PROVERBS CHAPTER 16

Proverbs 16:1 Of man [are] arrangements of the heart, And from YHWH an answer of the tongue.
16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And YHWH is pondering the spirits.
16:3 Roll unto YHWH thy works, And established are thy purposes,
16:4 All things hath YHWH wrought for Himself, And also the wicked [worketh] for a day of evil.
16:5 An abomination to YHWH [is] every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
16:6 In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of YHWH Turn thou aside from evil.
16:7 When a man's ways please YHWH, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
16:8 Better [is] a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
16:9 The heart of man deviseth his way, And YHWH establisheth his step.
Proverbs 16:10 An oath [is] on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
16:11 A just beam and balances [are] YHWH's, His work [are] all the stones of the bag.
16:12 An abomination to kings [is] doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
16:13 The delight of kings [are] righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
16:14 The fury of a king [is] messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
16:15 In the light of a king's face [is] life, And his good-will [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.
16:16 To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
16:17 A highway of the upright [is], `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
16:18 Before destruction [is] pride, And before stumbling -- a haughty spirit.'
16:19 Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:20 The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in YHWH, O his happiness.
16:21 To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
16:22 A fountain of life [is] understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
16:23 The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
16:24 Sayings of pleasantness [are] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
16:25 There is a way right before a man, And its latter end -- ways of death.
16:26 A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused [him] to bend over it.
16:27 A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips -- as a burning fire.
16:28 A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
Proverbs 16:30 Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
16:31 A crown of beauty [are] grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
16:32 Better [is] the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
16:33 Into the centre is the lot cast, And from YHWH [is] all its judgment!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 17

Proverbs 17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.
17:2 A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.
17:3 A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, And the trier of hearts [is] YHWH.
17:4 An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.
17:5 Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.
17:6 Sons' sons [are] the crown of old men, And the glory of sons [are] their fathers.
17:7 Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.
17:8 A stone of grace [is] the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
17:9 Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.
Proverbs 17:10 Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.
17:11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.
17:12 The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And -- not a fool in his folly.
17:13 Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.
17:14 The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
17:15 Whoso is justifying the wicked, And condemning the righteous, Even both of these [are] an abomination to YHWH.
17:16 Why [is] this -- a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?
17:17 At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
17:18 A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
17:19 Whoso is loving transgression is loving debate, Whoso is making high his entrance is seeking destruction.
Proverbs 17:20 The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
17:21 Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.
17:22 A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
17:23 A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
17:24 The face of the intelligent [is] to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool -- at the end of the earth.
17:25 A provocation to his father [is] a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.
17:26 Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.
17:27 One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper [is] a man of understanding.
17:28 Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 18

Proverbs 18:1 For [an object of] desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.
18:2 A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.
18:3 With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.
18:4 Deep waters [are] the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom [is] a flowing brook.
18:5 Acceptance of the face of the wicked [is] not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.
18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.
18:7 The mouth of a fool [is] ruin to him, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul.
18:8 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
18:9 He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he [is] to a destroyer.
Proverbs 18:10 A tower of strength [is] the name of YHWH, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
18:11 The wealth of the rich [is] the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [is] humility.
18:13 Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
18:14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?
18:15 The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
18:16 The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.
18:17 Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.
18:19 A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.
Proverbs 18:20 From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, [From the] increase of his lips he is satisfied.
18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.
18:22 [Whoso] hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from YHWH.
18:23 [With] supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.
18:24 A man with friends [is] to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 19

Proverbs 19:1 Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse [in] his lips, who [is] a fool.
19:2 Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.
19:3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against YHWH is his heart wroth.
19:4 Wealth addeth many friends, And the poor from his neighbour is separated.
19:5 A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.
19:6 Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.
19:7 All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words -- they are not!
19:8 Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.
19:9 A false witness is not acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth.
Proverbs 19:10 Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
19:11 The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, And his glory [is] to pass over transgression.
19:12 The wrath of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.
19:13 A calamity to his father [is] a foolish son, And the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.
19:14 House and wealth [are] the inheritance of fathers, And from YHWH [is] an understanding wife.
19:15 Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.
19:16 Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.
19:17 Whoso is lending [to] YHWH is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.
19:18 Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.
19:19 A man of great wrath is bearing punishment, For, if thou dost deliver, yet again thou dost add.
Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.
19:21 Many [are] the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of YHWH it standeth.
19:22 The desirableness of a man [is] his kindness, And better [is] the poor than a liar.
19:23 The fear of YHWH [is] to life, And satisfied he remaineth -- he is not charged with evil.
19:24 The slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.
19:25 A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
19:26 Whoso is spoiling a father causeth a mother to flee, A son causing shame, and bringing confusion.
19:27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction -- To err from sayings of knowledge.
19:28 A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.
19:29 Judgments have been prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 20

