From the Greek Septuagint text as was used by First Century Christians
Mostly written by Solomon about 1000-B.C.E., but added to by others.

NOTE: The Proverbs as poetry? We had never noticed the Proverbs written in poetic form in other Bibles, but after translating the first five Chapters, we recognized a natural cadence indicating that it was originally written this way. So, while few changes were required, we have decided to continue with this original format, which has required some slight alterations in the wording due to language differences, but we are making every attempt to preserve the true meanings.
Why is this important? Because following the rules of Hebrew poetry indicates the accuracy of the text we are using, and it tends to magnify possible errors, since they don't fit into the poetry.
Why do these texts read so differently from what is found in other Bibles? Because they are based on the Greek Septuagint text, which comes from more ancient manuscripts than the available Hebrew texts. However, recognize that the meanings of many of the texts vary widely between Septuagint versions, Hebrew text versions, and from Bible to Bible. In fact, the authenticity of Chapters 24-29 is in doubt because they don't appear at all in some Bibles. So we suggest that whenever the meanings of texts seem unclear, or the following connected words don't seem to match, that you check the reading of the verses in several other Bibles and you reject the wording of any that don't appear to make any sense.

Chapter 1

¹ These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, who reigned in Israel.

² To get to be wise and learn, you must understand intelligent words. ³ [You must see how] words can be shifted and turned, and used to unlock problems that puzzle. You need to understand true justice, and how to make judgments that are straight, ⁴ so all your decisions are guileless and wise, while you perceive and reflect like a child.

⁵ For those who will listen the wise will get wiser, and receive intelligent guidance. ⁶ You'll understand dark illustrations… the sayings of the wise and enigmas.

⁷ Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah; all who follow that rule, will be understanding and good, since reverence for God is the start of perception. But those who don't respect [God], treat wisdom and learning with contempt.

⁸ Hear, O son, the laws of your father, and don't reject the rules of your mother. ⁹ Then a crown of favor you'll get for your head, and a gold chain for your neck.

¹⁰ O son; Don't let the disrespectful lead you astray, and don't go along with their ways. ¹¹ For, they'll offer you comforting words and they'll say: 'Come with us and let us [shed] blood! For we'll deal unfairly with those who are righteous, then hide their bodies in the ground. ¹² Like the grave we'll swallow them down still alive, and remove their memory from the earth. ¹³ Then we'll take all their valuable things, and fill our houses with loot. ¹⁴ So now, come with us and join in, and we'll each gain big bags of cash!'

¹⁵ Don't ever follow their ways… turn your feet from their paths! ¹⁶ For, their feet run to do evil things, and they are quick to shed blood. ¹⁷ Haven't they wrongfully spread out their traps, as you would to catch birds? ¹⁸ Then they murder to gain evil treasures. ¹⁹ These are the ways of the unrighteousness, and in disrespect [for our God], they bring destruction on their own lives.

²⁰ But the praises of wisdom are sung in the streets, and celebrated in public. ²¹ She shouts aloud from the tops of the walls, and at city gates she courageously says: ²² 'As long as the honest have justice, they will never be shamed; but the insolence of fools who crave [what's not theirs], and those with no fear [of God], are those who are lacking good sense. ²³ So, for discipline they'll have an accounting.'

{Look!} I am now willing to let go, of some of the sayings of my breath, and I'll use my words in order to teach you.

²⁴ I called, but you failed to obey; I explained it all, but you were not paying attention. ²⁵ For, you have ignored all my council, and to my scolding paid no attention. ²⁶ So, I'll laugh when you are destroyed, and I'll shout in joy when you're brought to ruin. ²⁷ When troublesome times come upon you, and in a blast you're quickly undone… whenever you're oppressed and assaulted, ²⁸ and you feel the need to cry out to me, I will not listen to you. For, when evil men search they don't find me, ²⁹ because they've detested what's wise, and fail to prefer the fear of Jehovah. ³⁰ My council they choose not hear, and they sneer whenever I scold them. ³¹ So, they'll have to eat their own fruitage, and be filled with their own disrespect. ³² Because they have wronged simple people, they will soon be destroyed.

Yes, after they're tried they'll be slaughtered. ³³ While those who choose to listen to me, will camp in hope and in tranquility, without any fear of their evil.

Chapter 2

¹ O son; If you'll listen to the things that I'm saying, you should take them and hide them within you. ² Your ears should obey these wise words, and devote your heart to understanding, then pass [such words] along to your sons.

³ Now, if you call out for wisdom, and speak to be understood, ⁴ and if you search for perception, as for silver or treasure, ⁵ you'll come to know the fear of Jehovah, and you'll find the knowledge of God. ⁶ Because, wisdom comes from Jehovah, and knowledge and understanding are found in His presence.

⁷ For those who are walking straight paths, He has treasured salvation, and He'll shield them in all of their ways. ⁸ He guards the ways of the right things they do, and protects all those who show Him respect. ⁹ [If you should do all of this], you will know justice and judgment, and set yourself on a course to do good.

¹⁰ Now, if you decide to make wisdom your goal; if your soul finds it good to search for perception; ¹¹ if you choose to follow good council, and if you'll watch out and do holy things; ¹² from evil ways this will save you, and from [the wiles] of men who tell lies. ¹³ They're the ones who've abandoned straight paths, and in ways of darkness they walk. ¹⁴ For, badness is what makes them happy, and on what's perverse they rejoice. ¹⁵ All of their pathways are crooked, and curved are all of their tracks. ¹⁶ Away from straight paths they will lead you, and from righteous plans they'll drive you away.

O son; don't let bad council mislead you, ¹⁷ but [follow] the things you were taught while still young, and never forget God's Sacred Agreement.

¹⁸ There are women who've put death near their houses, and the things that they do lead to the grave. ¹⁹ For, those who go close will never return, nor will they return to straight paths, for they've strayed from the road of long life.

²⁰ But smooth are the roads that the righteous have found, for the meek will inherit the earth, and the honest will be those that remain. ²¹ Then the upright will camp in the land, and those who'll be left are the holy. ²² But disrespectful ways will be gone from the land, and those who break laws will be banished.

Chapter 3

¹ O son; Never forget the laws [that I'll give you], and keep the things that I've said in your heart, ² for this will add length to your life. Yes, you will live [many] years, and peace will also be added to you.

³ May charity and faith never fail you. If around your neck you will tie them, and write them on the tablet of your heart, ⁴ you will then find [God's] favor.

Before Jehovah and men, always plan to do good things. ⁵ With your whole heart put trust in your God, and on your own wisdom never rely.

⁶ Keep sight of [wisdom] in all of your ways, so before you she cuts a straight path.

⁷ In your own skills never trust; fear God and turn from all that is bad, ⁸ then there'll be healing for your body, and care will be shown to your bones.

⁹ Show honor to Jehovah [your God]… work hard at doing what's good. Offer Him righteousness ways as your first fruits, ¹⁰ then with grain your stores will be filled, and wine will gush from your vats.

¹¹ O son; Never take lightly the instructions of God, or be upset when He gives you correction, ¹² for Jehovah loves those whom He corrects, and whips all those whom He welcomes as sons.

¹³ The man who finds wisdom is blest, as is the mortal who comprehends. ¹⁴ For she's a better trade than silver or gold… ¹⁵ she has more value than all that's expensive. Why, nothing of value is worth more than she. ¹⁶ For, long life and survival are in her right hand, and in her left is glory and wealth. Out of her mouth comes forth justice, as well as mercy and law, which she wears on her tongue. ¹⁷ Goodness is found in all of her ways, and all of her paths lead to peace. ¹⁸ She's a tree of life to all who grab hold, and those leaning on her as they do on the Lord, are those who will get away safely.

¹⁹ In wisdom God founded the earth, and intelligently He prepared the skies. ²⁰ In His perception abysses were torn, and from the clouds flowed the dew. ²¹ But son; Don't let my council slip by you; pay attention and learn to gain insight, ²² so the man that you are will continue to live, and [God's] favor will be tied round your neck. For, to your flesh this brings healing, and comfort to all of your bones; ²³ peace will follow in all of your ways, and your feet will never be stumbled. ²⁴ When you sit down, it'll be without fear; and when you lie down, your sleep will bring pleasure. ²⁵ No terrible thing will you fear, nor will the disrespectful push you aside, ²⁶ for Jehovah will watch all your ways, and make your feet straight so you will not fall.

²⁷ Do not avoid those in want, when you have what they need in your hands. ²⁸ Don't say, 'Come back at some other time… I will provide it tomorrow.' Give the good things you have when you have them, so you'll never see the birth of what's bad.

²⁹ Never plot to do bad to a friend, or to those with whom you travel… those who are trusting in you. ³⁰ And don't quarrel without a good reason, so people don't plan to get even.

³¹ Don't follow the evil of those you despise, nor ever be jealous of the bad things they do. ³² Because God considers lawbreakers unclean, the righteous should not sit among them.

³³ The houses of those who have no respect, have all been cursed by the Lord; but the homes of the righteous are blest. ³⁴ Jehovah opposes those who are proud, and shows favor to those who are humble. ³⁵ While the wise will inherit all glory, the godless will just get dishonor.

Chapter 4

¹ Hear, O children, the words of a father! Listen, so you can gain insight! ² I'm going to give you a gift, and from my instructions don't stray!

³ Once I was also a father's son, and one who was loved by his mother, ⁴ so by them both I was taught. [They said]: 'Keep our words in your heart! Keep the Commandments… do not forget! ⁵ Search for wisdom and understanding… don't forget them or ignore the words from our mouths; never turn aside from the things that we say. ⁶ Stick with this way… do not leave it. Love it with passion and you'll be kept [safe].'

⁷ Wisdom is basis for all; so, with all you acquire, gain wisdom! And among all the things you possess, make sure you acquire understanding! ⁸ Build her a fort and she'll lift you. Hold her in esteem and she will protect you… she'll place a crown on your head… ⁹ a luxurious crown that will shield you.

¹⁰ Hear, O son, and receive all my words, for they'll multiply the years of your life, and many ways of life you will understand. ¹¹ I'm teaching you ways of the wise… I'm piling upon you tracks that are straight, ¹² so the ways that you go will not hem you in, or ever be a block to your footsteps; thus when you must run you won't tire.

¹³ Grab my instructions and don't let them go! Hold them tight for yourself and your life!

¹⁴ Don't follow in the ways of the godless, and never be jealous of lawbreakers' ways. ¹⁵ Don't go to places where they camp… ¹⁶ alter your course and divert, because they won't sleep unless they've done bad. Since they can't sleep, they don't go to bed; ¹⁷ on the grain of irreverence they feed, and on the wine of lawless ways they are drunk.

¹⁸ The ways of the righteous are light… they shine and give light until day! ¹⁹ But the ways of the irreverent are dark, so they don't know how often they stumble.

²⁰ O son; Pay attention to the things that I say, and listen to my words with your ears, ²¹ for then your wells will not fail you. Keep them within your heart, ²² because they give life to those finding them, and they'll bring healing to the flesh.

²³ With all the things that you guard, pay close attention to your heart, for that's the source of your life. ²⁴ Remove all that's crooked from your mouth, and keep unrighteous lips far away. ²⁵ Let your eyes always look straight ahead… let your eyelids nod in approval of the just. ²⁶ Make straight tracks for your feet, and straighten out all of your ways. ²⁷ Don't turn aside to the right or the left… just turn your feet from what's bad. For, God knows the ways that are right, but those who pervert them He puts on His left. He will make all your tracks straight, and lead you in ways that are peaceful.

Chapter 5

¹ O son; Please pay attention to my wisdom, and lend your ears to my words, so you can reach a good understanding; ² then to you I'll entrust the perceptions of my lips.

Pay no attention to vile women! ³ For, the lips of a whore drip with honey, which fattens the throat for a while; ⁴ but then you'll find it more bitter than bile, and much sharper than a double-edged sword. ⁵ Foolish are the feet of those dealing with her, because they lead to death and the grave, and her tracks aren't easily comprehended. ⁶ Her ways are not those that lead to life, and the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.

⁷ Now, O son, please hear me! Do not ignore what I'm saying! ⁸ From her stay far away… don't approach the doors of her house, ⁹ so you don't pass your life onto others, and share your vigor with those lacking mercy. ¹⁰ Don't fill up strangers with your strength… your power shouldn't enter the house of a stranger. ¹¹ For, you'll feel sorry when your flesh falls away, ¹² and you'll say 'How I hated to be told… O how discipline [bothered] my heart! ¹³ So, I heard not the one giving correction… my ears didn't hear the one teaching. ¹⁴ Little by little I fell into bad, there among the whole congregation.'

¹⁵ O son; Drink water from your own jars, and from the flow of your own wells! ¹⁶ Let the waters of your springs overflow… carry your own water to the city squares! ¹⁷ Let it be yours and with strangers don't share it… ¹⁸ let your spring be just yours, and find your joy in the wife of your youth… ¹⁹ your friendly hind and favored filly. Let her share conversation with you; hold her high and always keep her close, for the accommodations of this friendship will mean a great deal.

