Summary: Proverbs is structured around wisdom, instruction, and practical godly living.
Proverbs Chapter 1:1-33
Purpose of Proverbs
1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 to know wisdom and instruction;
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
4 to give prudence to the simple,
5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
6 to understand a proverb and parables,
7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge,
A Father’s Warning Against Sinners
8 My son, listen to your father’s instruction,
9 for they will be a garland to grace your head,
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
11 If they say, “Come with us.
12 Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol,
13 We’ll find all valuable wealth.
14 You shall cast your lot among us.
15 my son, don’t walk on the path with them.
16 for their feet run to evil.
17 For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird;
18 but these lay in wait for their own blood.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
Wisdom Calls Out
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
21 She calls at the head of noisy places.
22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
23 Turn at my reproof.
24 Because I have called, and you have refused;
25 but you have ignored all my counsel,
26 I also will laugh at your disaster.
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer.
29 because they hated knowledge,
30 They wanted none of my counsel.
31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,
Proverbs Chapter 2:1-22
The Value of Wisdom
1 My son, if you will receive my words,
2 so as to turn your ear to wisdom,
3 yes, if you call out for discernment,
4 if you seek her as silver,
5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
6 For Yahweh gives wisdom.
7 He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
8 that he may guard the paths of justice,
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
10 For wisdom will enter into your heart.
11 Discretion will watch over you.
Deliverance from Evil Men
12 to deliver you from the way of evil,
13 who forsake the paths of uprightness,
14 who rejoice to do evil,
15 who are crooked in their ways,
Deliverance from the Forbidden Woman
16 to deliver you from the strange woman,
17 who forsakes the friend of her youth,
18 for her house leads down to death,
19 None who go to her return again,
20 Therefore walk in the way of good men,
21 For the upright will dwell in the land.
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land.
Proverbs Chapter 3:1-35
Trust in the LORD
1 My son, don’t forget my teaching,
2 for they will add to you length of days,
3 Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you.
4 So you will find favor,
5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes.
8 It will be health to your body,
9 Honor Yahweh with your substance,
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
11 My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline,
12 for whom Yahweh loves, he corrects,
Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
14 For her good profit is better than getting silver,
15 She is more precious than rubies.
16 Length of days is in her right hand.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
20 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,
Wisdom Gives Security
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
22 so they will be life to your soul,
23 Then you shall walk in your way securely.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
25 Don’t be afraid of sudden fear,
26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
Practical Counsel
27 Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due,
28 Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again;
29 Don’t devise evil against your neighbor,
30 Don’t strive with a man without cause,
31 Don’t envy the man of violence.
32 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh,
33 Yahweh’s curse is in the house of the wicked,
34 Surely he mocks the mockers,
35 The wise will inherit glory,
Proverbs Chapter 4:1-27
A Father’s Instruction
1 Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction.
2 for I give you sound learning.
3 For I was a son to my father,
4 He taught me, and said to me:
5 Get wisdom.
6 Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you.
7 Wisdom is supreme.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
9 She will give to your head a garland of grace.
The Way of Wisdom
10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom.
12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered.
13 Take firm hold of instruction.
14 Don’t enter into the path of the wicked.
15 Avoid it, and don’t pass by it.
16 For they don’t sleep unless they do evil.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness.
Guard Your Heart
20 My son, attend to my words.
21 Let them not depart from your eyes.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead.
26 Make the path of your feet level.
27 Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.
Proverbs Chapter 5:1-23
Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
2 that you may maintain discretion,
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.
4 but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
5 Her feet go down to death.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life.
7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
8 Remove your way far from her.
9 lest you give your honor to others,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth,
11 You will groan at your latter end,
12 and say, “How I have hated instruction,
13 I haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers,
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
Enjoy the Wife of Your Youth
15 Drink water out of your own cistern,
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
17 Let them be for yourself alone,
18 Let your spring be blessed.
19 A loving doe and a graceful deer—
20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
21 For the ways of man are before Yahweh’s eyes.
22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.
23 He will die for lack of instruction.
Proverbs Chapter 6:1-35
Warning Against Surety
1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,
2 you are trapped by the words of your mouth;
3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself,
4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
The Lesson from the Ant
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.
7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
8 provides her bread in the summer,
9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
11 so your poverty will come as a robber,
The Worthless Person
12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
14 in whose heart is perverseness,
15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.
16 There are six things which Yahweh hates;
17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
19 a false witness who utters lies,
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father’s commandment,
21 Bind them continually on your heart.
22 When you walk, it will lead you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp,
24 to keep you from the immoral woman,
25 Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart,
26 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
28 Or can one walk on hot coals,
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife.
30 Men don’t despise a thief
31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
33 He will get wounds and dishonor.
34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.
