Book of Proverbs a book of wisdom.
	Home / Bible / Poetry / Proverbs

Verse by verse, account of the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs: chapter 1

¹The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; ²To know wisdom and instruction, that words of understanding may be discerned and comprehended. ³Receiving the instruction for wisdom, justice, judgment and knowing righteousness. ⁴To be able to teach the simple and give knowledge and judgment to the young man. ⁵That the wise would hear and increases their learning and the man of understanding attends to wise counsel. ⁶That the people may understand a proverb, (a figure of speech) and its meaning, the words of the wise and their disguised riddles.

⁷The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ⁸My son, hear the instruction of your father and forsake not the law of your mother. ⁹For this shall be an ornament of grace to your head and jewels adorning your neck.

¹⁰My son, if bad company entices you, do not consent to it. ¹¹If they say to you; Come with us, let us lie in wait for the innocent and take advantage of them without cause. ¹²We will take them by surprise and leave them for dead. ¹³And we shall fill our homes with their precious goods. ¹⁴Pledge to join our group and we will have one common purse.

¹⁵My son, restrain yourself from walking with them in their destructive paths! ¹⁶They revel in evil, taking pleasure in their violent deeds. ¹⁷For in vain a trap is placed in plain sight. ¹⁸But when they secretly lay a trap, they ultimately are setting an ambush against their own lives. ¹⁹Also are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, it takes away its owners' life.

²⁰Wisdom cries outside, she utters her voice in the streets. ²¹She cries in the chief gathering places and utters her words, saying; ²²How long will you be open to evil, loving your simplicity, while scorners delight in their sarcasm and fools despise knowledge? ²³Heed my warning and turn back at my reproof, I will pour out my Spirit to you and make my words known to you.

²⁴But, I, wisdom have called out to you and you refused to answer, I have stretched out my hand, but no one paid attention. ²⁵For you have despised all my advice and would heed none of my warning. ²⁶Therefore, I also will laugh at your calamities and mock you as you face your fears. ²⁷As your fear consumes you and ruin comes upon you as a tempest storm. ²⁸Then they shall call upon me, but I will not answer, even as they seek me, they shall not find me.

²⁹Instead they chose to hate knowledge, rather than choosing the fear of the LORD. ³⁰They would not listen to any of my counsel and they despised my corrections. ³¹They shall reap the fruits of their own way, filled with their own desires. ³²For the backsliding of the simple repays them and the ease of fools destroys them. ³³But whoever heeds my words shall dwell in safely and shall have no fear of evil.

Proverbs: chapter 2

¹My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you. ²So that you attend to wisdom, you shall apply your heart to understanding. ³Yes, if you seek after knowledge and speak having understanding. ⁴Seeking and searching for wisdom as the silver of hidden treasures, ⁵Then you shall understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. ⁶For the LORD gives wisdom and from His words come knowledge and understanding. ⁷The LORD lays up sound wisdom for the righteous and is a shield to those who walk uprightly. ⁸He sets the ways of judgment and guards the paths of His saints. ⁹Then you shall understand righteousness, judgment, honesty and every good path.

¹⁰When wisdom comes into your heart and knowledge becomes pleasing to you. ¹¹Common sense will then watch over you and understanding shall keep you. ¹²Keeping you from the way of the evil man, those who speak wicked things. ¹³They who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness. ¹⁴Rejoicing in evil deeds, delighting in the perversities of the wicked. ¹⁵Their ways are crooked, for they are perverted in their paths.

¹⁶Wisdom and understanding will deliver you from the loose woman, the outsider who flatters you with her words. ¹⁷Who forsakes the guide and husband of her youth, forgetting the covenant of her God. ¹⁸Even her house leads her to death, and her paths to the spiritually dead. ¹⁹Those who join with her do not return, nor do they take hold of the path of life.

²⁰So, walk in the way of good and keep the paths of the righteous. ²¹For the upright shall dwell in the land and the blameless in the sight of God, shall remain in it. ²²But the wicked and transgressors shall be destroyed from the earth.

Proverbs: chapter 3

¹My son, do not forget my law and let your heart keep my commandments. ²They shall give you length of days and long life and fullness of life. ³Do not lose hold on mercy and truth, bind them to you and write them upon your heart. ⁴And you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. ⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

⁷Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn from evil. ⁸It shall be health to your flesh and vitality to your bones. ⁹Honor the LORD with your substance and with the firstfruits of all your increase. ¹⁰And your barns shall be filled with plenty and your vats shall overflow with new wine. ¹¹My son, do not despise the discipline of the LORD, nor be faint hearted with His reproof. ¹²For whom the LORD loves, He corrects, just as a father corrects the son in whom he delights in.

¹³Blessed is the man who finds wisdom and receives understanding. ¹⁴For the increase from wisdom is far better than the gain you get from silver, for its yield is better than fine gold. ¹⁵Wisdom is more precious than rubies and all the things you can desire are not to be compared with her. ¹⁶Length of days are in her right hand and riches and honor are in her left hand. ¹⁷Pleasant are her ways and all her paths are peaceful. ¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who embrace her and those who do are happy. ¹⁹For the LORD founded the earth by wisdom and through understanding the heavens were made. ²⁰By His knowledge the depths were separated and the clouds distilled the dew.

²¹My son, keep sound wisdom and judgment, do not lose sight of them. ²²For they shall quicken your soul and be assurance to your flesh. ²³Your way shall then be sure and your feet shall not stumble. ²⁴When you lie down, you shall not be afraid, your sleep shall be sweet. ²⁵Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the destruction of the wicked. ²⁶For the LORD shall be your hope, He shall keep you steadfast.

²⁷Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is within your ability to do so. ²⁸If the substance is within your hand, do not say to your neighbor; Come back tomorrow and I will give it to you. ²⁹Do not scheme evil against your neighbor, as he dwells without fear by you. ³⁰Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. ³¹Do not envy a cruel man, neither choose any of his ways. ³²For the perverted man is an abomination to the LORD, but He confides with the righteous. ³³For the LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. ³⁴He scoffs at the proud and godless, but He gives grace to the humble. ³⁵The wise will inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Proverbs: chapter 4

¹Sons, listen to the advice of a father, hear my words that they may give you understanding. ²For what you receive of my counsel is good, do not forsake my teachings. ³For when I was young, being my father's son. ⁴He also taught me, telling me to; keep his words in my heart, to keep his commandments and live. ⁵Get wisdom and understanding, once you have them do not forget them, nor turn away from my teachings. ⁶Do not forsake wisdom, rather love her and she will keep you. ⁷First and foremost get godly wisdom, it is the principal thing and will produce in you understanding. ⁸Prize wisdom and she shall exalt you, embrace her and she shall bring you honor. ⁹She shall adorn your life with grace, giving you a crown of glory. ¹⁰My son, hear me and receive my sayings and the days of your life shall be many. ¹¹For I have taught you in the way of godly wisdom, leading you in upright paths. ¹²As you walk your steps shall not be restricted and when you run you shall not stumble. ¹³Hold fast to instruction, do not let go of her, for she is your life.

¹⁴Do not enter the path of the wicked, following the path of evil. ¹⁵Avoid it, stay your distance, turn from it and pass on! ¹⁶For the evil person does not rest unless they have done wickedly causing someone to fall, otherwise their sleep is taken from them. ¹⁷For their whole existence is wickedness and violence. ¹⁸But the path of the just is as a shining light, coming closer and closer to the perfect day. ¹⁹The way of the wicked is as deep darkness, they know not what they stumble over.

²⁰My son, listen to my words and submit to my sayings. ²¹Let them not depart from your sight, keep them in the midst of your heart. ²²For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. ²³Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs forth the issues of life. ²⁴Put away from you dishonest speech and put slanderous talk far from you. ²⁵Let your eyes look rightfully having a fixed purpose, looking straight ahead of you. ²⁶Consider well your path, letting your ways be rightly established. ²⁷Do not turn to either side, but remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs: chapter 5

¹My son, listen to my wisdom, submit yourself to my understanding. ²That you may acquire good discretion, that you may speak wisely. ³For the lips of a seductive woman are sweet and her words are smooth. ⁴But she will soon turn and become bitter, wounding you to the core. ⁵She is headed for death and the grave and will take you with her. ⁶She does not think about her path of life, but aimlessly wanders through life, her path cannot be known.

