The First Collection of Solomonic Proverbs48

10:1 The Proverbs of Solomon:

A wise child1 makes a father rejoice,2

but a foolish child3 is a grief to his mother.4

10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness5 do not profit,

but righteousness6 delivers from mortal danger.7

10:3 The Lord satisfies8 the appetite9 of the righteous,

but he thwarts10 the craving11 of the wicked.

10:4 The one who is lazy12 becomes poor,13

but the one who works diligently14 becomes wealthy.15

10:5 The one who gathers crops16 in the summer is a wise17 son,

but the one who sleeps18 during the harvest

is a son who brings shame to himself.19

10:6 Blessings20 are on the head of the righteous,

but the speech21 of the wicked conceals22 violence.23

10:7 The memory24 of the righteous is a blessing,

but the reputation25 of the wicked will rot.26

10:8 The wise person27 accepts instructions,28

but the one who speaks foolishness29 will come to ruin.30

10:9 The one who conducts himself31 in integrity32 will live33 securely,

but the one who behaves perversely34 will be found out.

10:10 The one who winks35 his36 eye causes37 trouble,

and the one who speaks foolishness38 will come to ruin.

10:11 The teaching39 of the righteous is a fountain of life,40

but the speech41 of the wicked conceals42 violence.43

10:12 Hatred44 stirs up dissension,

but love covers all transgressions.45

10:13 Wisdom is found in the words46 of the discerning person,47

but the one who lacks wisdom48 will be disciplined.49

10:14 Those who are wise50 store up51 knowledge,

but foolish speech52 leads to imminent53 destruction.

10:15 The wealth of a rich person is like54 a fortified city,55

but the poor are brought to ruin56 by57 their poverty.

10:16 The reward58 which the righteous receive59 is life;

the recompense60 which the wicked receive61 is judgment.62

10:17 The one who heeds instruction63 is on the way to64 life,

but the one who rejects65 rebuke goes astray.

10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies,66

and the one who spreads67 slander68 is certainly69 a fool.

10:19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable,70

but the one who restrains71 his words72 is wise.

10:20 What the righteous say73 is like74 the best75 silver,

but what the wicked think76 is of little value.77

10:21 The teaching78 of the righteous feeds79 many,

but fools die80 for lack of wisdom.81

10:22 The blessing82 from the Lord83 makes a person rich,84

and he adds no sorrow85 to86 it.

10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme87 is enjoyable88 to a fool,

and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.89

10:24 What the wicked fears90 will come on him;

what the righteous desire91 will be granted.92

10:25 When the storm93 passes through, the wicked are swept away,94

but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.95

10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes,96

so is the sluggard to those97 who send him.

10:27 Fearing the Lord98 prolongs life,99

but the life span100 of the wicked will be shortened.101

10:28 The hope102 of the righteous is joy,

but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.103

10:29 The way of the Lord104 is like105 a stronghold for the upright,106

but it is destruction107 to evildoers.108

10:30 The righteous will never be moved,

but the wicked will not inhabit the land.109

10:31 The speech110 of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom,111

but the one who speaks perversion112 will be destroyed.113

10:32 The lips of the righteous know114 what is pleasing,115

but the speech116 of the wicked is perverse.

11:1 The Lord abhors1 dishonest scales,2

but an accurate weight3 is his delight.

11:2 When pride4 comes,5 then comes disgrace,6

but with humility7 comes8 wisdom.

11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them,9

but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them.10

11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath,11

but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.12

11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way,13

but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness.14

11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,15

but the faithless will be captured16 by their own desires.17

11:7 When a wicked person dies, his expectation perishes,18

and the hope of his strength19 perishes.20

11:8 The righteous person is delivered21 out of trouble,

and the wicked turns up in his stead.22

11:9 With his speech23 the godless person24 destroys25 his neighbor,

but by knowledge26 the righteous will be delivered.

11:10 When the righteous do well,27 the city rejoices;28

when the wicked perish, there is joy.

