
{1}1{/}

{I}1_{/}These are 
proverbs of Solomon, son 
of David, king of Israel:
{I}2_{/}for you to obtain 
wisdom and instruction,
to penetrate words of 
significance,
{I}3_{/}to acquire well-
ordered knowledge,
and become just with 
discernment and 
integrity.
{I}4_{/}Simple people 
will become clever
and the young will 
acquire understanding and 
foresight.
{I}5_{/}Let the wise man 
listen: he will add to 
his learning,
and the man of sound 
judgment will acquire 
skill,
{I}6_{/}to understand the 
proverbs and sayings,
the words of the wise and 
their riddles.
{I}7_{/}The beginning of 
knowledge is the fear of 
Yahweh,
only fools have contempt 
for wisdom and 
discipline.
AVOID THE COMPANY OF 
EVILDOERS{/}

{I}8_{/}Listen, my son, 
to the teaching of your 
father, do not ignore 
your mother's 
instruction: {I}9_{/}for 
they will be your 
graceful crown, a 
precious chain around 
your neck.
{I}10_{/}My son, if 
sinners try to tempt you, 
do not give in.
{I}11_{/}They will invite 
you, "Come with us, let 
us spill blood, let us 
ambush the innocent 
without a second thought. 
I}12_{/}We will engulf 
them as does the 
netherworld and snatch 
them suddenly as does 
death. {I}13_{/}We will 
help ourselves to many 
riches and fill our 
houses with booty. 
{I}14_{/}Join forces with 
us; one purse will be 
shared between us!"
{I}15_{/}My son, do not 
go with them, do not set 
foot along their way. 
{I}16_{/}See how they 
speed on to evil! How 
they hasten to spill 
blood!
{I}17_{/}What bird would 
fall into a trap if you 
set it up in its sight? 
{I}18_{/}But these men 
stalk themselves and set 
a trap for their own 
lives.
{I}19_{/}Such is the lot 
of all who live by 
plunder: plunder will rob 
them of their own lives.
LISTEN TO ME TODAY{/}

{I}20_{/}Wisdom shouts 
aloud in the streets, she 
raises her voice in the 
marketplace; {I}21_{/}at 
street corners she cries; 
she delivers her speeches 
at the city gates:
{I}22_{/}"You ignorant 
people, how long will you 
continue to cling to your 
foolishness? How long 
will mockers revel 
in{I}_{/}their mockery, 
and fools have contempt 
for knowledge?
{I}23_{/}Listen to my 
warning. I will now pour 
my spirit upon you and 
make you know my words.
{I}24_{/}Indeed if I cry 
out and you refuse to 
listen, if I offer my 
hand and no one cares, 
{I}25_{/}if you ignore my 
advice and reject my 
warning, {I}26_{/}I, in 
turn, will laugh at your 
disaster, I will sneer 
when terror grips you; 
{I}27_{/}when terror 
comes down on you like a 
hurricane, and distress 
and anxiety befall you.
{I}28_{/}Then people will 
cry to me but I will not 
respond. They will seek 
me but will not find me, 
{I}29_{/}because they 
despised knowledge and 
did not choose the fear 
of Yahweh; {I}30_{/}they 
would not listen to any 
advice and they rejected 
all my warnings.
{I}31_{/}They will 
harvest the fruit of 
their evil ways and have 
their fill of their own 
designs. {I}32_{/}For the 
error of the ignorant 
leads to death, the 
idleness of fools brings 
about their ruin.
{I}33_{/}But whoever 
listens to me will feel 
secure and at ease, 
without fear of evil."
IT IS GOOD TO ACQUIRE 
WISDOM{/}

{1}2{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, if you 
heed my words and value 
my commands, {I}2_{/}with 
your ear attentive to 
wisdom and your heart 
obedient to 
understanding; {I}3_{/}if 
you call for perception 
and raise your voice for 
insight; {I}4_{/}if you 
seek it as silver and 
search for it more than 
any treasure {I}5_{/}then 
you will understand the 
fear of Yahweh, and you 
will find the knowledge 
of God.
{I}6_{/}For Yahweh gives 
wisdom and from his mouth 
come knowledge and 
insight. {I}7_{/}He 
reserves his help for the 
upright and is a shield 
for those who walk in 
integrity; {I}8_{/}he 
guards the ways of the 
just and protects the 
steps of his faithful.
{I}9_{/}Then you will 
understand justice, 
discernment and integrity 
- all that leads you to 
happiness.
{I}10_{/}Wisdom will 
abide in your heart and 
knowledge will comfort 
your inner self. 
{I}11_{/}Foresight will 
guide you and 
understanding will 
protect you. {I}12_{/}It 
will guard you from evil, 
from people of misleading 
speech, {I}13_{/}from 
those who have abandoned 
the ways of honesty to 
walk the roads of 
darkness; {I}14_{/}they 
rejoice in evildoing, 
they revel in 
perversions; 
{I}15_{/}their paths are 
crooked and their ways 
devious.
{I}16_{/}Wisdom keeps you 
from the alien woman, 
from the stranger with 
her smooth words, 
{I}17_{/}who deserts the 
partner of her youth and 
forgets the covenant of 
her God.
{I}18_{/}For her house 
inclines towards death, 
her paths towards the 
grave. {I}19_{/}Those who 
go to her never return, 
they do not regain the 
paths of life.
{I}20_{/}So you will walk 
along the way of the 
good, and keep to the 
paths of the virtuous. 
{I}21_{/}For the honest 
will inherit the land; 
the people of integrity 
will live on it.
{I}22_{/}The evildoers 
instead will be cut off 
from the land. The wicked 
will be rooted out of it.
{1}3{/}

{I}1_{/}My son,do not 
forget my instruction, my 
commands; keep them in 
your heart. {I}2_{/}For 
they will bring you 
length of days, years of 
life and peace.
{I}3_{/}Let loyalty and 
kindness never leave you; 
tie them around your 
neck, write them on the 
tablet of your heart, 
{I}4_{/}that you may find 
favor and a good name in 
the eyes of God and man.
PUT WISDOM INTO 
PRACTICE{/}

{I}5_{/}Trust in Yahweh 
with all your heart; do 
not rely on your own 
insight. {I}6_{/}Let his 
presence pervade all your 
ways and he will protect 
your foot  from the 
snare.
{I}7_{/}Do not consider 
yourself wise, fear God, 
and turn away from evil. 
{I}8_{/}This will be a 
medicine to your body and 
a relief to your bones.
{I}9_{/}Honor Yahweh, 
giving him from what you 
have, the first fruits of 
all your produce. 
{I}10_{/}Then your barns 
will be filled to 
overflowing, your vats 
will brim over with wine.
{I}11_{/}My son, do not 
scorn the discipline of 
Yahweh; do not ignore his 
correction. {I}12_{/}For 
Yahweh corrects those he 
loves, as a father does 
his beloved son.
{I}13_{/}Happy the one 
who finds wisdom and 
gains insight. 
{I}14_{/}For she is of 
more value than silver 
and more useful than 
gold. {I}15_{/}She is 
more precious than 
pearls; nothing you could 
wish for would compare 
with her. {I}16_{/}With 
her right hand she offers 
you length of days, with 
her left, riches and 
glory. {I}17_{/}She leads 
you through delightful 
ways; all her roads are 
peace.
{I}18_{/}She is a tree of 
life for those who clasp 
her; those who possess 
her are happy.
{I}19_{/}It is by his 
wisdom that Yahweh 
founded the earth; by his 
understanding that he 
made firm the heavens. 
{I}20_{/}By his knowledge 
the depths were scooped 
out, and the clouds 
rained down dew.
{I}21_{/}My son, hold on 
to sound judgment and 
discretion and do not let 
them out of your sight. 
{I}22_{/}They will give 
life to your inner self, 
and adorn your neck.
{I}23_{/}Then you can go 
your way safely and your 
foot will not stumble. 
{I}24_{/}You will have no 
fear when you lie down 
and your sleep will be 
peaceful. {I}25_{/}You 
will not fear sudden 
terror or the attack of 
evildoers. {I}26_{/}For 
Yahweh is at your side 
and he guards your steps 
from the snare.
{I}27_{/}Do not hold back 
from those who ask your 
help, when it is in your 
power to do it. 
{I}28_{/}Do not say to 
your neighbor, "Go away! 
Come another time; 
tomorrow I will give it 
to you!" when you can 
help him now.
{I}29_{/}Do not plot evil 
against your neighbor who 
lives trustingly beside 
you, {I}30_{/}nor fight a 
man without cause when he 
has done you no wrong. 
{I}31_{/}Do not envy the 
man of violence or follow 
his example.
{I}32_{/}For Yahweh hates 
the wicked but guides the 
honest. {I}33_{/}He 
curses the house of the 
evildoer but blesses the 
home of the upright. 
{I}34_{/}If there are 
mockers, he mocks them in 
turn but he shows his 
favor to the humble. The 
wise will possess his 
glory while the foolish 
will inherit disgrace.
KEEP TO THE RIGHT PATH{/}

{1}4{/}

{I}1_{/}Listen, my sons, 
to a father's instruction 
and pay attention so that 
you may gain insight. 
{I}2_{/}For I have given 
you good principles; do 
not discard my teaching!
{I}3_{/}For when I, too, 
was a young boy, and my 
mother fondly looked on 
me as special, {I}4_{/}my 
father taught me and said 
to me: Treasure my words 
in your heart; listen to 
my directions and you 
will live.
{I}5_{/}Acquire wisdom 
and insight and do not 
forget or reject the 
words of my mouth. 
{I}6_{/}Do not abandon 
wisdom for she will 
protect you. Love her and 
she will be your 
salvation.
{I}7_{/}The beginning of 
wisdom is to work to 
acquire it. At  the cost 
of all you possess, 
strive to gain insight. 
{I}8_{/}Hold her close, 
for she will exalt you 
and bring you honor if 
you embrace her. 
{I}9_{/}She will crown 
you with grace and put a 
diadem of splendor on 
your head.
{I}10_{/}Listen, my son, 
and take my words to 
heart; then the years of 
your life will be 
multiplied.
{I}11_{/}Because I have 
taught you the way of 
wisdom and have guided 
you along honest ways, 
{I}12_{/}you will walk 
with ease and run without 
falling. {I}13_{/}Hold 
firm to discipline; never 
let her go. Guard her 
well for she is your 
salvation.
{I}14_{/}Do not follow 
the way of the wicked nor 
walk with evildoers. 
{I}15_{/}Avoid them, turn 
your back on them and 
pass on. {I}16_{/}For 
they do not sleep unless 
they have done evil; they 
cannot rest unless they 
have caused someone's 
downfall. 
{I}17_{/}Wickedness is 
their bread and violence 
their wine.
{I}18_{/}The way of the 
upright is like the dawn 
that becomes brighter 
until the fullness of 
day. {I}19_{/}The way of 
the wicked is total 
darkness and they do not 
notice that which will 
make them fall.
{I}20_{/}My son, be 
attentive and listen 
carefully to my words. 
{I}21_{/}Never let them 
out of your   sight but 
guard them in the bottom 
of your heart. 
{I}22_{/}For they are 
life to those who cling 
to them and healing for 
the inner spirit.
{I}23_{/}Above all else, 
guard your heart, for 
therein is the source of 
life. {I}24_{/}Keep your  
mouth from{I}_{/} 
lies{I}_{/} and{I}_{/} 
let{I}_{/} not{I}_{/} 
deceit{I}_{/} come{I}_{/} 
from{I}_{/} your lips.
{I}25_{/}Keep your sight 
on what is ahead and your 
eyes directed straight in 
front of you. 
{I}26_{/}Test the ground 
under your feet and all 
your ways will be secure. 
{I}27_{/}Turn neither to 
left nor to right and 
keep your path from evil.
BEWARE OF THE 
ADULTERESS{/}