⁷Therefore sons, hear me; Do not stray from the words of my mouth. ⁸Let your way in life be far from hers, keep your distance, avoiding all temptations. ⁹Lest you throw away your honor, to spend your days with the cruel. ¹⁰Laboring in the house of a stranger, casting your pearls before swine. ¹¹Only to moan when your end comes and your flesh and muscle are eaten away. ¹²Realizing then that you have hated instruction and truly despised correction. ¹³And say, I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor submitting to wise counsel. ¹⁴I was almost overtaken by all evil in everyone's sight.

¹⁵Drink waters out of your own cistern and pure waters out of your own well, (NOTE: Be satisfied with your own lawful marriage, for it was given to you to prevent uncleanness).. ¹⁶Should your overflowing passions be scattered in the streets? ¹⁷Rather, let them be for you alone and not for strangers with you. ¹⁸Then shall your life be blessed and you shall rejoice with the wife of your youth. ¹⁹As a loving deer and gentle doe, Let her love satisfy you at all times, always dwelling in her love continually.

²⁰But tell me, my son, why should you be ravished with a loose woman, embracing the bosom of a stranger? ²¹Remember, the ways of a man are always before the LORD. ²²The wicked are ensnared by their own iniquities and he is left holding his own sins. ²³He dies for lack of discipline and instruction, for in the abundance of his folly, he was led astray.

Proverbs: chapter 6

¹My son, if you have entered into a financial agreement with a friend, becoming his collateral, making a deal with a stranger. ²You become entrapped by your own speech. ³My son, deliver yourself now! Go to your friend and humble yourself, resolve the exchange and release yourself. ⁴Do not even take a rest until this matter is resolved. ⁵Deliver yourself from being surety in the controller's hand.

⁶Consider the ways of the ant, you sluggard and become wise. ⁷She does not have a guide, overseer or ruler. ⁸She provides food in the summer and gathers food in the harvest. ⁹Sluggard, how long will you rest? When will you become productive? ¹⁰A little sleep and slumber and yet you are looking for more rest. ¹¹So shall also your poverty come, slow but sure.

¹²A worthless person, a wicked man who talks with a perverse mouth, ¹³winking with his eyes, shuffling his feet, speaking with his hand, to mislead and deceive. ¹⁴Perverseness is in his heart, (morally corrupt) always scheming and bringing up contentions. ¹⁵Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly, he will be quickly broken and his end shall be final. ¹⁶These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are hateful to his soul: ¹⁷⁽¹⁾A proud look, ⁽²⁾a lying tongue and ⁽³⁾hands that shed innocent blood. ¹⁸⁽⁴⁾A heart that schemes wickedness, ⁽⁵⁾feet that quickly desire to cause evil, ¹⁹⁽⁶⁾those who give false witness and ⁽⁷⁾he who causes strife among brothers.

²⁰My son, keep your father's commandments and do not forsake the law of your mother. ²¹Bind them upon your heart forever and tie them around your neck. ²²They shall guide you as you go and keep you as you sleep, giving you counsel. ²³For the commandment is a lamp, the teaching of the law is the light and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. ²⁴To keep you away from the evil woman, from the flattery of the seductress woman. ²⁵Do not lust after her beauty, nor let her capture you with her eyelids. ²⁶Through an adulterous woman, a man's very life is reduced to crumbs. ²⁷For can a man take fire in his lap and not burn his clothing? ²⁸Can a man walk on hot coals and not burn his feet? ²⁹So is the man who goes into his neighbor's wife, he who touches her shall not be found innocent.

³⁰Men do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his physical hunger. ³¹Even so if he is found, he shall restore sevenfold to pay his fine. ³²But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, destroying his own soul. ³³He shall be wounded and get a medal of dishonor and his shame will not depart from him. ³⁴For jealousy makes the wronged man rage and he will not be spared in the day of vengeance. ³⁵For in that day, no ransom, gifts or bribes shall be considered.

Proverbs: chapter 7

¹My son, keep my words and store up my commandments within you. ²Keep my commandments for they bring life and keep my law before your eyes. ³May they be precious for you to look upon, as a ring on your finger, write them upon your heart. ⁴Consider wisdom to be your sister and understanding your closest relative. ⁵So that they may keep you from the seductress woman, whom flatters with her words.

⁶For at my house I looked out the window. ⁷And saw among the simple ones, a young man with no understanding. ⁸Arriving at the corner where she lived, then walking the path to her house. ⁹In the twilight and the dark of night. ¹⁰There a woman meets him, wearing the dress of a harlot having a cunning heart. ¹¹She was loud and self-willed, allays roaming never at home. ¹²Being outside she lies in wait at every corner. ¹³And she caught him and kissed him and with a hardened face, she said to him. ¹⁴I have offerings with me, we shall feast well, for today, I have paid my vows. ¹⁵That is why I came out to meet you and see your face. ¹⁶My bed is all made up of fine linen, ¹⁷perfumed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. ¹⁸Let us take our fill of love until the morning, delighting ourselves with caresses. ¹⁹For my husband is not at home, he has gone on a long journey. ²⁰He has taken several provisions with him and will be gone many days. ²¹By her sweet speech and her flattering lips she caused him to yield to her. ²²The youth went after her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter. ²³Until a dart of passion strikes through his vitals, as a bird quickly flies into the trap, not knowing that his soul is being hunted.

²⁴Now listen to me, sons and attend to the words that I speak. ²⁵Do not let your heart be turned aside to her ways, going astray in her paths. ²⁶For she has brought down many strong men. ²⁷Her house is the way to hell, going down to the rooms of death.

Proverbs: chapter 8

¹Does not wisdom call out and understanding put forth her voice? ²Wisdom openly stands on the mountain tops. ³Crying out also in the gates of the city. ⁴I call to the sons of men. ⁵You simple ones, understand wisdom and you fools, be of an understanding heart. ⁶I will speak to you of right and excellent things. ⁷I will only speak the truth, for even speaking wickedness is detestable to me. ⁸The concepts I give you are righteous, nothing twisted or perverse, (morally corrupt) is in them. ⁹They are plain and right to those who have knowledge and understand. ¹⁰Receive my instruction and not silver and knowledge rather than choice gold. ¹¹For wisdom is better than rubies and all whatever may be desired is not to be compared to it.

¹²I, wisdom, dwell with reason and discipline, seeking out knowledge. ¹³The fear of the LORD is to hate evil, prideful ways, arrogance and wicked speech. ¹⁴Counsel and sound wisdom are mine, for Christ is my understanding and my strength. ¹⁵By him king's reign and princes decree justice. ¹⁶Princes and nobles rule under me, the judges of the earth. ¹⁷Christ love those who love Him and those who seek Him early shall find Him. ¹⁸For enduring riches, honor and righteousness are with me. ¹⁹Through acquiring wisdom, my fruit is better than fine gold and my increase better than choice silver. ²⁰I lead in the way of righteousness, walking the path of judgment. ²¹Causing those who love Me to inherit riches and I fill their treasuries.

²²The LORD created wisdom at the very beginning, before His works of old. ²³He anointed me, everlasting wisdom, before the earth ever was. ^24-25Before the creation of the earth, I, wisdom was brought forth. ^27-28Before the heavens were established, I, wisdom was there. ²⁹Before He divided the sea, before the foundations of the earth. ³⁰I was a workman at His side, I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him. ³¹Rejoicing in His earth and my delight was with the sons of men.

³²Therefore now sons listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. ³³Hear instruction and become wise, do not refuse it. ³⁴Blessed is the man who hears me and seeks out wisdom. ³⁵For whoever finds me finds life and will obtain favor from the LORD. ³⁶But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul and they who despise wisdom love death.

Proverbs: chapter 9

¹Wisdom has built her house and carved out seven foundational pillars. ²She has set her table and prepared a splendid feast. ³She has sent out her maids, to call to the people from the high places. ⁴Let the simple one's and the one's lacking heart, turn in here. ⁵Eat of my bread and drink my wine. ⁶Forsake the ways of the foolish and live and receive the way of understanding. ⁷But, he who rebukes a sarcastic man brings shame on himself and he who rebukes a wicked man get for himself bruises. ⁸Therefore do not reprove a scorner, lest he hate you, but you can give correction to a wise man and he will love you. ⁹Correcting a wise man, will make him yet wiser and teaching a just one, will increase his learning. ¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding. ¹¹For through wisdom your days shall be full and the years of your life shall be increased. ¹²If you are wise, you are wise unto yourself, likewise, if you are sarcastic, you alone shall bear it.