11:11 A city is exalted by the blessing provided from29 the upright,

but it is destroyed by the counsel30 of the wicked.31

11:12 The one who denounces32 his neighbor lacks wisdom,33

but the one who has discernment34 keeps silent.35

11:13 The one who goes about slandering others36 reveals37 secrets,

but the one who is trustworthy38 conceals a matter.

11:14 When there is no guidance39 a nation falls,

but there is success40 in the abundance of counselors.

11:15 The one who puts up security for a stranger41 will surely have trouble,42

but whoever avoids43 shaking hands44 will be secure.

11:16 A generous woman45 gains honor,

and ruthless men46 seize wealth.47

11:17 A kind person48 benefits49 himself,50

but a cruel person brings himself trouble.51

11:18 The wicked person52 earns53 deceitful wages,54

but the one who sows55 righteousness reaps56 a genuine57 reward.58

11:19 True59 righteousness leads to60 life,

but the one who pursues evil pursues it61 to his own death.62

11:20 The Lord abhors63 those who are perverse in heart,64

but those who are blameless in their ways65 are his delight.66

11:21 Be assured that67 the evil person will certainly be punished,68

but the descendants of the righteous69 will not suffer unjust judgment.70

11:22 Like a gold ring71 in a pig’s snout72

is73 a beautiful woman who rejects74 discretion.75

11:23 What the righteous desire76 leads77 only to good,

but what the wicked hope for78 leads79 to wrath.

11:24 One person is generous80 and yet grows more wealthy,81

but another withholds more than he should82 and comes to poverty.83

11:25 A generous person84 will be enriched,85

and the one who provides water86 for others87 will himself be satisfied.88

11:26 People will curse89 the one who withholds grain,90

but they will praise91 the one who sells it.92

11:27 The one who diligently seeks93 good seeks favor,

but the one who searches94 for evil—it will come to him.95

11:28 The one who trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous96 will flourish like a green leaf.97

11:29 The one who troubles98 his family99 will inherit nothing,100

and the fool101 will be a servant to the wise person.102

11:30 The fruit of the righteous is like103 a tree producing life,104

and the one who wins souls105 is wise.106

11:31 If the righteous are recompensed on earth,107

how much more108 the wicked sinner!109

12:1 The one who loves discipline loves knowledge,1

but the one who hates reproof is stupid.2

12:2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord,

but the Lord3 condemns a person with wicked schemes.4

12:3 No one5 can be established6 through wickedness,

but a righteous root7 cannot be moved.

12:4 A noble wife8 is the crown9 of her husband,

but the wife10 who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.11

12:5 The plans12 of the righteous are just;

the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.13

12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait14 to shed innocent blood,15

but the words16 of the upright will deliver them.

12:7 The wicked are overthrown17 and perish,18

but the righteous household19 will stand.

12:8 A person20 is praised in accordance with21 his wisdom,

but the one who has a twisted mind22 is despised.

12:9 Better is a person of humble standing23 who nevertheless has a servant,24

than one who pretends to be somebody important25 yet has no food.

12:10 A righteous person cares for26 the life of his animal,

but even the most compassionate acts27 of the wicked are cruel.

12:11 The one who works28 his field will have plenty29 of food,

but whoever chases daydreams30 lacks wisdom.31

12:12 The wicked person desires a stronghold,32

but the righteous root33 endures.34

12:13 The evil person is ensnared35 by the transgression of his speech,36

but the righteous person escapes out of trouble.37

12:14 A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,38

and the work of his hands39 will be rendered to40 him.

12:15 The way of a fool41 is right42 in his own opinion,43

but the one who listens to advice is wise.44

12:16 A fool’s annoyance45 is known at once,46

but the prudent47 overlooks48 an insult.

12:17 The faithful witness49 tells what is right,50

but a false witness51 speaks52 deceit.