{1}5{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, pay heed 
to my wisdom and listen 
to my insights; 
{I}2_{/}remember my 
counsel and let your lips 
not depart from this 
knowledge.
{I}3_{/}Know that the 
lips of the adulteress 
are sweet as honey and 
her words smoother than 
oil, {I}4_{/}but the 
outcome is bitter as 
herbs. It is as sharp as 
a double-edged sword.
{I}5_{/}Her feet go down 
to the grave and her 
steps lead to death. 
{I}6_{/}She pays no 
attention to the path of 
life and strays without 
knowing it.
{I}7_{/}Now then, my son, 
listen to me and do not 
forget my words: 
{I}8_{/}Stay away from 
her and never approach 
the door of her house, 
{I}9_{/}lest you 
surrender your honor to 
strangers and your best 
years to cruel men, 
{I}10_{/}lest others 
benefit from your goods, 
and your earnings go to 
an alien house.
{I}11_{/}You will 
complain in the end, when 
your body and flesh are 
already devoured and 
{I}12_{/}you will say, 
"Why did I reject 
instruction and turn my 
back on sound advice? 
{I}13_{/}Why did I not 
listen to the voice of my 
teachers and follow their 
counsel? {I}14_{/}For I 
have come to the depths 
of disgrace in the midst 
of the whole community."
{I}15_{/}Drink, then, 
from the water of your 
own cistern, from that 
which flows in your own 
well. {I}16_{/}Do not let 
your fountains be wasted 
elsewhere nor in the 
public streets. 
{I}17_{/}They are for you 
alone and not for 
strangers.
{I}18_{/}May your 
fountainhead be blessed 
and may you find joy in 
the wife of your youth, 
{I}19_{/}your beautiful 
hind and graceful 
gazelle! May her breasts 
be your delight at all 
times: be always in love 
with her.
{I}20_{/}My son, why be 
infatuated with an 
adulteress and embrace a 
strange woman? 
{I}21_{/}For Yahweh 
watches the ways of men 
and he observes all their 
paths.
{I}22_{/}The wicked will 
be caught in his own evil 
and remain entangled in 
the nets of his own sin. 
{I}23_{/}He will die for 
want of discipline and 
will drown in the rising 
tide of his own evil.
{1}6{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, if you 
have stood bail for your 
neighbor or guaranteed 
the word of a stranger; 
{I}2_{/}if you have 
committed yourself with 
your own lips, know that 
you have trapped yourself 
with your own words. 
{I}3_{/}Then do this, my 
son: release yourself. If 
you  have fallen into the 
hands of your neighbor, 
go speedily, kneel down 
and plead with him; 
{I}4_{/}do not give sleep 
to your eyes or rest to 
your eyelids. 
{I}5_{/}Break free, like 
a gazelle from the trap 
or a bird from the hand.
THE IDLERS AND THE 
FOOLS{/}

{I}6_{/}You idler, go to 
the ant, watch her ways 
and be wise. {I}7_{/}She 
has no master, no steward 
or overseer. {I}8_{/}She 
secures food in summer 
and stores up provisions 
during harvest time.
{I}9_{/}How long, you 
idler, are you going to 
lie around? When do you 
intend to rise from 
sleep? {I}10_{/}A little 
sleep, a little 
drowsiness and your 
laziness creeps upon you 
and then, like a tramp, 
{I}11_{/}poverty comes, 
bringing misery like a 
vagabond.
{I}12_{/}The villain, the 
unjust man, goes about 
with a sneer on his lips, 
{I}13_{/}winking his eye, 
shuffling his feet and 
beckoning with his 
finger. {I}14_{/}His 
heart is deceitful; he is 
forever plotting evil and 
causing arguments. 
{I}15_{/}Therefore, 
disaster will suddenly 
and irrevocably overtake 
him.
{I}16_{/}There are six 
things Yahweh hates; 
seven his inner being 
detests: {I}17_{/}the 
proud look, the lying 
tongue, hands which spill 
innocent blood, 
{I}18_{/}the depraved 
heart, feet which speed 
towards evil, {I}19_{/}a 
false and lying witness 
and the one who sows 
discord among people.
{I}20_{/}My son, respect 
your father's instruction 
and do not reject your 
mother's teaching. 
{I}21_{/}Hold them 
forever in your heart and 
hang them around your 
neck. {I}22_{/}These will 
guard your footsteps, 
protect you when you 
sleep and speak to you on 
waking.
{I}23_{/}For the 
commandment is a lamp and 
the teaching a light; 
correction teaches you 
the way of life.
{I}24_{/}It will protect 
you from the evil woman, 
the smooth talking of the 
stranger. {I}25_{/}Do not 
covet her beauty in your 
heart or let her 
captivate you with her 
looks. {I}26_{/}For the 
prostitute deserves a 
piece of bread but the 
adulteress hunts after 
your worthy life.
{I}27_{/}Can you hold 
fire in your pocket 
without setting fire to 
your clothes or 
{I}28_{/}walk on hot 
coals without burning 
your feet? {I}29_{/}So it 
is for the man who 
approaches his neighbor's 
wife: all who touch her 
will be punished.
{I}30_{/}One does not 
condemn the hungry thief 
who steals to fill his 
stomach; 
{I}31_{/}nevertheless, if 
he is caught, he must pay 
sevenfold and give all 
the goods in his house. 
{I}32_{/}How senseless is 
the adulterer! Whoever 
commits adultery destroys 
himself. {I}33_{/}He will 
reap blows and contempt 
and  his disgrace will 
not be erased.
{I}34_{/}Jealousy 
inflames the husband's 
heart and when he can 
take revenge he will have 
no mercy. {I}35_{/}He 
will accept nothing, 
neither reparation nor 
lavish gifts.
{1}7{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, keep my 
words and remain faithful 
to my commands. 
{I}2_{/}Hold fast to my 
instruction and you will 
have life; treasure my 
teachings as the apple of 
your eye. {I}3_{/}Bind 
them on your fingers, 
write them on the tablets 
of your heart. 
{I}4_{/}Let wisdom be 
your sister and knowledge 
your friend, {I}5_{/}so 
that you will be saved 
from the adulterous 
woman, from the stranger 
with her enticing words.
{I}6_{/}From my window I 
was looking out through 
the lattice and {I}7_{/}I 
saw among the young men, 
an inexperienced youth 
{I}8_{/}who walked along 
the road near her corner, 
towards the path to her 
house. {I}9_{/}It was 
dusk, daylight was fading 
- the time of darkness 
and shadow. {I}10_{/}And 
look! Out comes this 
woman to meet him, 
dressed like a 
prostitute, covered with 
a veil.
{I}11_{/}She is brazen 
and shameless, unable to 
remain in the house. 
{I}12_{/}Now at the 
corner, now in the 
square, she is on the 
lookout. {I}13_{/}She 
throws herself at him, 
kisses him and 
confidently says, 
{I}14_{/}"I have to offer 
sacrifices and terminate 
my vows; because of this 
{I}15_{/}I came out to 
meet you. I sought and 
found you. {I}16_{/}I 
have spread on my bed 
quilts and fine Egyptian 
sheets and 
{I}17_{/}sprinkled it 
with myrrh, aloes and 
cinnamon. {I}18_{/}Come, 
let us abandon ourselves 
to pleasure and drink our 
fill of love all night, 
{I}19_{/}for my husband 
is not at home but away 
on a long journey. 
{I}20_{/}He has taken his 
moneybags and will not 
return before the full 
moon."
{I}21_{/}She led him 
astray with such smooth 
and seductive words.
{I}22_{/}At once he 
followed her, as an ox 
led to slaughter or a 
deer caught in a snare 
{I}23_{/}until its liver 
is pierced by an arrow; 
as a bird springs at the 
snare unaware that its 
life is at stake.
{I}24_{/}Now then, my 
sons, listen and pay 
attention to my words. 
{I}25_{/}Do not be led 
astray or lose yourself 
on her paths. 
{I}26_{/}For she has 
brought many to their 
death and the strongest 
were all her victims. 
{I}27_{/}Her house leads 
to hell and death.
WISDOM CALLS{/}

{1}8{/}

{I}1_{/}Who calls? Is it 
not Wisdom?
Who lifts up her voice?
{I}2_{/}Is it not 
Knowledge?
She shouts from the 
hilltops
and waits by the 
crossroads;
{I}3_{/}in the vicinity 
of the city gates she 
speaks,
{I}4_{/}"It is you, O 
men, I address
for my message is 
directed to all mankind,
{I}5_{/}so that the 
ignorant may learn
and the thoughtless come 
to their senses.
{I}6_{/}Listen to me for 
I speak of vital things
and everything I say is 
true.
{I}7_{/}Truthful words 
come from my mouth
and my lips do not lend 
themselves to evil.
{I}8_{/}All my words are 
right,
none are twisted or 
deceitful.

{I}9_{/}The intelligent 
will verify their truth,
the wise perceive their 
sincerity.
{I}10_{/}Prefer my 
teaching to silver
and seek wisdom rather 
than gold,
{I}11_{/}because wisdom 
has more value than any 
jewel
and none of men's desires 
can equal it.

{I}12_{/}I, Wisdom, dwell 
with discretion
and count prudence among 
my friends.
{I}13_{/}The fear of 
Yahweh is rejection of 
evil.
I hate all pride, 
arrogance, wicked ways 
and lies,
{I}14_{/}but I love 
counsel, discretion, 
prudence and strength.
{I}15_{/}Kings reign by 
my power,
their ministers issue 
just laws;
{I}16_{/}by me princes 
govern,
and the great and noble 
of the earth as well.
{I}17_{/}I love those who 
love me
and go to meet those who 
seek me.
{I}18_{/}Riches and honor 
are with me,
true well-being and 
upright living.
{I}19_{/}More precious 
than silver and gold
are my fruit and my 
yield.
{I}20_{/}I proceed on the 
path of righteousness
and make use of the ways 
of justice,
{I}21_{/}giving riches to 
those who love me,
and filling their 
cellars.
YAHWEH FORMED ME AT THE 
BEGINNING{/}

{I}22_{/}Yahweh created 
me first,
at the beginning of his 
works.
{I}23_{/}He formed me 
from of old,
from eternity, even 
before the earth.
{I}24_{/}The abyss did 
not exist when I was 
born,
the springs of the sea 
had not gushed forth,
{I}25_{/}the mountains 
were still not set in 
their place
nor the hills, when I was 
born
{I}26_{/}before he made 
the earth or countryside,
or the first grains of 
the world's dust.
{I}27_{/}I was there when 
he made the skies
and drew the earth's 
compass on the abyss,
{I}28_{/}when he formed 
the clouds above
and when the springs of 
the ocean emerged;
{I}29_{/}when he made the 
sea with its limits,
that it might not 
overflow.
When he laid the 
foundations of the earth,
{I}30_{/}I was close 
beside him,
the designer of his 
works,
and I was his daily 
delight,
forever playing in his 
presence,
{I}31_{/}playing 
throughout the world
and delighting to be with 
the sons of men.
{I}32_{/}Now then, my 
sons, listen to me:
happy are those who 
follow my ways.
{I}33_{/}Listen to my 
teaching and gain wisdom;
do not ignore it.
{I}34_{/}Happy are those 
who listen to me
and wait at my gates 
every day,
watching, close to my 
threshold.
{I}35_{/}Those who find 
me find life:
theirs is Yahweh's 
blessing.
{I}36_{/}Those who offend 
me will undergo 
affliction;
they hate me for they 
love death.
WISDOM INVITES TO HER 
TABLE{/}

