23 A wicked man accepts a bribe 1behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.
24 aWisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A afoolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.
27 aHe who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 aEven a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all 1wise judgment.
2 A fool *has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his aown heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.
4 aThe words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
bThe wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in ajudgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 aA fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his bsoul.
8 aThe words of a 1talebearer are like 2tasty trifles,
And they go down into the 3inmost body.
9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong atower;
The righteous run to it and are 1safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 aBefore destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.
14 The *spirit of a man will *sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 aA man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18 Casting alots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 aA man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21 aDeath and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 aHe who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers aroughly.
24 A man who has friends 1must himself be friendly,
aBut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 Better ais the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
And he sins who hastens with his feet.
3 The foolishness of a man twists his way,
And his heart frets against the LORD.
But the poor is separated from his friend.
5 A afalse witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies will not escape.
6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility,
And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.
7 aAll the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go bfar from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they 1abandon him.
8 He who gets 1wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding awill find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies shall perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool,
Much less afor a servant to rule over princes.
11 aThe discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
bAnd his glory is to overlook a transgression.
12 aThe king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is blike dew on the grass.
13 aA foolish son is the ruin of his father,
bAnd the contentions of a wife are a continual 1dripping.
14 aHouses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But ba prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 aLaziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will bsuffer hunger.
16 aHe who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who 1is careless of his ways will die.
17 aHe who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD,
And He will pay back what he has given.
18 aChasten your son while there is hope,
And do not set your heart 1on his destruction.
19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment;
For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise ain your latter days.
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
aNevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is 1kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar.
23 aThe fear of the LORD leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil.
24 aA lazy man buries his hand in the 1bowl,
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple awill become wary;
bRebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother
Is aa son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 Cease listening to *instruction, my son,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A 1disreputable witness scorns justice,
And athe mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
aAnd beatings for the backs of fools.
1 Wine ais a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The 1wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
3 aIt is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
4 aThe lazy man will not plow because of winter;
bHe will beg during harvest and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim each his own 1goodness,
But who can find a faithful man?
7 aThe righteous man walks in his integrity;
bHis children are blessed after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
Scatters all evil with his eyes.
9 aWho can say, “I have made my heart clean,
I am pure from my sin”?
10 aDiverse weights and diverse measures,
They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child is aknown by his deeds,
Whether what he does is pure and right.
12 aThe hearing ear and the seeing eye,
The LORD has made them both.
13 aDo not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
14 “It is 1good for nothing,” cries the buyer;
But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,
But athe lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 aTake the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
17 aBread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 aPlans are established by counsel;
bBy wise counsel wage war.
19 aHe who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one bwho flatters with his lips.
20 aWhoever curses his father or his mother,
bHis lamp will be put out in deep darkness.
21 aAn inheritance gained hastily at the beginning
bWill not be blessed at the end.
22 aDo not say, “I will 1recompense evil”;
bWait* for the LORD, and He will save you.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,
And dishonest scales are not good.
24 A man’s steps are of the LORD;
How then can a man understand his own way?
25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
26 aA wise king sifts out the wicked,
And brings the threshing wheel over them.
27 aThe spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
Searching all the 1inner depths of his heart.
28 aMercy and truth preserve the king,
And by 1lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And athe splendor of old men is their gray head.
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
As do stripes the 1inner depths of the heart.
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the 1rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 aEvery way of a man is right in his own eyes,
bBut the LORD weighs the hearts.
3 aTo do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 aA haughty look, a proud heart,
And the 1plowing of the wicked are sin.
5 aThe plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
6 aGetting treasures by a lying tongue
1Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked will 1destroy them,
Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of 1a guilty man is perverse;
But as for the pure, his work is right.
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with aa contentious woman.
10 aThe soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;
But when the awise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,
Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
13 aWhoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe 1behind the back, strong wrath.
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of *understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the adead.
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to dwell 1in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.
20 aThere is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
21 aHe who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A awise man 1scales the city of the mighty,
And brings down the trusted *stronghold.
23 aWhoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.
25 The adesire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous agives and does not spare.
27 aThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
28 A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
29 A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he 1establishes his way.
30 aThere is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But adeliverance is of the LORD.
1 A agood name is to be *chosen rather than *great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
2 The arich and the poor have this in common,
The bLORD is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are apunished.
4 By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
He who guards his soul will be far from them.
6 aTrain up a child in the way he should go,
1And when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The arich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity will reap asorrow,1
And the rod of his anger will fail.