12:18 Speaking recklessly53 is like the thrusts of a sword,

but the words54 of the wise bring55 healing.56

12:19 The one who tells the truth57 will endure forever,

but the one who lies58 will last only for a moment.59

12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,60

but those who promote peace61 have joy.

12:21 The righteous do not encounter62 any harm,63

but the wicked are filled with calamity.64

12:22 The Lord65 abhors a person who lies,66

but those who deal truthfully67 are his delight.68

12:23 The shrewd person69 conceals70 knowledge,

but foolish people71 publicize folly.72

12:24 The diligent73 person74 will rule,

but the slothful75 will become a slave.76

12:25 Anxiety77 in a person’s heart78 weighs him down,79

but an encouraging80 word brings him joy.81

12:26 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship,82

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

12:27 The lazy person does not roast83 his prey,

but personal possessions84 are precious to the diligent.

12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life,

but another path leads to death.85

13:1 A wise son accepts1 his father’s discipline,2

but a scoffer3 does not listen to rebuke.

13:2 From the fruit of his speech4 a person eats good things,5

but the faithless6 desire7 the fruit of violence.8

13:3 The one who guards his words9 guards his life,

but10 whoever is talkative11 will come to ruin.12

13:4 The appetite13 of the sluggard14 craves15 but gets nothing,

but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.16

13:5 The righteous person hates anything false,17

but the wicked person acts in shameful disgrace.18

13:6 Righteousness19 guards the one who lives with integrity,20

but wickedness21 overthrows the sinner.

13:7 There is one who pretends to be rich22 and yet has nothing;

another pretends to be poor23 and yet possesses great wealth.24

13:8 The ransom25 of a person’s26 life is his wealth,

but the poor person hears no threat.27

13:9 The light28 of the righteous shines brightly,29

but the lamp30 of the wicked goes out.31

13:10 With pride32 comes only33 contention,

but wisdom is with the well-advised.34

13:11 Wealth gained quickly35 will dwindle away,36

but the one who gathers it little by little37 will become rich.38

13:12 Hope39 deferred40 makes the heart sick,41

but a longing fulfilled42 is like43 a tree of life.

13:13 The one who despises instruction44 will pay the penalty,45

but whoever esteems instruction46 will47 be rewarded.48

13:14 Instruction49 from the wise50 is like51 a life-giving fountain,52

to turn53 a person54 from deadly snares.55

13:15 Keen insight56 wins57 favor,

but the conduct58 of the unfaithful is harsh.59

13:16 Every shrewd60 person acts with knowledge,

but a fool displays61 his folly.

13:17 An unreliable62 messenger falls63 into trouble,64

but a faithful envoy65 brings66 healing.

13:18 The one who neglects67 discipline ends up in68 poverty and shame,

but the one who accepts reproof is honored.69

13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but fools abhor70 turning away from evil.

13:20 The one who associates71 with the wise grows wise,

but a companion of fools suffers harm.72

13:21 Calamity73 pursues sinners,

but prosperity rewards the righteous.74

13:22 A benevolent75 person leaves an inheritance76 for his grandchildren,77

but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.78

13:23 There is abundant food in the field79 of the poor,

but it is swept away by injustice.80

13:24 The one who spares his rod81 hates82 his child,83

but the one who loves his child84 is diligent85 in disciplining86 him.

13:25 The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite,87

but the belly of the wicked lacks food.88

14:1 Every wise woman1 builds2 her household,3

but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

14:2 The one who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,4

but the one who is perverted in his ways5 despises him.

14:3 In6 the speech7 of a fool is a rod for his back,8

but the words9 of the wise protect them.

14:4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean,

but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.10

14:5 A truthful witness11 does not lie,

but a false witness12 breathes out lies.13

14:6 The scorner14 seeks wisdom but finds none,15

but understanding is easy16 for a discerning person.