²⁰ Don't spend time with strange women, and never embrace one that is not yours, ²¹ for God's eyes watch the ways of a man, and they keep track of the things that he does. ²² Unlawful acts are a snare to all men, and you'll be bound in the chains of your own sins. ²³ Those who don't learn this will come to their end, and then they will lose all they own… they'll perish in their own foolish ways.

Chapter 6

¹ O son; If you guarantee a loan for your friend, you'll put yourself in your enemy's hands. ² By your own lips you'll be snared, and captured by words that come from your mouth. ³ O son; Heed my words and you'll save yourself; for, into evil hands you will fall, if you do that for your friend. So, don't ever leave yourself weak, since you'll even make that friend angry… yes, he for whom you stood good for the loan! ⁴ So, don't even let your eyes sleep, ⁵ or your eyelids to slumber, before you escape like a doe from a noose, and as wild fowl from a snare.

⁶ O lazy one; You should be like the ant… feel zeal when you see what he does. Yes, you should become just like him… but you should also be wiser! ⁷ For, he doesn't own his own farm, and he has no one to urge him to work, nor is he under a master. ⁸ But during the summer he gathers much food, as he prepares for a feast in the harvest.

⁹ O lazy one; How long are you going to lie there… when will you awaken from sleep? ¹⁰ You sit down for a while, to sleep for a while, and for a while you then slumber, with your hands and arms on your chest. ¹¹ So poverty overtakes you like a mugger, and lack passes you like a sprinter.

¹² A man (a fool and lawbreaker), will travel in ways that are bad. ¹³ He beckons with his eyes, makes signs with his feet, and teaches with the motions of his fingers. ¹⁴ He plans to do bad, since his heart is perverted, and he brings disturbance to his own town; ¹⁵ but because of this, his death will come soon… he'll be cut off and not be brought back, ¹⁶ because he rejoices at things that God hates. He's destroyed because his life is unclean… ¹⁷ because his eyes are insulting… because his tongue is unrighteous… because his hands have shed righteous blood… ¹⁸ because his heart conspires to do bad, and because his feet run to do evil.

¹⁹ When [a man] lies [in a courtroom], this unrighteous witness lights fires, and between even brothers creates lawsuits.

²⁰ O son; Guard the laws of your father, and don't cast aside the rules of your mother! ²¹ Keep them fastened tight to your life… tie them around your neck with a cord! ²² Bring them along wherever you walk, and make sure they are always nearby. When you go to sleep let them guard you, and let them remind you when you arise. ²³ For, the commands of the Law are a lamp and a light; they are a complete way of life; they're correction and instruction to guard you, ²⁴ from any woman who is married, and the distractions that come from strange tongues.

²⁵ O son; Don't let the desire for beauty entice you. Don't get trapped by the things that you see, or caught [by the flutter] of her eyes. ²⁶ For, less than bread is the value of a whore, and a woman of men ensnares precious lives.

²⁷ Can a man light a fire on his chest, without it burning his clothes? ²⁸ Can someone walk on live coals, without them consuming his feet? ²⁹ So, when you [have sex with] another man's wife, it's the very same thing that happens to you, for none who touch her are found free of guilt.

³⁰ It's not a surprise when someone's caught stealing, for a man will steal to fill a hungry soul. ³¹ Then when he's caught, seven times he'll repay; and he'll give all he owns to be saved. ³² But by the lack of good sense, an adulterer is reaping destruction… ³³ he suffers both grief and dishonor, and his scorn will not be forgotten, throughout the rest of the age. ³⁴ Because of the jealous rage of her man, you won't be spared in the day that you're judged. ³⁵ Yes, because of her husband's hate, you'll not be able to bargain, nor will many gifts buy your freedom.

Chapter 7

¹ O son; Keep my words and commandments. Hide them inside of yourself! ² Have deep respect for Jehovah, and He will make you grow stronger. In addition to Him, fear no other! Keep my commands and you'll live [a long] life. Like the pupil of your eye keep my words… ³ wrap them around all your fingers, and inscribe them in the depths of your heart. ⁴ Make wisdom become your own sister, and take intelligence as your friend, ⁵ so that away from strange women she keeps you, as well as from those who are wicked; then good things will be said about you.

⁶ She leans from her window in the house on the square, ⁷ and whenever she views foolish offspring (a young man lacking good sense), ⁸ passing the corner near the path to her house, ⁹ she speaks from the darkness of the evening, when all are at rest in the dimness of night. ¹⁰ She meets with him and she looks like a whore, and the young man's heart starts to flutter. ¹¹ She's so enticing and carnal, but don't stay your feet near her [door].

¹² At times she strays outside of her house, and stands on the corner of the square. ¹³ Then she reaches out and she fondles, and with an impudent face she might say: ¹⁴ 'A sacrifice of peace I must offer, and today I must render my vows; ¹⁵ so, that's why I've met up with you. I noticed your face [as you passed], so I came over here just to find you.

¹⁶ 'Now, while I was sewing I laid out my bed, which was spread with sheets [made in] Egypt. ¹⁷ With saffron I sprinkled my bed, and spread cinnamon around in my house. ¹⁸ So, come and enjoy my friendship 'til dawn… come and we'll wrap up in passion! ¹⁹ For my husband's not around in the house; he has gone away on a journey. ²⁰ He carried a bundle of silver in his hands, and after some days he'll return.'

²¹ She leads him astray and acts like a friend, while tying around him a noose. By the words from her lips, she reels him in, ²² so then he follows along. Like an ox to the slaughter he's easily led; like a dog that's led with a chain, or a stag that's shot in the liver with a bow. ²³ So he hurries like fowl to a snare, not seeing that he's running for his life.

²⁴ Now, hear and pay attention to the sayings of my mouth! ²⁵ Don't turn aside to her ways in your heart, and don't be misled by her wiles. ²⁶ How many she has stabbed and then thrown away, and innumerable are those whom she's murdered. ²⁷ Her house is the road to the grave, and it leads to the storerooms of death.

Chapter 8

¹ You should shout aloud about wisdom, so intelligence will also obey you! ² For, she is higher than all of the others, and she stands in the midst of all roads. ³ She is the home of the mighty, and in their doorways she sings: ⁴ 'I bring comfort to you, O men, and I sing aloud to your sons. ⁵ All you without guile should learn to be shrewd, and the unlearned should store it inside their hearts.

⁶ 'Listen to me, for of serious things I am speaking, and from my lips comes what's true. ⁷ My throat will contemplate truth, since those with lying lips I have hated. ⁸ Righteous are the sayings that come from my mouth; nothing in them is crooked or bad. ⁹ All those who discern should stand face to face, with those who are giving them knowledge.

¹⁰ 'Go get instruction, not silver! Put knowledge above proven gold! ¹¹ Wisdom is better than precious gems, and nothing esteemed is worth more than her.

¹² 'Wisdom encamps with counsel and knowledge, and I've been asked to reflect. ¹³ The fear of Jehovah detests all injustice, as well as insolence and pride, and ways that are leading to evil… He hates the perversions of men who are bad.

¹⁴ 'Council and safety are mine! Intelligence and strength are mine also! ¹⁵ For, by me kings start their reigns, and the mighty ones write about justice. ¹⁶ Mighty men become sovereigns by me… through me they rule the whole earth. ¹⁷ Those fond of me are those who are loved, and those who seek me find favor. ¹⁸ By me wealth and glory exist, as well as much land and justice.

¹⁹ 'The blest will gather my fruit, before even gold and precious gems, for better than choice silver is the reward I provide. ²⁰ I walk in the ways of the righteous, and I return in the pathways of reason. ²¹ I provide for all those who love me, and I fill their treasuries with good things.

²² 'If I should proclaim what happens each day, I'll also recount the things of the ages. I was created by the Lord as the head of His ways, and to perform all His works. ²³ It was in the beginning (before this age came) that He made me… before He decreed the creation of lands. ²⁴ It was before He made the abysses, and before the springs gushed with water. ²⁵ It was before the mountains and hills had been seated, that I was fathered by Him.

²⁶ 'Jehovah made regions and places to live, to the ends of habitation under heaven. ²⁷ And when He was preparing the skies, it was I who presented them to Him. Then, when He placed His throne on the winds, ²⁸ and moved the clouds above with His strength; and when He made the springs under heaven, ²⁹ and set limits to the waters of the seas, so they couldn't go beyond [their own beds], and when He made strong the foundations of earth, it was I who stood there beside Him.

³⁰ 'By Him all things worked together, and He found joy in them all. Each day that I stood there before Him, I too found delight all the time. ³¹ He was pleased when He finished man's home, and with the sons of men He was pleased.

³² 'Now hear me O son; for blest are those who are guarding my ways! ³³ Listen to wisdom and you will be wise… do not cover it over! Blest is the man who listens to me, and the man who guards all my ways… ³⁴ he who's awake at my entrance each day, and paying attention there at my doorposts! ³⁵ For, those who seek me find life, and receive the favor of the Lord! ³⁶ But those who are sinning against me, show no respect for their souls, and all who hate me are lovers of death.'

Chapter 9

¹ Wisdom has built a house for herself, and atop seven columns she has propped it. ² She has offered the required sacrifices; she has mixed up wine in a jar; and she has readied her table. ³ Then she sends her servants to call [all the guests], and in a great proclamation they say: ⁴ 'All you fools, turn here toward me!'

⁵ Then she says to those who are lacking good sense: 'Come eat my bread, and drink the wine that I've mixed for you! ⁶ Stop being a fool and be smarter, so you will live a long time! When it comes to knowledge and understanding, [now's the time to] get straight with such things!'

⁷ Those who try to correct evil men, upon themselves bring dishonor. For, when you scold those who have no respect, you're making a fool of yourself. ⁸ Never scold those who are evil, so they don't start to detest you! Reprove the wise and they'll love you… ⁹ give him some help and he will be wiser. Explain things to someone who's righteous, and he will proceed to gain more.

¹⁰ The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah, and the counsel of the holy brings understanding. Knowledge of the Law is good to consider, ¹¹ for if you learn it you'll live a long time… many years will be added to your life.

¹² O son; If you choose to seek wisdom, you will make yourself wise. But if you choose to be evil, upon yourself you'll bring badness.

¹³ A bold and foolish woman without food, is one with no knowledge of shame. ¹⁴ She sits at the door of her house on a chair, to make herself seen in the squares. ¹⁵ She calls out to those passing by on the street, and those going straight on their ways, saying, ¹⁶ 'You who are the most foolish, turn aside and come here to me. She arouses the stupid by saying, ¹⁷ You'll touch secret bread loaves in pleasure, and steal sweet water to drink!'

¹⁸ What they don't know is that earthly men, by her will all be destroyed… they're perched on the edge of the grave.

Chapter 10

¹ A wise son gladdens a father, but the foolish bring their mothers distress.

² Treasures never benefit the lawless, but they'll rescue the righteousness from death.

³ Jehovah won't let the righteous go hungry, but the life of the impious He'll overturn.

⁴ Poverty humbles a man, but hands that work hard will enrich him.

A son who's corrected will be wiser, and the foolish he'll treat as his servants.

⁵ An intelligent son will be saved, from [working] in sweltering heat; but wind will destroy all the harvest, of a son who is a lawbreaker.

⁶ Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous, but to disrespectful mouths He brings mourning.

⁷ The righteous are remembered and commended, but the names of the irreverent will be gone.

⁸ A wise heart does as it's told, but back-talking lips will be stumbled.

⁹ For those who comply things go easy; but resistance will not be forgotten.

¹⁰ The eye that winks at bad things, creates much distress for other men; but he that openly scolds, is truly the one making peace.

¹¹ The mouths of the righteous are springs of life, but a mouth that curses leads to destruction.

¹² Hatred is what causes fights, but those who won't fight create friendships.

¹³ The one whose lips bring forth wisdom, is beating the heartless with a stick.

¹⁴ The wise hide their perceptions, but the mouth that speaks rashly approaches destruction.

¹⁵ The rich man's wealth is his fortress, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

¹⁶ The deeds of the righteous bring life, but the fruit of the irreverent is sin.

¹⁷ Following instructions leads to life, but without instructions you'll stray.

¹⁸ Righteous lips cover hatred, but those who shout insults are fools.

¹⁹ A sin can't be covered with many words, so it's wise for your lips to say little.

²⁰ A righteous tongue is like refined silver, but the heart of the irreverent has no value.

²¹ The lips of the righteous have knowledge of high things, but fools die in their lack of understanding.

²² Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous; He enriches and creates no distress in their hearts.

²³ The fool will laugh when he's doing what's bad, but wisdom makes a man act much smarter.

²⁴ By destruction the impious are carried away, but the righteous will receive the things they desire.

²⁵ A blast is coming to destroy the impious, but the righteous will turn and escape in that age.

²⁶ As green grapes are bad for the teeth, and smoke is bad for the eyes, that's how lawlessness is, to those who're affected by it.

²⁷ The fear of Jehovah adds days to your life, but the years of the irreverent will be shortened.

²⁸ Happiness stays with the righteous, but the hopes of the irreverent meet with destruction.

²⁹ The fear of Jehovah is like a holy fort, but destruction comes to those who do bad.

³⁰ The righteous will live through the ages, but the impious won't live on the earth.

³¹ From the mouth of the righteous drips wisdom, but the tongue of the unrighteous brings ruin.

