The Proverbs

Old Testament · 31 chapters · 915 verses.

Chapter 1

1:1The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
1:2For knowing wisdom and instruction, for understanding sayings of insight,
1:3For receiving instruction in wise conduct, righteousness, judgment, and equity,
1:4For giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to a youth.
1:5Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and let the discerning acquire guidance,
1:6For understanding a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.
1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
1:8Hear, my son, the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother,
1:9For they are a graceful wreath for your head, and pendants for your neck.
1:10My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
1:11If they say, “Come with us; let us lie in wait for blood; let us secretly watch for the innocent without cause.
1:12Let us swallow them alive like the realm of the dead, and whole, like those who go down to the pit.
1:13We shall find all precious possessions; we shall fill our houses with spoil.
1:14Cast your lot among us; one purse shall belong to us all.”
1:15My son, do not walk in the way with them; withhold your foot from their path,
1:16For their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed blood.
1:17Surely in vain the net is spread before the eyes of any bird.
1:18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they secretly watch for their own lives.
1:19Such are the ways of everyone greedy for gain; it takes the lives of its owners.
1:20Wisdom cries aloud in the street; she raises her voice in the squares.
1:21At the head of the noisy streets she calls; at the entrances of the city gates she speaks her words:
1:22“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will scoffers delight in scoffing, and fools hate knowledge?
1:23Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
1:24Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention.
1:25You ignored all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof.
1:26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,
1:27When your terror comes like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
1:28Then they will call me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me,
1:29Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.
1:30They would have none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof.
1:31Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their way, and be filled with their own schemes.
1:32For the waywardness of the simple kills them, and the complacency of fools destroys them.
1:33But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and be at ease without dread of evil.”

Chapter 2

2:1My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commandments within you,
2:2Making your ear attentive to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding,
2:3Indeed, if you call out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding,
2:4If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures,
2:5Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
2:7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright, a shield for those who walk in integrity,
2:8Guarding the paths of judgment, and preserving the way of His faithful ones.
2:9Then you will understand righteousness, judgment, and equity—every good path.
2:10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
2:11Discretion will watch over you; understanding will keep you,
2:12To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,
2:13Who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in ways of darkness,
2:14Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of evil,
2:15Whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways,
2:16To deliver you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress who makes her words smooth,
2:17Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.
2:18For her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed spirits.
2:19None who go in to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life.
2:20Therefore walk in the way of the good, and keep the paths of the righteous.
2:21For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it,
2:22But the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be torn from it.

Chapter 3

3:1My son, do not forget my instruction, but let your heart keep my commandments,
3:2For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3:3Do not let steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart,
3:4And you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
3:5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
3:6In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.
3:7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
3:8It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.
3:9Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
3:10Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
3:11My son, do not despise the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His reproof,
3:12For whom the LORD loves He reproves, as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
3:13O the blessedness of a man who finds wisdom, and of a man who gains understanding.
3:14For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her yield than fine gold.
3:15She is more precious than rubies, and all that you desire cannot compare with her.
3:16Length of days is in her right hand; in her left are riches and honor.
3:17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
3:18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and whoever holds her fast is blessed.
3:19The LORD founded the earth by wisdom; He established the heavens by understanding.
3:20By His knowledge the deeps were broken open, and the clouds drop down dew.
3:21My son, do not let them depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion,
3:22And they will be life to your soul, and grace to your neck.
3:23Then you will walk securely on your way, and your foot will not stumble.
3:24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
3:25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of the ruin of the wicked when it comes.
3:26For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
3:27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
3:28Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and return, and tomorrow I will give,” when you have it with you.
3:29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, while he dwells securely beside you.
3:30Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
3:31Do not envy a man of violence, nor choose any of his ways.
3:32For the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright.
3:33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
3:34Surely He scorns the scoffers, but gives grace to the humble.
3:35The wise will inherit glory, but fools carry away shame.

Chapter 4

4:1Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention, that you may know understanding.
4:2For I give you good instruction; do not forsake my teaching.
4:3For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
4:4And he instructed me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments, and live.
4:5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
4:6Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you.
4:7The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom; and with all you acquire, get understanding.
4:8Exalt her, and she will lift you up; she will honor you when you embrace her.
4:9She will place a wreath of grace on your head; she will bestow on you a crown of beauty.”
4:10Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.
4:11I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in paths of uprightness.
4:12When you walk, your step will not be hindered; and when you run, you will not stumble.
4:13Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Keep her, for she is your life.
4:14Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evildoers.
4:15Avoid it; do not pass through it; turn away from it, and pass on.
4:16For they do not sleep unless they do evil, and their sleep is taken away unless they cause someone to stumble.
4:17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
4:18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until the day is fully established.
4:19The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know at what they stumble.
4:20My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
4:21Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them within your heart.
4:22For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
4:23Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
4:24Put away from you a crooked mouth, and put devious lips far from you.
4:25Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look directly before you.
4:26Make level the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
4:27Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Chapter 5