{1}9{/}

{I}1_{/}Wisdom has built 
her house
set upon seven pillars;
{I}2_{/}she has 
slaughtered her beasts,
prepared her wine and 
laid her table.
{I}3_{/}Next, she sent 
her servants to call
from the central square 
of the city,
{I}4_{/}"Pass by here, 
you who are fools."
To the senseless she 
says,
{I}5_{/}"Come, eat and 
drink
of the bread and wine I 
have prepared.
{I}6_{/}Give up your 
foolishness and you will 
live;
take the straight path of 
discernment."
{I}7_{/}He who corrects a 
mocker gains insults; and 
he who reprimands an 
evildoer receives abuse. 
{I}8_{/}Do not rebuke the 
mocker lest he hate you, 
but counsel the wise who 
will be grateful. 
{I}9_{/}Give to the wise 
man and he will become 
wiser each day; teach an 
upright man and he will 
increase his wisdom.
{I}10_{/}Fear of Yahweh 
is the beginning of 
wisdom and to know the 
Holy One brings 
discernment. 
{I}11_{/}Then I will 
multiply your days and 
increase your years of 
life. {I}12_{/}If you are 
wise your wisdom will 
work to your advantage, 
but if you mock you alone 
will be harmed.
{I}13_{/}Lady Foolishness 
is impetuous, a simpleton 
who knows nothing. 
{I}14_{/}She sits at the 
door of her house, on a 
throne in the central 
square of the city, 
{I}15_{/}to invite all 
passersby, "Come here, 
whoever is ignorant." 
{I}16_{/}To the foolish 
she says, 
{I}17_{/}"Stolen waters 
are sweet and pilfered 
bread is the tastiest."
{I}18_{/}But he does not 
see the Shadow world 
lying there; nor realize 
that its guests are 
heading towards the abyss 
of death.
SECOND PART: THE PROVERBS 
OF SOLOMON{/}

{1}10{/}

{I}1_{/}A wise son is his 
father's joy, a foolish 
one his mother's 
heartbreak.
{I}2_{/}Treasures 
wrongfully acquired are 
of no value but upright 
living saves from death.
{I}3_{/}Yahweh does not 
let the upright man go 
hungry but he denies 
satisfaction to the 
evildoers.
{I}4_{/}The lazy hand 
brings poverty; the 
diligent hand brings 
wealth.
{I}5_{/}The prudent man 
reaps in summer; the one 
who sleeps at harvest 
time deserves scorn.
{I}6_{/}Blessings on the 
head of the upright man! 
Violence silences the cry 
of the wicked.
{I}7_{/}The upright man 
will be remembered with 
blessings, the name of 
the wicked will rot away.
{I}8_{/}The sensible man 
is open to instruction, 
the chattering fool 
speeds towards ruin.
{I}9_{/}He who behaves 
honorably will walk 
safely, but the follower 
of crooked ways will be 
punished.
{I}10_{/}The wink of an 
eye brings trouble; but a 
rebuke wins peace.
{I}11_{/}The mouth of an 
upright man is a source 
of life, but violence is 
concealed in the mouths 
of evildoers.
{I}12_{/}Hatred enkindles 
disputes, love covers 
over all offenses.
{I}13_{/}Wisdom is to be 
found on the lips of the 
discerning man; the stick 
is for the fool's back.
{I}14_{/}The wise man 
stores up learning but 
the mouth of the fool 
makes way for ruin.
{I}15_{/}The rich man's 
fortune is his fortress, 
the poverty of the poor 
is their undoing.
{I}16_{/}The virtuous 
man's toil brings him 
life, while the sins of 
the evil man destroy him.
{I}17_{/}Respect for 
discipline is the path of 
life; he who ignores 
correction is doomed.
{I}18_{/}Hypocritical is 
he who tolerates hatred; 
he who slanders is a 
fool.
{I}19_{/}Sin will not be 
lacking where too many 
words are spoken; the 
prudent man controls his 
tongue.
{I}20_{/}The upright 
man's tongue is pure 
silver, but the hearts of 
evildoers have little 
value.
{I}21_{/}The lips of one 
upright man feed many 
people while fools die 
for lack of sense.
{I}22_{/}The blessing of 
Yahweh brings riches, no 
effort can replace it.
{I}23_{/}The fool 
delights in doing evil 
and the wise man in 
acquiring wisdom.
{I}24_{/}The evildoer 
will encounter the evil 
he dreaded whereas the 
upright man will receive 
what he looked forward 
to.
{I}25_{/}After the storm 
the wicked man is seen no 
more, but the upright man 
remains forever.
{I}26_{/}The lazy man is 
like vinegar to the teeth 
and smoke to the eyes of 
his master.
{I}27_{/}Fear of Yahweh 
lengthens one's life, but 
the years of the wicked 
will be cut short.
{I}28_{/}The hope of the 
upright ends in happiness 
but the expectations of 
the wicked come to 
nothing.
{I}29_{/}The ways of 
Yahweh are a fortress for 
the upright but for 
evildoers only ruin.
{I}30_{/}The virtuous man 
will never be disturbed 
but evildoers will not 
survive on the land.
{I}31_{/}Wisdom springs 
forth from the mouth of 
the virtuous but the 
corrupt tongue will be 
torn out. 
{I}32_{/}Goodness dwells 
on the lips of the 
upright, corruption in 
the mouth of the wicked.
{1}11{/}

{I}1_{/}Yahweh detests a 
false scale but a just 
weight pleases him.
{I}2_{/}Disgrace always 
accompanies pride; wisdom 
resides with the humble.
{I}3_{/}Honesty illumines 
the path of the upright; 
but the corrupt are 
confounded by their own 
evil.
{I}4_{/}On the day of 
vengeance riches will 
prove useless but honest 
living will save from 
death.
{I}5_{/}The virtuous 
man's integrity smooths 
his way, while the wicked 
man falls by his own 
evil.
{I}6_{/}Upright living 
saves the virtuous while 
evildoers are caught in 
their own greed.
{I}7_{/}The hope of the 
wicked is buried with 
them and their trust in 
riches is of no avail.
{I}8_{/}The upright will 
escape from distress; a 
wicked man will take his 
place.
{I}9_{/}The godless man 
uses his mouth to destroy 
his neighbor but the 
virtuous use their wisdom 
to save themselves.
{I}10_{/}The city 
rejoices in the good 
fortune of the upright 
and delights in the ruin 
of the wicked.
{I}11_{/}A city is raised 
on the blessing of honest 
men and destroyed by the 
mouth of the wicked.
{I}12_{/}Whoever mocks 
his neighbor is a fool; 
the wise man chooses 
silence.
{I}13_{/}The gossip 
reveals secrets, but the 
trustworthy man keeps a 
secret.
{I}14_{/}Lack of guidance 
leads to a nation's 
decline whereas numerous 
counselors bring success.
{I}15_{/}He who stands 
bail for a stranger harms 
himself; he who avoids 
going bail will be safe.
{I}16_{/}A gracious woman 
wins renown, and bold men 
acquire riches.
{I}17_{/}The generous man 
does himself a favor 
while a cruel man wounds 
his own flesh.
{I}18_{/}The pay of the 
wicked is an illusion; 
while the upright man 
reaps a sure reward.
{I}19_{/}Upright living 
leads to life but the way 
of evil leads to death.
{I}20_{/}Yahweh detests 
the corrupt of heart but 
loves those whose life is 
upright.
{I}21_{/}Be assured that 
the wicked will not go 
unpunished, and the sons 
of the virtuous will be 
saved.
{I}22_{/}The pretty woman 
without discretion is 
like a gold ring in the 
snout of a pig.
{I}23_{/}The upright 
desire nothing but good; 
the desires of the wicked 
are in vain.
{I}24_{/}Those who are 
generous increase their 
riches; others are misers 
and impoverish 
themselves.
{I}25_{/}The warmhearted 
soul will prosper; he who 
waters will himself be 
watered.
{I}26_{/}He who hoards 
wheat is cursed by the 
people; blessed is he who 
sells his seeds.
{I}27_{/}Yahweh rewards 
the one who seeks good; 
but he who pursues evil 
will be caught by it.
{I}28_{/}He who trusts in 
riches will stumble; 
while the upright will 
flourish like leaves.

{I}29_{/}Whoever 
mismanages his house will 
inherit only wind; the 
fool will end up a slave 
of the wise.
{I}30_{/}The fruit of the 
upright is a tree of life 
while the wicked are 
uprooted before their 
time.
{I}31_{/}If here on earth 
the upright get their 
due, how much more the 
wicked and the sinner!
{1}12{/}

{I}1_{/}He who loves 
discipline, loves 
knowledge; foolish is he 
who rejects correction.
{I}2_{/}The good man wins 
the favor of Yahweh who 
condemns the one of evil 
schemes.
{I}3_{/}No man is made 
secure by evil but 
nothing undermines the 
roots of the upright.
{I}4_{/}A good wife is 
her husband's crown while 
the shameless woman is 
like a cancer in his 
bones.
{I}5_{/}The plans of the 
upright are honest and 
the plottings of the 
wicked deceitful.
{I}6_{/}The words of the 
wicked are mortal snares 
but the virtuous refute 
and elude them.
{I}7_{/}The evildoers are 
thrown down and are no 
more; but the house of 
the virtuous will never 
crumble.
{I}8_{/}Everyone is 
praised in proportion to 
his prudence; while the 
corrupt of heart will be 
met with contempt.
{I}9_{/}Better to be a 
common man and have a 
servant than to feel 
oneself great and run 
short of bread.
{I}10_{/}The upright man 
looks after his animals 
but the wicked are 
heartless.
{I}11_{/}He who 
cultivates the earth will 
have his fill of bread, 
while the fool chases 
after illusions.
{I}12_{/}The desires of 
the wicked produce evil, 
but the roots of the 
virtuous produce fruit.
{I}13_{/}The wicked man 
is entangled in his own 
lies, but the virtuous 
man will be saved from 
misfortune.
{I}14_{/}Those who 
meditates on wisdom will 
attain all that is good; 
each one is rewarded 
according to the works of 
his hands.
{I}15_{/}The fool 
considers his way right 
while the wise man 
listens to advice.
{I}16_{/}The fool shows 
his annoyance 
immediately, but the 
discreet man overlooks an 
insult.
{I}17_{/}The trustworthy 
witness leads to the 
truth, and the liar to 
confusion.
{I}18_{/}The one who 
speaks thoughtlessly 
pierces like a sword; but 
the words of the wise 
bring healing.
{I}19_{/}Truthful words 
endure forever but lies, 
for only a moment.
{I}20_{/}Deceit dwells in 
the heart of the schemer, 
happiness in those who 
pursue peace.
{I}21_{/}No misfortune 
will befall the virtuous 
but the wicked will have 
their fill of troubles.
{I}22_{/}Yahweh hates the 
lips of liars and loves 
those who speak the 
truth.
{I}23_{/}The discreet man 
conceals his wisdom while 
fools make public their 
nonsense.
{I}24_{/}The hardworking 
hand will rule; and the 
lazy will have to obey.
{I}25_{/}Intense grief 
depresses the heart while 
a friendly word makes it 
glad.
{I}26_{/}The just man 
guides his neighbor while 
the way of the wicked 
leads them astray.
{I}27_{/}The lazy hand 
will have no game to 
cook: being industrious 
is the secret of wealth.
{I}28_{/}Life is to be 
found on the path of 
virtue, the way of the 
wicked leads to death.
{1}13{/}

