Proverbs 1

Purpose and Theme

^{1 ‡} The proverbs ^† of Solomon ^† son of David, king of Israel: ^†

^{2 ‡} for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

^{3 ‡} for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

doing what is right and just and fair;

^{4 ‡} for giving prudence to those who are simple, ^{[1] †}

knowledge and discretion ^† to the young—

⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning, ^†

and let the discerning get guidance—

^{6 ‡} for understanding proverbs and parables, ^†

the sayings and riddles ^† of the wise. ^{[2] †}

^{7 ‡} The fear of the LORD ^† is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools ^[3] despise wisdom ^† and instruction. ^†

Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

^{8 ‡} Listen, my son, ^† to your father’s ^† instruction

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ^†

^{9 ‡} They are a garland to grace your head

and a chain to adorn your neck. ^†

^{10 ‡} My son, if sinful men entice ^† you,

do not give in ^† to them. ^†

^{11 ‡} If they say, “Come along with us;

let’s lie in wait ^† for innocent blood,

let’s ambush some harmless soul;

^{12 ‡} let’s swallow ^† them alive, like the grave,

and whole, like those who go down to the pit; ^†

^{13 ‡} we will get all sorts of valuable things

and fill our houses with plunder;

¹⁴ cast lots with us;

we will all share the loot ^† ”—

^{15 ‡} my son, do not go along with them,

do not set foot ^† on their paths; ^†

^{16 ‡} for their feet rush into evil, ^†

they are swift to shed blood. ^†

^{17 ‡} How useless to spread a net

where every bird can see it!

^{18 ‡} These men lie in wait ^† for their own blood;

they ambush only themselves! ^†

^{19 ‡} Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;

it takes away the life of those who get it. ^†

Wisdom’s Rebuke

^{20 ‡} Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, ^†

she raises her voice in the public square;

^{21 ‡} on top of the wall ^[4] she cries out,

at the city gate she makes her speech:

^{22 ‡} “How long will you who are simple ^† love your simple ways?

How long will mockers delight in mockery

and fools hate ^† knowledge?

^{23 ‡} Repent at my rebuke!

Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,

I will make known to you my teachings.

^{24 ‡} But since you refuse ^† to listen when I call ^†

and no one pays attention ^† when I stretch out my hand,

^{25 ‡} since you disregard all my advice

and do not accept my rebuke,

^{26 ‡} I in turn will laugh ^† when disaster ^† strikes you;

I will mock ^† when calamity overtakes you ^† —

^{27 ‡} when calamity overtakes you like a storm,

when disaster ^† sweeps over you like a whirlwind,

when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

^{28 ‡} “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; ^†

they will look for me but will not find me, ^†

^{29 ‡} since they hated knowledge

and did not choose to fear the LORD . ^†

³⁰ Since they would not accept my advice

and spurned my rebuke, ^†

^{31 ‡} they will eat the fruit of their ways

and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. ^†

^{32 ‡} For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,

and the complacency of fools will destroy them; ^†

^{33 ‡} but whoever listens to me will live in safety ^†

and be at ease, without fear of harm.” ^†

Proverbs 2

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

^{1 ‡} My son, ^† if you accept my words

and store up my commands within you,

^{2 ‡} turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding ^† —

³ indeed, if you call out for insight ^†

and cry aloud for understanding,

^{4 ‡} and if you look for it as for silver

and search for it as for hidden treasure, ^†

^{5 ‡} then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God. ^†

⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom; ^†

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ^†

^{7 ‡} He holds success in store for the upright,

he is a shield ^† to those whose walk is blameless, ^†

^{8 ‡} for he guards the course of the just

and protects the way of his faithful ones. ^†

^{9 ‡} Then you will understand ^† what is right and just

and fair—every good path.

^{10 ‡} For wisdom will enter your heart, ^†

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

^{11 ‡} Discretion will protect you,

and understanding will guard you. ^†

^{12 ‡} Wisdom will save ^† you from the ways of wicked men,

from men whose words are perverse,

^{13 ‡} who have left the straight paths

to walk in dark ways, ^†

^{14 ‡} who delight in doing wrong

and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, ^†

^{15 ‡} whose paths are crooked ^†

and who are devious in their ways. ^†

^{16 ‡} Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, ^†

from the wayward woman with her seductive words,

^{17 ‡} who has left the partner of her youth

and ignored the covenant she made before God. ^{[5] †}

^{18 ‡} Surely her house leads down to death

and her paths to the spirits of the dead. ^†

¹⁹ None who go to her return

or attain the paths of life. ^†

²⁰ Thus you will walk in the ways of the good

and keep to the paths of the righteous.

^{21 ‡} For the upright will live in the land, ^†

and the blameless will remain in it;

^{22 ‡} but the wicked ^† will be cut off from the land, ^†

and the unfaithful will be torn from it. ^†

Proverbs 3

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

¹ My son, ^† do not forget my teaching, ^†

but keep my commands in your heart,

^{2 ‡} for they will prolong your life many years ^†

and bring you peace and prosperity. ^†

^{3 ‡} Let love and faithfulness ^† never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart. ^†

^{4 ‡} Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man. ^†

^{5 ‡} Trust in the LORD ^† with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

^{6 ‡} in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths ^† straight. ^{[6] †}

^{7 ‡} Do not be wise in your own eyes; ^†

fear the LORD ^† and shun evil. ^†

^{8 ‡} This will bring health to your body ^†

and nourishment to your bones. ^†

^{9 ‡} Honor the LORD with your wealth,

with the firstfruits ^† of all your crops;

^{10 ‡} then your barns will be filled ^† to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine. ^†

^{11 ‡} My son, ^† do not despise the LORD ’s discipline, ^†

and do not resent his rebuke,

^{12 ‡} because the LORD disciplines those he loves, ^†

as a father the son he delights in. ^{[7] †}

^{13 ‡} Blessed are those who find wisdom,

those who gain understanding,

^{14 ‡} for she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold. ^†

^{15 ‡} She is more precious than rubies; ^†

nothing you desire can compare with her. ^†

^{16 ‡} Long life is in her right hand; ^†

in her left hand are riches and honor. ^†

^{17 ‡} Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace. ^†

^{18 ‡} She is a tree of life ^† to those who take hold of her;

those who hold her fast will be blessed. ^†

^{19 ‡} By wisdom ^† the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, ^†

by understanding he set the heavens ^† in place;

^{20 ‡} by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,

and the clouds let drop the dew.

²¹ My son, ^† do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, ^†

preserve sound judgment and discretion;

^{22 ‡} they will be life for you, ^†

an ornament to grace your neck. ^†

^{23 ‡} Then you will go on your way in safety, ^†

and your foot will not stumble. ^†

^{24 ‡} When you lie down, ^† you will not be afraid; ^†

when you lie down, your sleep ^† will be sweet.

^{25 ‡} Have no fear of sudden disaster

or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

^{26 ‡} for the LORD will be at your side ^†

and will keep your foot ^† from being snared. ^†

^{27 ‡} Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to act.

^{28 ‡} Do not say to your neighbor,

“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—

when you already have it with you. ^†

²⁹ Do not plot harm against your neighbor,

who lives trustfully near you. ^†

^{30 ‡} Do not accuse anyone for no reason—

when they have done you no harm.

^{31 ‡} Do not envy ^† the violent

or choose any of their ways.

^{32 ‡} For the LORD detests the perverse ^†

but takes the upright into his confidence. ^†

^{33 ‡} The LORD ’s curse ^† is on the house of the wicked, ^†

but he blesses the home of the righteous. ^†

^{34 ‡} He mocks ^† proud mockers ^†

but shows favor to the humble ^† and oppressed.

³⁵ The wise inherit honor,

but fools get only shame.

Proverbs 4

Get Wisdom at Any Cost

¹ Listen, my sons, ^† to a father’s instruction; ^†

pay attention and gain understanding. ^†

² I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

^{3 ‡} For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

^{4 ‡} Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold ^† of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live. ^†

⁵ Get wisdom, ^† get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

^{6 ‡} Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; ^†

love her, and she will watch over you. ^†

^{7 ‡} The beginning of wisdom is this: Get ^[8] wisdom.

Though it cost all ^† you have, ^[9] get understanding. ^†

⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you. ^†

^{9 ‡} She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown. ^† ”

^{10 ‡} Listen, my son, ^† accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many. ^†

^{11 ‡} I instruct ^† you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths. ^†

^{12 ‡} When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble. ^†

¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life. ^†

^{14 ‡} Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers. ^†

¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

^{16 ‡} For they cannot rest until they do evil; ^†

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

^{17 ‡} They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence. ^†

^{18 ‡} The path of the righteous ^† is like the morning sun, ^†

shining ever brighter till the full light of day. ^†

^{19 ‡} But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; ^†

they do not know what makes them stumble. ^†

²⁰ My son, ^† pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words. ^†

^{21 ‡} Do not let them out of your sight, ^†

keep them within your heart;

^{22 ‡} for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body. ^†

^{23 ‡} Above all else, guard ^† your heart,

for everything you do flows from it. ^†

^{24 ‡} Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

^{25 ‡} Let your eyes ^† look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

^{26 ‡} Give careful thought to the ^[10] paths for your feet ^†

and be steadfast in all your ways.