5:1My son, give attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,
5:2That you may keep discretion, and that your lips may guard knowledge.
5:3For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil,
5:4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5:5Her feet descend to death; her steps take hold of the realm of the dead.
5:6She does not consider the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.
5:7And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
5:8Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
5:9Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel,
5:10Lest strangers be filled with your strength, and your labors go into the house of a foreigner,
5:11And you groan at your end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
5:12And say, “How I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof!
5:13I did not listen to the voice of my teachers, nor incline my ear to my instructors.
5:14I was nearly in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”
5:15Drink water from your own cistern, and flowing water from your own well.
5:16Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the city squares?
5:17Let them be yours alone, and not for strangers with you.
5:18Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
5:19A loving doe, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be intoxicated continually with her love.
5:20Why, my son, should you be intoxicated with a forbidden woman, and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
5:21For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He weighs all his paths.
5:22His own iniquities ensnare the wicked, and he is held by the cords of his sin.
5:23He dies for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he goes astray.

Chapter 6

6:1My son, if you have become guarantor for your neighbor, if you have struck your hand in pledge for a stranger,
6:2You have been snared by the words of your mouth; you have been caught by the words of your mouth.
6:3Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, humble yourself, and plead urgently with your neighbor.
6:4Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.
6:5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6:6Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise,
6:7Though she has no chief, overseer, or ruler,
6:8She prepares her food in summer and gathers her provision in harvest.
6:9How long, O sluggard, will you lie there? When will you rise from your sleep?
6:10A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
6:11And your poverty will come like a robber, and your want like an armed man.
6:12A worthless man, a man of iniquity, walks about with crooked speech,
6:13Winking with his eyes, signaling with his feet, pointing with his fingers.
6:14Perversity is in his heart; he devises evil continually; he sows discord.
6:15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; in an instant he will be broken, and there will be no healing.
6:16Six things the LORD hates; indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
6:17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
6:18A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hasten to run to evil,
6:19A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
6:20My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
6:21Bind them upon your heart continually; tie them around your neck.
6:22When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.
6:23For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
6:24To keep you from an evil woman, from the smooth tongue of an adulteress.
6:25Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.
6:26For because of a prostitute, a man is brought down to a loaf of bread; and another man’s wife hunts a precious life.
6:27Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his garments not be burned?
6:28Can a man walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched?
6:29So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.
6:30Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,
6:31Yet if he is found, he must repay sevenfold; he must give all the possessions of his house.
6:32He who commits adultery with a woman lacks sense; he who does it destroys his own soul.
6:33Wounds and shame he will find, and his reproach will not be wiped away,
6:34For jealousy is a husband’s fury, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
6:35He will accept no ransom, nor consent though you multiply bribes.

Chapter 7

7:1My son, keep my words, and treasure my commandments within you.
7:2Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye.
7:3Bind them upon your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
7:4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinswoman,
7:5That they may keep you from a forbidden woman, from an adulteress who makes her words smooth.
7:6For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice,
7:7And I saw among the simple; I discerned among the young men a youth who lacked sense,
7:8Passing through the street near her corner, and taking the way to her house,
7:9In the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the darkness of night and gloom.
7:10And behold, a woman came to meet him, dressed as a prostitute and wily of heart.
7:11She is loud and rebellious; her feet do not remain in her house.
7:12Now in the street, now in the city squares, she lies in wait near every corner.
7:13She seized him and kissed him; with a brazen face she said to him,
7:14“Peace offerings were due from me; today I have fulfilled my vows.
7:15Therefore I came out to meet you, to seek your face diligently, and I have found you.
7:16I have spread my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
7:17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves in love.
7:19For my husband is not in his house; he has gone on a long journey.
7:20He has taken a bag of silver in his hand; at the full moon he will return home.”
7:21With her many persuasions she turns him aside; with her smooth lips she compels him.
7:22He follows her at once, as an ox goes to the slaughter, and as a fool to the stocks for discipline,
7:23Until an arrow pierces his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare and does not know that it will cost its life.
7:24And now, O sons, listen to me, and give attention to the words of my mouth.
7:25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not wander into her paths.
7:26For many are the wounded she has cast down, and numerous are all those she has slain.
7:27Her house is the way to the realm of the dead, descending to the inner chambers of death.

Chapter 8

8:1Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?
8:2At the top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand.
8:3Beside the gates, at the entrance of the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries aloud:
8:4“To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.
8:5O simple ones, understand prudence; and O fools, gain an understanding heart.
8:6Hear, for I will speak noble things, and the opening of my lips will be upright.
8:7For my mouth utters truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8:8All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or perverse in them.
8:9They are all plain to him who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
8:10Take my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with her.
8:12I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I possess knowledge and discretion.
8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.
8:14Counsel and sound wisdom are mine; I am understanding; strength is mine.
8:15By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
8:16By me princes rule, and nobles—all who judge righteously.
8:17I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
8:18Wealth and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
8:19My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.
8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
8:21To bestow possessions upon those who love me, and to fill their treasuries.
8:22The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
8:23I was established from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth.
8:24When there were no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
8:25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth.
8:26Before He had made the earth and the open fields, or the first dust of the world.
8:27When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He inscribed a circle upon the face of the deep,
8:28When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
8:29When He set a boundary for the sea, that the waters should not pass beyond His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth,
8:30Then I was beside Him as a master workman, and I was His delight day by day, rejoicing before Him always,
8:31Rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men.
8:32And now, O sons, listen to me; O the blessedness of those who keep my ways.
8:33Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
8:34O the blessedness of the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting beside the doorposts of my entrance.
8:35For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.
8:36But whoever sins against me harms his own soul; all who hate me love death.”

