1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;^1:2 To know Wisdom and correction; to perceive the words of understanding;^1:3 To receive the instruction of Wisdom, Justice, Judgment, and equity;^1:4 To bestow prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.^1:5 A wise person will listen, and will increase learning; and a person of understanding will attain unto wise counsels^:1:6 To understand a proverb and its interpretation; the words of the wise and their enigmatic questions.^1:7 The fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge^: but fools despise Wisdom and correction.^1:8 My son, yield to the correction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother^:1:9 Because they are an ornament of grace to your head and a necklace around your neck.^1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, consent not.^1:11 If they say, come with us and let us lay an ambush for blood, let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause^:1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol; and whole, as those that go down into the pit^:1:13 We will find all precious riches, we will fill our houses with plunder^:1:14 Cast in your lot among us; let us all have one purse^:1:15 My son, walk not in the way with them; refrain your foot from their path^:1:16 Because their feet run to do bad, and hurry to spill blood.^1:17 Certainly in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.^1:18 And they lay in ambush for their blood; they lurk secretly for their lives.^1:19 So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain; that takes away the life of the owners.^1:20 Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets^:1:21 She cries in the chief place of concourse, at the entrance of the gates^: in the city she utters her words saying,^1:22 How long you simple ones will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their bragging, and fools hate knowledge?^1:23 Turn back at my reproof, lo, I pour out to you my breath, I make known my words with you.^1:24 Because I have called and you refused; I have stretched out my hand and none regarded;^1:25 But you have ignored all my counsel and my reproof you have not desired.^1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;^1:27 When your fear comes as desolation and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you.^1:28 Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me early, but they will not find me^:1:29 Because that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of YHWH^:1:30 They would have none of my counsel^: they despised all my correction.^1:31 Therefore will they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.^1:32 Because the turning away of the simple will kill them, and the prosperity of the foolish will destroy them.^1:33 But whoever listens to me will live in security, and will be at rest from the fear of calamity.

2:1 My son, if you will accept my sayings and my Code of Wisdom will lay up with you,^2:2 so that you incline your ear to Wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;^2:3 Yes, if you call out for knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding;^2:4 If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures;^2:5 Then will you understand the fear of YHWH and find the knowledge of Elohim.^2:6 Because YHWH gives Wisdom^: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.^2:7 He lays up sound Wisdom for the righteous^: he is a buckler to them that walk with integrity.^2:8 He guards the paths of judgment and protects the way of his saints.^2:9 Then will you understand righteousness, judgment, and equity; yes, every good path.^2:10 When Wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your mind;^2:11 Discretion will preserve you, understanding will guard you^:2:12 To deliver you from the way of the bad man, from the man that speaks perverse things;^2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;^2:14 Who rejoice to do bad, and rejoice in the perverse things of the wicked;^2:15 Whose ways are twisted and they are devious in their tracks^:2:16 To deliver you from the woman of prostitution, even from the prostitute that plunders with her words;^2:17 Who forsakes the guide of her youth and forgets the Covenant of her Elohim.^2:18 Because her house inclines to death, and her paths to the sunken ones.^2:19 None going in to her return back and neither are they able to secure the Way of Life.^2:20 That you may walk in the Way of Goodness, and guard the paths of the righteous.^2:21 Because the upright will live in the land and the wholesome will remain in it.^2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the rebellious will be rooted out of it.

3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my Code of Wisdom^:3:2 Because length of days, long life, and peace, will they add to you.^3:3 Let not goodness and Truth forsake you^: bind them around your neck; write them upon the tablets of your heart^:3:4 So will you find favor and good understanding in the sight of Elohim and man.^3:5 Trust in YHWH with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.^3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.^3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes^: fear YHWH and turn aside from bad.^3:8 It will be health to your navel and marrow to your bones.^3:9 Honor YHWH with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your increase^:3:10 So will your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses will burst out with new wine.^3:11 My son, despise not the correction of YHWH; neither be weary of his punishment^:3:12 Because who YHWH loves he corrects; even as a dad the son in whom he favors.^3:13 Happy is the human being that attains Wisdom, and the person that obtains understanding.^3:14 Because the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the revenue of it than fine gold.^3:15 She is more precious than rubies^: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.^3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.^3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace.^3:18 She is a Tree of Life to them that lay hold on her^: and happy is everyone that lays hold of her.^3:19 YHWH by Wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the universe.^3:20 By his knowledge the deep places are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.^3:21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes^: guard sound Wisdom and purpose^:3:22 So will they be life to you and favor to your neck.^3:23 Then will you walk in your journey safely, and your foot will not stumble.^3:24 When you lie down you will not be afraid^: yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.^3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the devastation of the wicked, when it comes.^3:26 Because YHWH will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being captured.^3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.^3:28 Say not to your neighbor, go and come back, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it by you.^3:29 Devise not bad against your neighbor, seeing he lives securely by you.^3:30 Strive not with a person without cause if he has done you no harm.^3:31 Envy not the oppressor and choose none of his ways.^3:32 Because an abomination to YHWH is the perverted, and with the upright is his secret counsel.^3:33 The curse of YHWH is in the house of the wicked^: but he blesses the pasture of the righteous.^3:34 He scorns the mockers, but he bestows favor to the poor.^3:35 The wise will inherit glory^: but shame will be the exaltation of fools.

4:1 Hear you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to discern understanding.^4:2 Because I bestow to you good teaching, forsake not my Torah.^4:3 Because a son I have been to my father, tender, and an only one before my mother.^4:4 He taught me also and said to me, Let your heart retain my Words^: guard my Code of Wisdom and live.^4:5 Obtain Wisdom and understanding^: forget it not; neither decline from the Words of my mouth.^4:6 Forsake her not and she will guard you^: love her and she will watch over you.^4:7 Wisdom is the beginning thing; therefore obtain Wisdom^: and with all your acquiring get understanding.^4:8 Exalt her and she will exalt you^: she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.^4:9 She gives to your head a wreath of grace, a crown of beauty she will freely give you.^4:10 Hear O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life will be many.^4:11 I have taught you in the Way of Wisdom; I have led you in right paths.^4:12 When you go your steps will not be cramped; and when you run you will not stumble.^4:13 Take a firm resolve of correction; let her not go^: guard her; because she is your renewal.^4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of badness.^4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass away.^4:16 Because they sleep not unless they can cause injury, they rob themselves of sleep if they cannot cause someone to stumble. ^4:17 Because they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.^4:18 But the path of the righteous is as a brilliant light, that shines more and more unto the day of restoration.^4:19 The way of the wicked is as the darkness^: they know not at what they stumble.^4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.^4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes; guard them in the midst of your heart.^4:22 Because they are life to those that secure them, and health to all their flesh.^4:23 Guard your heart with all observance; for out it are the outgoings of life.^4:24 Put away from yourself a crooked mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.^4:25 Your eyes will look straightforward, and your eyelids look straight before you.^4:26 Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established.^4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left^: remove your foot from badness.