14:7 Leave the presence of a foolish person,17

or18 you will not understand19 wise counsel.20

14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person21 is to discern22 his way,

but the folly of fools is deception.23

14:9 Fools mock24 at reparation,25

but among the upright there is favor.26

14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness,27

and with its joy no one else28 can share.29

14:11 The household30 of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent31 of the upright will flourish.

14:12 There is a way that seems right to a person,32

but its end is the way that leads to death.33

14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,34

and the end35 of joy may be36 grief.

14:14 The backslider37 will be paid back38 from his own ways,

but a good person will be rewarded39 for his.

14:15 A naive person40 believes everything,

but the shrewd person discerns his steps.41

14:16 A wise person is cautious42 and turns from evil,

but a fool throws off restraint43 and is overconfident.44

14:17 A person who has a quick temper45 does foolish things,

and a person with crafty schemes46 is hated.47

14:18 The naive inherit48 folly,

but the shrewd49 are crowned50 with knowledge.

14:19 Those who are evil will bow51 before those who are good,

and the wicked will bow52 at the gates53 of the righteous.

14:20 A poor person is disliked54 even by his neighbors,

but those who love the rich are many.

14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,

but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.

14:22 Do not those who devise55 evil go astray?

But those who plan good exhibit56 faithful covenant love.57

14:23 In all hard work58 there is profit,

but merely talking about it59 only brings60 poverty.61

14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches,62

but the folly63 of fools is folly.

14:25 A truthful witness64 rescues lives,65

but the one who breathes lies brings66 deception.67

14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has68 strong confidence,69

and it will be a refuge70 for his children.

14:27 The fear of the Lord71 is like72 a life-giving fountain,73

to turn74 people75 from deadly snares.76

14:28 A king’s glory is77 the abundance of people,

but the lack of subjects78 is the ruin79 of a ruler.

14:29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding,

but the one who has a quick temper80 exalts81 folly.

14:30 A tranquil spirit82 revives the body,83

but envy84 is rottenness to the bones.85

14:31 The one who oppresses86 the poor insults87 his Creator,

but whoever shows favor88 to the needy honors him.

14:32 The wicked will be thrown down in his trouble,89

but the righteous have refuge90 even in the threat of death.91

14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning;

it is known92 even in the heart93 of fools.

14:34 Righteousness exalts94 a nation,

but sin is a disgrace95 to any people.

14:35 The king shows favor96 to a wise97 servant,

but his wrath falls98 on one who acts shamefully.

15:1 A gentle response1 turns away anger,

but a harsh word2 stirs up wrath.3

15:2 The tongue of the wise4 treats knowledge correctly,5

but the mouth of the fool spouts out6 folly.

15:3 The eyes of the Lord7 are in every place,

keeping watch8 on those who are evil and those who are good.

15:4 Speech9 that heals10 is like11 a life-giving tree,12

but a perverse tongue13 breaks the spirit.

15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline,

but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.14

15:6 In the house15 of the righteous is abundant wealth,16

but the income of the wicked brings trouble.17

15:7 The lips of the wise spread18 knowledge,

but not so the heart of fools.19

15:8 The Lord abhors20 the sacrifices21 of the wicked,22

but the prayer23 of the upright pleases him.24

15:9 The Lord abhors25 the way of the wicked,

but he loves those26 who pursue27 righteousness.

15:10 Severe discipline28 is for the one who abandons the way;

the one who hates reproof29 will die.

15:11 Death and Destruction30 are before the Lord—

how much more31 the hearts of humans!32

15:12 The scorner does not love33 one who corrects him;34

he will not go to35 the wise.

15:13 A joyful heart36 makes the face cheerful,37

but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.

15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.38

15:15 All the days39 of the afflicted40 are bad,41

but one with42 a cheerful heart has a continual feast.43

15:16 Better44 is little with the fear of the Lord

than great wealth and turmoil45 with it.46

15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love47

than a fattened ox where there is hatred.48

15:18 A quick-tempered person49 stirs up dissension,

but one who is slow to anger50 calms51 a quarrel.52

15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,53

but the path of the upright is like54 a highway.55

15:20 A wise child56 brings joy to his father,

but a foolish person57 despises58 his mother.