Chapter 9

9:1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars.
9:2She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
9:3She has sent out her maidens; she calls from the highest places of the city:
9:4“Whoever is simple, let him turn aside here.” To him who lacks sense she says,
9:5“Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed.
9:6Forsake the simple and live, and walk in the way of understanding.”
9:7Whoever corrects a scoffer receives abuse, and whoever reproves the wicked incurs injury.
9:8Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
9:10The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
9:11For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
9:12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
9:13The woman Folly is loud; she is simple and knows nothing.
9:14She sits at the doorway of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
9:15Calling to those who pass by, who go straight on their paths:
9:16“Whoever is simple, let him turn aside here.” And to him who lacks sense she says,
9:17“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
9:18But he does not know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of the realm of the dead.

Chapter 10

10:1Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes his father rejoice, but a foolish son is grief to his mother.
10:2Treasures of wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
10:3The LORD does not let the soul of the righteous go hungry, but He thrusts aside the craving of the wicked.
10:4A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
10:5Whoever gathers in summer is a prudent son; whoever sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
10:6Blessings are upon the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:7The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked rots.
10:8The wise in heart receives commandments, but a babbling fool comes to ruin.
10:9Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever makes his ways crooked will be found out.
10:10Whoever winks the eye causes grief, and a babbling fool comes to ruin.
10:11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:12Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.
10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of him who understands, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
10:14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
10:15The wealth of the rich is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
10:16The wages of the righteous lead to life; the income of the wicked leads to sin.
10:17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but whoever forsakes reproof leads others astray.
10:18Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
10:19When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is wise.
10:20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
10:21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
10:22The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
10:23Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.
10:24What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
10:25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
10:26As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
10:27The fear of the LORD adds days, but the years of the wicked are shortened.
10:28The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked perishes.
10:29The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but ruin to workers of iniquity.
10:30The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
10:31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
10:32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.

Chapter 11

11:1False balances are an abomination to the LORD, but a full weight is His delight.
11:2When pride comes, then comes shame, but wisdom is with the humble.
11:3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.
11:4Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
11:5The righteousness of the blameless makes his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
11:6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are caught by their own desire.
11:7When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the expectation of wealth is lost.
11:8The righteous is delivered from distress, and the wicked enters in his place.
11:9The godless destroys his neighbor with his mouth, but through knowledge the righteous are delivered.
11:10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11:11By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
11:12Whoever despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
11:13A gossip reveals a secret, but one who is faithful in spirit conceals a matter.
11:14Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is deliverance.
11:15Whoever becomes guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but whoever hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
11:16A gracious woman obtains honor, and ruthless men obtain riches.
11:17A merciful man does good to his own soul, but a cruel man troubles his own flesh.
11:18The wicked earns deceptive wages, but whoever sows righteousness receives a sure reward.
11:19Surely righteousness leads to life, but whoever pursues evil pursues his own death.
11:20The crooked of heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their way are His delight.
11:21Be assured: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
11:22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
11:23The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
11:24One scatters and yet increases; another withholds more than is right, only to come to want.
11:25A generous soul will prosper, and whoever waters will himself be watered.
11:26The people curse him who withholds grain, but a blessing is upon the head of him who sells it.
11:27Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but whoever seeks evil, it will come upon him.
11:28Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a leaf.
11:29Whoever troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise in heart.
11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever wins lives is wise.
11:31If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Chapter 12

12:1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates reproof is senseless.
12:2A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but He condemns a man of wicked schemes.
12:3A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved.
12:4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who brings shame is rottenness in his bones.
12:5The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
12:6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
12:7The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands.
12:8A man is praised according to his insight, but one of perverse heart is despised.
12:9Better is one lightly esteemed who has a servant than one who honors himself and lacks bread.
12:10The righteous knows the life of his beast, but the mercies of the wicked are cruel.
12:11Whoever tills his ground will be satisfied with bread, but whoever pursues worthless things lacks sense.
12:12The wicked desires the prey of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
12:13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from distress.
12:14From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of his hands returns to him.
12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
12:16A fool’s anger is known at once, but the prudent conceals dishonor.
12:17Whoever breathes out truth declares righteousness, but a false witness declares deceit.
12:18There is one whose rash words are like thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
12:19A truthful lip is established forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
12:20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.
12:21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with evil.
12:22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.
12:23A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
12:24The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.
12:25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
12:26The righteous guides his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27A slothful man does not roast his game, but diligence is a man’s precious possession.
12:28In the path of righteousness is life, and along its pathway there is no death.