Proverbs 20:1 Wine [is] a scorner -- strong drink [is] noisy, And any going astray in it is not wise.
20:2 The fear of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, He who is causing him to be wroth is wronging his soul.
20:3 An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth.
20:4 Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.
20:5 Counsel in the heart of a man [is] deep water, And a man of understanding draweth it up.
20:6 A multitude of men proclaim each his kindness, And a man of stedfastness who doth find?
20:7 The righteous is walking habitually in his integrity, O the happiness of his sons after him!
20:8 A king sitting on a throne of judgment, Is scattering with his eyes all evil,
20:9 Who saith, `I have purified my heart, I have been cleansed from my sin?'
Proverbs 20:10 A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah, Even both of them [are] an abomination to YHWH.
20:11 Even by his actions a youth maketh himself known, Whether his work be pure or upright.
20:12 A hearing ear, and a seeing eye, YHWH hath made even both of them.
20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou become poor, Open thine eyes -- be satisfied [with] bread.
20:14 `Bad, bad,' saith the buyer, And going his way then he boasteth himself.
20:15 Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, [are] lips of knowledge.
20:16 Take his garment when a stranger hath been surety, And for strangers pledge it.
20:17 Sweet to a man [is] the bread of falsehood, And afterwards is his mouth filled [with] gravel.
20:18 Purposes by counsel thou dost establish, And with plans make thou war.
20:19 A revealer of secret counsels is the busybody, And for a deceiver [with] his lips make not thyself surety.
Proverbs 20:20 Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother, Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness.
20:21 An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.
20:22 Do not say, `I recompense evil,' Wait for YHWH, and He delivereth thee.
20:23 An abomination to YHWH [are] a stone and a stone, And balances of deceit [are] not good.
20:24 From YHWH [are] the steps of a man, And man -- how understandeth he his way?
20:25 A snare to a man [is] he hath swallowed a holy thing, And after vows to make inquiry.
20:26 A wise king is scattering the wicked, And turneth back on them the wheel.
20:27 The breath of man [is] a lamp of YHWH, Searching all the inner parts of the heart.
20:28 Kindness and truth keep a king, And he hath supported by kindness his throne.
20:29 The beauty of young men is their strength, And the honour of old men is grey hairs.
Proverbs 20:30 The bandages of a wound thou removest with the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 21

Proverbs 21:1 Rivulets of waters [is] the heart of a king in the hand of YHWH, Wherever He pleaseth He inclineth it.
21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, And YHWH is pondering hearts.
21:3 To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of YHWH rather than sacrifice.
21:4 Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked [is] sin.
21:5 The purposes of the diligent [are] only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want.
21:6 The making of treasures by a lying tongue, [Is] a vanity driven away of those seeking death.
21:7 The spoil of the wicked catcheth them, Because they have refused to do judgment.
21:8 Froward [is] the way of a man who is vile, And the pure -- upright [is] his work.
21:9 Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than [with] a woman of contentions and a house of company.
Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked hath desired evil, Not gracious in his eyes is his neighbour.
21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
21:12 The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.
21:13 Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.
21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.
21:15 To do justice [is] joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.
21:16 A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, In an assembly of Rephaim resteth.
21:17 Whoso [is] loving mirth [is] a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.
21:18 The wicked [is] an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.
21:19 Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than [with] a woman of contentions and anger.
Proverbs 21:20 A treasure to be desired, and oil, [Is] in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21:21 Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
21:22 A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
21:23 Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.
21:24 Proud, haughty, scorner [is] his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.
21:25 The desire of the slothful slayeth him, For his hands have refused to work.
21:26 All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination, Much more when in wickedness he bringeth it.
21:28 A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.
21:29 A wicked man hath hardened by his face, And the upright -- he prepareth his way.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel, over-against YHWH.
21:31 A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance [is] of YHWH!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 22