³² From the lips of the righteous drips loving care, but from the mouth of the disrespectful comes rejection.

Chapter 11

¹ [Market] scales that are rigged, are a disgusting things to Jehovah; right weights are all He approves.

² Where there are insults there's also dishonor, but the mouths of the humble speak wisely.

³ The righteous leave no regrets when they die, but in ridicule the irreverent are destroyed.

⁴ The perfection of the righteous will guide them, but the Godless will be plundered by failure… in the day of [God's] rage their possessions will fail, but the righteous will be rescued from death.

⁵ Righteousness of the pure makes their ways straight, but disrespect makes the unrighteous fail.

⁶ The righteousness of a good man will save him, but the thoughtlessness of lawbreakers, surely leads to their capture.

⁷ When a righteous man comes to his end, his hope is never destroyed. But the bragging of those who don't respect [God], will soon lead to destruction.

⁸ When the righteous are saved from a trap, the irreverent are then put back in it.

⁹ The mouths of the irreverent are snares to their friends, but the understanding of the righteous brings blessings.

¹⁰ By the good of righteous men a city is born; and when the irreverent are destroyed, they will all jump for joy. ¹¹ For, by the praises of the upright a city is raised, but the mouths of the impious cut it down.

¹² A man with no sense sneers at his comrades, but an intelligent man leads them to rest.

¹³ A double-tongued man reveals plans, but the trustworthy keep matters hidden.

¹⁴ Those with no guidance will fall just like leaves, but salvation is found [by seeking] counsel.

¹⁵ The wicked act badly among righteous men, and the sounds of their safety they hate.

¹⁶ A praiseworthy wife brings her man glory, but she who hates what is righteous, [is one who] brings him dishonor.

The lazy will be lacking in wealth, but those who work hard will be rich.

¹⁷ A merciful man brings good to himself, but those without mercy bring themselves ruin.

¹⁸ The impious receive what is wrong as their wage, but the seed of the righteous is their reward.

¹⁹ A righteous son will gain life, but an irreverent one brings his own death.

²⁰ Those with twisted ways are disgusting to [God], but He approves of those with perfect ways.

²¹ He who unrighteously lays hands on another, will not go unpunished for his evil; but he who sows justice is assured a reward.

²² As a gold ring in the snout of a pig, is a pretty wife with evil desires.

²³ The righteous want things that are good, but the hopes of the disrespectful will perish.

²⁴ There are those who'll plant seeds and reap more, and there are those who will also reap less.

²⁵ A generous man will be blest, for he who waters will be watered.

²⁶ The man who hoards grain may leave it to the nations, but the head of he who shares it will be blest.

²⁷ He who plans to do good looks for blessings, but those seeking evil are captured by the good.

²⁸ He who trusts in his wealth will fall, but those who help the righteous will endure.

²⁹ He who doesn't care for those in his home, will just inherit the wind… to the intelligent he'll be just a slave and a fool.

³⁰ Justice is tree of life's fruitage, but lost are the souls of the lawless.

³¹ If the righteous will be saved [by the skin of their teeth], what hope is there for the impious and sinners?

Chapter 12

¹ Those who love to be taught, also love understanding; but those who hate correction are fools.

² Those who find the favor of Jehovah, have received what is best; but the lawless just get condemnation.

³ A man who breaks laws will not last, while the righteous will not be uprooted.

⁴ A virtuous wife is her husband's crown, but one who is bad eats him away, like a worm that is boring through wood.

⁵ True judgments are the ways of the righteous, but treacherous are the ways of the impious.

⁶ The impious lie in wait to shed blood, but the mouths of the upright send protection.

⁷ When the irreverent are overturned they'll disappear, while the homes of the righteous will remain.

⁸ The mouths of the discerning are praised by all men, but those dull of heart will be sneered at.

⁹ It's best for the dishonored to be servants, than to be too proud and go without bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man pities the lives of his cattle, but the compassions of the impious have no mercy.

¹¹ He who works his ground will eat bread, but those pursuing vain things lack good sense.

There are those who drink wine as their pastime, but they leave their honor behind them.

¹² The desires of the impious are evil, but the roots of those showing respect, will be strongly entrenched.

¹³ By the sins of his lips a sinner is snared, but the righteous will flee from such things.

¹⁴ From the fruits of his mouth a man's soul gets what's good, and he'll be repaid for what his lips say.

¹⁵ Fools will go their own ways, but the wise will listen to advice.

¹⁶ A fool bares his rage before all, but those with perception will hide their dishonor.

¹⁷ The righteous show trust by telling the truth, but an unrighteous witness will lie.

¹⁸ There are some who speak as though stabbing with swords, but the tongues of the wise bring healing.

¹⁹ Lips that are true will testify straight, but the unrighteous are quick [to tell lies].

²⁰ Those planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts, but those proposing peace will have joy there.

²¹ Nothing unjust pleases the righteous, but the disrespectful [find pleasure] in what's evil.

²² Lying lips are disgusting to [God], but He accepts those that can be trusted.

²³ A discerning man is a throne of perception, but the hearts of fools meet with curses.

²⁴ The hands of [God's] chosen will easily win, while those who are lying are plundered.

²⁵ Frightful words disturb hearts of men, but a message that's good makes them joyful.

²⁶ A friend is one who suggests what is right, but sinners promote evil and impious ways.

²⁷ A deceitful man won't get what he wants, but the pure [in heart] will be wealthy.

²⁸ The ways of the righteous lead them to life… from death it turns them away.

Chapter 13

¹ A wise son does what his father says, but a son who won't listen meets with destruction.

² From the fruit of righteous lips the good ones will eat, as the lives of the lawless meet with destruction.

³ He who guards the things that he says, is watching out for his life. But he who lets his lips go, upon himself will bring ruin.

⁴ Though idle men have their desires, it's hardworking hands that get all things done.

⁵ The righteous hate words that aren't true, and since this brings shame to the wicked, they should watch what they say.

⁶ Righteousness guards the ways of the guileless, but the irreverent are led into sin.

⁷ There are those who seek wealth and get nothing, and those putting themselves low who get rich.

⁸ A man's wealth may be used to ransom his life, but the poor have no fear of such intimidation.

⁹ The righteous will always have light, while the light of the irreverent will be extinguished.

¹⁰ Those who practice evil will [shout] insults, but the wise will argue with only themselves.

¹¹ Stolen things will soon lose their value, but things that are gathered in righteous ways, will keep growing in value.

The righteous feel pity and lend; ¹² and a tree of life is their desire to do what is good.

It's better to give aid to a heart, than to just promise and give them [false] hopes.

¹³ Those hating to [obey] will be hated, but those doing what they're told are rewarded.

No good will come to a son who deceives, but a servant who acts wisely will prosper.

¹⁴ [God's] Law is a well of life to the wise, which turns them away from death's snares.

¹⁵ Understanding what's good brings [God's] favor; knowing and considering [His] Law is what's good; and the ways of all those who hate it, are paths that lead to destruction.

¹⁶ A wise man acts on the things he has learned, but the fool continues in his evil ways.

¹⁷ A hasty king will find trouble, but wise councilors can save him.

¹⁸ Poverty and dishonor are removed by instruction, and those following correction will be blest.

¹⁹ The things that the irreverent desire, bring delight to their lives; but ignorance is all they accomplish.

²⁰ He who travels with the wise will be wise, but those traveling with fools will be counted [as fools].

²¹ Sinners will do evil things, but the righteous will do what is good.

²² A good man will inherit the sons of his sons, and the wealth of the impious is reserved for the righteous.

²³ The righteous will spend many years in their wealth, but the wicked will suddenly perish.

²⁴ He who doesn't care won't spank [his son]; but he who loves will carefully correct him.

²⁵ The righteous will eat and make their lives full, as the lives of the disrespectful go lacking.

Chapter 14

¹ A wise woman builds up her home, but with their own hands the foolish tear theirs down.

² Those on straight paths fear Jehovah, but those with crooked ways [really] hate Him.

³ From the mouth of a fool comes an insult, but the lips of the wise hold it back.

⁴ Where there are no cattle the stables are clean; but the strength of the ox is apparent, in one that is prospering well.

⁵ A trustworthy witness won't lie, but a witness who lies will do other wrongs.

⁶ The bad who seek wisdom won't find it, but to the discerning it comes easily.

⁷ All that a foolish man says will be wrong, but the lips of the wise are weapons of good sense.

⁸ From their wisdom the capable know where they're headed, but the thoughtlessness of fools will mislead them.

⁹ The homes of the lawless [always] need cleaning, but the homes of the righteous are worthy.

¹⁰ In the heart of a sensitive man, there is always distress; but a joyful [heart] isn't bothered by insults.

¹¹ The homes of the impious will be destroyed, but the tents of the upright will last.

¹² There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end in the depths of the grave.

¹³ Those with bold hearts are filled with their ways, but a good man is filled with his thoughts.

^{14 –}

¹⁵ A gullible man believes every word, but the wise [take time] to consider.

¹⁶ In fear a wise man turns from what's bad, but a fool gives in and breaks laws.

¹⁷ A man prone to rage will act without thinking, but the wise will endure many things.

¹⁸ A fool will share in doing what's bad, but the capable keep their good senses.

¹⁹ The evil slip in among those who are good, and the irreverent watch the doors of the righteous.

²⁰ Friends dislike friends who are poor, but friends of the rich are many.

²¹ He who dishonors the needy has sinned, but the one showing mercy to the poor will be blest.

²² Those who stray contrive evil schemes, but the good contrive mercy and truth.

Those doing bad have no mercy or trust, but those doing good are generous and trusting.

²³ For the caring there's more than enough, but those who don't care and seek pleasure will lack.

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wealth, and evil is the pastime of fools.

²⁵ A trustworthy witness snatches lives from the bad, but a man who's deceitful will lie.

²⁶ The man who puts hope in the strength of Jehovah, will leave an inheritance for his children.

²⁷ The rules of Jehovah are life-giving springs, for they lead men away from death-dealing snares.

²⁸ A prosperous nation brings glory to its king, but a nation in want brings him ruin.

²⁹ An intelligent man forgives freely, but a faint-hearted man [holds a grudge].

³⁰ A practical man is a healer of hearts, but a sensitive man is a moth to the bones.

³¹ The man who's extorting the needy, is one who provokes He who made him; but the men that He holds in esteem, are those who show the poor mercy.

³² For their evil the irreverent will be shunned, but the righteous will be looked on as holy.

³³ In the heart of a good man rests wisdom, but in the heart of a fool it cannot be found.

³⁴ Justice builds up a nation, but sinners make it diminish.

³⁵ A councilor who is wise is [a joy to] the king, for by his versatility he removes all dishonor.

Chapter 15

¹ Even the smart are destroyed by their rage, for harsh words will make a man angry, but an answer that's mild will turn back his rage.

² The tongues of the wise bring forth knowledge, but the mouths of fools just speak evil.

³ The eyes of Jehovah see all… He watches both the good and the bad.

⁴ A tree of life is the tongue that does healing, and he who can hold it is filled with [God's] Breath.

⁵ A fool sneers at the instructions of his father, but the one keeping his commandments is [wiser].

Where there is justice [a nation] is strong; their irreverent will be rooted from the land and destroyed.

⁶ The homes of the righteous will last, but the fruits of the impious will be destroyed.

⁷ The lips of the wise are bound by good sense, but the hearts of fools can't be trusted.

⁸ Sacrifices of the irreverent are disgusting to God, but He accepts the vows of those who walk straight.

⁹ The ways of the irreverent are disgusting to God, but He loves those who do what is righteous.

¹⁰ Those heeding the instructions of the guileless, are those who will follow straight paths; while those who are hating correction, will come to their end in disgrace.

¹¹ Of destruction and the grave God has warned us, so why isn't this in the hearts of all men?

¹² The ignorant don't love those who give correction, and they don't wish to be near to the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes a face shine, but a heart in distress makes eyes downcast.

¹⁴ An upright heart will seek understanding, but an ignorant heart knows just evil.

¹⁵ Evil eyes enjoy seeing bad things, but the [eyes] of the good [search for] peace.

¹⁶ It's better to have little and the fear of Jehovah, than to have great treasures and have no such fear.

¹⁷ It's better to eat vegetables in a place where there's love, than to dine on calves where there's hatred.

¹⁸ An outraged man is ready to fight, but with an apology he can be soothed.

The lenient man prevents lawsuits, but the irreverent would rather create them.

¹⁹ The roads of the lazy lead into thorns, but the industrious travel highways that are busy.

²⁰ A father is happy with a son who is wise, but a foolish son sneers at his mother.

²¹ The paths of the unthinking don't make any sense, but the ways of the intelligent lead straight ahead.

²² From the hearts of advisors there's much to be [learned], ²³ but a man who is bad won't [take their advice], nor will he learn anything useful, for what's good to him is mundane.

²⁴ The thoughts of the discerning lead to life, and they'll turn a man back from the grave.

²⁵ Jehovah will tear down the homes of the proud, but He supports the property of widows.

²⁶ The ways of the unrighteous are disgusting to God, but He respects the requests of the pure.

²⁷ He who takes bribes brings himself ruin, but those hating them will be saved.