^{27 ‡} Do not turn to the right or the left; ^†

keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 5

Warning Against Adultery

¹ My son, ^† pay attention to my wisdom,

turn your ear to my words ^† of insight,

^{2 ‡} that you may maintain discretion

and your lips may preserve knowledge.

^{3 ‡} For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,

and her speech is smoother than oil; ^†

^{4 ‡} but in the end she is bitter as gall, ^†

sharp as a double-edged sword.

^{5 ‡} Her feet go down to death;

her steps lead straight to the grave. ^†

^{6 ‡} She gives no thought to the way of life;

her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. ^†

^{7 ‡} Now then, my sons, listen ^† to me;

do not turn aside from what I say.

^{8 ‡} Keep to a path far from her, ^†

do not go near the door of her house,

^{9 ‡} lest you lose your honor to others

and your dignity ^[11] to one who is cruel,

^{10 ‡} lest strangers feast on your wealth

and your toil enrich the house of another. ^†

^{11 ‡} At the end of your life you will groan,

when your flesh and body are spent.

^{12 ‡} You will say, “How I hated discipline!

How my heart spurned correction! ^†

^{13 ‡} I would not obey my teachers

or turn my ear to my instructors.

^{14 ‡} And I was soon in serious trouble ^†

in the assembly of God’s people.” ^†

^{15 ‡} Drink water from your own cistern,

running water from your own well.

^{16 ‡} Should your springs overflow in the streets,

your streams of water in the public squares?

¹⁷ Let them be yours alone,

never to be shared with strangers.

^{18 ‡} May your fountain ^† be blessed,

and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. ^†

^{19 ‡} A loving doe, a graceful deer ^† —

may her breasts satisfy you always,

may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

^{20 ‡} Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?

Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

^{21 ‡} For your ways are in full view ^† of the LORD ,

and he examines ^† all your paths. ^†

^{22 ‡} The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; ^†

the cords of their sins hold them fast. ^†

^{23 ‡} For lack of discipline they will die, ^†

led astray by their own great folly. ^†

Proverbs 6

Warnings Against Folly

^{1 ‡} My son, ^† if you have put up security ^† for your neighbor, ^†

if you have shaken hands in pledge ^† for a stranger,

^{2 ‡} you have been trapped by what you said,

ensnared by the words of your mouth.

^{3 ‡} So do this, my son, to free yourself,

since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands:

Go—to the point of exhaustion— ^[12]

and give your neighbor no rest!

^{4 ‡} Allow no sleep to your eyes,

no slumber to your eyelids. ^†

^{5 ‡} Free yourself, like a gazelle ^† from the hand of the hunter, ^†

like a bird from the snare of the fowler. ^†

^{6 ‡} Go to the ant, you sluggard; ^†

consider its ways and be wise!

^{7 ‡} It has no commander,

no overseer or ruler,

⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer ^†

and gathers its food at harvest. ^†

^{9 ‡} How long will you lie there, you sluggard? ^†

When will you get up from your sleep?

^{10 ‡} A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest ^† —

^{11 ‡} and poverty ^† will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man.

^{12 ‡} A troublemaker and a villain,

who goes about with a corrupt mouth,

^{13 ‡} who winks maliciously with his eye, ^†

signals with his feet

and motions with his fingers, ^†

^{14 ‡} who plots evil ^† with deceit in his heart—

he always stirs up conflict. ^†

^{15 ‡} Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; ^†

he will suddenly ^† be destroyed—without remedy. ^†

^{16 ‡} There are six things the LORD hates, ^†

seven that are detestable to him:

^{17 ‡} haughty eyes, ^†

a lying tongue, ^†

hands that shed innocent blood, ^†

^{18 ‡} a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil, ^†

^{19 ‡} a false witness ^† who pours out lies ^†

and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. ^†

Warning Against Adultery

^{20 ‡} My son, ^† keep your father’s command

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ^†

^{21 ‡} Bind them always on your heart;

fasten them around your neck. ^†

^{22 ‡} When you walk, they will guide you;

when you sleep, they will watch over you;

when you awake, they will speak to you.

^{23 ‡} For this command is a lamp,

this teaching is a light, ^†

and correction and instruction

are the way to life, ^†

^{24 ‡} keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,

from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. ^†

^{25 ‡} Do not lust in your heart after her beauty

or let her captivate you with her eyes.

^{26 ‡} For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread,

but another man’s wife preys on your very life. ^†

²⁷ Can a man scoop fire into his lap

without his clothes being burned?

²⁸ Can a man walk on hot coals

without his feet being scorched?

^{29 ‡} So is he who sleeps ^† with another man’s wife; ^†

no one who touches her will go unpunished.

³⁰ People do not despise a thief if he steals

to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.

^{31 ‡} Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, ^†

though it costs him all the wealth of his house.

^{32 ‡} But a man who commits adultery ^† has no sense; ^†

whoever does so destroys himself.

^{33 ‡} Blows and disgrace are his lot,

and his shame will never ^† be wiped away.

^{34 ‡} For jealousy ^† arouses a husband’s fury, ^†

and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

³⁵ He will not accept any compensation;

he will refuse a bribe, however great it is. ^†

Proverbs 7

Warning Against the Adulterous Woman

^{1 ‡} My son, ^† keep my words

and store up my commands within you.

^{2 ‡} Keep my commands and you will live; ^†

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

^{3 ‡} Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart. ^†

^{4 ‡} Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

and to insight, “You are my relative.”

^{5 ‡} They will keep you from the adulterous woman,

from the wayward woman with her seductive words. ^†

⁶ At the window of my house

I looked down through the lattice.

^{7 ‡} I saw among the simple,

I noticed among the young men,

a youth who had no sense. ^†

^{8 ‡} He was going down the street near her corner,

walking along in the direction of her house

^{9 ‡} at twilight, ^† as the day was fading,

as the dark of night set in.

^{10 ‡} Then out came a woman to meet him,

dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

^{11 ‡} (She is unruly ^† and defiant,

her feet never stay at home;

^{12 ‡} now in the street, now in the squares,

at every corner she lurks.) ^†

^{13 ‡} She took hold of him ^† and kissed him

and with a brazen face she said: ^†

^{14 ‡} “Today I fulfilled my vows,

and I have food from my fellowship offering ^† at home.

¹⁵ So I came out to meet you;

I looked for you and have found you!

^{16 ‡} I have covered my bed

with colored linens from Egypt.

^{17 ‡} I have perfumed my bed ^†

with myrrh, ^† aloes and cinnamon.

^{18 ‡} Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;

let’s enjoy ourselves with love! ^†

^{19 ‡} My husband is not at home;

he has gone on a long journey.

^{20 ‡} He took his purse filled with money

and will not be home till full moon.”

^{21 ‡} With persuasive words she led him astray;

she seduced him with her smooth talk. ^†

^{22 ‡} All at once he followed her

like an ox going to the slaughter,

like a deer ^[13] stepping into a noose ^{[14] †}

^{23 ‡} till an arrow pierces ^† his liver,

like a bird darting into a snare,

little knowing it will cost him his life. ^†

^{24 ‡} Now then, my sons, listen ^† to me;

pay attention to what I say.

^{25 ‡} Do not let your heart turn to her ways

or stray into her paths. ^†

^{26 ‡} Many are the victims she has brought down;

her slain are a mighty throng.

^{27 ‡} Her house is a highway to the grave,

leading down to the chambers of death. ^†

Proverbs 8

Wisdom’s Call

^{1 ‡} Does not wisdom call out? ^†

Does not understanding raise her voice?

^{2 ‡} At the highest point along the way,

where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

³ beside the gate leading into the city,

at the entrance, she cries aloud: ^†

^{4 ‡} “To you, O people, I call out; ^†

I raise my voice to all mankind.

^{5 ‡} You who are simple, ^† gain prudence; ^†

you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. ^[15]

^{6 ‡} Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;

I open my lips to speak what is right.

^{7 ‡} My mouth speaks what is true, ^†

for my lips detest wickedness.

^{8 ‡} All the words of my mouth are just;

none of them is crooked or perverse.

^{9 ‡} To the discerning all of them are right;

they are upright to those who have found knowledge.