5:1 My son, attend to my Wisdom and bow your ear to my understanding^:5:2 That you may regard discretion, and that your lips may guard knowledge.^5:3 Because the lips of a woman of prostitution drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil^:5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.^5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol.^5:6 The path of life - lest you ponder, moved have her paths - you know not.^5:7 Hear me now therefore, O you children, and depart not from the Words of my mouth.^5:8 Remove your way far from her, and come not near the door of her house^:5:9 Unless you give your honor unto others and your years unto the cruel^:5:10 Unless strangers are filled with your wealth; and your labors are in the house of the estranged;^5:11 And you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed,^5:12 And say, how have I hated instruction and my heart despised correction;^5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to them that instructed me! ^5:14 As a little thing I have been all evil, in the midst of an assembly and a company.^5:15 Drink waters out of your own cistern and running waters out of your own well.^5:16 Let your fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.^5:17 Let them be only your own, and not strangers' with you.^5:18 Let your fountain be blessed^: and rejoice with the woman of your youth.^5:19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and be intoxicated always with her love.^5:20 And why will you, my son, be intoxicated with a woman of prostitution, and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?^5:21 Because the ways of man are before the eyes of YHWH and he ponders all his tracks.^5:22 His own depravities will take the wicked himself, and he will be held with the cords of his sins.^5:23 He will die without correction; and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

6:1 My son, if you have pledged for your friend, if you have struck your hand with a stranger,^6:2 you are snared with the words of your mouth, you are captured with the words of your mouth.^6:3 Do this now, my son, and be delivered, for you have come into the hand of your friend. go, trample on yourself and strengthen your friend,^6:4 Give not sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.^6:5 Deliver yourself as a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the trapper.^6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise^:6:7 That having no guide, overseer, or ruler,^6:8 prepares her food in the summer and gathers her fruit in the harvest.^6:9 How long will you sleep O sluggard? when will you arise out of your sleep? ^6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep^:6:11 So will your poverty come as one that traverses, and your need as an armed man.^6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a crooked mouth.^6:13 He winks with his eyes, he speaks with his feet, he teaches with his fingers;^6:14 Perversity is in his heart, he devises bad continually; he sows contention.^6:15 Therefore will his calamity come suddenly; suddenly he will be broken without remedy.^6:16 These 6 things does YHWH hate^: yes, 7 are an abomination to him^:6:17 1)An exalted look, 2) A lying tongue, 3) Hands that spill innocent blood,^6:18 and 4) A heart that devises wicked imaginations, 5) Feet that are swift in running to mischief,^6:19 and 6) A false witness that speaks lies, 7) He that sows contention among brethren.^6:20 My son, guard your father's commandment and forsake not the law of your mother^:6:21 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them around your neck.^6:22 When you go, it will lead you; when you sleep, it will guard you; and when you awake, it will talk with you.^6:23 Because the Code of Wisdom is a lamp; and the Torah is light; and corrections of punishment are the journey of life^:6:24 To guard you from the bad woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a foreign woman.^6:25 Lust not after her beauty in your heart; neither let her take you with her eyelids.^6:26 Because by means of a woman of prostitution is man brought to a piece of bread^: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.^6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes be not burned?^6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet be not burned?^6:29 So he that goes in to his neighbor's woman; whoever touches her will not be innocent.^6:30 Do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry;^6:31 But if he is found, he will restore sevenfold; he will give all the wealth of his house.^6:32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding^: he that does it destroys his own life.^6:33 A wound and dishonor will he get; and his reproach will not be blotted out.^6:34 Because jealousy is the rage of a man^: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.^6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

7:1 My son, guard my words and lay up my commandments with you.^7:2 Guard my commandments and live; and my law as the apple of your eye.^7:3 Bind them upon your fingers, write them upon the tablet of your heart.^7:4 Say to Wisdom, you are my sister; and call understanding your relative^:7:5 That they may guard you from the prostitute, from the foreigner that flatters with her words.^7:6 For at the window of my house I looked through my window-lattice,^7:7 and observed among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,^7:8 passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,^7:9 in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night^:7:10 And there met him a woman with the attire of a prostitute, and secretive of heart.^7:11 She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house^:7:12 Now in an out-place, now in broad places, and near every corner she lies in wait.^7:13 So she caught him and kissed him, and with an impudent face said to him,^7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows.^7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your presence, and I have found you.^7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with the fine linen of Egypt.^7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.^7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning^: let us solace ourselves with loves.^7:19 Because the husband is not at home, he has gone a long journey^:7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.^7:21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she impelled him.^7:22 He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the slaughter or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;^7:23 Until a dart strikes through his liver; as a bird is brought quickly to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life.^7:24 Listen to me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the Words of my mouth.^7:25 Let not your heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.^7:26 Because she has cast down many wounded^: yes, many strong men have been destroyed by her.^7:27 Her house is the Road to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