Mercy and faith clear away sins, and the fear of Jehovah turns people from bad.

²⁸ Faithful hearts think of what's righteous, while irreverent mouths speak of what's evil.

The ways of the righteous are acceptable to God, and by them even enemies become friends.

²⁹ From the irreverent God stays far away, but He hears the vows of the righteous.

It's better to be fair and gain little, than to get much through injustice.

³⁰ An eye that sees good brings joy to the heart, and good news puts fat on the bones.

³¹ He who listens to the corrections of life, will find himself lodging among wise ones.

³² Those rejecting instruction don't care for themselves, but those heeding correction love life.

³³ The fear of Jehovah is instruction and wisdom… heeding it is the sum of all glory, and the humble will be led to this glory.

Chapter 16

¹ May hearts of men consider what's righteous, so God can set their feet on straight paths.

² The deeds of the humble are apparent to God, but irreverent will be destroyed in [God's] day.

^{3, 4, –}

⁵ To God proud hearts are unclean, and He will never forgive, the man who lays hold of another unjustly.

⁶ Goodness starts with doing what's right… ⁷ it's greater than offerings to God.

⁸ Those seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justice… those who righteously seek Him find peace.

⁹ The heart of a man sets his direction, but Jehovah sets the course for his feet.

¹⁰ Though a curse may be on the lips of a king, his mouth must not err in his judgments.

¹¹ A scale that's properly centered, is something that's righteous with God, for His ways require honest weights.

¹² The evil are disgusting to the king, for the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.

¹³ Righteous lips are acceptable to the king, and Jehovah loves all that is straight.

¹⁴ The rage of a king is an angel of death, but a man who's wise can appease him.

¹⁵ The sons of a king are the light of his life, and those he approves are like [afternoon] rains.

¹⁶ Sources of wisdom are better than gold, and understanding is worth more than silver.

¹⁷ The road to life turns from what's bad, so righteous ways lead to long life.

Those willing to learn are counted as good, and those accepting correction are wiser.

He who guards his ways is protecting his life, and he who loves life will watch what [he says].

¹⁸ Insolence leads to destruction, and evil thoughts lead to a downfall.

¹⁹ It's better to share little with the meek, than to share great spoils with the haughty.

²⁰ The discerning are inventers of good things, and those yielding to God are most blest.

²¹ The vile may call to the wise and discerning, but those with sweet words are the ones they will hear.

²² Understanding is life to all those who seek it, but the instruction of fools is just bad.

²³ From their own mouths, the hearts of the wise ones will learn; and from their own lips they'll gain knowledge.

²⁴ Good words are like combs filled with honey; their sweetness is healing to the soul.

²⁵ There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end on the road to the grave.

²⁶ A man who works hard is working for himself, and this leads him from destitution; but the [lazy] wear failure on their mouths.

²⁷ The foolish search for things that are bad, and upon their own lips they heap fire.

²⁸ A man who is crooked spreads evil… with treachery he lights fires; and in this he drives friends apart.

²⁹ A lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test, and leads them in ways that are bad. ³⁰ His eyes are fixed as he plans to do wrong, and he confirms what's bad with his lips. Such a man is a furnace of evil.

³¹ Old age is a crown of which you can boast, when it's found in ways that are righteous.

³² It's better to be forgiving than strong, and smartness is better than owning much land; but better than taking a city, is the ability to keep your temper in check.

³³ From unrighteous laps comes comes what's bad, but all that is good comes from [God].

Chapter 17

¹ A scrap of food that's eaten in peace, is better than a house of feasting with fights.

² Over foolish masters smart slaves will win, and they'll divide what they take with their brothers.

³ As silver and gold are refined in a furnace, that's how Jehovah tries hearts.

⁴ A bad man obeys the tongues of lawbreakers, and the unrighteous heed lying lips.

⁵ He who ridicules the poor, provokes the One by whom he was made.

Those who rejoice at another's destruction, will not themselves be forgiven; but mercy will come those showing compassion.

⁶ The crown of the old is grandchildren, and fathers will boast of their kids.

The things [God] arranged can be trusted, but the faithless won't know how [He] did it.

⁷ Trustworthy lips aren't enough for a fool, nor will lying lips please the righteous.

⁸ Instruction pays a good wage, to all of those who would use it; for, wherever it's used they will prosper.

⁹ Those covering offenses are looking for love, but the unforgiving leave family and friends.

¹⁰ Intimidation breaks the hearts of the wise, but a fool who is whipped never learns.

¹¹ Evil men search for ways to dispute, but God sends merciless angels against them.

¹² An intelligent man will be anxious [for right], but about evil things fools will argue.

¹³ He who repays good with bad, will never see evil removed from his house.

¹⁴ When a ruler backs up righteous words, it leads to few fights and divisions.

¹⁵ The righteous judge the unjust, as disgusting and unclean before God.

¹⁶ What value has wealth before fools, for in their hearts there's no wisdom.

He who builds a tall house seeks its downfall, and the crooked will fall into evil.

¹⁷ Use your time to gain friends, for in bad days they'll be brothers… it's for such favor that they have been born!

¹⁸ A foolish man claps and shakes hands, then [co-signs] a loan for a friend.

¹⁹ Those fond of sinning bring strife, and those with hard hearts won't see good.

²⁰ A tongue that twists words leads to evil, and the heart of a fool brings himself grief.

²¹ An ignorant son won't make his dad proud, but a smart one brings joy to his mother.

²² A joyful heart brings good health, but the distress of a man dries out his bones.

²³ The unrighteous want gifts to be dropped in their laps, in order to pervert what is just.

²⁴ Faces of the discerning look wise, but the eyes of the foolish look distant.

²⁵ A foolish son angers his father, and brings grief to the [mother] that bore him.

²⁶ It is wrong to penalize the righteous, and unholy to plot against a just king.

²⁷ He who holds back harsh words shows his insight, and a man who concedes shows his wisdom.

²⁸ When an unthinking man asks a question, he's often thought of as wise; and when a man refuses to argue, he will be thought of as smart.

Chapter 18

¹ A man with excuses is rejected by his friends, and he'll always be spoken of poorly.

² Those lacking good sense have no use for wisdom; for, by what's foolish they want to be led.

³ When they reach the depths of their evils, the irreverent simply don't notice, that they are dishonored and scorned.

⁴ A word that touches the heart, is like very deep water… it's like a river and spring of life.

⁵ [Showing favor] to the impious isn't good, and denying justice to the righteous is unholy.

⁶ A fool's lips lead him to evil, and the boldness of his mouth beckons his death.

⁷ The mouth of a fool will destroy him, for his lips are snares to his soul.

⁸ The lazy are easily frightened, and timid souls will go hungry.

⁹ A man who won't work for himself, is brother to the one who brings himself ruin.

¹⁰ In the Name Jehovah there is might… it's where the righteous can run and be uplifted.

¹¹ The wealth of the rich is a fortified town, and its glory casts a long shadow.

¹² Before his ruin a man's heart is proud, and just before glory it's humbled.

¹³ When a man replies before hearing a matter, this is foolish and it brings him much scorn.

¹⁴ A man can endure a [long] illness, but who can endure a worrisome spirit?

¹⁵ The hearts of the smart gain perception, and the ears of the wise search for insight.

¹⁶ A gift from a man creates [friendships], and he will sit beside rulers.

¹⁷ Before speaking, the righteous examine themselves, for they know they'll be reproved by those who disagree.

¹⁸ Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.

¹⁹ A brother who is helped by his brothers, is like a high city with fortified walls, and stronger than a castle well built.

²⁰ From the fruits of his mouth a man fills his belly… from the fruits of his lips he'll be filled.

²¹ In the handle of the tongue is both life and death, and those who fail to restrain it, will [end up] eating its fruitage.

²² He who's found a good wife, has done himself a great favor… joy from Jehovah he has received.

He who leaves a good woman, is one who throws good things away; but he who keeps an adulteress, is a foolish and irreverent man.

²³ Those in need make requests, but the rich respond very harshly.

²⁴ A man should seek many friendships, for there are friends who'll stick closer than brothers.

Chapter 19

^{1, 2, –}

³ Doing what's foolish lays waste to man's ways, but in his heart he'll still blame it on God.

⁴ Wealth will bring many friends, but friends will abandon the poor.

⁵ A lying witness will not go unpunished, and the one accusing falsely won't escape.

⁶ Many seek the favor of the king, and all who bring gifts are his friends.

⁷ Those who hate a brother who's poor, will never be good at making friends.

Insight is good for those will seek it, and an intelligent man will soon find it.

The evil are good at doing what's bad, and those who aggravate won't be saved.

⁸ Those [willing to learn] have love for themselves, for those seeking intelligence will find what is good.

⁹ A lying witness will not go unpunished, and those bringing evil will perish by it.

¹⁰ Luxury is no advantage to the fool, and it's wrong for a servant who's been given power, to use it in ways that are haughty.

¹¹ A merciful man is forgiving, and he triumphs over those who have erred.

¹² Intimidation from a king is like a lion's [roar], but bringing him joy is like dew on the grass.

¹³ A foolish son brings shame to his father; and impure are vows paid with the wage of a whore.

¹⁴ Homes and possessions may be left by our fathers, but a sensible wife comes from [God].

¹⁵ Dread holds back a cowardly man, and the lives of the idle go hungry.

¹⁶ Those keeping the Commandments are protecting their lives, but those hating their ways will soon perish.

¹⁷ God lends to those who show mercy to the poor, and He'll repay them according to their gifts.

¹⁸ Correction builds confidence in a son, but you'll not make his life better with insults.

¹⁹ An evil-minded man will be punished, and if he [kills] he must pay with his life.

²⁰ Listen, O son, to the instructions of your father, so that in your last days you'll be wise.

²¹ There are many choices in the heart of a man, but counsel from Jehovah lasts through ages.

²² Charity is what is desired of a man, but it's better to be righteous and poor, than to be rich and a liar.

²³ The fear of Jehovah brings life to a man, but those who have no such fear, will lodge where knowledge cannot be found.

²⁴ In folded arms the hands of the unrighteous are hidden, so they can't bring [what's good] to their mouths.

²⁵ When a foolish man is whipped for his mischief, the simple man will be shrewder; but an intelligent man will understand, and he will make needed corrections.

²⁶ He who dishonors his father, and pushes his mother away, will be reviled and disgraced.

²⁷ A son who disobeys his father's instructions, will focus on the evil that he hears.

²⁸ A loan [co-signer] is like a foolish child, for he is insulting the Law, and the mouths of the irreverent will swallow him down.

²⁹ Whips are prepared for all those, who fail to hold back their words, and for the backs of the foolish.

Chapter 20

¹ Wine and strong drink can make you drunk, and fools will get involved in such things.

² The intimidation of a king is as a lion's rage, and all of those who provoke him, are sinning against their own lives.

³ It's glory for a man to avoid shouting insults, but a fool stays involved in such matters.

⁴ If you scold the lazy, it will not shame him… such a man will borrow grain in the harvest.

⁵ Instruction is deep water within a man's heart, from which the intelligent draw.

⁶ A respected man has much value, and a merciful man is hard to find, but it's harder to find one who is faithful.

⁷ Those with unspotted justice, will leave many blessings for their children.

⁸ When a just king sits on a throne, he won't abide evil in his presence.

⁹ Who can boast that he has a pure heart, and openly say that he's clean from all sins?

¹⁰ An untrue weight, whether it's large or it's small, is something unclean to Jehovah. And both the weights and their maker, ¹¹ will be bound hand and foot for what they have done.

A young man who's [a friend] to the holy, will surely find his ways straight.

¹² The ear can hear and the eye can see, and they're both the works of Jehovah.

¹³ Do not love too much sleep, so that you will not end up as poor; rather, open your eyes and be filled with bread!

¹⁴ The barterer says, 'It's bad, it's bad,' but after he leaves he will brag.

¹⁵ There [are treasures] of gold and precious gems, but understanding lips have more value.

¹⁶ If you should offer all of your clothes, as security for the loan of a stranger, may that stranger become the one who claims them.

¹⁷ The bread of deceit may seem good to a man, but he'll find his mouth filled with gravel.

¹⁸ Make plans with discussion and counsel, and with guidance then go to war.

¹⁹ Double-tongued is the man who reveals someone's plan, when he is speaking to others; for his lips shouldn't speak of things not his own.

²⁰ He who speaks badly to a father or mother, will have his torch extinguished thereafter, and the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.

²¹ Whenever a thing is easily gained, in the end it will not be valued.

²² Don't ever say you'll get even; just wait on Jehovah to provide aid.

²³ Two different weights are disgusting to [God], and a balance that's off is evil before Him.

²⁴ A man's steps must be straighted by [God]; for, how can a mortal know the right ways to go?

²⁵ It's a snare to devote something as holy too fast; for, after you vow you might change your mind.

²⁶ A wise king [turns away] the disrespectful, and he'll have them put on the wheel.

²⁷ The spirit of men is the light of the Lord, which He uses to see what's inside them.

²⁸ Mercy and truth are a king's safeguards; for, to his throne they'll bring justice.

²⁹ The glory of a young man is his strength, and the glory of an old men is his gray hair.