15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense,59

but one who has understanding60 follows an upright course.61

15:22 Plans fail62 when there is no counsel,

but with abundant advisers they are established.63

15:23 A person has joy64 in giving an appropriate answer,65

and a word at the right time66—how good it is!

15:24 The path of life is upward67 for the wise person,68

to69 keep him from going downward to Sheol.70

15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,71

but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.72

15:26 The Lord abhors73 the plans74 of the wicked,75

but pleasant words76 are pure.77

15:27 The one who is greedy for gain78 troubles79 his household,80

but whoever hates bribes81 will live.

15:28 The heart of the righteous considers82 how83 to answer,84

but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.85

15:29 The Lord is far86 from the wicked,

but he hears87 the prayer of the righteous.88

15:30 A bright look89 brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the body.90

15:31 The person91 who hears the reproof that leads to life92

is at home93 among the wise.94

15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself,95

but whoever hears96 reproof acquires understanding.97

15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction,98

and before honor comes humility.99

16:1 The intentions of the heart1 belong to a man,2

but the answer of the tongue3 comes from4 the Lord.5

16:2 All a person’s ways6 seem right7 in his own opinion,8

but the Lord evaluates9 the motives.10

16:3 Commit11 your works12 to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.13

16:4 The Lord works14 everything for its own ends15—

even the wicked for the day of disaster.16

16:5 The Lord abhors17 every arrogant person;18

rest assured19 that they will not go unpunished.20

16:6 Through loyal love and truth21 iniquity is appeased;22

through fearing the Lord23 one avoids24 evil.25

16:7 When a person’s26 ways are pleasing to the Lord,27

he28 even reconciles his enemies to himself.29

16:8 Better to have a little with righteousness30

than to have abundant income without justice.31

16:9 A person32 plans his course,33

but the Lord directs34 his steps.35

16:10 The divine verdict36 is in the words37 of the king,

his pronouncements38 must not act treacherously39 against justice.

16:11 Honest scales and balances40 are from the Lord;

all the weights41 in the bag are his handiwork.

16:12 Doing wickedness42 is an abomination to kings,

because a throne43 is established in righteousness.

16:13 The delight of kings44 is righteous counsel,45

and they love the one who speaks46 uprightly.47

16:14 A king’s wrath48 is like49 a messenger of death,50

but a wise person appeases it.51

16:15 In the light of the king’s face52 there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds53 of the spring rain.54

16:16 How much better it is to acquire55 wisdom than gold;

to acquire understanding is more desirable56 than silver.

16:17 The highway57 of the upright is to turn58 away from evil;

the one who guards59 his way safeguards his life.60

16:18 Pride61 goes62 before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.63

16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit64 with the afflicted

than to share the spoils65 with the proud.

16:20 The one who deals wisely66 in a matter67 will find success,68

and blessed69 is the one who trusts in the Lord.70

16:21 The one who is wise in heart71 is called72 discerning,

and kind speech73 increases persuasiveness.74

16:22 Insight75 is like76 a life-giving fountain77 to the one who possesses it,

but folly leads to the discipline of fools.78

16:23 A wise person’s heart79 makes his speech wise80

and it adds persuasiveness81 to his words.82

16:24 Pleasant words are like83 a honeycomb,84

sweet to the soul and healing85 to the bones.

16:25 There is a way that seems right to a person,86

but its end is the way that leads to death.87

16:26 A laborer’s88 appetite89 works on his behalf,90

for his hunger91 urges him to work.92

16:27 A wicked scoundrel93 digs up94 evil,

and his slander95 is like a scorching fire.96

16:28 A perverse person97 spreads dissension,

and a gossip separates the closest friends.98

16:29 A violent person99 entices100 his neighbor,

and leads him down a path that is terrible.101

16:30 The one who winks his eyes102 devises perverse things,

and103 one who compresses his lips104 brings about105 evil.

