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

Chapter 1

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

2 To get to be wise and to truly learn,
You must understand intelligent words.
3 [You must see how] words can be shifted and turned,
And used to unlock enigmas.

You must also understand true justiceÉ
How to make judgments that are straight,
4 So that all your decisions can be guileless and wise,
While perceiving and reflecting like a child.

5 Yes, if youÕll listen, the wise will get wiser
And receive intelligent guidance.
6 YouÕll understand dark illustrationsÉ
The sayings of the wise and enigmas.

7 True wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah;
And all who follow that rule
Will be understanding and good,
Since perception begins with reverence for God.
For, those who fail to respect Him,
Treat wisdom and learning with contempt.

8 Hear, O son, the laws of your father,
And donÕt reject the rules of your mother.
9 Then a garland of favor youÕll get for your head,
And a gold chain for your neck.

10 O son;
DonÕt let the godless lead you astray,
And do not follow their ways.
11 For theyÕll offer you comforting words and then say:
ÔCome with us and we will [shed] blood!
For weÕll treat the righteous unfairly,
Then weÕll hide their bodies under the ground.

12 ÔLike the grave, weÕll swallow them down still alive,
And remove their memory from the land.
13 Then weÕll take all their things that have value,
And fill our houses with loot.
14 So, come with us and join in,
And weÕll each gain large sacks of money!Õ

15 But donÕt ever follow their waysÉ
Turn your feet from their paths!
16 For their feet always run to do evil,
And they are quick to shed blood.

17 HavenÕt they wrongfully spread out their traps,
As would be done to catch birdsÉ
18 Then murder to gain evil treasures?
19 Yes, these are the ways of the unrighteousness;
And because of their lack of respect,
They are bringing destruction on their own lives.

20 But the praises of wisdom are sung in the streetsÉ
SheÕs celebrated in all public places.
21 For she shouts aloud from the tops of the walls,
And at city gates, she courageously says:
22 ÔAs long as the honest have justice,
They will never be shamed.Õ

But the insolent fools who crave [whatÕs not theirs],
And those who do not fear [God]
Are the ones who are lacking good senseÉ
23 So, they will be disciplined.

{Look!} Now IÕll free the sayings of my spirit,
And to teach you, IÕll be speaking [wise] words.

24 Though I called to you, you failed to obeyÉ
I explained it, but you wouldnÕt listen.
25 You have ignored all my council,
And to my scolding, youÕve paid no attention.
26 So IÕll laugh when you are destroyed,
And IÕll shout in joy at your ruin.

27 Yes, when troublesome times come upon you,
And in a blast, youÕre quickly undoneÉ
When youÕre 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 canÕt find me,
29 Because theyÕve detested whatÕs wise,
And theyÕve failed to show fear for Jehovah.

30 To my council, they chose not to listen,
And when they were scolded, they sneered.
31 So theyÕll have to eat their own fruitage,
And then receive their own disrespect.

32 Because theyÕve done wrong to the simple,
They will soon be destroyedÉ
Yes, after theyÕre tried, theyÕll be slaughtered.
33 But those who have chosen to listen to me
Have camped in peace with no fear of evil.

Chapter 2

1 O son; hear the things that IÕm sayingÉ
Take them and hide them within you.
2 Your ears should obey these wise sayingsÉ
Understand them and put them deep in your heart,
Then pass them along to your sons.

3 If you will call out for wisdom,
And if you will seek understandingÉ
4 If youÕll search for perception like treasure,
5 YouÕll learn the fear of the Lord
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For, wisdom comes from JehovahÉ
In His presence, youÕll find understanding and knowledge.

7 For those who are walking straight paths,
He has treasured away their salvation,
And HeÕll shield them wherever they travel,
8 Since He guards the ways of the righteous,
And protects those who show Him respect.
9 Then youÕll understand justice and judgments,
And set yourself on a course to do good.

10 Now, should you decide to make wisdom your goalÉ
If your soul decides to search for perceptionÉ
11 If youÕll choose to follow good council,
And if youÕll be careful to do holy things;
12 From evil ways, this will save you,
And from [the wiles] of men who tell lies.

13 TheyÕre the ones whoÕve abandoned straight paths,
And in ways of darkness, theyÕve chosen to walk.
14 For, badness is what makes them happy,
And about whatÕs 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, theyÕll drive you away.

So, donÕt let bad council mislead youÉ
17 Rather, [follow] the things that youÕve learned since your youth,
And donÕt overlook GodÕs Sacred Agreement.

18 There are women who put death near their homes,
For the things that they do lead to the grave.
19 Those who approach them never returnÉ
They never turn back to straight paths,
For from the road of life, they have strayed.

20 But, smooth are the roads that the righteous have found;
For the meek will inherit the land,
And the honest are those whoÕll remain here.
21 Then, only the upright will camp in the land,
And those whoÕll be left are the holy.

22 Disrespectful ways will no longer be,
And those who break laws will be banished.

Chapter 3

1 O son;
DonÕt forget the laws [that IÕve shown you],
And keep the things that IÕve said in your heart;
2 For, this will add length to your life.
Yes, you will live [many] years,
And peace will be added to you.

3 May charity and faith never fail youÉ 
If youÕll tie them around your neck
And write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 You will find the favor [of God].

Before Jehovah and men
You should always plan to do what is good.
5 Wholeheartedly trust in your God,
And on your own wisdom, never rely.

6 Keep sight of [wisdom] in all of your ways;
For before you, she cuts a straight path.
7 So, in your own skills, never trustÉ
Fear God and turn from all that is bad.
8 Then, healing will come to your body,
And care will be shown to your bones.

9 You must always honor JehovahÉ
Work hard at doing whatÕs good.
As first fruits, offer Him your righteousness ways,
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 disciplines you.
12 For Jehovah loves those who accept His correction,
And He whips those whom He welcomes as sons.

13 The man who finds wisdom is blest,
As is the mortal whoÕs smarter.
14 SheÕs a better trade than silver or gold,
15 And sheÕs worth more than all thatÕs expensive.

Nothing of value is worth more than her;
16 For long life and survival are in her right hand,
And in her left, is glory and wealth.

Out of her mouth flows true justice;
On her tongue, there is mercy and law.
17 Goodness is found in her ways,
And all of her paths lead to peace.

18 SheÕs a tree of life to all whoÕll grab hold
(Those leaning on her as they do on the Lord)É
TheyÕre the ones whoÕll get away safely.

19 For in wisdom, God founded the earth,
And with intelligence, He assembled the skies.
20 By His perceptions, the valleys were formed,
As dew flowed down from the clouds.

21 So, donÕt let my council slip byÉ
Pay attention and learn to gain insight,
22 Then the person you are will continue to live
And [GodÕs] favor will be tied Ôround your neck.
For, to your flesh, this brings healing,
As well as comfort to all of your bones.

23 Then, peace will follow in all of your ways,
And your feet will never be stumbled.
24 When you sit down, it will be without fear;
And when you lie down, your sleep will bring rest.

25 No terrible thing will you fear,
Nor will the godless push you aside.
26 For Jehovah will watch all your ways
And make straight paths for your feet,
So you wonÕt stumble and fall.

27 DonÕt overlook those who are poor
When you have what they need in your hands.
28 DonÕt say, ÔCome back at some other timeÉ
IÕll give you what you need tomorrow.Õ
Give them whatÕs good when you have it,
So youÕll never see the birth of whatÕs bad.

29 And never plot to do bad to a friend,
Or to those with whom you must travelÉ
Those whoÕve put trust in you.
30 And donÕt quarrel without a good reason,
So people donÕt try to get even.

31 DonÕt follow the evil of those you despise,
Or ever be jealous of the bad things they do.
32 Since Jehovah considers lawbreakers unclean,
The righteous should not sit among them.

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

Chapter 4

1 O child;
Hear the words of your father!
Listen, so you can gain insight!
2 For IÕm going to give you a gift,
And from these instructions, donÕt stray!

3 I was also the son of a father,
And one who was loved by his mother;
4 So, by them both, I was taught.
[They said], ÔKeep our words in your heartÉ 
Do not forget our commandments!
5 Seek knowledge and wisdomÉ
DonÕt forget or ignore the words from our mouths,
Or ever turn aside from these things!
6 Stick with this way, do not leave itÉ
Love it with passion and youÕll be kept [safe].Õ

7 Wisdom is the basis for all [that is good];
So with all you acquire, gain wisdom!
And among all the things you possess,
Be sure that you gain understanding!
8 Build her a fort and sheÕll lift youÉ
Hold her in esteem and sheÕll watch over youÉ
SheÕll place a crown on your headÉ
9 A luxurious crown that will shield you.

10 Hear, O son, and receive all my words;
For theyÕll multiply the years of your life,
And many ways, youÕll then understand.

11 IÕm teaching you the ways of the wiseÉ
IÕm piling on 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 wonÕt tire.

13 Grab my instructions and donÕt let them goÉ
Hold them tight for yourself and your life!

14 DonÕt follow in the ways of the godless
Or be jealous of the ways of lawbreakers.
15 DonÕt go to places where they hang outÉ
16 Yes, alter your course and divert;
For, they wonÕt sleep until theyÕve done wrong.
And since they canÕt sleep, they donÕt go to bedÉ
17 On the grain of irreverence, they feed,
And on the wine of lawless ways, they get drunk.

18 For the ways of the righteous are like lightÉ
They shine and give light until morning,
19 While the ways of the irreverent are dark,
And they donÕt realize how often they fall.

20 O son;
Pay attention to the things that IÕm saying
And listen to my words with your ears;
21 For then, your wells will not fail you.
Store them deep in your heart,
22 For those who find them will live,
And to your flesh, theyÕll bring healing.

