Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31

THE SAYINGS OF KING LEMUEL

1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message,* which his mother taught him.

2 O my son, O son of my womb,
  O son of my vows,
3 do not waste your strength on women,
  on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
  Rulers should not crave alcohol.
5 For if they drink, they may forget the law
  and not give justice to the oppressed.
6 Alcohol is for the dying,
  and wine for those in bitter distress.
7 Let them drink to forget their poverty
  and remember their troubles no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
  ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
  and see that they get justice.

A WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER

10 *Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
  She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
  and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
  all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax
  and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant's ship,
  bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
  and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
  with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
  a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
  her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
  her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
  and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
  for everyone has warm* clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads.
  She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
  where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
  and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
  and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
  and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
  and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
  Her husband praises her:
29 "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
  but you surpass them all!"

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
  but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30

THE SAYINGS OF AGUR

1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message.*

I am weary, O God;
  I am weary and worn out, O God.*
2 I am too stupid to be human,
  and I lack common sense.
3 I have not mastered human wisdom,
  nor do I know the Holy One.

4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down?
  Who holds the wind in his fists?
Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?
  Who has created the whole wide world?
What is his name—and his son's name?
  Tell me if you know!

5 Every word of God proves true.
  He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
6 Do not add to his words,
  or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

7 O God, I beg two favors from you;
  let me have them before I die.
8 First, help me never to tell a lie.
  Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
  Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?"
  And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

10 Never slander a worker to the employer,
  or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

11 Some people curse their father
  and do not thank their mother.
12 They are pure in their own eyes,
  but they are filthy and unwashed.
13 They look proudly around,
  casting disdainful glances.
14 They have teeth like swords
  and fangs like knives.
They devour the poor from the earth
  and the needy from among humanity.

15 The leech has two suckers
  that cry out, "More, more!"*

There are three things that are never satisfied—
  no, four that never say, "Enough!":
16 the grave,*
  the barren womb,
  the thirsty desert,
  the blazing fire.

17 The eye that mocks a father
  and despises a mother's instructions
will be plucked out by ravens of the valley
  and eaten by vultures.

18 There are three things that amaze me—
  no, four things that I don't understand:
19 how an eagle glides through the sky,
  how a snake slithers on a rock,
  how a ship navigates the ocean,
  how a man loves a woman.

20 An adulterous woman consumes a man,
  then wipes her mouth and says, "What's wrong with that?"

21 There are three things that make the earth tremble—
  no, four it cannot endure:
22 a slave who becomes a king,
  an overbearing fool who prospers,
23   a bitter woman who finally gets a husband,
  a servant girl who supplants her mistress.

24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:
25 Ants—they aren't strong,
  but they store up food all summer.
26 Hyraxes*—they aren't powerful,
  but they make their homes among the rocks.
27 Locusts—they have no king,
  but they march in formation.
28 Lizards—they are easy to catch,
  but they are found even in kings' palaces.

29 There are three things that walk with stately stride—
  no, four that strut about:
30 the lion, king of animals, who won't turn aside for anything,
31   the strutting rooster,
  the male goat,
  a king as he leads his army.

32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil,
  cover your mouth in shame.

33 As the beating of cream yields butter
  and striking the nose causes bleeding,
  so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29

1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism
  will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
  But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
  but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation,
  but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5 To flatter friends
  is to lay a trap for their feet.

6 Evil people are trapped by sin,
  but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

7 The godly care about the rights of the poor;
  the wicked don't care at all.

8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated,
  but the wise will calm anger.

9 If a wise person takes a fool to court,
  there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,
  but the upright seek to help them.*

11 Fools vent their anger,
  but the wise quietly hold it back.

12 If a ruler pays attention to liars,
  all his advisers will be wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common—
  the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor fairly,
  his throne will last forever.

15 To discipline a child produces wisdom,
  but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,
  but the godly will live to see their downfall.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind
  and will make your heart glad.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
  But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

19 Words alone will not discipline a servant;
  the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

20 There is more hope for a fool
  than for someone who speaks without thinking.

21 A servant pampered from childhood
  will become a rebel.

22 An angry person starts fights;
  a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

23 Pride ends in humiliation,
  while humility brings honor.

24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself.
  You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.

25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
  but trusting the LORD means safety.

26 Many seek the ruler's favor,
  but justice comes from the LORD.

27 The righteous despise the unjust;
  the wicked despise the godly.

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
  but the godly are as bold as lions.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
  But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
  is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
  to obey the law is to fight them.