16:31 Gray hair is like106 a crown of glory;107

it is attained108 in the path of righteousness.109

16:32 Better to be slow to anger110 than to be a mighty warrior,

and one who controls his temper111 is better than112 one who captures a city.113

16:33 The dice are thrown into the lap,114

but their every decision115 is from the Lord.116

17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread1 where there is quietness2

than a house full of feasting with strife.3

17:2 A servant who acts wisely4 will rule

over5 an heir6 who behaves shamefully,7

and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.8

17:3 The crucible9 is for refining10 silver and the furnace11 is for gold,

likewise12 the Lord tests13 hearts.

17:4 One who acts wickedly14 pays attention to evil counsel;15

a liar listens16 to a malicious tongue.17

17:5 The one who mocks the poor18 insults19 his Creator;

whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.

17:6 Grandchildren20 are like21 a crown22 to the elderly,

and the glory23 of children is their parents.24

17:7 Excessive25 speech26 is not becoming for a fool;27

how much less are lies28 for a ruler!29

17:8 A bribe works like30 a charm31 for the one who offers it;32

in whatever he does33 he succeeds.34

17:9 The one who forgives35 an offense seeks36 love,

but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.37

17:10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on38 a discerning person

than a hundred blows on a fool.39

17:11 An evil person seeks only rebellion,40

and so41 a cruel messenger42 will be sent against him.

17:12 It is better for a person to meet43 a mother bear being robbed of her cubs,

than44 to encounter45 a fool in his folly.46

17:13 As for the one who repays47 evil for good,

evil will not leave48 his house.49

17:14 Starting a quarrel50 is like letting out water;51

stop it before strife breaks out!52

17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent53—

both of them are an abomination to the Lord.54

17:16 Of what55 use is money in the hand of a fool,56

since he has no intention57 of acquiring wisdom?58

17:17 A friend59 loves at all times,

and a relative60 is born to help in adversity.61

17:18 The one who lacks wisdom62 strikes hands in pledge,63

and puts up financial security64 for his neighbor.65

17:19 The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression;66

whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.67

17:20 The one who has a perverse heart68 does not find good,69

and the one who is deceitful in speech70 falls into trouble.

17:21 Whoever brings a fool71 into the world72 does so73 to his grief,

and the father of a fool has no joy.74

17:22 A cheerful heart75 brings good healing,76

but a crushed spirit77 dries up the bones.78

17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly79

to pervert80 the ways of justice.

17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of81 the discerning person,

but the eyes of a fool run82 to the ends of the earth.83

17:25 A foolish child is a grief84 to his father,

and bitterness to the mother who bore him.85

17:26 It is terrible86 to punish87 a righteous person,

and to flog88 honorable men is wrong.89

17:27 The truly wise person90 restrains91 his words,

and the one who stays calm92 is discerning.

17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered93 wise,

and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.94

18:1 One who has isolated himself1 seeks his own desires;2

he rejects3 all sound judgment.

18:2 A fool takes no pleasure4 in understanding

but only in disclosing5 what is on his mind.6

18:3 When a wicked person7 arrives, contempt8 shows up with him,

and with shame comes9 a reproach.

18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like10 deep waters,11

and12 the fountain of wisdom13 is like14 a flowing brook.15

18:5 It is terrible16 to show partiality17 to the wicked,18

by depriving19 a righteous man of justice.

18:6 The lips of a fool20 enter into strife,21

and his mouth invites22 a flogging.23

18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare for his life.24

18:8 The words of a gossip25 are like choice morsels;26

they go down into the person’s innermost being.27

18:9 The one who28 is slack29 in his work

is a brother30 to one who destroys.31

18:10 The name of the Lord32 is like33 a strong tower;34

the righteous person runs35 to it and is set safely on high.36

18:11 The wealth37 of a rich person is like38 a strong city,39

and it is like a high wall in his imagination.40

18:12 Before destruction the heart41 of a person is proud,

but humility comes42 before honor.43

18:13 The one who gives an answer44 before he listens45—

that is his folly and his shame.46

18:14 A person’s spirit47 sustains him through sickness—

but who can bear48 a crushed spirit?49

18:15 The discerning person50 acquires knowledge,

and the wise person51 seeks52 knowledge.