35 He won’t regard any ransom,
Proverbs Chapter 7:1-27
The Seduction of the Forbidden Woman
1 My son, keep my words.
2 Keep my commandments and live!
3 Bind them on your fingers.
4 Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.”
5 that they may keep you from the strange woman,
6 For at the window of my house,
7 I saw among the simple ones.
8 passing through the street near her corner,
9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day,
10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,
11 She is loud and defiant.
12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares,
13 So she caught him, and kissed him.
14 “Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me.
15 Therefore I came out to meet you,
16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning.
19 For my husband isn’t at home.
20 He has taken a bag of money with him.
21 With persuasive words, she led him astray.
22 He followed her immediately,
23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver,
24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
25 Don’t let your heart turn to her ways.
26 for she has thrown down many wounded.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
Proverbs Chapter 8:1-36
The Call of Wisdom
1 Doesn’t wisdom cry out?
2 On the top of high places by the way,
3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city,
4 “I call to you men!
5 You simple, understand prudence!
6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things.
7 For my mouth speaks truth.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.
9 They are all plain to him who understands,
10 Receive my instruction rather than silver,
11 For wisdom is better than rubies.
12 “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling.
13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine.
15 By me kings reign,
16 By me princes rule,
17 I love those who love me.
18 With me are riches, honor,
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
21 that I may give wealth to those who love me.
Wisdom at Creation
22 “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work,
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,
24 When there were no depths, I was born,
25 Before the mountains were settled in place,
26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
27 When he established the heavens, I was there.
28 when he established the clouds above,
29 when he gave to the sea its boundary,
30 then I was the craftsman by his side.
31 rejoicing in his whole world.
32 “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
33 Hear instruction, and be wise.
34 Blessed is the man who hears me,
35 For whoever finds me finds life,
36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.
Proverbs Chapter 9:1-18
The Invitation of Wisdom
1 Wisdom has built her house.
2 She has prepared her meat.
3 She has sent out her maidens.
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
5 “Come, eat some of my bread,
6 Leave your simple ways, and live.
7 One who corrects a mocker invites insult.
8 Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.
9 Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser.
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself.
The Invitation of Folly
13 The foolish woman is loud,
14 She sits at the door of her house,
15 to call to those who pass by,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”
17 “Stolen water is sweet.
18 But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there,
Proverbs Chapter 10:1-32
Proverbs of Solomon: Righteousness and Wickedness
1 The proverbs of Solomon.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
4 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed,
8 The wise in heart accept commandments,
9 He who walks blamelessly walks surely,
10 One who winks with the eye causes sorrow,
11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life,
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment,
14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life.
17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction,
18 He who hides hatred has lying lips.
19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
22 Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth,
23 It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness,
24 What the wicked fear will overtake them,
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright,
30 The righteous will never be removed,
31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
Proverbs Chapter 11:1-31
The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted
1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh,
2 When pride comes, then comes shame,
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them,
4 Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath,
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes,
8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble,
9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted,
12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom,
13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,
14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,
15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,
16 A gracious woman obtains honor,
17 The merciful man does good to his own soul,
18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages,
19 He who is truly righteous gets life.
20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout,
23 The desire of the righteous is only good.
24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat.
26 People curse someone who withholds grain,
27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid on the earth,
Proverbs Chapter 12:1-28
The Righteous and the Wicked
1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,
2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness,
4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,
9 Better is he who is little known, and has a servant,
10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal,
11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,
13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day,
17 He who is truthful testifies honestly,
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
19 Truth’s lips will be established forever,
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous,
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship,
27 The slothful man doesn’t roast his game,
28 In the way of righteousness is life;
Proverbs Chapter 13:1-25
Wisdom in Daily Life
1 A wise son listens to his father’s instruction,
2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things,
3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul.
4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing,
5 A righteous man hates lies,
6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity,
7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it,
14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life,
15 Good understanding wins favor,
16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge,
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
20 One who walks with wise men grows wise,
21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
23 An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields,
24 One who spares the rod hates his son,
25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,
Proverbs Chapter 14:1-35
The Ways of Wisdom and Folly
1 Every wise woman builds her house,
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh,
3 The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean,
5 A truthful witness will not lie,
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,
7 Stay away from a foolish man,
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
12 There is a way which seems right to a man,
13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,
14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;
15 A simple man believes everything,
16 A wise man fears and shuns evil,
17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
18 The simple inherit folly,
19 The evil bow down before the good,
20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
22 Don’t they go astray who plot evil?
23 In all hard work there is profit,
24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
25 A truthful witness saves souls,
26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
28 In the multitude of people is the king’s glory,
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
30 The life of the body is a heart at peace,
31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity,
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,
Proverbs Chapter 15:1-33
Gentle Answers and Wise Living
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere,
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
5 A fool despises his father’s correction,
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way.