¹³A foolish woman is troublesome, she is simple, open to all forms of evil and knows nothing. ¹⁴She sits at the door of her house, overlooking the high places of the city, ¹⁵Calling to those who pass by. ¹⁶To the simple one's and those who lack heart, saying to them; Turn in here. ¹⁷Forbidden pleasures are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. ¹⁸However, he does not know that shades of death and darkness are there, for her guests are in the depths of hell.

Proverbs: chapter 10

¹The proverbs of Solomon, a wise son causes his father to rejoice, but a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother.

²Ill-gotten gain profits you nothing, but righteousness delivers one from death. ³The LORD will not allow the righteous to go hungry, but He casts away the desire of the wicked.

⁴He who is lethargic soon becomes poor, but the hand of the hard worker makes himself rich.

⁵He who gathers at harvest time is a wise son, but he who sleeps through it, is a son that causes shame.

⁶Blessings are on the just, but violence is in the mouth of the wicked.

⁷The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot.

⁸The wise in heart will follow and heed commandments, but a babbling fool will reject all instructions and fall.

⁹He who walks uprightly walks securely, but he who perverts his ways shall be found out.

¹⁰He who winks the eye with malice intent causes sorrow and a babbling fool shall fall.

¹¹The words of a righteous person are a well of life, but violence fills the mouth of the wicked.

¹²Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.

¹³wisdom is found in the speech of him who has understanding, but a rod and disgrace is meant for them who are without understanding.

¹⁴The wise store up knowledge, but the speech of the foolish becomes their destruction.

¹⁵The rich man's wealth is his stronghold and the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

¹⁶The labors of the righteous leads to life, the profit of the wicked leads to yet further sin.

¹⁷He who listens to and follows instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.

¹⁸He who covers up his hatred through speaking lies and he who speaks sarcasm, is a self-confident fool.

¹⁹Where words abound, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his speech is wise.

²⁰The speech of the just is as choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is worth little. ²¹The words of the righteous are food to many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

²²The blessing of the LORD alone makes one truly rich and there is no sorrow with it.

²³A fool is entertained by carrying out wickedness, likewise, wisdom is pleasurable to a man of understanding.

²⁴What the wicked fears shall come upon them, but the desires of the righteous shall be granted. ²⁵Storm shall come upon the wicked and they shall perish, but the righteous have an everlasting foundation.

²⁶Such as vinegar is to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who employ him.

²⁷The fear of the LORD prolongs one's days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ²⁸The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

²⁹The way of the LORD is strength to the upright, but it is ruin to the workers of iniquity. ³⁰The righteous throughout the age, shall not be moved, but the wicked shall not remain in the earth.

³¹The speech of the just brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut off. ³²The righteous speaks that which is pleasing, but the wicked speaks perverseness.

Proverbs: chapter 11

¹Deceitful practices are an abomination to the LORD, but He delights in fair trade.

²Soon after one becomes proud, shame is soon to follow, but wisdom is with the humble.

³The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous men shall destroy them.

⁴In the day of wrath, riches profit nothing, but righteousness delivers oneself from death.

⁵The righteousness of the blameless shall keep his path straight, but the wicked shall fall due to their own wickedness. ⁶The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but deceivers shall be taken by their own lusts.

⁷When a wicked man dies his hopes perish with him, all the hopes of an evil person are lost.

⁸The righteous are delivered out of trouble and the wicked takes their place.

⁹A hypocrite corrupts his neighbor by his speech, but through knowledge the just shall be delivered.

¹⁰When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices and when the wicked are destroyed, there is singing. ¹¹Through the blessing of the upright the city is lifted up, but its downfall comes by the words of the wicked.

¹²He who belittles his neighbor lacks sense, for a man of understanding remains silent. ¹³A gossip is a revealer of secrets, but a man of integrity will keep the matter confident.

¹⁴Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.

¹⁵He who becomes collateral for a stranger shall come to ruin, but he who does not practice this is security from its outcome.

¹⁶A gracious woman retains her honor and the strong retains his riches.

¹⁷The man who is merciful to others also does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel to others also troubles his own flesh.

¹⁸The wicked man earns a dishonest wage, but one sowing righteousness has a sure reward.

¹⁹Righteousness leads to life, but they whom pursue evil are led to their own death.

²⁰The perverse in heart, (morally corrupt) are an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are His delight.

²¹You can be assured of this, the wicked shall not go unpunished and the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

²²Like a jewel of gold in a pig's snout, so is a beautiful woman who virtue is spotted and lacks discretion.

²³The desire of the righteous is only for good, but the hope of the wicked is for transgression.

²⁴There are those who scatter, yet they increase more and those who holdback more than what is due, only to come to poverty.

²⁵The soul that gives liberally shall be enriched and he who waters shall also be watered himself.

²⁶He who withholds grain, the people shall curse, but blessings are on, he who sells.

²⁷He who diligently seeks good finds God's favor, but he who seeks to do after evil, evil will come to him.

²⁸He who trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall blossom like a branch.

²⁹He who troubles his own house shall inherit nothing but the wind and the foolish shall be a servant to the wise in heart.

³⁰The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who claims souls for God is wise.

³¹The righteous on the earth shall be rewarded, how much more severe the wicked and the sinner.

Proverbs: chapter 12

¹Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is like a brute animal.

²Grace is given to the good from the LORD, but the LORD will condemn a man of wicked thoughts.

³A man shall not be established by wickedness and the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

⁴A woman of virtue is as a crown to her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

⁵The thoughts of the righteous are pure, but even the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

⁶The thoughts and words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood, but the words of the upright shall deliver them.

⁷The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous stands.

⁸A man is praised according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart, (morally corrupt) shall be despised.

⁹Better is the lightly esteemed who has substance, than the self-honored who lacks bread.

¹⁰A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹He who labors in his own field shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows vain imaginations lacks sense and understanding.

¹²The desire of the wicked is every kind of evil, but the root of the righteous yield's fruit.

¹³The wicked are snared by the transgression of their own evil thoughts, but the wisdom of the just shall keep them from trouble.

¹⁴A man shall be satisfied through the good of his speech and the works of a man's hands shall come back to him as a reward.

¹⁵The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.

¹⁶A fool's wrath is quickly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.

¹⁷He who speaks the truth shows forth his righteousness, but a false witness brings forth deceit.

¹⁸A rash speaker cuts like the piercing of a sword, but the speech of the wise promotes healing.

¹⁹The words of truth shall be established forever, but lying speech is but for a moment.

²⁰Treachery is in the heart of those who imagine evil, but counselors who speak of peace bring joy.

²¹No evil shall happen to the just, but the wicked shall be filled with misfortune and calamity.

²²Lying lips are hateful to the LORD, but they who deal truly are His delight.

²³A wise man conceals his knowledge, but the heart of fools speaks out their foolishness.

²⁴The hand of the hard worker shall delegate rule, but the lazy shall be under forced labors.

²⁵Worries in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.

²⁶The righteous man acts as a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes them to go astray.

²⁷The slothful man does not dress his game after he has killed it, (NOTE: he fails to complete the job), but a diligent man gets precious wealth.

²⁸Within the way of righteousness is the pathway of life and in that pathway, there is no death.

Proverbs: chapter 13

¹A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scorner does not hear correction.

²A man shall eat well from the goodness of his speech, but the treacherous one's eat their own words filled with violence.

³He who guards his speech keeps his life, but he who freely speaks his mind, it becomes ruin to him.

⁴The desires of the sluggard shall come to nothing, but the diligent worker shall have plenty.

⁵The righteous man hates lying and deceit, but the wicked one is repugnant and acts shameful.

⁶Righteousness keeps the blameless in the path of life, but wickedness hurries into sin and overthrows the sinner.

⁷There are those who consider themselves to be rich, yet have little and those who act poor, yet they have great riches.

⁸The rich man can buy his way out of most troubles, but the poor man is not bothered by such concerns.

⁹The righteous rejoice with inner joy, but the lamp of the wicked shall soon be put out.