8:1 Does not Wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her Voice?^8:2 She stands in the top of the Elevated Place by the way, between the paths she has stood,^8:3 She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the entrance.^8:4 Unto you O men I call; and my Voice is to the sons of man.^8:5 O you simple, understand Wisdom^: and you fools, be of an understanding heart.^8:6 Listen; because I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips will be equity.^8:7 Because my mouth will speak Truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.^8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing twisted or perverse in them.^8:9 They are all plain to him that discerns, and right to them that find knowledge.^8:10 Receive my correction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.^8:11 Because Wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.^8:12 I, Wisdom, have lived with prudence, and a knowledge of devices I find out.^8:13 The fear of YHWH is to hate badness^: pride, and arrogancy, and the bad way, and the perverse mouth do I hate.^8:14 Mine is counsel and substance, I am understanding, I have might.^8:15 By me kings reign and princes decree justice.^8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the land.^8:17 I love them that love me; and those that secure me early will find me.^8:18 Riches and honor are with me; yes, durable riches and righteousness.^8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.^8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, among the paths of Judgment^:8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.^8:22 YHWH possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of the ages.^8:23 From the age I was anointed, from the first, from former states of the earth.^8:24 When there were no deep places, I was brought forth; when there were no springs abounding with water.^8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth^:8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.^8:27 When he prepared the cosmos, I was there^: when he set a circuit upon the surface of the deep places^:8:28 When he established the clouds above^: when he strengthened the springs of the abyss^:8:29 When he gave to the sea its decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment^: when he appointed the foundations of the earth^:8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him^: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;^8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.^8:32 Now therefore listen to me, O you children^: for blessed are they that observe my ways.^8:33 Give heed to correction and become wise, and ignore it not.^8:34 Happy is the person that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.^8:35 Because whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor of YHWH.^8:36 But he that sins against me wrongs his own life^: all they that hate me love death.

9:1 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her 7 pillars^:9:2 She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wines; she has also furnished her table.^9:3 She has sent out her maidens^: she called out upon the Elevated Place of the city,^9:4 Who is simple? let him turn aside here. Whoever lacks heart^: she has said to him^9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine that I have mixed.^9:6 Forsake the simple and live; and go in the way of understanding.^9:7 He that disciplines a mocker brings to himself shame^: and he that corrects a wicked person receives to himself a blemish.^9:8 Correct not a mocker unless he hates you^: correct a wise man, and he will love you.^9:9 Give instruction to a wise person, and they will be still wiser^: teach a just person, and they will increase in learning.^9:10 The fear of YHWH is the beginning of Wisdom^: and the knowledge of the Sacred is understanding.^9:11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and the years of your life will be increased.^9:12 If you be wise, you will be wise for yourself^: but if you scorn, you alone will bear it.^9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous^: she is simple and knows nothing.^9:14 Because she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,^9:15 to call passengers who go right on their ways^:9:16 Whoever is simple, let him turn in here^: and as for him that is needy of understanding, she says to him,^9:17 stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.^9:18 But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a dad glad^: but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.^10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing^: but righteousness delivers from death.^10:3 YHWH will not allow the appetite of the righteous to hunger^: but he casts away the substance of the wicked.^10:4 Poor is he who is working - a slothful hand, and the hand of the diligent makes rich.^10:5 He that gathers in summer is a wise son^: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.^10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just^: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.^10:7 The memory of the just is blessed^: but the name of the wicked will rot.^10:8 The wise in heart will receive the Code of Wisdom^: but a prating fool will fall.^10:9 He that walks with integrity walks securely^: but he that perverts his ways will be made known.^10:10 He that winks with the eye causes sorrow^: but a prating fool will fall.^10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life^: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.^10:12 Hatred stirs up contentions^: but love covers all sins.^10:13 In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found^: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.^10:14 Wise ones lay up knowledge^: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.^10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city^: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.^10:16 The labor of the righteous tends to life^: the fruit of the wicked to sin.^10:17 He is in the way of life that heeds correction^: but he that refuses correction errs.^10:18 Whoever is covering hatred with lying lips, and whoever is bringing out an evil report is a fool.^10:19 In the abundance of words transgression ceases not, and whoever is restraining his lips is wise.^10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver^: the heart of the wicked is of little worth.^10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many^: but fools die for lack of wisdom.^10:22 The blessing of YHWH, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.^10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief^: but a man of understanding has wisdom.^10:24 The fear of the wicked, it will come upon him^: but the desire of the righteous will be granted.^10:25 As the passing by of a hurricane, so the wicked is not, and the righteous is a foundation age- lasting.^10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.^10:27 The fear of YHWH prolongs days^: but the years of the wicked will be shortened.^10:28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness^: but the expectation of the wicked will perish.^10:29 The way of YHWH is strength to the upright^: but destruction comes to the workers of trouble.^10:30 The righteous will never be removed^: but the wicked will not inhabit the land.^10:31 The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom^: but the perverse tongue will be cut out.^10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable^: but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.

11:1 A false balance is abomination to YHWH^: but a just weight is his delight.^11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame^: but with the lowly is wisdom.^11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them^: but the perverseness of transgressors will destroy them.^11:4 Riches profit not in the Day of Outburst^: but righteousness delivers from death.^11:5 The righteousness of the perfect will direct his way^: but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.^11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them^: but transgressors will be taken in their own calamity.^11:7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will vanish^: and the hope of the unjust perishes.^11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his place.^11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor^: but through knowledge will the just be invigorated.^11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices^: and when the wicked perish there is shouting.^11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted^: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.^11:12 He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor^: but a man of understanding holds his peace.^11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets^: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.^11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall^: but in the multitude of counselors there is deliverance.^11:15 He that puts up security for a stranger will smart for it^: and he that hates the clasping of hands is secure.^11:16 A gracious woman retains honor^: and strong ones retain riches.^11:17 The kind man does good to his own life^: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.^11:18 The wicked works a deceitful work^: but to him that sows righteousness will be a sure reward.^11:19 As righteousness tends to life^: so he that pursues bad pursues it to his own death.^11:20 They that are of a perverse heart are abomination to YHWH^: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.^11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked will not be unpunished^: but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.^11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman that is without discretion.^11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good^: but the outcome of the wicked is Outburst.^11:24 There is who is scattering, and yet is increased, and who is keeping back from uprightness, only to want.^11:25 The liberal person will be made fat^: and he that waters will be watered also himself.^11:26 He that keeps back the grain, the people will curse him^: but blessing will be upon the head of him that sells it.^11:27 Whoever is earnestly seeking good seeks a pleasing thing, and whoever is seeking evil - it meets him.^11:28 He that trusts in his riches will fall^: but the righteous will flourish as a branch.^11:29 He that troubles his own house will inherit the wind^: and the fool will be slave to the wise of heart.^11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a Tree of Life; and he that wins hearts is wise.^11:31 Lo, the righteous in the earth is recompensed, certainly also the wicked and the sinner!