11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh—
12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,
19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
20 A wise son makes a father glad,
21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,
22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise,
25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked,
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers,
29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
Proverbs Chapter 16:1-33
Commit Your Work to the LORD
1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes,
3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end—
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh;
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.
7 When a man’s ways please Yahweh,
8 Better is a little with righteousness,
9 A man’s heart plans his course,
The King’s Wisdom
10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.
11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s;
12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong,
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings.
14 The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
15 In the light of the king’s face is life.
The Value of Wisdom
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,
20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
25 There is a way which seems right to a man,
26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him,
27 A worthless man devises mischief.
28 A perverse man stirs up strife.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor,
30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory.
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
Proverbs Chapter 17:1-28
Wisdom in Relationships
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips.
5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men;
7 Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool,
8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
9 He who covers an offense promotes love;
10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
17 A friend loves at all times;
18 A man void of understanding strikes hands,
19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.
20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,
21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father,
26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,
27 He who spares his words has knowledge.
28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
Proverbs Chapter 18:1-24
Words and Their Power
1 A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness,
2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.
5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
6 A fool’s lips come into strife,
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
9 One who is slack in his work
10 Yahweh’s name is a strong tower:
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
13 He who answers before he hears,
14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,
15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
17 He who pleads his cause first seems right—
18 The lot settles disputes,
19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city.
20 A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
23 The poor plead for mercy,
24 A man of many companions may be ruined,
Proverbs Chapter 19:1-29
Wisdom and Integrity
1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
2 It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge,
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way;
4 Wealth adds many friends,
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
7 All the relatives of the poor shun him;
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father.
14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh;
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
28 A corrupt witness mocks justice,
29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
Proverbs Chapter 20:1-30
Wise Conduct and Character
1 Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler.
2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
7 A righteous man walks in integrity.
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure.
10 Differing weights and differing measures,
11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings,
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,
13 Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer;
15 There is gold and abundance of rubies,
16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man,
18 Plans are established by advice;
19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.”
23 Yahweh detests differing weights,
24 A man’s steps are from Yahweh;
25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication,
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked,
27 The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp,
28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe.
29 The glory of young men is their strength.
30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
Proverbs Chapter 21:1-31
The LORD Weighs the Heart
1 The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
3 To do righteousness and justice
4 A high look and a proud heart,
5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue
7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away,
8 The way of the guilty is devious,
9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,
13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger,
15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice;
16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
19 It is better to dwell in a desert land,
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,
21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue
24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name—
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
26 There are those who covet greedily all day long;
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination—
28 A false witness will perish.
29 A wicked man hardens his face;
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle;
Proverbs Chapter 22:1-29
A Good Name and Wise Living
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;
4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked;
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
7 The rich rule over the poor.
8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
12 Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge,
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;
16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
The Sayings of the Wise
17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
19 I teach you today, even you,
20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
22 Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor;
23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.
25 lest you learn his ways
26 Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
27 If you don’t have means to pay,
28 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
Proverbs Chapter 23:1-35
Wisdom at the Table
1 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
2 put a knife to your throat
3 Don’t be desirous of his dainties,
4 Don’t weary yourself to be rich.
5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not?
6 Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye,
7 for as he thinks about the cost, so he is.
8 You will vomit up the morsel which you have eaten
9 Don’t speak in the ears of a fool,
10 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone.
11 for their Defender is strong.
12 Apply your heart to instruction,
13 Don’t withhold correction from a child.
14 Punish him with the rod,
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
16 Yes, my heart will rejoice
V4 Overworking
Do Not Envy Sinners
17 Don’t let your heart envy sinners,
18 Indeed surely there is a future hope,
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
20 Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;
22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
23 Buy the truth, and don’t sell it.
24 The father of the righteous has great joy.
25 Let your father and your mother be glad!
26 My son, give me your heart;
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
28 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber,
Warning Against Drunkenness
29 Who has woe?
30 Those who stay long at the wine;
31 Don’t look at the wine when it is red,
32 In the end, it bites like a snake,
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea,
35 “They hit me, and I was not hurt!
Proverbs Chapter 24:1-34
Wisdom and Strength
1 Don’t be envious of evil men,
2 for their hearts plot violence
3 Through wisdom a house is built;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
5 A wise man has great power.
6 for by wise guidance you wage your war,
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool.
8 One who plots to do evil
9 The schemes of folly are sin.
10 If you falter in the time of trouble,
11 Rescue those who are being led away to death!
12 If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this,”
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
14 so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul.
15 Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.
16 for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again,
17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.
18 lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him,
19 Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers,
20 for there will be no reward to the evil man.
21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king.
22 for their calamity will rise suddenly.
