproves,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t even as a father corrects<\/em> the son in whom he delights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the man who gains understanding;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:14 for her profit is better than the profit of silver <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and her gain better than fine gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:15 She is more precious than jewels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and all your desires does not compare with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:16 long life is in her right hand; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t in her left hand are riches and honor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and all her byways are peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and those who hold her fast will be blessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t by understanding, He established the heavens;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:20 by his knowledge the deeps were broke open<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the clouds drip dew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:21 My son, let them [wisdom and understanding]<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t not depart from your eyes;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t guard sound judgment and discretion<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:22 so they will be life to you<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and adornment to your neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:23 Then you will walk securely in your way<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and your foot will not stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand when you lie down, your sleep will be \tpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:25 Do not dread sudden terror<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t or the ruin of the wicked when it comes;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:26 for the LORD will be at your side, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and keep your foot from being caught in a trap<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when it is in your power to do it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, \u201cGo, and come back, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and tomorrow I will give it,\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when you have it with you at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t while he dwells trustingly by you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:30 Do not accuse a man without just cause, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t if he has not done you evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:31 Do not envy a man of violence<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not choose any of his ways;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3:32 for the devious are an abomination to the LORD<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t but with the upright is his counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Four<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:1 Hear, my<\/em> sons, to the instruction of a father, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and pay attention that you may gain discernment,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:2 For I give you (pl.) good teaching; <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not forsake my instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:3 When I was a son to my father, <\/p>\n\n\n\n tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:4 then he taught me, and he said to me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet your heart take hold my words;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep my instruction and live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:5 Get wisdom! Get discernment! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:6 Do not leave her and she will keep you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tLove her and she will guard you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is, get wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t In all your getting of stuff<\/em>, get wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t She will honor you, if you embrace her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:9 She will bestow on your head, a garland of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She will bestow on you a crown of beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:10 Hear my son, and take hold my sayings<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t so that the years of your life will be many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:11 I direct you in the way of wisdom,<\/p>\n\n\n\n I lead you in upright paths<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and if you run you will not stumble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:13 Hold on to instruction; do not let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Guard it, for it is your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:14 Do not enter in the path of the wicked<\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not walk in the way of evil men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turn aside from going upon it, and pass it by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they cause evil;\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and drink the wine of violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the morning sun,<\/p>\n\n\n\n growing brighter and brighter until full day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:19 The way of the wicked is gloomy darkness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n They do not know what causes them to stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:20 My son, pay attention to my words; <\/p>\n\n\n\n Incline your ear to my sayings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:21 Do not let them out of your sight;<\/p>\n\n\n\n keep them within your heart; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:22 For they are life to those who find them <\/p>\n\n\n\n and health to all one\u2019s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:23 With all diligence, watch over your heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n for from it flows the outgoings of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:24 Keep your mouth away from perversity, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and devious speech far from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:25 Let your eyes look directly in front of you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and let your pupils be fixed straight in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:26 Watch the path for your feet,<\/p>\n\n\n\n so that all your ways may be established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4:27 Do not turn to the right or to the left;<\/p>\n\n\n\n turn your foot from evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Five<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t incline your ear to my understanding;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:2 that you may keep discretion<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and that your lips preserve knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and smoother than oil is her speech,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t sharp as a two-edged sword. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:5 Her feet go down to death, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Her steps take hold of Sheol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:6 The path of life, she does not watch;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Her steps wander and she does not know it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:7 So now, sons, listen to me, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:8 Keep your way far from her, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not go near the door of her house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:9 lest you lose your splendor to others, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and your dignity to the cruel;5:10 lest strangers be filled with your strength, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and your hard work to the house of a stranger;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:11 and you groan at the end of your life,\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when your flesh and body are consumed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:12 And you say, \u201cHow I have hated instruction! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t And my heart spurned reproof !<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:13 \u201cAnd I did not listen to the voice of my teachers, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t nor incline my ear to my instructors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:14 I was almost in total ruin<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t among the entire assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:15 Drink water from your own cistern <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and flowing water from the midst of your own well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:16 Should your springs be dispersed outside, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t your streams of water in the public squares?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:17 Let them be for yourself alone <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and not for strangers with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:18 May your fountain be blessed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and take pleasure from the wife of your youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:19 May she be <\/em>a love making doe, a graceful mountain goat;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t May her breast satisfy you at all times;\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Be intoxicated with her love-making \u2014always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:20 For why should you, my son, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t be intoxicated with an adulteress<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and embrace the bosom of an unfaithful woman?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and He observes all his paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:22 Hisiniquities will catch him<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and with the cords of sin, he will be held. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5:23 He will die in his lack of instruction, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and in the abundance of his folly, he will go astray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Six<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:1 My son, if you have put up security for a neighbor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and <\/em>have struck hands<\/em> [given a pledge] for a stranger,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:2 you have been ensnared with the words of your mouth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t youhave been caught by the words of your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:3 Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; <\/p>\n\n\n\n since you have come into the hand [power] of your neighbor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t go, exhaust yourself, and harass your neighbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Nor slumber to your eyelids;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:5 deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand [power] <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Observe her ways and be wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:7 <\/strong>It has no overseer, officer or ruler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:8 It prepares its grain in the summer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t it gathers its food in the harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:9 How long, you sluggard, will you keep lying down?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t When will you rise from your sleep?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t a little folding of the arms to lie down,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:11 and your poverty will come upon you like a vagrant, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and your lack like an armed man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:12 A worthless man, a malicious man<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t is one who goes about with a perverse mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:13 Who [mischievously] winks with his eyes, who scrapes [signals] with <\/p>\n\n\n\n his feet, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t who points with his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:14 Perversions are in his heart; he devises evil all the time;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t he spreads discord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:16 They are six things which the LORD hates, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Yes, seven which are an abomination to him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:17 <\/sup><\/em>haughty eyes, a lying tongue, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and hands that shed innocent blood,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:18 a heart that devises wicked plans, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t feet that run rapidly to evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:19 a lying witness, a perjurer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t one who spreads discord among brothers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:20 My son, guard the commandment of your father <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:21 Bind them regularly on your heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t tie them around your throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:22 When you walk about, she will guide you;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when you lie down, she will watch over you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Then when you awake, she will talk to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; \t<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:24 To keep you from the evil woman, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t from the smooth tongue of the loose woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and do not let her capture you with the pupils of her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:26 For the price of a woman, a prostitute is reduced to a loaf of bread, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t but the wife of a man hunts precious life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:27 Can a man carry fire against his chest<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and his clothes not be burned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:28 Or can a man walk on hot coals <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and his feet not be burned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:29 So is the one who goes into his neighbor\u2019s wife; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t whoever touches her will not go unpunished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:30 They do not despise a thief if he steals <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:31 but if he is caught, he must repay sevenfold;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t he will give all the goods of his house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:32 The adulterer with a woman lacks sense,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t whoever does so, destroys his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:33 He will find wounds and disgrace, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and his reproach will not be wiped away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:34 For jealousy enrages a man [husband], <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and he will not show compassion on the day of vengeance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6:35 He will not accept any compensation, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and he will not be accepting, though you increase the \t\t\t\tbribe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Seven<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:1 My son, keep my words<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and store up my commands within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:2 Keep my commandments and live, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and my teaching as the apple of your eye,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:3 bind them on your fingers; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t write them on the tablet of your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:4 Say to wisdom, \u201cYou are my sister,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n and call out to insight, \u201cYou are my relative\u201d;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:5 to keep you from the strange woman,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t from the loose woman, who uses smooth talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:6 For at the window of my house<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t I looked down through the lattice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:7 And I saw among the simple\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t I discerned among the sons <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t a youth lacking sense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and he walks the way to her house, <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:9 at twilight, in the evening of the day,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t at the approach of the night and darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:10 And look! A woman meets him, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t dressed as a prostitute and secretive heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:11 She is loud and defiant, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t her feet do not rest at her house; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:12 now in the street, now in the squares,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and she waits at every corner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:13 So she grabbed him and kissed him,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t with a bold face, she said to him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:14 \u201cSacrifices and peace offerings are with me at home: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t today I complete my vows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:15 \u201cTherefore I have come out to meet you, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t to seek your face diligently and I have found you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:16 \u201cI have spread my couch with coverings, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t with embroidered linen of Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:17 \u201cI have perfumed my bed <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:18 \u201cCome, let us drink our fill of [making] love until morning;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t Let us delight ourselves with love-making. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:19 \u201cFor my husband is not in the house, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t he has gone on a long journey;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:20 he has taken a bag of silver with him, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t at the full moon he will come home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:21 She turned him with much persuasiveness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t with her smooth talk, she compels him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:22 Suddenly he goes after her, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t as an ox goes to the slaughter,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tas a stag steps into a noose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>as a bird darts into a trap,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t he does not know that it is his own life [at stake].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:24 So now, sons, listen to me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and pay attention to the words of my mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t do not go astray into her paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:26 For many are the slain victims<\/em>, she has caused to go,down, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t even the mighty, all are slain by her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t going down to the chambers of death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Eight<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:1 Does not wisdom call, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and understanding raise up her voice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:2 On top of the heights beside the way,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t at the crossroads, she takes her stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry to the city, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t at the entrance of the doors, she cries out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:4 \u201cTo you, O men, I call, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and my voice is to the sons of men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:5 \u201cYou naive, understand shrewdness, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and you fools understand with the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:6 \u201cListen, because I speak what is right,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and the opening of my lips what is upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:7 \u201cFor my palate will utter truth; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:8 \u201cAll the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:9 \u201cAll of them are straightforward to those who understand,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and right to those who have found knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:10 \u201cTake my instruction and not silver,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and knowledge