{I}1_{/}An intelligent 
son listens to his 
father's advice, but a 
mocker listens to no 
correction.
{I}2_{/}A man can taste 
goodness from the fruit 
of his own mouth, but the 
treacherous feed on 
violence.
{I}3_{/}He who guards his 
mouth preserves his life, 
the constant talker is 
lost.
{I}4_{/}The lazy man 
hopes but his desires are 
in vain, whereas hard 
workers have their 
desires fulfilled.
{I}5_{/}The upright man 
hates lying words but the 
evildoer slanders and 
defames.
{I}6_{/}Virtue protects 
men of honest life; while 
sin brings ruin to the 
wicked.
{I}7_{/}One pretends to 
be rich but has nothing, 
another, of great wealth, 
feigns poverty.
{I}8_{/}A man's wealth 
lets him ransom his life 
but the poor man has 
nothing with which to do 
so.
{I}9_{/}The light of the 
virtuous is bright, the 
lamp of the godless is 
extinguished.
{I}10_{/}Arrogance only 
brings trouble; wisdom is 
found in those who take 
advice.
{I}11_{/}Sudden riches 
will decrease, he who 
gathers little by little 
will be enriched.
{I}12_{/}Delayed hope 
makes the heart languish, 
but desire fulfilled is a 
tree of life.
{I}13{/}The one who 
scorns teaching will be 
in want, those who 
respect the commandment 
will be rewarded.
{I}14_{/}The wise man's 
teaching is a life-giving 
fountain for escaping the 
snares of death.
{I}15_{/}Prudent 
intelligence wins favor, 
the way of liars leads 
nowhere.
{I}16_{/}Every prudent 
man acts with reflection, 
the fool parades his 
stupidity.
{I}17_{/}A wicked 
messenger falls on 
misfortune, the reliable 
one brings healing.
{I}18_{/}Poverty and 
shame to the one who 
rejects correction; honor 
to him who accepts 
rebuke.
{I}19_{/}Desire fulfilled 
is sweet to the soul; but 
fools spurn rejection of 
evil.
{I}20_{/}Walk with the 
wise and you will gain 
wisdom; those who 
befriend fools become 
wicked.
{I}21_{/}Misfortune 
hounds the sinner, while 
the upright abound in 
good fortune.
{I}22_{/}A good man's 
inheritance is for his 
children's children, a 
sinner's wealth will be 
kept for the virtuous.
{I}23_{/}The tillage of 
the poor supplies food, 
while others perish 
because of their lack of 
righteousness.
{I}24_{/}Unloved is the 
child whom the father 
hates to punish; the 
loving father frequently 
corrects.
{I}25_{/}The upright man 
eats his fill, while the 
stomach of the wicked 
goes hungry.
{1}14{/}

{I}1_{/}Wisdom builds her 
house, foolishness 
destroys it with her own 
hands.
{I}2_{/}Upright living is 
fear of Yahweh, but he 
who is devious in his 
ways scorns him.
{I}3_{/}From the fool's 
mouth comes the rod of 
his pride, the wise man's 
lips protect him.
{I}4_{/}Where there's no 
oxen, there's no wheat, 
in the oxen's strength 
there's abundant harvest.
{I}5_{/}The truthful 
witness does not lie; the 
false witness breathes 
deceit.
{I}6_{/}The mocker 
searches for wisdom in 
vain; knowledge comes 
easily to the discreet 
man.
{I}7_{/}Keep away from 
the fool for you will 
find no wisdom in his 
words.
{I}8_{/}The wisdom of the 
discreet man lies in 
guarding his conduct, but 
the foolishness of fools 
is full of deceit.
{I}9_{/}Fools never make 
amends, while goodwill 
dwells among the upright.
{I}10_{/}The heart 
understands its own 
grief; no stranger can 
share in its joy.
{I}11_{/}The house of the 
wicked will be destroyed, 
but the tent of the 
upright will stand firm.
{I}12_{/}To one, his way 
appears correct, but in 
the end it leads to 
death.
{I}13_{/}The heart feels 
pain in the midst of 
laughter, and joy ends in 
sorrow.
{I}14_{/}The reckless man 
reaps the fruit of his 
ways; the good man will 
earn reward.
{I}15_{/}The simpleton 
believes all he's told, 
the prudent man watches 
his step.
{I}16_{/}The wise man 
fears and avoids evil, 
the fool goes near and 
feels safe.
{I}17_{/}The angry man 
does foolish things, the 
crafty man makes himself 
hated.
{I}18_{/}Foolishness is 
the inheritance of fools, 
the prudent choose wisdom 
as their crown.
{I}19_{/}The wicked shall 
kneel before the good, 
and the godless, before 
the gates of the 
virtuous.
{I}20_{/}The poor man is 
detestable even to his 
neighbor while the rich 
man has many friends.
{I}21_{/}A sinner is he 
who looks down on his 
neighbor, happy is he who 
shows pity to the poor.
{I}22_{/}Does evil 
plotting not lead to 
ruin? Do goodness and 
sincerity not belong to 
those devoted to good?
{I}23_{/}Hard work yields 
a profit but the idler 
brings misfortune.
{I}24_{/}Wealth is the 
wise man's crown, 
foolishness the diadem of 
fools.
{I}25_{/}A truthful 
witness saves lives; he 
who lies will be lost.
{I}26_{/}There is great 
security in the fear of 
Yahweh, his sons find 
refuge in him.
{I}27_{/}The fear of 
Yahweh is a life-giving 
fountain for escaping the 
snares of death.
{I}28_{/}Numerous people 
are a king's glory; lack 
of subjects ruins a 
prince.
{I}29_{/}The discerning 
man is slow to anger, the 
impatient one displays 
stupidity.
{I}30_{/}A peaceful heart 
is the body's life but 
the passions are a cancer 
in the bones.
{I}31_{/}Oppression of 
the weak insults their 
creator, he is honored by 
those who have compassion 
on the needy.
{I}32_{/}The evildoer is 
overthrown by his own 
evil, the upright man 
feels safe up to death.
{I}33_{/}Wisdom resides 
in the heart of the 
discerning; who ever sees 
her among fools?
{I}34_{/}Virtue makes a 
nation great; the sinner 
disgraces a people.
{I}35_{/}The clever 
servant enjoys the king's 
favor but the fool has to 
suffer his anger.
{1}15{/}

{I}1_{/}A kind answer 
soothes anger; while a 
cutting word increases 
wrath. 
{I}2_{/}The tongue of the 
wise speaks knowledge, 
but the mouth of fools 
spreads stupidity.
{I}3_{/}The eyes of 
Yahweh are everywhere, 
watching the good and the 
evil.
{I}4_{/}The pacifying 
tongue is a tree of life, 
while the viper's tongue 
destroys the heart.
{I}5_{/}Paternal 
correction is scorned by 
the fool, but the one who 
listens shows discretion.
{I}6_{/}Abundance resides 
in the house of the 
virtuous, but disgrace 
descends on the profits 
of the wicked.
{I}7_{/}Wise men's lips 
sow knowledge whereas the 
fool's thoughts are not 
safe.
{I}8_{/}Yahweh detests 
the sacrifice of the 
wicked, but listens to 
the prayer of the honest 
man.
{I}9_{/}Yahweh abhors the 
conduct of the wicked but 
loves him who seeks 
virtue.
{I}10_{/}Correct severely 
him who strays from the 
way; whoever hates being 
rebuked will die.
{I}11_{/}Yahweh sees into 
hell and the abyss; how 
much more into the hearts 
of the sons of men!
{I}12_{/}The mocker does 
not like being 
reprimanded; he does not 
go to the wise.
{I}13{/}A glad heart 
brightens the face, a sad 
one weighs down the 
spirit.
{I}14_{/}A discerning 
heart seeks knowledge, 
but the mouth of fools 
feeds on stupidity.
{I}15_{/}Every day is 
evil to the afflicted 
one; while the happy 
heart is always feasting.
{I}16_{/}Better to have 
little but fear the Lord 
than to have a fortune 
accompanied by anxiety.
{I}17_{/}Better to have 
vegetables where there is 
love than to have a 
fattened ox with nothing 
but hatred.
{I}18_{/}The hotheaded 
man provokes disputes, 
while the one slow to 
anger reconciles 
differences.
{I}19_{/}The way of the 
lazy man is strewn with 
thorns, but the path of 
hard workers is a 
spacious road.
{I}20_{/}The wise son is 
his father's joy, the 
foolish man despises his 
mother.
{I}21_{/}Foolishness 
appeals to the man with 
no sense but the 
discerning man goes on 
his way.
{I}22_{/}Plans fall 
through for lack of 
deliberation; a multitude 
of counselors ensures 
success.
{I}23_{/}Happy is he who 
knows how to answer. 
Welcome indeed is the apt 
word!
{I}24_{/}To the 
discerning man, the way 
of life leads upward; he 
will be saved from the 
place of darkness below.
{I}25_{/}Yahweh tears 
down the house of the 
proud, but he strengthens 
the widow's boundaries.
{I}26_{/}Yahweh detests 
corrupt designs but words 
of goodness are pleasing 
to him.
{I}27_{/}He who craves 
dishonest gain brings 
trouble on his house; he 
who accepts no tempting 
bribes will live.
{I}28_{/}The man of 
upright heart thinks 
before he speaks, the 
mouth of the wicked pours 
out evil.
{I}29_{/}Yahweh stays far 
away from the wicked but 
hears the prayer of the 
virtuous.
{I}30_{/}A kind look 
delights the heart, good 
news revives one's 
strength.
{I}31_{/}The ear which 
listens to helpful 
correction is found among 
the wise.
{I}32_{/}He who ignores 
correction despises 
himself, he who heeds the 
reprimand acquires 
discernment.
{I}33_{/}The fear of 
Yahweh is a school of 
wisdom; humility precedes 
praise.
{1}16{/}

{I}1_{/}Man's heart makes 
plans but it is Yahweh 
who answers.
{I}2_{/}Although people 
are satisfied with all of 
their deeds Yahweh 
considers the motives.
{I}3_{/}Entrust all you 
do to Yahweh and your 
plans will be realized.
{I}4_{/}Yahweh made 
everything for a purpose, 
even the evildoer for the 
day of punishment.
{I}5_{/}Yahweh hates the 
arrogant heart; you can 
be sure it will not go 
unpunished.
{I}6_{/}With goodness and 
faithfulness you atone 
for your sin; with fear 
of Yahweh you may turn 
away from evil.
{I}7_{/}When Yahweh is 
pleased with a man's 
conduct, he reconciles 
even his enemies with 
him.
{I}8_{/}Better to have 
little but be just than 
to have a great income 
without honesty.
{I}9_{/}Man's heart seeks 
the right way but it is 
Yahweh who makes his 
footsteps sure.
{I}10_{/}The lips of the 
king utter oracles; he 
will not be mistaken when 
he judges.
{I}11_{/}Yahweh demands a 
just balance and scales; 
the weights are the work 
of his hands.
{I}12_{/}Kings who do 
evil are an abomination; 
it is justice that 
supports the kingship.
{I}13_{/}He who judges 
according to justice wins 
the king's favor, honest 
men are pleasing to him.
{I}14_{/}The king's anger 
is a messenger of death 
but the wise man knows 
how to appease him.
{I}15_{/}The king's 
serene countenance means 
life, his favor is like 
the spring rain.
{I}16_{/}Better to have 
acquired wisdom rather 
than gold, discernment 
rather than silver.
{I}17_{/}The way of the 
honest man is to turn 
away from evil; he who 
watches his steps keeps 
his life safe.
{I}18_{/}Pride goes 
before destruction, an 
arrogant spirit before a 
fall.
{I}19_{/}Better be humble 
among the lowly than 
share loot with the 
proud.
{I}20_{/}He who listens 
to the word will find 
happiness; blessed is he 
who trusts in Yahweh.
{I}21_{/}He whose heart 
is wise will be 
proclaimed discerning; 
moderate speech brings 
knowledge.
{I}22_{/}Good sense is a 
life-giving fountain to 
those who possess it, 
foolishness is the 
punishment of fools.
{I}23_{/}The wise man's 
heart keeps guard over 
his mouth, making his 
words more effective.
{I}24_{/}Kind words are 
like a honeycomb: sweet 
to the spirit and healthy 
to the body.
{I}25_{/}To one, his way 
seems honest, but 
ultimately it leads to 
death.
{I}26_{/}The worker's 
appetite works to his 
benefit; the need to eat 
spurs him on.
{I}27_{/}The troublemaker 
prepares disgrace, a 
scorching fire is on his 
lips.
{I}28_{/}The scoundrel 
stirs up trouble; his 
critical comments split 
up friends.
{I}29_{/}A violent man 
deceives his neighbor and 
leads him along a path 
that is not good.
{I}30_{/}He who closes 
his eyes and purses his 
lips to plot deceit 
already commits evil.
{I}31_{/}White hairs are 
a magnificent crown for 
the one who has followed 
the path of virtue.
{I}32_{/}The patient man 
is to be preferred to the 
hero; better the man who 
masters himself than the 
conqueror of cities.
{I}33_{/}Fate is thrown 
in the bag but the 
decision depends on 
Yahweh.