¹⁰Only through pride are debates and argument brought forth, but wisdom is with those who take advice.

¹¹Wealth quickly gotten through ill-gotten means shall also quickly diminish, but he that labors, gathering riches slowly and shall increases them.

¹²Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³Whoever despises the Word shall be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment shall be rewarded.

¹⁴The principles and the teachings of the wise are their fountain of life, so to depart from the snares of death.

¹⁵Wise understanding gives favor, but the way of the transgressors is hard.

¹⁶Every wise man deals with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.

¹⁷A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing.

¹⁸Poverty and shame shall come to him that refuses instruction, but he who listens to correction shall be honored.

¹⁹A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but it is hateful to fools who have set their eyes on evil.

²⁰He who walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion with fools shall become a fool themselves and shall suffer evil.

²¹Evil pursues sinners, but the righteous shall be repaid with good.

²²A good man leaves an inheritance to his sons' sons and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just man.

²³The poor and common work their fields diligently to produce much, but when there is no justice, their rewards are swept away.

²⁴He who spares the rod of correction hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early on in life.

²⁵The righteous shall eat to their own satisfaction, but the belly of the wicked shall lack food.

Proverbs: chapter 14

¹A wise woman builds up her home, but the foolish woman tears it down piece by piece.

²The man that walks upright fears the LORD, but the perverse man despises the LORD.

³The speech of the foolish shows a heart of pride, but the wise and humble man restrains his speech.

⁴Without putting forth hard labors the profits are minimal and all remains clean, nearly unused, but there is great increase by further labor.

⁵A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will speak lies.

⁶The sarcastic seeks wisdom, without finding it, but knowledge comes easy to him who understands.

⁷Go far from the presence of a foolish man when you do not hear wisdom in his speech.

⁸ The wisdom of the wise will allow him to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

⁹Fools laugh at sin, but among the righteous there is favor.

¹⁰The heart knows its own bitterness, yet a stranger does not share in this.

¹¹The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall be blessed.

¹²There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.

¹³Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful and the end of that joy is heaviness.

¹⁴The heart of the backslider shall be filled with his own ways, also as the good man shall be satisfied with his own good ways.

¹⁵The simple believe every word they hear, but the wise man considers his ways.

¹⁶A wise man senses' danger and departs from evil, but the fool confidently walks into it.

¹⁷He who angers quickly acts foolishly and a man of wicked schemes is hated.

¹⁸The inherence of the simple is folly, but the wise are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹Evil men will one day bow before the good men, as in the day when the wicked men bow before the gates of the righteous.

²⁰The poor are hated even by their own neighbor, but the rich have many friends.

²¹He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who has mercy on the poor.

²²Those who think evil go astray, but they who meditate on good thoughts, mercy and truth shall be their reward.

²³In all labor there is gain, but idle talk leads only to poverty.

²⁴The crown of the wise is their riches of wisdom, but the foolishness of fools is folly.

²⁵A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

²⁶There is strong hope in the fear of the LORD and the LORD's sons shall always have a place of refuge in Him. ²⁷The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death.

²⁸A king's glory is in the multitude of his people, but in the lack of people is the downfall of the prince.

²⁹He who is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he who is short tempered shows his folly.

³⁰A sound heart and mind, is life and health to the body, but negative emotions cause rottenness of the bones.

³¹He who oppresses the poor mocks and insults his Maker, but he who honors the LORD has mercy upon the poor.

³²The wicked are driven away by their own wickedness, but the righteous have hope and confidence even in death.

³³Wisdom resides in the heart of those who have understanding, but among fools their foolish heart is exposed.

³⁴Righteousness lifts up a nation, but sin is shame to all of it people.

³⁵The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

Proverbs: chapter 15

¹A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

²The speech of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but fools pour out words of foolishness.

³The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

⁴Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but perverse speech breaks down the spirit.

⁵A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who listens and heeds correction is wise.

⁶There is much treasure in the house of the righteous, but in the profit of the wicked there is trouble and confusion.

⁷The speech of the righteous teaches knowledge, but for the hearts of the foolish this is not so.

⁸Even the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

⁹The way of the wicked is hateful to the LORD, but He loves him who pursues righteousness.

¹⁰Correction is grievous to him who forsakes the way of the LORD, for he who hates reproof shall die.

¹¹Hell and destruction are before the LORD, even more so are the hearts of the sons of men.

¹²He who is sarcastic does not love one who corrects him and he will not go to the wise for counsel.

¹³A merry heart makes for a cheerful face, but sorrow of heart breaks the spirit.

¹⁴The hearts desire of him who has understanding seeks further knowledge, but fools feed on foolishness.

¹⁵All the days of the afflicted are of misery, but gladness of heart is continual joy.

¹⁶Better is little while acknowledging the fear of the LORD, than having great treasure and troubles with it.

¹⁷Better is a dinner of mere vegetables where love is, than an elaborate feast where hatred is.

¹⁸A wrathful man stirs up strife, but one slow to anger calms the situation.

¹⁹The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain.

²⁰A wise son is his father's joy, but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹Folly is joyful to those without any wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

²²Without wise counsel plans do not stand, but through much wise counsel plans are established.

²³A wise answer at the proper time, is a joy to the speaker!

²⁴The path the wise follow leads to a higher life, turning aside from hell below.

²⁵The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He sets up borders and makes secure the widow.

²⁶The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure in heart are pleasant.

²⁷He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes shall live.

²⁸The righteous man thinks before they answer, but the wicked man is quick to speak out evil things.

²⁹The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.

³⁰Light in the eyes makes the heart rejoice and a good report nourishes the bones.

³¹The person that hears a life giving reproof, shall remain among the wise.

³²He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who hears reproof gets understanding.

³³The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom and before honor is humility.

Proverbs: chapter 16

¹Man orders his plans, but the LORD sets things in motion.

²all the ways of a man are clean and pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart.

³Commit your works to the LORD and your thoughts shall be established. ⁴For the LORD has made everything to accommodate His purpose, even the wicked are part of His plan in the day of evil and calamity.

⁵All who are proud in heart are an abomination to the LORD, be assured that they shall not go unpunished.

⁶Through mercy and truth, guilt from sin is purged and by the fear of the LORD men turn away from evil.

⁷When a man's ways are pleasing the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

⁸Better is a little with righteousness and right standing with God, than great revenues without right standing.

⁹A man's mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

¹⁰When the king divinely swears an oath, he should not waver in judgment.

¹¹Just weights and balances are of the LORD, He has established them all.

¹²It is an abomination to the LORD for a king to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.

¹³A king delights in those who speech is of righteousness and he who does is loved by the king.

¹⁴The fury of a king is as a messenger of death, but a wise man will quiet it. ¹⁵For in the light of the king's face is life and his favor flows abundantly.

¹⁶It is much better to get wisdom than gold and understanding rather than choice silver!

¹⁷The way of the upright is to turn away from evil and he who guards his way preserves his life.

¹⁸Pride goes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

¹⁹It is better to have a humble spirit grouped with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

²⁰He who deals wisely in a matter shall find good, for whoever trusts in the LORD is happy, blessed and fortunate.

²¹The wise in heart shall be called prudent, understanding and knowledgeable, for their speech teaches wisdom.

²²Understanding is as a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

²³The wise controls his speech and adds learning to his lips.

²⁴Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

²⁵There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.

²⁶The laborer is driven to work, because to provide for his daily needs.

²⁷An ungodly man schemes evil and his speech is uncontestable and quick. ²⁸And a perverse man causes strife, separating even close friends.

²⁹A wicked man lures his neighbor into a way that is not good. ³⁰He even meditates on perverse things, to then speak them out, bringing evil to pass.

³¹The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.

³²He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he who rules according to his spirit is better than one who takes a city by might.

³³The entire portion is cast into the hands of men, but the distribution of the whole is of the LORD.

Proverbs: chapter 17

¹Better is a dry morsel of bread with quietness, than a house filled with great feasting having strife in it.

²A wise servant shall rule over a son who causes shame and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers.

³Just as silver and gold are refined in the furnace, likewise, the LORD tries the hearts of men.

⁴The wicked man heeds the actions of false speech and a liar entertains evil speech.

⁵Whoever mocks the poor reviles his Maker and he who is glad at calamities shall not go unpunished.