rather than choice gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:11 \u201cFor wisdom is better than jewels (red coral); <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand all desirable things cannot compare with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:12 \u201c I, Wisdom, dwellwith shrewdness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and I find knowledge and<\/em> discretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/sup><\/em>pride and arrogance and the evil way <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand the perverted mouth, I hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:14 Counsel and sound wisdom belong to me<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t I am understanding; courageous strength is mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:15 \u201cBy me kings reign, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand potentates decree righteousness; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:16 \u201cBy me princes rule and nobles, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tall the righteous judges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:17 \u201cI love those who love me; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and those who seek me diligently will find me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:18 \u201cRiches and honor are with me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t enduring wealth and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:19 \u201cMy fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>and my yield than choice silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:20 \u201cI walk in the way of righteousness, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t in the midst of the paths of justice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:21 to distribute wealth to those who love me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>and I fill their treasuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:22 \u201cThe LORD brought me forth as the first of his way [works],<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t before his works back then [of old].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:23 \u201cFrom the most ancient time, I was formed<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t at the beginning, from earliest time of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:24 \u201cWhen there were no depths [oceans] I was brought forth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n when there were no springs overflowing with water; <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:25 before the mountains were settled in place\u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t before the hills\u2013I was brought forth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:26 \u201cBefore he had not yet made the earth and the fields, <\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the first dust of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:27 \u201cWhen he established the heavens, I was there, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when he inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:28 when he made firm the clouds [sky] above, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when the fountains of the deep were fixed fast,\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:29 when he set for the sea its limits<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>and the waters can not go beyond his command, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t when he marked out the foundations of the earth;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:30 and I was beside Him, constantly<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t and I was delighting [before him] day after day, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t rejoicing always in his presence;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:31 rejoicing in the world [inhabited], his earth, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>and my delight was the sons of men [humanity].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:32 \u201cSo now, sons, listen to me<\/p>\n\n\n\n and blessed are those who keep my ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:33 Listen to instruction and become wise,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not neglect it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:34 \u201cBlessed is the man who listens to me, <\/p>\n\n\n\n watching at my doors day by day,<\/p>\n\n\n\n watching at the doorposts of my doorways;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:35 for the one who finds me findslife,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and so obtains favor from the Lord,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8:36 but the one who misses me is one who does violence against himself;<\/p>\n\n\n\n all who hate me love death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Nine<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:1 Wisdom has built her house, <\/p>\n\n\n\n she has hewn out her seven pillars;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:2 She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tshe has also set her table;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:3 She has sent out her female servants, she calls out <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tfrom the tops of the heights of the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:4 \u201cWhoever is simple, let him turn in here!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n To him who lacks sense she says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:5 \u201cCome, eat of my food <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand drink of the wine I have mixed.\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:6 \u201cForsake your<\/em> foolish ways and live, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand proceed in the way of understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:7 He who corrects a scoffer invites abuse to himself, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand whoever reproves a wicked man receives <\/em>insults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \treprove a wise man and he will love you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:9 Give instruction<\/em> to a wise man and he will be still \twiser, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tteach a righteous man and he will increase his<\/em> learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:11 For by me your days will be increased, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand years of life will be added to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:13 Woman Folly is boisterous, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tshe is<\/em> simple and does not know anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:14 She sits at the door of her house,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ton a seat at the highest point of the city,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:15 calling out to those who are passing along the way,<\/p>\n\n\n\n who go straight on their way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:16 \u201cWhoever is simple, let him turn in here,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand to him who lacks sense she says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:17 \u201cStolen waters are sweet,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tand food taken<\/em> in secret is pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9:18 But he does not know that the dead are there, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tthat<\/em> her guests are in the depths of Sheol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Ten<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tA wise son makes a father glad, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tBut a foolish son brings grief to his mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:2 Treasures of [gained by] wickedness are of no profit, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut righteousness delivers from death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:3 The LORD will not allow the appetite of the righteous to hunger, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the craving of the wicked he thrusts away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:4 A poor person is made with a slack palm,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the hand of the diligent makes wealth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:5 He who gathers [harvest] in the summer is a prudent son, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut <\/em>he who sleeps in harvest is a shameful son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:6 Blessings come to the head of the righteous,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:7 The memory of the righteous brings blessing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the name of the wicked rottens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:8 The wise of heart will accept commands, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a babbling fool will be ruined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who perverts his ways will be found out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:10 He who deceitfully<\/em> winks the eye causes trouble, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a babbling fool will be ruined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut love covers all kinds of <\/em>transgressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t but with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:15 The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tthe terror of the poor is their poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:16 The wage of the righteous is life, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tthe earnings of the wicked is sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:17 Whoever keeps instruction is a path to life, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who rejects reproof causes others to go <\/em>astray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:18 He who conceals hatred with<\/em> lying lips, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand spreads slander, he is a fool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is not lacking,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but he who restrains his lips is prudent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is as <\/em>choice silver, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tthe heart of the wicked is worth<\/em> little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:21 The lips of the righteous shepherd many, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut fools die from lack of sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:22 It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand he adds no sorrow to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:23 Doing wickedness is like enjoying <\/em>laughter to a fool,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut wisdom is enjoyable<\/em> to a man of understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:24 What the wicked fears will come on him;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the desire of the righteous will be granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked person is no more, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the righteous are an everlasting foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tso is the sluggard to those who send him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:27 The fear of the LORD adds days, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the years of the wicked will be shortened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:28 The expectation of the righteous is gladness,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the hope of the wicked perishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:29 The way of the LORD is a fortress to the blameless, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut terror to the workers of evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:30 The righteous will never be toppled, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the wicked will not dwell in the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the tongue of the perverse will be cut out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the mouth of the wicked knows<\/em> what is perverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Eleven<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:1 Scales of deception are an abomination to the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a just weight finds favor with him [the LORD]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut with humility comes wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:3 The integrity of the upright leads them, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/em>but righteousness delivers from death.