23 With all the things that you guard,
Pay close attention to your heart,
Because itÕs the source of your life.

24 From your mouth, remove all that is crooked,
And keep unrighteous lips far away.
25 Let your eyes always look straight aheadÉ
Let their lids not wink at injustice.

26 Make straight tracks for your feet,
And straighten out all of your ways.
27 DonÕt turn aside to the right or the leftÉ
Just turn your feet from whatÕs bad.
For God knows the ways that are right,
And those who pervert them, He puts on His left.
But if youÕll choose to make your tracks straight,
HeÕll lead you in ways that bring peace.

Chapter 5

1 O son; pay attention to my wisdom
And lend your ears to my words
So that you can understand clearlyÉ
2 Then my lips will tell you the things IÕve perceived.

Pay no attention to bad women!
3 For the lips of a whore drip with honey,
Which fattens the throat for a whileÉ
4 But youÕll find them more bitter than bile
And sharper than a double-edged sword.

5 Foolish are the feet of those turning to her,
For this leads to death and the graveÉ
And the tracks arenÕt easily noticed.
6 Her ways do not lead to life,
And the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.

7 O son, please listen to meÉ
DonÕt ignore these things that IÕm saying!
8 From them, you should stay far awayÉ
DonÕt go near to the doors of their homes
9 So you donÕt pass your life onto others
And share your vigor with those who lack mercy.

10 No, donÕt fill a stranger with your vigorÉ
Your strength shouldnÕt enter [a whore]É
11 For, you will be sorry when your flesh falls away.
12 YouÕll say, ÔHow I hated to be toldÉ
How discipline [bothered] my heartÉ
13 So I wouldnÕt accept their correctionÉ
My ears wouldnÕt hear the things I was taught.
14 Then little by little, I fell into bad
Among the great congregation.Õ

15 O son;
Drink water from your own jar
That comes from the flow of your own well!
16 Let the waters of your springs overflowÉ
Carry your own water when you enter the squares!

17 Let it be yours all aloneÉ
Do not share it with strangers!
18 Let your spring be just yours alone,
And find joy in the wife of your youthÉ
19 Your favorite filly, and your friendly hind.

Let her share conversation with youÉ
Hold her high and keep her nearby,
For this friendship will mean a great deal.

20 Do not spend time with strange women,
And never hold one thatÕs not yours.
21 For the eyes of God watch the ways of a man,
And HeÕs tracking the things that we do.

22 Unlawful acts are a snare to all men,
And youÕll be bound in the chains of your sins.
23 Those who donÕt learn this will come to their end,
And then they will lose all they ownÉ
TheyÕll perish in their own foolish ways.

Chapter 6

1 O son;
When you co-sign a loan for a friend,
YouÕve put yourself in your enemyÕs hands.
2 From your own lips youÕve been captured and snaredÉ
By words that came from your own mouth.

3 O son;
Save yourself by heeding my words.
For, if you choose to do such a thing,
Into evil hands, you will fall.

DonÕt leave yourself [in such a position];
For youÕll find that youÕll even anger your friendÉ
The one for whom you co-signed the loan!

4 So donÕt let your eyes go to sleep
5 Or allow your eyelids to slumber,
Before youÕve escaped like a doe from a noose,
And as wild fowl from a snare.

6 Lazy one, you should be like the antÉ
Feel zeal when you see what he does.
Yes, you should become just like himÉ
But, you should also be wiser!

7 For he doesnÕt 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 to feast in the harvest.

9 O lazy one;
How much longer will you continue to lie thereÉ
Yes, when will you awaken from sleep?
10 You sit for a while, then rest for a while,
And after a while, you slumber
With your hands and arms on your chest,
11 As poverty overtakes you like a mugger,
And lack catches you like a sprinter.

12 A man (a fool and lawbreaker)
Will travel in ways that are evil.
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 perverse,
And he brings disturbance to his own town.
15 But because of this, his death will come soonÉ
HeÕll be cut off and not be brought back,
16 Since he rejoices over things that God hates.

HeÕll be destroyed, since his life is uncleanÉ
17 Because his eyes are insultingÉ
Because his tongue is unrighteousÉ
Because his hands have shed righteous bloodÉ
18 Because his heart conspires to do bad
And his feet have run to do evil.

19 When [a man] tells a lie [in a courtroom],
This unrighteous witness lights fires,
Bringing lawsuits between even brothers.

20 O son, guard the laws of your father,
And donÕt cast aside the rules of your mother!
21 Fastened them tight to your soulÉ
Tie them around your neck with a cord!

22 Bring them along wherever you walk,
And make sure they are always nearby.
When you fall asleep, let them keep watch,
And have them remind you when you arise.

23 For the LawÕs Commandments are a lamp and a lightÉ
They are a complete way of life!
TheyÕre correction and instruction to guard you
24 From bad women who are already married,
And from the distractions that come from strange tongues.

25 DonÕt let their beauty entice youÉ
Do not get trapped by the things you can see,
Or be beguiled by their 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 upon his own chest
Without it burning his clothes?
28 Can someone walk on live coals
Without them consuming his feet?

29 For, when you [have sex with] another manÕs wife,
ThatÕs what will happen to you,
Since none who touch her are found free from guilt.

30 ItÕs no surprise when someoneÕs caught stealing,
For, to fill a hungry soul, men will steal.
31 Then, when theyÕre caught, seven times theyÕll repayÉ
TheyÕll give all they own to be saved.

32 But, by the lack of good sense,
The man whoÕs committing adultery
Upon himself, brings destruction.
33 For 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 wonÕt be spared in the day that youÕre judged.
35 And because of the hate of this person,
YouÕll not be able to bargain,
Nor will many gifts buy your freedom.

Chapter 7

1 O son;
Keep my words and commandmentsÉ
Hide them inside of yourself!
2 Have deep respect for Jehovah,
And He will make you grow strongerÉ
In addition to Him, fear no other!

Keep His commands and live [a long] lifeÉ
Like the pupil of your eye, guard His words.
3 Wrap them around all your fingers,
And inscribe them in the depths of your heart.

4 Guard wisdom as your own sister
And intelligence as your best friend,
5 So theyÕll keep you away from strange women,
As well as from all that is wicked,
So about you, good things will be said.

6 She leans from the window of her house on the square,
7 And whenever she views foolish offspring
(Young men who are 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 manÕs heart starts to flutter.
11 SheÕs so enticing and carnalÉ
But, donÕt let your feet stop by her [door].

12 At times, sheÕll stray outside her house,
And stand on the corner of the square.
13 There she reaches out and she fondles,
And with an impudent face she might say:

14 ÔA sacrifice of peace, I must offer,
And today, I must render my vowsÉ
15 So, thatÕs why IÕve met up with you.
I noticed your face [as youÕre passing],
And I came over here just to find you.

16 ÔNow, while I was sewing, I laid out my bed,
And spread it with sheets [made in] Egypt.
17 With saffron, I sprinkled my bed,
And cinnamon, IÕve put Ôround my house.

18 ÔSo, come and enjoy my friendship Ôtil dawnÉ
Come, and weÕll wrap up in passion!
19 For my husband isnÕt at homeÉ
HeÕs gone away on a journey.
20 He left with a bundle of silver,
And heÕll not be back for several more days.Õ

21 She leads him astray and acts like a friend,
While tying a noose Ôround his neck.
By the words from her lips, she then reels him in;
22 And he follows like an ox to the slaughterÉ
Like a dog thatÕs being led on a leash,
Or a stag thatÕs been shot in the liver.
23 So he hurries like fowl toward a snare,
Not knowing that heÕs running for his life.

24 Now, hear and pay close attention
To the sayings that come from my mouth!
25 DonÕt turn aside to her ways in your heart,
And donÕt be misled by her wiles.

26 Many sheÕs stabbed through and then thrown awayÉ
Unnumbered are those whom sheÕs murdered.
27 Her house is on the road to the grave,
And it leads to the storeroom of death.

Chapter 8

1 If you will call out for wisdom,
Intelligence will also obey you!
2 He is higher than all of the others,
And he stands in the midst of all roads.

3 He is the home of the mighty,
And in their doorway, he sings:
4 ÔO men, I will bring comfort to you,
And IÕll sing this aloud to your sons:
5 All you guileless should learn to be shrewd,
And the unlearned should store it deep in their hearts.

6 ÔSo, you should listen to me,
For IÕm speaking of serious thingsÉ
From my lips comes something thatÕs true!
7 So my throat will be speaking truly,
Since those with lying lips, I have hated.

8 ÔRighteous are the sayings that come from my mouthÉ
Nothing in them is crooked or evil.
9 So the discerning should stand face to face
With the one who is teaching them knowledge.

10 ÔSeek instruction, not silverÉ
Put knowledge above proven gold!
11 And wisdom is better than most precious gemsÉ
Nothing is worth more than it,
12 Since wisdom camps with counsel and knowledge!Õ

ÔAnd as IÕm reflecting, IÕll say this:
13 Those fearing Jehovah will hate all injustice,
As well as insolence and pride,
And ways that lead to whatÕs evilÉ
For He hates the perversions of those who do bad.

14 ÔCouncil and safety are mine!
Intelligence and strength are mine also!
15 For by me, the kings start their reigns,
And the mighty write about justice.

16 ÔBy me, the great become sovereignsÉ
Through me, they rule the whole earth.
17 Those fond of me are always beloved,
And those who seek me find favor.