⁶Children and their descendants are the crown of old men, for the glory of the sons is also the fathers glory.

⁷Excellent of speech is not fitting for a fool, much less is lying speech fitting for a noble.

⁸A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him who has it, whatever path he chooses he prospers.

⁹He who covers an offense seeks love, but he who harps on the matter separates even close friends.

¹⁰A reproof enters into a wise man, more so than a thousand stripes into a fool.

¹¹An evil man seeks only rebellion, therefore, a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

¹²It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his rage.

¹³Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

¹⁴The beginning of strife is as a slow leak of water, therefore, mend your differences before they break out.

¹⁵He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, both are an abomination to the LORD.

¹⁶Of what use is money in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, since he has no heart or understanding for it?

¹⁷A friend loves at all times and is born as a brother for the times of trouble.

¹⁸A man lacking sense gives his pledges and becomes security for another in the presence of his friend.

¹⁹He who loves strife and arguments loves transgression and by the arrogant man exulting himself, he seeks his own ruin.

²⁰A perverse person can never lead to good, also he with contrary speech falls into calamity himself.

²¹He who fathers a fool does it to his own sorrow, for the father of a fool has no joy.

²²A merry heart is good medicine and works healing, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

²³A wicked man receives a bribe so as to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴A man of understanding sets wisdom before him, but the mind of the fool is scattered throughout the entire earth.

²⁵A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to his mother.

²⁶It is not good to punish the just, or to strike a noble for their uprightness.

²⁷He who has knowledge uses few words and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. ²⁸Even a fool when he is silent, is counted wise and he who speaks not is counted as a man of understanding.

Proverbs: chapter 18

¹He that willfully separates himself from God and man seeks only his own desire, breaking away from all sound wisdom.

²A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his heart so that he can expose all of himself.

³With wicked men, scorn and contempt is soon to follow and with shame comes reproach.

⁴Man's words are as deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream, (NOTE: pure, fresh and life giving).

⁵It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, nor to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

⁶A fool's speech enters into an argument, silently calling for a beating. ⁷For his mouth is his own destruction to his soul.

⁸The words of a gossip are as wounds, going down into the innermost parts of the heart. ⁹Also the man who is slack in his work is a brother to a great destroyer.

¹⁰The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous man runs into it and is safe. ¹¹But the rich man's views his wealth as his strong city.

¹²Pride comes before the fall and before honor is humility.

¹³If one answers a matter before he fully hears it, it is folly and shame to him.

¹⁴The strong spirit of a man will nourish his sickness, but a wounded spirit who can bear?

¹⁵The heart of the prudent gets understanding, as wise men seek knowledge.

¹⁶A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

¹⁷The first one to speak always seems convincing, until others cross examine him. ¹⁸But casting lots puts an end to the dispute, dividing between the parties.

¹⁹A brother who is offended is harder to win over then a fortified city, each of the differences between you are as the bars of the city.

²⁰A man shall be filled with the words of his mouth and will reap the consequences, whether good or evil. ²¹Death and life are in the power of one's speech and everyone shall reap the results of their own speech.

²²Whoever finds a Godly wife finds a good thing and gets favor from the LORD.

²³The poor are humble when speaking their requests, but the rich answers roughly, (NOTE: as seen in the parable of the pharisee and the publican, Luke 18:9-14).

²⁴A man having many friends, does so to his own demise, but there is a Friend, who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs: chapter 19

¹Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than a rich fool with perverse speech.

²Acting on desires without knowledge is not good, for he who quickly rushes into such matters, sins.

³Man's foolish desires pervert his own way and he takes up resentment against the LORD.

⁴Wealth attracts many friends, but the poor are avoided by their neighbor.

⁵A false witness and one who speaks lies shall not go unpunished, nor escape their destiny.

⁶Many people ask for the favor of a ruler and all are friends to a man who gives gifts. ⁷but even the friends and brothers of the poor man hate him, even though he pursues them with words, he still finds himself lacking.

⁸He who gets wisdom loves his own life, for he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.

⁹A false witness and one who speaks lies shall not go unpunished, but shall perish.

¹⁰Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less fitting is for a servant to have rule over a prince.

¹¹By wisdom a man controls his anger and by his glory, he overlooks an offense.

¹²The king's wrath is as terrifying as the roaring of a lion, but his favor is as refreshing as the dew on the grass.

¹³A foolish son is ruin, to his father and the quarreling of a wife is like a continual never ending dripping.

¹⁴Houses and riches are inherited from the fathers, but an understanding wife is from the LORD.

¹⁵Through laziness one enters into a deep sleep and an idle person shall suffer hunger.

¹⁶He who keeps the commandment of the LORD, preservers his own life, but he who despises His ways shall die.

¹⁷He who has pity upon the poor lends to the LORD and the LORD will reward him for his dealings.

¹⁸Discipline your children while they are young and there will be hope, for indulging them only leads to ruin for them.

¹⁹A man filled with much anger shall suffer much in the way of penalties and if you deliver him once, he will expect you to do it again.

²⁰Hear advice and receive instruction, so that you may be wise in the time to come.

²¹In a man's heart are many plans and purposes, but the counsel of the LORD shall stand.

²²That to be desired in a man is his kindness and a poor man is better than a liar.

²³The fear of the LORD leads to life, he shall rest and be satisfied and shall not be visited with evil.

²⁴The sluggard puts his hand in the dish, but is too lazy to bring it to his mouth.

²⁵Strike a foolish person and they will learn from it, reprove one who has understanding and he will increase in knowledge.

²⁶The son who assaults his father and chases away his mother, causes shame and brings reproach.

²⁷My son, do not listen to discipline only to then ignore the words of knowledge.

²⁸An ungodly witness scoffs at judgment and the wicked partake of their own iniquities.

²⁹Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs: chapter 20

¹Wine is a mocker, strong drink will cause one to rage and whoever goes astray by it is not wise.

²The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, whoever stirs him to anger sins against his own soul.

³It is honorable for a man to cease from strife, but every fool expresses himself.

⁴A lazy farmer will not plant in the spring and in the fall he will beg for his harvest.

⁵Thoughts in the hearts of men are as deep waters, but a man of understanding can draw out the wisdom.

⁶Most men brag of their own goodness, but a faithful man who can find?

⁷The just man walks in his integrity and his sons are blessed after him.

⁸A king who keeps an eye on judgment, removes all evil from his sight.

⁹Can anyone say; I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Romans 3:23, 5:12, 1^st John 1:8

¹⁰Different weights and measures and dishonestly used to one's advantage, the LORD finds both of them to be an abomination.

¹¹Even a child soon gains their own reputation and is known by their deeds, whether their work is pure and right.

¹²The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made both of them.

¹³Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes and you shall be satisfied with bread.

¹⁴The buyer claims the merchandise is worthless! Only then to go his way and boast of his purchase.

¹⁵Within the earth, there is gold and a multitude of rubies, but even more precious is the person who speaks knowledge.

¹⁶Hold on securely to the collateral when making a loan to a stranger.

¹⁷Stolen bread is sweet to a man, but afterwards this becomes bitter and distasteful.

¹⁸Councils establish plans and purposes and only with good advice can one carry out war.

¹⁹A gossip is a revealer of secrets, do not mix or associate such who speaks sweet platitudes.

²⁰Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp shall be put out in complete darkness.

²¹An inheritance quickly and cunningly gotten, shall not be blessed in the end.

²²Do not think to repay evil for evil, wait upon the LORD and He will vindicate you, (NOTE: vengeance is Mine, says the LORD, Romans 12:19).

²³Different weights proving a false balance to gain the advantage are an abomination to the LORD.

²⁴Man's steps are of the LORD, how then can a man understand his own way?

²⁵It is a snare for a man to rashly make a vow to the LORD and then wonder how he might keep it.

²⁶A wise king separates and sweeps out the wicked from the good.

²⁷Man's spirit is the lamp of the LORD, searching the inner thoughts of man.

²⁸Mercy, kindness and truth preserve the king, for his throne is upheld by the people's loyalty.

²⁹The glory of young men is their strength and the beauty of old men is their gray hair.

³⁰A good beating cleanses away evil, reaching to the inward parts of the flesh.

Proverbs: chapter 21

¹The hearts of the leaders of the land are in the LORD's hand, He turns it, wherever He will.