12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge^: but he that hates correction is brutish.^12:2 A good man obtains favor of YHWH^: but a man of wicked devices he will condemn.^12:3 A man will not be established by wickedness^: but the root of the righteous will not be shaken.^12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband^: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.^12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right^: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.^12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in ambush for blood^: but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.^12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not^: but the house of the righteous will stand.^12:8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom^: but he that is of a perverse heart will be despised.^12:9 He that is despised and has a slave, is better than he that honors himself and lacks food.^12:10 A righteous person regards the life of his animal^: but the compassion of the wicked is cruel.^12:11 He that tills his land will be satisfied with bread^: but he that follows the worthless is void of understanding.^12:12 The wicked desire the siege- works of badness^: but the root of the righteous is consecrated.^12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of their lips^: but the just will come out of trouble.^12:14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth^: and the benefit of a man's hands will be rendered to him.^12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes^: but he that listens to counsel is wise.^12:16 A fool's anger is presently known^: but a prudent person covers shame.^12:17 Whoever breathes out fidelity shows forth righteousness^: but a false witness deceit.^12:18 A rash speaker is like the piercing of a sword, and the tongue of the wise is healing.^12:19 The language of Truth will be established for the future times^: but a lying tongue lasts but a moment.^12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise bad^: but to the counselors of peace is joy.^12:21 There will no trouble encounter the just^: but the wicked will be filled with calamity.^12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to YHWH^: but they that deal truly are his delight.^12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge^: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.^12:24 The hand of the diligent will have dominion^: but the lax will be under forced labor.^12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop^: but a good word makes it glad.^12:26 The righteous are more excellent than their neighbor^: but the way of the wicked causes them to err.^12:27 The man of laziness does not roast his prey^: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.^12:28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in the way of that path is no death!

13:1 A wise son hears his dad's correction^: but a mocker does not hear reproof.^13:2 From the fruit of the mouth a man eats good, but the life of the treacherous - violence.^13:3 He that guards his mouth guards his life^: but he that opens wide his lips will have ruin.^13:4 The life of the sluggard desires, and has nothing^: but the life of the diligent will be made fat.^13:5 A righteous person hates lying^: but a wicked person makes oneself odious, and comes to shame.^13:6 Righteousness guards those that are upright in the way^: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.^13:7 There are those that make themselves rich, yet have nothing^: there are those that make themselves poor, yet have great riches.^13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches^: but the poor hears not reproof.^13:9 The light of the righteous rejoices^: but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.^13:10 Only by pride comes contention^: but with the well advised is wisdom.^13:11 Wealth obtained by vanity will be diminished^: but he that gathers by labor will increase.^13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick^: but when the desire comes, it is a Tree of Life.^13:13 Whoever despises the Word will be bound^: but he that fears the commandment will be rewarded.^13:14 The instruction of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.^13:15 Good understanding gives favor^: but the way of transgressors is hard.^13:16 Every prudent person deals with knowledge^: but a fool lays open his folly.^13:17 A wicked messenger falls into calamity^: but a faithful envoy is health.^13:18 Poverty and shame will be to him that refuses correction^: but he that regards reproof will be honored.^13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the heart^: but it is abomination to fools to depart from bad.^13:20 He that walks with the wise will be wise^: but a companion of fools will be destroyed.^13:21 Badness pursues sinners^: but to the righteous good will be compensated.^13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance to his children's children^: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.^13:23 Abundance of food - the tillage of the poor, and substance is consumed without judgment.^13:24 He that spares his rod hates his son^: but he that loves him disciplines him diligently.^13:25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his appetite^: but the belly of the wicked will be without.

14:1 Every wise woman builds her house^: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.^14:2 Whoever is walking in his uprightness is fearing YHWH, and the perverted in his ways is despising Him.^14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride^: but the lips of the wise will protect them.^14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean^: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.^14:5 A faithful witness will not lie^: but a false witness will utter lies.^14:6 A mocker seeks wisdom but finds it not^: but knowledge is easy to him that understands.^14:7 Depart from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge.^14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way^: but the folly of fools is deceit.^14:9 Fools make a mock at sin^: but among the righteous there is favor.^14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness; and a stranger does not share with his joy.^14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown^: but the tabernacle of the upright will flourish.^14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.^14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.^14:14 From his ways is the backslider in heart filled, and a good man - from his fruits.^14:15 The simple believe every word^: but the prudent person looks well to his going.^14:16 A wise person fears, and departs from bad^: but the fool rages and is careless.^14:17 He that is soon angry deals foolishly^: and a man of wicked devices is hated.^14:18 The simple inherit folly^: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.^14:19 The bad bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.^14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor^: but the rich have many friends.^14:21 He that despises his neighbor sins^: but he that shows favor on the poor, happy is he.^14:22 Do they not err that devise bad? but goodness and Truth will be to them that devise good.^14:23 In all labor there is profit^: but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty.^14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches^: but the foolishness of fools is folly.^14:25 A true witness delivers lives^: but a deceitful witness speaks lies.^14:26 In the fear of YHWH is strong confidence^: and his children will have a place of refuge.^14:27 The fear of YHWH is a fountain of Life, to depart from the snares of death.^14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's honor^: but the end of the nation is the breaking of its prince.^14:29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding^: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.^14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh^: but envy the rottenness of the bones.^14:31 He that oppresses the poor blasphemes his Maker^: but he that honors him shows favor to the needy.^14:32 The wicked are driven away in their wickedness^: but the righteous have hope in their death.^14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding^: but what is in the midst of fools is revealed.^14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation^: but sin is a shame to any people.^14:35 The king's favor is toward a wise slave^: but his anger is against him that causes shame.