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight his way, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but by his own wickedness the wicked falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut by the craving of the treacherous, they are caught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the expectation of strength perishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand the wicked takes his place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:9 With his <\/em>mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:10 In the prosperity of the righteous, the city rejoices;<\/p>\n\n\n\n and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a man of understanding keeps quiet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:13 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who is faithful in spirit covers a matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tBut in a multitude of counselors there issafety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:15 One suffers greatly if one puts up security for a stranger,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut one who hates striking [hands] is one who is secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:16 A woman of grace attains honor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut violent men attain riches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:17 A kind man is one who benefits himself, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the cruel man is one who harms his own flesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who sows righteousness gets<\/em> a true reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:19 He who is steadfast in righteousness attains<\/em> to life, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand he who pursues evil attains<\/em> his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:20 An abomination to the LORD are those who are perverse of heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he favors those who are blameless in their way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:21 Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the righteous will be delivered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:22 Like<\/em> a ring of gold in a swine\u2019s snout,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tso is a beautiful woman who turns from discretion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:23 The desire of the righteous is [leads to] only good, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tBut<\/em> the hope of the wicked is [leads to] wrath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:24 There is one who scatters and who is increased still more,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and one who withholds from what is right and comes<\/em> only to lack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:25 A life of blessing others <\/em>enriches,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and he who waters [to saturate] will himself be watered [refreshed].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:26 He who withholds grain, people curse him,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:27 He who diligently seeks good finds favor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who searches for evil, it <\/em>comes to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the righteous will flourish like the green<\/em> foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:29 He who ruins his own household will inherit wind, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand a fool is a slave to the wise in heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand he who takes lives is wise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:31 If the righteous receives his due on earth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n how much more the wicked and the sinner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twelve<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:1 Whoever loves instruction, loves knowledge <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the one who hates correction is an ignoramus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:2 A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the crafty he condemns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:3 No man is established through wickedness,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the root of the righteous will never be moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:4 A virtuous wife is the crown of her husband<\/p>\n\n\n\n but like rottenness in his bones is a shameful wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:5 The plans of righteous people are just,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in ambush for blood,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the words [lit. mouth] of the upright delivers them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:7 Overturn the wicked and they are no more,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the household of the righteous will stand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:8 According to his prudence a person is praised,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but one of perverse mind will be despised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:9 Better is he who is lowly and has a servant <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t <\/em>than to be one who exalts himself and is one who lacks \t\t\tbread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:10 The righteous care for the life of their animals,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/em>but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:11 He who works his land will have plenty of bread, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tBut he who pursues worthless things<\/em> lacks sense.\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:12 The wicked person desires the stronghold of evil people,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/em>but the root of righteous people endures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:13 In the transgression of [his] lips is the trap for an \t\t\tevil man<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the righteous will escape from trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:14 By the fruit of his lips [words], a man will be satisfied with good things <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand the deeds of a man\u2019s hands will return to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a wise man listens to advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:16 A fool\u2019s annoyance is known at once,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the prudent ignores an insult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:17 The faithful witness tells what is right,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a false witness speaks<\/em> deceit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like the thrusts of a sword <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the words [tongue] of the wise brings<\/em> healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:19 Truthful words endure forever,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a lying tongue is but for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut those who counsel peace have joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:21 No harm encounters the righteous <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the wicked are filled with trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut those who show faithfulness are his delight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the heart of fools proclaims folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\twhile the slothful will become forced labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:25 Anxiety in a man\u2019s heart weighs him down,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a good word makes him glad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:26 The righteous carefully chooses his friends, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the way of the wicked leads them astray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:27 A slothful person does not roast any game for himself <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the personal wealth of a man is precious to the diligent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:28 In the path of righteousness is life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tin the journey of its<\/em> pathway there is immortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Thirteen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:1 A wise son hears his father\u2019s instruction,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he who opens wide his lips comes to terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:4 The appetite of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the life of the diligent is fattened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:5 A righteous man hates anything false<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the wicked becomes a stench and causes himself to be ashamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:6 Righteousness guards the blameless way, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but wickedness overthrows the sinner.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:7 There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;<\/p>\n\n\n\n and there is <\/em>one who pretends to be poor and has great riches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:8 The ransom of a person\u2019s life is his wealth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the poor person hears no threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the lamp of the wicked is put out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:10 There is strife only with pride,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but with those who take counsel there is <\/em>wisdom.