Proverbs 22:1 A name is chosen rather than much wealth, Than silver and than gold -- good grace.
22:2 Rich and poor have met together, The Maker of them all [is] YHWH.
22:3 The prudent hath seen the evil, and is hidden, And the simple have passed on, and are punished.
22:4 The end of humility [is] the fear of YHWH, Riches, and honour, and life.
22:5 Thorns -- snares [are] in the way of the perverse, Whoso is keeping his soul is far from them.
22:6 Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.
22:7 The rich over the poor ruleth, And a servant [is] the borrower to the lender.
22:8 Whoso is sowing perverseness reapeth sorrow, And the rod of his anger weareth out.
22:9 The good of eye -- he is blessed, For he hath given of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:10 Cast out a scorner -- and contention goeth out, And strife and shame cease.
22:11 Whoso is loving cleanness of heart, Grace [are] his lips, a king [is] his friend.
22:12 The eyes of YHWH have kept knowledge, And He overthroweth the words of the treacherous.
22:13 The slothful hath said, `A lion [is] without, In the midst of the broad places I am slain.'
22:14 A deep pit [is] the mouth of strange women, The abhorred of YHWH falleth there.
22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, The rod of chastisement putteth it far from him.
22:16 He is oppressing the poor to multiply to him, He is giving to the rich -- only to want.
22:17 Incline thine ear, and hear words of the wise, And thy heart set to my knowledge,
22:18 For they are pleasant when thou dost keep them in thy heart, They are prepared together for thy lips.
22:19 That thy trust may be in YHWH, I caused thee to know to-day, even thou.
Proverbs 22:20 Have I not written to thee three times With counsels and knowledge?
22:21 To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.
22:22 Rob not the poor because he [is] poor, And bruise not the afflicted in the gate.
22:23 For YHWH pleadeth their cause, And hath spoiled the soul of their spoilers.
22:24 Shew not thyself friendly with an angry man, And with a man of fury go not in,
22:25 Lest thou learn his paths, And have received a snare to thy soul.
22:26 Be not thou among those striking hands, Among sureties [for] burdens.
22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, Why doth he take thy bed from under thee?
22:28 Remove not a border of olden times, That thy fathers have made.
22:29 Hast thou seen a man speedy in his business? Before kings he doth station himself, He stations not himself before obscure men!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 23

Proverbs 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Thou considerest diligently that which [is] before thee,
23:2 And thou hast put a knife to thy throat, If thou [art] a man of appetite.
23:3 Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it [is] lying food.
23:4 Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not.
23:5 For wealth maketh to itself wings, As an eagle it flieth to the heavens.
23:6 Eat not the bread of an evil eye, And have no desire to his dainties,
23:7 For as he hath thought in his soul, so [is] he, `Eat and drink,' saith he to thee, And his heart [is] not with thee.
23:8 Thy morsel thou hast eaten thou dost vomit up, And hast marred thy words that [are] sweet.
23:9 In the ears of a fool speak not, For he treadeth on the wisdom of thy words.
Proverbs 23:10 Remove not a border of olden times, And into fields of the fatherless enter not,
23:11 For their Redeemer [is] strong, He doth plead their cause with thee.
23:12 Bring in to instruction thy heart, And thine ear to sayings of knowledge.
23:13 Withhold not from a youth chastisement, When thou smitest him with a rod he dieth not.
23:14 Thou with a rod smitest him, And his soul from Sheol thou deliverest.
23:15 My son, if thy heart hath been wise, My heart rejoiceth, even mine,
23:16 And my reins exult when thy lips speak uprightly.
23:17 Let not thy heart be envious at sinners, But -- in the fear of YHWH all the day.
23:18 For, is there a posterity? Then thy hope is not cut off.
23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And make happy in the way thy heart,
Proverbs 23:20 Be not thou among quaffers of wine, Among gluttonous ones of flesh,
23:21 For the quaffer and glutton become poor, And drowsiness clotheth with rags.
23:22 Hearken to thy father, who begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she hath become old.
23:23 Truth buy, and sell not, Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,
23:24 The father of the righteous rejoiceth greatly, The begetter of the wise rejoiceth in him.
23:25 Rejoice doth thy father and thy mother, Yea, she that bare thee is joyful.
23:26 Give, my son, thy heart to me, And let thine eyes watch my ways.
23:27 For a harlot [is] a deep ditch, And a strange woman [is] a strait pit.
23:28 She also, as catching prey, lieth in wait, And the treacherous among men she increaseth.
23:29 Who hath wo? who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? who hath plaint? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?
Proverbs 23:30 Those tarrying by the wine, Those going in to search out mixed wine.
23:31 See not wine when it showeth itself red, When it giveth in the cup its colour, It goeth up and down through the upright.
23:32 Its latter end -- as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth.
23:33 Thine eyes see strange women, And thy heart speaketh perverse things.
23:34 And thou hast been as one lying down in the heart of the sea, And as one lying down on the top of a mast.
23:35 `They smote me, I have not been sick, They beat me, I have not known. When I awake -- I seek it yet again!'