{1}17{/}

{I}1_{/}Better a crust of 
dry bread in peace than 
the discord of a house 
full of feasting.
{I}2_{/}A shrewd servant 
will replace the foolish 
son of the master and 
will share the 
inheritance as one of the 
brothers.
{I}3_{/}A crucible for 
silver and a furnace for 
gold but Yahweh is the 
tester of hearts.
{I}4_{/}The evil plotter 
listens to the lips of 
liars; and the liar gives 
an ear to the corrupt 
tongue.
{I}5_{/}He who mocks the 
poor insults their 
Creator, he who laughs at 
the deprived will not go 
unpunished.
{I}6_{/}The crown of the 
aged is their children's 
children, the children's 
glory is their father.
{I}7_{/}Noble language 
does not suit the fool 
and even less do lies 
suit a prince.
{I}8_{/}The giver of 
gifts possesses a 
treasure, wherever he 
goes he will succeed.
{I}9_{/}Whoever covers 
over a fault promotes 
friendships, but he who 
reveals a word divides 
friends.
{I}10_{/}A discerning man 
is more impressed by a 
reprimand than a fool is 
by a hundred lashes.
{I}11_{/}The wicked man 
seeks nothing but 
rebellion; a cruel 
messenger will be sent 
against him.
{I}12_{/}It is better to 
meet with a bear deprived 
of her cubs than with a 
fool in his foolishness.
{I}13_{/}He who repays 
good with evil will not 
rid his house of evil.
{I}14_{/}To begin legal 
proceedings is like 
opening a dam; withdraw 
before the dispute 
erupts.
{I}15_{/}To excuse the 
guilty and condemn the 
just: both are detestable 
to Yahweh.
{I}16_{/}What good is 
money in a fool's hand? 
How can he buy wisdom? He 
has no sense.
{I}17_{/}A friend will 
love you at all times, a 
brother has been born to 
you for times of 
adversity.
{I}18_{/}He who is full 
of promises and goes bail 
for his neighbor has no 
sense.
{I}19_{/}The sinner loves 
disputes, the man of 
arrogant words hastens 
his own ruin.
{I}20_{/}The man of 
double-dealing does not 
find happiness, the sly 
tongue falls into 
disgrace.
{I}21_{/}He who fathers a 
fool has acquired misery, 
there is no joy for a 
fool's father.
{I}22_{/}A joyful heart 
gives health to the body, 
while a sad spirit dries 
up the bones.
{I}23_{/}The corrupt man 
takes bribes to pervert 
the course of justice.
{I}24_{/}The discerning 
man keeps wisdom before 
his eyes; the fool's eyes 
are on every corner of 
the world.
{I}25_{/}The foolish son 
is a worry to his father 
and distress to her who 
gave him birth.
{I}26_{/}It is not right 
to fine the upright; the 
noble ought not to be 
beaten.
{I}27_{/}The prudent of 
speech are wise; he who 
keeps his temper is an 
educated man.
{I}28_{/}Then the fool, 
if silent, can pass as 
wise; the clever man 
keeps his lips sealed.
{1}18{/}

{I}1_{/}He who holds 
himself aloof follows his 
own whims and is annoyed 
at others' advice.
{I}2_{/}The fool does not 
relish reflection but 
only the airing of his 
own views.
{I}3_{/}When the wicked 
come, scorn also comes, 
and offense brings shame.
{I}4_{/}Man's words are 
like deep waters; an 
overflowing torrent is 
the fountain of wisdom.
{I}5_{/}It is not good to 
give consideration to the 
wicked or to harm the 
virtuous when giving 
judgment.
{I}6_{/}The fool's lips 
cause disputes and his 
mouth attracts blows.
{I}7_{/}The fool's mouth 
is his undoing; his lips 
will ensnare his life.
{I}8_{/}The gossiper's 
words are tasty mouthfuls 
which go right to the 
bottom of the stomach.
{I}9_{/}He who dawdles at 
work is a brother of the 
destroyer.
{I}10_{/}Yahweh's name is 
a strong tower, the 
virtuous rely on it and 
are safe.
{I}11_{/}The rich man's 
wealth is his fortress; 
he relies on it as on a 
high wall.
{I}12_{/}Before its 
downfall, the heart is 
wrapped in pride; while 
humility goes before 
honor.
{I}13_{/}To argue before 
listening to the facts 
shows stupidity which 
leads to disgrace.
{I}14_{/}The spirit of 
man sustains him when ill 
but who will lift the one 
of broken spirit?
{I}15_{/}The discerning 
heart obtains wisdom, the 
ear of the wise searches 
out knowledge.
{I}16_{/}A present opens 
all doors to you and 
brings you into the 
company of the powerful.
{I}17_{/}The first to 
plead his case seems to 
be right, but his 
opponent appears and 
there is matter for 
trial.
{I}18_{/}Casting lots 
terminates disputes and 
decides between the 
powerful.
{I}19_{/}A brother who is 
helped is more steadfast 
than a{I}_{/}fortress but 
quarrels are like the 
bars of a castle.
{I}20_{/}A man is filled 
with what comes from his 
mouth and is nourished by 
what his lips provide.
{I}21_{/}The tongue has 
power over life and 
death, those who like 
speaking will eat its 
fruit.
{I}22_{/}He who finds a 
wife finds happiness, he 
has won Yahweh's favor.
{I}23_{/}The poor man 
pleads, while the rich 
man responds harshly.
{I}24_{/}Some friends 
only bring ruin, others 
are closer than a 
brother.
{1}19{/}

{I}1_{/}Better the poor 
man who lives honestly 
than the fool who lies.
{I}2_{/}It is bad for men 
not to reflect, and 
acting too quickly can 
lead one astray.
{I}3_{/}A man spoils his 
chances through his own 
stupidity but it is 
against Yahweh that his 
heart rages.
{I}4_{/}Wealth multiplies 
friends, but the poor man 
is deprived of his only 
friend.
{I}5_{/}The false witness 
will not go unpunished, 
the liar will not escape.
{I}6_{/}Many are the 
flatterers of the noble 
man, the whole world is a 
friend to the rich man.
{I}7_{/}A poor man is 
hated by all his 
brothers, and even more 
so do his friends desert 
him. He searches for 
someone to talk to but 
finds no one.
{I}8_{/}He who acquires 
wisdom loves himself, he 
who respects knowledge 
will be happy.
{I}9_{/}The false witness 
will not go unpunished, 
the liar will perish.
{I}10_{/}It is not good 
that a fool live 
luxuriously, still less 
that a slave command 
princes.
{I}11_{/}A clever man is 
slow to anger; his glory 
lies in forgetting 
offenses.
{I}12_{/}The angry king 
is like a roaring lion 
but his favor is like the 
dew on the grass.
{I}13_{/}The foolish son 
is the ruination of his 
father; the nagging wife 
is like a dripping 
gutter.
{I}14_{/}House and wealth 
are inherited from a 
father but a sensible 
wife is a gift from 
Yahweh.
{I}15_{/}Laziness makes a 
man fall asleep, the 
idler will go hungry.
{I}16_{/}He who keeps the 
commandment keeps his 
life; he who despises it 
dies.
{I}17_{/}He who shows 
compassion to the poor 
lends to Yahweh, who will 
repay his good deed.
{I}18_{/}Correct your son 
as long as there is hope, 
lest you be responsible 
for his death.
{I}19_{/}The violent man 
leaves himself open to a 
fine; if you spare him he 
will continue.
{I}20_{/}Listen to 
counsel and accept 
correction, and you will 
be wise in the end.
{I}21_{/}Plans abound in 
the human heart but only 
Yahweh's purpose will be 
realized.
{I}22_{/}Goodness is 
attractive in a person; 
better a poor man than a 
liar.
{I}23_{/}Love of Yahweh 
leads you to life; you 
will have your fill and 
live without fear.
{I}24_{/}The lazy man 
dips his hand in the dish 
but he cannot even lift 
it to his mouth.
{I}25_{/}Punish the 
mocker and the ignorant 
will be more careful; 
rebuke a discerning man 
and he will listen to 
reason.
{I}26_{/}He who 
dispossesses his father 
and evicts his mother is 
a shameful and degenerate 
son.
{I}27_{/}My son, listen 
to instruction and stop 
straying from the words 
of wisdom.
{I}28_{/}An unworthy 
witness makes a mockery 
of justice; the mouth of 
the wicked feeds on evil.
{I}29_{/}Punishments were 
made for mockers and 
blows, for the backs of 
fools.
{1}20{/}

{I}1_{/}Wine leads to 
vulgarity and strong 
drink, to bravado; he who 
strays in it will never 
be wise.
{I}2_{/}The angry king is 
like a roaring lion; 
whoever provokes him 
risks his life.
{I}3_{/}It is good for 
man to avoid quarrels; it 
is the fool who does not 
master himself.
{I}4_{/}Autumn is over, 
yet the fool does no 
work; come the harvest, 
he searches and finds 
nothing.
{I}5_{/}Counsel is like 
deep water in the heart, 
the discerning man has 
only to draw it out.
{I}6_{/}Many are called 
good but where can the 
trustworthy man be found?
{I}7_{/}The upright man 
who works honestly will 
make his sons happy after 
him.
{I}8_{/}The king who sits 
in judgment discovers 
evil at a single glance.
{I}9_{/}Who can say, "I 
have purified my heart, I 
am cleansed from sin?"
{I}10_{/}The crooked 
measure and scales - 
these are the things that 
Yahweh detests.
{I}11_{/}The child 
reveals himself in his 
deeds: whether his 
actions are honest and 
upright.
{I}12_{/}The ear that 
hears, the eye that sees, 
Yahweh has made them 
both.
{I}13_{/}Do not love 
sleep lest you become 
poor; keep your eyes open 
and you will have your 
fill of bread.
{I}14_{/}"No good, no 
good," says the buyer but 
off he goes 
congratulating himself.
{I}15_{/}Although you 
have gold and abundance 
of pearls, the most 
valuable adornment is 
lips which speak wisely.
{I}16_{/}Get rid of his 
clothes because he has 
stood bail for a 
stranger; arrest him for 
the profit of those 
unknown!
{I}17_{/}Stolen bread 
tastes good but later on 
your mouth is full of 
sand.
{I}18_{/}Plans take 
shape, thanks to advice; 
do battle, then, with 
wise strategies.
{I}19_{/}The gossiper 
reveals secrets; have 
nothing to do with 
chatterers.
{I}20_{/}Whoever curses 
his father and mother 
will see his lamp 
extinguished in the midst 
of darkness.
{I}21_{/}Advantage 
hastily gained in the 
beginning will not be 
blessed in the long run.
{I}22_{/}Never say, "I 
will take revenge." Trust 
in Yahweh; he will save 
you.
{I}23_{/}Yahweh detests 
false weights; it does no 
good to have false 
scales.
{I}24_{/}Yahweh directs a 
man's steps, who can know 
where his way leads?
{I}25_{/}It is dangerous 
to make hasty promises to 
Yahweh and only then 
reflect on them.
{I}26_{/}A king throws 
evildoers to the wind and 
runs the thresher over 
them.
{I}27_{/}Man's spirit is 
Yahweh's lamp which 
searches the hidden 
places of the heart.
{I}28_{/}Goodness and 
loyalty keep guard over 
the king; his throne 
stands due to goodness.
{I}29_{/}Energy is the 
adornment of youth, white 
hair the dignity of age.
{I}30_{/}Bleeding wounds 
purify evil, blows bring 
healing to the inner 
self.
{1}21{/}