15:1 A soft answer turns away anger^: but grievous words stir up anger.^15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright^: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.^15:3 The eyes of YHWH are in the Standing Place, observing the bad and the good.^15:4 A healed tongue is a Tree of Life, and perverseness in it - a breach in the spirit.^15:5 A fool despises his dad's correction^: but he that regards reproof is prudent.^15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure^: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.^15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge^: but the heart of the foolish is not right.^15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH^: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.^15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH^: but he loves him that follows after righteousness.^15:10 Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way^: and he that hates reproof will die.^15:11 Sheol and the Place of Destruction are before YHWH^: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?^15:12 A mocker loves not one that corrects him^: neither will he go to the wise.^15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance^: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.^15:14 The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge^: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad^: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.^15:16 Better is little with the fear of YHWH than great treasure and trouble therewith.^15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.^15:18 An angry man stirs up strife^: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife.^15:19 The way of the slothful person is as an hedge of thorns^: but the way of the righteous is made plain.^15:20 A wise son makes a dad rejoice^: but a foolish man despises his mother.^15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom^: but a man of understanding walks a level path.^15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed^: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.^15:23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth^: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!^15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from Sheol below.^15:25 YHWH will destroy the house of the proud^: but he will establish the territory of the widow.^15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to YHWH^: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.^15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts will live.^15:28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer^: but the mouth of the wicked pours out badness.^15:29 YHWH is far from the wicked^: but he hears the prayer of the righteous.^15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart^: and a good report makes the bones fat.^15:31 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.^15:32 He that refuses correction despises his own life^: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.^15:33 The fear of YHWH is the discipline of wisdom; and before honor is humility.

16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from YHWH.^16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but YHWH weighs the spirits.^16:3 Roll up unto YHWH your works, and established are your purposes,^16:4 YHWH has made all things for himself^: yes, even the wicked for the day of calamity.^16:5 Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to YHWH^: though hand join in hand, he will not be exempt from punishment.^16:6 By goodness and Truth depravity is covered^: and by the fear of YHWH people depart from evil.^16:7 When a man's ways please YHWH, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.^16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without justice.^16:9 A man's heart devises his way^: but YHWH directs his steps.^16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king^: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.^16:11 A just weight and balance are YHWH's^: all the weights of the bag are his work.^16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness^: because the throne is established by righteousness.^16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks correctly.^16:14 The anger of a king is as messengers of death^: but a wise man will cover it.^16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.^16:16 How much better is it to get Wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!^16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from badness^: he that keeps his way guards his life.^16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.^16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the plunder with the proud.^16:20 He that handles a matter wisely will find good^: and whoever trusts in YHWH, happy is he.^16:21 The wise in heart will be called prudent^: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.^16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it^: but the correction of fools is folly.^16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.^16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the mind and health to the bones.^16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.^16:26 A laboring man has labored for himself, for his mouth has caused him to bend over it.^16:27 An ungodly man digs up bad^: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.^16:28 A perverse man sows strife^: and a backbiter separates chief friends.^16:29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good.^16:30 He shuts his eyes to devise perverse things^: moving his lips he brings bad to pass.^16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.^16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his mind than he that captures a city.^16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of YHWH.

17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and with quietness, than a house full of sacrifices with controversy.^17:2 A wise slave will have rule over a son that causes shame, and will have part of the inheritance among the relatives.^17:3 The refining pot (crucible) is for silver, and the furnace for gold^: but YHWH examines the hearts.^17:4 A bad person gives heed to wicked language, and a liar gives ear to a ruinous tongue.^17:5 Whoever mocks the poor blasphemes his Maker^: and he that is glad at calamities will not be unpunished.^17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their dads.^17:7 Excellent speech does not become a fool^: much less do lying lips a prince.^17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it^: wherever he turns, he will prosper.^17:9 He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates friends.^17:10 A rebuke penetrates more into a wise man than 100 stripes into a fool.^17:11 A bad person seeks only rebellion^: therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.^17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.^17:13 Whoever rewards bad for good, badness will not depart from his house.^17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water^: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.^17:15 He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even they both are abomination to YHWH.^17:16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart for it?^17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.^17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.^17:19 He loves transgression that loves strife^: and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction.^17:20 He that has a perverse heart finds no good^: and he that has a perverse tongue falls into calamity.^17:21 He that engenders a fool does it to his sorrow^: and the dad of a fool has no joy.^17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine^: but a broken spirit dries the bones.^17:23 A wicked person takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.^17:24 Wisdom is before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the outskirts of the land.^17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his dad, and bitterness to her that gendered him.^17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.^17:27 He that has knowledge spares his words^: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.^17:28 Even a fool when he holds his peace, is counted wise^: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

18:1 By his longing, a person having separated himself, seeks and exposes all wisdom.^18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his inclination may uncover itself.^18:3 When the wicked come, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy scorn.^18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.^18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.^18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.^18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his life.^18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.^18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great corrupter.^18:10 The Name of YHWH is a strong tower^: the righteous runs into it and is exalted.^18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.^18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.^18:13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.^18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his disease, but a wounded spirit who can bear?^18:15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.^18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.^18:17 He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.^18:18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.^18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city^: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.^18:20 A man's belly will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips will he be filled.^18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue^: and they that love it will eat the fruit of it.^18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of YHWH.^18:23 With supplications does the poor speak, and the rich answers fierce things.^18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly^: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

19:1 Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his language, and is a fool.^19:2 Also, without knowledge ones life is not good, and the hasty in feet is sinning.^19:3 The foolishness of man perverts his way^: and his heart frets against YHWH.^19:4 Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.^19:5 A false witness will not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies will not escape.^19:6 Many will entreat the favor of the prince^: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts.^19:7 All the brothers of the poor hate him, surely also his friends have been far from him, he is pursuing words - they are not!^19:8 He that gets Wisdom loves his own life^: he that guards understanding will find good.^19:9 A false witness will not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies will perish.^19:10 Luxury is not comely for a fool, much less for a slave to rule among princes.^19:11 The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.^19:12 The king's anger is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew upon the grass.^19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his dad^: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.^19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers^: and a prudent wife is from YHWH.^19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle person will suffer hunger.^19:16 He that observes the commandment guards his own life; but he that despises his ways will die.^19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends to YHWH and his deed he repays to him.^19:18 Discipline your son while there is hope, and let not your heart spare for his crying.^19:19 A man of great anger will suffer punishment^: because if you deliver him, still you must do it again.^19:20 Hear counsel and receive correction, that you may become wise in your latter times.^19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of YHWH, that will stand.^19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness^: and a poor man is better than a liar.^19:23 The fear of YHWH tends to life^: and he that has it will abide satisfied; he will not be visited with calamity.^19:24 A slothful person hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.^19:25 A scoffer strikes, and the simple acts prudently, and give reproof to the intelligent, he understands knowledge.^19:26 Whoever is spoiling a dad causes a mother to flee, a son causing shame, and bringing confusion.^19:27 Cease, my son, to hear correction - to err from sayings of knowledge.^19:28 An ungodly witness scorns judgment^: and the mouth of the wicked swallows up trouble.^19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and stripes for the back of fools.