18 ÔBy me, wealth and glory exist,
As well as the lands of the just.
19 So the blest will gather my fruitage
Before seeking gold or rare gemsÉ
For my reward is better than silver.

20 ÔI walk in the ways of the righteous
And return in the pathways of reason.
21 I provide for all those who love me,
And I fill their treasuries with things that are good.

22 ÔIÕll proclaim what happens each day,
And IÕll speak of the things of the ages.
For, by Jehovah, I came to be,
And He made the head of His waysÉ
IÕm the one [in charge] of His works.

23 ÔIn the beginning, He made me,
Before this age came to beÉ
Before He decreed the creation of landsÉ
24 Before He made the abysses,
And before the springs gushed with water.

25 ÔYes, I was fathered by Him
Before the mountains and hillsÉ
26 Before He made the places to live,
Or the ends of manÕs home under the skies.

27 ÔAs He was preparing the heavens,
IÕm the one who presented them to Him.
Then He placed His throne on the winds,
28 And moved clouds above with His strength.

ÔThen He made all the springs under the skies,
29 And set limits for the waters of the seas,
So they couldnÕt cross over their borders.
And when the foundations of the earth were made strong,
IÕm the one who stood there beside Him.

30 ÔBy Him, all things worked together,
And He found joy in them all.
Each day that I stood there before Him,
In this, I also found much delight.
31 Then He was pleased when He finished manÕs home,
And over sons of men, He was happy.Õ

32 Now, listen to me, O my son:
Blest are those who are guarding his ways!
33 Learn from wisdom and you will be wiseÉ
Do not cover it over!

Blest is the man who listens to itÉ
The man who guards all its waysÉ
34 The one whoÕs awake at its entrance each day,
And who pays close attention at its doors!

35 For, those who seek it find life
And receive the favor of God!
36 But, those who are sinning against it
Are disrespecting their soulsÉ
All who hate it are lovers of death.

Chapter 9

1 Wisdom has built a house for himself,
And atop seven columns, heÕs propped it.
2 He has offered the needed sacrificesÉ
He has mixed the wine in their jars,
And he has readied his table.
3 Then he sends his servants to call [all the guests],
And with a grand proclamation, he says:
4 ÔAll you who are foolish; turn here to me!Õ

5 He says to those who are lacking good sense:
ÔCome eat my bread and drink my wine
That I have mixed up for you!
6 Stop being a fool, become smarter,
So you will live a long timeÉ
Get straight with wisdom and knowledge!Õ

7 Those who attempt to straighten the godless,
Upon themselves, bring dishonor.
For, when you scold those who have no respect,
You just make a fool of yourself.

8 So, donÕt scold those who are evil,
For they will just start to detest you!
But, reprove the wise and theyÕll love youÉ
9 Give them help and they will be wiserÉ
An explanation to those who are righteous,
Will thereafter, bring them much more.

10 Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah,
And counsel about holiness brings understanding.
Also, knowledge of the Law is good to consider;
11 For if you learn it, youÕll live a long timeÉ
Many years, it will add to your life.

12 O son; if you choose to seek wisdom,
You will make yourself wise.
But, if you choose to seek evil,
YouÕll just bring bad things on yourself.

13 A woman without food who is foolish and bold,
Has no knowledge of shame.
14 She sits at the door of her house in a chair
To make herself seen in the square.

15 Then she calls out to those who pass on the street,
And to those who are walking straight paths:
16 ÔYou who are the most foolish;
Turn aside and come here to me!Õ

She arouses the stupid by saying,
17 ÔYouÕll touch secret bread loaves in pleasure,
And steal sweet water to drink!Õ

18 But the thing that they donÕt understand,
Is that she brings destruction upon earthly menÉ
That sheÕs perching them on the edge to the grave!

Chapter 10

1 A wise son gladdens a father;
But a foolish son brings his mother distress.

2 Treasures bring no help to the lawless;
But, they can rescue the righteous from death.

3 Jehovah wonÕt let the righteous go hungry;
But, impious ways [lead to famine].

4 Poverty humbles a man;
But, hard-working hands will enrich him.

Correcting a son makes him wiser;
So the foolish, heÕll treat as his servants.

5 An intelligent son will be saved
And heÕll not [have to slave in] sweltering heat;
But wind will destroy all the harvest
Of the son who is a lawbreaker.

6 Jehovah sends blessing to the heads of the righteous,
And mourning to the mouths of the wicked.

7 The righteous are remembered and commended;
While the names of the irreverent will perish.

8 A wise heart does as itÕs 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
Is creating distress for the rest.
But, the man who openly scolds,
Is the one who is bringing them peace.

11 Mouths of the righteous are like springs of life;
But a mouth that curses, leads to destruction.

12 Hatred leads to a war;
But, those who wonÕt fight create friendships.

13 Those whose lips bring forth wisdom
Are beating the heartless with a stick.

14 The wise learn to hide their perceptions;
But, mouths that speak rashly, bring destruction.

15 The rich manÕs wealth is his fortress,
While poverty brings ruin to the poor.

16 The deeds of the righteous bring life,
While the fruit of the irreverent brings sin.

17 Following instructions leads you to life;
For, without instructions, youÕll stray.

18 Righteous lips cover your hatred;
But, those who shout insults are fools.

19 A sin canÕt be covered with many words;
So itÕs wise for your lips to say little.

20 A righteous tongue is like refined silver,
But the hearts of the irreverent are worthless.

21 The lips of the righteous speak of high things,
While fools die for the lack of understanding.

22 Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteousÉ
He enriches and brings no distress to their hearts.

23 The fool will laugh when heÕs doing whatÕs bad;
But, wisdom makes a man act much smarter.

24 By destruction, the impious are carried away,
While the righteous will receive the things that they crave.

25 A blast will come to destroy the impious;
But the righteous will turn and escape in that age.

26 As green grapes are bad for your teeth,
And smoke is bad for your eyes;
So are lawless ways to those who are harmed.

27 The fear of Jehovah adds days to your life,
While the lives of the irreverent are shortened by years.

28 Happiness stays with the righteous,
While the irreverent oneÕs hopes are destroyed.

29 JehovahÕs a fort of those who show mercy,
But a ruin to those who are doing whatÕs bad.

30 The righteous will live through the ages;
But the impious will not live long in the land.

31 From the mouths of the righteous, drips wisdom,
While unrighteous tongues lead to ruin.

32 From the lips of the righteous comes loving care;
But rejection comes from the mouths of the godless.

Chapter 11

1 Dishonest scales are disgusting to [God]É
Fair weights are what He approves.

2 Those who shout insults show their dishonor,
While the mouths of the humble speak wisely.

3 The righteous leave no regrets when they die;
But, when the irreverent are wiped away,
Ridicule is all they receive.

4 The perfection of the righteous will guide them,
While the Godless are plundered by failureÉ
In the day of [GodÕs] rage, their possessions will fail,
As the righteous are rescued from death.

5 Holiness keeps righteous ones on straight paths;
But, by their godless ways, the unrighteous fail.

6 The right ways of the good is what saves them;
But the thoughtless ways of lawbreakers
Is the thing that leads them to jail.

7 When a righteous man comes to his end,
The things that heÕs hoped for are never destroyed.
But the boastful ways of the godless
Will soon bring about their 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 mouths of the righteous bring blessings.

10 By the good of the righteous, a city is born;
And the destruction of the irreverent brings it joy.

11 By the praises of the upright, a city is raised;
But the mouths of the impious tear it back down.

12 A senseless man sneers at his comrades;
But an intelligent man leads them to rest.

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

14 Those with no guidance will fall just like leaves;
For salvation is found [by seeking] advice.

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

16 A praiseworthy woman brings glory to her man,
But those hating whatÕs right, bring dishonor.

The lazy will never be wealthy,
While those who work hard will be rich.

17 A merciful man brings good to his soul,
While the merciless 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,
While an irreverent son will bring his own death.

20 Twisted ways are disgusting to [God]É
He just approves of those who are walking straight paths.

21 Those who wrongly lay hands on another
Will not go unpunished for their evil ways.
But, those who are fair are assured a reward.

22 As a gold ring in the snout of a pig
Is a pretty woman with evil desires.

23 The righteous will receive what is good,
While the hopes of the godless will perish.

24 There are those whoÕll plant seeds and reap moreÉ
But some will also reap less.

25 A generous man will be blestÉ
Those who water will also be watered.

26 A man who hoards grain will leave it to [others],
While the heads of those who share it are blest.

27 Those planning to do good, seek its blessings;
But, those who plan to do evil,
Will be captured by those whoÕve planned to do good.

28 Those who trust in wealth wonÕt succeed;
But, those who help the righteous will last.

29 The man who doesnÕt love those in his own home
Will just inherit the windÉ
To the intelligent, heÕll be just a fool and a slave.

30 From the tree of life, the righteous [gather] fruit,
While the souls of the lawless are lost.

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, love understanding,
While those hating correction are fools.

2 Those who find the favor of [God]
Are the ones whoÕll receive what is best,
While the lawless just get condemnation.

3 Those who break laws wonÕt endure;
But the righteous wonÕt be uprooted.

4 A virtuous wife is a crown to her man;
But, one who is bad will eat him away
Like a worm that is boring through wood.

5 True judgments are the ways of the righteous,
And treacherous are the ways of the godless.

6 The impious lie in wait to shed blood,
While righteous mouths offer protection.

7 When the irreverent lose, they just pass away,
While the homes of the righteous remain.

8 The mouths of the discerning are praised by all men,
While those with dull hearts will be sneered at.

9 ItÕs best for the dishonored to be servants
Than be too proud and go without bread.

10 The righteous are concerned for the lives of their cattle,
While the impious feel no compassion or mercy.

11 Those who work their ground will eat bread,
While those who chase vain things go hungry.

There are those who drink wine as their pastimeÉ
But they leave their honor behind them.