{I}1_{/}In the hands of 
Yahweh, the heart of the 
king is like running 
water; he directs it 
wherever he wishes.
{I}2_{/}To the eyes of 
man all his ways are 
honest but it is Yahweh 
who weighs the heart.
{I}3_{/}To do what is 
upright and just pleases 
Yahweh more than 
sacrifice.
{I}4_{/}Haughty looks, 
proud heart, the light of 
the wicked is sin.
{I}5_{/}The plans of a 
hardworking man result in 
earnings; poverty is for 
those who act too 
hastily.
{I}6_{/}To make a fortune 
by means of deceit is 
like running after the 
wind; the end is death.
{I}7_{/}The violence of 
the wicked carries them 
away because they refuse 
to practice justice.
{I}8_{/}The way of the 
criminal is devious; but 
honest are the ways of 
the innocent man.
{I}9_{/}Better the corner 
of a barn to live in than 
a house shared with a 
raging woman.
{I}10_{/}The soul of the 
wicked desires nothing 
but evil; not even his 
friend is treated with 
compassion.
{I}11_{/}When the mocker 
is punished the ignorant 
man grows wise; when the 
wise man is instructed he 
grows in knowledge.
{I}12_{/}The Just One 
watches the house of the 
evildoer and hurls the 
wicked into misfortune.
{I}13_{/}He who is deaf 
to the poor man's cry 
will not be heard when he 
himself calls out.
{I}14_{/}A discreet gift 
pacifies anger, a bribe 
diverts violent rage.
{I}15_{/}Upright men are 
glad when justice reigns 
but evildoers tremble.
{I}16_{/}He who departs 
from the ways of prudence 
will sleep in the 
assembly of the Shades.
{I}17_{/}Pleasure-lovers 
remain poor, he who loves 
wine and perfume will 
never grow rich.
{I}18_{/}The wicked man 
will pay for the virtuous 
and the treacherous man, 
for the honest.
{I}19_{/}Better to live 
in a deserted place than 
with a raging and abusive 
woman.
{I}20_{/}There is oil and 
precious treasure in the 
wise man's house, things 
which the fool squanders.
{I}21_{/}He who seeks 
justice and mercy will 
gain life, prosperity and 
honor.
{I}22_{/}The wise man 
conquers a city of 
warriors and tears down 
the walls they trust in.
{I}23_{/}He who keeps 
guard over his mouth and 
tongue saves himself from 
anguish.
{I}24_{/}"Mocker" is the 
name of the arrogant and 
haughty, he in whom pride 
abounds.
{I}25_{/}The idler's 
desires lead him to death 
because his hands refuse 
to work. {I}26_{/}He 
covets all day long while 
the upright man gives 
without stinting.
{I}27_{/}Yahweh detests 
the sacrifice of the 
wicked, above all when 
they offer it for an 
unjust cause.
{I}28_{/}The lying 
witness will perish but 
he who listens wisely 
will be given time to 
speak.
{I}29_{/}The wicked man 
tries to appear firm and 
table while the honest 
man confirms his way.
{I}30_{/}No wisdom, 
prudence or advice can 
withstand the look of 
Yahweh.
{I}31_{/}The horse is 
equipped for the day of 
battle but it is Yahweh 
who gives the victory.
{1}22{/}

{I}1_{/}A good name is 
better than great wealth; 
fame is preferable to 
silver or gold.
{I}2_{/}Rich and poor 
have something in common, 
Yahweh has made them all.
{I}3_{/}The discreet man 
foresees disgrace and 
hides, the ignorant keep 
going at their own 
expense.
{I}4_{/}The reward of 
humility is fear of 
Yahweh, wealth, honor and 
life.
{I}5_{/}The path of the 
wicked is paved with 
thorns and traps, he who 
loves his life will keep 
his distance.
{I}6_{/}Teach a child the 
way he should go, he will 
not stray from it while 
he lives.
{I}7_{/}The rich man 
lords it over the poor, 
the borrower is the 
moneylender's slave.
{I}8_{/}Whoever sows 
injustice reaps disaster; 
the power of the wicked 
will be broken.
{I}9_{/}The warmhearted 
man will be blessed since 
he shares his bread with 
the poor.
{I}10_{/}Throw out the 
mocker and the dispute 
will cease, fighting and 
insults will end.
{I}11_{/}He who loves 
purity of heart and 
speaks sensibly will find 
a friend in the king.
{I}12_{/}Yahweh's look 
protects the wise man and 
discredits the words of 
the liar.
{I}13_{/}The lazy man 
says, "There is a lion 
outside, he will kill me 
in the street."
{I}14_{/}The adulterous 
woman's mouth is a deep 
pit, he whom Yahweh 
wishes to punish will 
fall into it.
{I}15_{/}The heart of the 
child is naturally 
foolish, the beating of 
instruction will cure it.
{I}16_{/}When you oppress 
the poor, you make them 
grow; when you give to 
the rich, you waste 
everything.
THE PROVERBS OF THE 
WISE{/}

{I}17_{/}Give ear, listen 
to the words of the wise 
and apply yourself to 
understanding them, 
{I}18_{/}because it will 
be your delight to keep 
them deep within you, to 
have them always ready on 
your lips.
{I}19_{/}I wish now to 
teach you, so that you 
will place your trust in 
Yahweh. {I}20_{/}Have I 
not written for you 
thirty chapters of advice 
and knowledge {I}21_{/}so 
that you may recognize 
the truth and be able to 
answer rightly him who 
sent you?
{I}22_{/}Do not take from 
the poor man just because 
he is poor or condemn the 
one in misfortune, 
{I}23_{/}because Yahweh 
will intercede for them 
and will carry off the 
life of their oppressors.
{I}24_{/}Do not befriend 
the angry man or be a 
companion to the one of 
rage, {I}25_{/}for fear 
you adopt their ways and 
lose your life in their 
midst.
{I}26_{/}Do not be one of 
those who undertake a 
commitment and act as 
guarantor of debts; 
{I}27_{/}if you cannot 
pay, they will take from 
you the very bed in which 
you sleep.
{I}28_{/}Do not move the 
ancient boundaries 
established by your 
forefathers.
{I}29_{/}You see a clever 
man at work? He will 
enter the service of 
kings; he will not stay 
in the service of people 
of no renown.
{1}23{/}

{I}1_{/}If you sit at a 
table with a great man, 
beware of what is in 
front of you; {I}2_{/}if 
your appetite is too 
great, put a knife to 
your throat. {I}3_{/}Do 
not greedily desire his 
fine food for it is 
deceptive nourishment.
{I}4_{/}Do not wear 
yourself out trying to be 
rich, do not dwell on it. 
{I}5_{/}Set your eyes on 
wealth and it no longer 
exists; it sprouts wings 
and flies into the sky 
like an eagle.
{I}6_{/}Do not eat with 
the wicked man or be 
greedy for his choice 
food. {I}7_{/}All is 
appearance, for he plots 
in his heart. "Eat and 
drink," he says but he is 
not to be trusted. 
{I}8_{/}You will spit it 
out as soon as it is 
tasted and your words of 
praise will be wasted.
{I}9_{/}Do not speak with 
a fool; he will not be 
able to appreciate your 
remarks.
{I}10_{/}Do not move the 
ancient boundaries or 
take possession of the 
orphan's land because his 
Avenger is powerful; 
{I}11_{/}he will take 
sides against you.
{I}12_{/}Apply your heart 
to instruction and your 
ears to words of wisdom.
{I}13_{/}Do not hold back 
from correcting a youth; 
the rod will not kill 
him. {I}14_{/}With 
several strokes, you save 
him from death.
{I}15_{/}My son, if your 
heart is wise, then my 
own heart is glad, 
{I}16_{/}and my whole 
being will rejoice when 
you speak the truth.
{I}17_{/}Do not envy 
sinners but, each day, 
fear Yahweh; then you 
will have a future and 
{I}18_{/}your hope will 
not be in vain.
{I}19_{/}Listen, my son, 
and you will be wise and 
you will make your heart 
go straight on its way.
{I}20_{/}Do not be one of 
those who get drunk with 
wine or who stuff 
themselves with meat, 
{I}21_{/}since the 
drunkard and the glutton 
impoverish themselves and 
the sleepyhead is clothed 
in rags.
{I}22_{/}Listen to your 
father who begot you; do 
not despise your mother 
in her old age.
{I}23_{/}Acquire truth 
and never sell it; gain 
wisdom, discipline and 
discernment.
{I}24_{/}Happy the father 
of a virtuous man! How he 
will rejoice, {I}25_{/}he 
who fathers a wise man! 
May your father and 
mother rejoice and may 
she who bore you be glad.
{I}26_{/}My son, give me 
your heart, that your 
eyes may delight in my 
ways. {I}27_{/}You should 
know that the prostitute 
is a deep abyss and the 
unknown woman a narrow 
well. {I}28_{/}Like a 
thief she lies in wait 
and she increases the 
sinners among men.
{I}29_{/}For whom are the 
cries and laments? For 
whom the complaints and 
sighs? For whom the blows 
without reason? For whom 
the eyes which see 
double?
{I}30_{/}For those who 
abandon themselves to 
wine and go in search of 
the well-blended wine. 
{I}31_{/}Do not consider 
the wine: how red it is 
and how sparkling the 
glass! How smoothly it 
flows!
{I}32_{/}In the end, it 
bites like a snake and 
stings like a viper. 
{I}33_{/}Your eyes will 
see strange things and 
you will end up speaking 
nonsense. {I}34_{/}You 
will be like a man asleep 
on the high seas or at 
the rudder: "They hit me 
but I am not hurt. 
{I}35_{/}They beat me but 
I feel nothing. When will 
I wake up? I will go in 
search of more."
{1}24{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not envy the 
wicked or desire their 
company, {I}2_{/}for 
their hearts dream only 
of violence and their 
lips speak nothing but 
evil.
{I}3_{/}With wisdom a 
house is built. 
{I}4_{/}It is 
strengthened by prudence. 
Its granaries are filled 
by knowledge with all 
that is good, precious 
and desirable.
{I}5_{/}The wise man is 
powerful; the one of 
knowledge adds to his 
strength. {I}6_{/}Because 
of this, he goes into 
battle with wise plans, 
since success depends on 
many advisers.
{I}7_{/}Wisdom is beyond 
the reach of the fool; 
let him not open his 
mouth in the assembly.
{I}8_{/}The plotter of 
evil is called an 
unscrupulous mastermind.
{I}9_{/}The fool dreams 
only of sin, the mocker 
deserves only contempt.
{I}10_{/}If you lose 
heart when misfortune 
comes, miserable is your 
strength.
{I}11_{/}Rescue those who 
are being carried away to 
die; save those who are 
being dragged away to 
torture. 
{I}12_{/}Afterwards you 
will say, "We did not 
know." But he who weighs 
the heart, does he not 
understand? He who 
watches over the soul is 
aware and he will give to 
each one according to his 
deeds.
{I}13_{/}Eat honey, my 
son, because it is good; 
the honeycomb is sweet to 
the taste. {I}14_{/}So 
also will wisdom be to 
your soul. If you find 
it, you have a future and 
your hope will not be in 
vain.
{I}15_{/}Evildoer, do not 
spy on the house of the 
virtuous man, do not 
disturb his home. 
{I}16_{/}Because even 
though the virtuous man 
falls seven times, he 
gets up again, while the 
wicked sink in their 
adversity.
{I}17_{/}Do not rejoice 
if your enemy falls or 
let your heart be glad if 
he stumbles, 
{I}18_{/}lest Yahweh see 
and be displeased and his 
anger be turned on you.
{I}19_{/}Do not be 
incensed by the wicked or 
envious of the ungodly, 
{I}20_{/}since there is 
no future in evil and the 
lamp of the wicked will 
be extinguished.
{I}21_{/}Fear Yahweh and 
the king, my son; make no 
deals with agitators, 
{I}22_{/}for disaster 
will befall them without 
warning and who knows 
when their ruin will 
come?
OTHER PROVERBS OF THE 
WISE{/}