V12 No excuses
V17 Schadenfreude
More Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
26 An honest answer
27 Prepare your work outside,
28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
29 Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
30 I went by the field of the sluggard,
31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.
32 Then I saw, and considered well.
33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
34 so your poverty will come as a robber
V27 Advise when starting of
V30 Laziness
Proverbs Chapter 25:1-28
Proverbs of Solomon Copied by Hezekiah’s Men
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
4 Take away the dross from the silver,
5 Take away the wicked from the king’s presence,
6 Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
7 for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
8 Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court.
9 Debate your case with your neighbor,
10 lest one who hears it put you to shame,
11 A word fitly spoken
12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
14 As clouds and wind without rain,
15 By patience a ruler is persuaded.
16 Have you found honey?
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
23 The north wind produces rain;
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well,
27 It is not good to eat much honey,
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls
Proverbs Chapter 26:1-28
Fools and Sluggards
1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,
2 Like a fluttering sparrow,
3 A whip is for the horse,
4 Don’t answer a fool according to his folly,
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
6 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool
7 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose,
8 As one who binds a stone in a sling,
9 Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,
10 As an archer who wounds all,
11 As a dog that returns to his vomit,
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
14 As the door turns on its hinges,
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
17 Like one who grabs a dog’s ears
18 Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”
20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
21 As coals are to hot embers,
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
25 When his speech is charming, don’t believe him,
26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
Proverbs Chapter 27:1-27
Wisdom in Daily Life
1 Don’t boast about tomorrow;
2 Let another man praise you,
3 A stone is heavy,
4 Wrath is cruel,
5 Better is open rebuke
6 The wounds of a friend are faithful,
7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb;
8 As a bird that wanders from her nest,
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart;
10 Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend.
11 Be wise, my son,
12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge;
13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
15 A continual dropping on a rainy day
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind,
17 Iron sharpens iron;
18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
19 Like water reflects a face,
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;
21 The crucible is for silver,
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
23 Know well the state of your flocks,
24 for riches are not forever,
25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears,
26 The lambs are for your clothing,
27 There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food,
Proverbs Chapter 28:1-28
The Righteous and the Wicked
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;
5 Evil men don’t understand justice;
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;
8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes;
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
13 He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper,
14 Blessed is the man who always fears;
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear,
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.
17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;
19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food;
20 A faithful man is rich with blessings;
21 To show partiality is not good,
22 A stingy man hurries after riches,
23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,”
25 One who is greedy stirs up strife;
26 One who trusts in himself is a fool;
27 One who gives to the poor has no lack;
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
Proverbs Chapter 29:1-27
Wisdom and Leadership
1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
4 The king by justice makes the land stable,
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
11 A fool vents all of his anger,
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
14 The king who fairly judges the poor,
15 The rod of correction gives wisdom,
16 When the wicked increase, sin increases;
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
19 A servant can’t be corrected by words.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
21 He who pampers his servant from youth
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
23 A man’s pride brings him low,
24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
25 The fear of man proves to be a snare,
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
27 A dishonest man detests the righteous,
Proverbs Chapter 30:1-33
The Words of Agur
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation:
2 “Surely I am the most ignorant man,
3 I have not learned wisdom,
4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended?
5 “Every word of God is flawless.
6 Don’t you add to his words,
7 “Two things I have asked of you.
8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’
10 “Don’t slander a servant to his master,
11 There is a generation that curses their father,
12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,
13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
The Things Never Satisfied
15 “The leech has two daughters:
16 Sheol,
17 “The eye that mocks at his father,
18 “There are three things which are too amazing for me,
19 The way of an eagle in the air,
20 “So is the way of an adulterous woman:
21 “For three things the earth trembles,
22 For a servant when he is king,
23 for an unloved woman when she is married,
V20 Self deception
Four Things Small but Wise
24 “There are four things which are little on the earth,
25 The ants are not a strong people,
26 The hyraxes are but a feeble folk,
27 The locusts have no king,
28 You can catch a lizard with your hands,
Four Stately Things
29 “There are three things which are stately in their march,
30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals,
31 the greyhound;
32 “If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself,
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter,
Proverbs Chapter 31:1-31
The Words of King Lemuel
1 The words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him:
2 “Oh, my son!
3 Don’t give your strength to women,
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
5 lest they drink, and forget the law,
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
8 Open your mouth for the mute,
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
The Excellent Wife
10 Who can find a worthy woman?
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
13 She seeks wool and flax,
14 She is like the merchant ships.
15 She rises also while it is yet night,
16 She considers a field, and buys it.
17 She arms her waist with strength,
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
19 She lays her hands to the distaff,
20 She opens her arms to the poor;
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.
23 Her husband is respected in the gates,
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed.
29 “Many women do noble things,
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands!