Listen without interrupting Bible Verse

(13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it . . .--Comp. Ecclesiasticus 11:8.

Verse 13. - He that answereth a matter, etc. Thus Ecclus. 11:8, "Answer not before thou hast heard the, cause; neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk." A reminiscence of the passage occurs in the Talmud ('Aboth.' 5. 10), "I weighed all things in the balance, and found nothing lighter than meal; lighter than meal is the betrothed man who dwells in the house of his intended father-in-law; lighter than he is a guest who introduces a friend; and lighter than he is the man who answers before he has heard the other's speech" (Dukes, p. 72, § 21). So Menander -

Ὁ προκαταγιγνώσκων δὲ πρὶν ἀκοῦσαι σαφῶς
Αὐτὸς πονηρός ἐστι πιστεύσας κακῶς. Seneca, 'Medea,' 199 -

"Qui statuit aliquid, parte inaudita altera,
AEquum licet statuerit, haud aequus erit." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

a matter

before

he hears [it]—

this

[is] folly

and disgrace

to him.

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Page 2

New International Version
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.New Living Translation
Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.English Standard Version
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.Berean Study Bible
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.King James Bible
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.New King James Version
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.New American Standard Bible
Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor.NASB 1995
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.NASB 1977
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.Amplified Bible
Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance, But humility comes before honor.Christian Standard Bible
Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.Holman Christian Standard Bible
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. American Standard Version
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Before ruin, the heart of a man will be lifted up, and before honor is humility.Brenton Septuagint Translation
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.Contemporary English Version
Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor. Douay-Rheims Bible
Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled. Good News Translation
No one is respected unless he is humble; arrogant people are on the way to ruin. International Standard Version
Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor.JPS Tanakh 1917
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honour goeth humility.Literal Standard Version
The heart of man is high before destruction, And humility [is] before honor.New American Bible
Before disaster the heart is haughty, but before honor is humility. NET Bible
Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor. New Revised Standard Version
Before destruction one’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.New Heart English Bible
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.World English Bible
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.Young's Literal Translation
Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour is humility.Additional Translations ...

Page 3

XVIII.

(1) Through desire a man, having separated himself . . .--This should probably be rendered, The separatist seeketh after his own desire, against all improvement he shows his teeth. The man of small mind is here described, who will only follow his own narrow aims, who holds himself aloof from men of wider views than his own, and will not join with them in the furtherance of philanthropic or religious plans, but rather opposes them with all his power, as he can see nothing but mischief in them. (For his temper of mind, comp. John 7:47-49.)

Intermeddleth.--See above on Proverbs 17:14.

Wisdom.--See above on Proverbs 2:7.

Verse 1. - This is a difficult verse, and has obtained various interpretations. The Authorized Version gives, Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom; i.e. a man who has an earnest desire for self-improvement will hold himself aloof from worldly entanglements, and, occupying himself wholly in this pursuit, will become conversant with all wisdom. This gives good sense, and offers a contrast to the fool in ver. 2, who "hath no delight in understanding." But the Hebrew does not rightly bear this interpretation. Its conciseness occasions ambiguity. Literally, For his desire a man who separates himself seeks; in (or against) all wisdom he mingles himself. There is a doubt whether the life of isolation is praised or censured in this verse. Aben Ezra and others of Pharisaic tendencies adopt the former alternative, and explain pretty much as the Authorized Version, thus: "He who out of love of wisdom divorces himself from home, country, or secular pursuits, such a man will mix with the wise and prudent, and be conversant with such." But the maxim seems rather to blame this separation, though here, again, there is a variety of interpretation. Delitzsch, Ewald, and others translate, "He that dwelleth apart seeketh pleasure, against all sound wisdom he showeth his teeth" (comp. Proverbs 17:14). Nowack, after Bertheau, renders, "He who separates himself goes after his own desire; with all that is useful he falls into a rage." Thus the maxim is directed against the conceited, self-willed man, who sets himself against public opinion, delights in differing from received customs, takes no counsel from others, thinks nothing of public interests, but in his mean isolation attends only to his own private ends and fancies (comp. Hebrews 10:25). The Septuagint and Vulgate (followed by Hitzig) read in the first clause, for taavah, "desire," taanah, "occasion;" thus: "He who wishes to separate from a friend seeks occasions; but at all time he will be worthy of censure." The word translated "wisdom" (tushiyah) also means "substance," "existence;" hence the rendering, "at all time," omni existentia, equivalent to omni tempore. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

pursues

selfish desires;

he rebels

against all

sound judgment.