^{10 ‡} Choose my instruction instead of silver,

knowledge rather than choice gold, ^†

^{11 ‡} for wisdom is more precious ^† than rubies,

and nothing you desire can compare with her. ^†

^{12 ‡} “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;

I possess knowledge and discretion. ^†

^{13 ‡} To fear the LORD ^† is to hate evil; ^†

I hate ^† pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

^{14 ‡} Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have insight, I have power. ^†

^{15 ‡} By me kings reign

and rulers ^† issue decrees that are just;

¹⁶ by me princes govern, ^†

and nobles—all who rule on earth. ^[16]

^{17 ‡} I love those who love me, ^†

and those who seek me find me. ^†

^{18 ‡} With me are riches and honor, ^†

enduring wealth and prosperity. ^†

^{19 ‡} My fruit is better than fine gold; ^†

what I yield surpasses choice silver. ^†

^{20 ‡} I walk in the way of righteousness, ^†

along the paths of justice,

^{21 ‡} bestowing 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, ^{[17] , [18]}

before his deeds of old;

^{23 ‡} I was formed long ages ago,

at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

^{24 ‡} When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,

when there were no springs overflowing with water; ^†

²⁵ before the mountains were settled in place, ^†

before the hills, I was given birth, ^†

²⁶ before he made the world or its fields

or any of the dust of the earth. ^†

^{27 ‡} I was there when he set the heavens in place, ^†

when he marked out the horizon ^† on the face of the deep,

^{28 ‡} when he established the clouds above ^†

and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, ^†

^{29 ‡} when he gave the sea its boundary ^†

so the waters would not overstep his command, ^†

and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. ^†

^{30 ‡} Then I was constantly ^[19] at his side. ^†

I was filled with delight day after day,

rejoicing always in his presence,

^{31 ‡} rejoicing in his whole world

and delighting in mankind. ^†

^{32 ‡} “Now then, my children, listen ^† to me;

blessed are ^† those who keep my ways. ^†

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;

do not disregard it.

^{34 ‡} Blessed are those who listen ^† to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at my doorway.

^{35 ‡} For those who find me ^† find life ^†

and receive favor from the LORD . ^†

^{36 ‡} But those who fail to find me harm themselves; ^†

all who hate me love death.” ^†

Proverbs 9

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

^{1 ‡} Wisdom has built ^† her house;

she has set up ^[20] its seven pillars.

^{2 ‡} She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; ^†

she has also set her table. ^†

^{3 ‡} She has sent out her servants, and she calls ^†

from the highest point of the city, ^†

^{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. ^†

^{6 ‡} Leave your simple ways and you will live; ^†

walk in the way of insight.” ^†

^{7 ‡} Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. ^†

^{8 ‡} Do not rebuke mockers ^† or they will hate you;

rebuke the wise and they will love you. ^†

^{9 ‡} Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. ^†

^{10 ‡} The fear of the LORD ^† is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One ^† is understanding. ^†

^{11 ‡} For through wisdom ^[21] your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life. ^†

^{12 ‡} If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;

if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

^{13 ‡} Folly is an unruly woman; ^†

she is simple and knows nothing. ^†

^{14 ‡} She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the highest point of the city, ^†

^{15 ‡} calling out ^† to those who pass by,

who go straight on their way,

^{16 ‡} “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense ^† she says,

^{17 ‡} “Stolen water is sweet;

food eaten in secret is delicious! ^† ”

^{18 ‡} But little do they know that the dead are there,

that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. ^†

Proverbs 10

Proverbs of Solomon

^{1 ‡} The proverbs ^† of Solomon: ^†

A wise son brings joy to his father, ^†

but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

^{2 ‡} Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, ^†

but righteousness delivers from death. ^†

^{3 ‡} The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, ^†

but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. ^†

^{4 ‡} Lazy hands make for poverty, ^†

but diligent hands bring wealth. ^†

^{5 ‡} He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,

but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. ^†

^{6 ‡} Blessings crown the head of the righteous,

but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. ^{[22] †}

^{7 ‡} The name of the righteous ^† is used in blessings, ^[23]

but the name of the wicked ^† will rot. ^†

^{8 ‡} The wise in heart accept commands,

but a chattering fool comes to ruin. ^†

^{9 ‡} Whoever walks in integrity ^† walks securely, ^†

but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. ^†

^{10 ‡} Whoever winks maliciously ^† causes grief,

and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

^{11 ‡} The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, ^†

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. ^†

^{12 ‡} Hatred stirs up conflict,

but love covers over all wrongs. ^†

^{13 ‡} Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, ^†

but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. ^†

^{14 ‡} The wise store up knowledge, ^†

but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. ^†

^{15 ‡} The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, ^†

but poverty is the ruin of the poor. ^†

^{16 ‡} The wages of the righteous is life, ^†

but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. ^†

^{17 ‡} Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, ^†

but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

^{18 ‡} Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips ^†

and spreads slander is a fool.

^{19 ‡} Sin is not ended by multiplying words,

but the prudent hold their tongues. ^†

^{20 ‡} The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,

but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

^{21 ‡} The lips of the righteous nourish many,

but fools die for lack of sense. ^†

^{22 ‡} The blessing of the LORD ^† brings wealth, ^†

without painful toil for it. ^†

^{23 ‡} A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, ^†

but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

^{24 ‡} What the wicked dread ^† will overtake them; ^†

what the righteous desire will be granted. ^†

^{25 ‡} When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,

but the righteous stand firm ^† forever. ^†

^{26 ‡} As vinegar to the teeth and smoke ^† to the eyes,

so are sluggards to those who send them. ^†

^{27 ‡} The fear of the LORD adds length to life, ^†

but the years of the wicked are cut short. ^†

^{28 ‡} The prospect of the righteous is joy,

but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. ^†

^{29 ‡} The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless,

but it is the ruin of those who do evil. ^†

^{30 ‡} The righteous will never be uprooted,

but the wicked will not remain in the land. ^†

^{31 ‡} From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, ^†

but a perverse tongue ^† will be silenced.

³² The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, ^†

but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. ^†

Proverbs 11

^{1 ‡} The LORD detests dishonest scales, ^†

but accurate weights find favor with him. ^†

^{2 ‡} When pride comes, then comes disgrace, ^†

but with humility comes wisdom. ^†

^{3 ‡} The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. ^†

^{4 ‡} Wealth ^† is worthless in the day of wrath, ^†

but righteousness delivers from death. ^†

^{5 ‡} The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, ^†

but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. ^†

^{6 ‡} The righteousness of the upright delivers them,

but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. ^†

^{7 ‡} Hopes placed in mortals die with them; ^†

all the promise of ^[24] their power comes to nothing. ^†

^{8 ‡} The righteous person is rescued from trouble,

and it falls on the wicked instead. ^†

^{9 ‡} With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,

but through knowledge the righteous escape. ^†

^{10 ‡} When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; ^†

when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. ^†

^{11 ‡} Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, ^†

but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. ^†

^{12 ‡} Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, ^†

but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. ^†

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, ^†

but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. ^†

^{14 ‡} For lack of guidance a nation falls, ^†

but victory is won through many advisers. ^†

^{15 ‡} Whoever puts up security ^† for a stranger will surely suffer,

but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. ^†

^{16 ‡} A kindhearted woman gains honor, ^†

but ruthless men gain only wealth.

^{17 ‡} Those who are kind benefit themselves,

but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

^{18 ‡} A wicked person earns deceptive wages,

but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. ^†

^{19 ‡} Truly the righteous attain life, ^†

but whoever pursues evil finds death. ^†

^{20 ‡} The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, ^†

but he delights ^† in those whose ways are blameless. ^†

^{21 ‡} Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,

but those who are righteous will go free. ^†

^{22 ‡} Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

^{23 ‡} The desire of the righteous ends only in good,

but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

^{24 ‡} One person gives freely, yet gains even more;

another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

^{25 ‡} A generous ^† person will prosper;

whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. ^†

^{26 ‡} People curse the one who hoards grain,

but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

^{27 ‡} Whoever seeks good finds favor,

but evil comes to one who searches for it. ^†

^{28 ‡} Those who trust in their riches will fall, ^†

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. ^†

^{29 ‡} Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise. ^†

^{30 ‡} The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, ^†

and the one who is wise saves lives.

^{31 ‡} If the righteous receive their due ^† on earth,

how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Reconstruction with original parts of a Roman period scale. “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” ( Pr 11:1 ).

Z. Radovan/ www.BibleLandPictures.com

Proverbs 12

^{1 ‡} Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but whoever hates correction is stupid. ^†

^{2 ‡} Good people obtain favor from the LORD , ^†

but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes. ^†

^{3 ‡} No one can be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted. ^†

^{4 ‡} A wife of noble character ^† is her husband’s crown,

but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. ^†

^{5 ‡} The plans of the righteous are just,

but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

^{6 ‡} The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the speech of the upright rescues them. ^†

^{7 ‡} The wicked are overthrown and are no more, ^†

but the house of the righteous stands firm. ^†

^{8 ‡} A person is praised according to their prudence,

and one with a warped ^† mind is despised.