Chapter 13

13:1A wise son hears his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
13:2From the fruit of his mouth a man eats good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
13:3Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; whoever opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
13:4The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
13:5The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked acts shamefully and comes to disgrace.
13:6Righteousness guards him who is blameless in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7One pretends to be rich yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor yet has abundant wealth.
13:8A man’s riches are the ransom of his life, but the poor hears no threat.
13:9The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
13:10By pride comes only strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
13:11Wealth gained by vanity dwindles, but whoever gathers little by little increases it.
13:12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13:13Whoever despises the word brings destruction upon himself, but whoever fears the commandment will be rewarded.
13:14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one aside from the snares of death.
13:15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard.
13:16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays folly.
13:17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
13:18Poverty and shame come to whoever refuses discipline, but whoever regards reproof is honored.
13:19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn from evil is an abomination to fools.
13:20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21Evil pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous.
13:22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
13:23The fallow ground of the poor yields abundant food, but it is swept away through injustice.
13:24Whoever spares his rod hates his son, but whoever loves him is diligent to discipline him.
13:25The righteous eats to satisfy his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Chapter 14

14:1Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
14:2Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
14:3In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise preserve them.
14:4Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant increase comes by the strength of the ox.
14:5A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
14:6A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
14:7Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not discern lips of knowledge.
14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
14:9Fools mock at guilt, but among the upright there is favor.
14:10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
14:11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
14:12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the ways of death.
14:13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
14:14The backslider in heart is filled with the fruit of his ways, but a good man with the fruit of his.
14:15The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers his steps.
14:16The wise fears and turns from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
14:17Whoever is quick-tempered acts foolishly, and a man of wicked schemes is hated.
14:18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
14:19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
14:20The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but the friends of the rich are many.
14:21Whoever despises his neighbor sins, but O the blessedness of him who shows favor to the poor.
14:22Do not those who devise evil go astray? But steadfast love and faithfulness belong to those who devise good.
14:23In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to want.
14:24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools is folly.
14:25A truthful witness delivers lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
14:26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and His children have a refuge.
14:27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning one aside from the snares of death.
14:28In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, but in the lack of people is a ruler’s ruin.
14:29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
14:30A tranquil heart is life to the flesh, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
14:31Whoever oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but whoever shows favor to the needy honors Him.
14:32The wicked is thrust down by his evil, but the righteous has refuge even in his death.
14:33Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning, but even among fools she makes herself known.
14:34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
14:35A king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against one who brings shame.

Chapter 15

15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
15:2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge well, but the mouth of fools pours out folly.
15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.
15:4A healing tongue is a tree of life, but perversity in it crushes the spirit.
15:5A fool despises his father’s discipline, but whoever regards reproof is prudent.
15:6In the house of the righteous is abundant treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of fools is not so.
15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves whoever pursues righteousness.
15:10Severe discipline awaits him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
15:11The realm of the dead and the place of destruction are before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the sons of men!
15:12A scoffer does not love one who reproves him; he will not go to the wise.
15:13A joyful heart makes the face glad, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
15:14The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15:15All the days of the afflicted are evil, but a glad heart has a continual feast.
15:16Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.
15:17Better is a meal of herbs where there is love than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
15:18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one slow to anger quiets contention.
15:19The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
15:20A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
15:21Folly is joy to one who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
15:22Plans fail where there is no counsel, but with many counselors they are established.
15:23A man has joy in the answer of his mouth, and a word in its season—how good!
15:24The path of life leads upward for the wise, turning him from the realm of the dead beneath.
15:25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He establishes the boundary of the widow.
15:26Evil thoughts are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure.
15:27Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own house, but whoever hates bribes will live.
15:28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
15:29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
15:30The light of the eyes makes the heart glad, and good news strengthens the bones.
15:31An ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
15:32Whoever refuses discipline despises his own soul, but whoever listens to reproof gains understanding.
15:33The fear of the LORD is the discipline of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Chapter 16

16:1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
16:2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits.
16:3Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
16:4The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.
16:5Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
16:6By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
16:7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
16:8Better is a little with righteousness than abundant revenue without justice.
16:9The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
16:10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not betray justice.
16:11A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His work.
16:12Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness.
16:13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and a king loves him who speaks uprightly.
16:14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.
16:15In the light of a king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of spring rain.
16:16To obtain wisdom—how much better than gold! And to obtain understanding is to be chosen above silver.
16:17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his soul.
16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19Better is to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide spoil with the proud.
16:20Whoever gives heed to the word finds good, and whoever trusts in the LORD—O his blessedness.
16:21The wise in heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
16:22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who possess it, but the discipline of fools is folly.
16:23The heart of the wise makes his mouth prudent and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
16:24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
16:25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the ways of death.
16:26A laborer’s appetite labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.
16:27A worthless man digs up evil, and on his lips is a scorching fire.
16:28A perverse man stirs up strife, and a gossip separates close friends.
16:29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
16:30He who closes his eyes devises perverse things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
16:31Gray hair is a crown of beauty; it is found in the way of righteousness.
16:32Better is one slow to anger than the mighty, and one who rules his spirit than one who takes a city.
16:33The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the LORD.