³⁰ The bad will know bruises and broken [bones], and sickness will come to their bellies.

Chapter 21

¹ The heart of a king is a wave [in the sea], when it's in the hand of our God. For, wherever He wishes He nods, and that's the way he will go.

² All men think themselves righteous, but Jehovah's the One who weighs hearts.

³ Telling the truth and doing what's right, is more pleasing to God than blood sacrifices.

⁴ A high-minded man is insolent and bold; and the lamp of the impious is their sins.

⁵ The thoughts of hard-workers are about [gaining] more, but those who are hasty will end up with less.

⁶ He who seeks treasures by lying, is a man who's pursuing in vain, for in the snare of death he'll be caught.

⁷ The ruin of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest, for they prefer not to do righteous things.

⁸ To those who are crooked God sends crooked ways, for His works are all straight and pure.

⁹ It's better to live on the corner of a roof, than in a house whitewashed with injustice, or to live in one that's not clean.

¹⁰ The disrespectful man prefers what is bad, so he'll never see mercy from others.

¹¹ When you discipline a man for his lack of restraint, you make the guileless more clever, and by his insight the wise man will learn.

¹² Impious hearts are examined by the righteous, who treat their evil ways as having no value.

¹³ He who closes his ears to the weak, will call out and no one will listen.

¹⁴ A gift that is given in private, will soothe [a person who's angry], but where there's no gift the rage may remain.

¹⁵ It brings joy when the righteous get justice, but evil makes even what's holy unclean.

¹⁶ A man who travels in righteous ways, will rest among gatherings of great ones.

¹⁷ A man who loves pleasure will have little, and those fond wine and [olive] oil, will never [find themselves] wealthy.

¹⁸ To the righteous the wicked are trash, and the same is true of those who break laws.

¹⁹ It's better to live in the desert, than with a wife who wishes to argue and fight, and one who is prone to be angry.

²⁰ Treasure rests in the mouths of the wise, but the foolish just swallow it down.

²¹ Those who seek charity and justice, will also find glory and life.

²² The wise build around them a fortified city, but the forts of the disrespectful are destroyed.

²³ He who keeps watch on his mouth and his tongue, is removing problems from his life.

²⁴ A bold, self-willed, and presumptuous man, is one who's considered a plague; for all men resent those without any law.

²⁵ Lazy desires are what kill a man, for his hands will resolve to do nothing.

²⁶ A disrespectful man lusts for evil all day, but the righteous will show mercy and unending pity.

²⁷ Sacrifices of those without reverence, are viewed as disgusting by [God], for what they bring does not meet the Law.

²⁸ A witness who lies deserves death, but a [wise man] will watch what he says.

²⁹ Irreverent men like to stand in the front, but their ways are understood by the upright.

³⁰ There is no wisdom or courage, and no [good] advice from the godless.

³¹ Though a horse is prepared for the day of the war, [true] help comes from Jehovah.

Chapter 22

¹ A good name is preferred over great wealth, and good favor is better than silver and gold.

² The rich and poor should meet with each other, for both were made by Jehovah.

³ When a clever man sees the bad being punished, he then makes corrections in himself; but this is lost on the fools who pass by.

⁴ The fear of Jehovah is the father of wisdom, as well as wealth, glory, and life.

⁵ Thistles and snares line ways of the crooked, but those guarding their lives are distanced from them.

⁶ Raise up a child [in good] ways, and when he grows old he won't leave them.

⁷ The rich have control of the poor; they're the masters of those who will borrow from them.

He who sows evil will harvest what's bad; he'll reap the calamity of the bad things he's done.

⁸ God loves a man who cheerfully gives, and overlooks the foolish things that he's done.

⁹ He who shows mercy to the poor, will also be fed from the bread he contributes.

The giver of gifts buys victory and honor, but life is removed from those who withhold them.

¹⁰ If you bar mischief-makers from the congregation, their unpleasantness also goes with them. For, all are dishonored when they sit among you.

¹¹ Jehovah loves hearts that are holy; those with pure ways He accepts.

¹² The eyes of Jehovah keep guard on good sense, and He treats lawbreakers like [garbage].

¹³ The lazy make many excuses; they say, 'There's a lion in the streets, so I could be killed in the square.'

¹⁴ The mouths of the lawless are cesspools, which those who God hates will fall into.

¹⁵ Foolish ways delight the hearts of the young, but instruction and spankings will drive it away.

¹⁶ He who swindless the needy, upon himself brings much evil. For, to the rich he will give it away.

¹⁷ Turn your ears to the words of the wise… listen to the things that I say… prepare your heart to understand, ¹⁸ because what I'm saying is good. For, if you'll put them into your heart, they will bring joy to your lips.

¹⁹ Put your hope in Jehovah, and He will show you His ways. ²⁰ Write them down three times for yourself, for your own instruction and knowledge.

²¹ I'm teaching you words that are true, so listen closely and learn. Then you can reply with words that are true, when people ask questions of you.

²² Don't push away the needy and poor, and don't dishonor the weak at your gates; ²³ for, it's Jehovah who argues their cause, so you'll save your life from reprisal.

²⁴ Don't befriend a man prone to rage, nor lodge with a man prone to anger, ²⁵ so you don't learn of his ways, and bring a noose to your life.

²⁶ Don't shame your face by ensuring a loan, for if [your friend] can't repay it, they'll take the bed from under your back.

²⁸ Don't move the [land] markers of the ages, which were set in place by your fathers.

²⁹ An observant man who is sharp in his ways, will also stand beside kings… he won't stand beside the dull witted.

Chapter 23

¹ If you're invited to dine with a ruler, pay close attention to all that's around you. ² Pay attention to your hands… have them prepared at such [times]. And though you may be very hungry, ³ don't be too fond of his food, for that will not save your life.

⁴ And should you find yourself in great need, don't reach out to those who are rich. Use insight and stay at a distance. ⁵ For, though you keep watch, they won't appear, because they have the wings of an eagle, so they can [escape] to their homes.

⁶ Do not dine with an envious man, nor have desire for his food; ⁷ rather, eat and drink as though swallowing a hair. And don't bring him into your house for a meal, ⁸ for he will just vomit upon it, and lay waste to the good things that you've prepared.

⁹ Don't speak in the ears of a fool, so he doesn't sneer at your wisdom.

¹⁰ Don't move the boundaries of the ages, and never take the possessions of orphans; for Jehovah is He who's paid their ransom; ¹¹ Yes, He is strong and He'll argue their case.

¹² Open you hearts to great learning, and prepare your ears for sensible words!

¹³ You shouldn't avoid correcting a child, for, if you spank him he surely won't die. ¹⁴ Why, if you give him a spanking, from death you'll rescue his soul.

¹⁵ O son; If you teach your heart to be wise, you'll also gladden my heart. ¹⁶ We'll spend time sharing words from our lips… if [your words] prove to be straight.

¹⁷ Don't let your heart be jealous of sinners… be in the fear of Jehovah all day! ¹⁸ Then, if these things you choose to obey, there will be others descending from you, and you'll receive all that you've hoped for.

¹⁹ Hear me, O son, and be wise; straighten the thoughts in your heart! ²⁰ Don't be one who drinks too much wine, nor one who reclines with the meat in the markets! ²¹ For, whoremongers and drunks will be poor… the nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.

²² Hear me, O son, for I am your father, and don't disrespect your aged mother. ²³ With all you gain, [search for] truth! And don't reject wisdom, instruction, and understanding!

²⁴ A righteous father is one who provides, and a son who is wise brings joy to his life. ²⁵ So, bring joy to your father and mother; may the one who bore you rejoice!

²⁶ Lend me your heart and your eyes. O son, pay attention to my ways!

²⁷ The house of a [whore] is a keg with a hole; it's a well that is narrow and strange, ²⁸ and [those who enter] will perish; for, those breaking the Law are destroyed.

²⁹ For whom are there problems and woes? For whom are there many disputes? For whom is there intrigue and rancor? Who is destroyed for no reason? Who's the one with dark eyes? ³⁰ Isn't it those who linger with wine… those who go looking for parties? Don't be a man who gets drunk on wine! Don't hang out with [unrighteous] men, nor travel around [with the bad]! ³¹ If you search for [the contents of] cups, you'll end up as bare as a pestle… ³² stretched out like one who's been struck by a snake… as one poisoned by the bite of horned vipers.

³³ When your eyes behold a strange woman, and your mouth starts to speak perverse things; ³⁴ when you lie down it will be, as in the heart of the sea… as a sailor who's covered by waves. ³⁵ (And you'll say), 'They beat me, but I felt no pain; they mocked me, but I didn't know it. How long will it be 'til it's dawn, so I can do it once more?'

Chapter 24

¹ O son; Never be jealous of evil men, nor ever desire to be with them. ² For, their hearts just think about lies, and misery is what their lips bring.

³ Wisdom has built a house for himself, and it was erected with skill. ⁴ Its storerooms are filled with good sense… things of value, goodness, and wealth.

⁵ It's better to be wise than strong, and smart than owning much land.

⁶ It's good to seek guidance in war; for, from the hearts of counselors comes aid.

⁷ Wisdom and insight are good, and they're found within the gates of the wise.

⁸ The wise won't turn from the Law of Jehovah, and they consider all things in their meetings. ⁹ But those who won't learn meet with death, ⁹ for the fool will die in his sins.

¹⁰ With what's unclean do not get involved; for [if you do], when the day of affliction arrives, you will then meet your end.

¹¹ Rescue those being led to their deaths, and ransom those about to be slain! ¹² Do not say, 'I don't know them,' for the Lord knows the hearts of all men; it is He who put breath in them all, so He's aware of all things, and He repays each one for the things that they do.

¹³ O son; Eating honey from the comb is delightful, for it brings sweetness to your throat! ¹⁴ And that's how wisdom should be in your life; for, if you find it your death will be good, and you'll never lose sight of your hope.

¹⁵ Don't lead the irreverent to the pastures of the righteous, nor be deceived [when they feed you a meal]. ¹⁶ For, though the righteous may fall seven times, they will stand up again, but the irreverent will be plagued for their badness.

¹⁷ Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and after his fall he can't rise. ¹⁸ For, Jehovah will see this and He'll not be pleased, then upon you He'll bring His rage.

¹⁹ Do not rejoice over those who do bad, nor be jealous of sinners! ²⁰ For, the lives of the wicked will end, and the torch of the irreverent will be extinguished.

²¹ Fear God, O son, as well as the king… never resist their persuasion! ²² For, they both can bring sudden death, upon those who show no respect… yes, who can know how they'll punish?

²³ I'm saying this to you and the wise: Feeling awe for a person whom you must judge, is not a good thing to do. ²⁴ For, he who calls the irreverent just, will be cursed among all his people, and detested among all the nations. ²⁵ But he who reproves will look better, and upon such a one will come praises. ²⁶ For, lips will kiss his righteous decisions.

²⁷ Prepare to stop what you're doing, and let's go to work in your fields; then come after me and we'll work on your house!

²⁸ Don't be a witness who lies, nor open your lips very wide. ²⁹ Don't say, 'I'll do as he did to me… I'll get even with he who who has wronged me!'

³⁰ A foolish man is like a farm, and one lacking good sense as a vineyard. ³¹ For, if you just leave them alone, they will become overgrown; their stone fences will fail and soon be torn down.

³² I once decided to change; I planned to just [sit back] and learn. ³³ Then I started to doze and fell fast asleep, with my hands folded over my chest. ³⁴ Now, if you also should also choose to do this, poorness will soon overtake you, and lack will chase you down like a sprinter.

Chapter 25

¹ These are the [proverbs] of Solomon that were recorded by friends of HezekiJah, the king of Judea.

² The glory of God covers over a matter, but the glory of a king deems all things important.

³ As the heavens are high over the earth, [who can know] the heart of a king?

⁴ If you beat out unrefined silver, it becomes totally [pure].

⁵ Slay the impious surrounding the king, and you'll make his throne one of justice.

⁶ Do not boast in the presence of the king, nor in places where the mighty ones gather.

⁷ It's better if [a king] says, 'Come stand here before me,' than to humble you in the presence of the mighty.

Tell the king only those things, which you have seen with your eyes.

⁸ Don't be too quick to get into fights, or you may wish you'd changed your mind in the end.

Whenever you're scolded by a friend, ⁹ withdraw and don't be angry with him. ¹⁰ For, if your friend's scolding makes you hate him, it's the same [to you] as his death. But favor and friendships are free, so pay attention to yourself, and give him no reason to scold you… act in a way to reconcile!

¹¹ As a golden apple in a pendant of rubies, is the value of words that are wise. ¹² As an earring of gold with a setting of [gems], are wise words to ears that will hear.

¹³ As the falling of snow in the heat of the harvest, is the value of a messenger who is trusted, for he benefits the lives of all whom he contacts.

¹⁴ As winds, clouds, and rain are apparent, are the boasts of a man about gifts that he didn't give.

¹⁵ Patience before a king brings success, and a mild reply will break bones.

¹⁶ When you find honey, just eat what's enough, lest you get filled and vomit it out.

¹⁷ Be sparing in the way that you [visit] your friends, so they don't tire and start to detest you.

¹⁸ Like clubs, and swords, and pointed arrows, is a man who slanders a friend.