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Page 4

(2) But that his heart may discover itself--i.e., unless his cleverness can be displayed thereby; he does not prize understanding for itself, apart from his own interests.

Verse 2. - A fool hath no delight in understanding. This may mean that he takes no pleasure in the wisdom of others, is self-opinionated; or, it may be, does not care for understanding in itself, apart from the use which he can make of it. Vulgate, "The fool receives not the words of wisdom;" Septuagint, "A man of no sense has no need of wisdom." To try to teach a fool is to cast pearls before swine, and to give that which is holy unto dogs. But that his heart may discover itself; i.e. his only delight is in revealing his heart, displaying his un-wisdom and his foolish thoughts, as in Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:2. He thinks that thus he is showing himself superior to others, and benefiting the world at large. The LXX. gives the reason, "For rather by folly he is led." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

does not

delight

in understanding,

but only

in airing

his opinions.

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Page 5

(3) When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt.--Comp. the whole burden of Psalms 106, that sorrow and shame follow sin.

Verse 3. - When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt. The contempt here spoken of is not that with which the sinner is regarded, but that which he himself learns to feel for all that is pure and good and lovely (Psalm 31:18). As the LXX. interprets, "When the wicked cometh into the depth of evil, he despiseth," he turns a despiser. So the Vulgate. Going forward in evil, adding sin to sin, he end by casting all shame aside, deriding the Law Divine and human, and saying in his heart, "There is no God." St. Gregory, "As he who is plunged into a well is confined to the bottom of it; so would the mind fall in, and remain, as it were, at the bottom, if, after having once fallen, it were to confine itself within any measure of sin. But when it cannot be contented with the sin into which it has fallen, while it is daily plunging into worse offences, it finds, as it were, no bottom to the well into which it has fallen, on which to rest. For there would be a bottom to the well, if there were any bounds to his sin. Whence it is well said, 'When a sinner hath come into the lowest depth of sins, he contemneth.' For he puts by returning, because he has no hope that he can be forgiven. But when he sins still more through despair, he withdraws, as it were, the bottom from the well, so as to find therein no resting place" ('Moral.,' 26:69, Oxford transl.). Even the heathen could see this terrible consequence. Thus Juvenal is quoted ('Sat.,' 13:240, etc.) -

"Nam quisPeccandi finem posuit sibi? quando receiptEjectum semel attrita de fronte ruborem?Quisnam hominum est, quem tu contentum videris uno

Flagitio?"

Hebrew

comes

contempt

as well,

and shame

is accompanied by

disgrace.

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Page 6

(4) The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters . . .--i.e., the words of a "man," properly so called, are as deep waters which cannot be easily fathomed; they are a copious stream, which flows from a never failing source; they are a fountain of wisdom which is never exhausted.

Verse 4. - The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters. "Man" (ish) here means the ideal man in all his wisdom and integrity, just as in Proverbs 18:22 the ideal wife is intended under the general term "wife." Such a man's words are as deep waters which cannot be fathomed or exhausted. The metaphor is common (see Proverbs 20:5; Ecclesiastes 7:24; Ecclus. 21:13). For "mouth," the Septuagint reads "heart:" "Deep water is a word in a man's heart." The second hemistich explains the first: The well spring of wisdom as a flowing (gushing) brook. A man's words are now called a well spring of wisdom, gushing forth from its source, the wise and understanding heart, pure, fresh, and inexhaustible. Septuagint, "And it leapeth forth (ἀναπηδύει) a river and a fountain of life." Or we may, with Delitzsch, take the whole as one idea, and consider that a man's words are deep waters, a bubbling brook, and a fountain of wisdom. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

of a man’s

mouth

are deep

waters;

the fountain

of wisdom

is a bubbling

brook.

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Page 7

New International Version
It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.New Living Translation
It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.English Standard Version
It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.Berean Study Bible
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.King James Bible
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.New King James Version
It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.New American Standard Bible
To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.NASB 1995
To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.NASB 1977
To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.Amplified Bible
To show respect to the wicked person is not good, Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.Christian Standard Bible
It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, denying an innocent person justice.Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent. American Standard Version
To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
To accept the persons of the evil is not good, neither to pray for judgment upon a righteous one.Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.Contemporary English Version
It's wrong to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from getting justice. Douay-Rheims Bible
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment. Good News Translation
It is not right to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from receiving justice. International Standard Version
It's not good to be partial towards an evil person, thereby depriving the righteous of justice.JPS Tanakh 1917
It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, So as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.Literal Standard Version
Favoring of the face of the wicked [is] not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.New American Bible
It is not good to favor the guilty, nor to reject the claim of the just. NET Bible
It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice. New Revised Standard Version
It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.New Heart English Bible
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.World English Bible
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.Young's Literal Translation
Acceptance of the face of the wicked is not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.Additional Translations ...

Page 8

New International Version
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.New Living Translation
Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.English Standard Version
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.Berean Study Bible
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.King James Bible
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.New King James Version
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.New American Standard Bible
The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.NASB 1995
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.NASB 1977
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.Amplified Bible
The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.Christian Standard Bible
The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.Holman Christian Standard Bible
The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. American Standard Version
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
An ordered heart possesses wisdom, and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge.Brenton Septuagint Translation
The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.Contemporary English Version
Everyone with good sense wants to learn. Douay-Rheims Bible
A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction. Good News Translation
Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn. International Standard Version
The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge.JPS Tanakh 1917
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Literal Standard Version
The heart of the intelligent gets knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.New American Bible
The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. NET Bible
The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. New Revised Standard Version
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.New Heart English Bible
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.World English Bible
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.Young's Literal Translation
The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Additional Translations ...

Page 9

(14) The spirit of a man.--That is, one properly so called, who draws his strength from God, will "sustain his infirmity," help him to bear up against trouble; "but a wounded spirit" (not one crushed with the sense of sin, for that God will lift up, Isaiah 66:2; Psalm 51:17), which retires into itself and nurses its griefs, "who can bear" the wear of it?

Verse 14. - The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity. That high property or faculty of man called "spirit" enables the body to bear up against trouble and sickness (comp. Proverbs 17:22). The influence of the mind over the body, in a general sense, is here expressed. But taking "spirit" in the highest sense, in the trichotomy of human nature, we see an intimation that the grace of God, the supernatural infusion of his presence, is that which strengthens the man and makes him able to endure with patience. But a wounded (broken) spirit who can bear? The body can, as it were, fall back upon the support of the spirit, when it is distressed and weakened; but when the spirit itself is broken, grieved, wearied, debilitated, it has no resource, no higher faculty to which it can appeal, and it must succumb beneath the pressure. Here is a lesson, too, concerning the treatment of others. We should be more careful not to wound a brother's spirit than we are to refrain from doing a bodily injury; the latter may be healed by medical applications; the former is more severe in its effects, and is often irremediable. In the first clause, רוַּח "spirit," is masculine, in the second it is feminine, intimating by the change of gender that in the former case it is a manly property, virile moral quality, in the latter it has become weakened and depressed through affliction. Septuagint, "A prudent servant soothes a man's wrath; but a man of faint heart (ὀλιγόψυχον) who will endure?" The LXX. take "spirit" in the sense of anger, and "infirmity" as standing for a servant, though whore they find "prudent" is difficult to say. Vulgate, Spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem, quis poterit sustinere? The Latin interpreter takes one form of weakness of spirit, viz. irascibility, as his interpretation of נכאה, "wounded." St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:78) has yet another version, "Who can dwell with a man whose spirit is ready to wrath?" adding, "For he that does not regulate his feelings by the reason that is proper to man, must needs live alone like a beast." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

of a man

can endure

his sickness,

but who

can survive

a broken

spirit?

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Page 10

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound judgment.

2A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only in airing his opinions.

3With a wicked man comes contempt as well,

and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5Showing partialitya to the wicked is not good,

nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

6A fool’s lips bring him strife,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels

that go down into the inmost being.

9Whoever is slothful in his work

is brother to him who destroys.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run to itb and are safe.

11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;

it is like a high wall in his imagination.

12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

13He who answers a matter before he hears it—

this is folly and disgrace to him.

14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?

15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

16A man’s gift opens doors for him,

and brings him before great men.

17The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.

18Casting the lot ends quarrels

and separates strong opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city,

and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;

with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21Life and death are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the LORD.

23The poor man pleads for mercy,

but the rich man answers harshly.

24A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Page 11

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

1Better a dry morsel in quietness

than a house full of feastinga with strife.

2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son

and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.

3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,

but the LORD is the tester of hearts.

4A wicked man listens to evil lips;

a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.

5He who mocks the poor insults their Maker;

whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.

6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

and the glory of a son is his father.

7Eloquent words are unfit for a fool;

how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!

8A bribe is a charm to its giver;

wherever he turns, he succeeds.

9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,

but he who brings it up separates friends.

10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment

deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

11An evil man seeks only rebellion;

a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs

than a fool in his folly.

13If anyone returns evil for good,

evil will never leave his house.

14To start a quarrel is to release a flood;

so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—

both are detestable to the LORD.

16Why should the fool have money in his hand

with no intention of buying wisdom?

17A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

18A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge

and puts up security for his neighbor.

19He who loves transgression loves strife;

he who builds his gate high invites destruction.

20The one with a perverse heart finds no good,

and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

21A man fathers a fool to his own grief;

the father of a fool has no joy.

22A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

23A wicked man takes a covert bribeb

to subvert the course of justice.

24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning,

but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

25A foolish son brings grief to his father

and bitterness to her who bore him.

26It is surely not good to punish the innocent

or to flog a noble for his honesty.

27A man of knowledge restrains his words,

and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent,

and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Page 12

The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD

1The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.

2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes,

but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

3Commit your works to the LORD

and your plans will be achieved.

4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD;

be assured that he will not go unpunished.

6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD,

He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

8Better a little with righteousness

than great gain with injustice.

9A man’s heart plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king;

his mouth must not betray justice.

11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;

all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,

for a throne is established through righteousness.

13Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,

but a wise man will pacify it.

15When a king’s face brightens, there is life;

his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!

To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

17The highway of the upright leads away from evil;

he who guards his way protects his life.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble

than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20Whoever heeds instruction will find success,a

and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21The wise in heart are called discerning,

and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth

and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

26A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger drives him onward.

27A worthless man digs up evil,

and his speechb is like a scorching fire.

28A perverse man spreads dissension,

and a gossip divides close friends.

29A violent man entices his neighbor

and leads him down a path that is not good.

30He who winks his eye devises perversity;

he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is attained along the path of righteousness.

32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior,

and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.

Page 13

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

observing the evil and the good.

4A soothing tongue is a tree of life,

but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5A fool rejects his father’s discipline,

but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

6The house of the righteous has great treasure,

but the income of the wicked is trouble.

7The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

but not so the hearts of fools.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,

but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9The LORD detests the way of the wicked,

but He loves those who pursue righteousness.

10Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path;

he who hates correction will die.

11Sheol and Abaddona lie open before the LORD—

how much more the hearts of men!

12A mocker does not love to be reproved,

nor will he consult the wise.

13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance,

but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

14A discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15All the days of the oppressed are bad,

but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16Better a little with the fear of the LORD

than great treasure with turmoil.

17Better a dish of vegetables where there is love

than a fattened ox with hatred.

18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns,

but the path of the upright is a highway.

20A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment,

but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

22Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.

23A man takes joy in a fitting reply—

and how good is a timely word!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise,

that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25The LORD tears down the house of the proud,

but He protects the boundaries of the widow.

26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,

but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.

27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

29The LORD is far from the wicked,

but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes cheers the heart,

and good news nourishes the bones.

31He who listens to life-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

32He who ignores discipline despises himself,

but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,

and humility comes before honor.

Page 14

The Wise Woman

1Every wise woman builds her house,

but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

2He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD,

but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back,

but the lips of the wise protect them.

4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.

5An honest witness does not deceive,

but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.

6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7Stay away from a foolish man;

you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools deceives them.

9Fools mock the making of amends,

but goodwill is found among the upright.

10The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no stranger shares in its joy.

11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

13Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and joy may end in sorrow.

14The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways,

but a good man is rewarded for his ways.

15The simple man believes every word,

but the prudent man watches his steps.

16A wise man fearsa and turns from evil,

but a fool is careless and reckless.

17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,

and a devious man is hated.

18The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19The evil bow before the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor,

but many are those who love the rich.

21He who despises his neighbor sins,

but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

22Do not those who contrive evil go astray?

