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<article class="book" id="PRO" data-book="PRO" data-name="Proverbs" data-section="ot">
<header class="book-header">
<h1><span class="mt">The Proverbs</span></h1>
<nav class="chapter-nav" aria-label="Chapters">
<ul>
<li><a href="#ch1">1</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch2">2</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch3">3</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch4">4</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch5">5</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch6">6</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch7">7</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch8">8</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch9">9</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch10">10</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch11">11</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch12">12</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch13">13</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch14">14</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch15">15</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch16">16</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch17">17</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch18">18</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch19">19</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch20">20</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch21">21</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch22">22</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch23">23</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch24">24</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch25">25</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch26">26</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch27">27</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch28">28</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch29">29</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch30">30</a></li>
<li><a href="#ch31">31</a></li>
</ul>
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<p class="home"><a href="index.html">All books</a></p>
</header>
<div class="chapters">
<section class="chapter" id="ch1" data-chapter="1">
<h2 class="chapter-number">1</h2>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v1_1">1</span> The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_2">2</span> to know wisdom and instruction;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to discern the words of understanding;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_3">3</span> to receive instruction in wise dealing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">in righteousness, justice, and equity;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_4">4</span> to give prudence to the simple,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">knowledge and discretion to the young man—</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_5">5</span> that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_6">6</span> to understand a proverb and parables,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the words and riddles of the wise.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_7">7</span> The fear of the LORD<a class="noteref" id="fnref1_1" href="#fn1_1"><sup>*</sup></a> is the beginning of knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_8">8</span> My son, listen to your father’s instruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_9">9</span> for they will be a garland to grace your head,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and chains around your neck.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_10">10</span> My son, if sinners entice you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">don’t consent.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_11">11</span> If they say, “Come with us.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let’s lie in wait for blood.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_12">12</span> Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,<a class="noteref" id="fnref1_2" href="#fn1_2"><sup>†</sup></a></p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and whole, like those who go down into the pit.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_13">13</span> We’ll find all valuable wealth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">We’ll fill our houses with plunder.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_14">14</span> You shall cast your lot among us.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">We’ll all have one purse”—</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_15">15</span> my son, don’t walk on the path with them.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Keep your foot from their path,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_16">16</span> for their feet run to evil.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They hurry to shed blood.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_17">17</span> For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_18">18</span> but these lay in wait for their own blood.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They lurk secretly for their own lives.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_19">19</span> So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">It takes away the life of its owners.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_20">20</span> Wisdom calls aloud in the street.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She utters her voice in the public squares.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_21">21</span> She calls at the head of noisy places.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_22">22</span> “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and fools hate knowledge?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_23">23</span> Turn at my reproof.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Behold,<a class="noteref" id="fnref1_3" href="#fn1_3"><sup>‡</sup></a> I will pour out my spirit on you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I will make known my words to you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_24">24</span> Because I have called, and you have refused;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_25">25</span> but you have ignored all my counsel,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and wanted none of my reproof;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_26">26</span> I also will laugh at your disaster.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I will mock when calamity overtakes you,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_27">27</span> when calamity overtakes you like a storm,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when distress and anguish come on you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_28">28</span> Then they will call on me, but I will not answer.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_29">29</span> because they hated knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and didn’t choose the fear of the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_30">30</span> They wanted none of my counsel.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They despised all my reproof.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_31">31</span> Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and be filled with their own schemes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_32">32</span> For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The careless ease of fools will destroy them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v1_33">33</span> But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and will be at ease, without fear of harm.”</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn1_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref1_1">1:7</a> <span class="ft">When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh).</span></li>
<li class="note" id="fn1_2" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">†</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref1_2">1:12</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
<li class="note" id="fn1_3" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">‡</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref1_3">1:23</a> <span class="ft">“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch2" data-chapter="2">
<h2 class="chapter-number">2</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_1">1</span> My son, if you will receive my words,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and store up my commandments within you,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_2">2</span> so as to turn your ear to wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and apply your heart to understanding;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_3">3</span> yes, if you call out for discernment,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and lift up your voice for understanding;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_4">4</span> if you seek her as silver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and search for her as for hidden treasures;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_5">5</span> then you will understand the fear of the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and find the knowledge of God.<a class="noteref" id="fnref2_1" href="#fn2_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_6">6</span> For the LORD gives wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_7">7</span> He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_8">8</span> that he may guard the paths of justice,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and preserve the way of his saints.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_9">9</span> Then you will understand righteousness and justice,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">equity and every good path.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_10">10</span> For wisdom will enter into your heart.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_11">11</span> Discretion will watch over you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Understanding will keep you,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_12">12</span> to deliver you from the way of evil,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">from the men who speak perverse things,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_13">13</span> who forsake the paths of uprightness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to walk in the ways of darkness,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_14">14</span> who rejoice to do evil,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and delight in the perverseness of evil,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_15">15</span> who are crooked in their ways,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and wayward in their paths,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_16">16</span> to deliver you from the strange woman,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">even from the foreigner who flatters with her words,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_17">17</span> who forsakes the friend of her youth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and forgets the covenant of her God;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_18">18</span> for her house leads down to death,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">her paths to the departed spirits.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_19">19</span> None who go to her return again,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither do they attain to the paths of life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_20">20</span> Therefore walk in the way of good men,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and keep the paths of the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_21">21</span> For the upright will dwell in the land.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The perfect will remain in it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v2_22">22</span> But the wicked will be cut off from the land.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The treacherous will be rooted out of it.</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn2_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref2_1">2:5</a> <span class="ft">The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch3" data-chapter="3">
<h2 class="chapter-number">3</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_1">1</span> My son, don’t forget my teaching,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but let your heart keep my commandments,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_2">2</span> for they will add to you length of days,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">years of life, and peace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_3">3</span> Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Bind them around your neck.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Write them on the tablet of your heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_4">4</span> So you will find favor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and good understanding in the sight of God and man.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_5">5</span> Trust in the LORD with all your heart,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t lean on your own understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_6">6</span> In all your ways acknowledge him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and he will make your paths straight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_7">7</span> Don’t be wise in your own eyes.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_8">8</span> It will be health to your body,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and nourishment to your bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_9">9</span> Honor the LORD with your substance,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">with the first fruits of all your increase;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_10">10</span> so your barns will be filled with plenty,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your vats will overflow with new wine.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_11">11</span> My son, don’t despise the LORD’s discipline,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither be weary of his correction;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_12">12</span> for whom the LORD loves, he corrects,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_13">13</span> Happy is the man who finds wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the man who gets understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_14">14</span> For her good profit is better than getting silver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and her return is better than fine gold.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_15">15</span> She is more precious than rubies.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_16">16</span> Length of days is in her right hand.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">In her left hand are riches and honor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_17">17</span> Her ways are ways of pleasantness.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">All her paths are peace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_18">18</span> She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Happy is everyone who retains her.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_19">19</span> By wisdom the LORD founded the earth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">By understanding, he established the heavens.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_20">20</span> By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the skies drop down the dew.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_21">21</span> My son, let them not depart from your eyes.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Keep sound wisdom and discretion,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_22">22</span> so they will be life to your soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and grace for your neck.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_23">23</span> Then you shall walk in your way securely.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Your foot won’t stumble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_24">24</span> When you lie down, you will not be afraid.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_25">25</span> Don’t be afraid of sudden fear,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_26">26</span> for the LORD will be your confidence,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and will keep your foot from being taken.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_27">27</span> Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when it is in the power of your hand to do it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_28">28</span> Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">tomorrow I will give it to you,”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when you have it by you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_29">29</span> Don’t devise evil against your neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">since he dwells securely by you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_30">30</span> Don’t strive with a man without cause,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">if he has done you no harm.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_31">31</span> Don’t envy the man of violence.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Choose none of his ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_32">32</span> For the perverse is an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but his friendship is with the upright.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_33">33</span> The LORD’s curse is in the house of the wicked,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_34">34</span> Surely he mocks the mockers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he gives grace to the humble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v3_35">35</span> The wise will inherit glory,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but shame will be the promotion of fools.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch4" data-chapter="4">
