The Proverbs
v07: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
v10: My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
v18: Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
v33: but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
v06: For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
v07: He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
v08: for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
v11: Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
v16: Wisdom will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
v19: None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
v21: For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
v22: but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
v01: My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
v02: for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
v03: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
v04: Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
v05: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
v06: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
v07: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
v08: This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
v09: Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
v10: then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
v11: My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
v12: because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
v21: My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
v22: they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
v23: Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
v24: when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
v25: Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
v26: for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
v27: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
v29: Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
v30: Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done you no harm.
v31: Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
v33: The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
v06: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
v21: Do not let them (my words) out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
v22: for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
v23: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
v24: Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
v25: Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
v26: Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
v27: Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Warning Against Immorality
v03: For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil;
v04: But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
v07: Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
v08: Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
v09: Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
v15: Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well.
v18: Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.
v19: As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.
v21: For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths.
Dangerous Promises
v01: My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
v02: You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.
v03: So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
The Folly of Indolence
v10: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep--
v11: So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
The Wicked Man
v14: Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.
v15: Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.
Seven Deadly Sins
v16: These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
v17: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
v18: A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
v19: A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Beware of Adultery
v20: My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.
v22: When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.
v24: To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.
v25: Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids.
v27: Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
v28: Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?
v29: So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.
v30: People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.
v31: Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.
The Wiles of a Harlot
v01: My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you.
v05: That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.
The Crafty Harlot
v07: I saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding,
v08: Passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house
v09: In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.
v11: She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home.
v12: At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner.
v21: With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.
v22: Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
v23: Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.
v25: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths;
v26: For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.
v27: Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.
The Excellence of Wisdom
v01: Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?
v02: She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.
v03: She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:
v07: For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
v08: All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
v10: Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
v13: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
v17: I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
v21: That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.
v22: "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
v29: When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command,
v34: Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
v35: For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD;
v36: But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.
Wisdom's Invitation
v07: "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
v08: Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
v09: Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
v10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
v11: For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
The Way of Folly
v13: A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing.
v17: "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
v18: But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.
v01: The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
v02: Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
v04: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
v06: Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
v08: The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
v09: The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
v11: The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
v12: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
v17: He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray
v18: He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
v19: When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
v21: The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
v22: The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
v23: A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
v24: What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
v25: When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
v27: The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
v28: The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
v30: The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
v31: The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
v01: The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
v02: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
v03: The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
v05: The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
v07: When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
v08: The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
v09: With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
v10: When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
v12: A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
v13: A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
v14: For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
v16: A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
v21: Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
v22: Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. v
v25: A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
v28: Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
v29: He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
v30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
v31: If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
v07: Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
v10: A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
v11: He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
v15: The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
v16: A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
v18: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
v19: Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
v21: No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
v22: The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
v23: A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
v24: Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
v25: An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
v26: A righteous man is cautious in friendship
v27: The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
v28: In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
v02: From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
v03: He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
v06: Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
v10: Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
v11: Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
v13: He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.
v18: He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
v20: He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
v21: Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
v22: A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
v24: He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
The Ways of Life and Death
v01: The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
v03: In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
v05: A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.
v07: Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
v10: The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
v11: The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
v12: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
v14: The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.
v15: The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.
v16: A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
v17: A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
v21: He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
v23: In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
v29: He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.
v30: A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
v31: He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
v35: The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.
A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath
v01: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
v03: The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
v08: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
v09: The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves him who follows righteousness.
v10: Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.
v12: A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise.
v15: All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
v16: Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.
v18: A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.
v21: Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
v22: Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
v23: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
v25: The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.
v27: He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
v28: The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
v29: The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
v30: The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
v33: The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.
v01: The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
v02: All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits.
v03: Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.
v04: The LORD has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
v05: Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
v06: In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.
v07: When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
v09: A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
v12: It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.
v18: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
v20: He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.
v23: The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
v24: Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
v25: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
v28: A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.
v29: A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
v31: Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. (NIV)
v32: Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (NIV)
v33: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
The LORD Tests Hearts
v03: The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.
v04: An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
v05: He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
v06: Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.
v08: A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers.
v09: He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.
v10: Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.
v11: An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
v13: Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
v14: The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
v15: He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
v17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
v19: He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
v20: He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
v22: A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
v27: He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
v28: Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
The Name of the LORD Is a Strong Tower
v01: A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.
v02: A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.
v03: When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach. 4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
v05: It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
v06: A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
v07: A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
v12: Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
v13: He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
v14: The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? v15: The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
v16: A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
v17: The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
v19: A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
v20: A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
v21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. v22: He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.
v24: A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.