12 The desires of the impious are evil;
But the roots of those who are showing respect
Will become strongly entrenched.

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

14 From the fruits of his mouth, a manÕs soul receives goodÉ
HeÕll be repaid for the things his lips say.

15 Fools will follow in their own ways,
While the wise will follow advice.

16 A fool bares his rage before all,
But the wise will hide his dishonor.

17 The righteous put trust in telling the truth;
But, an unrighteous witness will lie.

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

19 Lips that are straight will speak what is true,
While the lips of the unrighteous are hasty.

20 Those planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts;
But, those planning peace will find joy.

21 The righteous arenÕt pleased by injustice,
While the godless [find pleasure] in doing whatÕs bad.

22 Lying lips are disgusting to [God]É
He only accepts those whose lips He can trust.

23 The wise donÕt show all the things that they know;
But the hearts of fools blurt their folly.

24 Hands that are honest, easily win,
While the hands of the deceitful are plundered.

25 Frightful words disturb hearts of men;
But a message thatÕs good brings them joy.

26 A friend is one who suggests what is rightÉ
But, sinners support evil and impious ways.

27 A deceitful man wonÕt get what he wants,
While those with pure hearts will be wealthy.

28 The ways of the righteous lead them to lifeÉ
From death, it turns them away.

Chapter 13

1 A wise son does as his father directs,
While those who wonÕt listen meet with destruction.

2 From the fruit of righteous lips, good people will eat,
As the lives of the lawless are all wiped away.

3 Those who keep watch on the things that they say
Are also keeping watch on their lives;
While those who let their lips go
Are turning their lives into failure.

4 While idle men think of the things that they want;
Hardworking hands bring results.

5 The righteous hate words that arenÕt true,
While the lies of the wicked bring themselves shame.

6 Righteousness guards the ways of the honest,
While the irreverent are led into sin.

7 There are those who seek wealth and get nothing;
And there are those who put themselves low that get rich.

8 A manÕs wealth may be used to ransom his life,
While the poor have nothing to fear.

9 The righteous will always have light,
While the light of the irreverent is extinguished.

10 Those practicing evil, [shout] insults,
While the wise argue just with themselves.

11 Things gained in haste by the lawless
Will soon lose all of their value,
As things that are gathered by the righteous
Will keep on growing in worth.

12 Those who plan in their hearts to help others
Are better than those who just promise
And raise [false] hopes in [the poor].

A tree of life is the desire to do good;
13 But, those who hate to do what is right
Will be hated for that very same reason.

Those who deceive will get nothing good;
But a servantÕs wise ways will be prospered.

14 The Law is a well of life to the wise,
Which turns them away from deathÕs snares.

15 Understanding whatÕs good, brings [GodÕs] favorÉ
Knowing and considering [His] Law, is whatÕs good.
But the roads of all those who hate it
Are the paths that lead to destruction.

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

17 A hasty king will find troubleÉ
But wise counselors can save him from this.

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

19 The irreverent desire the things that delight themÉ
But, ignorance is all they accomplish.

20 Those who travel with the wise will be wise,
While those traveling with fools will be fools.

21 Sinners will do evil things.
While 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 with their wealth,
While the wicked will suddenly perish.

24 Those who donÕt spank them, dislike their sons,
While those who love them give careful correction.

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

Chapter 14

1 A woman whoÕs wise will strengthen her home;
But the foolish rips theirs down with their own hands.

2 Those on straight paths fear Jehovah,
While those on crooked paths [truly] hate Him.

3 From the mouth of a fool comes an insult,
While 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 barns that are prospering well.

5 A trustworthy witness wonÕt lie;
But a lying witness will commit other sins.

6 The bad who seek wisdom, wonÕt find it;
But to the discerning, it comes easily.

7 Whatever the foolish say will be wrong;
But wise lips are the weapons of those with good sense.

8 From their wisdom, the wise get direction,
While fools are misled by their own thoughtless ways.

9 The homes of the lawless need cleaning,
While the homes of the righteous are worthy of praise.

10 A man whose heart is easily hurt
Will always be in distress.
But, insults wonÕt bother a heart filled with joy.

11 The homes of the impious will meet with destruction,
While the tents of the upright will last.

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

13 Bold hearts are always filled with their ways,
While a good man is filled with his thoughts.

14 Ð

15 A gullible man believes every word,
While the wise will think it all through.

16 In fear, a wise man will turn from whatÕs bad,
While a fool gives in and breaks laws.

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

18 A fool will share in doing whatÕs bad,
While the wise will maintain good sense.

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

20 Friends dislike friends that are poor,
While many are the friends of the rich.

21 Those who dishonor the needy are sinners,
While those showing mercy to the poor will be blest.

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

The bad have no mercy or faith,
While the good are generous and trusting.

23 For those who care, thereÕs more than enough,
While the rest will seek pleasure and lack.

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

25 A trustworthy witness snatches lives from the bad,
While a deceitful man will just lie.

26 Those who trust in the strength of Jehovah,
Will leave an inheritance for their children.

27 The rules of Jehovah are life-giving springs
That lead men away from deathÕs 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 whoÕs extorting the needy
Is provoking the One by whom he was made;
But, those whom He holds in esteem
Are the ones who show mercy to the poor.

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

33 In the heart of a good man, rests wisdom,
Which canÕt be found in the heart of a fool.

34 Justice will build up a nation;
But, sinners will bring its decline.

35 Wise counselors are [a joy to] the king,
For they can remove his dishonor
In very ingenious ways.

Chapter 15

1 Even the smart are destroyed by their rage;
For harsh words will make others angry,
While an answer thatÕs mild turns back rage.

2 Tongues of the wise bring forth knowledge;
But the mouths of fools just speak evil.

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

4 A tree of life, is the tongue that healsÉ
Those who have it are filled with [GodÕs] Breath.

5 A fool will sneer at his fatherÕs instructions;
But the wise will do what he days.

Where thereÕs justice, [a nation] is strongÉ
For their irreverent will be uprooted from their land.

6 There is strength in the homes of the righteous,
While the fruits of the impious bring them destruction.

7 The lips of the wise are bound by good sense;
But the hearts of fools canÕt be trusted.

8 Sacrifices of the irreverent are disgusting to GodÉ
He accepts just 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 who heed the instructions of the guileless
Will be the ones who follow straight paths.

Those who dislike correction
Will come to their end in disgrace.

11 Of destruction and the grave, God has warned us;
So, why isnÕt this in the hearts of all men?

12 The ignorant hate those who correct them,
And they donÕt wish to stay near the wise.

13 A happy heart makes a face shine;
But a heart in distress makes it downcast.

14 An upright heart will seek understanding;
But an ignorant heart knows just evil.

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

16 ItÕs better to have little and the fear of Jehovah,
Than to have great treasures and no fear of God.

17 ItÕs better to eat vegetables in a place where thereÕs love,
Than to dine on calves where thereÕs hatred.

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

The forgiving man prevents lawsuits;
But the irreverent would rather create them.

19 The roads of the lazy lead into thorns,
As the industrious travel on busy highways.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father;
But a foolish son sneers at his mother.

21 The paths of the unthinking donÕt make any sense;
But the ways of the wise lead them a straight line.

22 From the hearts of advisors, thereÕs much to be [learned];
23 But a man who is bad wonÕt [take their advice],
Nor will he learn anything useful.
For to him, whatÕs good is mundane.

24 The thoughts of the discerning lead men to life,
And theyÕll turn a man back from the grave.

25 Jehovah tears down the homes of the proud,
While He gives support to the widows.

26 The ways of the unrighteous are disgusting to GodÉ
He only respects the requests of the pure.

27 Those who takes bribes, bring themselves ruin,
While those who hate them are saved.

Mercy and faith wipe away sins,
And the fear of Jehovah turns us from bad.

28 Faithful hearts think of whatÕs righteous,
While irreverent mouths speak of whatÕs evil.

The ways of the righteous are accepted by GodÉ
By them, even enemies become friends.

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

ItÕs better to be fair and gain little
Than to gain much through injustice.

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

31 Those who heed the corrections of life
Will find themselves lodging with those who are wise.

32 Those who wonÕt listen to instruction,
Really donÕt care for themselves,
While those who heed correction, love life.

33 The fear of Jehovah is instruction and wisdomÉ
Heeding Him is the sum of all glory,
And the humble will be led to this glory.

Chapter 16

1 May hearts of men consider whatÕs righteous,
So that God can set their feet on straight paths.

2 The deeds of the humble are apparent to GodÉ
But HeÕll destroy the irreverent in His day.

3, 4, Ð

5 To God, proud hearts are unclean,
And He will never forgive
Those who lay their hands on another unjustly.

6 Goodness starts with doing whatÕs rightÉ
7 ItÕs better than offering a sacrifice.

8 Those seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justiceÉ
Those who righteously seek Him, find peace.

9 A manÕs heart is what 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 gives a true measure
Is something thatÕs righteous with GodÉ
His ways require honest weights.

12 The king is disgusted by those who are evil,
For the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.

13 Righteous lips are what the king will acceptÉ
Your lord loves things that are straight.

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

15 The sons of a king are the light of his life,
For to Him, those he loves are like gentle rain.

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

17 The road [to long] life avoids what is bad,
And righteous ways will lead to old age.

Those willing to learn are counted as good,
And those accepting correction are thought of as wiser.

The man who keeps watch on his ways
Is someone whoÕs protecting his soulÉ
So, those who love life will watch what [they say].

18 Insolent ways lead to destruction,
And evil thoughts lead to a downfall.

19 ItÕs better to share a 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 find His blessings.

21 Though the vile may shout to the wise and discerning,
Those with sweet words are the ones they will hear.

22 Understanding brings life to its seekers;
But the instruction of fools just leads to bad.

23 From their own mouths, the hearts of wise ones will learn,
And from their own lips, theyÕll gain knowledge.

24 Sweet words are like combs filled with honey,
For their sweetness brings healing to the soul.

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

26 A hardworking man works for himself,
And this leads him from poverty,
As the rest wear failure over their mouths.

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

28 A man who is crooked spreads evilÉ
With treachery, he lights many fires,
And in this, he drives [a wedge between] friends.

29 A lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test,
And he leads them into corruption.
30 His eyes are fixed as he plans to do wrong,
And he confirms whatÕs bad with his lipsÉ
Such a man is a furnace of evil.

31 Old age is a crown of which one can boast
When itÕs found among those who are righteous.

32 ItÕs 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 Unrighteous lips will bring what is bad,
For all thatÕs good comes from [God].

Chapter 17

1 A scrap of food thatÕs eaten in peace
Is better than a house of feasting with fights.

2 Over foolish masters, a smart slave will win,
And heÕll divide what he takes with his brothers.

3 As silver and gold are refined in a furnace
Is how Jehovah tries hearts.

4 A bad man obeys what lawbreakers say,
And the unrighteous will heed lying lips.

5 Those who make fun of the poor
Provoke the One by whom they were made.

Those who rejoice at the downfall of others
WonÕt [find their sins overlooked];
For, mercy comes to those who show that they care.

6 The crown of old age is grandchildren,
And fathers will boast of their sons.

The arrangements of [God] can be trusted;
But the faithless wonÕt know how [He] did it.

7 Trustworthy lips arenÕt enough for a fool,
Nor will lying lips please the righteous.

8 Instruction pays well to those who will learn,
And all who use it will prosper.

9 Those covering offenses are looking for love;
But the unforgiving leave family and friends.

10 Intimidation breaks the heart of someone whoÕs wise;
But a fool who is whipped never learns.

11 All evil men like to argue;
But the Lord sends merciless angels against them.

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

13 The one who repays good things with bad,
Will never see evil removed from his home.

14 When a ruler supports righteous words,
There are fewer fights and divisions.

15 When the righteous must judge the unjust,
TheyÕll find them unclean and disgusting.

16 What value has wealth before fools?
For, in their hearts, thereÕs no wisdom.

As those who are building tall houses
Make plans for something that will fallÉ
Evil plans bring the downfall of the crooked.

17 Use your time to gain friends;
For in bad days, they will be your brothersÉ
ItÕs for such favor that they have been born!

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

19 Those fond of sinning bring strife,
And those with hard hearts bring nothing good.

20 A tongue that twists words will bring evil,
And the heart of a fool brings grief to himself.

21 A father wonÕt be proud of an ignorant sonÉ 
But smart ones bring joy to their mothers.

22 While a joyful heart brings good health;
A worried heart dries a manÕs bones.

23 The unrighteous want gifts to be dropped in their laps
So that they can pervert true justice.

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 Those holding back harsh words show insight,
And a man who concedes shows his wisdom.

28 When an unthinking man asks a question,
He is often thought of as wise;
And when he refuses to argue,
HeÕll be thought of as a person thatÕs smarter.

Chapter 18

1 Those making excuses are rejected by friends,
And theyÕll always be spoken of poorly.

2 Those lacking good sense have no use for wisdom;
For, by whatÕs foolish, they wish to be led.

3 When the irreverent reach the depths of their evils,
They donÕt notice that theyÕre scorned and dishonored.

4 A word that touches the heart
Is like very deep waterÉ
Like a river or a life-giving spring.

5 It is evil to favor the wicked,
And unholy to deny justice to the righteous.

6 A foolÕs lips will lead him toward bad,
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 own soul.

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

9 A man who wonÕt work for himself
Is a brother to the one who brings himself ruin.

10 In the Name of the Lord there is powerÉ
ItÕs where the righteous can turn for their strength.

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

12 Before his ruin, a manÕs heart is proud,
And just before glory, itÕs humbled.

13 When a man replies before hearing,
ItÕs foolish and brings him much scorn.

14 A man can endure a [long] illness;
But, who can endure a spirit thatÕs worried?

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

16 When a man brings a gift, he makes friends,
And he will sit beside rulers.

17 Before speaking, the righteous examine themselves;
For they know that theyÕll be reproved
By those who do not agree.

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 like a castle thatÕs well-built and strong.

20 From the fruits of his mouth, a manÕs belly is filledÉ
From the fruits of his lips, heÕll get what he needs.

21 The handle of the tongue carries both life and death,
And those who fail to restrain it
Will end up eating its fruitage.

22 The man whoÕs found a good wife
Has done himself a great favorÉ
Joy from Jehovah is what heÕs received.

The man who sends a good woman away
DoesnÕt recognize things that have value;
But the one who keeps an adulteress
Is a foolish and irreverent person.

23 Though those in need make many requests,
The rich will respond very harshly.

24 A man should seek many friendships,
For some friends will stick closer than brothers.

Chapter 19

1, 2, Ð

3 Doing whatÕs foolish lays waste to menÕs ways;
But in their hearts, theyÕll blame it on God.

4 Wealth will bring many friends;
But, friends will be few when youÕre poor.

5 A lying witness will not go unpunished,
And a false accuser will never escape.

6 Many seek the kingÕs favor,
And all who bring gifts are his friends.

7 Those who hate a brother whoÕs poor
Will never be good at making friends.

Insight is good for all those who seek it,
And an intelligent man will soon find it.

The evil are good at doing whatÕs bad,
And those who aggravate wonÕt be saved.

8 Those [willing to learn], love themselves;
For those seeking whatÕs wise 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 itÕs wrong for a servant whoÕs been given some power
To use it in ways that are haughty.

11 A merciful man is forgiving,
And he triumphs over those who have sinned against him.

12 Intimidation from a king is like a lionÕs [roar];
But, bringing him joy is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son will bring shame to his father.

Impure, are all of the vows
That are paid with the wage of a whore.

14 Though fathers may leave us homes and possessions,
A sensible wife comes from [God].

15 Worry holds back a cowardly man,
And the lives of the idle go hungry.

16 Those keeping the Commandments are protecting their souls;
But those hating its ways will soon perish.

17 God lends to those showing mercy to the poor,
And He repays them according to the gifts that they give.

18 Though correction builds confidence in sons,
You canÕt make them 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 words of your father,
So that in your last days, you will be wise.

21 There are many choices in the heart of a man;
But counsel from God lasts through ages.

22 Charity is what is desired of a man;
For itÕs 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 no knowledge is found.

24 Since the unrighteous hide their hands behind folded arms,
They canÕt bring [whatÕs good] to their mouths.

25 When you whip a foolish man his mischief,
It will make all simple men wiser;
But an intelligent man will understand more,
And heÕll make the needed corrections.

26 Those who show disrespect to their fathers
And push their mothers away,
Will always be reviled and disgraced.

27 Sons who disobey their fatherÕs instructions
Will focus on the evil that they hear.

28 The man who [co-signs] a loan
Is the same as a child who is foolish.

The mouths of the irreverent will swallow
All those who show disrespect for the Law.

29 Whips are prepared for all those
Who fail to watch what they say,
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 like a lionÕs rage,
And those who provoke him
Are sinning against their own lives.

3 ItÕs glory for a man to avoid shouting insults;
But a fool stays involved in such matters.

4 If you scold the lazy, heÕll never be shamedÉ
He even borrows grain in the harvest.

5 Instruction is deep water within a manÕs heart
From which the intelligent can draw.

6 A respected man has much value,
And a merciful man isnÕt easily foundÉ
But itÕs harder to find one whoÕs faithful.

7 Those who offer true justice
Will leave many blessings for their children.

8 When a just king sits on a throne,
He wonÕt abide evil in his presence.

9 Who can boast that he has a pure heart,
And openly say that heÕs clean from all sins?

10 An untrue weight, whether large or small,
Is something unclean to JehovahÉ
For both the weight and its maker
11 Will be bound hand and foot for such things.

A young man whoÕs [a friend] to the holy
Will surely find his ways to be straight.

12 The ears can hear and the eyes can see;
For theyÕre both the works of Jehovah.

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

14 The barterer says, ÔItÕs no good, itÕs no good!Õ
But after he [buys it], heÕll boast.

15 There [are treasures] of gold and of 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 thereafter reclaim them.

17 The bread of deceit may seem good to a man;
But heÕll find his mouth filled up with gravel.

18 Make plans with discussion, counsel, and guidance
Before you go to fight battles.

19 Double-tongued is the man who reveals someoneÕs plan
When he is speaking to others;
For his lips shouldnÕt speak of things not his own.

20 The man who speaks badly to a father or mother
Will find that his torch is extinguished,
And the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.

21 Whenever a thing is easily gained,
In the end, it will have little value.

22 DonÕt ever say youÕll get evenÉ
Just wait on Jehovah to help you.

23 Two different weights are disgusting to [God],
And a balance thatÕs off is evil to Him.

24 A manÕs steps must be set straight by [God];
For, how can mortals know the right ways to go?

25 ItÕs a snare to offer something as holy too quickly;
For after you vow, you might change your mind.

26 A wise king rejects those who donÕt show respect,
And heÕll have them put on the wheel.

27 The spirit of men is a light to Jehovah,
Which He uses to see whatÕs inside them.

28 Mercy and truth safeguard a king;
For, to his throne, theyÕll bring justice.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And the glory of old age is gray hair.

30 The bad will have bruises and broken [bones],
And illness will come to their bellies.

Chapter 21

1 A kingÕs heart is like the waves [of the sea]
When itÕs in the hand of our God.
For, wherever He wishes, He nods,
And thatÕs the way he will go.

2 All men like to think themselves righteous;
But JehovahÕs the One who weighs all their hearts.

3 Telling the truth and doing whatÕs right
Is more pleasing to God than a blood sacrifice.

4 A high-minded man is insolent and bold,
And the torch of the impious is sin.

5 The thoughts of hard-workers are of [gaining much] more;
But, those whoÕre too hasty will end up with less.

6 Those who seek treasures by lying
Are really pursuing in vain;
For, in deathÕs snares, theyÕll be caught.

7 The ruin of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest
By those who prefer righteous ways.

8 To the crooked, God sends what is crooked;
For His ways are all straight and pure.

9 ItÕs better to live on the corner of a roof
Than in a house whitewashed with injustice,
Or to live in one thatÕs unclean.

10 Since the godless prefer to do what is bad,
TheyÕll never see mercy from others.

11 When you discipline men for their lack of restraint,
You make the guileless more clever;
For by his insight, the wise man will learn.

12 Impious hearts are examined by the righteous
Who treat their evil ways with contempt.

13 Those who close their ears to the weak
Will call out and no one will listen.

14 A gift that is given in private
Will soothe [a person whoÕs angry];
But, where thereÕs no gift, the rage may remain.

15 The pure are joyful when the righteous get justice;
But this terrifies those who do evil.

16 A person who travels in ways that are righteous
Will rest among gatherings of great ones.

17 A man who loves pleasure wonÕt end up with much;
And those fond of wine and [olive] oil
Will never [find themselves] wealthy.

18 To the righteous, the wicked are trashÉ
And thatÕs also how they view the Law-breakers.

19 ItÕs better to live in the desert
Than with a wife who likes to argue and fight,
Or with one who is prone to be angry.

20 Treasure rests in the mouths of the wise,
For the foolish just swallow theirs down.

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

22 A wise man can attack fortified cities;
And he can demolish the forts
In which the irreverent put trust.

23 Those who keep watch on their mouths and their tongues
Are saving their souls from the problems they cause.

24 A bold, self-willed, and presumptuous man,
Is one whoÕs considered a plague;
For, all resent those who live without law.

25 Lazy desires bring death to a man,
For his hands will choose to do nothing.

26 The irreverent want to do evil,
While the righteous show pity and mercy.

27 The sacrifices that the irreverent bring
Are viewed as disgusting by [God];
For whatever they bring is not by the Law.

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

29 The irreverent impudently stand in the front,
But the upright know what theyÕre planning.

30 The godless have no wisdom or courage,
And the advice that they offer is bad.

31 Though a horse is prepared for the day of the war,
Help really comes from Jehovah.

Chapter 22

1 A good name is better than wealth,
And good favor is better than silver and gold.

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

3 When a clever man sees the bad being punished,
He makes corrections within his own selfÉ
But this escapes the fools that pass by.

4 The fear of Jehovah is the father of wisdomÉ
Its rewards are wealth, glory, and life.

5 Thistles and snares line ways of the crooked;
But those guarding their souls will avoid them.

6 Raise your child [in good] ways,
And when he grows old, he wonÕt leave them.

7 The rich are in control of the poorÉ
TheyÕre the masters of all those who borrow.

Those planting evil will harvest whatÕs badÉ
Yes, calamity is what they will reap
From all the bad things that they sow.

8 God loves those who cheerfully give,
And He overlooks the foolish things that they do.

9 Those who show mercy to the poor
Will eat the same bread that they give them.

Those who bring gifts buy victory and honor,
While those who withhold them may soon lose their lives.

10 If you keep mischief-makers out of your group,
Their unpleasantness also goes with them.
For youÕre dishonored when they sit in your midst.

11 Jehovah loves hearts that are holyÉ
Those with pure ways, He accepts.

12 The eyes of Jehovah keep guard on good sense,
And He treats lawbreakers as [refuse].

13 The lazy make many excusesÉ
They say, ÔThereÕs a lion in the street;
So, I could be killed in the square.Õ

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

15 Foolish ways delight the hearts of the young;
But instruction and spankings will drive them away.

16 Those who swindle the needy,
Upon themselves, bring much evilÉ
And theyÕll give all theyÕve gained to the wealthy.

17 Lean your ears toward these wise words that come from my mouthÉ
Pay attention to the things that IÕm saying.
Yes, prepare your heart to fully comprehend,
18 For what I am saying is good!
If youÕll put it all deep in your heart,
YouÕll see that it 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 IÕm teaching you words that are true;
So, listen closely and learn,
Then you can reply with words that are true,
When people are asking you questions.

22 DonÕt push away the needy and poor,
And donÕt dishonor the weak at your gates;
23 Since itÕs Jehovah who argues their cause,
YouÕll save your soul from reprisal.

24 DonÕt be a friend to a man prone to rage,
And donÕt lodge men prone to anger,
25 So that you donÕt learn from their ways,
And bring a noose to your life.

26 DonÕt shame your face by ensuring a loan;
For, if [your friend] canÕt repay it,
TheyÕll take the bed from under your back.

28 DonÕt move the 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 kingsÉ
He wonÕt stand beside the dull witted.

Chapter 23

1 If youÕre invited to dine with a ruler,
Pay attention to all thatÕs around you.
2 Especially pay attention to your handsÉ
Have them prepared at such [times].
And though you may be very hungry,
3 DonÕt be too fond of his food,
For that will not save your life.

4 And should you find yourself in great need,
Do not reach out to the wealthyÉ
Use insight and stay at a distance.
5 For, though you keep watch, they will not appear,
Since they have the wings of an eagle,
And they can [escape] to their homes.

6 DonÕt dine with a man prone to envy,
Nor should you desire his foodÉ
7 Eat and drink like youÕre swallowing a hair.
And donÕt bring him into your house for a meal;
8 For, he will just vomit it out
And lay waste to the things youÕve prepared.

9 DonÕt speak into the ears of a fool,
So he doesnÕt sneer at your wisdom.

10 DonÕt move the markers of the ages,
And never take an orphanÕs possessions,
Since their ransom is paid by the LordÉ
11 HeÕs mighty and HeÕll argue their case.

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

13 DonÕt avoid correcting the youngÉ
For, if you spank him, no way will he die.
14 And if you give him a spanking;
From death, you may rescue his soul.

15 Son; if you teach your heart to be wise,
YouÕll bring much joy to my heart.
16 And if [what you say] should prove to be straight,
WeÕll spend much time sharing words from our lips.

17 DonÕt let your heart be jealous of sinnersÉ
Fear Jehovah all day!
18 For, if choose to take this advice,
You will have many descendants,
And youÕll get everything that youÕve hoped for.

19 Hear me O son and be wiseÉ
Straighten the thoughts in your heart!
20 DonÕt be a person who drinks too much wine,
Or reclines with the meat in the markets!
21 For whoremongers and drunks will be poorÉ
The nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.

22 O son; pay attention to your father,
And donÕt disrespect your old mother.
23 With all you have, [search for] truthÉ
And donÕt reject wisdom, instruction, or knowledge!

24 A righteous father is one who provides,
And a son who is wise brings joy to his soul.
25 So, please bring joy to your father and motherÉ
May the one who bore you, rejoice!

26 Lend me your heart and your eyesÉ
O son, pay attention to my words!
27 The house of a [whore] is a keg with a holeÉ
ItÕs a well that is narrow and strange,
28 And all [who enter] will perish!
For, those who break laws are destroyed.

29 Who is the one that has problems and woesÉ
For whom are there many disputesÉ
For whom is there intrigue and rancorÉ 
Who is destroyed for no reasonÉ 
And whoÕs the one with dark eyes?
30 It is those who linger with wine,
And those who go looking for parties!
So, donÕt be a man who gets drunk on wine,
Or hangs out with [the unrighteous]É
DonÕt go around [with those who are bad]!
31 For, if you search for [the contents of] cups,
YouÕll end up as bare as a pestleÉ
32 Stretched out like one whoÕs been struck by a snake,
Or 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 with her, you will be
Like one who has fallen in the depths of the seaÉ
As a sailor whoÕs been covered by waves!
35 (YouÕll say): ÔThey beat me, but I felt no pain;
They mocked me, but I didnÕt know it.
How long will it be Ôtil itÕs dawn
So I can go back and do it again?Õ

Chapter 24

1 Son;
Never be jealous of evil men,
Or desire to go along with them.
2 For their hearts just think about lies,
And misery is found in their lips.

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

5 Gaining wisdom is better than gaining great strength,
And being smart is better than owning much land.

6 Seek guidance before going to war;
For, from the hearts of advisors, comes aid.

7 Wisdom and insight are good,
And theyÕre found within the gates of the wise.

8 The wise wonÕt turn from the Laws of Jehovah,
And they consider His things in their meetings.
9 Those who fail to learn this will die,
9 Since the fool will fail because of his sins.

10 With whatÕs dirty, do not get involved;
For, when a day of trouble arrives,
YouÕll see how such things have worked out.

11 Rescue those being led to their deaths,
And ransom those about to be slain!
12 DonÕt say that you never knew them,
For the Lord knows whatÕs in the hearts of all men,
Since HeÕs the One who put breath in them all.
So, HeÕs aware of all that we do,
And He pays us back for the [sins] we commit.

