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