9 aHe who has a 1generous eye will be bblessed,
For he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 aCast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 aHe who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.
13 aThe lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”
14 aThe mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;
bHe who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
aThe rod of correction will drive it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,
And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.
Sayings of the Wise
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD;
I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 aThat I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
bThat you may answer words of truth
To those who 1send to you?
22 Do not rob the apoor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 aFor the LORD will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a afurious man do not go,
And set a snare for your soul.
26 aDo not be one of those who 1shakes hands in a pledge,
One of those who is 2surety for debts;
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
Why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 aDo not remove the ancient 1landmark
Which your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man who 1excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before 2unknown men.
1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;
2 And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.
4 aDo not overwork to be rich;
bBecause of your own understanding, cease!
5 1Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.
6 Do not eat the bread of aa1 miser,
Nor desire his delicacies;
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” ahe says to you,
But his heart is not with you.
8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,
And waste your pleasant words.
9 aDo not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not remove the ancient 1landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;
11 aFor their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.
13 aDo not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from 1hell.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;
16 Yes, my 1inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.
17 aDo not let your heart envy sinners,
But bbe zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;
18 aFor surely there is a 1hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.
And guide your heart in the way.
20 aDo not mix with winebibbers,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
22 aListen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 aBuy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
24 aThe father of the righteous will greatly *rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
25 Let your *father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart,
And let your eyes observe my ways.
27 aFor a harlot is a deep pit,
And a seductress is a narrow well.
28 aShe also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among men.
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who bhas redness of eyes?
30 aThose who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of bmixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it 1swirls around smoothly;
32 At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the 1midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “Theya have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall bI awake, that I may seek another drink?”
1 Do not be aenvious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;
2 For their heart devises violence,
And their lips talk of troublemaking.
3 Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
4 By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 aFor by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
7 aWisdom is too lofty for a fool;
He does not open his mouth in the gate.
8 He who aplots to do evil
Will be called a 1schemer.
9 The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10 If you afaint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small.
11 aDeliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not aHe who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man baccording to his deeds?
13 My son, aeat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
14 aSo shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a 1prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not plunder his resting place;
16 aFor a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
bBut the wicked shall fall by calamity.
17 aDo not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 Lest the LORD see it, and 1it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.
19 aDo not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, afear the LORD and the king;
Do not associate with those given to change;
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly,
And who knows the ruin those two can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These things also belong to the wise:
aIt is not good to 1show partiality in judgment.
24 aHe who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.
25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have adelight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.
26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.
27 aPrepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.
28 aDo not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
1For would you deceive with your lips?
29 aDo not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”
30 I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31 And there it was, aall overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received *instruction:
33 aA little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;
34 aSo shall your poverty come like 1a prowler,
And your need like 2an armed man.
Further Wise Sayings of Solomon
1 Thesea also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 aIt is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 aTake away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in arighteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
7 aFor it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
8 aDo not go hastily to 1court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 aDebate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And 1your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly aspoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 aLike the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 aWhoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like bclouds and wind without rain.
15 aBy long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
16 Have you found honey?
Eat only *as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 aA man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who asings* songs to a heavy heart.
21 aIf your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
aAnd the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain,
And aa backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 aIt is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 As cold water to a weary *soul,
So is agood news from a far country.
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked
Is like a murky spring and a 1polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat much honey;
So ato seek one’s own glory is not glory.
28 aWhoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.
1 As snow in summer aand rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So aa curse without cause shall not alight.
3 aA whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5 aAnswer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.
9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 1The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.
11 aAs a dog returns to his own vomit,
bSo a fool repeats his folly.
12 aDo you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more *hope for a fool than for him.
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion is in the 1streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.
15 The alazy man buries his hand in the 1bowl;
It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, a“I was only joking!”
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no 1talebearer, strife ceases.
21 aAs charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a 1talebearer are like 2tasty trifles,
And they go down into the 3inmost body.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 aWhen 1he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27 aWhoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who *rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works aruin.
1 Doa not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 aLet another man *praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
But awho is able to stand before jealousy?
5 aOpen rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are adeceitful.
7 A satisfied soul 1loathes the honeycomb,
But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest
Is a man who wanders from his place.
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by 1hearty *counsel.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
aBetter is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
aThat I may answer him who reproaches me.
12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;
The simple pass on and are apunished.
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.
15 A acontinual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;
16 Whoever 1restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
18 aWhoever 1keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.
20 aHell1 and 2Destruction are never full;
So bthe eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 aThe refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him.
22 aThough you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your aflocks,
And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all *generations.
25 aWhen the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have *enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.
1 The awicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged.
3 aA poor man who oppresses the poor
Is like a driving rain 1which leaves no food.
4 aThose who forsake the law praise the wicked,
bBut such as keep the law contend with them.
5 aEvil men do not understand justice,
But bthose who seek the LORD understand all.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
aEven his prayer is an abomination.
10 aWhoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
bBut the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great aglory;
But when the wicked arise, men 1hide themselves.
13 aHe who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14 Happy is the man who is always *reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 aLike a roaring lion and a charging bear
bIs a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great aoppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 aA man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
Let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be 1saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 aHe who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
aBut he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 aTo 1show partiality is not good,
bBecause for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that apoverty will come upon him.
23 aHe who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother,
And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same ais *companion to a destroyer.
25 aHe who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
bBut he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered.
26 He who atrusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27 aHe who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, amen hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
1 Hea who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without *remedy.
2 When the righteous 1are in authority, the apeople rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, bthe people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who aflatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous aconsiders the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers aset a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
aWhether the fool rages or *laughs, there is no peace.
10 aThe bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his 1well-being.
11 A fool vents all his afeelings,1
But a wise man *holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
aThe LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who judges the apoor with truth,
His throne will be established *forever.
15 The rod and rebuke give awisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their afall.
17 *Correct your son, and he will *give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
18 aWhere there is no 1revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But bhappy is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant will not be *corrected by mere words;
For though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words?
aThere is more *hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.
22 aAn angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 aA man’s pride will *bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
aHe 1swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25 aThe fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be 1safe.
26 aMany seek the ruler’s 1favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
The Wisdom of Agur
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 aSurely I am more stupid than any man,
And do not have the understanding of a man.
Nor have aknowledge of the Holy One.
4 aWho has ascended into heaven, or descended?
bWho has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
If you know?
5 aEvery *word of God is 1pure;
bHe is a shield to those who put their *trust in Him.
6 aDo not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
(Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
aFeed me with the food allotted to me;
9 aLest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the LORD?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
10 Do not malign a servant to his *master,
Lest he curse you, and you be found *guilty.
11 There is a generation that curses its afather,
And does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation athat is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation—oh, how alofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are 1lifted up.
14 aThere is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
bTo devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.
15 The leech has two daughters—
Give and Give!
There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, “Enough!”:
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, “Enough!”
17 aThe eye that mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.
18 There are three things which are too *wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the 1midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wickedness.”
21 For three things the earth is perturbed,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up:
22 aFor a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,
23 A 1hateful woman when she is married,
And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.
24 There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
25 aThe ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26 aThe 1rock badgers are a feeble folk,
Yet they make their homes in the crags;
Yet they all advance in ranks;
28 The 1spider skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.
29 There are three things which are majestic in pace,
Yes, four which are stately in walk:
30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;
31 A 1greyhound,
A male goat also,
And 2a king whose troops are with him.
32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, aput your hand on your mouth.
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter,
And wringing the nose produces blood,
So the forcing of wrath produces strife.
The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother
1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
And what, son of my womb?
And what, ason of my vows?
3 aDo not give your *strength to women,
Nor your ways bto that which destroys kings.
4 aIt is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
5 aLest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all 1the afflicted.
6 aGive strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his *misery no more.
8 aOpen your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are 1appointed to die.
9 Open your mouth, ajudge righteously,
And bplead the cause of the poor and *needy.
The Virtuous Wife
10 aWho1 can find a 2virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her *husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 aShe also rises while it is yet night,
And bprovides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From 1her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She *perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 aShe extends her hand to the *poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 aHer husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and *honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and *beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
1:1 Here is immediate identification of the book with its principal author. However, the meaning is not that all the proverbs are original with Solomon. He was anthologist as well as author. In 1 Kin. 4:32 we read that he “spoke” 3,000 proverbs. In Eccl. he calls himself “the Preacher” (Eccl. 1:1). As such, he no doubt collected and quoted useful expressions—just as a modern preacher might quote a poem or a powerful metaphor. The proverbs are his, not just because he composed most of them, but because he collected and used them. (See note on 22:17.)
1:2–6 The purposes of the proverbs are listed; however, grammatically, this whole passage could be the title of the book.
1:2 Wisdom: See Introduction to Proverbs: Content.