PROVERBS CHAPTER 24

Proverbs 24:1 Be not envious of evil men, And desire not to be with them.
24:2 For destruction doth their heart meditate, And perverseness do their lips speak.
24:3 By wisdom is a house builded, And by understanding it establisheth itself.
24:4 And by knowledge the inner parts are filled, [With] all precious and pleasant wealth.
24:5 Mighty [is] the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,
24:6 For by plans thou makest for thyself war, And deliverance [is] in a multitude of counsellors.
24:7 Wisdom [is] high for a fool, In the gate he openeth not his mouth.
24:8 Whoso is devising to do evil, Him they call a master of wicked thoughts.
24:9 The thought of folly [is] sin, And an abomination to man [is] a scorner.
Proverbs 24:10 Thou hast shewed thyself weak in a day of adversity, Straitened is thy power,
24:11 If [from] delivering those taken to death, And those slipping to the slaughter -- thou keepest back.
24:12 When thou sayest, `Lo, we knew not this.' Is not the Ponderer of hearts He who understandeth? And the Keeper of thy soul He who knoweth? And He hath rendered to man according to his work.
24:13 Eat my son, honey that [is] good, And the honeycomb -- sweet to thy palate.
24:14 So [is] the knowledge of wisdom to thy soul, If thou hast found that there is a posterity And thy hope is not cut off.
24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked one, At the habitation of the righteous. Do not spoil his resting-place.
24:16 For seven [times] doth the righteous fall and rise, And the wicked stumble in evil.
24:17 In the falling of thine enemy rejoice not, And in his stumbling let not thy heart be joyful,
24:18 Lest YHWH see, and [it be] evil in His eyes, And He hath turned from off him His anger.
24:19 Fret not thyself at evil doers, Be not envious at the wicked,
Proverbs 24:20 For there is not a posterity to the evil, The lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
24:21 Fear YHWH, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself,
24:22 For suddenly doth their calamity rise, And the ruin of them both -- who knoweth!
24:23 These also are for the wise: -- To discern faces in judgment is not good.
24:24 Whoso is saying to the wicked, `Thou [art] righteous,' Peoples execrate him -- nations abhor him.
24:25 And to those reproving it is pleasant, And on them cometh a good blessing.
24:26 Lips he kisseth who is returning straightforward words.
24:27 Prepare in an out-place thy work, And make it ready in the field -- go afterwards, Then thou hast built thy house.
24:28 Be not a witness for nought against thy neighbour, Or thou hast enticed with thy lips.
24:29 Say not, `As he did to me, so I do to him, I render to each according to his work.'
Proverbs 24:30 Near the field of a slothful man I passed by, And near the vineyard of a man lacking heart.
24:31 And lo, it hath gone up -- all of it -- thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down.
24:32 And I see -- I -- I do set my heart, I have seen -- I have received instruction,
24:33 A little sleep -- a little slumber -- A little folding of the hands to lie down.
24:34 And thy poverty hath come [as] a traveller, And thy want as an armed man!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 25