²The ways of a man are right in his own eyes, but the LORD tries his heart.

³To do righteousness and judgment is more pleasing to the LORD than sacrifice.

⁴Arrogance and pride are the sinful marks of the wicked.

⁵The thoughts and plans of the steadfast and diligent always lead to plenty, but everone who is impatient and hasty lead only to poverty.

⁶Gains acquired by deception and lying, is as a vapor blown to and fro by those who seek death.

⁷The robbery and violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to invoke justice.

⁸Perverted is the way of a vile man, but the work of the pure is right.

⁹It is better to dwell alone in a corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a quarrelsome woman.

¹⁰The soul of the wicked desires evil and his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

¹¹When the simple are punished, he is made wise and when the wise are instructed, he receives yet more knowledge.

¹²The righteous wisely considers the house of the wicked, of how God has overthrown it because of their wickedness.

¹³Whoever refuses to hear the cries of the poor, shall also cry himself, but he shall not be heard.

¹⁴A gift in secret pacifies anger and a bribe in one's lap appeases strong wrath.

¹⁵It is joy to just men to enforce justice, but for workers of iniquity it is their ruin.

¹⁶The man that wanders from the path of understanding shall abide with the departed spirits of the dead.

¹⁷He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man, he who loves wine and oil shall not become rich.

¹⁸The wicked shall become ransom and wealth for the righteous and the treacherous for the upright.

¹⁹It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and angry woman.

²⁰Desirable treasures and oil are in the home of the wise, but foolish men do not see its treasure and swallow it up.

²¹He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life and achieves honor.

²²One wise man can scale the city of the mighty and bring down the strength of its hope.

²³He who guards his mouth and controls his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

²⁴Proud and haughty is the name of the scorner and he deals in arrogant wrath.

²⁵The desire of the lazy man is his downfall, for his hands refused to work. ²⁶He greedily covets all the day long, while the righteous give to him, but even that does not satisfy him.

²⁷The sacrificial offerings of the wicked are an abomination to God and much more when he brings it having a wicked mind.

²⁸A false witness shall perish, but the man who listens and is true will speak on.

²⁹A wicked man hardens his face becoming unchangeable, but the upright man establishes his way.

³⁰There is no human wisdom, understanding or counsel that can prevail against the LORD. ³¹Even though man prepares the horse for the day of battle, deliverance and victory comes from the LORD.

Proverbs: chapter 22

¹To have integrity behind your name is better than great riches and having a gracious spirit favor is better than silver or gold.

²Both the rich and the poor come together before the LORD, for the LORD is the maker of them all.

³The wise man foresees trouble and avoids it, but the simple person walks blindly into it and suffers.

⁴Only through humility and knowing the fear of the LORD, does one find riches and honor and life.

⁵The way of the perverse, (morally corrupt) is full of thorns and snares and he who guards his life shall be far from them.

⁶Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

⁷The rich rules over the poor and the borrower becomes a servant to the lender.

⁸He who sows iniquity shall reap only calamities and the weapons of his wrath shall come to nothing.

⁹He who has a charitable eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his substance to the poor.

¹⁰Remove the sarcastic one from your midst and fighting, quarrels and shame shall cease.

¹¹The man that loves pureness of heart, speaks words of grace and the king is his friend.

¹²The LORD keeps and guards knowledge and the words of the transgressor are overturned.

¹³The sluggard says to himself; It is dangerous outside, I could be killed in the streets, if I go outside.

¹⁴The speech of loose women is very enticing and those despised by the LORD shall fall by it.

¹⁵The rod of correction shall drive out foolishness from the heart of a child.

¹⁶He that exploits the poor for his own gain and gives bribes to the rich shall surely come to poverty.

¹⁷Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, apply your heart to my knowledge. ¹⁸For if you understand and speak wisdom, it shall be pleasant for you. ¹⁹Keeping your trust in the LORD, that I have made known to you. ²⁰For I have written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, ²¹To let you know the sureness of the words of truth, so you can take them back to those who sent you.

²²Do not rob the poor, just because you can and do not oppress the afflicted when they are seeking justice. ²³For the LORD will plead their case and He will strip the soul of those who take advantage of them.

²⁴Do not make friends with an angry man or a man of fury, ²⁵lest you learn his ways and it becomes a snare to your soul.

²⁶Do not be one who gives his oath and becomes sureties for debts of others. ²⁷If you cannot cover the debt, why should you be forced into poverty?

²⁸Do not change the boundary lines that your fathers have originally set up.

²⁹A man whose diligent in his business, shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before obscure men.

Proverbs: chapter 23

¹When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider what is before you; ²If you are a man given to appetite, resist! ³Do not desire his delicacies, for it is food having hidden motives.

⁴Do not labor to be rich, cease from your own human understanding. ⁵Why set your eyes on wealth? It can be gone in an instant, for it flies away on wings like eagles.

⁶Do not eat the bread of him who has an evil eye, nor desire his dainty foods. ⁷For he is as he thinks in his heart, he tells you to eat and drink, for all the wrong reasons. ⁸Even the bit of food that you have eaten, you shall vomit up.

⁹Do not speak words of wisdom to a fool, for he will despise your words.

¹⁰Do not change land boundaries, entering into the fields of the fatherless. ¹¹For their Redeemer is mighty and He shall plead their case against you.

¹²Apply your heart to instruction and listen to the words of knowledge. ¹³Do not withhold correction from a boy, it will not kill him. ¹⁴discipline him with the rod and you shall deliver his soul from hell. ¹⁵My son, if your heart is wise, my heart shall also rejoice. ¹⁶Yes, I shall rejoice as you speak righteous things.

¹⁷Do not envy sinners, rather, at all times continue in the fear of the LORD. ¹⁸For there is a hereafter and a reward, your hope shall not be cut off.

¹⁹My son, listen to my words and be wise, guiding your heart in the right way. ²⁰Do not associate with wine-bibbers or gluttonous men eating meat. ²¹For the drunkard and the glutton lose everything, also the lazy who sleep shall be clothed with rags. ²²Listen to your father, nor despise your mother when she is old. ²³Purchase truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding and hold on to them. ²⁴Then the father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice, for he shall get joy from his son. ²⁵Both father and mother shall be glad and rejoice. ²⁶My son, give Me your heart and observe My ways. ²⁷For a harlot is a deep ditch and a loose woman is a narrow pit. ²⁸She lies in wait for her prey, increasing her treachery among men.

²⁹Who are the people with woes and sorrows? Filled with contentions and utter babblings, having wounds without a rightful cause and redness of eyes? ³⁰Are they not those who indulge in wine and other enhancing subsistence. ³¹Judge it not by its sweet appearance, ³²but by its end, as to how it will leave you. ³³For your eyes will be tempted to look on loose women and your heart shall speak of perverse things. ³⁴You will become as one who is senseless and unstable, not knowing where you are. ³⁵Unable even to feel it when they beet you, denying your true condition and when you awaken. You will gladly seek it again.

Proverbs: chapter 24

¹Do not be jealous of evil men, nor desire to associate with them. ² For their heart meditates on sin that leads to ruin and this is all they speak about.

³One's life, home and family is founded through wisdom and by understanding it is established. ⁴By knowledge each is provided for. ⁵And the wise man filled with knowledge is strong, ever increasing in his strength. ⁶Through wise counsel he makes his plans, for in a multitude of wise men, there is safety.

⁷Wisdom is too high for a fool, he should not speak in the presence of the wise. ⁸He who schemes evil shall be called a master of wicked thoughts. ⁹Their thoughts of foolishness lead to sin and the sarcastic of them is hateful to all men.

¹⁰If you faint in a day of adversity, your strength is small.

¹¹Rescue them who are perishing, do not hesitate to help. ¹²Excuses will not justify you, for He who searches every man's heart knows and will repay a man according to his works.

¹³My son, eat honey! For it is good and sweet to the taste. ¹⁴Just as the knowledge of wisdom is to your soul when you find it and afterwards shall be your reward.

¹⁵You wicked ones, do not lie in ambush at the dwelling of the righteous, to spoil his place of rest. ¹⁶For just men may fall seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by their own evil.

¹⁷Do not rejoice and let your heart be glad when your enemy falls. ¹⁸Lest this displeases the LORD and He turn away His wrath from your enemy.