But those who plan goodness findb loving devotion and faithfulness.

23There is profit in all labor,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the effort of fools is folly.

25A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who utters lies is deceitful.

26He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence,

and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,

turning a man from the snares of death.

28A large population is a king’s splendor,

but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

29A patient man has great understanding,

but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

30A tranquil heart is life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

31Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

32The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin,

but the righteous man has a refuge even in death.

33Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning;

even among fools she is known.c

34Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35A king delights in a wise servant,

but his anger falls on the shameful.

Page 15

A Father’s Discipline

1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline,

but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,

but the desire of the faithless is violence.

3He who guards his mouth protects his life,

but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

4The slacker craves yet has nothing,

but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

5The righteous hate falsehood,

but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

6Righteousness guards the man of integrity,

but wickedness undermines the sinner.

7One pretends to be rich, but has nothing;

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

8Riches may ransom a man’s life,

but a poor man hears no threat.

9The light of the righteous shines brightly,

but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.

10Arrogance leads only to strife,

but wisdom is with the well-advised.

11Dishonest wealth will dwindle,

but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.

12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13He who despises instruction will pay the penalty,

but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.

14The teachinga of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning one from the snares of death.

15Good understanding wins favor,

but the way of the faithless is difficult.

16Every prudent man acts with knowledge,

but a fool displays his folly.

17A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline,

but whoever heeds correction is honored.

19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but turning from evil is detestable to fools.

20He who walks with the wise will become wise,

but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

21Disaster pursues sinners,

but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.

23Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor,

but without justice it is swept away.

24He who spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

25A righteous man eats to his heart’s content,

but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

Page 16

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates correction is stupid.

2The good man obtains favor from the LORD,

but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

3A man cannot be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,

but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

5The plans of the righteous are just,

but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7The wicked are overthrown and perish,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man is praised according to his wisdom,

but a twisted mind is despised.

9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant,

than to be self-important but lack food.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,

but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,

but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,

but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things,

and the work of his hands returns to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to counsel.

16A fool’s anger is known at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17He who speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness speaks deceit.

18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil,

but the counselors of peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,

but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,

but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,

but laziness ends in forced labor.

25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man,

but a good word cheers it up.

26A righteous man is cautious in friendship,

but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his game,

but a diligent man prizes his possession.

28There is life in the path of righteousness,

but another path leads to death.

Page 17

Dishonest Scales
(Deuteronomy 25:13–16; Ezekiel 45:10–12)

1Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD,

but an accurate weight is His delight.

2When pride comes, disgrace follows,

but with humility comes wisdom.

3The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.

4Riches are worthless in the day of wrath,

but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

5The righteousness of the blameless directs their path,

but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.

6The righteousness of the upright delivers them,

but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.

7When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes,

and the hope of his strength vanishes.

8The righteous man is delivered from trouble;

in his place the wicked man goes in.

9With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

10When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices,

and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

11By the blessing of the upright a city is built up,

but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

13A gossip reveals a secret,

but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

14For lack of guidance, a nation falls,

but with many counselors comes deliverance.

15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,

but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.

16A gracious woman attains honor,

but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17A kind man benefits himself,

but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

18The wicked man earns an empty wage,

but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

19Genuine righteousness leads to life,

but the pursuit of evil brings death.

20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD,

but the blameless in their walk are His delight.

21Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

23The desire of the righteous leads only to good,

but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.

24One gives freely, yet gains even more;

another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

25A generous soul will prosper,

and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

26The people will curse the hoarder of grain,

but blessing will crown the one who sells it.

27He who searches out good finds favor,

but evil will come to him who seeks it.

28He who trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and he who wins souls is wise.

31If the righteous receive their due on earth,

how much more the ungodly and the sinner!a

Page 18

Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

1The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish son grief to his mother.

2Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing,

but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

3The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,

but He denies the craving of the wicked.

4Idle hands make one poor,

but diligent hands bring wealth.

5He who gathers in summer is a wise son,

but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

6Blessings are on the head of the righteous,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.a

7The memory of the righteous is a blessing,

but the name of the wicked will rot.

8A wise heart will receive commandments,

but foolish lips will come to ruin.

9He who walks in integrity walks securely,

but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

10He who winks the eye causes grief,

and foolish lips will come to ruin.b

11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

12Hatred stirs up dissension,

but love covers all transgressions.c

13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,

but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

14The wise store up knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city,

but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

16The labor of the righteous leads to life,

but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.