Proverbs 25:1 Also these are Proverbs of Solomon, that men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed: --
25:2 The honour of God [is] to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.
25:3 The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings -- [are] unsearchable.
25:4 Take away dross from silver, And a vessel for the refiner goeth forth,
25:5 Take away the wicked before a king, And established in righteousness is his throne.
25:6 Honour not thyself before a king, And in the place of the great stand not.
25:7 For better [that] he hath said to thee, `Come thou up hither,' Than [that] he humble thee before a noble, Whom thine eyes have seen.
25:8 Go not forth to strive, haste, turn, What dost thou in its latter end, When thy neighbour causeth thee to blush?
25:9 Thy cause plead with thy neighbour, And the secret counsel of another reveal not,
Proverbs 25:10 Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.
25:11 Apples of gold in imagery of silver, [Is] the word spoken at its fit times.
25:12 A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, [Is] the wise reprover to an attentive ear.
25:13 As a vessel of snow in a day of harvest, [So is] a faithful ambassador to those sending him, And the soul of his masters he refresheth.
25:14 Clouds and wind, and rain there is none, [Is] a man boasting himself in a false gift.
25:15 By long-suffering is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh a bone.
25:16 Honey thou hast found -- eat thy sufficiency, Lest thou be satiated [with] it, and hast vomited it.
25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house, Lest he be satiated [with] thee, and have hated thee.
25:18 A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, [Is] the man testifying against his neighbour a false testimony.
25:19 A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, [Is] the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity.
Proverbs 25:20 Whoso is taking away a garment in a cold day, [Is as] vinegar on nitre, And a singer of songs on a sad heart.
25:21 If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.
25:22 For coals thou art putting on his head, And YHWH giveth recompense to thee.
25:23 A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue -- indignant faces.
25:24 Better to sit on a corner of a roof, Than [with] a woman of contentions, and a house of company.
25:25 [As] cold waters for a weary soul, So [is] a good report from a far country.
25:26 A spring troubled, and a fountain corrupt, [Is] the righteous falling before the wicked.
25:27 The eating of much honey is not good, Nor a searching out of one's own honour -- honour.
25:28 A city broken down without walls, [Is] a man without restraint over his spirit!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 26

Proverbs 26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour [is] not comely for a fool.
26:2 As a bird by wandering, as a swallow by flying, So reviling without cause doth not come.
26:3 A whip is for a horse, a bridle for an ass, And a rod for the back of fools.
26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.
26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
26:6 He is cutting off feet, he is drinking injury, Who is sending things by the hand of a fool.
26:7 Weak have been the two legs of the lame, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
26:8 As one who is binding a stone in a sling, So [is] he who is giving honour to a fool.
26:9 A thorn hath gone up into the hand of a drunkard, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
Proverbs 26:10 Great [is] the Former of all, And He is rewarding a fool, And is rewarding transgressors.
26:11 As a dog hath returned to its vomit, A fool is repeating his folly.
26:12 Thou hast seen a man wise in his own eyes, More hope of a fool than of him!
26:13 The slothful hath said, `A lion [is] in the way, A lion [is] in the broad places.'
26:14 The door turneth round on its hinge, And the slothful on his bed.
26:15 The slothful hath hid his hand in a dish, He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.
26:16 Wiser [is] the slothful in his own eyes, Than seven [men] returning a reason.
26:17 Laying hold on the ears of a dog, [Is] a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.
26:18 As [one] pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,
26:19 So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, `Am not I playing?'
Proverbs 26:20 Without wood is fire going out, And without a tale-bearer, contention ceaseth,
26:21 Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
26:22 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
26:23 Silver of dross spread over potsherd, [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.
26:24 By his lips doth a hater dissemble, And in his heart he placeth deceit,
26:25 When his voice is gracious trust not in him, For seven abominations [are] in his heart.
26:26 Hatred is covered by deceit, Revealed is its wickedness in an assembly.
26:27 Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And the roller of a stone, to him it turneth.
26:28 A lying tongue hateth its bruised ones, And a flattering mouth worketh an overthrow!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 27