<h2 class="chapter-number">4</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_1">1</span> Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Pay attention and know understanding;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_2">2</span> for I give you sound learning.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t forsake my law.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_3">3</span> For I was a son to my father,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_4">4</span> He taught me, and said to me:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">“Let your heart retain my words.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Keep my commandments, and live.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_5">5</span> Get wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Get understanding.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_6">6</span> Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Love her, and she will keep you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_7">7</span> Wisdom is supreme.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Get wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_8">8</span> Esteem her, and she will exalt you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She will bring you to honor when you embrace her.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_9">9</span> She will give to your head a garland of grace.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.”</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_10">10</span> Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The years of your life will be many.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_11">11</span> I have taught you in the way of wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I have led you in straight paths.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_12">12</span> When you go, your steps will not be hampered.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When you run, you will not stumble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_13">13</span> Take firm hold of instruction.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t let her go.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Keep her, for she is your life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_14">14</span> Don’t enter into the path of the wicked.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t walk in the way of evil men.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_15">15</span> Avoid it, and don’t pass by it.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Turn from it, and pass on.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_16">16</span> For they don’t sleep unless they do evil.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_17">17</span> For they eat the bread of wickedness</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and drink the wine of violence.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_18">18</span> But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that shines more and more until the perfect day.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_19">19</span> The way of the wicked is like darkness.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They don’t know what they stumble over.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_20">20</span> My son, attend to my words.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Turn your ear to my sayings.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_21">21</span> Let them not depart from your eyes.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Keep them in the center of your heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_22">22</span> For they are life to those who find them,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and health to their whole body.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_23">23</span> Keep your heart with all diligence,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for out of it is the wellspring of life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_24">24</span> Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Put corrupt lips far from you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_25">25</span> Let your eyes look straight ahead.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Fix your gaze directly before you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_26">26</span> Make the path of your feet level.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let all of your ways be established.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v4_27">27</span> Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Remove your foot from evil.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch5" data-chapter="5">
<h2 class="chapter-number">5</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_1">1</span> My son, pay attention to my wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Turn your ear to my understanding,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_2">2</span> that you may maintain discretion,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that your lips may preserve knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_3">3</span> For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her mouth is smoother than oil,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_4">4</span> but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and as sharp as a two-edged sword.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_5">5</span> Her feet go down to death.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her steps lead straight to Sheol.<a class="noteref" id="fnref5_1" href="#fn5_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_6">6</span> She gives no thought to the way of life.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_7">7</span> Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t depart from the words of my mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_8">8</span> Remove your way far from her.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t come near the door of her house,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_9">9</span> lest you give your honor to others,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your years to the cruel one;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_10">10</span> lest strangers feast on your wealth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your labors enrich another man’s house.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_11">11</span> You will groan at your latter end,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when your flesh and your body are consumed,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_12">12</span> and say, “How I have hated instruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and my heart despised reproof.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_13">13</span> I haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_14">14</span> I have come to the brink of utter ruin,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">among the gathered assembly.”</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_15">15</span> Drink water out of your own cistern,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">running water out of your own well.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_16">16</span> Should your springs overflow in the streets,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">streams of water in the public squares?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_17">17</span> Let them be for yourself alone,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">not for strangers with you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_18">18</span> Let your spring be blessed.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Rejoice in the wife of your youth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_19">19</span> A loving doe and a graceful deer—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">let her breasts satisfy you at all times.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Be captivated always with her love.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_20">20</span> For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Why embrace the bosom of another?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_21">21</span> For the ways of man are before the LORD’s eyes.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He examines all his paths.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_22">22</span> The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The cords of his sin hold him firmly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v5_23">23</span> He will die for lack of instruction.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn5_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref5_1">5:5</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch6" data-chapter="6">
<h2 class="chapter-number">6</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_1">1</span> My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_2">2</span> you are trapped by the words of your mouth;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">you are ensnared with the words of your mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_3">3</span> Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">since you have come into the hand of your neighbor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">Go, humble yourself.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Press your plea with your neighbor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_4">4</span> Give no sleep to your eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor slumber to your eyelids.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_5">5</span> Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">like a bird from the snare of the fowler.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_6">6</span> Go to the ant, you sluggard.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Consider her ways, and be wise;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_7">7</span> which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v6_8">8</span> provides her bread in the summer,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and gathers her food in the harvest.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_9">9</span> How long will you sleep, sluggard?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When will you arise out of your sleep?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_10">10</span> A little sleep, a little slumber,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">a little folding of the hands to sleep—</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_11">11</span> so your poverty will come as a robber,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your scarcity as an armed man.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_12">12</span> A worthless person, a man of iniquity,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is he who walks with a perverse mouth,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_13">13</span> who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">who motions with his fingers,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_14">14</span> in whose heart is perverseness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">who devises evil continually,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">who always sows discord.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_15">15</span> Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_16">16</span> There are six things which the LORD hates;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yes, seven which are an abomination to him:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_17">17</span> arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">hands that shed innocent blood,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_18">18</span> a heart that devises wicked schemes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">feet that are swift in running to mischief,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_19">19</span> a false witness who utters lies,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and he who sows discord among brothers.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_20">20</span> My son, keep your father’s commandment,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_21">21</span> Bind them continually on your heart.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Tie them around your neck.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_22">22</span> When you walk, it will lead you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When you sleep, it will watch over you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When you awake, it will talk with you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_23">23</span> For the commandment is a lamp,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the law is light.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_24">24</span> to keep you from the immoral woman,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">from the flattery of the wayward wife’s tongue.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_25">25</span> Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_26">26</span> For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The adulteress hunts for your precious life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_27">27</span> Can a man scoop fire into his lap,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and his clothes not be burned?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_28">28</span> Or can one walk on hot coals,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and his feet not be scorched?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_29">29</span> So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_30">30</span> Men don’t despise a thief</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_31">31</span> but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He shall give all the wealth of his house.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_32">32</span> He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who does it destroys his own soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_33">33</span> He will get wounds and dishonor.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">His reproach will not be wiped away.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_34">34</span> For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He won’t spare in the day of vengeance.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v6_35">35</span> He won’t regard any ransom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch7" data-chapter="7">
<h2 class="chapter-number">7</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_1">1</span> My son, keep my words.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Lay up my commandments within you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_2">2</span> Keep my commandments and live!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_3">3</span> Bind them on your fingers.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Write them on the tablet of your heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_4">4</span> Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Call understanding your relative,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_5">5</span> that they may keep you from the strange woman,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">from the foreigner who flatters with her words.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_6">6</span> For at the window of my house,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I looked out through my lattice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_7">7</span> I saw among the simple ones.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_8">8</span> passing through the street near her corner,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he went the way to her house,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_9">9</span> in the twilight, in the evening of the day,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">in the middle of the night and in the darkness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_10">10</span> Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and with crafty intent.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_11">11</span> She is loud and defiant.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her feet don’t stay in her house.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_12">12</span> Now she is in the streets, now in the squares,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and lurking at every corner.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_13">13</span> So she caught him, and kissed him.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">With an impudent face she said to him:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_14">14</span> “Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Today I have paid my vows.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_15">15</span> Therefore I came out to meet you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to diligently seek your face,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and I have found you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_16">16</span> I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_17">17</span> I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_18">18</span> Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let’s solace ourselves with loving.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_19">19</span> For my husband isn’t at home.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He has gone on a long journey.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_20">20</span> He has taken a bag of money with him.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He will come home at the full moon.”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_21">21</span> With persuasive words, she led him astray.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_22">22</span> He followed her immediately,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">as an ox goes to the slaughter,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">as a fool stepping into a noose.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_23">23</span> Until an arrow strikes through his liver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">as a bird hurries to the snare,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and doesn’t know that it will cost his life.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_24">24</span> Now therefore, sons, listen to me.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Pay attention to the words of my mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_25">25</span> Don’t let your heart turn to her ways.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t go astray in her paths,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_26">26</span> for she has thrown down many wounded.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v7_27">27</span> Her house is the way to Sheol,<a class="noteref" id="fnref7_1" href="#fn7_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">going down to the rooms of death.</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn7_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref7_1">7:27</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch8" data-chapter="8">