17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,

but he who ignores reproof goes astray.

18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,

and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19When words are many, sin is unavoidable,

but he who restrains his lips is wise.

20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,

but the heart of the wicked has little worth.

21The lips of the righteous feed many,

but fools die for lack of judgment.

22The blessing of the LORD enriches,

and He adds no sorrow to it.

23The fool delights in shameful conduct,

but a man of understanding has wisdom.

24What the wicked man dreads will overtake him,

but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more,

but the righteous are secure forever.

26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

so is the slacker to those who send him.

27The fear of the LORD prolongs life,

but the years of the wicked will be cut short.

28The hope of the righteous is joy,

but the expectations of the wicked will perish.

29The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright,

but destruction awaits those who do evil.

30The righteous will never be shaken,

but the wicked will not inhabit the land.

31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,

but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

32The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,

but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

Page 19

The Way of Wisdom
(Proverbs 1:1–7)

1Wisdom has built her house;

she has carved outa her seven pillars.

2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

3She has sent out her maidservants;

she calls out from the heights of the city.

4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

she says to him who lacks judgment.

5“Come, eat my bread

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6Leave your folly behind, and you will live;

walk in the way of understanding.”

7He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself;

he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

8Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;

rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still;

teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For through wisdomb your days will be multiplied,

and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage;

but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

The Way of Folly

13The woman named Folly is loud;

she is naive and knows nothing.

14She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat in the heights of the city,

15calling out to those who pass by,

who make their paths straight.

16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

she says to him who lacks judgment.

17“Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”

18But they do not know that the deadc are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Page 20

The Excellence of Wisdom

1Does not wisdom call out,

and understanding raise her voice?

2On the heights overlooking the road,

at the crossroads she takes her stand.

3Beside the gates to the city,

at the entrances she cries out:

4“To you, O men, I call out,

and my cry is to the sons of men.

5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd;

O fools, gain understanding.a

6Listen, for I speak of noble things,

and the opening of my lips will reveal right.

7For my mouth will speak the truth,

and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

8All the words of my mouth are righteous;

none are crooked or perverse.

9They are all plain to the discerning,

and upright to those who find knowledge.

10Receive my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than pure gold.

11For wisdom is more precious than rubies,

and nothing you desire compares with her.

12I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence,

and I find knowledge and discretion.

13To fear the LORD is to hate evil;

I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

14Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have insight and strength.

15By me kings reign,

and rulers enact just laws;

16By me princes rule,

and all nobles who govern justly.b

17I love those who love me,

and those who seek me early shall find me.

18With me are riches and honor,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

19My fruit is better than gold, pure gold,

and my harvest surpasses choice silver.

20I walk in the way of righteousness,

along the paths of justice,

21bestowing wealth on those who love me

and making their treasuries full.

22The LORD created me as His first course,c

before His works of old.

23From everlasting I was established,

from the beginning, before the earth began.

24When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth,

when no springs were overflowing with water.

25Before the mountains were settled,

before the hills, I was brought forth,

26before He made the land or fields,

or any of the dust of the earth.

27I was there when He established the heavens,

when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28when He established the clouds above,

when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,

29when He set a boundary for the sea,

so that the waters would not surpass His command,

when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

30Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side,

and His delightd day by day,

rejoicing always in His presence.

31I was rejoicing in His whole world,

delighting together in the sons of men.

32Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,

for blessed are those who keep my ways.

33Listen to instruction and be wise;

do not ignore it.

34Blessed is the man who listens to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at the posts of my doorway.

35For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains the favor of the LORD.

36But he who fails to find me harms himself;

all who hate me love death.”

Page 21

Warnings about the Adulteress

1My son, keep my words

and treasure my commandments within you.

2Keep my commandments and live;

guard my teachings as the applea of your eye.

3Tie them to your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

and call understanding your kinsman,

5that they may keep you from the adulteress,

from the stranger with seductive words.

6For at the window of my house

I looked through the lattice.

7I saw among the simple,

I noticed among the youths,

a young man lacking judgment,

8crossing the street near her corner,

strolling down the road to her house,

9at twilight, as the day was fading

into the dark of the night.

10Then a woman came out to meet him,

with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.

11She is loud and defiant;

her feet do not remain at home.