1:7 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
1:7 The fear of the LORD: Expressed in many ways, this is the theme repeated throughout the book as the key, the means, the secret of obtaining genuine wisdom. It is not the terror of a tyrant, but the kind of awe and respect which will lead to obedience to Him who is the wisest of all. But fools: Stark and immediate contrast is one of the strongest ways the writer makes his point. In Solomon’s time this balancing or doubling of a true statement by following up with its opposite was an expected and satisfying literary device.
1:8, 9 Receiving parental instruction is not to be a burden or an annoyance, but an enhancement, a means of increased attractiveness, like jewelry joyfully worn.
1:8 Second only to serving God personally, transferring knowledge of God to the next generation was a duty of utmost importance within Israel. Fathers and mothers shared this responsibility. Underscoring the authoritative role of the mother is the fact that “Torah” (law), Israel’s designation for the Mosaic Law, is associated with her ministry in the home.
1:10–19 Here is the first warning passage. Quoting what sinners (vicious men) may say is a practical way of preparing a son to resist their suggestions. But the son has the choice to make.
1:20, 21 Because God is neither male nor female, both masculine and feminine imagery is used in Scripture to capture various descriptions of God. Here and elsewhere in Prov., feminine terminology is used to extol God’s wisdom, standing in sharp contrast to any notion that women are less perceptive than men.
1:22–33 The direct quotation adds to the sense of wisdom being a communicating person, not a cold abstraction. Her tone contains scolding, but her promise is specific and encouraging (v. 33).
1:23 Her spirit is none other than the Spirit of God. This is the only direct mention of the Holy Spirit in this book. Wisdom/God said, “I will pour out my spirit on you.” Pour: Hebrew naba‘ means to “gush forth” and is used figuratively to mean the “springing forth” of water from a fountain or the “pouring out” of a torrent of words (Ps. 145:7). Here is a prophetic intimation of a future great outpouring of the Spirit accompanied by an outpouring of expressive words through the Spirit (compare Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17, 18).
1:29 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
2:1–9 Three “ifs” (vv. 1, 3, 4) fulfilled will lead to the glorious treasures of understanding (v. 4) and the knowledge of God (v. 5).
2:1–6 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
2:10–19 Vv. 10 and 11 give the condition for escape from the list of threats represented by vv. 12–19, which comprise wicked males (vv. 12–15) and wicked females (vv. 16–19).
2:19 Such finality is not because God is unwilling to redeem but because man becomes unwilling to repent.
2:20–22 Reminiscent of the contrasts of Ps. 1 regarding the blessed man versus the ungodly, here the benefits of the righteous are followed with the dire end of the wicked (v. 22).
3:1 The Law (Torah), the Jewish name for the Pentateuch, and meaning basically “teaching,” is the foundation of righteousness. The expression “my law,” assuming it is still the parent speaking, implies that God’s Law is the basis for the parent’s household principles.
3:2 Though exceptions may exist, it is a general principle that wise living avoids many of the eventualities that shorten life.
3:3 Bind them … write them: Mercy and truth are to be considered constant and valuable equipment, never left behind.
3:5, 6 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
3:5 Lean: “Support yourself” expresses the thought.
3:6 Acknowledge: This suggests being fully aware of and in fellowship with Him.
3:9, 10 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
3:9, 10 That righteousness brings reward, repeatedly stated in Prov. and many other Scriptures, is not a mechanical guarantee of cause and effect. Rather, like sowing and reaping, it is a general law built into the nature of God’s world. Exceptions may occur, at least temporarily, but they do not change the inexorable principles of the universe. Here is reality.
3:11, 12 Despise … detest: The meaning is to reject or shrink from. Correction, hard as it is, proves God’s love and concern.
3:14 Proceeds: The use of a term ordinarily used for merchandising or profit declares wisdom is worth more than commerce.
3:16–18 A compact (and only partial) list of things wisdom offers: longevity, wealth, recognition, enjoyment, peace, vitality, and happiness.
3:19, 20 Wisdom is not just God’s possession, but His tool.
3:22–26 Wisdom offers security from many dangers.
3:27–30 Neighborly honesty is a practical application of wisdom.
3:31–35 God curses the wicked, but blesses the righteous.
3:33 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
3:33 If one’s father is Satan (1 John 3:10), it is impossible to avoid the curse/judgment of God that rests upon him.
4:1–9 The advising father quotes his own advising father. Wise counsel is a heritage to be perpetuated. What is passed on is not just a collection of adages for good behavior, but a basic yearning for wisdom.
4:12–15 A strong, rapid succession of verbs, mostly negative imperatives, warns the son.
4:14–18 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
4:16, 17 They: The wicked are literally addicted to evil. It becomes as natural to them as sleeping, eating, and drinking.