<h2 class="chapter-number">8</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_1">1</span> Doesn’t wisdom cry out?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Doesn’t understanding raise her voice?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_2">2</span> On the top of high places by the way,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">where the paths meet, she stands.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_3">3</span> Beside the gates, at the entry of the city,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">at the entry doors, she cries aloud:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_4">4</span> “I call to you men!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I send my voice to the sons of mankind.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_5">5</span> You simple, understand prudence!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">You fools, be of an understanding heart!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_6">6</span> Hear, for I will speak excellent things.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The opening of my lips is for right things.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_7">7</span> For my mouth speaks truth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_8">8</span> All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_9">9</span> They are all plain to him who understands,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">right to those who find knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_10">10</span> Receive my instruction rather than silver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">knowledge rather than choice gold.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_11">11</span> For wisdom is better than rubies.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_12">12</span> “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Find out knowledge and discretion.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_13">13</span> The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_14">14</span> Counsel and sound knowledge are mine.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I have understanding and power.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_15">15</span> By me kings reign,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and princes decree justice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_16">16</span> By me princes rule,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_17">17</span> I love those who love me.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Those who seek me diligently will find me.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_18">18</span> With me are riches, honor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">enduring wealth, and prosperity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_19">19</span> My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">my yield than choice silver.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_20">20</span> I walk in the way of righteousness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">in the middle of the paths of justice,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_21">21</span> that I may give wealth to those who love me.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I fill their treasuries.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_22">22</span> “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">before his deeds of old.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_23">23</span> I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">before the earth existed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_24">24</span> When there were no depths, I was born,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when there were no springs abounding with water.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_25">25</span> Before the mountains were settled in place,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">before the hills, I was born;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_26">26</span> while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor the beginning of the dust of the world.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_27">27</span> When he established the heavens, I was there.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_28">28</span> when he established the clouds above,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when the springs of the deep became strong,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_29">29</span> when he gave to the sea its boundary,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that the waters should not violate his commandment,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when he marked out the foundations of the earth,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_30">30</span> then I was the craftsman by his side.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I was a delight day by day,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">always rejoicing before him,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_31">31</span> rejoicing in his whole world.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">My delight was with the sons of men.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_32">32</span> “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for blessed are those who keep my ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_33">33</span> Hear instruction, and be wise.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t refuse it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_34">34</span> Blessed is the man who hears me,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">watching daily at my gates,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">waiting at my door posts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_35">35</span> For whoever finds me finds life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and will obtain favor from the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v8_36">36</span> But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">All those who hate me love death.”</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch9" data-chapter="9">
<h2 class="chapter-number">9</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_1">1</span> Wisdom has built her house.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She has carved out her seven pillars.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_2">2</span> She has prepared her meat.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She has mixed her wine.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She has also set her table.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_3">3</span> She has sent out her maidens.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She cries from the highest places of the city:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_4">4</span> “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_5">5</span> “Come, eat some of my bread,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_6">6</span> Leave your simple ways, and live.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Walk in the way of understanding.”</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_7">7</span> One who corrects a mocker invites insult.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_8">8</span> Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_9">9</span> Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_10">10</span> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_11">11</span> For by me your days will be multiplied.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The years of your life will be increased.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_12">12</span> If you are wise, you are wise for yourself.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">If you mock, you alone will bear it.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_13">13</span> The foolish woman is loud,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">undisciplined, and knows nothing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_14">14</span> She sits at the door of her house,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">on a seat in the high places of the city,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_15">15</span> to call to those who pass by,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">who go straight on their ways,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_16">16</span> “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_17">17</span> “Stolen water is sweet.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Food eaten in secret is pleasant.”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v9_18">18</span> But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.<a class="noteref" id="fnref9_1" href="#fn9_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn9_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref9_1">9:18</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch10" data-chapter="10">
<h2 class="chapter-number">10</h2>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v10_1">1</span> The proverbs of Solomon.</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">A wise son makes a glad father;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_2">2</span> Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but righteousness delivers from death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_3">3</span> The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_4">4</span> He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_5">5</span> He who gathers in summer is a wise son,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_6">6</span> Blessings are on the head of the righteous,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_7">7</span> The memory of the righteous is blessed,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the name of the wicked will rot.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_8">8</span> The wise in heart accept commandments,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a chattering fool will fall.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_9">9</span> He who walks blamelessly walks surely,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who perverts his ways will be found out.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_10">10</span> One who winks with the eye causes sorrow,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a chattering fool will fall.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_11">11</span> The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_12">12</span> Hatred stirs up strife,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but love covers all wrongs.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_13">13</span> Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_14">14</span> Wise men lay up knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_15">15</span> The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The destruction of the poor is their poverty.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_16">16</span> The labor of the righteous leads to life.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The increase of the wicked leads to sin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_17">17</span> He is in the way of life who heeds correction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_18">18</span> He who hides hatred has lying lips.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who utters a slander is a fool.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_19">19</span> In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who restrains his lips does wisely.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_20">20</span> The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The heart of the wicked is of little worth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_21">21</span> The lips of the righteous feed many,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the foolish die for lack of understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_22">22</span> The LORD’s blessing brings wealth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and he adds no trouble to it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_23">23</span> It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_24">24</span> What the wicked fear will overtake them,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the desire of the righteous will be granted.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_25">25</span> When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous stand firm forever.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_26">26</span> As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is the sluggard to those who send him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_27">27</span> The fear of the LORD prolongs days,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_28">28</span> The prospect of the righteous is joy,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the hope of the wicked will perish.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_29">29</span> The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_30">30</span> The righteous will never be removed,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the wicked will not dwell in the land.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_31">31</span> The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the perverse tongue will be cut off.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v10_32">32</span> The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch11" data-chapter="11">
<h2 class="chapter-number">11</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_1">1</span> A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but accurate weights are his delight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_2">2</span> When pride comes, then comes shame,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but with humility comes wisdom.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_3">3</span> The integrity of the upright shall guide them,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_4">4</span> Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but righteousness delivers from death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_5">5</span> The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_6">6</span> The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_7">7</span> When a wicked man dies, hope perishes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and expectation of power comes to nothing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_8">8</span> A righteous person is delivered out of trouble,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the wicked takes his place.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_9">9</span> With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_10">10</span> When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When the wicked perish, there is shouting.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_11">11</span> By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_12">12</span> One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a man of understanding holds his peace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_13">13</span> One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_14">14</span> Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_15">15</span> He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_16">16</span> A gracious woman obtains honor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but violent men obtain riches.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_17">17</span> The merciful man does good to his own soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_18">18</span> Wicked people earn deceitful wages,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_19">19</span> He who is truly righteous gets life.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who pursues evil gets death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_20">20</span> Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_21">21</span> Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the offspring<a class="noteref" id="fnref11_1" href="#fn11_1"><sup>*</sup></a> of the righteous will be delivered.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_22">22</span> Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_23">23</span> The desire of the righteous is only good.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The expectation of the wicked is wrath.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_24">24</span> There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_25">25</span> The liberal soul shall be made fat.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who waters shall be watered also himself.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_26">26</span> People curse someone who withholds grain,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_27">27</span> He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_28">28</span> He who trusts in his riches will fall,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_29">29</span> He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_30">30</span> The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who is wise wins souls.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v11_31">31</span> Behold, the righteous shall be repaid on the earth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">how much more the wicked and the sinner!</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn11_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref11_1">11:21</a> <span class="ft">or, seed</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch12" data-chapter="12">
<h2 class="chapter-number">12</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_1">1</span> Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who hates reproof is stupid.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_2">2</span> A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_3">3</span> A man shall not be established by wickedness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_4">4</span> A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_5">5</span> The thoughts of the righteous are just,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_6">6</span> The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the speech of the upright rescues them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_7">7</span> The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the house of the righteous shall stand.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_8">8</span> A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_9">9</span> Better is he who is little known, and has a servant,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than he who honors himself and lacks bread.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_10">10</span> A righteous man respects the life of his animal,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_11">11</span> He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_12">12</span> The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the root of the righteous flourishes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_13">13</span> An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous shall come out of trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_14">14</span> A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_15">15</span> The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is wise listens to counsel.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_16">16</span> A fool shows his annoyance the same day,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_17">17</span> He who is truthful testifies honestly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a false witness lies.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_18">18</span> There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the tongue of the wise heals.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_19">19</span> Truth’s lips will be established forever,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a lying tongue is only momentary.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_20">20</span> Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but joy comes to the promoters of peace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_21">21</span> No mischief shall happen to the righteous,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the wicked shall be filled with evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_22">22</span> Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but those who do the truth are his delight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_23">23</span> A prudent man keeps his knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_24">24</span> The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but laziness ends in slave labor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_25">25</span> Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a kind word makes it glad.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_26">26</span> A righteous person is cautious in friendship,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the way of the wicked leads them astray.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_27">27</span> The slothful man doesn’t roast his game,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the possessions of diligent men are prized.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v12_28">28</span> In the way of righteousness is life;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">in its path there is no death.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch13" data-chapter="13">
<h2 class="chapter-number">13</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_1">1</span> A wise son listens to his father’s instruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_2">2</span> By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the unfaithful crave violence.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_3">3</span> He who guards his mouth guards his soul.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_4">4</span> The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_5">5</span> A righteous man hates lies,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_6">6</span> Righteousness guards the way of integrity,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but wickedness overthrows the sinner.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_7">7</span> There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_8">8</span> The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the poor hear no threats.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_9">9</span> The light of the righteous shines brightly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_10">10</span> Pride only breeds quarrels,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but wisdom is with people who take advice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_11">11</span> Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_12">12</span> Hope deferred makes the heart sick,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_13">13</span> Whoever despises instruction will pay for it,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who respects a command will be rewarded.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_14">14</span> The teaching of the wise is a spring of life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to turn from the snares of death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_15">15</span> Good understanding wins favor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the way of the unfaithful is hard.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_16">16</span> Every prudent man acts from knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a fool exposes folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_17">17</span> A wicked messenger falls into trouble,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_18">18</span> Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who heeds correction shall be honored.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_19">19</span> Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but fools detest turning from evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_20">20</span> One who walks with wise men grows wise,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a companion of fools suffers harm.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_21">21</span> Misfortune pursues sinners,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but prosperity rewards the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_22">22</span> A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_23">23</span> An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but injustice sweeps it away.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_24">24</span> One who spares the rod hates his son,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v13_25">25</span> The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch14" data-chapter="14">
<h2 class="chapter-number">14</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_1">1</span> Every wise woman builds her house,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_2">2</span> He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_3">3</span> The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the lips of the wise protect them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_4">4</span> Where no oxen are, the crib is clean,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but much increase is by the strength of the ox.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_5">5</span> A truthful witness will not lie,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a false witness pours out lies.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_6">6</span> A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_7">7</span> Stay away from a foolish man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_8">8</span> The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the folly of fools is deceit.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_9">9</span> Fools mock at making atonement for sins,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but among the upright there is good will.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_10">10</span> The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will not share these with a stranger.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_11">11</span> The house of the wicked will be overthrown,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the tent of the upright will flourish.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_12">12</span> There is a way which seems right to a man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in the end it leads to death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_13">13</span> Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and mirth may end in heaviness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_14">14</span> The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_15">15</span> A simple man believes everything,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_16">16</span> A wise man fears and shuns evil,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the fool is hot headed and reckless.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_17">17</span> He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a crafty man is hated.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_18">18</span> The simple inherit folly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_19">19</span> The evil bow down before the good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_20">20</span> The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the rich person has many friends.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_21">21</span> He who despises his neighbor sins,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_22">22</span> Don’t they go astray who plot evil?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_23">23</span> In all hard work there is profit,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_24">24</span> The crown of the wise is their riches,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_25">25</span> A truthful witness saves souls,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a false witness is deceitful.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_26">26</span> In the fear of the LORD is a secure fortress,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and he will be a refuge for his children.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_27">27</span> The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">turning people from the snares of death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_28">28</span> In the multitude of people is the king’s glory,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_29">29</span> He who is slow to anger has great understanding,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who has a quick temper displays folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_30">30</span> The life of the body is a heart at peace,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but envy rots the bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_31">31</span> He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is kind to the needy honors him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_32">32</span> The wicked is brought down in his calamity,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in death, the righteous has a refuge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_33">33</span> Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and is even made known in the inward part of fools.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_34">34</span> Righteousness exalts a nation,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but sin is a disgrace to any people.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v14_35">35</span> The king’s favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch15" data-chapter="15">
<h2 class="chapter-number">15</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_1">1</span> A gentle answer turns away wrath,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a harsh word stirs up anger.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_2">2</span> The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the mouths of fools gush out folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_3">3</span> The LORD’s eyes are everywhere,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">keeping watch on the evil and the good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_4">4</span> A gentle tongue is a tree of life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but deceit in it crushes the spirit.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_5">5</span> A fool despises his father’s correction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_6">6</span> In the house of the righteous is much treasure,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the income of the wicked brings trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_7">7</span> The lips of the wise spread knowledge;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">not so with the heart of fools.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_8">8</span> The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the prayer of the upright is his delight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_9">9</span> The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he loves him who follows after righteousness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_10">10</span> There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever hates reproof shall die.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_11">11</span> Sheol<a class="noteref" id="fnref15_1" href="#fn15_1"><sup>*</sup></a> and Abaddon are before the LORD—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">how much more then the hearts of the children of men!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_12">12</span> A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will not go to the wise.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_13">13</span> A glad heart makes a cheerful face,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but an aching heart breaks the spirit.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_14">14</span> The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the mouths of fools feed on folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_15">15</span> All the days of the afflicted are wretched,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_16">16</span> Better is little, with the fear of the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than great treasure with trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_17">17</span> Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than a fattened calf with hatred.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_18">18</span> A wrathful man stirs up contention,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_19">19</span> The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the path of the upright is a highway.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_20">20</span> A wise son makes a father glad,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a foolish man despises his mother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_21">21</span> Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_22">22</span> Where there is no counsel, plans fail;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in a multitude of counselors they are established.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_23">23</span> Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">How good is a word at the right time!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_24">24</span> The path of life leads upward for the wise,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to keep him from going downward to Sheol.<a class="noteref" id="fnref15_2" href="#fn15_2"><sup>†</sup></a></p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_25">25</span> The LORD will uproot the house of the proud,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_26">26</span> The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_27">27</span> He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who hates bribes will live.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_28">28</span> The heart of the righteous weighs answers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_29">29</span> The LORD is far from the wicked,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he hears the prayer of the righteous.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_30">30</span> The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Good news gives health to the bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_31">31</span> The ear that listens to reproof lives,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and will be at home among the wise.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_32">32</span> He who refuses correction despises his own soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v15_33">33</span> The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Before honor is humility.</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn15_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref15_1">15:11</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
<li class="note" id="fn15_2" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">†</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref15_2">15:24</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch16" data-chapter="16">