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to-morrow, For thou knowest not what a day bringeth forth.
27:2 Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth, A stranger, and not thine own lips.
27:3 A stone [is] heavy, and the sand [is] heavy, And the anger of a fool Is heavier than they both.
27:4 Fury [is] fierce, and anger [is] overflowing, And who standeth before jealousy?
27:5 Better [is] open reproof than hidden love.
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a lover, And abundant the kisses of an enemy.
27:7 A satiated soul treadeth down a honeycomb, And [to] a hungry soul every bitter thing [is] sweet.
27:8 As a bird wandering from her nest, So [is] a man wandering from his place.
27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, And the sweetness of one's friend -- from counsel of the soul.
Proverbs 27:10 Thine own friend, and the friend of thy father, forsake not, And the house of thy brother enter not In a day of thy calamity, Better [is] a near neighbour than a brother afar off.
27:11 Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.
27:12 The prudent hath seen the evil, he is hidden, The simple have passed on, they are punished.
27:13 Take his garment, when a stranger hath been surety, And for a strange woman pledge it.
27:14 Whoso is saluting his friend with a loud voice, In the morning rising early, A light thing it is reckoned to him.
27:15 A continual dropping in a day of rain, And a woman of contentions are alike,
27:16 Whoso is hiding her hath hidden the wind, And the ointment of his right hand calleth out.
27:17 Iron by iron is sharpened, And a man sharpens the face of his friend.
27:18 The keeper of a fig-tree eateth its fruit, And the preserver of his master is honoured.
27:19 As [in] water the face [is] to face, So the heart of man to man.
Proverbs 27:20 Sheol and destruction are not satisfied, And the eyes of man are not satisfied.
27:21 A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, And a man according to his praise.
27:22 If thou dost beat the foolish in a mortar, Among washed things -- with a pestle, His folly turneth not aside from off him.
27:23 Know well the face of thy flock, Set thy heart to the droves,
27:24 For riches [are] not to the age, Nor a crown to generation and generation.
27:25 Revealed was the hay, and seen the tender grass, And gathered the herbs of mountains.
27:26 Lambs [are] for thy clothing, And the price of the field [are] he-goats,
27:27 And a sufficiency of goats' milk [is] for thy bread, For bread to thy house, and life to thy damsels!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 28

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.
28:2 By the transgression of a land many [are] its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.
28:3 A man -- poor and oppressing the weak, [Is] a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.
28:4 Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.
28:5 Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking YHWH understand all.
28:6 Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.
28:7 Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth cause his father to blush.
28:8 Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.
28:9 Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer [is] an abomination.
Proverbs 28:10 Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall, And the perfect do inherit good.
28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.
28:12 In the exulting of the righteous the glory [is] abundant, And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.
28:13 Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
28:14 O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart falleth into evil.
28:15 A growling lion, and a ranging bear, [Is] the wicked ruler over a poor people.
28:16 A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.
28:17 A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.
28:18 Whoso is walking uprightly is saved, And the perverted of ways falleth at once.
28:19 Whoso is tilling his ground is satisfied [with] bread, And whoso is pursuing vanity, Is filled [with] poverty.
Proverbs 28:20 A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not acquitted.
28:21 To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.
28:22 Troubled for wealth [is] the man [with] an evil eye, And he knoweth not that want doth meet him.
28:23 Whoso is reproving a man afterwards findeth grace, More than a flatterer with the tongue.
28:24 Whoso is robbing his father, or his mother, And is saying, `It is not transgression,' A companion he is to a destroyer.
28:25 Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on YHWH is made fat.
28:26 Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.
28:27 Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied curses.
28:28 In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the righteous multiply!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 29

Proverbs 29:1 A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing.
29:2 In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
29:3 A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth.
29:4 A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.
29:5 A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.
29:6 In the transgression of the evil [is] a snare, And the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
29:7 The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not knowledge.
29:8 Men of scorning ensnare a city, And the wise turn back anger.
29:9 A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest.
Proverbs 29:10 Men of blood hate the perfect, And the upright seek his soul.
29:11 A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it.
29:12 A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers [are] wicked.
29:13 The poor and the man of frauds have met together, YHWH is enlightening the eyes of them both.
29:14 a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established.
29:15 A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.
29:16 In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.
29:17 Chastise thy son, and he giveth thee comfort, Yea, he giveth delights to thy soul.
29:18 Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!
29:19 By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering.
Proverbs 29:20 Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him.
29:21 Whoso is bringing up his servant delicately, from youth, [At] his latter end also he is continuator.
29:22 An angry man stirreth up contention, And a furious man is multiplying transgression.
29:23 The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.
29:24 Whoso is sharing with a thief is hating his own soul, Execration he heareth, and telleth not.
29:25 Fear of man causeth a snare, And the confident in YHWH is set on high.
29:26 Many are seeking the face of a ruler, And from YHWH [is] the judgment of each.
29:27 An abomination to the righteous [is] the perverse man, And an abomination to the wicked [is] the upright in the way!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 30