12Now in the street, now in the squares,

she lurks at every corner.

13She seizes him and kisses him;

she brazenly says to him:

14“I have made my peace offerings;

today I have paid my vows.

15So I came out to meet you;

I sought you, and I have found you.

16I have decked my bed with coverings,

with colored linen from Egypt.

17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,

with aloes, and with cinnamon.

18Come, let us take our fill of love till morning.

Let us delight in loving caresses!

19For my husband is not at home;

he has gone on a long journey.

20He took with him a bag of money

and will not return till the moon is full.”

21With her great persuasion she entices him;

with her flattering lips she lures him.

22He follows her on impulse,

like an ox going to the slaughter,

like a deer bounding into a trap,b

23until an arrow pierces his liver,

like a bird darting into a snare—

not knowing it will cost him his life.

24Now, my sons, listen to me,

and attend to the words of my mouth.

25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways;

do not stray into her paths.

26For she has brought many down to death;

her slain are many in number.

27Her house is the road to Sheol,

descending to the chambers of death.

Page 22

Warnings against Foolishness

1My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,

if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger,

2if you have been trapped by the words of your lips,

ensnared by the words of your mouth,

3then do this, my son, to free yourself,

for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands:

Go, humble yourself,a

and press your plea with your neighbor.

4Allow no sleep to your eyes

or slumber to your eyelids.

5Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,b

like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker;

observe its ways and become wise.

7Without a commander,

without an overseer or ruler,

8it prepares its provisions in summer;

it gathers its food at harvest.

9How long will you lie there, O slacker?

When will you get up from your sleep?

10A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

11and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and need like a bandit.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,

walks with a perverse mouth,

13winking his eyes, speaking with his feet,

and pointing with his fingers.

14With deceit in his heart he devises evil;

he continually sows discord.

15Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;

in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.

16There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:

17haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

18a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that run swiftly to evil,

19a false witness who gives false testimony,

and one who stirs up discord among brothers.

Warnings against Adultery

20My son, keep your father’s commandment,

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

21Bind them always upon your heart;

tie them around your neck.

22When you walk, they will guide you;

when you lie down, they will watch over you;

when you awake, they will speak to you.

23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light,

and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,

24to keep you from the evil woman,

from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.c

25Do not lust in your heart for her beauty

or let her captivate you with her eyes.d

26For the levy of the prostitute is poverty,e

and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

27Can a man embrace fire

and his clothes not be burned?

28Can a man walk on hot coals

without scorching his feet?

29So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;

no one who touches her will go unpunished.

30Men do not despise the thief

if he steals to satisfy his hunger.

31Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold;

he must give up all the wealth of his house.

32He who commits adultery lacks judgment;

whoever does so destroys himself.

33Wounds and dishonor will befall him,

and his reproach will never be wiped away.

34For jealousy enrages a husband,

and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.

35He will not be appeased by any ransom,

or persuaded by lavish gifts.

Page 23

Avoiding Immorality
(Leviticus 20:10–21; 1 Corinthians 5:1–8)

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom;

incline your ear to my insight,

2that you may maintain discretion

and your lips may preserve knowledge.

3Though the lips of the forbidden womana drip honey

and her speechb is smoother than oil,

4in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

sharp as a double-edged sword.

5Her feet go down to death;

her steps lead straight to Sheol.c

6She does not consider the path of life;

she does not know that her ways are unstable.

7So now, my sons, listen to me,

and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.

8Keep your path far from her;

do not go near the door of her house,

9lest you concede your vigor to others,

and your years to one who is cruel;

10lest strangers feast on your wealth,

and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner.

11At the end of your life you will groan

when your flesh and your body are spent,

12and you will say, “How I hated discipline,

and my heart despised reproof!

13I did not listen to the voice of my teachers

or incline my ear to my mentors.

14I am on the brink of utter ruin

in the midst of the whole assembly.”

15Drink water from your own cistern,

and running water from your own well.

16Why should your springs flow in the streets,

your streams of water in the public squares?

17Let them be yours alone,

never to be shared with strangers.

18May your fountain be blessed,

and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth:

19A loving doe, a graceful fawn—

may her breasts satisfy you always;

may you be captivatedd by her love forever.

20Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress,

or embrace the bosom of a stranger?e

21For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD,

and the LORD examinesf all his paths.