<h2 class="chapter-number">16</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_1">1</span> The plans of the heart belong to man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_2">2</span> All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the LORD weighs the motives.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_3">3</span> Commit your deeds to the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your plans shall succeed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_4">4</span> The LORD has made everything for its own end—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_5">5</span> Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">they shall certainly not be unpunished.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_6">6</span> By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_7">7</span> When a man’s ways please the LORD,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_8">8</span> Better is a little with righteousness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than great revenues with injustice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_9">9</span> A man’s heart plans his course,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the LORD directs his steps.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_10">10</span> Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He shall not betray his mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_11">11</span> Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">all the weights in the bag are his work.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_12">12</span> It is an abomination for kings to do wrong,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for the throne is established by righteousness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_13">13</span> Righteous lips are the delight of kings.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They value one who speaks the truth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_14">14</span> The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a wise man will pacify it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_15">15</span> In the light of the king’s face is life.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_16">16</span> How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_17">17</span> The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who keeps his way preserves his soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_18">18</span> Pride goes before destruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and an arrogant spirit before a fall.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_19">19</span> It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than to divide the plunder with the proud.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_20">20</span> He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_21">21</span> The wise in heart shall be called prudent.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_22">22</span> Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the punishment of fools is their folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_23">23</span> The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and adds learning to his lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_24">24</span> Pleasant words are a honeycomb,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_25">25</span> There is a way which seems right to a man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but in the end it leads to death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_26">26</span> The appetite of the laboring man labors for him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for his mouth urges him on.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_27">27</span> A worthless man devises mischief.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">His speech is like a scorching fire.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_28">28</span> A perverse man stirs up strife.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A whisperer separates close friends.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_29">29</span> A man of violence entices his neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and leads him in a way that is not good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_30">30</span> One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_31">31</span> Gray hair is a crown of glory.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">It is attained by a life of righteousness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_32">32</span> One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v16_33">33</span> The lot is cast into the lap,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but its every decision is from the LORD.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch17" data-chapter="17">
<h2 class="chapter-number">17</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_1">1</span> Better is a dry morsel with quietness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than a house full of feasting with strife.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_2">2</span> A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_3">3</span> The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the LORD tests the hearts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_4">4</span> An evildoer heeds wicked lips.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_5">5</span> Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_6">6</span> Children’s children are the crown of old men;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the glory of children is their parents.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_7">7</span> Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">much less do lying lips fit a prince.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_8">8</span> A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">wherever he turns, he prospers.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_9">9</span> He who covers an offense promotes love;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_10">10</span> A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than a hundred lashes into a fool.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_11">11</span> An evil man seeks only rebellion;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_12">12</span> Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">rather than a fool in his folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_13">13</span> Whoever rewards evil for good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">evil shall not depart from his house.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_14">14</span> The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_15">15</span> He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_16">16</span> Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">since he has no understanding?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_17">17</span> A friend loves at all times;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a brother is born for adversity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_18">18</span> A man void of understanding strikes hands,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_19">19</span> He who loves disobedience loves strife.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_20">20</span> One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_21">21</span> He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The father of a fool has no joy.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_22">22</span> A cheerful heart makes good medicine,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_23">23</span> A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to pervert the ways of justice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_24">24</span> Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_25">25</span> A foolish son brings grief to his father,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and bitterness to her who bore him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_26">26</span> Also to punish the righteous is not good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor to flog officials for their integrity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_27">27</span> He who spares his words has knowledge.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v17_28">28</span> Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch18" data-chapter="18">
<h2 class="chapter-number">18</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_1">1</span> A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and defies all sound judgment.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_2">2</span> A fool has no delight in understanding,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but only in revealing his own opinion.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_3">3</span> When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and with shame comes disgrace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_4">4</span> The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_5">5</span> To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor to deprive the innocent of justice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_6">6</span> A fool’s lips come into strife,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and his mouth invites beatings.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_7">7</span> A fool’s mouth is his destruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and his lips are a snare to his soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_8">8</span> The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">they go down into a person’s innermost parts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_9">9</span> One who is slack in his work</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is brother to him who is a master of destruction.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_10">10</span> The LORD’s name is a strong tower:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the righteous run to him, and are safe.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_11">11</span> The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_12">12</span> Before destruction the heart of man is proud,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but before honor is humility.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_13">13</span> He who answers before he hears,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that is folly and shame to him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_14">14</span> A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a crushed spirit, who can bear?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_15">15</span> The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_16">16</span> A man’s gift makes room for him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and brings him before great men.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_17">17</span> He who pleads his cause first seems right—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">until another comes and questions him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_18">18</span> The lot settles disputes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and keeps strong ones apart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_19">19</span> A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_20">20</span> A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_21">21</span> Death and life are in the power of the tongue;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">those who love it will eat its fruit.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_22">22</span> Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and obtains favor of the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_23">23</span> The poor plead for mercy,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the rich answer harshly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v18_24">24</span> A man of many companions may be ruined,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch19" data-chapter="19">
<h2 class="chapter-number">19</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_1">1</span> Better is the poor who walks in his integrity</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_2">2</span> It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor to be hasty with one’s feet and miss the way.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_3">3</span> The foolishness of man subverts his way;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">his heart rages against the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_4">4</span> Wealth adds many friends,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the poor is separated from his friend.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_5">5</span> A false witness shall not be unpunished.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who pours out lies shall not go free.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_6">6</span> Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_7">7</span> All the relatives of the poor shun him;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">how much more do his friends avoid him!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_8">8</span> He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who keeps understanding shall find good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_9">9</span> A false witness shall not be unpunished.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who utters lies shall perish.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_10">10</span> Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">much less for a servant to have rule over princes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_11">11</span> The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">It is his glory to overlook an offense.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_12">12</span> The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but his favor is like dew on the grass.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_13">13</span> A foolish son is the calamity of his father.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_14">14</span> House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a prudent wife is from the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_15">15</span> Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The idle soul shall suffer hunger.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_16">16</span> He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_17">17</span> He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will reward him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_18">18</span> Discipline your son, for there is hope;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">don’t be a willing party to his death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_19">19</span> A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for if you rescue him, you must do it again.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_20">20</span> Listen to counsel and receive instruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">that you may be wise in your latter end.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_21">21</span> There are many plans in a man’s heart,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_22">22</span> That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A poor man is better than a liar.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_23">23</span> The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he rests and will not be touched by trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_24">24</span> The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_25">25</span> Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_26">26</span> He who robs his father and drives away his mother</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_27">27</span> If you stop listening to instruction, my son,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">you will stray from the words of knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_28">28</span> A corrupt witness mocks justice,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v19_29">29</span> Penalties are prepared for scoffers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and beatings for the backs of fools.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch20" data-chapter="20">
<h2 class="chapter-number">20</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_1">1</span> Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_2">2</span> The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_3">3</span> It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but every fool will be quarreling.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_4">4</span> The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_5">5</span> Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a man of understanding will draw it out.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_6">6</span> Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but who can find a faithful man?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_7">7</span> A righteous man walks in integrity.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Blessed are his children after him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_8">8</span> A king who sits on the throne of judgment</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">scatters away all evil with his eyes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_9">9</span> Who can say, “I have made my heart pure.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I am clean and without sin”?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_10">10</span> Differing weights and differing measures,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_11">11</span> Even a child makes himself known by his doings,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_12">12</span> The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the LORD has made even both of them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_13">13</span> Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_14">14</span> “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_15">15</span> There is gold and abundance of rubies,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_16">16</span> Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_17">17</span> Fraudulent food is sweet to a man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_18">18</span> Plans are established by advice;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">by wise guidance you wage war!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_19">19</span> He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_20">20</span> Whoever curses his father or his mother,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_21">21</span> An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">won’t be blessed in the end.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_22">22</span> Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_23">23</span> The LORD detests differing weights,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and dishonest scales are not pleasing.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_24">24</span> A man’s steps are from the LORD;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">how then can man understand his way?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_25">25</span> It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">then later to consider his vows.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_26">26</span> A wise king winnows out the wicked,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and drives the threshing wheel over them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_27">27</span> The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">searching all his innermost parts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_28">28</span> Love and faithfulness keep the king safe.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">His throne is sustained by love.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_29">29</span> The glory of young men is their strength.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The splendor of old men is their gray hair.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v20_30">30</span> Wounding blows cleanse away evil,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and beatings purge the innermost parts.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch21" data-chapter="21">
<h2 class="chapter-number">21</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_1">1</span> The king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand like the watercourses.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He turns it wherever he desires.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_2">2</span> Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the LORD weighs the hearts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_3">3</span> To do righteousness and justice</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_4">4</span> A high look and a proud heart,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the lamp of the wicked, is sin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_5">5</span> The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_6">6</span> Getting treasures by a lying tongue</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_7">7</span> The violence of the wicked will drive them away,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">because they refuse to do what is right.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_8">8</span> The way of the guilty is devious,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the conduct of the innocent is upright.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_9">9</span> It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than to share a house with a contentious woman.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_10">10</span> The soul of the wicked desires evil;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_11">11</span> When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_12">12</span> The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and brings the wicked to ruin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_13">13</span> Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_14">14</span> A gift in secret pacifies anger,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_15">15</span> It is joy to the righteous to do justice;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_16">16</span> The man who wanders out of the way of understanding</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_17">17</span> He who loves pleasure will be a poor man.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_18">18</span> The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the treacherous for the upright.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_19">19</span> It is better to dwell in a desert land,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than with a contentious and fretful woman.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_20">20</span> There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a foolish man swallows it up.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_21">21</span> He who follows after righteousness and kindness</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">finds life, righteousness, and honor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_22">22</span> A wise man scales the city of the mighty,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and brings down the strength of its confidence.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_23">23</span> Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">keeps his soul from troubles.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_24">24</span> The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he works in the arrogance of pride.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_25">25</span> The desire of the sluggard kills him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for his hands refuse to labor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_26">26</span> There are those who covet greedily all day long;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous give and don’t withhold.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_27">27</span> The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination—</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_28">28</span> A false witness will perish.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A man who listens speaks to eternity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_29">29</span> A wicked man hardens his face;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_30">30</span> There is no wisdom nor understanding</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor counsel against the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v21_31">31</span> The horse is prepared for the day of battle;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but victory is with the LORD.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch22" data-chapter="22">
<h2 class="chapter-number">22</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_1">1</span> A good name is more desirable than great riches,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and loving favor is better than silver and gold.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_2">2</span> The rich and the poor have this in common:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The LORD is the maker of them all.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_3">3</span> A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_4">4</span> The result of humility and the fear of the LORD</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is wealth, honor, and life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_5">5</span> Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">whoever guards his soul stays far from them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_6">6</span> Train up a child in the way he should go,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and when he is old he will not depart from it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_7">7</span> The rich rule over the poor.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The borrower is servant to the lender.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_8">8</span> He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_9">9</span> He who has a generous eye will be blessed,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for he shares his food with the poor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_10">10</span> Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yes, quarrels and insults will stop.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_11">11</span> He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is the king’s friend.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_12">12</span> The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_13">13</span> The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I will be killed in the streets!”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_14">14</span> The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_15">15</span> Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the rod of discipline drives it far from him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_16">16</span> Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">both come to poverty.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_17">17</span> Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Apply your heart to my teaching.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_18">18</span> For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">if all of them are ready on your lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_19">19</span> I teach you today, even you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so that your trust may be in the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_20">20</span> Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">of counsel and knowledge,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_21">21</span> To teach you truth, reliable words,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_22">22</span> Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t crush the needy in court;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_23">23</span> for the LORD will plead their case,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and plunder the life of those who plunder them.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_24">24</span> Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_25">25</span> lest you learn his ways</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and ensnare your soul.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_26">26</span> Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">of those who are collateral for debts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_27">27</span> If you don’t have means to pay,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">why should he take away your bed from under you?</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_28">28</span> Don’t move the ancient boundary stone</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">which your fathers have set up.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v22_29">29</span> Do you see a man skilled in his work?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He will serve kings.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He won’t serve obscure men.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch23" data-chapter="23">
<h2 class="chapter-number">23</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_1">1</span> When you sit to eat with a ruler,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">consider diligently what is before you;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_2">2</span> put a knife to your throat</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">if you are a man given to appetite.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_3">3</span> Don’t be desirous of his dainties,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">since they are deceitful food.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_4">4</span> Don’t weary yourself to be rich.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">In your wisdom, show restraint.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_5">5</span> Why do you set your eyes on that which is not?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_6">6</span> Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t crave his delicacies,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v23_7">7</span> for as he thinks about the cost, so he is.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">“Eat and drink!” he says to you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but his heart is not with you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_8">8</span> You will vomit up the morsel which you have eaten</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and waste your pleasant words.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_9">9</span> Don’t speak in the ears of a fool,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for he will despise the wisdom of your words.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_10">10</span> Don’t move the ancient boundary stone.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_11">11</span> for their Defender is strong.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He will plead their case against you.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_12">12</span> Apply your heart to instruction,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your ears to the words of knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_13">13</span> Don’t withhold correction from a child.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_14">14</span> Punish him with the rod,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and save his soul from Sheol.<a class="noteref" id="fnref23_1" href="#fn23_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_15">15</span> My son, if your heart is wise,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">then my heart will be glad, even mine.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_16">16</span> Yes, my heart will rejoice</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when your lips speak what is right.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_17">17</span> Don’t let your heart envy sinners,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but rather fear the LORD all day long.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_18">18</span> Indeed surely there is a future hope,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your hope will not be cut off.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_19">19</span> Listen, my son, and be wise,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and keep your heart on the right path!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_20">20</span> Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or those who gorge themselves on meat;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_21">21</span> for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and drowsiness clothes them in rags.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_22">22</span> Listen to your father who gave you life,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t despise your mother when she is old.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_23">23</span> Buy the truth, and don’t sell it.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_24">24</span> The father of the righteous has great joy.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_25">25</span> Let your father and your mother be glad!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let her who bore you rejoice!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_26">26</span> My son, give me your heart;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and let your eyes keep in my ways.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_27">27</span> For a prostitute is a deep pit;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a wayward wife is a narrow well.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_28">28</span> Yes, she lies in wait like a robber,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and increases the unfaithful among men.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_29">29</span> Who has woe?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has sorrow?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has strife?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has complaints?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has needless bruises?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has bloodshot eyes?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_30">30</span> Those who stay long at the wine;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">those who go to seek out mixed wine.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_31">31</span> Don’t look at the wine when it is red,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when it sparkles in the cup,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when it goes down smoothly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_32">32</span> In the end, it bites like a snake,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and poisons like a viper.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_33">33</span> Your eyes will see strange things,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your mind will imagine confusing things.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_34">34</span> Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or as he who lies on top of the rigging:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v23_35">35</span> “They hit me, and I was not hurt!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">They beat me, and I don’t feel it!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">When will I wake up? I can do it again.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I will look for more.”</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn23_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref23_1">23:14</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch24" data-chapter="24">
<h2 class="chapter-number">24</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_1">1</span> Don’t be envious of evil men,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither desire to be with them;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_2">2</span> for their hearts plot violence</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and their lips talk about mischief.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_3">3</span> Through wisdom a house is built;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">by understanding it is established;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_4">4</span> by knowledge the rooms are filled</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">with all rare and beautiful treasure.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_5">5</span> A wise man has great power.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A knowledgeable man increases strength,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_6">6</span> for by wise guidance you wage your war,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and victory is in many advisors.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_7">7</span> Wisdom is too high for a fool.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_8">8</span> One who plots to do evil</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">will be called a schemer.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_9">9</span> The schemes of folly are sin.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The mocker is detested by men.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_10">10</span> If you falter in the time of trouble,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">your strength is small.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_11">11</span> Rescue those who are being led away to death!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_12">12</span> If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this,”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Shall he not give to every man according to his work?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_13">13</span> My son, eat honey, for it is good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_14">14</span> so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">If you have found it, then there will be a reward:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Your hope will not be cut off.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_15">15</span> Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t destroy his resting place;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_16">16</span> for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_17">17</span> Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_18">18</span> lest the LORD see it, and it displease him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and he turn away his wrath from him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_19">19</span> Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither be envious of the wicked;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_20">20</span> for there will be no reward to the evil man.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_21">21</span> My son, fear the LORD and the king.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t join those who are rebellious,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_22">22</span> for their calamity will rise suddenly.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who knows what destruction may come from them both?</p>
