[8] back to 104:4 or, angels

[9] back to 106:7 or, Sea of Reeds

[10] back to 106:9 or, Sea of Reeds

[11] back to 106:22 or, Sea of Reeds

[12] back to 111:1 Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[13] back to 112:1 Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[14] back to 136:13 or, Sea of Reeds

[15] back to 136:15 or, Sea of Reeds

[16] back to 138:1 The word elohim, used here, usually means "G.o.d," but can also mean "G.o.ds," "princes," or "angels."

[17] back to 145:0 This is an acrostic psalm, with every verse (including the second half of verse 13) starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

[18] back to 145:13 Some ma.n.u.scripts omit these last two lines.

Proverbs

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

1:2 to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; 1:3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 1:4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man: 1:5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: 1:6 to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. 1:7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. 1:8 My son, listen to your father's instruction, and don't forsake your mother's teaching: 1:9 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck. 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.

1:11 If they say, "Come with us, Let's lay in wait for blood; let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 1:12 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. 1:13 We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil. 1:14 You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse." 1:15 My son, don't walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path, 1:16 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood. 1:17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: 1:18 but these lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. 1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners. 1:20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. 1:21 She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words: 1:22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? 1:23 Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you. 1:24 Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; 1:25 but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof; 1:26 I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you; 1:27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you. 1:28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; 1:29 because they hated knowledge, and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh. 1:30 They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof. 1:31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes. 1:32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them. 1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm." 2:1 My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you; 2:2 So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 2:3 Yes, if you call out for discernment, 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 you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of G.o.d. 2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. 2:7 He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity; 2:8 that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints. 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. 2:10 For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 2:11 Discretion will watch over you.

Understanding will keep you, 2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the men who speak perverse things; 2:13 who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 2:14 who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil; 2:15 who are crooked in their ways, and wayward in their paths: 2:16 To deliver you from the strange woman, even from the foreigner who flatters with her words; 2:17 who forsakes the friend of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her G.o.d: 2:18 for her house leads down to death, her paths to the dead. 2:19 None who go to her return again, neither do they attain to the paths of life: 2:20 that you may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 2:21 For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it. 2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land. The treacherous will be rooted out of it. 3:1 My son, don't forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments: 3:2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you. 3:3 Don't let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 3:4 So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of G.o.d and man. 3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 3:7 Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. 3:8 It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones. 3:9 Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: 3:10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 3:11 My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline, neither be weary of his reproof: 3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights. 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. 3:14 For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.

3:15 She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her. 3:19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. By understanding, he established the heavens. 3:20 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew. 3:21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion: 3:22 so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck. 3:23 Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won't 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 Don't be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes: 3:26 for Yahweh will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being taken. 3:27 Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. 3:28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you," when you have it by you. 3:29 Don't devise evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells securely by you. 3:30 Don't strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. 3:31 Don't envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways. 3:32 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but his friendship is with the upright. 3:33 Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the habitation of the righteous. 3:34 Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble. 3:35 The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion of fools. 4:1 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding; 4:2 for I give you sound learning. Don't forsake my law.

4:3 For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. 4:4 He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live. 4:5 Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.

4:6 Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you. 4:7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. 4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her. 4:9 She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you." 4:10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. The years of your life will be many. 4:11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom.

I have led you in straight paths. 4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble. 4:13 Take firm hold of instruction. Don't let her go. Keep her, for she is your life. 4:14 Don't enter into the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way of evil men. 4:15 Avoid it, and don't pa.s.s by it. Turn from it, and pa.s.s on.

4:16 For they don't sleep, unless they do evil. Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall. 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day. 4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They don't know what they stumble over. 4:20 My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. 4:22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body. 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. 4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. 4:26 Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. 4:27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil. 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding: 5:2 that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge. 5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil, 5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword. 5:5 Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol. 5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it. 5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth. 5:8 Remove your way far from her. Don't come near the door of her house, 5:9 lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; 5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man's house. 5:11 You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 5:12 and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me! 5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered a.s.sembly." 5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well. 5:16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares? 5:17 Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you. 5:18 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer--let her b.r.e.a.s.t.s satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love. 5:20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another? 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths. 5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly. 5:23 He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

6:1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger; 6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth. 6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor. 6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.

6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.

Consider her ways, and be wise; 6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, 6:8 provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. 6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? 6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 6:11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man. 6:12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth; 6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers; 6:14 in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually, who always sows discord. 6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy. 6:16 There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 6:19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. 6:20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and don't forsake your mother's teaching. 6:21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. 6:22 When you walk, it will lead you.

When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you. 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.

Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue. 6:25 Don't l.u.s.t after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids. 6:26 For a prost.i.tute reduces you to a piece of bread.

The adulteress hunts for your precious life. 6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned? 6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? 6:29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished. 6:30 Men don't despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry: 6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house. 6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.

6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away. 6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare in the day of vengeance. 6:35 He won't regard any ransom, neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts. 7:1 My son, keep my words.

Lay up my commandments within you. 7:2 Keep my commandments and live!

Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. 7:3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 7:4 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative, 7:5 that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words. 7:6 For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice. 7:7 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding, 7:8 pa.s.sing through the street near her corner, he went the way to her house, 7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness. 7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prost.i.tute, and with crafty intent. 7:11 She is loud and defiant. Her feet don't stay in her house. 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner. 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him: 7:14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows. 7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you. 7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 7:18 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning.

Let's solace ourselves with loving. 7:19 For my husband isn't at home.

He has gone on a long journey. 7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon." 7:21 With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.