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:11 Wealth gained from vanity will dwindle,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who gathers by hand increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:12 Hope deferred causes the heart to become sick,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut like<\/em> a tree of life is a desire fulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:13 Whoever despises the wordwill pay for it but he who fears a commandment will be <\/sup><\/em>rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n to turn one<\/em> away from the snares of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:15 Good judgment wins favor,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but the way of the treacherous leads to their destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:16 Every shrewd man acts with knowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a fool flaunts his folly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a faithful envoy brings<\/em> healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:18 Poverty and disgrace come<\/em> to him who ignores \t\t\t\t\t instruction,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but whoever heeds reproof is honored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the person,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut whoever associates with fools will suffer harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:21 Trouble pursues sinners,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut good things reward the righteous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children\u2019s children,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:23 The unplowed field of poor people yields plenty of food,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but it is swept away through injustice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:24 The one who holds back his rod is one who hates his son,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:25 A righteous person has enough food to satisfy his appetite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the belly of the wicked lacks [bread].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Fourteen <\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:1 The wisest of women builds her household,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the foolish woman with her own hands tears it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:2 Whoever fears the Lord walks in uprightness<\/p>\n\n\n\n butwhoever despises him is perverse in his ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod of pride,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the lips of the wise will preserve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:5 An honest witness does not lie,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a false witness breathes out lies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:6 The scoffer seeks wisdom, and he has not,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but knowledge comes easy to the understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:7 Leave the presence of a foolish man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n for there you do not meet lips of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd is to discern his way,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the folly of fools is deceiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:9 Fools mock at guilt,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but among the upright there is acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and in its joys a stranger does not take part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the tent of the upright will flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut its end is the ways to death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand the end of joy may be grief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:14 The backslider in heart will be paid back from his own ways,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a good man will be rewarded<\/em> for his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:15 The gullible believes everything,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the shrewd discerns his steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:16 The wise man fears and turns away from evil, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but a fool is reckless and careless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:17 A man of <\/sup><\/em>quick temper acts foolishly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a man of [evil] devices is hated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:18 Gullible people inherit folly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:19 Evil people will bow down before good people,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and wicked people at the gates of a righteous person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:20 Even by his neighbor a poor person is hated, <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n but those who love the rich are many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor is a sinner,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut blessed is he who is generous to the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:22 Do not the devisers of evil go astray,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tand the planners of good meet with lovingkindness and \t\tfaithfulness? <\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:23 In all toil there is profit,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but mere talk only to poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the folly of fools brings folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut one who breathes out lies is deceitful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence,\t <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>and his children have a refuge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n to turn away from the snares of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:28 The glory of a king is a multitude of people<\/p>\n\n\n\n but without people a prince is ruined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a quick temper exalts folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:30 Life in the whole body is a tranquil heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but feverish passion is rottenness to the bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he who is gracious to the needy honors him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:32 By his own evil the wicked person is overthrown<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the righteous takes refuge in his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:33 In the heart of the discerning, wisdom comes to rest,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and in the midst of fools she is known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut sin is a condemnation to peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:35 The king\u2019s favor comes to a prudent servant<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Fifteen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:1 A gentle answer turns back wrath,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a harsh word stirs up anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the mouth of fools gushes forth folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t keeping watch on those who are evil and those who \tare \t\tgood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:4 The soothing of the tongue is a tree of life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but perversity in it fractures the spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:5 A fool spurns his father\u2019s instruction,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but whoever heeds correction is shrewd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:6 The house of the righteous is a great treasure <\/p>\n\n\n\n but in the wages of the wicked is ruin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:7 The lips of wise people scatter knowledge;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the heart of fools is not right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the prayer of the upright pleases him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:9 An abomination to the LORD is the way of the wicked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but those who pursues righteousness, he loves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:10 Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way;<\/p>\n\n\n\n whoever hates reproof will die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are in full view of the LORD;<\/p>\n\n\n\n how much more the hearts of the children of man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he will not go to the wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:14 The heart of him who has understanding seeksknowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the mouths of fools feed on folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a cheerful heart is a feast continually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD<\/p>\n\n\n\n than great treasure and trouble with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is<\/p>\n\n\n\n than a fattened ox and hatred with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a slow to anger person calms a dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/em>but the path of upright people is a built-up highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:20 A wise son makes a glad father,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a foolish man is one who despises his mother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:21 Folly is a joy to him who has no sense,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut a man of understanding walks straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:22 Plans fail without counsel,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but with many advisers it [a plan] succeeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:23 A man has joy in the appropriate answer of his mouth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and how good is a word at the right time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and so turns aside from Sheol below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut he sets in place the boundary of the widow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:26 The thoughts of an evil person are an abomination to the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut pleasant words are pure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:27 Whoever is greedy for gain troubles his own household,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\t<\/em>but the one who hates bribes will live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t\tbut the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but he hears the prayer of the righteous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:30 The light of the eyes makes the heart glad, <\/p>\n\n\n\n good news revives the whole person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction<\/p>\n\n\n\n dwells among the wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:32 Whoever ignores instruction despises his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n but he who listens to reproof gains sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and before honor comes<\/em> humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Sixteen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:2 All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the LORD weighs the spirit [motives].