Sermon Central
Proverbs 1:1-31:10
View Full ChapterPurpose and Theme 1The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
3for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men 8Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
10My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
13we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
16for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.
18These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves!
19Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.
Wisdom’s Rebuke 20Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;
22“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
24But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,
26I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
29since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD .
30Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 33but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
3indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
5then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
8for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
12Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
14who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
18Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
20Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being 1My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
10then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11My son, do not despise the LORD ’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
12because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
14for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
20by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
22they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
25Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
28Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.
31Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
32For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.
33The LORD ’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. 35The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
2I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
3For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get
10Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
20My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
22for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
25Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
26Give careful thought to the
Warning Against Adultery 1My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,
2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
4but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.
5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.
7Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
9lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity
10lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.
11At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.
13I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.
14And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
15Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.
17Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.
18May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
21For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.
Warnings Against Folly 1My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.
4Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.
7It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
9How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
11and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
12A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,
15Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
16There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
23For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,
24keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
26For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.
31Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.
33Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.
34For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 35He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is.
4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.”
5They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
7I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.
9at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
10Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
15So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!
16I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.
17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
21With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
23till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
Wisdom’s Call 1Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
4“To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
5You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
7My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
11for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.
15By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
18With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
21bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
22“The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,
23I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;
25before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
26before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.
27I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
29when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
32“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
33Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
35For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD . 36But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
1Wisdom has built her house; she has set up
2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
4“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,
5“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
7Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
12If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
15calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way,
17“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” 18But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
Proverbs of Solomon 1The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.
3The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
5He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
17Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.
23A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
25When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
27The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
2When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
8The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
10When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
12Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
15Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
18A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
20The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
26People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
29Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
2Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
7The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.
9Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
13Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble.
18The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
22The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. 28In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
3Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
6Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
8A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
13Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
15Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
20Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
21Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
22A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. 25The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
1The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
7Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
9Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
15The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
17A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
24The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
26Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
28A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
31Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. 35A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
11Death and Destruction
15All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
17Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
19The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
23A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. 33Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
5The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
9In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
11Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD ; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
14A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
15When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
19Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
25There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
26The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
28A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
30Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
1Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
3The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
4A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
8A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.
11Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.
14Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
16Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
19Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
26If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
3When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.
4The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
9One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
11The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 24One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
4Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
6Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
7The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
9A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
11A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
13A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.
15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.
16Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.
19A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.
20Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
23The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
10Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.
11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24A person’s steps are directed by the LORD . How then can anyone understand their own way?
25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
27The human spirit is
2A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.
4Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
5The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
7The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.
12The Righteous One
14A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
19Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
22One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
25The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
28A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. 31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD .
2Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
6Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
8Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
9The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
11One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.
12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”
14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the LORD ’s wrath falls into it.
16One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
21teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
Saying 2 22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
Saying 3 24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
25or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
Saying 7
1When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what
3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Saying 9 6Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies;
7for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.
8You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.
Saying 12 12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Saying 14 15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed;
16my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
18There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 16 19Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:
20Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
21for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Saying 17 22Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
24The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
27for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19 29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!
32In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 35“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”
Saying 20 1Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;
2for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.
Saying 22 5The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.
Saying 24 8Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.
9The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.
Saying 25 10If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!
11Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
14Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 28 17Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.
Saying 29 19Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked,
22for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise 23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
25But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.
26An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
27Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead?
30I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 34and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
7it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes
8do not bring
10or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
23Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. 28Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
1Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
19is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
21As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
23Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent
25Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.
5Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
7One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
8Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.
10Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
12The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
14If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
19As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
20Death and Destruction
21The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.
22Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them.
23Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;
24for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.
2When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3A ruler
5Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
9If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
16A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
18The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
19Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
22The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
24Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
25The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
27Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
1Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for
7The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
9If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
14If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
16When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
18Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
22An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
24The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. 27The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
2Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding.
3I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
4Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!
5“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
9Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD ?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
10“Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.
11“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers;
12those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;
16the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’
20“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’
21“Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:
23a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress.
24“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
25Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
27locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
29“There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:
30a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
32“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! 33For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”
Sayings of King Lemuel 1The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
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