18:16 A person’s gift53 makes room for him,

and leads him54 before important people.

18:17 The first to state his case55 seems56 right,

until his opponent57 begins to58 cross-examine him.59

18:18 A toss of a coin60 ends61 disputes,

and settles the issue62 between strong opponents.63

18:19 A relative64 offended65 is harder to reach than66 a strong city,

and disputes are like the barred gates67 of a fortified citadel.68

18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth69 his stomach is satisfied,70

with the product of his lips is he satisfied.

18:21 Death and life are in the power71 of the tongue,72

and those who love its use73 will eat its fruit.

18:22 The one who finds74 a wife finds what is enjoyable,75

and receives a pleasurable gift76 from the Lord.77

18:23 A poor person makes supplications,78

but a rich man answers harshly.79

18:24 A person who has friends80 may be harmed by them,81

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity1

than one who is perverse in his speech2 and is a fool.3

19:2 It is dangerous4 to have zeal5 without knowledge,

and the one who acts hastily6 makes poor choices.7

19:3 A person’s folly8 subverts9 his way,

and10 his heart rages11 against the Lord.

19:4 Wealth adds many friends,

but a poor person is separated12 from his friend.13

19:5 A false witness14 will not go unpunished,

and the one who spouts out15 lies will not escape punishment.16

19:6 Many people entreat the favor17 of a generous person,18

and everyone is the friend19 of the person who gives gifts.20

19:7 All the relatives21 of a poor person hate him;22

how much more do his friends avoid him—

he pursues them23 with words, but they do not respond.24

19:8 The one who acquires wisdom25 loves himself;26

the one who preserves understanding will prosper.27

19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and the one who spouts out28 lies will perish.29

19:10 Luxury is not appropriate30 for a fool;31

how much less for a servant to rule over princes!32

19:11 A person’s wisdom33 makes him slow to anger,34

and it is his glory35 to overlook36 an offense.

19:12 A king’s wrath is like37 the roar of a lion,38

but his favor is like dew on the grass.39

19:13 A foolish child40 is the ruin of his father,

and a contentious wife41 is like42 a constant dripping.43

19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents,44

but a prudent wife45 is from the Lord.

19:15 Laziness brings on46 a deep sleep,47

and the idle person48 will go hungry.49

19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards50 his life;

the one who despises his ways51 will die.52

19:17 The one who is gracious53 to the poor lends54 to the Lord,

and the Lord55 will repay him56 for his good deed.57

19:18 Discipline your child, for58 there is hope,

but do not set your heart59 on causing his death.60

19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty,61

but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.62

19:20 Listen to advice63 and receive discipline,

that64 you may become wise65 by the end of your life.66

19:21 There are many plans67 in a person’s mind,68

but it69 is the counsel70 of the Lord which will stand.

19:22 What is desirable71 for a person is to show loyal love,72

and a poor person is better than a liar.73

19:23 Fearing the Lord74 leads75 to life,76

and one who does so will live77 satisfied; he will not be afflicted78 by calamity.

19:24 The sluggard plunges79 his hand in the dish,

and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!80

19:25 Flog81 a scorner, and as a result the simpleton82 will learn prudence;83

correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.84

19:26 The one who robs85 his father86 and chases away his mother

is a son87 who brings shame and disgrace.

19:27 If you stop listening to88 instruction, my child,

you will stray89 from the words of knowledge.

19:28 A crooked witness90 scorns justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours91 iniquity.

19:29 Judgments92 are prepared for scorners,

and floggings for the backs of fools.