¹⁹Do not worry because of evil ones, nor be jealous of the wicked. ²⁰For they have no future, the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

²¹My son, fear the LORD and the king. Do not even associate with the rebellious. ²²For their calamity shall come upon them suddenly and who can say what judgments both, the king and the LORD shall place upon them.

²³These are the sayings for the wise: To show favoritism to people in judgment is not good. ²⁴For the false judge that says to the wicked, you are righteous. The people will curse him and nations shall abhor him. ²⁵But if the judge should rebuke him, it shall be right in the sight of the people and a blessing shall come upon them. ²⁶And a truthful outcome shall be a pleasure for all.

²⁷Prioritize your work. First prepare your work in the fields, then build your house.

²⁸Do not witness against your neighbor without a cause, nor speak lies about him. ²⁹Do not repay his evil deed with evil, according to his work.

³⁰I walked by the field of the lazy man and the vineyard of the man without understanding. ³¹It was all grown over with weeds and its stone wall was broken down. ³²As I pondered this, I received this insight. ³³A little sleep and slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down. ³⁴And their poverty and want, comes unrepentantly as a thief.

Proverbs: chapter 25

¹The proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied, 1^st Kings 4:32.

²The glory of God is to conceal a matter, but the king's honor is to search out a matter. ³As high as the heavens are, the king's heart is also unsearchable.

⁴Remove the impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a worthy vessel. ⁵Likewise remove the wicked from before the king and his throne shall be founded in righteousness.

⁶Do not rush in before the presence of the king, or stand before the great. ⁷It is far better to be asked, so that you are not lowered in the presence of a noble. (NOTE: Corresponds to Jesus's teaching of the 'places of honor', Luke 14:7-14).

⁸Do not quickly take up an argument, lest you be put to shame when you discover all the facts. ⁹Plead your case with your neighbor, without disclosing secrets of others, ¹⁰Lest he who hears it puts you to shame and your evil report stays with you always.

¹¹A word rightly spoken at the right time, is as fine jewel. ¹²Also, so can be a reprimand wisely spoken at the proper time to a hearing ear.

¹³A faithful person is as a refreshing drink, for his word is reliable.

¹⁴A man boasting of gifts that he has not, is as clouds and wind without rain.

¹⁵Through long forbearing and a calm voice being slow to anger, is a ruler is won over.

¹⁶Have you found sweet pleasures? Take only what is sufficient for you, lest you over indulge and vomit it up.

¹⁷Do not over stay your welcome, least your neighbor becomes weary of you and starts to hate you.

¹⁸A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is as dangerous as a brute beast.

¹⁹Trusting in an unfaithful man in time of trouble, is truly misplaced trust.

²⁰He who has no sympathy cannot sing songs and cheer up a heavy heart.

²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat and drink. ²²For by doing so you shall heap coals of fire upon his head and the LORD shall reward you, Romans 12:20.

²³The north wind brings forth stormy weather, likewise, does an angry face and a backbiting tongue.

²⁴It is better to dwell alone in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a quarreling woman.

²⁵Like cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶A righteous man who compromises before the wicked, is as a troubled fountain and a rotten spring, (NOTE: fountains and springs sustain life).

²⁷It is not good to indulge in pleasures, such men pridefully seek out their own glory and this glory does not become a true glory to them.

²⁸The man who cannot control his own spirit, is as a broken down city without walls and boundaries.

Proverbs: chapter 26

¹As unfitting as snow is in summer and as rain is during the harvest time, so is honor for a fool.

²Just as random babblings, the curse without a cause shall not come.

³As a whip is used for the horse and a bit for the donkey's mouth, so also is a rod for the fool's back.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

⁴Do not answer a fool according to his own foolishness, lest you also become like him. ⁵But answer him regarding his foolishness, so that he may not be wise in his own eyes.

⁶He who sends a message by the hand of a fool, puts the delivery at risk and creates his own damages. ⁷It is not fitting for a fool to speak a parable, if he does it shall be lame at best. ⁸The man who gives honor to a fool, is a useless man himself. ⁹To have a fool speak a parable, is as having a drunkard guide the wise.

¹⁰Great is the God of all, He rewards both fools and transgressors.

¹¹As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

¹²There is greater hope for a man wise in his own eyes, than for a fool.

¹³The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way, a lion is in the streets, (NOTE: making excuses and justifying his laziness).

¹⁴As the door naturally turns on its hinges, so the lazy man also turns on his bed.

¹⁵The lazy man places his hand in his lap, it grieves him even to raise it to his mouth.

¹⁶The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven wise men, (NOTE: seven is the number of competition).

¹⁷He who take on concerns and cares that are not his own is looking for trouble, as one who takes a dog by the ears.

¹⁸As a madman who carelessly throws caution to the wind and speaks of death. ¹⁹So is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, It is only a joke.

²⁰Where there is no fuel, the fire goes out, likewise, where there is no gossip, the striving ceases. ²¹But just as coals burn hot, so does a quarrelsome man kindle strife. ²²For the words of a gossip are as wounds, striking the innermost parts of the heart.

²³Passionate speech coming from a wicked heart is like a broken piece of pottery, the pieces still look beautiful, but the vase is useless.

²⁴Your enemy who hates you speaks kind platitudes, while he builds up and stores up deceit within him. ²⁵When he speaks gracious words do not believe him, for his heart is completely set on hate. ²⁶He whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will eventually be made known in public.

²⁷He who sets a trap for another man, shall fall into his own trap and he who is out to oppress his brother, he himself shall be oppressed.

²⁸They who speak lies hate their own victims and they whose speech is flattering in the end come to ruin.

Proverbs: chapter 27

¹Do not boast of where you will be tomorrow, for you do not know how a day may unfold, James 4:13-14.

²Let others praise you, rather than giving yourself praise.

³Stones are heavy, but a fool's wrath is even heavier. ⁴Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before envy?

⁵A spoken reprimand is better than silent approval spoken in love. ⁶Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

⁷To the satisfied soul even delicates are not enticing, but to the hungry soul, that cannot discern, every bitter thing is sweet.

⁸As a bird wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his place, left vulnerable and all is unprotected.

⁹Just as ointments and perfumes delight the heart, so does the sweetness of one's friendship. ¹⁰Do not forsake your friends or your father's friends, but neither go to your brother's house in the day of your trouble, better is a neighbor that is near than a brother who is far off.

¹¹My son, be wise and make my heart glad, then shall nothing shame me.

¹²A sensible man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple man blindly walks into it and is punished.

¹³Hold on securely to the collateral when making a loan to a stranger.

¹⁴He who rises early in the morning and blesses his friend in a loud voice, it shall be accounted to him as a curse.

¹⁵A never-ending dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome woman are alike. ¹⁶concealing her is useless for she refuses instruction.

¹⁷Iron sharpens iron and so do friends sharpen friends.

¹⁸Whoever tends to the fig tree shall eat of its fruit and he who waits on his master shall be honored.

¹⁹As water reflects your face, so your face reflects your heart.

²⁰The eyes of man are never satisfied. Therefore, destruction never ceases and hell never becomes full.

²¹As precious metals refined in the furnace, so is a man to his praise.

²²Even though you try to bet the foolishness out of the fool, his foolishness will not depart from him.

²³Be aware of your own dealings and keep your focus on your own things. ²⁴For riches are not forever, neither is a crown guaranteed for all your generations. ²⁵But when reaping time has come. ²⁶You divided up and budget your profits. ²⁷It shall be enough for the food of your household, providing for your young women.

Proverbs: chapter 28

¹The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

²Because of the transgression of a land, it has had many rulers, but by an intelligent leader a man of discernment, who knows right from wrong, the land is prolonged.

³A poor man who oppresses his fellow poor, is without mercy, for he will take their last morsel of food.

⁴Those who forsake the law, praise the wicked and those who keep the law plead against the wicked.

⁵Evil men do not understand judgment, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.

⁶Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who is perverse, (morally corrupt) in his ways, even though he be rich.

⁷Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons and an evil crowd shames his father.

⁸The man that increases his wealth through extortion, he shall eventually gather it for him who will pity the poor.

⁹He who turns away from hearing the law, even his prayer is a hateful thing to the LORD.

¹⁰Whoever causes a righteous man to go astray, he himself shall fall into his own pit, but the upright shall inherit good.