7:22 He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose. 7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost his life. 7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth. 7:25 Don't let your heart turn to her ways. Don't go astray in her paths, 7:26 for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army. 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death. 8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice? 8:2 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands. 8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud: 8:4 "To you men, I call!

I send my voice to the sons of mankind. 8:5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart. 8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things. 8:7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. 8:9 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge. 8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold. 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it. 8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion. 8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. 8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 8:16 By me princes rule; n.o.bles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. 8:17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. 8:18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity. 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver. 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice; 8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. 8:22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old. 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed. 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep, 8:28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong, 8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth; 8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him, 8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it. 8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts. 8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh. 8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.

All those who hate me love death." 9:1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 9:2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 9:3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 9:4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 9:5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 9:6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding." 9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 9:11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.

9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 9:13 The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing. 9:14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 9:15 To call to those who pa.s.s by, who go straight on their ways, 9:16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 9:17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant." 9:18 But he doesn't know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. 10:3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.

10:4 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. 10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. 10:9 He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall. 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. 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 leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin. 10:17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. 10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips.

He who utters a slander is a fool. 10:19 In the mult.i.tude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.

10:20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth. 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. 10:22 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. 10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure. 10:24 What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 10:25 When the whirlwind pa.s.ses, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever. 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 10:27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 10:28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. 10:29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 10:30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight. 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. 11:4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires. 11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing. 11:8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place. 11:9 With his mouth the G.o.dless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. 11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. 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 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace. 11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. 11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the mult.i.tude of counselors there is victory.

11:15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure. 11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches. 11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 11:19 He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death. 11:20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight. 11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered. 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.

11:24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. 11:26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.

11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. 11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls. 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner! 12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.

12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. 12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised. 12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread. 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. 12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. 12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble. 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel. 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent. 12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. 12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. 12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight. 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. 12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. 12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized. 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death. 13:1

A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke. 13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence. 13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. 13:5 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. 13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth. 13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom. 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. 13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded. 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death. 13:15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard. 13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly. 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing. 13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored. 13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. 13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. 13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous. 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous. 13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away. 13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him. 13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry. 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him. 14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise 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 truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies. 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.

14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips. 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will. 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger. 14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness. 14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways. 14:15 A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. 14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless. 14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated. 14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 14:19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends. 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor. 14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good. 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly. 14:25 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful. 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.

14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death. 14:28 In the mult.i.tude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly. 14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones. 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him. 14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.

14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools. 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly. 15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. 15:5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble. 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools. 15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness. 15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die. 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh--how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit. 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. 15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred. 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife. 15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway. 15:20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. 15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. 15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a mult.i.tude of counselors they are established. 15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. 15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow's borders intact. 15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing. 15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. 15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.

Good news gives health to the bones. 15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise. 15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding. 15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives. 16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. 16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end--yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished. 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil. 16:7 When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. 16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 16:12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. 16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

16:15 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!

Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. 16:20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 16:26 The appet.i.te of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth urges him on. 16:27 A worthless man devises mischief.

His speech is like a scorching fire. 16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. 16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh. 17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. 17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. 17:4 An evil-doer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents. 17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. 17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.

17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. 17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. 17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall 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 evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. 17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding? 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 collateral in the presence of his neighbor. 17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.

One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. 17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. 17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. 17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. 17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. 17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. 17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. 18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice. 18:6 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts. 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction. 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

18:13 He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. 18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? 18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.

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 who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him. 18:18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart. 18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a castle. 18:20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. 18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. 18:23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way. 19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh. 19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free. 19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish. 19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense. 19:12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the gra.s.s. 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping. 19:14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. 19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger. 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him. 19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to his death. 19:19 A hot- tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again. 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. 19:21 There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail. 19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. 19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. 19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 19:26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. 19:29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools. 20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling. 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall 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 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? 20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him. 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.

20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?" 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. 20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.

20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. 20:14 "It's no good, it's no good,"

says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. 20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. 20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. 20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

20:18 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips. 20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. 20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end. 20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. 20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. 20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way? 20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. 20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them. 20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts. 20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. 20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts. 21:1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 21:4 A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 21:5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 21:7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 21:8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 21:9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman. 21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 21:11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 21:15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 21:16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the a.s.sembly of the dead. 21:17 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. 21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous for the upright. 21:19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up. 21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 21:24 The proud and haughty man, "scoffer" is his name; he works in the arrogance of pride. 21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 21:26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 21:28 A false witness will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity. 21:29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. 22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all. 22:3 A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pa.s.s on, and suffer for it. 22:4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards his soul stays 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. The borrower is servant to the lender. 22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor. 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

22:11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king's friend. 22:12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. 22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!" 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it. 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.

22:17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 22:19 That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. 22:20 Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, 22:21 To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? 22:22 Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don't crush the needy in court; 22:23 for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them. 22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, and don't a.s.sociate with one who harbors anger: 22:25 lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul. 22:26 Don't you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. 22:27 If you don't have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? 22:28 Don't move the ancient boundary stone, which your fathers have set up. 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won't serve obscure men. 23:1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; 23:2 put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appet.i.te. 23:3 Don't be desirous of his dainties, seeing they are deceitful food. 23:4 Don't weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. 23:5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. 23:6 Don't eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don't crave his delicacies: 23:7 for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 23:8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words. 23:9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 23:10 Don't move the ancient boundary stone. Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless: 23:11 for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.