^{9 ‡} Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant

than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

^{10 ‡} The righteous care for the needs of their animals, ^†

but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

^{11 ‡} Those who work their land will have abundant food,

but those who chase fantasies have no sense. ^†

^{12 ‡} The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,

but the root of the righteous endures.

^{13 ‡} Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, ^†

and so the innocent escape trouble. ^†

^{14 ‡} From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, ^†

and the work of their hands brings them reward. ^†

^{15 ‡} The way of fools seems right to them, ^†

but the wise listen to advice. ^†

^{16 ‡} Fools ^† show their annoyance at once, ^†

but the prudent overlook an insult. ^†

^{17 ‡} An honest witness tells the truth,

but a false witness tells lies. ^†

^{18 ‡} The words of the reckless pierce like swords, ^†

but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ^†

^{19 ‡} Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

^{20 ‡} Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but those who promote peace have joy. ^†

^{21 ‡} No harm overtakes the righteous, ^†

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

^{22 ‡} The LORD detests lying lips, ^†

but he delights ^† in people who are trustworthy. ^†

^{23 ‡} The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, ^†

but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. ^†

^{24 ‡} Diligent hands will rule,

but laziness ends in forced labor. ^†

^{25 ‡} Anxiety weighs down the heart, ^†

but a kind word cheers it up.

^{26 ‡} The righteous choose their friends carefully,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray. ^†

^{27 ‡} The lazy do not roast ^[25] any game,

but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

^{28 ‡} In the way of righteousness there is life; ^†

along that path is immortality.

Proverbs 13

^{1 ‡} A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,

but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. ^†

^{2 ‡} From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, ^†

but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

^{3 ‡} Those who guard their lips ^† preserve their lives, ^†

but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. ^†

^{4 ‡} A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, ^†

but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

^{5 ‡} The righteous hate what is false, ^†

but the wicked make themselves a stench

and bring shame on themselves.

^{6 ‡} Righteousness guards the person of integrity,

but wickedness overthrows the sinner. ^†

^{7 ‡} One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; ^†

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. ^†

^{8 ‡} A person’s riches may ransom their life,

but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. ^†

^{9 ‡} The light of the righteous shines brightly,

but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. ^†

^{10 ‡} Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice. ^†

^{11 ‡} Dishonest money dwindles away, ^†

but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

^{12 ‡} Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. ^†

^{13 ‡} Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, ^†

but whoever respects ^† a command is rewarded. ^†

^{14 ‡} The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, ^†

turning a person from the snares of death. ^†

^{15 ‡} Good judgment wins favor,

but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. ^[26]

^{16 ‡} All who are prudent act with ^[27] knowledge,

but fools expose ^† their folly. ^†

^{17 ‡} A wicked messenger falls into trouble, ^†

but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. ^†

^{18 ‡} Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, ^†

but whoever heeds correction is honored. ^†

^{19 ‡} A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, ^†

but fools detest turning from evil.

^{20 ‡} Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm. ^†

^{21 ‡} Trouble pursues the sinner, ^†

but the righteous ^† are rewarded with good things. ^†

^{22 ‡} A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,

but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. ^†

^{23 ‡} An unplowed field produces food for the poor,

but injustice sweeps it away.

^{24 ‡} Whoever spares the rod ^† hates their children,

but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline ^† them. ^†

^{25 ‡} The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,

but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry. ^†

Proverbs 14

^{1 ‡} The wise woman builds her house, ^†

but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

^{2 ‡} Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly,

but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

^{3 ‡} A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, ^†

but the lips of the wise protect them. ^†

^{4 ‡} Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

but from the strength of an ox ^† come abundant harvests.

^{5 ‡} An honest witness does not deceive,

but a false witness pours out lies. ^†

^{6 ‡} The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. ^†

⁷ Stay away from a fool,

for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

^{8 ‡} The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, ^†

but the folly of fools is deception. ^†

^{9 ‡} Fools mock at making amends for sin,

but goodwill is found among the upright.

^{10 ‡} Each heart knows its own bitterness,

and no one else can share its joy.

^{11 ‡} The house of the wicked will be destroyed, ^†

but the tent of the upright will flourish. ^†

^{12 ‡} There is a way that appears to be right, ^†

but in the end it leads to death. ^†

^{13 ‡} Even in laughter ^† the heart may ache,

and rejoicing may end in grief.

^{14 ‡} The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, ^†

and the good rewarded for theirs. ^†

^{15 ‡} The simple believe anything,

but the prudent give thought to their steps. ^†

^{16 ‡} The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, ^†

but a fool ^† is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

^{17 ‡} A quick-tempered person ^† does foolish things, ^†

and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. ^†

^{18 ‡} The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

^{19 ‡} Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. ^†

^{20 ‡} The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,

but the rich have many friends. ^†

^{21 ‡} It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, ^†

but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. ^†

^{22 ‡} Do not those who plot evil go astray? ^†

But those who plan what is good find ^[28] love and faithfulness.

^{23 ‡} All hard work brings a profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

^{24 ‡} The wealth of the wise is their crown,

but the folly of fools yields folly. ^†

^{25 ‡} A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is deceitful. ^†

^{26 ‡} Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, ^†

and for their children it will be a refuge. ^†

^{27 ‡} The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, ^†

turning a person from the snares of death. ^†

²⁸ A large population is a king’s glory,

but without subjects a prince is ruined. ^†

^{29 ‡} Whoever is patient has great understanding, ^†

but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. ^†

^{30 ‡} A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones. ^†

^{31 ‡} Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, ^†

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. ^†

^{32 ‡} When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, ^†

but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. ^†

^{33 ‡} Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning ^†

and even among fools she lets herself be known. ^[29]

^{34 ‡} Righteousness exalts a nation, ^†

but sin condemns any people.

^{35 ‡} A king delights in a wise servant,

but a shameful servant arouses his fury. ^†

Proverbs 15

^{1 ‡} A gentle answer ^† turns away wrath, ^†

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

^{2 ‡} The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, ^†

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. ^†

^{3 ‡} The eyes ^† of the LORD are everywhere, ^†

keeping watch on the wicked and the good. ^†

^{4 ‡} The soothing tongue ^† is a tree of life, ^†

but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. ^†

⁵ A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,

but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. ^†

^{6 ‡} The house of the righteous contains great treasure, ^†

but the income of the wicked brings ruin. ^†

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge, ^†

but the hearts of fools are not upright.

^{8 ‡} The LORD detests the sacrifice ^† of the wicked, ^†

but the prayer of the upright pleases him. ^†

^{9 ‡} The LORD detests the way of the wicked, ^†

but he loves those who pursue righteousness. ^†

^{10 ‡} Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;

the one who hates correction will die. ^†

^{11 ‡} Death and Destruction ^[30] lie open before the LORD ^† —

how much more do human hearts! ^†

^{12 ‡} Mockers resent correction, ^†

so they avoid the wise.

^{13 ‡} A happy heart makes the face cheerful, ^†

but heartache crushes the spirit. ^†

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge, ^†

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

^{15 ‡} All the days of the oppressed are wretched,

but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. ^†

^{16 ‡} Better a little with the fear of the LORD

than great wealth with turmoil. ^†

^{17 ‡} Better a small serving of vegetables with love

than a fattened calf with hatred. ^†

^{18 ‡} A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, ^†

but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. ^†

^{19 ‡} The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, ^†

but the path of the upright is a highway.

^{20 ‡} A wise son brings joy to his father, ^†

but a foolish man despises his mother.

^{21 ‡} Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, ^†

but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

^{22 ‡} Plans fail for lack of counsel, ^†

but with many advisers ^† they succeed. ^†

^{23 ‡} A person finds joy in giving an apt reply ^† —

and how good is a timely word! ^†

^{24 ‡} The path of life leads upward for the prudent

to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

^{25 ‡} The LORD tears down the house of the proud, ^†

but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. ^†

^{26 ‡} The LORD detests the thoughts ^† of the wicked, ^†

but gracious words are pure ^† in his sight.