20:1 Wine1 is a mocker2 and strong drink is a brawler;

whoever goes astray by them is not wise.3

20:2 The king’s terrifying anger4 is like the roar of a lion;

whoever provokes him5 sins against himself.6

20:3 It is an honor for a person7 to cease8 from strife,

but every fool quarrels.9

20:4 The sluggard will not plow10 during the planting season,11

so at harvest time he looks12 for the crop13 but has nothing.

20:5 Counsel14 in a person’s heart15 is like16 deep water,17

but an understanding person18 draws it out.

20:6 Many people profess their loyalty,19

but a faithful person20—who can find?21

20:7 The righteous person22 behaves in integrity;23

blessed are his children after him.24

20:8 A king sitting on the throne to judge25

separates out26 all evil with his eyes.27

20:9 Who can say,28 “I have kept my heart clean;29

I am pure30 from my sin”?

20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures31—

the Lord abhors32 both of them.

20:11 Even a young man33 is known34 by his actions,

whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.35

20:12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees36—

the Lord has made them both.37

20:13 Do not love sleep,38 lest you become impoverished;

open your eyes so that39 you might be satisfied with food.40

20:14 “It’s worthless! It’s worthless!”41 says the buyer,42

but when he goes on his way, he boasts.43

20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies,

but44 words of knowledge45 are like46 a precious jewel.

20:16 Take a man’s47 garment48 when he has given security for a stranger,49

and when he gives surety for strangers,50 hold him51 in pledge.

20:17 Bread gained by deceit52 tastes sweet to a person,53

but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.54

20:18 Plans55 are established by counsel,

so56 make war57 with guidance.

20:19 The one who goes about gossiping58 reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate59 with someone who is always opening his mouth.60

20:20 The one who curses61 his father and his mother,

his lamp62 will be extinguished in the blackest63 darkness.

20:21 An inheritance gained easily64 in the beginning

will not be blessed65 in the end.66

20:22 Do not say,67 “I will pay back68 evil!”

Wait69 for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.70

20:23 The Lord abhors71 differing weights,

and dishonest scales are wicked.72

20:24 The steps of a person73 are ordained by74 the Lord—

so how can anyone75 understand his own76 way?

20:25 It is a snare77 for a person78 to rashly cry,79 “Holy!”

and only afterward to consider80 what he has vowed.81

20:26 A wise king separates out82 the wicked;

he turns the threshing wheel over them.83

20:27 The human spirit84 is like85 the lamp86 of the Lord,

searching all his innermost parts.87

20:28 Loyal love and truth88 preserve a king,

and his throne is upheld by loyal love.89

20:29 The glory90 of young men is their strength,

and the splendor91 of old men is gray hair.92

20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away93 evil,

and floggings cleanse94 the innermost being.95

21:1 The king’s heart1 is in the hand2 of the Lord like channels of water;3

he turns it wherever he wants.

21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion,4

but the Lord evaluates5 the motives.6

21:3 To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable7 to the Lord than sacrifice.8

21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—

the agricultural product9 of the wicked is sin.

21:5 The plans of the diligent10 lead11 only to plenty,12

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.13

21:6 Making a fortune14 by a lying tongue is like15 a vapor driven back and forth;16

they seek death.17

21:7 The violence18 done by the wicked19 will drag them away

because20 they refuse to do what is right.21

21:8 The way of the guilty person22 is devious,23

but as for the pure,24 his way is upright.

21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop25

than in a house in company26 with a quarrelsome wife.27

21:10 The appetite28 of the wicked desires29 evil;

his neighbor is shown no favor30 in his eyes.

21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive31 becomes wise;

when a wise person is instructed,32 he gains knowledge.

21:12 The Righteous One33 considers34 the house35 of the wicked;

he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.36

21:13 The one who shuts his ears37 to the cry38 of the poor,

he too will cry out and will not be answered.39

21:14 A gift given40 in secret subdues