{I}23_{/}It is not good 
for judges to show 
partiality. People curse 
and nations hate him 
{I}24_{/}who says to the 
wicked man, "You are 
just." {I}25_{/}But those 
who punish the evildoer 
can boast; blessing and 
happiness will be theirs.
{I}26_{/}An honest answer 
is like a kiss on the 
lips.
{I}27_{/}Finish your work 
out-of-doors and plan 
your work in the fields; 
afterwards, you can think 
of building your house.
{I}28_{/}Do not lightly 
bear witness against your 
neighbor lest you lie.
{I}29_{/}Do not say, "I 
will do to him what he 
did to me; I will repay 
him for his deeds."
{I}30_{/}I passed by the 
lazy man's field, near 
the vineyard of the 
senseless man. 
{I}31_{/}Everywhere it 
was full of weeds; 
thistles covered the 
ground and the stonewall 
was fallen apart. 
{I}32_{/}Seeing all this, 
I reflected and drew this 
lesson from what I saw. 
{I}33_{/}A little sleep, 
a little drowsiness and 
{I}34_{/}your laziness 
creeps upon you and then, 
like a tramp, poverty 
comes, bringing misery 
like a vagabond.
SOLOMON'S PROVERBS{/}

{1}25{/}

{I}1_{/}These are also 
Proverbs of Solomon, 
recorded in the time of 
Heze- kiah, king of 
Judah.
{I}2_{/}The glory of God 
is in hiding secrets and 
the glory of the king, in 
revealing them. 
{I}3_{/}As high as the 
skies, as deep as the 
earth, such is the heart 
of kings.
{I}4_{/}Remove the 
impurity from silver and 
it will become a vessel 
in the hands of the 
silversmith. 
{I}5_{/}Remove the wicked 
from the king's presence 
and he will affirm his 
power through justice.
{I}6_{/}Do not boast 
before the king or put 
yourself among the great. 
{I}7_{/}It would be 
better to be invited, 
"Come up here," than to 
be humiliated after 
having seen the prince.
{I}8_{/}Do not be too 
hasty in accusing your 
neighbor for what would 
happen to you should he 
confound you?
{I}9_{/}Defend your case 
against your neighbor but 
do not reveal the secret 
of another, {I}10_{/}lest 
he overhear it and 
despise you and your 
reputation be lost.
{I}11_{/}An opportune 
word is like golden 
apples encased in silver. 
{I}12_{/}A gold ring or 
an ornament of fine gold, 
such is the wise man's 
rebuke to a responsive 
person.
{I}13_{/}The trustworthy 
messenger is like the 
coolness of snow at 
harvest time, to him who 
sends him: he revives the 
soul of his master.

{I}14_{/}Clouds and wind 
but no rain, such is the 
one who promises but does 
not fulfill.
{I}15_{/}With a little 
patience you will 
persuade the judge; a 
soft tongue can break 
bones.
{I}16_{/}If you find 
honey, eat enough but not 
too much, lest you bring 
it up again.
{I}17_{/}Go rarely to 
your neighbor's house 
lest he tire of you and 
grow to hate you.
{I}18_{/}A mace, a sword, 
a keen arrow: such is the 
one who lies about his 
neighbor.
{I}19_{/}A decaying 
tooth, a lame foot, such 
is the trust put in the 
ungodly on the day of 
trouble.
{I}20_{/}Singing songs to 
a grieving person is like 
taking off your cloak in 
frosty weather or pouring 
vinegar into a wound.
{I}21_{/}If your enemy is 
hungry give him something 
to eat, if thirsty, 
something to drink; 
{I}22_{/}thus you pile up 
red-hot coals on his head 
and Yahweh will reward 
you.
{I}23_{/}As the north 
wind brings the rain, 
so{I}_{/}the gossiping 
tongue leaves angry 
faces.
{I}24_{/}Better the 
corner of a barn to live 
in than a house shared 
with a whimsical woman.
{I}25_{/}Good news from a 
distant country is like 
cool water to a dry 
throat.
{I}26_{/}A churning river 
or a polluted spring is 
like the virtuous man who 
trembles before the 
evildoer.
{I}27_{/}It is not good 
to eat too much honey and 
even less good to be 
greedy for honors.
{I}28_{/}The man who 
cannot contain his anger 
is like an open city, 
without defenses.
{1}26{/}

{I}1_{/}Honors do not 
suit the fool any more 
than snow in summer and 
rain at harvest.
{I}2_{/}The sparrow 
escapes, the swallow 
flies off, so the 
motiveless curse will 
have no effect.
{I}3_{/}A whip for the 
horse, a bridle for the 
donkey, a stick for the 
backs of fools.
{I}4_{/}Do not answer the 
stupidity of fools lest 
you become like them.
{I}5_{/}Answer the 
stupidity of the fool 
lest he consider himself 
intelligent.
{I}6_{/}He who sends 
messages by a fool is 
cutting his own feet.
{I}7_{/}Like the unsteady 
legs of a lame man, such 
is a proverb in the mouth 
of fools.
{I}8_{/}Honoring a fool 
is like tying a stone in 
a sling.
{I}9_{/}Like a thorn 
branch in a drunkard's 
hands, such is a proverb 
in the mouth of fools.
{I}10_{/}Like an archer 
wounding all passersby, 
so is he who employs a 
fool.
{I}11_{/}The fool reverts 
to his stupidity just as 
a dog returns to his 
vomit.
{I}12_{/}See that man who 
thinks himself wise? 
There is more hope for a 
fool!
{I}13_{/}"There's a lion 
in the street," the lazy 
man says, "a lion in the 
square."
{I}14_{/}The door turns 
on its hinges and the 
lazy man, on his bed. 
{I}15_{/}The idler dips 
his hand in the dish but 
is too tired to lift it 
to his mouth. 
{I}16_{/}The idler 
considers himself wiser 
than many people who 
answer tactfully.
{I}17_{/}Interfering in 
the disputes of others is 
like grabbing a passing 
dog by the tail.
{I}18_{/}As a madman 
hurls flaming, deadly 
arrows, {I}19_{/}so does 
the one who lies to his 
friend and then says, "It 
was just a joke."
{I}20_{/}For lack of 
wood, the fire goes out; 
for want of a gossiper, 
the quarrel dies down.
{I}21_{/}Charcoal on hot 
coals, wood on a fire, 
and a quarrelsome man for 
stirring up disputes.
{I}22_{/}The words of the 
gossiper are delicious 
mouthfuls which go right 
down to the bottom of the 
stomach. {I}23_{/}Like 
silver on earthenware, so 
are smooth lips with a 
corrupt heart.
{I}24_{/}The one who 
hates, disguises his 
words and keeps his 
treachery inside; 
{I}25_{/}do not trust his 
sweet language for seven 
evils fill his heart. 
{I}26_{/}But although he 
conceals his hatred like 
a hypocrite, his evil 
will be revealed in the 
assembly.
{I}27_{/}He who digs a 
pit falls in it and the 
rock he rolls away falls 
back on him.
{I}28_{/}The liar hates 
his victims, the 
flattering mouth brings 
destruction.
{1}27{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not feel 
confident about tomorrow 
since you do not know how 
today will end.
{I}2_{/}Let another 
praise you but not your 
own mouth; a stranger but 
not your own lips.
{I}3_{/}Heavy the stone 
and weighty the sand but 
the fool's anger 
outweighs both.
{I}4_{/}Wrath is cruel 
and anger, impulsive but 
who can withstand 
jealousy?
{I}5_{/}Better an honest 
rebuke than false 
affection.
{I}6_{/}Worthy of trust 
is the friend who speaks 
honestly; the enemy is he 
who multiplies caresses.
{I}7_{/}The full mouth 
looks down on honey, the 
hungry one finds any 
bitter thing sweet.
{I}8_{/}Like a bird far 
from its nest, so is the 
one who wanders from his 
own place.
{I}9_{/}Oil and perfume 
gladden the heart; so too 
does the sweetness of 
friendship comfort the 
soul.
{I}10_{/}Never desert 
your friend or your 
father's friend; do not 
hasten to your brother's 
house when troubles 
strike: better a friend 
nearby than a brother far 
away.
{I}11_{/}Learn to be 
wise, my son, and make me 
happy so that I can reply 
to those who insult me.
{I}12_{/}The discerning 
man foresees danger and 
takes cover, but fools 
keep going, to their own 
loss.
{I}13_{/}Get rid of his 
clothes since he has gone 
surety for a stranger, 
seize him for the benefit 
of those unknown.
{I}14_{/}If he, at dawn, 
blesses his neighbor in a 
loud voice, it shall be 
interpreted as a curse.
{I}15_{/}The constant 
dripping of a gutter on a 
rainy day and a nagging 
woman have something in 
common. {I}16_{/}Stopping 
her is like stopping the 
wind and grasping oil in 
one's hand.
{I}17_{/}Iron is 
sharpened with iron, 
contact with a neighbor 
sharpens a man's wit.
{I}18_{/}He who tends the 
fig tree eats its fruit, 
he who looks after his 
master will be honored.
{I}19_{/}As the face is 
reflected in water, so 
man finds himself in his 
own heart.
{I}20_{/}Death and hell 
are never satisfied; so, 
also, the eyes of men.
{I}21_{/}A crucible for 
silver, a furnace for 
gold; you will know a man 
by his reputation.
{I}22_{/}Even though you 
grind the fool in a 
mortar, you will not rid 
him of his stupidity.
{I}23_{/}Know well the 
state of your herd and 
tend to your flock 
{I}24_{/}because wealth 
does not last forever and 
riches are not handed 
down from generation to 
generation. {I}25_{/}Once 
the pasture is mowed and 
the aftergrowth appears 
and the hay is gathered 
in from the hills, 
{I}26_{/}you should have 
lambs to clothe you and 
goats to pay for your 
fields, 
{I}27_{/}sufficient 
goats' milk to feed you, 
to sustain your household 
and provide for your 
serving girls.
{1}28{/}