13 Son;
To eat honey from the comb is delightful;
For, into your throat, this brings sweetnessÉ
14 And thatÕs how wisdom should be in your life;
For, if you find it, your death will be good,
And your hopes will not be abandoned.

15 Never lead the irreverent
To the fields of a man who is righteous,
Or join with them in deception.
16 For, though the righteous may fall seven times,
TheyÕll also stand up again,
While the irreverent will be plagued for their badness.

17 Do not rejoice if your enemy falls,
And after his fall, he canÕt rise.
18 For Jehovah will see this and HeÕll be displeased,
Then HeÕll send His rage down upon you.

19 And do not rejoice over those doing evil,
Or ever be jealous of sinners!
20 For the lives of the wicked will come to an end,
And the torch of the irreverent will be put out.

21 Fear God, O son, as well as the kingÉ
Never resist their persuasion!
22 For they both can bring sudden death
Upon those who show no respect.
So, who can know how theyÕll punish?

23 IÕm saying this to the wise and to you:
If youÕre in awe of a person youÕre judging,
ThatÕs a poor way to start out a trial.
24 For a man who declares the irreverent just
Will be cursed among all his people
And detested in every nation.
25 But, those who reprove will look better,
And upon such a person comes praiseÉ
26 Lips will kiss his righteous decisions.

27 Now, prepare to stop what youÕre doing,
And letÕs go out to work in your fieldÉ
Then follow me, and weÕll work on your house!

28 DonÕt ever be a witness who lies,
And donÕt be too quick to open your lips.
29 DonÕt say, ÔIÕll do what he did to meÉ
IÕll get even with the one who has wronged me!Õ

30 A foolish man is much like a farm,
And one lacking good sense, like a vineyard.
31 For, if you just leave them alone,
They each will become overgrownÉ
Their stone fences will fail and fall down.

32 I once decided to changeÉ
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 And if you allow this to happen to you,
Poorness will soon overtake you,
And lack will pass you like a sprinter.

Chapter 25

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

2 GodÕs glory covers a matter;
But, kings view all things as important.

3 As the heavens are high over the earthÉ
So is the heart of a king.

4 Beating out unrefined silver
Is one way to make it more [pure].

5 Slay the impious surrounding the king,
And youÕll make his throne one of justice.

6 DonÕt boast when youÕre standing in front of the king,
Nor do it in gatherings of the mighty.

7 ItÕs better if [a king] says, ÔYou may approach,Õ
Than to be humbled in the presence of the mighty.

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

8 DonÕt be too quick to start fights;
Or in the end, youÕll wish that you hadnÕt.

Whenever a friend wants to scold you,
9 DonÕt pull away or get angry.
10 For, if his scolding makes you hate him,
ItÕs the same as bringing his death.
Since favor and friendships bring freedom,
Pay close attention to the things that you do,
And give him no reasons to scold youÉ
DonÕt do things that will cause any trouble!

11 As a gold apple in a pendant of rubies
Is the value of words that are wise.
12 And as a gold earring with a setting of [gems]
Are wise words to ears that will listen.

13 A trustworthy messenger is like falling snow
In the heat of the harvest;
For he benefits the lives of all whom he tells.

14 As winds, clouds, and rain are apparent;
So is the man who chooses to boast
Of gifts that he didnÕt give.

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

16 When you find honey, just eat whatÕs enough,
Lest you should get filled and vomit it out.

17 Be sparing in the ways that you [visit] your friends
So they donÕt get tired and start to detest you.

18 The same as clubs, swords, and arrows,
Is the person who slanders a friend.

19 For their evil, the lawless will die
In the bad days that are [coming].

20 As vinegar on a [cut] that brings [pain]
Is a heart in distress to its body.
Like a moth in [wool] clothes and as worms inside wood
Is how worry [will eat] a manÕs heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, you should feed him,
And if heÕs thirsty, you should give him a drink!
22 By this, youÕll pile burning coals on his head,
And Jehovah will repay you for the good things you did.

23 As a wind from the north will bring cloudsÉ
Impudent tongues will bring aggravation.

24 ItÕs better to live on the corner of a roof
Than with a woman who likes to complain.

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

26 As unbecoming as plugging a spring,
Which results in wasting the water,
Is the fall of someone whoÕs righteous
Before those whose ways are impious.

27 As eating too much honey isnÕt good;
Kind words can also give too much praise.

28 As a city without walls and protection
Is the person who wonÕt take advice.

Chapter 26

1 As snow in the summer and rain in the harvest;
ItÕs wrong for a fool to be honored.

2 As sparrows and other winged creatures
May spread [their wings, but not] fly;
An undeserved curse will not happen.

3 Like a whip to a horse or a spur to a mule;
A nation of the lawless must be beaten.

4 DonÕt answer a fool in his same foolish way
So youÕre not thought of being just like him.
5 Rather, reply to show how heÕs foolish,
So he doesnÕt think himself wise.

6 The man who sends a foolish report
Heaps scorn upon all his ways.

7 Remove from fools their reasons [to speak],
And take their proverbs out of their mouths.
8 For as a man who ties a stone to a sling,
Is the person who gives glory to a fool.

9 As thorns will grow in the hands of a drunk;
Slavery grows in the hands of a fool.

10 As a bad storm may cause damage;
The flesh of fools will meet with destruction
Over things in which they find pleasure.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit;
A fool will return to the evil heÕs done
And commit same sins again.

12 IÕve seen men who thought themselves wise,
Yet, they were no better than fools.

13 When you send out the lazy, theyÕll say:
ÔThere are lions in the roads and murderers in the squares.Õ

14 The lazy one rolls in his bed
Like a door thatÕs swinging on hinges.

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

16 The lazy one thinks himself wiser
When something he says appears to be true.

17 As one who grabs hold of the tail of a dog
Is the man who joins in a quarrel not his.

18 As doctors also need healing;
Those who give council will stumble.

19 When a man is caught stealing from friends,
HeÕll claim that it was just a joke.

20 Where thereÕs plenty of wood, a fire will grow;
But, when thereÕs no reason to disagree,
ThereÕs also no reason to fight.

21 As a grate filled with coals or wood on 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 you get from treacherous deeds
Is the same as a fine pot that is cracked.

Comforting [words] will bring rest
To hearts that are deeply distressed.

24 An enemy who cries will always agree,
As he makes wicked plans in his heart.

25 When an enemy is calling to you,
DonÕt pay him any attention;
For there are seven kinds of evil in his heart.

26 Treacherous are those who hide hatred;
But in a court, their sins are revealed.

27 The man who digs a pit for his neighbor
Will be the one who falls in it;
And the one whoÕs rolling a boulder
Will roll it back on himself.

28 A lying tongue hates the truth,
And an open mouth can bring problems.

Chapter 27

1 DonÕt boast of the things that youÕll do tomorrow;
For, [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.

2 Let your praises come from friends (not from you)É
Let them come from the lips of strangers (not yours).

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 the zealous, no one can stand.

5 It is better to offer correction
Than to use many flattering words.

6 The wounds of a friend can be trusted
More than an enemyÕs kisses.

7 At honeycombs, the foolish will laugh;
And to the starving, whatÕs bitter tastes sweet.

8 Like a bird that flies from its nest,
Is the man who strays from his home.

9 Perfume, incense, and wine
Can make the heart very happy;
But, things that go wrong will shatter a soul.

10 DonÕt leave a friend or a friend of your father,
And in hard times, donÕt go 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 gladÉ
Do not shout hateful words!

12 When the clever see evil, they flee;
But a fool passing by gets involved.

13 Take the clothes from the man who shouts insults
And who destroys the goods of a stranger.

14 Shouting praises of a friend too early in the day
Is the same as when you shout curses.

15 As a house leaking rain in the winter;
A nagging wife drives a man from his home.

16 Since wind from the north blows so 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 the one who will gather its fruit;
And the man who guards [the life of] his master
Is the one whoÕll be held in esteem.

19 As faces arenÕt like other faces;
MenÕs hearts are also quite different.

20 As the grave and destruction can never be filled;
The eyes of men canÕt be satisfied.
But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to [God],
As are the stupid who donÕt mind their tongues.

21 As silver and gold are refined in a fire;
A man is refined by correction.

22 You can dishonor a fool with a whip before crowds,
But you canÕt drive his foolishness from him.

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

24 A manÕs might and strength wonÕt last through the agesÉ
Through generations, he cannot retain them.

25 If you tend the greens that grows in your field,
YouÕll take their cuttings for food.
And if youÕll gather hay from the hills,
26 YouÕll also have wool for your clothes.
Therefore, hold your fields in high esteem,
So you can own many lambs.

27 O son;
All of these proverbs that IÕve spoken
Will add many years to your lifeÉ
And theyÕll also bring life to your servants.

Chapter 28

1 The godless will flee when theyÕre not being chased;
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 evil things
Can damage the poor like a storm.

4 Those leaving the Law will praise godless ways;
But for those who love it, the Law is a wall.

5 The evil donÕt understand fairnessÉ
But those seeking Jehovah know what it means.

6 ItÕs better to be poor and walking in truth
Than to be rich and a liar.

7 A discerning son will follow the Law;
But those driven by lust bring their parents dishonor.

8 Those who gain wealth from interest on loans
Will [pay it] to those who are kind to the poor.

9 [God] hates the prayers of all men
Who turn their ears from the Law.

10 Those who lead the righteous toward evil
Will also fall into corruption.
Then the honest will claim all their good things,
And wonÕt let them enter among them again.

11 A rich man thinks himself wise;
But an intelligent poor man sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph, thereÕs glory;
But when the wicked succeed, men will hide.