4:18–27 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
4:18 The just: Here, sandwiched between the ways of the wicked, his destiny shines with ever-rising promise.
4:20–22 Three verses here, plus two at 5:1, 2, and one at 5:7, intersperse at intervals the call to remember the importance of the truth being given.
4:23 Keep your heart: Value and protect your mind, emotions, and will. How Solomon would have profited by following his own advice!
4:24–27 Mouth, lips, eyes, and feet are physical symbols for communication, attention, and behavior.
5:1–23 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
5:3–6, 8 The stark picture of the seductress ends with a warning.
5:4 Wormwood: A plant known in the ancient world for its bitterness.
5:9–14 To ignore the warning of v. 8 brings remorse and misery. If King Solomon’s son were to involve himself with foreign women, the literal sense of this verse is clear. However, there is application to anyone who hands his purity to a physical or spiritual seducer.
5:15–20 First with metaphor (water, fountains, streams), then with literal description, faithfulness in marriage is called for.
5:21–23 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
5:21–23 Never hidden from God, the sinner comes to a pitiful end.
6:1–5 The warning against entanglement (by guaranteeing what one cannot control) rings with the urgency and reality of true life experience—the writer’s or his son’s.
6:6–11 The industrious insect’s instinct shames lazy humanity! Prov. condemns the sluggard’s passivity, lack of initiative, the habit of procrastination, obliviousness to the dire results, and lack of discipline. Note also 10:26; 13:4; 24:30–34.
6:12 Worthless: The word is literally “of Belial,” signifying both worthlessness and wickedness, appropriate since a great theme of the book is that wickedness is really of no value to anyone. Belial is most commonly used elsewhere in Scripture to represent wicked men (for example, see marginal note on 1 Sam. 2:12).
6:13, 14 Winks … shuffles … points: These are the tools of innuendo with which one sows discord. Sowing discord is the climactic item in the citation of things God hates (vv. 17–19).
6:16 Six … seven is a metaphoric device to indicate the list is not intended to be exhaustive.
6:17 Lying tongue: Here is untruthfulness as an innate trait of personality, speaking with no care nor regard for veracity. Compare with false witness (v. 19), which implies deliberate perjury to injure another person. Thus both forms of falsehood are on the list of what is abhorrent. And worse than either is he who sows discord.
6:20–23 Again (as previously at 4:20–22; 5:1, 2, 7; and later at 7:1–4, 24) comes the appeal to take seriously what parents have taught: that there is guidance (v. 22), light (v. 23), and life (v. 23) in commandments and corrections.
6:24–35 This lengthy and eloquent appeal against adultery is based on the results that are likely to follow the act: ruin (v. 26), scorn (v. 33), and angry retribution (vv. 34, 35). The adulterer is worse than a thief (v. 30), ignorant (v. 32), and self-destructive (v. 32).
7:1–27 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
7:6–23 Here is the short, sad story of a typical visit to a harlot, ending in death—either literal or figurative. The “immoral woman” of 5:3, 20 is probably a loose, married woman. The “evil woman” of 6:24 can be a harlot (6:26) or a neighbor’s wife (6:29). The harlot of 7:10 is clearly a brazen professional in manner, if not in full-time occupation. She has a husband (v. 19), but dresses like a harlot (v. 10). She does not seek money for her affections, but gets her satisfaction directly in the wickedness of destroying her prey.
7:14 Peace offerings … paid my vows: Obedient to the letter of some minor (and easy) parts of the Law, the immoral woman would celebrate a religious occasion by abandonment to gross carnality. Thus may formal, ceremonial religion observe a kind of mechanical piety while blind or rebellious to larger issues. Jesus roundly condemned the neglect of “weightier matters” (Matt. 23:23).
7:22, 23 Ox … fool … bird: He who yields to seduction is as hopelessly naive as these simple-minded creatures, no matter how strong (v. 26).
8:1–36 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
8:1–3 Wisdom, far from hiding herself and defying discovery, makes her appeal from the high place, the crossroads, and the city entrance—most conspicuous sites. Compare with the similar list in 1:20, 21.
8:4–9 Men … sons of men: The appeal is to all humanity: To the simple (v. 5), the fools (v. 5), and him who understands (v. 9).
8:10, 11 Silver … gold … rubies: Wisdom should be chosen over any of these (a threefold comparison repeated from 3:14, 15), the most precious physical objects mentioned in the Bible.