20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging^: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.^20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion^: whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.^20:3 It is an honor for a man to cease from controversy^: but every fool will be meddling.^20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore will he beg in harvest, and have nothing.^20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.^20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness^: but a faithful man who can find? ^20:7 The just man walks in his integrity^: his children are blessed after him.^20:8 A king that sits in the throne of judgment scatters away all adversity with his eyes.^20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?^20:10 A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah, even both of them are an abomination to YHWH.^20:11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.^20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, YHWH has made even both of them.^20:13 Love not sleep, unless you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with food.^20:14 Bad, bad, says the buyer, and going his way then he boasts himself.^20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies^: but the language of knowledge is a precious jewel.^20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger^: and take a pledge of him for a foreign woman.^20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.^20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel^: and with good advice make war.^20:19 He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets^: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.^20:20 Whoever curses his dad or his mother, his lamp will be put out in obscure darkness.^20:21 An inheritance may be gotten quickly at the beginning; but the end of it will not be blessed.^20:22 Do not say, I will recompense bad; but wait on YHWH and he will save you.^20:23 An abomination to YHWH are a stone and a stone, and balances of deceit are not good.^20:24 Man's steps are of YHWH; how can a man then understand his own way?^20:25 It is a snare to a person that they should rashly cry, Holy! and after making vows to reflect.^20:26 A wise king scatters the wicked, and brings the chariot wheel over them.^20:27 The breath of man is the candle of YHWH, searching all the inward parts of the belly.^20:28 Goodness and Truth preserve the king^: and his throne is supported by kindness.^20:29 The glory of young men is their strength^: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.^20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanses away the injury^: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of YHWH, as the rivers of water^: he turns it wherever he will.^21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes^: but YHWH ponders the hearts.^21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to YHWH than sacrifice.^21:4 A haughty look, and a proud heart, tillage of the wicked is sin.^21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to abundance; but of everyone that is hasty only to poverty.^21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor of those that find death.^21:7 The robbery of the wicked will destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.^21:8 The way of man is crooked and burdened with guilt^: but as for the pure, his work is right.^21:9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop, than with a woman of contention in a shared house.^21:10 The wicked person desires bad^: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.^21:11 When the mocker is punished, the simple become wise, and in giving understanding to the wise he receives knowledge.^21:12 The righteous person wisely considers the house of the wicked^: but Elohim overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.^21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also will cry himself, but will not be heard.^21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger^: and a reward in the bosom strong anger.^21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment^: but destruction will be to the workers of trouble.^21:16 A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, in an assembly of Rephaim rests.^21:17 He that loves pleasure will be a poor man^: he that loves wine and oil will not be rich.^21:18 The wicked will be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.^21:19 It is better to live in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.^21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.^21:21 He that follows after righteousness and goodness finds life, righteousness, and honor.^21:22 A wise person scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of its confidence.^21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his life from troubles.^21:24 Proud and haughty mocker is his name, who deals in the wrath of pride.^21:25 The desire of the lazy kills him; because his hands refuse to labor.^21:26 All the day desiring he had desired, but the righteous give and spare not.^21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination^: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?^21:28 A false witness will perish^: but the man that hears speaks constantly.^21:29 A wicked man hardens his face^: but as for the upright, he directs his way.^21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against YHWH.^21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle^: but deliverance is of YHWH.

22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.^22:2 The rich and poor meet together^: YHWH is the maker of them all.^22:3 A prudent man perceives the bad and hides himself^: but the simple pass on, and are punished.^22:4 By humility and the fear of YHWH are riches, honor, and life.^22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse^: he that does guard his life will be far from them.^22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go^: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.^22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.^22:8 He that sows injustice will reap trouble^: and the rod of his anger will fail.^22:9 He that has a bountiful eye will be blessed; because he gives of his food to the poor.^22:10 Cast out the mocker, and contention will go out; yes, strife and disgrace will cease.^22:11 Whoever is loving cleanness of heart, grace are his lips, a king is his friend.^22:12 The eyes of YHWH preserve knowledge, and he overthrows the words of the transgressor.^22:13 The lazy person says, there is a lion outside, I will be killed in the streets.^22:14 The mouth of a prostitute is a deep pit^: he that is denounced of YHWH will fall therein.^22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.^22:16 He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, will certainly come to poverty.^22:17 Bow down your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.^22:18 Because it is a pleasant thing if you guard them within you; they are prepared together for your lips,^22:19 that your trust may be in YHWH, I have made known to you this day, even to you.^22:20 Have I not written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge,^22:21 That I might make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth; that you might answer the Words of Truth to them that send to you?^22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor^: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate^:22:23 Because YHWH will plead their cause, and robbed the life of those that robbed them.^22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you will not go^:22:25 Unless you learn his ways, and get a snare to yourself.^22:26 Be not one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.^22:27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?^22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark that your forefathers have set.^22:29 See a man diligent in his business? he will stand before kings; he will not stand before the obscure.