{I}1_{/}The wicked man 
runs away even when no 
one is after him but the 
virtuous man feels as 
safe as a lion.
{I}2_{/}A country, for 
its sins, has many 
rulers; but with one wise 
ruler there is stability.
{I}3_{/}The evildoer 
oppressing the poor is 
like destructive floods 
which leave no food.
{I}4_{/}Those who 
foresake the Law applaud 
evil; those faithful to 
the Law fight evil.
{I}5_{/}The wicked have 
no understanding of 
justice but those who 
seek Yahweh understand 
all.
{I}6_{/}Better the poor 
but honest life than 
devious living, with 
riches.
{I}7_{/}A clever man 
keeps the Law, while he 
who associates with 
scoundrels brings shame 
to his father.
{I}8_{/}He who adds to 
his wealth by usury and 
greed amasses it for 
another who has 
compassion on the poor.
{I}9_{/}If anyone turns a 
deaf ear to the Law, even 
his prayer is 
contaminated by sin.
{I}10_{/}He who leads the 
virtuous astray will fall 
into his own trap. The 
upright will inherit 
happiness.
{I}11_{/}The rich man 
thinks himself wise while 
the poor but sensible man 
knows how to show him up.
{I}12_{/}When the 
virtuous triumph, there 
is great feasting, but 
when the wicked dominate, 
everybody hides.
{I}13_{/}Whoever conceals 
his faults will not 
prosper, but he who 
confesses and renounces 
them will be shown mercy.
{I}14_{/}Happy the one 
who always lives in the 
fear of God; he who 
hardens his heart will 
fall on disaster.
{I}15_{/}A roaring lion, 
a hungry bear, such is 
the bad leader of a poor 
people.
{I}16_{/}The ruler 
lacking intelligence 
multiplies oppression; 
but he who abhors greed 
will endure.
{I}17_{/}The man wanted 
for murder will be on the 
run until death. Let him 
go!
{I}18_{/}He who goes his 
way honestly will be 
saved, he who vacillates 
between two ways will 
fall in one of them.
{I}19_{/}He who tends his 
land will have an 
abundance of bread, while 
he who chases illusions 
will have his fill of 
misery.
{I}20_{/}The trustworthy 
man will be heaped with 
blessings, but he who is 
preoccupied with getting 
rich will not be 
guiltless.
{I}21_{/}It is not good 
to show partiality but a 
man will do wrong for a 
mouthful of bread.
{I}22_{/}The greedy-eyed 
man is on the lookout for 
wealth not knowing that 
misfortune will befall 
him.
{I}23_{/}He who reproves 
another will eventually 
enjoy more favor than the 
flatterer.
{I}24_{/}He who steals 
from his father and 
mother saying, "It's not 
a sin," is just like a 
criminal.
{I}25_{/}The greedy man 
brings about trouble; but 
he who trusts in Yahweh 
will be filled with good 
things.
{I}26_{/}He who trusts in 
himself is just like a 
fool; while he who walks 
wisely will be saved.
{I}27_{/}He who gives to 
the poor will not be in 
need; but he who turns a 
blind eye to them will 
have his fill of 
disgrace.
{I}28_{/}When the wicked 
triumph, everybody hides; 
but when they perish, the 
virtuous multiply.
{1}29{/}

{I}1_{/}He who resists 
correction will be broken 
suddenly and without 
remedy.
{I}2_{/}When the virtuous 
rule, the people are 
happy, but they groan 
when the wicked are in 
power.
{I}3_{/}He who loves 
wisdom makes his father 
happy, but whoever 
maintains prostitutes 
will lose his wealth.
{I}4_{/}Through justice a 
king makes his country 
prosper; but the 
extortioner brings it to 
ruin.
{I}5_{/}The one who 
flatters his neighbor 
lays a snare at his feet.
{I}6_{/}In the wicked 
man's sins lies a snare 
for himself, while the 
upright man runs on 
rejoicing.
{I}7_{/}The virtuous man 
is concerned about the 
problems of the poor; the 
evildoer, however, 
understands nothing.
{I}8_{/}Mockers create 
disturbances in the city 
but the wise turn 
troubles away.
{I}9_{/}When the wise man 
argues with the fool, 
whether he is annoyed or 
joking, he will get 
nowhere.
{I}10_{/}The violent hate 
the blameless man but the 
virtuous seek out his 
presence.
{I}11_{/}The fool gives 
free rein to his rage; 
while the wise man 
restrains it.
{I}12_{/}When a ruler 
listens to false reports, 
all his ministers will be 
scoundrels.
{I}13_{/}The poor man and 
usurer have something in 
common: both receive the 
light of day from God.
{I}14_{/}The king who 
judges the poor with 
justice will affirm his 
throne forever.
{I}15_{/}Both the stick 
and rebuke bring wisdom, 
while the spoilt child 
brings shame to his 
mother.
{I}16_{/}When the wicked 
rule, sin abounds, but 
the virtuous shall 
witness their downfall.
{I}17_{/}Correct your son 
and he will bring you 
rest; you will be happy 
in him.
{I}18_{/}Where prophets 
are lacking, the people 
get out of hand; happy is 
he who obeys the Law.
{I}19_{/}A slave is not 
corrected by words; even 
if he understands he will 
take no notice.
{I}20_{/}You see a man 
dying to speak? There is 
more hope for a fool.
{I}21_{/}If you spoil 
your slave from 
childhood, he will end up 
a rebel.
{I}22_{/}The hot-tempered 
man provokes disputes, 
his anger multiplies his 
sins.
{I}23_{/}A man's pride 
results in his 
humiliation, but he who 
humbles himself will 
achieve honors.
{I}24_{/}He who shares 
with the thief harms 
himself; even you who 
kept silent when you 
should have denounced 
him.
{I}25_{/}To be afraid of 
men is a trap; but 
whoever trusts in Yahweh 
will be safe.
{I}26_{/}Many seek a 
ruler's favor but each 
one's fate comes from 
God.
{I}27_{/}The upright man 
detests the wicked and 
the evildoer hates the 
honest man.
SAYINGS OF AGUR{/}

{1}30{/}

{I}1_{/}The sayings of 
Agur, Son of Jakeh, of 
Massa.
{I}2_{/}He says, "My God, 
my God, I am worn-out and 
weary. Too stupid to be 
human, I am devoid of 
intelligence; {I}3_{/}I 
have not acquired wisdom 
or grasped the knowledge 
of the Holy One."
{I}4_{/}Who has ascended 
the heavens and 
descended? Who has 
gathered the wind in his 
hands? Who has encircled 
the waters with his 
cloak? Who has 
established the limits of 
the earth? What is his 
name or the name of his 
son?
DO YOU KNOW?{/}

{I}5_{/}Every word of God 
is true, he is a shield 
in whom man can find 
refuge. {I}6_{/}Add 
nothing to his words lest 
he rebuke you and take 
you for a liar.
{I}7_{/}O God, two things 
I beg of you, do not deny 
me them before I die. 
{I}8_{/}Keep lying and 
falsehood far away from 
me, give me neither 
poverty nor riches. Give 
me just as much food as I 
need lest, 
{I}9_{/}satisfied, I deny 
you and say, "Who is 
Yahweh?" Or else, out of 
necessity, I steal and 
profane the name of my 
God.
{I}10_{/}Do not accuse a 
slave to his master's 
face lest he curse you 
and you have to pay.
{I}11_{/}What a people 
are those who curse their 
father and do not bless 
their mother, 
{I}12_{/}who consider 
themselves pure but their 
sins have not been 
cleansed! {I}13_{/}They 
have a haughty look and 
disdainful eye; 
{I}14_{/}their teeth are 
like daggers and their 
fangs, like blades to 
devour the weak of the 
land and the poor of the 
people.
{I}15_{/}The leech has 
two daughters, "Give me!" 
and "Give me!"
{I}16_{/}There are three 
insatiable things and 
four which never say, 
"Enough": the grave, the 
sterile womb, the earth 
longing for water and the 
fire which never cries, 
"Enough."
{I}17_{/}The eye which 
challenges a father and 
despises his aging 
mother, will be gouged 
out by the ravens of the 
valley and devoured by 
the eagles.
{I}18_{/}There are three 
things which I cannot 
comprehend and four which 
I do not understand: 
{I}19_{/}the way of the 
eagle through the sky, 
the way of the snake on 
the rock, the way of the 
ship on high seas and the 
way of the human being 
within the mother.
{I}20_{/}What can I say 
of the adulterous woman? 
She eats, and having 
wiped her mouth, she 
says, "I have done 
nothing wrong."
{I}21_{/}Three things 
make the earth tremble; 
there are four which it 
cannot withstand: 
{I}22_{/}the slave who 
becomes king, the fool 
stuffed with bread, 
{I}23_{/}the unbearable 
woman who marries and the 
maid who inherits from 
her mistress.
{I}24_{/}There are four 
tiny creatures on the 
earth that are among the 
wisest of the wise: 
{I}25_{/}the ants that 
are without strength, but 
in summer make sure of 
their supplies; 
{I}26_{/}the rock-rabbits 
that are without vigor, 
but make their home in 
the rocks; {I}27_{/}the 
locusts that have no 
king, but move forward in 
organized groups; 
{I}28_{/}the lizard which 
can be caught by hand, 
but lives in the palaces 
of kings.
{I}29_{/}Three things 
have a stately step and 
four have a noble 
bearing: {I}30_{/}the 
lion, the bravest of 
animals, that retreats 
before nothing; 
{I}31_{/}the cock that 
struts proudly among the 
hens; the he-goat that 
leads his flock, and the 
king at the head of his 
army.
{I}32_{/}If you have been 
foolish enough to get 
angry and afterwards 
regret it, cover your 
mouth with your hand. 
{I}33_{/}Since by 
churning the milk butter 
is produced, by squeezing 
the nose blood flows, and 
by stirring up anger 
arguments arise.
THE SAYINGS OF LEMUEL{/}

{1}31{/}

{I}1_{/}The sayings of 
Lemuel, king of Massa, 
taught him by his mother.

{I}2_{/}No, my son! Son 
of my womb, no!
No, my most beloved son!
{I}3_{/}Do not waste your 
strength on women, or 
your life on those who 
destroy kings.
{I}4_{/}It is not for 
kings, O Lemuel, not for 
kings to drink wine or 
for rulers to love strong 
drink. {I}5_{/}Lest in 
drinking they forget what 
they have decreed and 
override the cause of the 
helpless.
{I}6_{/}Give strong drink 
to the one about to die 
and wine to the heart 
full of bitterness: 
{I}7_{/}so that he may 
drink and forget his 
misfortune and remember 
his pain no more. 
{I}8_{/}Speak on behalf 
of the dumb and defend 
the cause of all who are 
destitute.
{I}9_{/}Open your mouth, 
pronounce just sentences, 
defend the needy and the 
poor.
THE PERFECT WIFE{/}

{I}10_{/}The woman of 
character, where is she 
to be found? She is more 
precious than any jewel.
{I}11_{/}Her husband has 
complete confidence in 
her; she will be of great 
benefit to him.
{I}12_{/}She brings him 
only good and not evil, 
all the days of her life.
{I}13_{/}She has obtained 
wool and flax, and works 
them with skillful hands.
{I}14_{/}She is like the 
merchant ships which 
bring provisions from 
afar.
{I}15_{/}She gets up 
while it is still dark, 
feeds her household and 
allots tasks to the 
servants.
{I}16_{/}If she sets her 
heart on a field, she 
buys it and plants a 
vineyard with her own 
hands.
{I}17_{/}She is full of 
energy and her arms show 
her strength.
{I}18_{/}She knows her 
work is successful and, 
at night, her light 
remains unextinguished.
{I}19_{/}She puts her 
hand to the distaff and 
her fingers hold the 
spindle.
{I}20_{/}She reaches out 
her hand to the helpless 
and gives to the poor.
{I}21_{/}When snow comes, 
she has no fears for her 
household since they are 
all doubly clothed.
{I}22_{/}She makes her 
own quilts and her 
clothes are purple and 
fine linen.
{I}23_{/}Her husband is 
well-respected; he sits 
in council with the 
elders of the people.
{I}24_{/}She weaves linen 
cloth and sells 
it;{I}_{/}she supplies 
the merchants with 
sashes.
{I}25_{/}She is strong 
and dignified and looks 
with confidence to the 
future.
{I}26_{/}She speaks 
wisely and her words are 
kind.
{I}27_{/}She keeps an eye 
on the conduct of her 
household and is never 
idle.
{I}28_{/}Her sons rise up 
and call her blessed, her 
husband sings her 
praises:
{I}29_{/}"Many women have 
done wonders but you 
surpass them all."
{I}30_{/}Charm is 
deceptive and beauty 
useless; the woman who is 
wise is the one to 
praise.
{I}31_{/}May she enjoy 
the fruits of her labor 
and may all praise her 
for her works.