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and your thoughts will be established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:4 <\/em>The LORD works everything to its appropriate end,<\/p>\n\n\n\n even the wicked for a day of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:5 An abomination to the LORD is everyone who is arrogant of heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n be sure of this, that person will not go unpunished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;<\/p>\n\n\n\n and by the fear of the LORD is the turning away from evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:7 When the LORD is pleased in a man\u2019s ways,<\/p>\n\n\n\n he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness<\/p>\n\n\n\n than a large income without justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:9 The heart of man plans his way,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the LORD establishes his steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:10 An oracle is on the king\u2019s lips;<\/p>\n\n\n\n in giving a judgment his mouth is not unfaithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:11 A just balance and scales are the LORD\u2019s;<\/p>\n\n\n\n all the weights in the bag are his work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n because a throne is established by righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:13 The delight of a king is righteous lips,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and he loves whoever speaks upright things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:14 A king\u2019s wrath is a messenger of death,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a wise man will appease it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:15 In the light of a king\u2019s face there is life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and his favor is like a cloud of spring rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And to acquire insight is preferable to silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:17 The highway of those upright turns aside from evil;<\/p>\n\n\n\n whoever protects his life is one who guards his way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:18 Pride goes before destruction,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a haughty spirit before a fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:19 Better to be one lowly in spirit with the oppressed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n than to divide the spoil with the proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:20 Whoever pays attention to a saying finds good,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:21 The wise of heart is called \u201cDiscerning,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n and kind speech increases learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:22 Prudence is a fountain of life to him who has it,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the instruction of fools is folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:23 The heart of the wise makes his speech prudent<\/p>\n\n\n\n and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, <\/p>\n\n\n\n sweetness to the inner man and health to the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but its end is the way to death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:26 The appetite of the worker works for him,<\/p>\n\n\n\n for his mouth urges him on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:27 A wicked scoundrel plots evil,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and his speech is like a scorching fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:28 A perverse man spreads strife,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the whisperer alienates close friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor<\/p>\n\n\n\n and leads him in a way that is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:30 Whoever winks his eyes devises perversity, <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>pursing his lips, he brings evil to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:31 Gray hair is a splendid crown;<\/p>\n\n\n\n it is found in the way of righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty hero,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but its every decision is from the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Seventeen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet<\/p>\n\n\n\n than a house full of feasting with strife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:2 A wise slave will rule over a shameful son, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the LORD tests the hearts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;<\/p>\n\n\n\n whoever rejoices over calamity will not go unpunished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:6 The [splendid] crown of the aged is children\u2019s children,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the glory of children is their fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:7 An eloquent lip is not fitting for a godless fool; <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>still less fitting is a lying lip for a nobleman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it [the bribe];<\/p>\n\n\n\n in every way he turns he thinks he will succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:9 Whoever covers an offense fosters love,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding<\/p>\n\n\n\n than a hundred blows into a fool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:11 An evil man fosters only rebellion,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:12 Meet a she-bear robbed of her young by a man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but do <\/em>not meet<\/em> a fool in his folly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, <\/p>\n\n\n\n evil will not depart from his house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,<\/p>\n\n\n\n so quit before the quarrel breaks out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n both of them are an abomination to the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:16 Why should a fool have payment in his hand to buy wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n when he has no sense?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:17 A friend loves at all times,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and a brother is born for adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:18 One who lacks sense strikes hands in<\/em> a pledge<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he whomakes his doorway high seeks destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:20 A person with a perverse heart does not find good,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:21 He who fathers a fool brings himself sorrow,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the father of a godless fool has no joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a crushed spirit dries up the bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:23 A wicked person accepts a bribe from the bosom<\/p>\n\n\n\n to pervert the ways of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:24 Wisdom is before the discerning person, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father<\/p>\n\n\n\n and bitterness to her who bore him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,<\/p>\n\n\n\n nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:27 Whoever restrains his words knows knowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;<\/p>\n\n\n\n when he closes his lips, he is deemed discerning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Eighteen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>against all sound judgment he starts a quarrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but only in expressing his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:3 When a wickedness comes, contempt also comes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and with shame comes reproach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:4 The words of a person\u2019s mouth are deep waters;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the well-spring of wisdom is a rushing stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:5 To show favoritism to the guilty is not good,<\/p>\n\n\n\n or to deprive the righteous of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:6 A fool\u2019s lips walk into a fight,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and his mouth invites a beating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and his lips are a trap for his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:8 The words of a slanderer are like delicious morsels;<\/p>\n\n\n\n they go down into the inner parts of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:9 Even the one who is slack in his occupation,<\/p>\n\n\n\n is a brother of him who destroys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the righteous man runs into it and is protected on high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:11 A rich man\u2019s wealth is his strong city,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and like a high city <\/em>wall in his imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:12 Before destruction a man\u2019s heart is haughty,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em> but before honor is humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:13 He who gives an answer before he listens, <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>it is to him folly and shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:14 A man\u2019s spirit will endure sickness,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but who can bear a crushed spirit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:16 A man\u2019s gift makes room for him<\/p>\n\n\n\n and brings him before the great. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:17 The first to state his case seems<\/em> right, <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>until his opponent comes and cross-examines him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:18 The lot puts an end to quarrels<\/p>\n\n\n\n and decides between powerful contenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city;<\/p>\n\n\n\n and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:20 From the fruit of a man\u2019s mouth his stomach is satisfied;<\/p>\n\n\n\n from the product of his lips he is satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and those who love it will eat its fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:22 He who finds a wife finds good<\/p>\n\n\n\n and obtains favor from the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:23 The poor use entreaties,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the rich answer harshly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:24 A man who has unreliable companions is about to be broken,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Nineteen<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity<\/p>\n\n\n\n than one who is crooked in speech, for he is a fool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:3 The folly of a man overturns his way,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>but his heart rages against the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:4 Wealth brings many new companions,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a poor man is deserted by his companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and he who testifies lies will not escape punishment<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:6 Many seek the favor of a nobleman,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and everyone is a companion to a generous man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:7 All a poor man\u2019s brothers hate him;<\/p>\n\n\n\n how much more his companions becomes distant from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though he pursues his companions<\/em> with words<\/p>\n\n\n\n they are nowhere to be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:8 The one who gets sense is one who loves his life;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the one who heeds understanding will soon find what is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and he who testifies lies will perish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; <\/p>\n\n\n\n how much less for a slave to rule over princes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:11 A man\u2019s good sense makes him slow to anger, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and it is his glory to overlook an offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:12 The roaring of a lion is the rage of a king,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but like dew upon grass is his favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:14 A household and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but from the LORD is a prudent wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and an idle person hungers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n the one who despises his ways will die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:17 The one who shows grace to the poor is one who lends to the LORD;<\/p>\n\n\n\n and as for his deeds he will repay him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:18 Discipline your child, for there is hope,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and unto killing him, do not set your desire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:19 A hotheadis one who bears a penalty;<\/p>\n\n\n\n if you deliver him once<\/em>, you will do so again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline,<\/p>\n\n\n\n that you may become wise by the end of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:21 Many plans are in a man\u2019s heart, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n better is a poor person than a liar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:23 The fear of the LORD is surely<\/em> life;<\/p>\n\n\n\n fully satisfied, he dwells without harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;<\/p>\n\n\n\n to his mouth he does not return it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:25 Flog a mocker, and the gullible will become prudent,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and if one corrects the understanding, he discerns knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:26 He who assaults his<\/em> father and<\/em> drives his<\/em> mother away,<\/p>\n\n\n\n is a shameful and disgraceful son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:27 Cease, my son, listening to instruction<\/p>\n\n\n\n to stray from words of knowledge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:29 Punishments are ready for the mockers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and beatings for the back of fools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twenty<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:2 The roaring as of a lion is like the terror of the king;<\/p>\n\n\n\n whoever angers him is one who forfeits his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:3 Abstaining from strife brings honor to a man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but any fool will quarrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, <\/p>\n\n\n\n so at harvest time he asks for grain but has nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:5 A plan in the heart of a man is like<\/em> deep water, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but a man of understanding draws it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:6 Many a man professes his own loyalty, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but who can find a trustworthy man?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity \u2014 <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/sup><\/em>blessed are his children after him!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment<\/p>\n\n\n\n sorts out all evil with his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:9 Who can say, \u201cI have made my heart pure;<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am clean from my sin\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:10 Unequal weights and unequal measures<\/p>\n\n\n\n are both alike an abomination to the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:11 Even a young man by his evil acts disguises them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So is his conduct is pure and upright?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,<\/p>\n\n\n\n the LORD has made them both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;<\/p>\n\n\n\n open your eyes, have plenty of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:14 \u201cBad, bad,\u201d says the buyer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but when he goes away, then he boasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:15 There is gold and an abundance of corals<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a precious jewel are lips of knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:16 Take a man\u2019s garment when he has put up security for a stranger, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:18 Plans are established with counsel, <\/p>\n\n\n\n so make war with guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;<\/p>\n\n\n\n so do not associate with a simple babbler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:20 The one who curses his father and his mother, <\/p>\n\n\n\n his lamp will be extinguished in pitch darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning,<\/p>\n\n\n\n will not be blessed in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:22 Do not say,\u201cI will repay evil\u201d;<\/p>\n\n\n\n wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and false scales are not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:24 From the LORD are the steps of a man;<\/p>\n\n\n\n as for a human being, how can he understand his way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:25 It is a trap for a human being to say rashly, \u201cIt is holy\u201d [consecrated]<\/p>\n\n\n\n and only afterward to consider the vows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:26 A wise king is one who winnows the wicked, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and brings back he cartwheel over them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n searching all his innermost parts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:28 Lovingkindness and faithfulness guards the king,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and by lovingkindness his throne is upheld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the majesty of old men is their gray hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:30 Bruising wounds scour away evil;<\/p>\n\n\n\n strokes clean <\/em>the innermost parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twenty-One<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:1 The king\u2019s heart in the LORD\u2019s hand is a stream of water;<\/p>\n\n\n\n upon all who please him, he turns it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:2 Every way of a man may seen right in his own eyes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the LORD weighs the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:3 To do righteousness and justice<\/p>\n\n\n\n is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n the unplowed field of the wicked produce sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to profit, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:6 The acquiring of treasures by a lying tongue<\/p>\n\n\n\n is the wind driven breath of those seeking death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:7 The violence of the wicked drags them away,<\/p>\n\n\n\n because they refuse to do what is just.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:8 The way of the guilty is crooked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but as for the pure, his way is straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:9 Better to live in a corner of the housetop<\/p>\n\n\n\n than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife [woman].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:10 The wicked person desires evil; <\/p>\n\n\n\n his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;<\/p>\n\n\n\n by paying attention to a wise man, he gains knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:12 The Righteous One observes the household of the wicked;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor<\/p>\n\n\n\n will himself call out and not be answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger,<\/p>\n\n\n\n even a bribe in the bosom strong wrath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:15 To do justice brings joy to the righteous <\/p>\n\n\n\n but terror to evildoers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:16 One who wanders from the way of the prudent<\/p>\n\n\n\n will end up in the company of the departed spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the treacherous person are taken <\/em>for the upright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:19 Better to live in a desert land<\/p>\n\n\n\n than with a quarrelsome and vexing wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:20 A storage of desirable food and oil are in the dwelling place of the wise,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a fool devours it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and <\/p>\n\n\n\n kindness finds life, prosperity and honor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:22 A wise man scales the city walls <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue<\/p>\n\n\n\n keeps himself out of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:24 The proud, the arrogant, \u201cScoffer is his name,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n who acts in overbearing arrogance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,<\/p>\n\n\n\n for his hands refuse to labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:26 All day long he craves lustfully,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the righteous person gives and does not hold back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:27 The wicked person\u2019s sacrifice is an abomination; <\/p>\n\n\n\n how much more when he brings it with evil intent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:28 A false witness will perish,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but a man who listens well testifies successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:29 A wicked man puts on a bold face <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the upright, he establishes his ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding and <\/p>\n\n\n\n