^{27 ‡} The greedy bring ruin to their households,

but the one who hates bribes will live. ^†

^{28 ‡} The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, ^†

but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. ^†

^{29 ‡} The LORD is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayer of the righteous. ^†

^{30 ‡} Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones. ^†

^{31 ‡} Whoever heeds life-giving correction

will be at home among the wise. ^†

^{32 ‡} Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, ^†

but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. ^†

^{33 ‡} Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD , ^†

and humility comes before honor. ^†

CHARACTER TRAITS IN PROVERBS

Traits to be Promoted
avoidance of strife	20:3
compassion for animals	12:10
contentment	13:25 ; 14:30 ; 15:27
diligence	6:6–13 ; 12:24 , 27 ; 13:4
faithful love	20:6
faithfulness	3:5–6 ; 5:15–17 ; 25:13 ; 28:20
generosity	21:26 ; 22:9
honesty	16:11 ; 24:26
humility	11:2 ; 16:19 ; 25:6–7 ; 29:23
integrity	11:3 ; 25:26 ; 28:18
kindness to others	11:16–17
kindness to enemies	25:21–22
leadership	30:19–31
loyalty	19:22
nobility	12:4 ; 31:10 , 29
patience	15:18 ; 16:32
peacefulness	16:7
praiseworthiness	27:21
righteousness	4:26–27 ; 11:5–6 , 30 ; 12:28 ; 13:6 ; 29:2
self-control	17:27 ; 25:28 ; 29:11
strength and honor	20:29
strength in adversity	24:10
teachableness	15:31
truthfulness	12:19 , 22 ; 23:23
Traits to be Avoided
anger	29:22
antisocial behavior	18:1
beauty without discretion	11:22
blaming God	19:3
dishonesty	24:28
greed	28:25
hatred	29:27
hot temper	19:19 ; 29:22
immorality	6:20–35
inappropriate desire	27:7
injustice	22:16
jealousy	27:4
lack of mercy	21:13
laziness	6:6–11 ; 18:9 ; 19:15 ; 20:4 ; 24:30–34 ; 26:13–15
maliciousness	6:27
meddling	26:17 ; 30:10
pride	15:5 ; 16:18 ; 21:4 , 24 ; 29:23 ; 30:13
quarrelsomeness	26:21
self-conceit	26:12 , 16
self-deceit	28:11
self-glory	25:27
self-righteousness	30:12
social disruption	19:10
stubbornness	29:1
unfaithfulness	25:19
unneighborliness	3:27–30
vengeance	24:28–29
wickedness	21:10
wicked scheming	16:30

Adapted from Expositor’s Bible Commentary - Abridged Edition : The Old Testament by Kenneth L. Barker; John R. Kohlenberger III. Copyright © 1994 by the Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Proverbs 16

^{1 ‡} To humans belong the plans of the heart,

but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. ^†

^{2 ‡} All a person’s ways seem pure to them, ^†

but motives are weighed ^† by the LORD . ^†

^{3 ‡} Commit to the LORD whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans. ^†

^{4 ‡} The LORD works out everything to its proper end ^† —

even the wicked for a day of disaster. ^†

^{5 ‡} The LORD detests all the proud of heart. ^†

Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. ^†

^{6 ‡} Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;

through the fear of the LORD ^† evil is avoided. ^†

^{7 ‡} When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,

he causes their enemies to make peace ^† with them. ^†

^{8 ‡} Better a little with righteousness

than much gain ^† with injustice. ^†

^{9 ‡} In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the LORD establishes their steps. ^†

^{10 ‡} The lips of a king speak as an oracle,

and his mouth does not betray justice. ^†

^{11 ‡} Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD ;

all the weights in the bag are of his making. ^†

^{12 ‡} Kings detest wrongdoing,

for a throne is established through righteousness. ^†

^{13 ‡} Kings take pleasure in honest lips;

they value the one who speaks what is right. ^†

^{14 ‡} A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, ^†

but the wise will appease it. ^†

^{15 ‡} When a king’s face brightens, it means life; ^†

his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. ^†

^{16 ‡} How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to get insight ^† rather than silver! ^†

^{17 ‡} The highway of the upright avoids evil;

those who guard their ways preserve their lives. ^†

^{18 ‡} Pride ^† goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit ^† before a fall. ^†

^{19 ‡} Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed

than to share plunder with the proud.

^{20 ‡} Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, ^{[31] †}

and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD . ^†

^{21 ‡} The wise in heart are called discerning,

and gracious words promote instruction. ^{[32] †}

^{22 ‡} Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, ^†

but folly brings punishment to fools.

^{23 ‡} The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, ^†

and their lips promote instruction. ^{[33] †}

^{24 ‡} Gracious words are a honeycomb, ^†

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ^†

^{25 ‡} There is a way that appears to be right, ^†

but in the end it leads to death. ^†

^{26 ‡} The appetite of laborers works for them;

their hunger drives them on.

^{27 ‡} A scoundrel ^† plots evil,

and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. ^†

^{28 ‡} A perverse person stirs up conflict, ^†

and a gossip separates close friends. ^†

^{29 ‡} A violent person entices their neighbor

and leads them down a path that is not good. ^†

^{30 ‡} Whoever winks ^† with their eye is plotting perversity;

whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

^{31 ‡} Gray hair is a crown of splendor; ^†

it is attained in the way of righteousness.

^{32 ‡} Better a patient person than a warrior,

one with self-control than one who takes a city.

^{33 ‡} The lot is cast ^† into the lap,

but its every decision ^† is from the LORD . ^†

Proverbs 17

¹ Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

than a house full of feasting, with strife. ^†

^{2 ‡} A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son

and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

^{3 ‡} The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, ^†

but the LORD tests the heart. ^†

⁴ A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;

a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

^{5 ‡} Whoever mocks the poor ^† shows contempt for their Maker; ^†

whoever gloats over disaster ^† will not go unpunished. ^†

^{6 ‡} Children’s children ^† are a crown to the aged,

and parents are the pride of their children.

^{7 ‡} Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—

how much worse lying lips to a ruler! ^†

^{8 ‡} A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;

they think success will come at every turn. ^†

^{9 ‡} Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, ^†

but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. ^†

^{10 ‡} A rebuke impresses a discerning person

more than a hundred lashes a fool.

^{11 ‡} Evildoers foster rebellion against God;

the messenger of death will be sent against them.

^{12 ‡} Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs

than a fool bent on folly. ^†

^{13 ‡} Evil will never leave the house

of one who pays back evil ^† for good. ^†

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;

so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. ^†

^{15 ‡} Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent ^† —

the LORD detests them both. ^†

^{16 ‡} Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,

when they are not able to understand it? ^†

^{17 ‡} A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ^†

^{18 ‡} One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge

and puts up security for a neighbor. ^†

^{19 ‡} Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;

whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

^{20 ‡} One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;

one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

^{21 ‡} To have a fool for a child brings grief;

there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. ^†

^{22 ‡} A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed ^† spirit dries up the bones. ^†

^{23 ‡} The wicked accept bribes ^† in secret

to pervert the course of justice. ^†

^{24 ‡} A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,

but a fool’s eyes ^† wander to the ends of the earth.

^{25 ‡} A foolish son brings grief to his father

and bitterness to the mother who bore him. ^†

^{26 ‡} If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, ^†

surely to flog honest officials is not right.

^{27 ‡} The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, ^†

and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. ^†

^{28 ‡} Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,

and discerning if they hold their tongues. ^†

Proverbs 18

^{1 ‡} An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends

and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

^{2 ‡} Fools find no pleasure in understanding

but delight in airing their own opinions. ^†

^{3 ‡} When wickedness comes, so does contempt,

and with shame comes reproach.

^{4 ‡} The words of the mouth are deep waters, ^†

but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

^{5 ‡} It is not good to be partial to the wicked ^†

and so deprive the innocent of justice. ^†

^{6 ‡} The lips of fools bring them strife,

and their mouths invite a beating. ^†

^{7 ‡} The mouths of fools are their undoing,

and their lips are a snare ^† to their very lives. ^†

^{8 ‡} The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

they go down to the inmost parts. ^†

^{9 ‡} One who is slack in his work

is brother to one who destroys. ^†

^{10 ‡} The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; ^†

the righteous run to it and are safe. ^†

^{11 ‡} The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; ^†

they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

^{12 ‡} Before a downfall the heart is haughty,

but humility comes before honor. ^†

¹³ To answer before listening—

that is folly and shame. ^†

^{14 ‡} The human spirit can endure in sickness,

but a crushed spirit who can bear? ^†

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, ^†

for the ears of the wise seek it out.

¹⁶ A gift ^† opens the way

and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

^{17 ‡} In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,

until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

^{18 ‡} Casting the lot settles disputes ^†

and keeps strong opponents apart.

^{19 ‡} A brother wronged ^† is more unyielding than a fortified city;

disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

^{20 ‡} From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;

with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. ^†

^{21 ‡} The tongue has the power of life and death, ^†

and those who love it will eat its fruit. ^†

^{22 ‡} He who finds a wife finds what is good ^†

and receives favor from the LORD . ^†

²³ The poor plead for mercy,

but the rich answer harshly.