</div>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v24_23">23</span> These also are sayings of the wise:</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">To show partiality in judgment is not good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_24">24</span> He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him—</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_25">25</span> but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a rich blessing will come on them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_26">26</span> An honest answer</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is like a kiss on the lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_27">27</span> Prepare your work outside,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and get your fields ready.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Afterwards, build your house.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_28">28</span> Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t deceive with your lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_29">29</span> Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I will repay the man according to his work.”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_30">30</span> I went by the field of the sluggard,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">by the vineyard of the man void of understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_31">31</span> Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Its surface was covered with nettles,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and its stone wall was broken down.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_32">32</span> Then I saw, and considered well.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">I saw, and received instruction:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_33">33</span> a little sleep, a little slumber,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">a little folding of the hands to sleep,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v24_34">34</span> so your poverty will come as a robber</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your want as an armed man.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch25" data-chapter="25">
<h2 class="chapter-number">25</h2>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v25_1">1</span> These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_2">2</span> It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_3">3</span> As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_4">4</span> Take away the dross from the silver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and material comes out for the refiner.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_5">5</span> Take away the wicked from the king’s presence,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and his throne will be established in righteousness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_6">6</span> Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or claim a place among great men;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_7">7</span> for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">whom your eyes have seen.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_8">8</span> Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_9">9</span> Debate your case with your neighbor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t betray the confidence of another,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v25_10">10</span> lest one who hears it put you to shame,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and your bad reputation never depart.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_11">11</span> A word fitly spoken</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is like apples of gold in settings of silver.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_12">12</span> As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_13">13</span> As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a faithful messenger to those who send him;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for he refreshes the soul of his masters.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_14">14</span> As clouds and wind without rain,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_15">15</span> By patience a ruler is persuaded.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A soft tongue breaks the bone.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_16">16</span> Have you found honey?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Eat as much as is sufficient for you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest you eat too much, and vomit it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_17">17</span> Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest he be weary of you, and hate you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_18">18</span> A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_19">19</span> Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_20">20</span> As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or vinegar on soda,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_21">21</span> If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_22">22</span> for you will heap coals of fire on his head,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the LORD will reward you.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_23">23</span> The north wind produces rain;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_24">24</span> It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than to share a house with a contentious woman.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_25">25</span> Like cold water to a thirsty soul,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is good news from a far country.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_26">26</span> Like a muddied spring and a polluted well,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_27">27</span> It is not good to eat much honey,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v25_28">28</span> Like a city that is broken down and without walls</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is a man whose spirit is without restraint.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch26" data-chapter="26">
<h2 class="chapter-number">26</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_1">1</span> Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so honor is not fitting for a fool.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_2">2</span> Like a fluttering sparrow,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">like a darting swallow,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_3">3</span> A whip is for the horse,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">a bridle for the donkey,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a rod for the back of fools!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_4">4</span> Don’t answer a fool according to his folly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest you also be like him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_5">5</span> Answer a fool according to his folly,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest he be wise in his own eyes.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_6">6</span> One who sends a message by the hand of a fool</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is cutting off feet and drinking violence.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_7">7</span> Like the legs of the lame that hang loose,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a parable in the mouth of fools.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_8">8</span> As one who binds a stone in a sling,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is he who gives honor to a fool.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_9">9</span> Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a parable in the mouth of fools.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_10">10</span> As an archer who wounds all,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is he who hires a fool</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or he who hires those who pass by.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_11">11</span> As a dog that returns to his vomit,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a fool who repeats his folly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_12">12</span> Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">There is more hope for a fool than for him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_13">13</span> The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A fierce lion roams the streets!”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_14">14</span> As the door turns on its hinges,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so does the sluggard on his bed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_15">15</span> The sluggard buries his hand in the dish.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_16">16</span> The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than seven men who answer with discretion.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_17">17</span> Like one who grabs a dog’s ears</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_18">18</span> Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v26_19">19</span> is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_20">20</span> For lack of wood a fire goes out.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_21">21</span> As coals are to hot embers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and wood to fire,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a contentious man to kindling strife.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_22">22</span> The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">they go down into the innermost parts.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_23">23</span> Like silver dross on an earthen vessel</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_24">24</span> A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he harbors evil in his heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_25">25</span> When his speech is charming, don’t believe him,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for there are seven abominations in his heart.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_26">26</span> His malice may be concealed by deception,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_27">27</span> Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v26_28">28</span> A lying tongue hates those it hurts;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a flattering mouth works ruin.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch27" data-chapter="27">
<h2 class="chapter-number">27</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_1">1</span> Don’t boast about tomorrow;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for you don’t know what a day may bring.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_2">2</span> Let another man praise you,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and not your own mouth;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">a stranger, and not your own lips.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_3">3</span> A stone is heavy,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and sand is a burden;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_4">4</span> Wrath is cruel,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and anger is overwhelming;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but who is able to stand before jealousy?</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_5">5</span> Better is open rebuke</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than hidden love.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_6">6</span> The wounds of a friend are faithful,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_7">7</span> A full soul loathes a honeycomb;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_8">8</span> As a bird that wanders from her nest,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a man who wanders from his home.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_9">9</span> Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_10">10</span> Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_11">11</span> Be wise, my son,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and bring joy to my heart,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">then I can answer my tormentor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_12">12</span> A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_13">13</span> Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Hold it for a wayward woman!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_14">14</span> He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">it will be taken as a curse by him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_15">15</span> A continual dropping on a rainy day</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a contentious wife are alike:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_16">16</span> restraining her is like restraining the wind,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or like grasping oil in his right hand.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_17">17</span> Iron sharpens iron;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_18">18</span> Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He who looks after his master shall be honored.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_19">19</span> Like water reflects a face,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so a man’s heart reflects the man.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_20">20</span> Sheol<a class="noteref" id="fnref27_1" href="#fn27_1"><sup>*</sup></a> and Abaddon are never satisfied;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a man’s eyes are never satisfied.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_21">21</span> The crucible is for silver,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the furnace for gold;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but man is refined by his praise.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_22">22</span> Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_23">23</span> Know well the state of your flocks,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and pay attention to your herds,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_24">24</span> for riches are not forever,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor does the crown endure to all generations.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_25">25</span> The hay is removed, and the new growth appears,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the grasses of the hills are gathered in.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_26">26</span> The lambs are for your clothing,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the goats are the price of a field.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v27_27">27</span> There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for your family’s food,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and for the nourishment of your servant girls.</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn27_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref27_1">27:20</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch28" data-chapter="28">
<h2 class="chapter-number">28</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_1">1</span> The wicked flee when no one pursues;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous are as bold as a lion.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_2">2</span> In rebellion, a land has many rulers,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_3">3</span> A needy man who oppresses the poor</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_4">4</span> Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but those who keep the law contend with them.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_5">5</span> Evil men don’t understand justice;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_6">6</span> Better is the poor who walks in his integrity</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_7">7</span> Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_8">8</span> He who increases his wealth by excessive interest</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_9">9</span> He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">even his prayer is an abomination.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_10">10</span> Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">he will fall into his own trap;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the blameless will inherit good.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_11">11</span> The rich man is wise in his own eyes;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the poor who has understanding sees through him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_12">12</span> When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_13">13</span> He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_14">14</span> Blessed is the man who always fears;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_15">15</span> As a roaring lion or a charging bear,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_16">16</span> A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_17">17</span> A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">No one will support him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_18">18</span> Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_19">19</span> One who works his land will have an abundance of food;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_20">20</span> A faithful man is rich with blessings;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_21">21</span> To show partiality is not good,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_22">22</span> A stingy man hurries after riches,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_23">23</span> One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">than one who flatters with the tongue.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_24">24</span> Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,”</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">is a partner with a destroyer.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_25">25</span> One who is greedy stirs up strife;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_26">26</span> One who trusts in himself is a fool;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_27">27</span> One who gives to the poor has no lack;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v28_28">28</span> When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but when they perish, the righteous thrive.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch29" data-chapter="29">