¹¹The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding studies him and finds him out.

¹²When the righteous rise to power, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise up, men hide themselves.

¹³He who covers his sins shall not be blessed, but he who confesses and leaves them shall have mercy, 1^st John 1:8-10.

¹⁴Blessed is the man that continually fears God, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into evil.

¹⁵Just as a roaring lion and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor and helpless people.

¹⁶A ruler who is lacking understanding is as a wicked one and a great oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain shall prolong his days.

¹⁷A man guilt-ridden with the shedding of the blood of another man, flees to the grave and his destruction, let no man stop him!

¹⁸Those that walk uprightly shall be saved, but he who is perverse, (morally corrupt) in his ways shall quickly fall.

¹⁹He who works his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that follows the idle and pursues worthless vanities shall have more than enough poverty.

²⁰A faithful man shall overflow with blessings, but he who runs after ill-gotten gain to get rich shall not be acquitted.

²¹Favoritism towards certain people is not good. Yes, even for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

²²He who desires to quickly become rich has an evil eye and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

²³He who reproves a man shall afterwards have a greater favor with that man, than he who uses flattering speech.

²⁴Whoever robs his father or mother only to say, it is no sin, I have not done wrong. He shall be just as a lawless robber.

²⁵The proud man will stir up strife, but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall prosper.

²⁶He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but the man who walks wisely shall be delivered.

²⁷The man that gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who refuses to see the needs of the poor shall have many curses befall him.

²⁸When the wicked rise to power, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous are increase in number.

Proverbs: chapter 29

¹A man who becomes stubborn after being corrected often, shall suddenly be ruined and there shall be no healing.

²When the righteous become in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.

³The son that loves wisdom causes his father to rejoice, but he who runs with harlots wastes his substances.

⁴Through justice the king establishes the land, but by taking bribes, he tears it down.

⁵A man who flatters his neighbor, sets a trap for his neighbor and by doing so also sets a trap for his feet.

⁶Evil men are snared by their own traps and the righteous sing and rejoice.

⁷The righteous man knows of the want of the poor, the wicked man would rather not know it.

⁸Prideful cynics can turn a city upside down having bitter disputes, but wise men calm all situations.

⁹If a wise man contends with a foolish man, the foolish man will either dispute or laugh and no resolve will ever be reached.

¹⁰Men of blood hate the upright, for the just seek his life.

¹¹A fool speaks exactly what is on his mind, but a wise man thinks it over and refrains his speech.

¹²If a ruler listens to falsehoods, all his servants will become wicked.

¹³The poor and the deceitful man come together, for the LORD has given light to the eyes of both of them.

¹⁴A king who truthfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

¹⁵The rod and correction give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings shame to his mother.

¹⁶When the wicked are in authority, transgressions increases, but the righteous shall see their fall.

¹⁷Discipline your son and he shall delight your soul and you shall find rest.

¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he who keeps the law is blessed.

¹⁹You cannot correct a servant by words alone, for though he understands, he will not answer to his master.

²⁰There is more hope for a fool, than for a man hasty with his words.

²¹He who pampers his servant from his youth, the servant in his latter days will expect the rights of a successor.

²²An angry man stirs up strife and a furious man abounds in transgressions.

²³A man's pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

²⁴Whoever is a partner with a thief despises his own life, for he falls under the same curse as the thief and does not reveal it.

²⁵The fear of man brings much contention and confusion, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

²⁶Many men seek the ruler's favor, but each man's judgment comes from the LORD.

²⁷An unjust man is seen as a hateful thing to the just man and the upright man is seen as a hateful thing to the wicked.

Proverbs: chapter 30

¹The words, the prophecy of Agur, whose words were reported to Ithiel and Ucal, saying; ²Surely I am more like an animal than a man, for I do not have the understanding of a man. ³I have not learned Godly wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. ⁴Who has gone up to heaven and has come down. Who dictates to the winds and the waters, for He has established the whole earth. What is His name and what is His Son's name? Surely, you know. ⁵Surely every Word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. ⁶Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you and you be found a liar.

⁷I have asked two things of You, do not deny me of them before I die. ⁸That You would remove me far from vanities and lying words and that You would give me neither poverty nor riches, but provide for me my substance. ⁹Lest I become satisfied and deceived, saying; Who is this LORD? Or, lest I be poor and turn to crime, violating the name of my God.

¹⁰Do not accuse a servant to his master, lest the servant comes against you and you be found guilty. ¹¹For there is a generation that curses their father, nor do they bless their mother. ¹²There is a generation that counts themselves pure in their own eyes, but are not washed from their own filth. ¹³There is a generation, that is arrogant beyond measure. ¹⁴There is a generation that is merciless and consumes the poor and the needy from off the earth.

¹⁵Life's drain has two principles, (cruelty and covetousness), ever pleading for more, for they are never satisfied. These four things never say, Enough! ¹⁶The grave, the barren womb, the earth not filled with water and fire.

¹⁷The eye of the disobedient that mocks his father and refuses to obey his mother, shall be plucked out and eaten by the birds of the air.

¹⁸Three things are too wonderful for me, these four things I do not understand: ¹⁹The flight of an eagle in the air, the way of a snake on a rock, a ship in the midst of the sea and the behavior of a man with a maiden. ²⁰Such is the way of an adulterous woman, she eats and wipes her mouth, saying; I have done no evil.

²¹The earth quakes under three things, under these four things it is not able to bear itself up: ²²A servant when he reigns, a fool when he is satisfied with food, ²³a hateful woman when she is married and a servant girl that is heir to her mistress.

²⁴These four things are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: ²⁵The ant, frail as they may be, yet they prepare their food in the summer. ²⁶The rock-badgers are not strong, yet they make their houses in the rock. ²⁷The locusts have no leader, yet they all go forth by regiments. ²⁸You can rid the spider by use of your hands, yet it can also be found in king's palaces.

²⁹There are three things, which are well ordered, yea, even these four. ³⁰A lion who is mighty among beasts, does not retreat from any. ³¹A king all decorated in his dress, when his army is with him. ³²One who has done foolishly, laying his hand over his mouth. ³³Just as, the labor of churning of milk brings forth butter and the anguish of the wringing of the nose brings forth blood, so the forcing of the argument brings forth strife.

Proverbs: chapter 31

¹The words and prophecy of King Lemuel, (NOTE: The name Lemuel could be another name for king Solomon, that his mother called him by), teachings that his mother taught him. ²My son how can I advise you, the son of my womb and the son of my vows. ³Do not give yourself over to loose women, for that destroys kings. ⁴Lemuel, these things are not for nobles, for kings to drink wine or for princes to lust after strong drink. ⁵Lest they drink and forget the law, perverting justice of the afflicted. ⁶But give strong drink to him who is ready to perish and wine to them who have heavy hearts. ⁷Let them drink to forget their poverty and their misery. ⁸Speak for the dumb and be an advocate for the cause of the sons who are passing away. ⁹Judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

¹⁰Who can find a woman of virtue? For her value is far above rubies. ¹¹The heart of her husband can trust safely in her and has no lack. ¹²And she does good for him, rather than evil all the days of her life. ¹³She finds linens and materials, working willingly with her hands. ¹⁴She is as one of the merchant ships, bringing treasures from afar. ¹⁵Rising up before dawn, preparing food for her household and assigning her maid-servants their tasks. ¹⁶She considers a field and purchases it and with the gains of her labors, she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷She prepares for her day, making her way productive and her arms strong. ¹⁸She knows that her merchandise is good, for she does not cease her work at night. ¹⁹For her work is the delight of her hands and her honor.

²⁰She holds out her hand to the poor and needy. ²¹Knowing that her family is already provided for with warm clothing. ²²She herself wears fine rich garments. ²³Her husband is well known and sits among the elders of the land. ²⁴She trades her fine linens with the other merchants.

²⁵She is clothed in strength and honor and rejoices in the times to come. ²⁶Speaking words of wisdom, showing kindness to others. ²⁷Overseeing her entire household, keeping all her ways productive. ²⁸Her sons and her husband both call her blessed and the husband praises her. ²⁹Many daughters do well, but she has risen above them all.

³⁰Charm can be deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, shall be praised. ³¹May her own labors of her hands praise her in the gates.