23:1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you^:23:2 And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.^23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties^: for it is the bread of untruth.^23:4 Labor not to be rich^: cease from your own wisdom.^23:5 Will you set your eyes upon what is not? because riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward the skies.^23:6 Eat not the food of him that has a bad eye, neither desire his dainty foods^:23:7 Because as he thinks in his heart, so he is^: Eat and drink he says to you, but his heart is not with you.^23:8 The morsel that you have eaten you will vomit up, and lose your sweet words.^23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool^: because he will despise the wisdom of your words.^23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless^:23:11 Because their kinsmen-redeemer is mighty; he will plead their cause with you.^23:12 Apply your heart to correction, and your ears to the Words of Knowledge.^23:13 Withhold not correction from the child^: because if you beat him with the rod he will not die.^23:14 You will beat him with the rod, and will deliver his life from Sheol.^23:15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice, even mine.^23:16 Yes, my affections will rejoice, when your lips speak right things.^23:17 Let not your heart envy sinners^: but be you in the fear of YHWH all the day long.^23:18 Because certainly there is an end; and your expectation will not be cut off.^23:19 Hear now my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the path.^23:20 Be not among the winos; among riotous eaters of flesh^:23:21 Because the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty^: and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.^23:22 Listen to your dad that gendered you, and despise not your mother when she is old.^23:23 Buy the Truth and sell it not; also Wisdom, correction, and understanding.^23:24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice^: and the one that engenders a wise child will rejoice in him.^23:25 Your dad and your mother will be glad, and she that gendered you will rejoice.^23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways.^23:27 Because a prostitute is a deep ditch; and a foreign woman is a narrow pit.^23:28 She also lies in ambush as for a prey, and increases the transgressors among men.^23:29 Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes? ^23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed drinks.^23:31 Look not upon the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.^23:32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper snake.^23:33 Your eyes will behold prostitutes, and your heart will utter perverse things.^23:34 Yes, you will be as he that lies down in the heart of the sea, or as he that lies upon the top of a mast.^23:35 They smote me, I have not been sick, they beat me, I have not known. When I awake I seek it still again!

24:1 Be not envious against bad men, neither desire to be with them.^24:2 Because their heart meditates on violence, and their lips talk of trouble.^24:3 Through Wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established^:24:4 And by knowledge the inner parts are filled, with all precious and pleasant wealth.^24:5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.^24:6 Because by wise counsel you will make your war^: and in multitude of counselors there is deliverance.^24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool^: he opens not his mouth in the gate.^24:8 Whoever is devising to do bad, him they call a master of wicked thoughts.^24:9 The devices of foolishness are sin^: and the mocker is an abomination to men.^24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.^24:11 If from delivering those taken to death, and those slipping to the slaughter - you keep back.^24:12 When you say, lo, we knew not this. Is not the Ponderer of hearts he who understands? And the Guard of your life he who knows? And he has rendered to man according to his work.^24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good; and the honeycomb, that is sweet to your taste^:24:14 So will the knowledge of Wisdom be to your life^: when you have found it, then there will be a reward, and your expectation will not be cut off.^24:15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked one, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place^:24:16 Because a just man falls 7 times, and rises up again^: but the wicked will fall into calamity.^24:17 Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles^:24:18 Unless YHWH see, and it is bad in His eyes, and he has turned from off him his anger.^24:19 Fret not yourself because of bad people, neither be envious at the wicked;^24:20 Because there will be no reward to the bad person; the candle of the wicked will be put out.^24:21 My son, fear YHWH and the king^: and meddle not with them that are given to change^:24:22 Because their calamity will rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?^24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.^24:24 He that says to the wicked, you are righteous; him will the people curse, nations will abhor him^:24:25 But to them that rebuke him will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.^24:26 Every man will kiss his lips that gives a right answer.^24:27 Prepare your work outside, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.^24:28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause; and deceive not with your lips.^24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me^: I will render to the man according to his deeds.^24:30 I went by the field of the lazy, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;^24:31 And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the surface of it, and its stone wall was broken down.^24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well^: I looked upon it, and received correction.^24:33 Still a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep^:24:34 So will your poverty come as a highwayman; and your want as an armed man.

25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, that the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.^25:2 It is the glory of Elohim to conceal a thing^: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.^25:3 The cosmos for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.^25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there will come out a vessel for the refiner.^25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.^25:6 Honor not yourself before a king, and in the place of the great do not stand.^25:7 For it is better that he has said to you, come up here, than that he humble you before a noble, whom your eyes have seen.^25:8 Go not out quickly to contend, unless you know not what to do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame.^25:9 Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and reveal not a secret to another^:25:10 Unless he that hears it put you to shame, and the report concerning you turn not away.^25:11 Apples of gold in network of silver, is the word spoken at its fit times.^25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise corrector upon an obedient ear.^25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him^: because he refreshes the lives of his masters.^25:14 Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.^25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.^25:16 Have you found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for you, unless you are overfilled and vomit it.^25:17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house; unless he is weary of you, and so hates you.^25:18 A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a scatterer, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.^25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.^25:20 As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart.^25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink^:25:22 Because you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and YHWH will reward you.^25:23 The North wind drives away rain; and a secret tongue - indignant faces.^25:24 It is better to live in the corner of the housetop, than with a woman of contention in a shared house.^25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty person, so is good news from a far country.^25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.^25:27 It is not good to eat much honey^: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.^25:28 He that has no rule over his own emotions is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

26:1 As snow in summer and as rain in harvest, so honor is not of beauty for a fool.^26:2 As a bird in its flutter, as the swallow by flying, so reviling without a cause will not come.^26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back.^26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, unless you also are like him.^26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, unless he is wise in his own conceit.^26:6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks violence.^26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal^: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.^26:8 As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.^26:9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.^26:10 Great is the Former of all, and he is rewarding a fool, and is rewarding transgressors.^26:11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.^26:12 See a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.^26:13 The lazy person says, there is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.^26:14 As the door turns upon its hinges, so does the lazy upon their bed.^26:15 The lazy hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.^26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than 7 men that can render a reason.^26:17 He that passes by, and meddles with strife that belongs not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.^26:18 As a mad person who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,^26:19 so is the person that deceives his neighbor and says, am I not playing? ^26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out^: so where there is no backbiter, contention ceases.^26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.^26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.^26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.^26:24 He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;^26:25 When he speaks fair, believe him not^: because there are 7 abominations in his heart.^26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be shown before the assembly.^26:27 Whoever digs a pit will fall therein^: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.^26:28 A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

27:1 Boast not yourself of tomorrow; because you know not what a day may bring forth.^27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.^27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's anger is heavier than them both.^27:4 Rage is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before jealousy?^27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.^27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.^27:7 The full appetite loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry appetite every bitter thing is sweet.^27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man that wanders from his place.^27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart^: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.^27:10 Your own friend, and your dad's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity^: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.^27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that taunts me.^27:12 A prudent person perceives badness and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.^27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a foreign woman.^27:14 He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him.^27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.^27:16 Whoever hides her hides the wind, and like grasping ointment in your right hand.^27:17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.^27:18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit^: so he that waits on his master will be honored.^27:19 As in water the face is to face, so the heart of man to man.^27:20 Sheol and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.^27:21 As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.^27:22 If you will beat the foolish in a mortar, among washed things - with a pestle, his folly turns not aside from off him.^27:23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.^27:24 Because riches are not for the ages^: and does the crown endure to every generation?^27:25 The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.^27:26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.^27:27 And you will have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.