¹⁹ For their evil the lawless will die, in the bad day that is [coming].

²⁰ As vinegar on a [cut] causes [pain], is a heart in distress to its body. Like a moth in [wool] clothes and a worm inside wood, that's how worry [eats] a man's heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, then feed him; and if he's thirsty, give him a drink! ²² By doing this you'll pile coals on his head, and Jehovah will repay the good that you've done.

²³ As a wind from the north will bring clouds, an impudent tongue brings aggravation.

²⁴ It's better to live on the corner of a roof, than to live in a house with a nagging wife.

²⁵ As cold water is enjoyed by the thirsty, so is good news that comes from afar.

²⁶ As unbecoming as plugging a spring, and thereby wasting the water, is the fall of the righteous before the impious.

²⁷ As eating too much honey isn't good, kind words can bring too much praise.

²⁸ As a city without walls lies unprotected, so is the man who won't take advice.

Chapter 26

¹ As snow in the summer and rain in the harvest, it's wrong for a fool to be honored.

² As sparrows and other winged creatures, may spread [their wings but not] fly, so a [curse] without cause will not happen.

³ As a whip to a horse or a spur to a mule, a rod will come to nations of the lawless.

⁴ Don't answer a fool in his same foolish way, so you aren't thought to be like him. ⁵ Reply to show how he is foolish, so he will not think himself wise.

⁶ He who sends a foolish message, heaps scorn upon his own ways.

⁷ Remove from fools their reasons [to speak], and from their mouths take their proverbs. ⁸ For, as one who ties a stone to a sling, is he who gives glory to fools.

⁹ As thorns will grow in the hands of a drunk, slavery grows within hands of fools.

¹⁰ As storms may create much damage, the flesh of fools will be destroyed, by the same things that bring them much pleasure.

¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit, a fool will return to the evil he's done, and he commits the very same sins.

¹² I've seen men who think themselves wise, but they are no more than fools.

¹³ When the lazy is sent [to work] he will say, 'There are lions in the road and murderers in the square.'

¹⁴ The lazy one rolls in his bed, like a door that's swinging on hinges.

¹⁵ When the lazy one hides his hands in [his robe], he's unable to bring them up to his mouth.

¹⁶ The lazy one thinks himself wiser, when something he says appears to come true.

¹⁷ As one who grabs hold of the tail of a dog, is he who argues a quarrel not his.

¹⁸ As those [who cure others] also need healing, those [giving instructions] will stumble.

¹⁹ When a man is caught seeking friends [as his prey], he'll claim that he was pretending.

²⁰ When there's plenty of wood a fire will grow, but when there's no reason to disagree, there is no cause for a battle. ²¹ But, as a grate of coals and wood for a fire, a man who shouts insults is seeking a fight.

²² The words of those who are bad may sound soft, but they beat the insides of the bowels.

²³ Silver that comes from treacherous acts, is like a fine pot that is cracked.

Comforting [words] will bring rest, to a heart in distress.

²⁴ An enemy who cries will agree to whatever, as he makes evil plans in his heart.

²⁵ When an enemy calls you with a loud voice, don't pay him any attention, for seven kinds of evil are within his heart.

²⁶ Treacherous are those who hide hatred, but their sins can be shown up in court.

²⁷ He who's digging a pit for his neighbor, will be the one who falls in it; and he who's rolling a boulder, will roll it back on himself.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates the truth, and an open mouth creates problems.

Chapter 27

¹ Don't boast of the things you'll do tomorrow, for [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.

² Let friends give you praise, not your own mouth… let strangers [do it], not your own lips.

³ Rocks and sand are heavy to bear, but the rage of a fool is greater than both.

⁴ Rage has no mercy and anger is sharp, but before zeal no one can stand.

⁵ It is better to offer correction, than to use flattering words. ⁶ For, the wounds of a friend can be trusted, more than an enemy's kisses.

⁷ He who is full will laugh at honeycombs, but to the starving what's bitter tastes sweet.

⁸ As a bird that flies from its nest, is a man who strays from his home.

⁹ Perfume, incense, and wine, will all make the heart happy, but things that go wrong will shatter a soul.

¹⁰ Don't leave a friend or a friend of your father, and don't do wrong to the house of your brother. For a friend who is near is much better, than a brother who lives far away.

¹¹ Become wise, my son, and make my heart glad… do not shout hateful words!

¹² When the clever see evil they run and hide, but a passing fool gets involved.

¹³ Take the clothes from he who shouts insults, and he who lays waste to the goods of a stranger.

¹⁴ Shouting praises of a friend too early in the morning, is the same to him as shouting curses.

¹⁵ As a house leaking rain on winter days, a nagging wife drives a man from his home.

¹⁶ Since the wind from the north blows very hard, it is fittingly called the north wind.

¹⁷ As iron is sharpened by iron, a man can sharpen the face of a friend.

¹⁸ The man who is planting a fig tree, is he who will gather its fruit; and he who guards [the life of] his master, is one who'll be held in esteem.

¹⁹ As faces are unlike other faces, men's hearts are also quite different.

²⁰ As the grave and destruction are never filled, the eyes of a man are not satisfied. But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to [God], as are the stupid who don't mind their tongues.

²¹ As gold and silver are refined by fire, a man is refined by corrections.

²² You can dishonor a fool with a whip before crowds, but you can't drive his foolishness away.

²³ Know the condition of the lives of your flock, and keep your herd in your heart.

²⁴ A man's might and strength won't last through the age, nor through generations can he retain them.

²⁵ If you tend the green that grows in the field, you'll take its cuttings for food. And if you'll gather the hay from the hills, ²⁶ you'll also have wool for your clothes. So, hold the fields in high esteem, so you can own many lambs.

²⁷ O son; These many proverbs that I have provided, will all bring you long life, and they'll also bring life to your servants.

Chapter 28

¹ The godless run when no one is chasing, but as secure as lions are the righteous.

² From the sins of the irreverent come lawsuits, but a clever man can avoid them.

³ An energetic man who does godless things, can damage the poor like a storm.

⁴ Those leaving the Law will praise godless ways, but it's a wall to all those who love it.

⁵ The evil don't know the meaning of fairness, but those seeking Jehovah fully comprehend it.

⁶ It's better to be poor and walking in truth, than to be rich and a liar.

⁷ A discerning son follows the Law, but one driven by lust dishonors his father.

⁸ Those who gain wealth by charging interest, will [pay it] to he who is kind to the poor.

⁹ [God] hates the prayers of the man, who turns his ears from hearing the Law.

¹⁰ He who leads the righteous toward bad, will also fall into corruption. The honest will claim all his good things, and he will not enter among them.

¹¹ A rich man thinks himself wise, but an intelligent man will condemn him, even if he should be needy.

¹² When the righteous triumph there's glory, but when the wicked succeed men will hide.

¹³ He who excuses his ungodliness, will never prosper in his ways. But he who admits and corrects it is loved.

¹⁴ Blest is the man who worships in awe, but those with hard hearts will do evil.

¹⁵ As a hungry lion or thirsty wolf, is he who rules a destitute nation.

¹⁶ A king who doesn't tax is great at extortion, but those hating corruption will live a long time.

¹⁷ The man who stands good for a loan, is the same as a man accused of murder; for he will be sent into exile, where he will find no safe haven.

¹⁸ He who travels right ways will be helped, but those on crooked roads will get tangled.

¹⁹ Those who work their own land will eat bread, but those seeking an easy life will be poor.

²⁰ A trustworthy man will be praised over much, but the evil will not go unpunished.

²¹ Those disrespecting the righteous are bad, and for a scrap of food I'd sell such a man.

²² Evil eyes are in a hurry to gain wealth, but they don't know that poverty awaits them.

²³ Those offering correction will be loved, more so than those with flattering tongues.

²⁴ He who throws out his father and mother, assumes he's not guilty of sin; but he's truly a partner to those [hating God].

²⁵ An dissatisfied man makes bad choices, but those yielding to Jehovah receive His care.

²⁶ A fool will yield to a rash heart, but he who is wise will stay safe.

²⁷ Those giving to the poor will not be in want, but he who turns his eyes won't be satisfied.

²⁸ When the rulers are godless the righteous will moan, but the righteous will prosper when they're destroyed.

Chapter 29

¹ It's better to be someone accepting correction, than to be someone who's [proud]. For, upon him there'll come sudden fire, from which he cannot be healed.

² When the righteous are honored the people rejoice, but when the godless rule, people moan.

³ He who loves wisdom brings his dad joy, but the one who loves whores destroys wealth.

⁴ A righteous king establishes states, but a lawless one tears them back down.

⁵ He who sets a snare for a friend, puts it around his own feet.

⁶ A snare is set for those who choose sin, which brings joy and gladness to the righteous.

⁷ The righteous give justice to the poor, which the irreverent do not understand, so of the poor they're bad judges.

⁸ Those fond of mischief will burn down their town, but the wise can turn back their rage.

⁹ A wise man will judge many nations, but he who does not pay attention, creates rage, ridicule, and lack of respect.

¹⁰ Partners in blood hate the holy and upright, and they keep seeking their lives.

¹¹ A fool will show all his rage, but those who are wise hold it in.

¹² A king who listens to unrighteous things, brings joy to [the hearts] of the lawless.

¹³ In meetings between lenders and debtors, Jehovah observes their agreements.

¹⁴ When a king gives justice to the poor, he brings good reports to his throne.

¹⁵ Spankings and scoldings bring wisdom, but a child who is left on his own, will bring shame to his parents.

¹⁶ When the godless are many, many will sin. But when such ones finally fall, the righteous [will learn] to have fear.

¹⁷ Correct your son and he'll bring you rest… he'll be a decoration to your life.

¹⁸ No one will save a lawbreaking nation, but those keeping the laws will be blest.

¹⁹ You can't correct a stubborn servant with words; for, if he understands he still won't obey.

²⁰ Whenever you see a man hasty with words, know that he shares the same hopes as a fool.

²¹ He who is raised without purpose, will end up as somebody's servant, and he'll grieve for himself in the end.

²² A man who's enraged seeks a reason to fight, and a man prone to anger digs for sins.

²³ Insolence debases a man, but meekness brings glory from God.

²⁴ He who shares with a thief, is one who hates his own life. And if he should hear public cursing, he will never report it.

²⁵ Those who fear men will be tripped, but those yielding to God will be joyful.

Disrespect is what stumbles a man, but he who yields to his lord will be saved.

²⁶ Many come to stand before leaders, but true justice comes from Jehovah.

²⁷ To the wicked, the righteous are disgusting, and to the lawless, those walking straight paths [are fools].

Chapter 30

The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh.

¹ Thus says this man to those trusting in God: 'I'm weary, ² for I'm the most foolish of men, and the intelligence of man isn't in me. ³ Yet, God has taught me much wisdom, and the holiest of knowledge I know.'

⁴ Who has gone to sky and returned? Who has gathered the winds to His chest? Who has bundled the waters in His robe? Who has laid hold of the ends of the earth? What is the name He's been given, and what names do you know that He's called His sons?

⁵ All words of God are truly pure, and He's a shield to those who respect Him. ⁶ Don't add to His words or He'll discipline you, then a liar you will become.

⁷ Two things I am asking of Him… O please don't remove Your favor 'til I die:

⁸ · Take away my vain foolish words, and don't give me poverty or wealth. Just give me the things that I need, so I can remain self-sufficient.

⁹ · Don't leave me in need so I'd steal, and profane the Name of my God.

¹⁰ Don't return a [slave] to his master, so he won't have reason to curse or destroy you.

¹¹ A bad son is one who curses his father, and won't speak in praise of his mother.

¹² A bad son is one who judges himself, and refuses to clean up his ways.

¹³ A bad son is one that is [proud], and holds himself high in his own eyes.

¹⁴ A bad son has teeth that are swords, and molars that are like pruning knives, which he uses to consume the weak of the land, and to remove men who are needy.

¹⁵ To the leech was [born] three dearly-loved daughters, but the three weren't enough to bring her fulfillment. So she had a fourth, because she couldn't say, 'That's enough!' ¹⁶ For, the desires of a woman and the grave can't be filled, as the ground is never too filled with water. Neither fire nor water ever say, 'It's enough!'

¹⁷ May the eyes of those ridiculing their father, and dishonoring their mother in her old age, be removed by crows in ravines, and devoured by the young ones of vultures.

¹⁸ Three things I can't comprehend, and there's a fourth that I do not know: ¹⁹ the tracks of the flight of an eagle; the ways of a snake on a rock; the path of a ship as it travels the sea; and the ways of a man in his youth.

²⁰ As an adulterous wife is still washing herself, she'll claim that she's done no wrong.

²¹ These three things shake the ground, and the fourth it's unable to bear:

• ²² When someone's servant becomes king
• When a fool is filled up with food
• ²³ When a handmaid is released by her lady
• When a hateful woman gets a good man.

²⁴ There are four lesser things on the earth, and these are wiser than the wise:

• ²⁵ The ants that are weak, but spend their summers storing food
• ²⁶ Rabbits that form a weak nation, but make their houses in rocks
• ²⁷ The locust; for though they live all alone, they march in order when given the command
• ²⁸ And the lizard with sticky hands, though easily caught, still lives in the castles of kings.