^{24 ‡} One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ^†

Proverbs 19

^{1 ‡} Better the poor whose walk is blameless

than a fool whose lips are perverse. ^†

^{2 ‡} Desire without knowledge is not good—

how much more will hasty feet miss the way! ^†

^{3 ‡} A person’s own folly ^† leads to their ruin,

yet their heart rages against the LORD . ^†

^{4 ‡} Wealth attracts many friends,

but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. ^†

^{5 ‡} A false witness ^† will not go unpunished, ^†

and whoever pours out lies will not go free. ^†

^{6 ‡} Many curry favor with a ruler, ^†

and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. ^†

^{7 ‡} The 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. ^{[34] †}

^{8 ‡} The one who gets wisdom loves life;

the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. ^†

⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished,

and whoever pours out lies will perish. ^†

^{10 ‡} It is not fitting for a fool ^† to live in luxury—

how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! ^†

^{11 ‡} A person’s wisdom yields patience; ^†

it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

^{12 ‡} A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, ^†

but his favor is like dew ^† on the grass. ^†

^{13 ‡} A foolish child is a father’s ruin, ^†

and a quarrelsome wife is like

the constant dripping of a leaky roof. ^†

^{14 ‡} Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, ^†

but a prudent wife is from the LORD . ^†

^{15 ‡} Laziness brings on deep sleep,

and the shiftless go hungry. ^†

^{16 ‡} Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,

but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. ^†

^{17 ‡} Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD , ^†

and he will reward them for what they have done. ^†

^{18 ‡} Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;

do not be a willing party to their death. ^†

^{19 ‡} A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;

rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

²⁰ Listen to advice and accept discipline, ^†

and at the end you will be counted among the wise. ^†

^{21 ‡} Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the LORD ’s purpose that prevails. ^†

^{22 ‡} What a person desires is unfailing love ^[35] ;

better to be poor than a liar.

^{23 ‡} The fear of the LORD leads to life;

then one rests content, untouched by trouble. ^†

^{24 ‡} A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth! ^†

^{25 ‡} Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;

rebuke the discerning, ^† and they will gain knowledge. ^†

^{26 ‡} Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother ^†

is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

^{27 ‡} Stop listening to instruction, my son, ^†

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

^{28 ‡} A corrupt witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. ^†

^{29 ‡} Penalties are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools. ^†

Proverbs 20

^{1 ‡} Wine ^† is a mocker ^† and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astray ^† by them is not wise. ^†

^{2 ‡} A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; ^†

those who anger him forfeit their lives. ^†

^{3 ‡} It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,

but every fool ^† is quick to quarrel. ^†

^{4 ‡} Sluggards ^† do not plow in season;

so at harvest time they look but find nothing. ^†

^{5 ‡} The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, ^†

but one who has insight draws them out.

^{6 ‡} Many claim to have unfailing love,

but a faithful person who can find? ^†

^{7 ‡} The righteous lead blameless lives; ^†

blessed are their children after them. ^†

^{8 ‡} When a king sits on his throne to judge, ^†

he winnows out all evil with his eyes. ^†

^{9 ‡} Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; ^†

I am clean and without sin”? ^†

^{10 ‡} Differing weights and differing measures—

the LORD detests them both. ^†

¹¹ Even small children are known by their actions,

so is their conduct really pure ^† and upright?

^{12 ‡} Ears that hear and eyes that see—

the LORD has made them both. ^†

^{13 ‡} Do 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.

^{15 ‡} Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,

but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

^{16 ‡} Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;

hold it in pledge ^† if it is done for an outsider. ^†

^{17 ‡} Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, ^†

but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. ^†

^{18 ‡} Plans are established by seeking advice;

so if you wage war, obtain guidance. ^†

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; ^†

so avoid anyone who talks too much.

^{20 ‡} If someone curses their father or mother, ^†

their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. ^†

^{21 ‡} An inheritance claimed too soon

will not be blessed at the end.

^{22 ‡} Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” ^†

Wait for the LORD , and he will avenge you. ^†

^{23 ‡} The LORD detests differing weights,

and dishonest scales do not please him. ^†

^{24 ‡} A person’s steps are directed ^† by the LORD . ^†

How then can anyone understand their own way? ^†

^{25 ‡} It is a trap to dedicate something rashly

and only later to consider one’s vows. ^†

^{26 ‡} A wise king winnows out the wicked;

he drives the threshing wheel over them. ^†

^{27 ‡} The human spirit is ^[36] the lamp of the LORD ^†

that sheds light on one’s inmost being. ^†

^{28 ‡} Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;

through love ^† his throne is made secure. ^†

^{29 ‡} The glory of young men is their strength,

gray hair the splendor of the old. ^†

^{30 ‡} Blows and wounds scrub ^† away evil,

and beatings ^† purge the inmost being.

Proverbs 21

^{1 ‡} In the LORD ’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water

that he channels toward all who please him. ^†

^{2 ‡} A person may think their own ways are right,

but the LORD weighs the heart. ^†

^{3 ‡} To do what is right and just

is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. ^†

^{4 ‡} Haughty eyes ^† and a proud heart—

the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

^{5 ‡} The plans of the diligent lead to profit ^†

as surely as haste leads to poverty.

^{6 ‡} A fortune made by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. ^{[37] †}

^{7 ‡} The violence of the wicked will drag them away, ^†

for they refuse to do what is right.

⁸ The way of the guilty is devious, ^†

but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

^{9 ‡} Better to live on a corner of the roof

than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ^†

^{10 ‡} The wicked crave evil;

their neighbors get no mercy from them.

^{11 ‡} When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;

by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge. ^†

^{12 ‡} The Righteous One ^[38] takes note of the house of the wicked

and brings the wicked to ruin. ^†

^{13 ‡} Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

will also cry out ^† and not be answered. ^†

^{14 ‡} A gift given in secret soothes anger,

and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. ^†

^{15 ‡} When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous

but terror to evildoers. ^†

^{16 ‡} Whoever strays from the path of prudence

comes to rest in the company of the dead. ^†

^{17 ‡} Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;

whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. ^†

^{18 ‡} The wicked become a ransom ^† for the righteous,

and the unfaithful for the upright.

^{19 ‡} Better to live in a desert

than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. ^†

^{20 ‡} The wise store up choice food and olive oil,

but fools gulp theirs down.

^{21 ‡} Whoever pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperity ^{[39] †} and honor. ^†

^{22 ‡} One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty ^†

and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

^{23 ‡} Those who guard their mouths ^† and their tongues

keep themselves from calamity. ^†

^{24 ‡} The proud and arrogant person ^† —“Mocker” is his name—

behaves with insolent fury.

^{25 ‡} The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, ^†

because his hands refuse to work.

^{26 ‡} All day long he craves for more,

but the righteous ^† give without sparing. ^†

^{27 ‡} The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable ^† —

how much more so when brought with evil intent! ^†

^{28 ‡} A false witness ^† will perish, ^†

but a careful listener will testify successfully.

^{29 ‡} The wicked put up a bold front,

but the upright give thought to their ways. ^†

^{30 ‡} There is no wisdom, ^† no insight, no plan

that can succeed against the LORD . ^†

^{31 ‡} The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

but victory rests with the LORD . ^†

Proverbs 22

^{1 ‡} A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. ^†

^{2 ‡} Rich and poor have this in common:

The LORD is the Maker of them all. ^†

^{3 ‡} The prudent see danger and take refuge, ^†

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. ^†

^{4 ‡} Humility is the fear of the LORD ;

its wages are riches and honor ^† and life. ^†

^{5 ‡} In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, ^†

but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

^{6 ‡} Start ^† children off on the way they should go, ^†

and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ^†

^{7 ‡} The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is slave to the lender.

^{8 ‡} Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, ^†

and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. ^†

^{9 ‡} The generous will themselves be blessed, ^†

for they share their food with the poor. ^†

^{10 ‡} Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended. ^†

^{11 ‡} One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

will have the king for a friend. ^†

^{12 ‡} The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

^{13 ‡} The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! ^†

I’ll be killed in the public square!”

^{14 ‡} The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; ^†

a man who is under the LORD ’s wrath falls into it. ^†

^{15 ‡} Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. ^†

^{16 ‡} One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

REWARDS, NOT PROMISES

Proverbs often holds out the stick and the carrot to motivate people to the best type of behavior and attitudes. Those actions it characterizes as wise often are accompanied by reward, and those it characterizes as foolish are said to result in punishment. Indeed, the ultimate reward for wise behavior is life, and for foolish behavior is death.