Chapter 17

17:1Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
17:2A wise servant will rule over a son who brings shame and will share the inheritance among brothers.
17:3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts.
17:4An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
17:5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; whoever rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
17:6Children’s children are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
17:7Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, much less lying lips for a noble.
17:8A bribe is a charm in the eyes of its giver; wherever he turns, he prospers.
17:9Whoever covers a transgression seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.
17:10A rebuke strikes deeper into a discerning man than a hundred blows into a fool.
17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
17:12Let a she-bear robbed of her cubs meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.
17:13Whoever returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
17:14The beginning of strife is like letting out water; therefore leave the quarrel before it breaks out.
17:15Whoever justifies the wicked and whoever condemns the righteous—both alike are an abomination to the LORD.
17:16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, when he has no sense?
17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17:18A man who lacks sense strikes hands in pledge and becomes guarantor before his neighbor.
17:19Whoever loves transgression loves strife; whoever makes his doorway high seeks destruction.
17:20One of crooked heart finds no good, and one with a perverse tongue falls into evil.
17:21Whoever begets a fool begets sorrow for himself, and the father of a fool has no joy.
17:22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries the bones.
17:23The wicked takes a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.
17:24Wisdom is before the face of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool are at the ends of the earth.
17:25A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
17:26It is not good to fine the righteous, nor to strike nobles for their uprightness.
17:27Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and a man of understanding is cool in spirit.
17:28Even a fool who keeps silent is reckoned wise; when he shuts his lips, he is considered discerning.

Chapter 18

18:1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound wisdom.
18:2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in uncovering his heart.
18:3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach.
18:4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
18:5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
18:6A fool’s lips enter into strife, and his mouth calls for blows.
18:7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
18:8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts.
18:9Whoever is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
18:10The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is set on high.
18:11The wealth of the rich is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
18:12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
18:13Whoever answers a matter before he hears it—it is folly and shame to him.
18:14The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
18:15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
18:16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
18:17The first to plead his cause seems righteous, until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18:18The lot causes contentions to cease and divides between the mighty.
18:19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a palace.
18:20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his belly is satisfied; with the yield of his lips he is filled.
18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
18:22Whoever finds a wife finds good and obtains favor from the LORD.
18:23The poor speaks with supplications, but the rich answers harshly.
18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who clings closer than a brother.

Chapter 19

19:1Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
19:2Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever hastens with his feet misses the way.
19:3A man’s folly perverts his way, and his heart rages against the LORD.
19:4Wealth brings many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.
19:5A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever breathes out lies will not escape.
19:6Many seek the favor of a noble, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
19:7All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
19:8Whoever acquires wisdom loves his own soul; whoever keeps understanding will find good.
19:9A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever breathes out lies will perish.
19:10Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes.
19:11A man’s insight makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
19:12A king’s wrath is like the growling of a young lion, but his favor is like dew upon the grass.
19:13A foolish son is calamity to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.
19:14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
19:15Sloth casts one into deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
19:16Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his soul; whoever despises his ways will die.
19:17Whoever shows favor to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed.
19:18Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.
19:19A man of great wrath will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
19:20Listen to counsel and receive discipline, that you may be wise in your latter days.
19:21Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD—it will stand.
19:22What is desirable in a man is his steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
19:23The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied, untouched by evil.
19:24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
19:25Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become prudent; reprove one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
19:26Whoever ruins his father and drives away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
19:27Cease, my son, from listening to instruction that leads you astray from the words of knowledge.
19:28A worthless witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
19:29Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and blows for the back of fools.

Chapter 20

20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
20:2The terror of a king is like the growling of a young lion; whoever provokes him sins against his own soul.
20:3It is an honor for a man to cease from strife, but every fool rushes into a quarrel.
20:4The sluggard does not plow because of winter; at harvest he seeks, and there is nothing.
20:5Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.
20:6Many men proclaim their own steadfast love, but a faithful man—who can find?
20:7The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.
20:8A king who sits on a throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
20:9Who can say, “I have purified my heart; I am clean from my sin”?
20:10Differing weights and differing measures—both alike are an abomination to the LORD.
20:11Even a child makes himself known by his deeds, whether his work is pure and upright.
20:12The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the LORD has made them both.
20:13Do not love sleep, lest you become poor; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
20:14“Bad, bad,” says the buyer; then he goes away and boasts.
20:15There is gold and an abundance of jewels, but lips of knowledge are a precious treasure.
20:16Take his garment when he has become guarantor for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he pledges for a foreign woman.
20:17Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
20:18Plans are established by counsel, and wage war with wise guidance.
20:19A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who opens wide his lips.
20:20Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
20:21An inheritance gained hastily at first will not be blessed in the end.
20:22Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you.
20:23Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.
20:24A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can a man understand his way?
20:25It is a snare for a man to say rashly, “It is holy,” and only afterward consider his vows.
20:26A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.
20:27The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts.
20:28Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve a king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
20:29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
20:30Blows that wound cleanse away evil, and strokes reach the innermost parts.