<h2 class="chapter-number">29</h2>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_1">1</span> He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_2">2</span> When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but when the wicked rule, the people groan.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_3">3</span> Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_4">4</span> The king by justice makes the land stable,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but he who takes bribes tears it down.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_5">5</span> A man who flatters his neighbor</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">spreads a net for his feet.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_6">6</span> An evil man is snared by his sin,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous can sing and be glad.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_7">7</span> The righteous care about justice for the poor.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_8">8</span> Mockers stir up a city,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but wise men turn away anger.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_9">9</span> If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_10">10</span> The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and they seek the life of the upright.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_11">11</span> A fool vents all of his anger,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a wise man brings himself under control.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_12">12</span> If a ruler listens to lies,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">all of his officials are wicked.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_13">13</span> The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_14">14</span> The king who fairly judges the poor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">his throne shall be established forever.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_15">15</span> The rod of correction gives wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_16">16</span> When the wicked increase, sin increases;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but the righteous will see their downfall.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_17">17</span> Correct your son, and he will give you peace;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yes, he will bring delight to your soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_18">18</span> Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one who keeps the law is blessed.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_19">19</span> A servant can’t be corrected by words.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Though he understands, yet he will not respond.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_20">20</span> Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">There is more hope for a fool than for him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_21">21</span> He who pampers his servant from youth</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">will have him become a son in the end.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_22">22</span> An angry man stirs up strife,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a wrathful man abounds in sin.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_23">23</span> A man’s pride brings him low,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but one of lowly spirit gains honor.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_24">24</span> Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He takes an oath, but dares not testify.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_25">25</span> The fear of man proves to be a snare,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_26">26</span> Many seek the ruler’s favor,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v29_27">27</span> A dishonest man detests the righteous,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.</p>
</div>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch30" data-chapter="30">
<h2 class="chapter-number">30</h2>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v30_1">1</span> The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation:</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">the man says to Ithiel,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to Ithiel and Ucal:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_2">2</span> “Surely I am the most ignorant man,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and don’t have a man’s understanding.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_3">3</span> I have not learned wisdom,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_4">4</span> Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has gathered the wind in his fists?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has bound the waters in his garment?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Who has established all the ends of the earth?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you know?</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_5">5</span> “Every word of God is flawless.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_6">6</span> Don’t you add to his words,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_7">7</span> “Two things I have asked of you.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Don’t deny me before I die.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_8">8</span> Remove far from me falsehood and lies.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Give me neither poverty nor riches.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Feed me with the food that is needful for me,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_9">9</span> lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or lest I be poor, and steal,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and so dishonor the name of my God.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_10">10</span> “Don’t slander a servant to his master,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_11">11</span> There is a generation that curses their father,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and doesn’t bless their mother.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_12">12</span> There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet are not washed from their filthiness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_13">13</span> There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Their eyelids are lifted up.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_14">14</span> There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and their jaws like knives,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_15">15</span> “The leech has two daughters:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">‘Give, give.’</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">“There are three things that are never satisfied;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">four that don’t say, ‘Enough!’:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_16">16</span> Sheol,<a class="noteref" id="fnref30_1" href="#fn30_1"><sup>*</sup></a></p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the barren womb,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the earth that is not satisfied with water,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the fire that doesn’t say, ‘Enough!’</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_17">17</span> “The eye that mocks at his father,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and scorns obedience to his mother,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the ravens of the valley shall pick it out,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the young eagles shall eat it.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_18">18</span> “There are three things which are too amazing for me,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">four which I don’t understand:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_19">19</span> The way of an eagle in the air,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the way of a serpent on a rock,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the way of a ship in the middle of the sea,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the way of a man with a maiden.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_20">20</span> “So is the way of an adulterous woman:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She eats and wipes her mouth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_21">21</span> “For three things the earth trembles,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and under four, it can’t bear up:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_22">22</span> For a servant when he is king,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">a fool when he is filled with food,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_23">23</span> for an unloved woman when she is married,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and a servant who is heir to her mistress.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_24">24</span> “There are four things which are little on the earth,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but they are exceedingly wise:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_25">25</span> The ants are not a strong people,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet they provide their food in the summer.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_26">26</span> The hyraxes are but a feeble folk,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet make they their houses in the rocks.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_27">27</span> The locusts have no king,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet they advance in ranks.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_28">28</span> You can catch a lizard with your hands,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yet it is in kings’ palaces.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_29">29</span> “There are three things which are stately in their march,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">four which are stately in going:</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_30">30</span> The lion, which is mightiest among animals,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and doesn’t turn away for any;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_31">31</span> the greyhound;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">the male goat;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the king against whom there is no rising up.</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v30_32">32</span> “If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">or if you have thought evil,</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1">put your hand over your mouth.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2"><span class="v" id="v30_33">33</span> For as the churning of milk produces butter,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and the wringing of the nose produces blood,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">so the forcing of wrath produces strife.”</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn30_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref30_1">30:16</a> <span class="ft">Sheol is the place of the dead.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
<section class="chapter" id="ch31" data-chapter="31">
<h2 class="chapter-number">31</h2>
<p class="p"><span class="v" id="v31_1">1</span> The words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him:</p>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_2">2</span> “Oh, my son!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Oh, son of my womb!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Oh, son of my vows!</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_3">3</span> Don’t give your strength to women,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor your ways to that which destroys kings.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_4">4</span> It is not for kings, Lemuel,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">it is not for kings to drink wine,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_5">5</span> lest they drink, and forget the law,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_6">6</span> Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and wine to the bitter in soul.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_7">7</span> Let him drink, and forget his poverty,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and remember his misery no more.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_8">8</span> Open your mouth for the mute,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">in the cause of all who are left desolate.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_9">9</span> Open your mouth, judge righteously,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and serve justice to the poor and needy.”</p>
</div>
<div class="poetry">
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_10">10</span> <a class="noteref" id="fnref31_1" href="#fn31_1"><sup>*</sup></a>Who can find a worthy woman?</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">For her value is far above rubies.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_11">11</span> The heart of her husband trusts in her.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">He shall have no lack of gain.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_12">12</span> She does him good, and not harm,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">all the days of her life.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_13">13</span> She seeks wool and flax,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and works eagerly with her hands.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_14">14</span> She is like the merchant ships.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She brings her bread from afar.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_15">15</span> She rises also while it is yet night,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">gives food to her household,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and portions for her servant girls.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_16">16</span> She considers a field, and buys it.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_17">17</span> She arms her waist with strength,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and makes her arms strong.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_18">18</span> She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_19">19</span> She lays her hands to the distaff,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and her hands hold the spindle.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_20">20</span> She opens her arms to the poor;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">yes, she extends her hands to the needy.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_21">21</span> She is not afraid of the snow for her household,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">for all her household are clothed with scarlet.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_22">22</span> She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her clothing is fine linen and purple.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_23">23</span> Her husband is respected in the gates,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">when he sits among the elders of the land.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_24">24</span> She makes linen garments and sells them,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and delivers sashes to the merchant.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_25">25</span> Strength and dignity are her clothing.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">She laughs at the time to come.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_26">26</span> She opens her mouth with wisdom.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Kind instruction is on her tongue.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_27">27</span> She looks well to the ways of her household,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_28">28</span> Her children rise up and call her blessed.</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Her husband also praises her:</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_29">29</span> “Many women do noble things,</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but you excel them all.”</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_30">30</span> Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.</p>
<p class="q line" data-indent="1"><span class="v" id="v31_31">31</span> Give her of the fruit of her hands!</p>
<p class="q2 line" data-indent="2">Let her works praise her in the gates!</p>
</div>
<section class="footnotes">
<h4 class="footnotes-title">Notes</h4>
<ol>
<li class="note" id="fn31_1" data-kind="footnote"><span class="marker">*</span> <a class="backref" href="#fnref31_1">31:10</a> <span class="ft"><a class="ref" href="#v31_10">Proverbs 31:10-31</a> form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order.</span></li>
</ol>
</section>
</section>
</div>
<footer class="colophon"><p>World English Bible Updated. Public Domain.</p></footer>
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