²⁹ There are three things that continue to prosper, and a fourth that is best overlooked:

• ³⁰ The cub of a lion; for though it's not stronger than others, it won't turn away, and it has no fear of other beasts
• ³¹ A rooster that struts among hens
• A male goat who takes the lead of his flock
• And a king who speaks to his nation.

³² When you lose your joy and raise fists to fight, you are already dishonored.

³³ If you do milking, you will have butter; if you squeeze your nose, it will bleed; and if you just keep on talking, arguments and fights will result.

Chapter 31

The words of King LemuEl.

¹ These words [that I've written] were spoken by God… through a king came an answer Divine.

He was once asked by his mother, ² 'What, O child, what should I tell you? Which saying of God should I speak to my firstborn? What, O child of my belly? What, O child of my vows?

³ 'Don't [waste] your money on women, nor your abilities or mind upon pleasure. Think it all over and follow [my] council, and [do not] drink [too much] wine!

⁴ 'The mighty are easy to anger, so never offer them wine, ⁵ lest as they're drinking they forget wisdom; for, when they're weak they make bad decisions. ⁶ Give liquor to those in distress; offer wine to those who are grieving, ⁷ so they can forget their poor condition, and remember their misery no more.

⁸ 'O son; Open your mouth with words of God, and offer fair judgment to all. ⁹ Open your mouth and righteously judge; stand up for the needy and weak!

¹⁰ 'Who can find an industrious wife? More than precious gems is her value! ¹¹ Her husband's heart should courageously guard her, for he'll never be lacking good treasures.

¹² 'She uses her strength to support her man; she wastes not her life doing bad. ¹³ She works with her hands spinning linen and wool, ¹⁴ and acts like a ship that trades far away… that's how she gathers her wealth.

¹⁵ 'She arises while it's still night, along with her female attendants, to ready the food for her household. ¹⁶ She may see a farm and then buy it… from the fruits of her hands she gains more.

¹⁷ 'She wraps her waist to give it support, and readies her arms to do work. ¹⁸ She's tasted and found work is good, and her lamp burns throughout the whole night.

¹⁹ 'She stretches [her arms] toward things advantageous, as she applies her hands to the spindle. ²⁰ She opens her hands to the needy, and stretches her arms toward the poor.

²¹ 'She thinks not of using what's his, whenever he's gone for a while, and all who are hers will have enough clothes.

²² 'A double coat out of goat's hair, she has made for her husband; and from the bolt-ends of linen and purple, she also made one for herself. ²³ So, her husband is admired when he sits at the gate, and meets with other elders of the land.

²⁴ 'She takes fine linen to make loincloths, for all [her] CanaAnite [slaves]. ²⁵ She's [proud] of her strength and her beauty, and is happy throughout her last days.

²⁶ 'She opens her mouth to speak wisdom and Law, and charity rests on her tongue. ²⁷ Her pastimes are things that shelter her home, and the grain of laziness she doesn't eat.

²⁸ 'She raises her children so they will grow rich, and her husband offers her praises. ²⁹ Her many daughters will also be rich, by doing the things that she's [taught them].

'But you are still the first [in her eyes]… above all the rest she holds you.

³⁰ 'Beauty and allurement are false, so that isn't what you should look for. Find a woman who's praised and discerning; one who is known for her fear of [God]. ³¹ Take from her the fruit of her lips, and her husband will always be praised at the gates.'

Notes

Soul

The Greek word psyche (as in psychology) has been translated many ways, including soul, life, etc. However, psyche actually means something that breathes. It is used in the Bible to describe both breathing animals and breathing humans. So by definition, a soul cannot leave the body, because a soul is what the living body (whether human or animal) is (see Genesis 2:7).

In ancient Greece, philosophers eventually added another meaning to psyche: The inner person (as opposed to the person that others see and come to know). And with time, the pagan religion of Greece started to teach that this inner person is its own entity and can never die (is immortal). Over the centuries, this pagan Greek doctrine thereafter crept into the Christian religions. Please see the Wikipedia definition Soul for more history of the word.

However, such Greek philosophical thought never influenced Jesus and his Apostles. So, they consistently used psyche to indicate a living person or animal. Therefore, the later teaching that the soul is immortal stands in direct conflict with Jesus' promise of a resurrection, because, if a person is immortal (can never die) he/she can never be resurrected (brought back to life).

In addition, the teaching of the immortality of the human soul is totally without support from the Bible. For the word immortal(ity) (Gr: athanasia or undying) is only mentioned in the Bible in two places, and it isn't used with or applied to the word soul in either case. Both of these scriptures show that immortality is only given by God as a reward for righteousness. And as EzekiEl 18:4 says, 'The person (gr. psyche or soul) that is sinning will die (gr. apothaneitai).'

Of course, there are places in the Bible where the word soul means more than just a living, fleshly body. For example, God is recorded to have spoken of 'My Soul' in several places. Obviously, God is much more than just a 'soul' as most people think of that term, and He surely wasn't talking about His having a human body. So we must conclude that what He was referring to is His life or His person.

Then there are Jesus' words found at Matthew 10:28, which read, 'Don't be afraid of those who kill the body but can't kill the person (psyche or soul). Rather, be afraid of him who can destroy both the person (soul) and the body in the garbage dump.' Here, Jesus is using the word psyche (soul) to refer to the value of life that remains with God until the resurrection. And he obviously isn't referring the soul as immortal in this instance, because he says God will destroy (gr. apolesai) the [unrighteous] soul or person.

Unfortunately, no single word can be used to translate psyche in every possible Bible application, so various terms are used herein, depending on the circumstances, but always in an attempt to harmonize with the meaning.

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Bless or Praise?

This is a tough one, and we won't say that our position on the translation of this word can't be changed. The Greek word that we are struggling with is eulogetos. The first part of the word eu, is Greek for good. The last part of the word, logetos, means words (or expressions). So, a literal translation of eulogetos is good words. And our question is: Is this all that a blessing amounts to?

Yes, we know that eulogetos has been translated as bless, blest, and blessing in other Bibles. So why rock the boat? Because these translators have simply found too many errors in a lot of commonly-accepted renderings. And here, for example, if eulogetos is properly translated as blessing each time (which carries the English nuance, 'causing good things to happen'), then, how can humans 'bless God?' We do know that we can praise God, however.

Eulogetos is the word that we derive the English word eulogy from… that is, the kind words that are said of the deceased at a funeral. Such words are never said as a blessing (it's a bit late for that); they are said in praise of the deceased individual. However, there are definitely places where eulogetos can't be translated as praise or praising.

So, perhaps the real meaning is (or is at least is similar to) praise. And when praises come from God, this means blessings to humans.

This isn't the same word that we have rendered as blest in other portions of this translation (for an example, see Matthew 5:5). The word in question there is makarios, which is rendered as happy in certain other Bibles. However, we believe that blest is the proper way to translate that Greek word.

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The Heavens or Sky, the Earth or the Land?

In both the Ancient Scriptures of IsraEl (OT) and the Christian Era Scriptures (NT), we find all the realm of non-living creation divided into just three entities; the heavens (or sky), the earth (the land or ground), and the seas (or the waters) and rivers.

Now, in contemporary English, we understand that there is a difference between the heavens and the sky, the earth and the land (or ground), and the seas and waters. However, in both Hebrew and Greek, these fine distinctions that we accept because of our modern technology, can't be found. So, Genesis 1:1 is literally translated herein as, 'In the beginning, The God created the skies and the lands.' This is very accurate, because it was man's view of creation from the earth. There was just the land that he stood on, the sky above him, and the waters or seas over there. He had no technical understanding of the earth as a planet, because men had never seen the earth as a globe in space, as most of us have done today. However, because of these distinctions that we are aware of, translators must choose the proper words to provide the right nuances in English, in order for readers to grasp the proper meaning of each text. And as you will see, something as simple as selecting another synonym can give us a quite different view of the meanings of some common verses.

The Greek word ourano(n), for example, can be correctly translated as heaven, heavens, sky, and skies, depending on the context and tense. But if the translator should choose the wrong word, people will reach very different (and often wrong) conclusions, because of the nuances implied in English.

Likewise, the Greek words ge, ges, and gen can be translated as earth, earths, ground, grounds, land, or lands, depending on the context and tense. So, the symbolic words at 2 Peter 3:5, 6, for example, are translated herein as, 'The thing that they don't want to understand is this: That the ancient skies and land were out of the water, but (in obedience to God's instructions) they stood together between the waters.' (For an example of the problems created by the wrong use of the words ge, ges, and gen, see the linked document Isaiah 24 - Is It Speaking of Armageddon?).

Notice that the 'skies and land' were located 'between the water.' So, although other Bibles translated this verse as speaking of the 'heavens and earth,' the reference is to the portion of the heavens that are close to the earth… to the skies.

The same is true of the famous words of Jesus at Matthew 5:5, which read in Greek: 'Makarioi oi praeis hoti outoi kleronomesousin ten gen,' or, Blest the gentle for they will/inherit the (earth, ground, or land).' Notice that in some Bibles Jesus is recorded as saying, 'The meek will inherit the earth;' while in others he said, 'The meek will inherit the land.' Do you see the difference in nuances implied here? Yet, both word choices are equally correct.

And finally, when it comes to the seas (gr. tas thalassan), there are already distinctions as to different types of waters in the Greek text. For instance, seas are called thalassan and rivers are called potamos (or 'flowing'). However, notice (in Revelation 20: 13) how the resurrection of the dead is divided between those who died on land and those who were lost in the water; 'The sea gave up its dead, death and the grave gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.'

We again find all three of these realms of creation brought together symbolically at Revelation 21:1, whIch we have translated as saying, 'Then I saw new skies and new lands, because the previous sky and land had disappeared, as did the sea.' So, did John see 'a new heavens and a new earth,' as some translate his words, or did he see 'new skies and new lands,' as we have quoted him? The Greek words that are used in the beginning of this verse are both in the plural tense, but in the singular tense in the latter half of the verse. So, what John says that he saw was 'new skies and new lands' which took the place of the old 'sky, land, and sea' that had just disappeared before him (he didn't see the globe and the realm of God disappear).

Also, in the case of where EliJah was taken away in a celestial chariot; most people think he was taken (as their Bibles put it) 'to heaven,' where he went to live with God. This isn't true, because King JehoRam later received a letter from Elijah (see 2 Chronicles 21:12). So, God had apparently used the celestial chariot to take him into 'the sky' (the proper translation here), where he was then sent to another place here on the earth. For more information on this, see the linked document, The Hereafter.

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Hades: Hell or the Grave?

The Greek word Hades (the Greeks pronounced it hah-dess) has been translated both as Hell (which many today think of as a place of torture) and as the Grave in other Bible versions (such as the King James). Since one word can't mean two very different things, which translation is correct?

Hades (like the English word Hell) actually means the place of the dead. However, as pagan Greek philosophy started to develop and creep into Christianity, the later-day Greek view of Hades (a place of torture) was applied to it. Was this a correct application?

An insight into how the ancient Hebrews and the early Christians understood the word can be gained from looking at how it was applied in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Ancient Scriptures of IsraEl (the 'Old Testament' Bible of Jesus' day). There, the Hebrew word Sheol is translated into Greek as Hades in every instance; yet in each case, these are obvious references to the grave (the place of the dead), not to a place of conscious torture (see Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10).

Another revealing application of the word Hades is found at Revelation the 20:13. It says there, 'The sea (gr. he thalassa) gave up its dead, death and the grave (gr. thanatos kai ho hades) gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.'

So, notice that those who die at sea are differentiated from those who are buried in graves (Hades) and in other places (thanatos). Therefore, Hades is better translated as grave, and even better translated as the place of the dead.

In the book of Job, another word that is used once in the Christian-era Scriptures and often translated as Hell, is found twice. That Greek word is Tartarus, which refers to the place where evil gods or angels are sent. For more information on this and other words that are translated as Hell, see the linked document, Is There a Burning Hell?

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Blest or Happy?

There is quite a debate as to whether the Greek word makarios found in many places throughout the Bible should be translated as blessed or happy.

Notice that we have chosen to translate it as blest, which is an older spelling of the word blessed, to get rid the affected pronunciation that was likely introduced by early preachers (bless-ed).

According to Zodhiates' Complete Word Study Dictionary, the word should never translated as happy, because happy is derived from the words happen, happening, or happenstance (luck). His reasoning (which we agree with) is that, when someone suffers for the sake of righteous principles, his/her reward isn't just happiness (which can come from any source of good luck or fortune), but rather, it is a joy that comes from gaining a better relationship with God.

In other words, there is no exact word in English to use here, but blest seems to be a closer alternative than happy.

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Zeal

At Psalm 37:8 we read, 'Stop being angry and abandon your rage. Don't allow zeal to make you act wicked' (yes, we know, the word should be wickedly, but this is poetic license). However, those words could also be translated as, 'Do not allow jealously to cause you to act wickedly,' because the Greek word zelos can either be translated as zealous or as jealous, depending on the circumstances, for both words mean the same thing. Yet, the two words imply different things in English.