However, these rewards and punishments are often misunderstood by modern readers, who take them as promises. The proverb form is not in the business of giving out guarantees. For instance, consider Proverbs 22:6 :

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

This proverb provides strong motivation for a parent to provide proper education. “The way they should go” is defined by the values and principles in Proverbs. But what exactly does the second part of the proverb tell us? Again, Proverbs does not give promises; rather, it tells us the best course to a desired end, all things being equal. Of course, children are more likely to be godly if they are trained in such a way. But other factors may enter in. Perhaps the child will fall in with a bad peer group against the advice of the parents (see 1:8–19 ). The parents should nonetheless follow the advice of 22:6 and increase the likelihood that their children will stay on the right path.

“Menna’s Lament” deals with a headstrong child who ignores his father’s advice.

Kim Walton, courtesy of the Oriental Institute Museum

Adapted from Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: OT: Vol. 5 edited by JOHN H. WALTON. Proverbs—Copyright © 2009 by Tremper Longman III, p. 499. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

^{17 ‡} Pay attention ^† and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; ^†

apply your heart to what I teach, ^†

^{18 ‡} for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

^{19 ‡} So that your trust may be in the LORD ,

I teach you today, even you.

^{20 ‡} Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

^{21 ‡} teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, ^†

so that you bring back truthful reports

to those you serve?

Saying 2

^{22 ‡} Do not exploit the poor ^† because they are poor

and do not crush the needy in court, ^†

^{23 ‡} for the LORD will take up their case ^†

and will exact life for life. ^†

Saying 3

^{24 ‡} Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,

do not associate with one easily angered,

^{25 ‡} or you may learn their ways

and get yourself ensnared. ^†

Saying 4

^{26 ‡} Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge ^†

or puts up security for debts;

^{27 ‡} if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you. ^†

Saying 5

^{28 ‡} Do not move an ancient boundary stone ^†

set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

^{29 ‡} Do you see someone skilled ^† in their work?

They will serve ^† before kings; ^†

they will not serve before officials of low rank.

Proverbs 23

Saying 7

¹ When you sit to dine with a ruler,

note well what ^[40] is before you,

^{2 ‡} and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to gluttony.

^{3 ‡} Do not crave his delicacies, ^†

for that food is deceptive.

Saying 8

^{4 ‡} Do not wear yourself out to get rich;

do not trust your own cleverness.

^{5 ‡} Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, ^†

for they will surely sprout wings

and fly off to the sky like an eagle. ^†

Saying 9

^{6 ‡} Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,

do not crave his delicacies; ^†

^{7 ‡} for he is the kind of person

who is always thinking about the cost. ^[41]

“Eat and drink,” he says to you,

but his heart is not with you.

^{8 ‡} You will vomit up the little you have eaten

and will have wasted your compliments.

Saying 10

^{9 ‡} Do not speak to fools,

for they will scorn your prudent words. ^†

Saying 11

^{10 ‡} Do not move an ancient boundary stone ^†

or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

^{11 ‡} for their Defender ^† is strong; ^†

he will take up their case against you. ^†

Saying 12

^{12 ‡} Apply your heart to instruction ^†

and your ears to words of knowledge.

Saying 13

^{13 ‡} Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.

¹⁴ Punish them with the rod

and save them from death. ^†

Saying 14

^{15 ‡} My son, if your heart is wise,

then my heart will be glad indeed;

^{16 ‡} my inmost being will rejoice

when your lips speak what is right. ^†

Saying 15

^{17 ‡} Do not let your heart envy ^† sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD .

^{18 ‡} There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off. ^†

Saying 16

^{19 ‡} Listen, my son, ^† and be wise,

and set your heart on the right path:

^{20 ‡} Do not join those who drink too much wine ^†

or gorge themselves on meat,

^{21 ‡} for drunkards and gluttons become poor, ^†

and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

^{22 ‡} Listen to your father, who gave you life,

and do not despise your mother when she is old. ^†

^{23 ‡} Buy the truth and do not sell it—

wisdom, instruction and insight as well. ^†

^{24 ‡} The father of a righteous child has great joy;

a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. ^†

²⁵ May your father and mother rejoice;

may she who gave you birth be joyful! ^†

Saying 18

²⁶ My son, ^† give me your heart

and let your eyes delight in my ways, ^†

^{27 ‡} for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, ^†

and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

^{28 ‡} Like a bandit she lies in wait ^†

and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

Saying 19

^{29 ‡} Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has strife? Who has complaints?

Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

^{30 ‡} Those who linger over wine, ^†

who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

³¹ Do not gaze at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup,

when it goes down smoothly!

^{32 ‡} In the end it bites like a snake

and poisons like a viper.

^{33 ‡} Your eyes will see strange sights,

and your mind will imagine confusing things.

^{34 ‡} You 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?” ^†

Proverbs 24

Saying 20

^{1 ‡} Do not envy ^† the wicked,

do not desire their company;

^{2 ‡} for their hearts plot violence, ^†

and their lips talk about making trouble. ^†

Saying 21

^{3 ‡} By wisdom a house is built, ^†

and through understanding it is established;

^{4 ‡} through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures. ^†

Saying 22

^{5 ‡} The wise prevail through great power,

and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war,

and victory is won through many advisers. ^†

Saying 23

^{7 ‡} Wisdom is too high for fools;

in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

Saying 24

^{8 ‡} Whoever plots evil

will be known as a schemer.

^{9 ‡} The schemes of folly are sin,

and people detest a mocker.

Saying 25

^{10 ‡} If you falter in a time of trouble,

how small is your strength! ^†

^{11 ‡} Rescue those being led away to death;

hold back those staggering toward slaughter. ^†

^{12 ‡} If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”

does not he who weighs ^† the heart perceive it?

Does not he who guards your life know it?

Will he not repay ^† everyone according to what they have done? ^†

Saying 26

¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good;

honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

^{14 ‡} Know 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 27

^{15 ‡} Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,

do not plunder their dwelling place;

^{16 ‡} for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,

but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. ^†

Saying 28

^{17 ‡} Do not gloat ^† when your enemy falls;

when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, ^†

¹⁸ or the LORD will see and disapprove

and turn his wrath away from them. ^†

Saying 29

^{19 ‡} Do not fret ^† because of evildoers

or be envious of the wicked,

^{20 ‡} for the evildoer has no future hope,

and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. ^†

Saying 30

^{21 ‡} Fear the LORD and the king, ^† my son,

and do not join with rebellious officials,

^{22 ‡} for those two will send sudden destruction ^† on them,

and who knows what calamities they can bring?

Further Sayings of the Wise

^{23 ‡} These also are sayings of the wise: ^†

To show partiality ^† in judging is not good: ^†

^{24 ‡} Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” ^†

will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

^{25 ‡} But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and rich blessing will come on them.

^{26 ‡} An honest answer

is like a kiss on the lips.

^{27 ‡} Put your outdoor work in order

and get your fields ready;

after that, build your house.

^{28 ‡} Do not testify against your neighbor without cause ^† —

would you use your lips to mislead?

^{29 ‡} Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;

I’ll pay them back for what they did.” ^†

^{30 ‡} I went past the field of a sluggard, ^†

past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;

^{31 ‡} thorns had come up everywhere,

the ground was covered with weeds,

and the stone wall was in ruins.

^{32 ‡} I applied my heart to what I observed

and learned a lesson from what I saw:

^{33 ‡} A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest ^† —

³⁴ and poverty will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man. ^†

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

^{1 ‡} These are more proverbs ^† of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: ^†

^{2 ‡} It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;

to search out a matter is the glory of kings. ^†

^{3 ‡} As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

^{4 ‡} Remove the dross from the silver,

and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

^{5 ‡} remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, ^†

and his throne will be established ^† through righteousness. ^†

^{6 ‡} Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,

and do not claim a place among his great men;

^{7 ‡} it 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

^{8 ‡} do not bring ^[42] hastily to court,

for what will you do in the end

if your neighbor puts you to shame? ^†

^{9 ‡} If you take your neighbor to court,

do not betray another’s confidence,

^{10 ‡} or the one who hears it may shame you

and the charge against you will stand.

^{11 ‡} Like apples ^[43] of gold in settings of silver ^†

is a ruling rightly given.

^{12 ‡} Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold

is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. ^†

^{13 ‡} Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time

is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;

he refreshes the spirit of his master. ^†

^{14 ‡} Like clouds and wind without rain

is one who boasts of gifts never given.

^{15 ‡} Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, ^†

and a gentle tongue can break a bone. ^†

^{16 ‡} If you find honey, eat just enough—

too much of it, and you will vomit. ^†

¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—

too much of you, and they will hate you.