Proverbs 30:1 Words of a Gatherer, son of an obedient one, the declaration, an affirmation of the man: -- I have wearied myself [for] God, I have wearied myself [for] God, and am consumed.
30:2 For I am more brutish than any one, And have not the understanding of a man.
30:3 Nor have I learned wisdom, Yet the knowledge of Holy Ones I know.
30:4 Who went up to heaven, and cometh down? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound waters in a garment? Who established all ends of the earth? What [is] His name? and what His son's name? Surely thou knowest!
30:5 Every saying of God [is] tried, A shield He [is] to those trusting in Him.
30:6 Add not to His words, lest He reason with thee, And thou hast been found false.
30:7 Two things I have asked from Thee, Withhold not from me before I die.
30:8 Vanity and a lying word put far from me, Poverty or wealth give not to me, Cause me to eat the bread of my portion,
30:9 Lest I become satiated, and have denied, And have said, `Who [is] YHWH?' And lest I be poor, and have stolen, And have laid hold of the name of my God.
Proverbs 30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his lord, Lest he disesteem thee, and thou be found guilty.
30:11 A generation [is], that lightly esteemeth their father, And their mother doth not bless.
30:12 A generation -- pure in their own eyes, But from their own filth not washed.
30:13 A generation -- how high are their eyes, Yea, their eyelids are lifted up.
30:14 A generation -- swords [are] their teeth, And knives -- their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from [among] men.
30:15 To the leech [are] two daughters, `Give, give, Lo, three things are not satisfied, Four have not said `Sufficiency;'
30:16 Sheol, and a restrained womb, Earth -- it [is] not satisfied [with] water, And fire -- it hath not said, `Sufficiency,'
30:17 An eye that mocketh at a father, And despiseth to obey a mother, Dig it out do ravens of the valley, And eat it do young eagles.
30:18 Three things have been too wonderful for me, Yea, four that I have not known:
30:19 The way of the eagle in the heavens, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the heart of the sea, And the way of a man in youth.
Proverbs 30:20 So -- the way of an adulterous woman, She hath eaten and hath wiped her mouth, And hath said, `I have not done iniquity.'
30:21 For three things hath earth been troubled, And for four -- it is not able to bear:
30:22 For a servant when he reigneth, And a fool when he is satisfied with bread,
30:23 For a hated one when she ruleth, And a maid-servant when she succeedeth her mistress.
30:24 Four [are] little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise:
30:25 The ants [are] a people not strong, And they prepare in summer their food,
30:26 Conies [are] a people not strong, And they place in a rock their house,
30:27 A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out -- each one shouting,
30:28 A spider with two hands taketh hold, And is in the palaces of a king.
30:29 Three there are going well, Yea, four are good in going:
Proverbs 30:30 An old lion -- mighty among beasts, That turneth not back from the face of any,
30:31 A girt one of the loins, or a he-goat, And a king -- no rising up with him.
30:32 If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil -- hand to mouth!
30:33 For the churning of milk bringeth out butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth out blood, And the forcing of anger bringeth out strife!

PROVERBS CHAPTER 31

Proverbs 31:1 Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:
31:2 `What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
31:3 Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.
31:4 Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.
31:5 Lest he drink, and forget the decree, And change the judgment of any of the sons of affliction.
31:6 Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,
31:7 He drinketh, and forgetteth his poverty, And his misery he remembereth not again.
31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, For the right of all sons of change.
31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, Both the cause of the poor and needy!'
Proverbs 31:10 A woman of worth who doth find? Yea, far above rubies [is] her price.
31:11 The heart of her husband hath trusted in her, And spoil he lacketh not.
31:12 She hath done him good, and not evil, All days of her life.
31:13 She hath sought wool and flax, And with delight she worketh [with] her hands.
31:14 She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.
31:15 Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.
31:16 She hath considered a field, and taketh it, From the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.
31:17 She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.
31:18 She hath perceived when her merchandise [is] good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
31:19 Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.
Proverbs 31:20 Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.
31:21 She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed [with] scarlet.
31:22 Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple [are] her clothing.
31:23 Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.
31:24 Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.
31:25 Strength and honour [are] her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.
31:26 Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness [is] on her tongue.
31:27 She [is] watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.
31:28 Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy, Her husband, and he praiseth her,
31:29 `Many [are] the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'
Proverbs 31:30 The grace [is] false, and the beauty [is] vain, A woman fearing YHWH, she may boast herself.
31:31 Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands, And her works do praise her in the gates!

Proverbs 1-15 - Ecclesiastes