Chapter 21

21:1The heart of a king is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He pleases.
21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs hearts.
21:3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
21:4Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the lamp of the wicked—are sin.
21:5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.
21:6The gaining of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, a pursuit of death.
21:7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do justice.
21:8The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the work of the pure is upright.
21:9Better is to dwell on a corner of the roof than with a contentious wife in a shared house.
21:10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
21:11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; and when the wise is instructed, he gains knowledge.
21:12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; He casts the wicked down to ruin.
21:13Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry and not be answered.
21:14A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe concealed in the bosom appeases strong wrath.
21:15To do justice is joy to the righteous, but terror to workers of iniquity.
21:16A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.
21:17Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not become rich.
21:18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous for the upright.
21:19Better is to dwell in a wilderness land than with a contentious and angry wife.
21:20Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man devours them.
21:21Whoever pursues righteousness and steadfast love finds life, righteousness, and honor.
21:22A wise man climbs the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which it trusts.
21:23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles.
21:24Proud and haughty—scoffer is his name; he acts with arrogant pride.
21:25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to work.
21:26All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not withhold.
21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with an evil purpose!
21:28A false witness will perish, but a man who listens will speak enduringly.
21:29A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright considers his way.
21:30There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the LORD.
21:31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.

Chapter 22

22:1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor rather than silver and gold.
22:2The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all.
22:3The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple pass on and suffer for it.
22:4The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
22:5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
22:6Train a child according to his way; even when he is old he will not turn from it.
22:7The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
22:8Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.
22:9Whoever has a generous eye is blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
22:10Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out; strife and shame will cease.
22:11Whoever loves purity of heart and has gracious lips—the king is his friend.
22:12The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.
22:13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the city square!”
22:14The mouth of a forbidden woman is a deep pit; he who is under the indignation of the LORD falls into it.
22:15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
22:16Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, and whoever gives to the rich, comes only to want.
22:17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and set your heart on my knowledge,
22:18For it is good if you keep them within you and they are ready together upon your lips.
22:19That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today—even to you.
22:20Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
22:21To make you know the certainty of words of truth, that you may return words of truth to those who sent you?
22:22Do not rob the poor because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted in the gate,
22:23For the LORD will plead their cause and will rob of life those who rob them.
22:24Do not befriend a man given to anger, and do not go with a wrathful man,
22:25Lest you learn his ways and take a snare to your soul.
22:26Do not be among those who strike hands in pledge, among those who become guarantors for debts.
22:27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?
22:28Do not remove the ancient boundary stone that your fathers set up.
22:29Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Chapter 23

23:1When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,
23:2And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
23:3Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.
23:4Do not toil to become rich; cease from your own understanding.
23:5When you set your eyes on wealth, it is gone, for it surely makes wings for itself and flies toward heaven like an eagle.
23:6Do not eat the bread of one with an evil eye, and do not desire his delicacies,
23:7For he is like one who calculates within himself. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
23:8You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
23:9Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
23:10Do not remove an ancient boundary stone, and do not enter the fields of the fatherless,
23:11For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their cause against you.
23:12Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.
23:13Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
23:14You will strike him with the rod and deliver his soul from the realm of the dead.
23:15My son, if your heart is wise, my heart also will rejoice.
23:16My inmost being will exult when your lips speak uprightly.
23:17Do not let your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
23:18Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
23:19Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.
23:20Do not be among those who drink wine to excess, among gluttons who gorge themselves on meat,
23:21For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and drowsiness will clothe a man in rags.
23:22Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23:23Buy truth, and do not sell it—wisdom and discipline and understanding.
23:24The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.
23:25Let your father and your mother rejoice, and let her who bore you be glad.
23:26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
23:27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a forbidden woman is a narrow well.
23:28She lies in wait like a robber and increases the treacherous among men.
23:29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaint? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
23:30Those who linger long over wine, those who go to seek out mixed wine.
23:31Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
23:32In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
23:33Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will speak perverse things.
23:34You will be like one who lies down in the heart of the sea, like one who lies down on the top of a mast.
23:35“They struck me, but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.”