13 Those who excuse their ungodly ways
WonÕt live to see prosperous times.
But, those who admit and make the correction
Will find themselves truly loved.

14 Blest is the man who worships in awe
When those with hard hearts see only whatÕs bad.

15 Like a thirsty wolf or a lion thatÕs starved
Is the king who rules a poor nation.

16 A king who doesnÕt tax learns to extort;
But those hating corruption will live a long life.

17 The man who stands good for a loan
Is the same as a man blamed for murder;
For he will be sent into exile,
Where he wonÕt find a safe place to hide.

18 The one who travels right ways will be helped,
While those walking crooked paths will get tangled.

19 The man who works his land will eat bread;
But those who are lazy will be poor.

20 A trustworthy man will be praised over much;
But the evil will not go unpunished.

21 The evil look down on the righteousÉ
For a scrap of food, IÕd sell such a man.

22 Though evil eyes are in a hurry to get rich;
They donÕt know that poverty awaits them.

23 Those offering correction will be loved
More than those who just flatter.

24 Those who evict their fathers and mothers
Assume that they have not sinnedÉ 
But to the godless, theyÕve made themselves partners.

25 A dissatisfied man makes bad choices;
But those trusting in God find His [love].

26 A fool will yield to rash ways in his heart,
While those who act wisely stay safe.

27 Those who give to the poor will not be in want,
While those passing them by will never be filled.

28 Where the rulers are godless, the righteous will moan;
And the righteous will prosper when theyÕre destroyed.

Chapter 29

1 ItÕs better to accept your correction
Than to be someone whoÕs proud.
For, upon the proud will come flames
From which they will never be healed.

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

3 Lovers of wisdom bring joy to their parents;
But those who seek whores destroy wealth.

4 A righteous king makes his land firm;
But a lawless king tears it down.

5 The one who sets a snare for a friend,
Wraps it around his own feet.

6 A snare is set for those who choose sinÉ
Which brings gladness and joy to the righteous.

7 The righteous give justice to the poorÉ
But because the godless donÕt understand justice;
To the poor, theyÕre very bad judges.

8 Those fond of mischief will burn their own city;
But the wise can turn back their rage.

9 A wise man will judge many nations,
While the ignorant only bring rage,
Along with ridicule and disrespect.

10 Partners in blood hate the holy and upright,
So theyÕre always seeking their lives.

11 A fool will show all his rage,
While the wise will hold it inside.

12 A king who will 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 Spanking and scolding brings wisdom;
But a child who is left to his own ways
Will soon bring shame to his parents.

16 When the godless are many, many will sin.
But, when they fall, the righteous learn fear.

17 Correct your son and heÕll bring you restÉ
HeÕll be a decoration throughout your whole life.

18 No one can save a lawbreaking nation;
But, those that obey the laws will be blest.

19 You canÕt correct stubborn servants with words;
For, if they understand, they still wonÕt obey.

20 When you see a man who speaks hasty words,
Know that he shares the same hopes as a fool.

21 A man who is raised without purpose
Will soon become somebodyÕs servant,
And heÕll grieve for himself in the end.

22 An angry man looks for reasons to fight,
And a man whoÕs enraged will seek ways to sin.

23 Insolence tears down a man;
But meekness brings glory from God.

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

25 Those who fear men will be stumbled;
But those yielding to God will find joy.

Disrespect is what stumbles a man;
But the one who yields to his lord will be saved.

26 Though many come to stand before rulers,
True justice comes from Jehovah.

27 To the wicked, the righteous are foolish;
And to the lawless, those walking in straight paths [are fools].

Chapter 30

The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh.

1 Thus says this man to those trusting in God:
ÔIÕm weary, 2 for IÕm the most foolish of men,
And the intelligence of man isnÕt in me.
3 Yet, God has taught me much wisdom,
And the holiest of knowledge, I know.Õ

4 WhoÕs gone into the sky and returned?
Who has gathered the winds to His chest?
Who has bundled the seas in His robe?
Who has held the ends of the earth?
Yes, what is the name by which He is known,
And by what names has He called His sons?

5 All of GodÕs words are truly pure,
And HeÕs a shield to those who show Him respect.
6 But donÕt add to His words or HeÕll whip you,
And He will prove you a liar.

7 These are the things that IÕve asked Him to do:
á May I find Your favor [throughout my life].
á 8 Please take away my vain, foolish words.
á DonÕt give me poverty or wealthÉ
Just give me the things that I need
So I can remain self-sufficient.
á 9 DonÕt leave me in need, so IÕd steal,
And thereby profane the Name of my God.

10 DonÕt return a [slave] to his master
So heÕll have no reason to curse you.

11 A bad son curses his father
And doesnÕt 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 take from the needy.

15 To the leech was [born] three beloved daughters;
But with the three, she wasnÕt satisfied,
So she also [gave birth to] a fourth,
Since she couldnÕt say, ÔThatÕs enough!Õ
16 For the desires of a woman and the grave canÕt be filled,
As the ground never gets too much waterÉ
As with fire and water, itÕs never enough!

17 May the eyes of those who make fun of their fathers
And dishonor their mothers in their old age
Be removed by crows in ravines,
And devoured by the young ones of vultures.

18 There are three things I canÕt comprehend,
And thereÕs a fourth that I do not know:
á 19 The tracks of the flight of an eagle
á The ways of a snake on a rock
á The path of a ship as it travels the seas
á And the ways of men in their youth.

20 As an adulterous wife is still washing herself,
SheÕll claim that she has done nothing wrong.

21 These three things shake the ground,
And the fourth itÕs unable to bear:
á 22 When someoneÕs servant becomes king
á When a fool has plenty of food
á 23 When a handmaidÕs released by her lady
á When a hateful woman gets a good man.

24 There are four lesser things on the earth,
And these are wiser than the wise:
á 25 The ants that are weak,
But spend their summers storing food.
á 26 Rabbits that form a weak nation,
But make their houses in rocks.
á 27 Locusts that live all alone,
But march in order when given the command.
á 28 And the lizard with hands that are stickyÉ
For, though they are easily caught,
They live in the castles of kings.

29 There are three things that continue to prosper,
And a fourth that is best overlooked:
á 30 The cub of a lion; for though itÕs not strong,
It wonÕt turn away and it doesnÕt know fear.
á 31 A rooster that struts among hens.
á A male goat who takes the lead of his flock.
á And a king who speaks to his nation.

32 When you lose your joy and raise fists to fight,
YouÕve already lost all your honor.

33 If you churn milk, youÕll have butter;
If you squeeze your nose, it will bleed;
And if you just keep on talking,
Arguing and fights will result.

Chapter 31

The words of the King Belonging to God.

1 These words [that IÕve written] were spoken by GodÉ
Through a king came an answer divine.

He was once asked by his mother:
2 ÔWhat, O my child, what should I tell youÉ
Which saying of God should I tell my firstborn?
What, O child of my bellyÉ
What, O child of my vows?

3 ÔDonÕt [waste] your money on bad women,
Nor your abilities and mind seeking pleasure.
Think it all over and follow [my] wordsÉ
And [do not] drink [too much] wine!

4 ÔSince the mighty are easy to anger;
Never offer them wine,
5 Lest they lose their wisdom in drink.
For they make poor decisions when theyÕre weak.

6 ÔGive liquor to those in distress;
Offer wine to those who are grieving
7 So they can forget their condition
And remember their misery no more.

8 ÔO son;
Open your mouth to speak Godly words,
And offer fair judgments to all.
9 Open your mouth with righteous decisionsÉ
Stand up for the needy and weak!

10 ÔWho can find an industrious wife?
More than precious gems, is her value!
11 If the heart of her man courageously guards her,
HeÕll never be lacking good treasures;
12 For sheÕll uses her strength to support him,
And sheÕll not waste her life in doing whatÕs bad!
13 SheÕll work with her hands spinning linen and wool,
14 And act like a ship that trades far awayÉ
For, thatÕs how sheÕll gather her money.

15 ÔShe gets up while itÕs still night,
Along with her female attendants,
To ready the food for her household.
16 She may see a farm and then buy itÉ
From the fruits of her hands, sheÕll gain more.

17 ÔShe wraps her waist to give it support,
And readies her arms to do work.
18 SheÕs tasted and found work to be good,
And keeps her lamp lit all night long.

19 ÔShe reaches for things advantageous,
And applies her hands to the spindle.
20 She opens her hands to the needy,
And stretches her arms toward the poor.

21 ÔShe wouldnÕt consider using whatÕs yours
Whenever youÕre gone for a while;
And all that are hers will have enough clothes.

22 ÔA doubled coat made of goatÕs hair,
She has sewn for her man;
And from the bolt-ends of linen and purple,
SheÕs also made one for herself.
23 So, her man is admired when he sits at the gate,
And meets with the rest of the elders.

24 ÔShe takes fine linen to make loincloths
For all of her CanaAnite [servants].
25 SheÕs [proud] of her strength and her beauty,
And is happy throughout the rest of her days.

26 ÔShe 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 doesnÕt eat.

28 ÔShe raises her sons so they will grow rich,
And her man sings praises of her.
29 Her many daughters will also be rich
By doing the things that sheÕs [taught them].

ÔBut, you are still the first [in her eyes]É
Above all the rest, she holds you.

30 ÔSo, beauty and allurement are false;
Therefore, that isnÕt what you should seek.
Rather, find a woman whoÕs praised and discerningÉ
One whoÕs known for her fear of God.
31 Take from her, the fruit of her lips,
And youÕll always be praised at the gates.Õ

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