there is no counsel that can stand before the LORD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of war, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but the victory belongs to the LORD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twenty-Two<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:1 A good name is better than great riches <\/p>\n\n\n\n good favor more than silver or gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:2 The rich and the poor meet together;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the LORD is the Maker of them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the simple go on and suffer for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:4 The reward for humility and fearing the LORD <\/p>\n\n\n\n is riches and honor and life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;<\/p>\n\n\n\n whoever guards himself will keep far from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:6 Dedicate a child according to what his way dictates;<\/p>\n\n\n\n even when he is old, he will not depart from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:7 The rich rules over the poor,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and the borrower is a slave to the lender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:8 The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the rod of his fury will end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:9 He who is generous will be blessed, <\/p>\n\n\n\n For he gives from his food to the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:10 Drive out the scoffer, and out goes strife;<\/p>\n\n\n\n quarrels and shame is ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart <\/p>\n\n\n\n and whose speech is gracious, the king will be his friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:12 The eyes of the LORD protect knowledge, <\/p>\n\n\n\n but he subverts the words of the treacherous man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:13 The sluggard says, \u201cThere is a lion outside; <\/p>\n\n\n\n I will be killed in the streets!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:14 A deep pit is the mouth of the adulteress;<\/p>\n\n\n\n the one cursed by the LORD will fall into it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:16 The one who oppresses the poor to increase wealth <\/em>for himself <\/p>\n\n\n\n and the one who gives to the rich come only to poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:17 Incline your ear and <\/p>\n\n\n\n hear the words of the wise, And <\/p>\n\n\n\n apply your mind to my knowledge;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:18 For it will be pleasant <\/p>\n\n\n\n if you keep them within you, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and they are ready upon your lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, <\/p>\n\n\n\n I have taught you today, even you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings,<\/p>\n\n\n\n of counsel and knowledge,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:21 to teach you to be honest, speaking true<\/p>\n\n\n\n answers to those who sent you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not crush the afflicted at the gate;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:23 because the LORD will plead their case, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and take the life of those who robbed them [of life].<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:24 Do not be an associate with a man of anger<\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not go [as a companion] with a wrathful person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:25 Lest you learn their ways<\/p>\n\n\n\n and catch a snare for your life <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:26 Do not be among those who strike a palm,<\/p>\n\n\n\n among those who pledge securities for a loan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:27 If you have nothing with which to pay, <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why should he take your bed out from under you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:28 Do not move the ancient boundary <\/p>\n\n\n\n Which your fathers have set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n He will present himself before kings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He will not stand before obscure people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twenty-Three<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, <\/p>\n\n\n\n observe carefully what is before you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:2 and put a knife to your throat<\/p>\n\n\n\n if you are given to gluttony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:3 Do not crave his delicacies,<\/p>\n\n\n\n for that food is deceptive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to become rich; <\/p>\n\n\n\n from your own discernment, cease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:5 Will you let your eyes light on [glance ]it [riches} ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do, <\/em>they are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For suddenly it sprouts wings,<\/p>\n\n\n\n flying like an eagle into the sky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:6 Do not eat the bread of a stingy man; [evil eye]<\/p>\n\n\n\n do not crave his delicacies,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:7 because he calculates within himself <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEat and drink!\u201d he says to you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but his heart is not with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:8 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and waste your pleasant words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:9 In the ears of a fool, do not speak,<\/p>\n\n\n\n because he will despise the good sense of your words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:10 Do not move the ancient boundaries<\/p>\n\n\n\n or enter the fields of the fatherless,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:11 because their Defender is strong:<\/p>\n\n\n\n he will plead their case against you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction<\/p>\n\n\n\n and your ear to words of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;<\/p>\n\n\n\n if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:14 If you strike him with the rod, <\/p>\n\n\n\n you will save him from Sheol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:15 My son, if your heart is wise,<\/p>\n\n\n\n my heart too will be glad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:16 My inmost being will exult<\/p>\n\n\n\n when your lips speak what is right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:17 Let not your heart be envious of sinners,<\/p>\n\n\n\n but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:18 Surely there is a future,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and your hope will not be cut off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:19 Hear, you, my son, and become wise,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and direct your heart in the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:20 Be not among drunkards<\/p>\n\n\n\n among gluttons of meat for themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:21 for the drunkard and the glutton will become destitute <\/p>\n\n\n\n and drowsiness clothes them with rags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you<\/p>\n\n\n\n and do not despise your mother when she is old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell<\/p>\n\n\n\n wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;<\/p>\n\n\n\n he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:25 Let your father and mother rejoice; <\/p>\n\n\n\n let her who bore you rejoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:26 Give me your heart, my son, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and let your eyes observe my ways;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;<\/p>\n\n\n\n an adulteress is a narrow well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:28 Indeed, she lays an ambush like a robber<\/p>\n\n\n\n and increases the treacherous among mankind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:29 Who has \u201cWoe!\u201d? Who has \u201cAlas!\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who has strife? Who has complaints?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who has wounds without cause?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who has redness of eyes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:30 Those who linger over wine, <\/p>\n\n\n\n those who come to try mixed wine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:31 Do not look at wine when it is an [alluring] red,<\/p>\n\n\n\n when it sparkles in the goblet,<\/p>\n\n\n\n when it goes down smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:32 In the end, it bites like a snake, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and poisons like a viper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:33 Your eyes will see strange sights,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and your heart [mind] will say perversities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,<\/p>\n\n\n\n like one who lies on the top of a mast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:35 They hit me but I was not hurt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n they beat me, but I did not know it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When will I wake up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another drink, <\/em>I must seek it and find one <\/em>again.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Twenty-Four<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:1 Do not envy evil people, <\/p>\n\n\n\n do not desire to be with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:2 for their hearts devise violence,<\/p>\n\n\n\n and their lips speak of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and by understanding it is established;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:4 and by knowledge the rooms are filled <\/p>\n\n\n\n with all precious and pleasant riches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:5 A wise man prevails by might, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and a man of knowledge musters strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:6 Surely, by guidance you must wage war, <\/p>\n\n\n\n there is victory with many counselors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;<\/p>\n\n\n\n in the gate he does not open his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:8 One who plans to do evil, <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/em>will be called a schemer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:9 The scheme that comes from foolishness is sin <\/p>\n\n\n\n and a scoffer is an abomination to humanity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:10 If you are faint in the time of crisis,<\/p>\n\n\n\n your strength is meager. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:11 Deliver those being taken away to death, <\/p>\n\n\n\n and hold back those slipping to the slaughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24:12 If you say, \u201cBehold, we did not know this,\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n does he who weighs the hearts not discern it<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n And won\u2019t the one who watches over your life, know