Chapter 24

24:1Do not envy evil men, and do not desire to be with them,
24:2For their hearts devise violence, and their lips speak trouble.
24:3By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established,
24:4And by knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and pleasant treasure.
24:5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases strength,
24:6For by wise guidance you will wage war, and victory is in an abundance of counselors.
24:7Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate.
24:8Whoever devises to do evil will be called a master of wicked schemes.
24:9The devising of folly is sin, and a scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
24:10If you faint in the day of distress, your strength is small.
24:11Deliver those who are taken away to death, and hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
24:12If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs hearts understand? Does not He who keeps your soul know? And will He not repay each man according to his work?
24:13My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate.
24:14Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
24:15Do not lie in wait, O wicked one, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place,
24:16For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in calamity.
24:17Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles,
24:18Lest the LORD see and it be evil in His sight, and He turn His anger away from him.
24:19Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; do not envy the wicked,
24:20For there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
24:21Fear the LORD, my son, and the king, and do not associate with rebels,
24:22For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from them both?
24:23These also are sayings of the wise: to show partiality in judgment is not good.
24:24Whoever says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” peoples will curse him; nations will abhor him.
24:25But it will be good for those who reprove him, and a rich blessing will come upon them.
24:26Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
24:27Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterward build your house.
24:28Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
24:29Do not say, “As he did to me, so I will do to him; I will repay each man according to his work.”
24:30I passed by the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man who lacked sense,
24:31And behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; nettles had covered its surface, and its stone wall was broken down.
24:32Then I saw and set my heart upon it; I looked and received discipline:
24:33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
24:34And your poverty will come like a robber, and your want like an armed man.

Chapter 25

25:1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
25:2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search out a matter.
25:3As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
25:4Remove the dross from silver, and a vessel will come forth for the silversmith.
25:5Remove the wicked from before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25:6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of a king, and do not stand in the place of the great,
25:7For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than that you be put lower in the presence of a noble whom your eyes have seen.
25:8Do not go out hastily to contend, for what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
25:9Plead your cause with your neighbor, but do not reveal another’s secret,
25:10Lest he who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation remain.
25:11Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the proper time.
25:12Like a gold ring or an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an attentive ear.
25:13Like the coolness of snow in the day of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
25:14Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he never gives.
25:15By patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
25:16If you have found honey, eat only what is sufficient for you, lest you become full of it and vomit it.
25:17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
25:18Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
25:19Like a broken tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a treacherous man in the day of distress.
25:20Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron, is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.
25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
25:22For you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward you.
25:23A north wind brings forth rain, and a slandering tongue brings angry faces.
25:24Better is to dwell on a corner of the roof than with a contentious wife in a shared house.
25:25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
25:26Like a muddied spring and a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
25:27It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to seek one’s own glory.
25:28Like a city broken down and without walls is a man who has no restraint over his spirit.

Chapter 26

26:1As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
26:2Like a fluttering sparrow and a flying swallow, a curse without cause does not come to rest.
26:3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
26:4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also become like him.
26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
26:6Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
26:7Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
26:8Like one who binds a stone in a sling is one who gives honor to a fool.
26:9Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
26:10Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a fool or hires those passing by.
26:11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
26:12Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
26:13The sluggard says, “A lion is in the road; a lion is in the city square.”
26:14A door turns on its hinges, and a sluggard on his bed.
26:15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too weary to bring it back to his mouth.
26:16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer with reason.
26:17Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passerby who becomes enraged over a quarrel not his own.
26:18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
26:19So is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Was I not only playing?”
26:20Without wood the fire goes out, and without a gossip contention ceases.
26:21As charcoal is to burning coals and wood to fire, so is a contentious man for kindling strife.
26:22The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts.
26:23Like silver dross spread over an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.
26:24One who hates disguises himself with his lips, but he lays up deceit within him.
26:25When his voice is gracious, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
26:26Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.
26:27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone, it will roll back upon him.
26:28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Chapter 27

27:1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
27:2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
27:3A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
27:4Wrath is fierce, and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?
27:5Better is open reproof than hidden love.
27:6Faithful are the wounds of one who loves, but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
27:7A satisfied soul tramples a honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
27:8Like a bird wandering from her nest is a man wandering from his place.
27:9Oil and incense make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from earnest counsel.
27:10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not enter your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
27:11Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer the one who reproaches me.
27:12The prudent sees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and suffer for it.
27:13Take his garment when he has become guarantor for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he pledges for a foreign woman.
27:14Whoever blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned as a curse to him.
27:15A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
27:16Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and his right hand grasps oil.
27:17Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens the face of another.
27:18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever guards his master will be honored.
27:19As water reflects face to face, so the heart of man reflects the man.
27:20The realm of the dead and the place of destruction are never satisfied, and the eyes of man are never satisfied.
27:21The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is tested by the praise he receives.
27:22Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle among crushed grain, his folly will not depart from him.
27:23Know well the condition of your flock; set your heart upon your herds.
27:24For riches do not endure forever, nor a crown from generation to generation.
27:25When the grass is gone and the new growth appears, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered,
27:26The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field,
27:27And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidservants.