^{18 ‡} Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow

is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. ^†

^{19 ‡} Like a broken tooth or a lame foot

is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

^{20 ‡} Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,

or like vinegar poured on a wound,

is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

^{21 ‡} If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

^{22 ‡} In doing this, you will heap burning coals ^† on his head,

and the LORD will reward you. ^†

^{23 ‡} Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain

is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

^{24 ‡} Better to live on a corner of the roof

than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ^†

^{25 ‡} Like cold water to a weary soul

is good news from a distant land. ^†

^{26 ‡} Like a muddied spring or a polluted well

are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

^{27 ‡} It is not good to eat too much honey, ^†

nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. ^†

^{28 ‡} Like a city whose walls are broken through

is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 26

^{1 ‡} Like snow in summer or rain ^† in harvest,

honor is not fitting for a fool. ^†

^{2 ‡} Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,

an undeserved curse does not come to rest. ^†

^{3 ‡} A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, ^†

and a rod for the backs of fools! ^†

^{4 ‡} Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

or you yourself will be just like him. ^†

^{5 ‡} Answer a fool according to his folly,

or he will be wise in his own eyes. ^†

^{6 ‡} Sending a message by the hands of a fool ^†

is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.

⁷ Like the useless legs of one who is lame

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. ^†

^{8 ‡} Like tying a stone in a sling

is the giving of honor to a fool. ^†

^{9 ‡} Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. ^†

^{10 ‡} Like an archer who wounds at random

is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

^{11 ‡} As a dog returns to its vomit, ^†

so fools repeat their folly. ^†

^{12 ‡} Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? ^†

There is more hope for a fool than for them. ^†

^{13 ‡} A sluggard says, ^† “There’s a lion in the road,

a fierce lion roaming the streets!” ^†

^{14 ‡} As a door turns on its hinges,

so a sluggard turns on his bed. ^†

^{15 ‡} A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. ^†

^{16 ‡} A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes

than seven people who answer discreetly.

^{17 ‡} Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears

is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

^{18 ‡} Like a maniac shooting

flaming arrows of death

^{19 ‡} is one who deceives their neighbor

and says, “I was only joking!”

²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;

without a gossip a quarrel dies down. ^†

^{21 ‡} As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,

so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. ^†

^{22 ‡} The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

they go down to the inmost parts. ^†

^{23 ‡} Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware

are fervent ^[44] lips with an evil heart.

^{24 ‡} Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, ^†

but in their hearts they harbor deceit. ^†

^{25 ‡} Though their speech is charming, ^† do not believe them,

for seven abominations fill their hearts. ^†

^{26 ‡} Their malice may be concealed by deception,

but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

^{27 ‡} Whoever digs a pit ^† will fall into it; ^†

if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. ^†

^{28 ‡} A lying tongue hates those it hurts,

and a flattering mouth ^† works ruin.

Marble statue of two dogs (Italy, c. second century AD). “Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own” ( Pr 26:17 ). In the ancient Near East, dogs were not domesticated pets as they are today. They were used mainly for hunting or would roam outside villages as scavengers.

© 1995 Phoenix Data Systems

Proverbs 27

^{1 ‡} Do not boast ^† about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring. ^†

^{2 ‡} Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;

an outsider, and not your own lips. ^†

³ Stone is heavy and sand ^† a burden,

but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

^{4 ‡} Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy? ^†

^{5 ‡} Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

^{6 ‡} Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

but an enemy multiplies kisses. ^†

^{7 ‡} One who is full loathes honey from the comb,

but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

^{8 ‡} Like a bird that flees its nest ^†

is anyone who flees from home.

^{9 ‡} Perfume ^† and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the pleasantness of a friend

springs from their heartfelt advice.

^{10 ‡} Do 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.

^{11 ‡} Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; ^†

then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. ^†

^{12 ‡} The prudent see danger and take refuge,

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. ^†

^{13 ‡} Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;

hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. ^†

^{14 ‡} If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,

it will be taken as a curse.

^{15 ‡} A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping ^†

of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

¹⁶ restraining her is like restraining the wind

or grasping oil with the hand.

^{17 ‡} As iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens another.

^{18 ‡} The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, ^†

and whoever protects their master will be honored. ^†

^{19 ‡} As water reflects the face,

so one’s life reflects the heart. ^[45]

^{20 ‡} Death and Destruction ^[46] are never satisfied, ^†

and neither are human eyes. ^†

^{21 ‡} The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, ^†

but people are tested by their praise.

^{22 ‡} Though you grind a fool in a mortar,

grinding them like grain with a pestle,

you will not remove their folly from them.

^{23 ‡} Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, ^†

give careful attention to your herds;

^{24 ‡} for riches do not endure forever, ^†

and a crown is not secure for all generations.

^{25 ‡} When the hay is removed and new growth appears

and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

^{26 ‡} the lambs will provide you with clothing,

and the goats with the price of a field.

^{27 ‡} You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family

and to nourish your female servants.

Proverbs 28

^{1 ‡} The wicked flee ^† though no one pursues, ^†

but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ^†

^{2 ‡} When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,

but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

^{3 ‡} A ruler ^[47] who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

^{4 ‡} Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,

but those who heed it resist them.

^{5 ‡} Evildoers do not understand what is right,

but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

^{6 ‡} Better the poor whose walk is blameless

than the rich whose ways are perverse. ^†

^{7 ‡} A discerning son heeds instruction,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. ^†

^{8 ‡} Whoever increases wealth by taking interest ^† or profit from the poor

amasses it for another, ^† who will be kind to the poor. ^†

^{9 ‡} If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,

even their prayers are detestable. ^†

^{10 ‡} Whoever leads the upright along an evil path

will fall into their own trap, ^†

but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

^{11 ‡} The rich are wise in their own eyes;

one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

^{12 ‡} When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; ^†

but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. ^†

^{13 ‡} Whoever conceals their sins ^† does not prosper,

but the one who confesses ^† and renounces them finds mercy. ^†

^{14 ‡} Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,

but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

^{15 ‡} Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

^{16 ‡} A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,

but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

^{17 ‡} Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder

will seek refuge ^† in the grave;

let no one hold them back.

^{18 ‡} The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, ^†

but the one whose ways are perverse will fall ^† into the pit. ^[48]

^{19 ‡} Those who work their land will have abundant food,

but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. ^†

^{20 ‡} A faithful person will be richly blessed,

but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. ^†

^{21 ‡} To show partiality ^† is not good ^† —

yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. ^†

^{22 ‡} The stingy are eager to get rich

and are unaware that poverty awaits them. ^†

^{23 ‡} Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor

rather than one who has a flattering tongue. ^†

^{24 ‡} Whoever robs their father or mother ^†

and says, “It’s not wrong,”

is partner to one who destroys. ^†

^{25 ‡} The greedy stir up conflict, ^†

but those who trust in the LORD ^† will prosper.

^{26 ‡} Those who trust in themselves are fools, ^†

but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. ^†

^{27 ‡} Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, ^†

but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. ^†

^{28 ‡} When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; ^†

but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Proverbs 29

^{1 ‡} Whoever remains stiff-necked ^† after many rebukes

will suddenly be destroyed ^† —without remedy. ^†

^{2 ‡} When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; ^†

when the wicked rule, ^† the people groan. ^†

^{3 ‡} A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, ^†

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. ^†

^{4 ‡} By justice a king gives a country stability, ^†

but those who are greedy for ^[49] bribes tear it down.

^{5 ‡} Those who flatter their neighbors

are spreading nets for their feet. ^†

^{6 ‡} Evildoers are snared by their own sin, ^†

but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

^{7 ‡} The righteous care about justice for the poor, ^†

but the wicked have no such concern.

^{8 ‡} Mockers stir up a city,

but the wise turn away anger. ^†

^{9 ‡} If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

^{10 ‡} The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity

and seek to kill the upright. ^†

^{11 ‡} Fools give full vent to their rage, ^†

but the wise bring calm in the end. ^†

^{12 ‡} If a ruler ^† listens to lies,

all his officials become wicked. ^†

^{13 ‡} The poor and the oppressor have this in common:

The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. ^†

^{14 ‡} If a king judges the poor with fairness,

his throne will be established forever. ^†

^{15 ‡} A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,

but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. ^†

^{16 ‡} When the wicked thrive, so does sin,

but the righteous will see their downfall. ^†

^{17 ‡} Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;

they will bring you the delights you desire. ^†

^{18 ‡} Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;

but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. ^†

^{19 ‡} Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;

though they understand, they will not respond.

^{20 ‡} Do you see someone who speaks in haste?

There is more hope for a fool than for them. ^†

^{21 ‡} A servant pampered from youth

will turn out to be insolent.

^{22 ‡} An angry person stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. ^†

^{23 ‡} Pride brings a person low, ^†

but the lowly in spirit gain honor. ^†

^{24 ‡} The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;

they are put under oath and dare not testify. ^†

^{25 ‡} Fear ^† of man will prove to be a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD ^† is kept safe. ^†

^{26 ‡} Many seek an audience with a ruler, ^†

but it is from the LORD that one gets justice. ^†

^{27 ‡} The righteous detest the dishonest;

the wicked detest the upright. ^†