22The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him;

the cords of his sin entangle him.

23He dies for lack of discipline,

led astray by his own great folly.

Page 24

A Father’s Instruction

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

pay attention and gain understanding.

2For I give you sound teaching;

do not abandon my directive.

3When I was a son to my father,

tender and the only child of my mother,

4he taught me and said,

“Let your heart lay hold of my words;

keep my commands and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn from them.

6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you;

love her, and she will guard you.

7Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom.

And whatever you may acquire,a gain understanding.

8Prize her, and she will exalt you;

if you embrace her, she will honor you.

9She will set a garland of grace on your head;

she will present you with a crown of beauty.”

10Listen, my son, and receive my words,

and the years of your life will be many.

11I will guide you in the way of wisdom;

I will lead you on straight paths.

12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;

when you run, you will not stumble.

13Hold on to instruction; do not let go.

Guard it, for it is your life.

14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

15Avoid it; do not travel on it.

Turn from it and pass on by.

16For they cannot sleep

unless they do evil;

they are deprived of slumber

until they make someone fall.

17For they eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

18The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining brighter and brighter until midday.

19But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

20My son, pay attention to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

21Do not lose sight of them;

keep them within your heart.

22For they are life to those who find them,

and health to the whole body.

23Guard your heart with all diligence,

for from it flow springs of life.

24Put away deception from your mouth;

keep your lips from perverse speech.

25Let your eyes look forward;

fix your gaze straight ahead.

26Make a level path for your feet,b

and all your ways will be sure.

27Do not swerve to the right or to the left;

turn your feet away from evil.

Page 25

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart

1My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments;

2for they will add length to your days,

years and peace to your life.

3Never let loving devotiona or faithfulness leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Then you will find favor and high regard

in the sight of God and man.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

7Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8This will bring healing to your bodyb

and refreshmentc to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your harvest;

10then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD,

and do not loathe His rebuke;d

12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves,

as does a father the son in whom he delights.e

The Blessings of Wisdom

13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,

the man who acquires understanding,

14for she is more profitable than silver,

and her gain is better than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire compares with her.

16Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

17All her ways are pleasant,

and all her paths are peaceful.

18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,

and those who lay hold of her are blessed.

19The LORD founded the earth by wisdom

and established the heavens by understanding.

20By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open,

and the clouds dripped with dew.

21My son, do not lose sight of this:

Preserve sound judgment and discernment.

22They will be life to your soul

and adornment to your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety,

and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not fear sudden danger

or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26for the LORD will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from the snare.

27Do not withhold good from the deservingf

when it is within your power to act.

28Do not tell your neighbor,

“Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—

when you already have the means.

29Do not devise evil against your neighbor,

for he trustfully dwells beside you.

30Do not accuse a man without cause,

when he has done you no harm.

31Do not envy a violent man

or choose any of his ways;

32for the LORD detests the perverse,

but He is a friend to the upright.

33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,

but He blesses the home of the righteous.

34He mocks the mockers,

but gives grace to the humble.g

35The wise will inherit honor,

but fools are held up to shame.

Page 26

The Benefits of Wisdom

1My son, if you accept my words

and hide my commandments within you,

2if you incline your ear to wisdom

and direct your heart to understanding,

3if you truly call out to insight

and lift your voice to understanding,

4if you seek it like silver

and search it out like hidden treasure,

5then you will discern the fear of the LORD

and discover the knowledge of God.

6For the LORD gives wisdom;

from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,

8to guard the paths of justice

and protect the way of His saints.

9Then you will discern righteousness

and justice and equity—every good path.

10For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will delight your soul.

11Discretion will watch over you,

and understanding will guard you,

12to deliver you from the way of evil,

from the man who speaks perversity,

13from those who leave the straight paths

to walk in the ways of darkness,

14from those who enjoy doing evil

and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,

15whose paths are crooked

and whose ways are devious.

16It will rescue you from the forbidden woman,a

from the strangerb with seductive words

17who abandons the partner of her youth

and forgets the covenant of her God.

18For her house sinks down to death,

and her tracks to the departed spirits.c

19None who go to her return

or negotiate the paths of life.

20So you will follow in the ways of the good,

and keep to the paths of the righteous.

21For the upright will inhabit the land,

and the blameless will remain in it;

22but the wicked will be cut off from the land,

and the unfaithful will be uprooted.