Chapter 28

28:1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are confident as a young lion.
28:2By the transgression of a land its rulers are many, but through a man of understanding and knowledge its order endures.
28:3A poor man who oppresses the weak is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.
28:4Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked, but those who keep the Law contend with them.
28:5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.
28:6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man whose ways are crooked.
28:7Whoever keeps the Law is an understanding son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
28:8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for one who shows favor to the poor.
28:9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.
28:10Whoever causes the upright to stray into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.
28:11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but an understanding poor man searches him out.
28:12When the righteous exult, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
28:13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will receive mercy.
28:14O the blessedness of the man who fears continually, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into evil.
28:15Like a roaring lion and a ranging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
28:16A ruler who lacks understanding multiplies oppression, but whoever hates dishonest gain will prolong his days.
28:17A man burdened with the blood of another will flee to the pit; let no one support him.
28:18Whoever walks blamelessly will be delivered, but whoever is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
28:19Whoever tills his ground will have plenty of food, but whoever pursues empty things will have plenty of poverty.
28:20A faithful man abounds with blessings, but whoever hastens to become rich will not go unpunished.
28:21To show partiality is not good, yet for a morsel of bread a man will transgress.
28:22A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him.
28:23Whoever reproves a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
28:24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It is no transgression,” is a companion of a destroyer.
28:25A greedy man stirs up contention, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.
28:26Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will be delivered.
28:27Whoever gives to the poor will have no lack, but whoever hides his eyes will receive many curses.
28:28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous multiply.

Chapter 29

29:1A man often reproved who hardens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
29:2When the righteous multiply, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
29:3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes destroys wealth.
29:4A king establishes a land by justice, but one who takes bribes tears it down.
29:5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
29:6An evil man is ensnared by his transgression, but the righteous sings and rejoices.
29:7The righteous knows the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
29:8Scoffers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
29:9When a wise man disputes with a fool, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no rest.
29:10Bloodthirsty men hate the blameless, but the upright seek to preserve his life.
29:11A fool pours out all his spirit, but a wise man holds it back.
29:12If a ruler listens to lying words, all his servants become wicked.
29:13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of them both.
29:14If a king judges the poor faithfully, his throne will be established forever.
29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
29:16When the wicked multiply, transgression multiplies, but the righteous will look upon their fall.
29:17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; indeed, he will give delight to your soul.
29:18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint, but whoever keeps the Law—O his blessedness.
29:19A servant will not be corrected by words alone, for though he understands, he does not answer.
29:20Have you seen a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
29:21Whoever pampers his servant from youth will in the end find him an heir.
29:22An angry man stirs up contention, and a furious man abounds in transgression.
29:23A man’s pride will bring him low, but one lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
29:24Whoever shares with a thief hates his own soul; he hears the oath but reveals nothing.
29:25The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be set on high.
29:26Many seek the face of a ruler, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
29:27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and one upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Chapter 30

30:1The words of Agur son of Jakeh—the oracle. The man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
30:2“Surely I am more brutish than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man.
30:3I have not learned wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.
30:4Who has ascended to the heavens and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, and what is His Son’s Name? Surely you know.
30:5Every word of God is refined; He is a shield to those who seek refuge in Him.
30:6Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you and you be found a liar.
30:7Two things I have asked of You; do not withhold them from me before I die:
30:8Remove falsehood and lying words far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food apportioned to me,
30:9Lest I become full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I become poor and steal and profane the Name of my God.
30:10Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be found guilty.
30:11There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother;
30:12A generation pure in its own eyes, yet not washed from its filth;
30:13A generation—how lofty are its eyes, and how lifted are its eyelids;
30:14A generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among men.
30:15The leech has two daughters: ‘Give! Give!’ Three things are never satisfied; four never say, ‘Enough’:
30:16The realm of the dead, the barren womb, the earth never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, ‘Enough.’
30:17The eye that mocks a father and despises obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
30:18Three things are too wonderful for me; indeed, four I do not understand:
30:19The way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.
30:20So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.”
30:21Under three things the earth trembles, and under four it cannot bear up:
30:22A servant when he becomes king, and a fool when he is filled with food;
30:23An unloved woman when she is married, and a maidservant when she succeeds her mistress.
30:24Four things are small upon the earth, yet they are exceedingly wise:
30:25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in summer;
30:26The hyraxes are a people not mighty, yet they make their home in the rock;
30:27The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks;
30:28The lizard can be caught with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.
30:29Three things are stately in their stride; indeed, four are stately in their going:
30:30The lion, mighty among beasts, which does not turn back before any;
30:31The strutting rooster, the male goat, and a king with his army around him.
30:32If you have acted foolishly by exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand over your mouth.
30:33For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

Chapter 31

31:1The words of Lemuel the king—an oracle that his mother taught him:
31:2“What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
31:3Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to those who destroy kings.
31:4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to desire strong drink,
31:5Lest they drink and forget what is decreed and pervert the justice due all the afflicted.
31:6Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those bitter in soul.
31:7Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are passing away.
31:9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
31:10A woman of worth—who can find her? Her value is far above jewels.
31:11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack gain.
31:12She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
31:13She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands.
31:14She is like the ships of a merchant; she brings her food from afar.
31:15She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidservants.
31:16She considers a field and acquires it; from the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
31:17She girds her waist with strength and makes her arms strong.
31:18She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out in the night.
31:19She reaches out her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
31:20She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
31:21She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
31:22She makes coverings for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing.
31:23Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24She makes linen garments and sells them, and she supplies sashes to the merchant.
31:25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
31:26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of steadfast love is upon her tongue.
31:27She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
31:28Her sons rise and pronounce her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
31:29“Many daughters have done worthily, but you surpass them all.”
31:30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD—she is to be praised.
31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.