Zeal is usually thought of as something good… something that all Christians should have, as in zeal for God and righteousness. And jealously is thought of as something bad… as wanting something that belongs to someone else. Yet, God may be spoken of as being jealous over His Name and His position as God, so jealously isn't always a bad thing. And we can have zeal for things that are ours and we are proud of (which is not bad), and be jealous for things that belong to others (which is bad). So, the same Greek word (zelos) may be correctly translated as zeal in one place, and as jealously in another, depending on the context.

Then, is it proper for a man to be jealous of his wife, or for a wife to be jealous of her husband? No, we should never be jealous of each other, but rather, for each other. We shouldn't want what the other has, but we should have a burning zeal for each other. So, if one has good reason to worry about losing the love of the other, that is zeal. However, if such concern is baseless, that is wicked suspicion, not jealously.

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Age, Eternal, Perpetual, Everlasting, Immortal, or Forever?

Two words imply infinite states in the Bible; one is the Greek word athanasia (undying), which is only found in two places, 1 Corinthians 15:53, where it mentions resurrected ones as clothing themselves with immortality, and at 1 Timothy 6:16, where Paul speaks of Jesus alone as having it. The other Greek word is aidios, which is used at Romans 1:20 to describe God's Power and Might as eternal, and at Jude 6 when speaking of the perpetual state of gloomy darkness that rebellious angels have been confined to.

However, the Greek word aionos, which is used throughout the Bible in various conjugated forms and is often translated as eternal and forever, is what the English word eon is derived from. It means an indefinite period, and there is no exact English word to translate it. The best equivalents are age or era.

Where the singular form (aionos) is used, this appears to mean a period such as a lifetime, generation, or era. And where the plural form of the word (aiōnōn) is used, it refers to a longer time… at least multiple generations. Also, where the term ages of the ages is used (such as at Ephesians 3:21), which is usually said in reference to The God, we would assume that this truly means forever.

It is noteworthy that aionos is the word that is used in the Greek Septuagint in place of the Hebrew word ohlam, which is also translated as forever and time indefinite in popular versions of the Ancient Scriptures of IsraEl. So, this one word (aionos) is translated as forever, everlasting, eternal, system of things, time indefinite, [end of] the world, long ago, from of old, etc. Obviously, something is very wrong here, because the word can't mean a period having a definite end in one place and infinity in another.

Take for example, the unique way that aionos is used in the question that Jesus' Apostles asked him, which is found at Matthew 24:3: 'Tell us; When will these things happen… what will be the signs when you are to arrive and this age will come to its conclusion?' Notice that aionos is also translated as world here in many Bibles, such as the KJ, and as system of things in other Bibles, such as the NWT. However, if the Apostles had meant any of those things, they would have used the Greek word cosmos (world or arrangement), not aionos.

You can see that aionos obviously doesn't mean forever, everlasting, or eternal in this case, nor did it mean world or system of things. It simply meant the age, or, the time before the end would come. And for them, that meant the age when God's Temple in JeruSalem would be destroyed, because that's what Jesus was explaining to them.

Yet, there are instances when some forms of the word could imply forever, such as when we find it in the form aiōniŏn. This is an adjective in the singular case, which, when combined with the Greek word zoe (in its various forms) is usually translated in other Bibles as everlasting life. However, that isn't a totally-accurate description.

In the past, we had tried to reconcile the words zoe aiōniŏn as meaning, life in the age. However, the word age in this instance would not be an adjective, so we have recently chosen, in most cases where we find this word combination, to translate them more accurately as age-long life, which we will agree could mean everlasting life.

For more information, see the linked Scriptural Commentary, Does the Bible Promise Everlasting Life?

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Messengers

Most Bible translations render the Greek word aggelos (pronounced ahn-gel-ose – with a hard g) as angel wherever it is found. However, aggelos is just the Greek word for messenger. True, in most cases where the Bible speaks of angels, it is referring to spirit messengers from God. However, this may not be the meaning in every instance, and always translating it as angel may distort what was meant.

For example, consider the words at Acts 12:15, where Peter had just been released from prison and came to the door of some faithful Christians. Here the housemaid told the people inside that Peter was outside. And according to many other Bibles, they thought that it was 'his angel' at the door. However, this rendering doesn't sound reasonable, for it would have been unusual for Christians to assume that an angel from God (who looked like Peter) was standing and knocking at their door. Rather, the rendering we have used herein makes more sense, 'So they said, It's his messenger.'

Another good example of why aggelos shouldn't always be translated as angel can be found at Genesis 32:3, which reads in Greek, 'Apasteile de Iakob aggelous emprosthen autou pros Hesau ton adelphon autou' or, 'Sent of Jacob angels(?) ahead of/him toward Esau the brother of/him.' Here Jacob was obviously sending human messengers to his brother, not heavenly ones (angels).

And consider the words at Numbers 20:14, where we read that Moses sent messengers (gr. aggelous – messengers, plural) from Cades to the king of Edom.' Then in verse 16, it says that 'Jehovah … heard our voice and sent His messenger (gr. aggelon – messenger, singular) who brought us out of Egypt.'

Obviously, the same word (with only conjugated variations) is used there to speak of two different types of messengers… those who were human and the one who was sent from heaven by God. And in this case, most Bibles translate the first instance as messengers, but the second as angel. We have not chosen to make this distinction, however, for the readers should be able to discern from the context which ones are human and which ones are spirit by themselves. And when there is some question, each person should keep an open mind.

Consider the words of Haggai 1:13, where we read: 'Then the Messenger (or angel) of Jehovah, Haggai, one of the messengers (or angels) of Jehovah, said to the people: Jehovah says, I am with you!'

Yet, Haggai was just a man, not a spirit. So, there may be other cases in the Bible where some translations have presumptuously written angel, when the one that God sent was a human messenger!

Also consider that; Translating aggelos as messenger when it is truly speaking of a spirit from God, helps to provide readers a better, deeper understanding of the actual role that such sons of God play in His dealings with mankind… and that the term angel isn't a type of creature or a heavenly rank (as most think), but an assignment that may even be temporary. It also helps us to understand why the Bible never speaks of female or baby angels (because dead men, dead women, and dead babies don't become angels, since heavenly spirits are direct creations by God).

Breath

The Greek word pneuma (as in pneumonia, a breathing disease) means breath or wind – the movement of air. In other Bible translations, this word is often translated as spirit or ghost, as in Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. However, spirit is just a shortened form of the Latin word spiritu, which just means breath in Latin. And ghost conveys another meaning altogether.

In the Bible, the most common use of the word pneuma is to convey the idea of a force that can't be seen, such as breath or wind. And the problem with translating it as spirit or ghost, is that those words have been given religious meanings that aren't implied by the Greek texts.

Therefore, to prevent confusion, the Greek word pneuma is frequently translated as breath herein. However, there are exceptions, as in instances where the Bible refers to demons as 'spirits.' Translating pneuma as breath in these cases, although correct, might just be confusing. There are also places where we have left pneuma translated as spirit, when the word implies a person's tendency (or spirit). And, since the nuance implied by the word spirit in the English language (an unseen power) is correct, we recently changed back to translating pneuma as spirit in several places, when referring to God's Holy Spirit. However, recognize that pneuma is often best defined by calling it [God's] Holy Breath. For an example, see the Note Worshiping God In Spirit and Truth.

Another important use of the word pneuma is in the phrase, 'Breath of Life.' This phrase appears to mean more than just breathing, for it seems to refer to the entire mechanics of life itself. It's the unseen force of life for all creatures… it's what makes each cell alive. However, nowhere does the Bible describe the 'pneuma' as immortal, nor is it the same as the soul (a breathing thing), so it can (figuratively) 'return to God' at death,' because all hope of future life depends on God and His promise of a resurrection.

Note in particular how the term Breath is used at Job 27:3, where Job spoke of God's Breath or Spirit. For there he asked, 'Does the Breath of the Divine One remain in my nose?' As you can see from his application of this word, pneuma obviously referred to God's Breath, not to a person or to an unseen force. He was talking about that which comes from God and which caused him (Job) to breathe… the Breath of Life.

It is interesting that at Genesis 6:3, God said concerning the wicked people on earth before the Downpour: 'I won't allow My Breath to stay with these men through the age, for they are fleshly.' In Greek that reads, 'Ou me katameine to pneuma mou en tois anthropois toutoiseis ton aiona, dia ai einai autous sarka,' or, 'Not not should stay the Breath Mine with these men the age through, their being flesh.'

While the words Breath Mine (pneuma mou) here can refer to God's Holy Breath, it seems more likely that He is referring to the breath of life that He gave to Adam. So it appears as though what God was saying here, is that the breath of life (of the people of that age) would be removed prematurely. However, since God referred to it as 'My Breath,' there may be a link implied between God's Holy Breath and the breath of life.
For more information, see the linked document, 'The Powers of God's Holy Spirit.'

However, when Jesus died (as the words recorded at John 19:30 say), 'he hung his head and gave up the breath' (gr. kai klinas ten kephalen paredoken to pneuma, or, and inclined his head giving/up the breath). In this case, the obvious reference is to 'the breath of life,' or that force which gave him life as a human.

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Crowns, Turbans, and Diadems

In the Bible, we read of two different types of royal headgear that was worn by Kings… crowns (gr. stephanos) and turbans (gr. diademas). Which did the kings of IsraEl, such as David and Solomon, wear?

A study of history shows that most kings wore some sort of hat on official occasions, which varied by time and by country. The gold headpiece that was worn by the PharaOhs of Egypt, for example, was not referred to as either a crown (due to the lack of a corona) or a turban. However, in ancient IsraEl and in other middle-eastern countries, the common headgear for kings was a turban that was set with gold and jewels. And this custom remained true throughout the history of the Jews, because crowns were generally thought of by the faithful as representing the rays of the sun (an idol). However, gold crowns were used by pagan kings in many places throughout the world, as their sign of appointment by (the Sun) God.

The first mention of a crown being worn by a king of IsraEl is found at 2 Samuel 12:30, where David took the gold crown from the head of the Ammonite king of RabBath, named Malchom, and placed it on his own head. However, it doesn't appear as though this was the custom of kings of IsraEl thereafter, for the placing of Malchom's crown on his head seems to represent David's victory, not his envy of the Pagan king's headgear. And the fact that all IsraElite men wore turbans can be seen in the depictions of IsraElites in war scenes from Assyria that are currently on display at the British Museum.

At Revelation 12:3, the dragon is shown as having seven heads and ten horns, and 'on its heads were seven royal turbans.' We have translated this verse as saying that they were 'turbans,' because the Greek word used there was diadema, or through wraps, indicating that he was seen wearing turbans (although many religious depictions incorrectly show him wearing crowns).

However, there appear to be good uses in the Bible for the word crown as a symbol of athletic victory, not necessarily of kingship. Take for example, the following occurrences:

· 'A crown that rots away. However, we receive one that doesn't rot.'

· 'He will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to all those who love him.'

· 'You will walk away with the enduring crown of glory.'

· 'But be faithful to death and I'll give you the crown of life.'

So, if it is true that the crown is more a sign of victory (a garland) in the Bible than of kingship, this gives us a better understanding of verses such as the following:

· 'A crown of twelve stars.'

· 'He had a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.'

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Spank or Beat With a Rod?

We have translated the words at Proverbs 13:24 as saying, 'He who doesn't care, won't spank [his son]; but he who loves, will carefully correct him.'

Now, we realize that the words which were actually said, were: 'ος φειδεται της βακτηριας μισει τον υιον αυτου ο δε αγαπων επιμελως παιδευει,' or, 'the/one sparing the rod dislikes the son his, but the loving/one carefully corrects.' Why have we made this change?

Well, the word rod (or staff) in English implies a large, hard object that can be used to maim or cause injury, while the meaning of the text obviously implies something more like a switch or a stick that can be used for a spanking. Yet, even this mild action is found to be offensive among many modern peoples, and some would choose to have Solomon say, 'He who doesn't correct his son doesn't care for his son,' but that's not what Solomon said. Yes, careful correction is also what Solomon spoke of, but the text shows that he was speaking of well-thought-out discipline, which may require a spanking.

That such corporal punishment is meant can be found by reading a similar verse, Proverbs 23:13, which says, 'You should not avoid correcting a child, for if you spank him (hit him with a rod or staff) he surely won't die.'

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Lottery or Lot

To many, the thought of choosing by lot (possibly by rolling dice or using some other form of lottery) sounds immoral and quite like gambling. However, in the Bible, that was the correct way to show the selection or choice of God. In fact, the word for inherit (kleronomesousi), means to receive by lot or lottery.

The reason why this method was used by the ancient faithful, was because they wished to allow God's hand in the decision, rather than trusting in the viewpoints or opinions of men. And there is good reason to believe that this method of choosing did in fact result in the manifestation of God's hand. For example, consider how John the Baptist's father (ZechariAh) was chosen by lot to serve in the Holy Place at the exact time for him to be told by a messenger of God about the upcoming birth of his son and of his son's responsibilities concerning the Messiah (Luke 1:8, 9). Also, consider the fact that Matthias was chosen by lottery to replace unfaithful Judas as one of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

The good sense of letting things be decided by apparent chance can be found in the wise words of Solomon at Proverbs 18:18, where he said, 'Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.'

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