8:13 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
8:13 Fear of the LORD, here equated with hating evil, is elsewhere equated with wisdom (9:10) and knowledge (1:7); therefore, wisdom and knowledge are the hating of evil.
8:21 Wealth refers more specifically to monetary gain than does the more general “riches” (v. 18).
8:22–36 God’s wisdom, which has been the focus of the preceding verses and which has been likened to a woman, is identified as the eternal One and the life-giver who, according to the NT, is Jesus (John 1:1, 2; 11:25). Of course, God is neither male nor female; God transcends the human characteristic of gender but is described throughout Scripture in both male and female terms.
8:32 Now therefore argues that Wisdom should be listened to because of her ancient and special place in God’s plan.
8:36 The benefits of Wisdom are clearer because of the sad contrast with the condition of those who reject her.
9:7–11 Samples of wise sayings exemplify the practical perceptions available, a display case of chosen nuggets to prove wisdom is worthwhile.
9:10 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
9:12 If you … you … alone: The individual has the choice; he controls his own fate.
9:13–18 Brief clauses summarize all the preceding appeals of folly, ending with a deadly warning.
9:13 This and other negative comments in the Proverbs about women or wives can be matched with numerous critical comments about men in which the Hebrew word for “male” or “husband” is used, but the English translation simply reads “man” because it is a legitimate translation for the same word.
10:1—22:16 Proverbs of Solomon: What follows (to 22:16) is a collection of what are almost certainly Solomon’s own original sayings, not merely sayings collected by him from other sources. Whereas the book has to this point been mostly an argument for the importance of godly wisdom, interspersed with strong moral warnings (as against adultery in chs. 5; 6; 7; 9), it now turns to a recitation of important practical truths about many aspects of life, each truth standing more or less alone, like a gem with beauty of its own.
Literary note: Again and again the individual truth is presented in the form of a couplet, not of rhyme but of meaning. The second part of each saying generally takes one of these forms: 1) a contrasted or opposite truth; 2) a companion or parallel truth; 3) a simile which clarifies the truth; 4) a refinement or further detailing of the truth.
Frequently several proverbs dealing with the same or a similar subject are grouped together, becoming a miniature lesson on the particular topic.
10:1 Both glad feelings and grief are experienced by both parents; the distinction is simply a poetic device.
10:4 This statement reflects a general principle which life’s circumstances occasionally overturn.
10:5 For the second time wisdom is shown to include planning ahead (see 6:8).
10:8 Prating: Literally, babbling.
10:10 He who winks … causes trouble because he merely hints at what he should say frankly. But a prating fool will fall: Speech that is too frank or lacks insight is dangerous. See notes on 6:12–15.
10:11 Violence covers the mouth: What the wicked say is not heard or heeded; their violence nullifies it.
10:19–21 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
10:19, 22 Wordiness brings evil with it, but divine blessing is undiluted.
10:19 Because the tongue is so hard to control (James 3:2, 7, 8), any increase in its use is likely to increase the presence of sin.
10:26 A lazy employee is not only unproductive, but irritating.
10:32 Lips … know: Utterance (expression) is tightly linked to perception.
11:1 This denunciation of dishonesty in business transactions is similar to that found in the Law (Lev. 19:35; Deut. 25:13).
11:2 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
11:3–8 In the long view, retribution is sure and appropriate.
11:4 Wrath: Specifically God’s wrath/judgment.
11:10, 11 City: Righteousness is good citizenship, appreciated by a civilized population.
11:19 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
11:20, 21 The wicked not only bring trouble on themselves by natural law, but by the wrath of God.
11:24–26 Generosity prospers a person; stinginess impoverishes.
11:30 Fruit … souls: The wise will harvest not just the temporal, but also the eternal (souls).
12:9 Standard of living counts for more in the practical world than a touchy sense of honor.
12:10 A righteous man is sensitive enough to care about the welfare of animals (a rare concern in that era), but a wicked man, even when sensitive, is still cruel (to human beings).
12:14 Mouth … hands: Each yields a product, which—good or bad—is the reward of the speaker or the worker.
12:15 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of Prov.
12:17–22 Words, powerful implements, can do good or harm, please or displease God, depending upon their wisdom and truth.
12:21 As a general principle, there is a guarding that righteousness provides (see 13:6), though life’s circumstances or Satan’s schemes may afflict a righteous man, such as Job (see the Book of Job).
12:26 Even the righteous is in danger if he consorts with evil companions.
12:27 The initial energy of hunting is nullified if one is too lazy to cook the game.
13:7 Greediness is counterproductive; generosity enriches—in one way or another.