28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursues^: but the righteous are bold as a lion.^28:2 By the transgression of a land many are its heads. And by an intelligent man who knows right - it is prolonged.^28:3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.^28:4 They that forsake the Torah praise the wicked^: but such as observe the Torah contend with them.^28:5 Bad men understand not judgment^: but they that seek YHWH understand all things.^28:6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.^28:7 Whoever observes the Torah is a wise son^: but he that is a companion of riotous people shames his dad.^28:8 Whoever is multiplying his wealth by excessive interest, for one favoring the poor does gather it.^28:9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer will be a disgusting thing.^28:10 He who causes the righteous to go astray in a bad way, he will fall himself into his own pit^: but the upright will have good things in possession.^28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.^28:12 When righteous people do rejoice, there is great glory^: but when the wicked arise, a man disguises himself.^28:13 He that covers his sins will not prosper^: but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.^28:14 Happy is the man that always fears^: but he that hardens his heart will fall into calamity.^28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.^28:16 The prince that lacks understanding is also a great oppressor^: but he that hates covetousness will prolong his days.^28:17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person will flee to the pit; let no man lay hold of him.^28:18 Whoever walks completely will be saved^: but he that is perverse in his ways will fall at once.^28:19 He that tills his land will have plenty of food^: but he that follows after the worthless will have poverty enough.^28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings^: but he that makes haste to be rich will not be innocent.^28:21 To discern faces is not good, and for a piece of bread does a man transgress.^28:22 He that hurries to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty will come upon him.^28:23 He that rebukes a man afterwards will find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.^28:24 Whoever robs his dad or his mother and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.^28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife^: but he that puts his trust in YHWH will be made fat.^28:26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool^: but whoever walks wisely, he will be delivered.^28:27 He that gives to the poor will not lack^: but he that hides his eyes will have many a curse.^28:28 When the wicked arise, men go into hiding, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

29:1 He that often being corrected hardens his neck but will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.^29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice^: but when the wicked exercise dominion, the people mourn.^29:3 Whoever loves Wisdom rejoices his father^: but he that keeps company with prostitutes spends his substance.^29:4 The king by judgment establishes the land^: but he that receives gifts overthrows it.^29:5 A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.^29:6 In the transgression of a bad man there is a snare^: but the righteous will sing and rejoice.^29:7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor^: but the wicked consider not to understand it.^29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare^: but the wise turn away anger.^29:9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rages or laughs, there is no rest.^29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright^: but the just seek his life.^29:11 A fool utters all his mind^: but a wise person holds it in until afterwards.^29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his slaves are wicked.^29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together^: YHWH lightens both their eyes.^29:14 The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established for future times.^29:15 The rod and punishment give Wisdom^: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.^29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases^: but the righteous will see their carcasses.^29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to you.^29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish^: but he that observes Torah, happy is he.^29:19 A slave will not be corrected by words^: for though he understands he will not answer.^29:20 See a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.^29:21 He that delicately brings up his slave from a child will have him become his son in the latter times.^29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in rebellion.^29:23 A man's pride will bring him low^: but honor will uphold the humble in spirit.^29:24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life^: he hears cursing, and reports it not.^29:25 The fear of man brings a snare^: but whoever puts his trust in YHWH will be exalted.^29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment comes from YHWH.^29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just^: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy^: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal,^30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.^30:3 I neither learned Wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the Sacred.^30:4 Who has ascended up into cosmos, or descended? who has gathered the wind in his fists? who has bound 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, if you can tell?^30:5 Every Word of Elohim is pure^: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him.^30:6 Add not to his Words, unless he judge you, and you are found a liar.^30:7 Two things I have required of you; deny me not them before I die^:30:8 Remove far from me falsehoods and cases^: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me my allowance of food^:30:9 Unless I am full and deny you, and say, who is YHWH? or unless I be poor, and steal, and take the Name of my Elohim in vain.^30:10 Accuse not a slave to his master, unless he curses you, and you are found guilty.^30:11 There is a generation that curses their dad, and does not bless their mother.^30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and still is not washed from their excrement.^30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.^30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the land, and the needy from among the people.^30:15 The leech has two daughters crying, give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four things say not, It is enough^:30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the land that is not filled with water; and the fire that says not, It is enough.^30:17 The eye that mocks at his dad, and despises to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.^30:18 There are three things that are too wonderful for me, yes, four that I know not^:30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.^30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats and wipes her mouth and says, I have done no wickedness.^30:21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four that it cannot bear^:30:22 For a slave when he reigns; and a fool when he is filled with food;^30:23 Because an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.^30:24 There are four things that are small upon the land, but they are exceeding wise^:30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;^30:26 The rock badger are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;^30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they out all of them by bands;^30:28 The spider takes hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.^30:29 There are three things that go well, yes, four are good in going^:30:30 A lion that is strongest among animals, and turns not away for any;^30:31 A greyhound; a he-goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.^30:32 If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought bad, lay your hand upon your mouth.^30:33 Certainly the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood^: so the forcing of anger brings forth controversy.

31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.^31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?^31:3 Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to what destroys kings.^31:4 It is not for kings O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink^:31:5 Unless they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.^31:6 Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts.^31:7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.^31:8 Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are members to destruction.^31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.^31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? because her price is far above rubies.^31:11 The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of booty.^31:12 She will do him good and not bad all the days of her life.^31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.^31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.^31:15 She rises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.^31:16 She considers a field, and buys it^: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.^31:17 She girds her hips with strength, and strengthens her arms.^31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is good^: her candle goes not out by night.^31:19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.^31:20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.^31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household^: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.^31:22 She fashions herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.^31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the Elders of the land.^31:24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.^31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she will rejoice in times to come.^31:26 She opens her mouth with Wisdom; and in her tongue is the Law of Kindness.^31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.^31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.^31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.^31:30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is but a vapor^: but a woman that fears YHWH, she will be praised.^31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the marketplace.

Copyright 2001 Dallas E. James