5 Evil people don't understand justice,
  but those who follow the LORD understand completely.

6 Better to be poor and honest
  than to be dishonest and rich.

7 Young people who obey the law are wise;
  those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.*

8 Income from charging high interest rates
  will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9 God detests the prayers
  of a person who ignores the law.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
  will fall into their own trap,
  but the honest will inherit good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise,
  but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
  When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
  but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,*
  but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
  as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
  but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17 A murderer's tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
  Don't protect him!

18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,
  but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
  but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
  but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21 Showing partiality is never good,
  yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
  but don't realize they're headed for poverty.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
  far more than flattery.

24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
  and says, "What's wrong with that?"
  is no better than a murderer.

25 Greed causes fighting;
  trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
  but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
  but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
  When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27

1 Don't brag about tomorrow,
  since you don't know what the day will bring.

2 Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—
  a stranger, not your own lips.

3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
  but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood,
  but jealousy is even more dangerous.

5 An open rebuke
  is better than hidden love!

6 Wounds from a sincere friend
  are better than many kisses from an enemy.

7 A person who is full refuses honey,
  but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

8 A person who strays from home
  is like a bird that strays from its nest.

9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend
  is as sweet as perfume and incense.

10 Never abandon a friend—   either yours or your father's.
When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance.
  It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

11 Be wise, my child,* and make my heart glad.
  Then I will be able to answer my critics.

12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
  The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

13 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger's debt.
  Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.*

14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning
  will be taken as a curse!

15 A quarrelsome wife is as annoying
  as constant dripping on a rainy day.
16 Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind
  or trying to hold something with greased hands.

17 As iron sharpens iron,
  so a friend sharpens a friend.

18 As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit,
  so workers who protect their employer's interests will be rewarded.

19 As a face is reflected in water,
  so the heart reflects the real person.

20 Just as Death and Destruction* are never satisfied,
  so human desire is never satisfied.

21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
  but a person is tested by being praised.*

22 You cannot separate fools from their foolishness,
  even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle.

23 Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,
24 for riches don't last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
25 After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
 and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
26 your sheep will provide wool for clothing,
  and your goats will provide the price of a field.
27 And you will have enough goats' milk for yourself,
  your family, and your servant girls.

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26

1 Honor is no more associated with fools
  than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
  an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

3 Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,
  and a fool with a rod to his back!

4 Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools,
  or you will become as foolish as they are.

5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
  or they will become wise in their own estimation.

6 Trusting a fool to convey a message
  is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison!

7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
  is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

8 Honoring a fool
  is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
  is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

10 An employer who hires a fool or a bystander
  is like an archer who shoots at random.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
  so a fool repeats his foolishness.

12 There is more hope for fools
  than for people who think they are wise.

13 The lazy person claims, "There's a lion on the road!
  Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there!"

14 As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,
  so the lazy person turns over in bed.

15 Lazy people take food in their hand
  but don't even lift it to their mouth.

16 Lazy people consider themselves smarter
  than seven wise counselors.

17 Interfering in someone else's argument
  is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears.

18 Just as damaging
  as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend
  and then says, "I was only joking."

20 Fire goes out without wood,
  and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights
  as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

22 Rumors are dainty morsels
  that sink deep into one's heart.

23 Smooth* words may hide a wicked heart,
  just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
  but they're deceiving you.
25 They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them.
  Their hearts are full of many evils.*
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
  their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

27 If you set a trap for others,
  you will get caught in it yourself.
If you roll a boulder down on others,
  it will crush you instead.

28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
  and flattering words cause ruin.

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25

MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.

2 It is God's privilege to conceal things
  and the king's privilege to discover them.

3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
  or all that goes on in the king's mind!

4 Remove the impurities from silver,
  and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5 Remove the wicked from the king's court,
  and his reign will be made secure by justice.

6 Don't demand an audience with the king
  or push for a place among the great.
7 It's better to wait for an invitation to the head table
  than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you've seen something,
8   don't be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
  if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

9 When arguing with your neighbor,
  don't betray another person's secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
  and you will never regain your good reputation.

11 Timely advice is lovely,
  like golden apples in a silver basket.

12 To one who listens, valid criticism
  is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
  They revive the spirit of their employer.

14 A person who promises a gift but doesn't give it
  is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15 Patience can persuade a prince,
  and soft speech can break bones.

16 Do you like honey?
  Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick!

17 Don't visit your neighbors too often,
  or you will wear out your welcome.

18 Telling lies about others
  is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
  or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
  is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.

20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
  is like taking someone's coat in cold weather
  or pouring vinegar in a wound.*

21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
  If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
  and the LORD will reward you.

23 As surely as a north wind brings rain,
  so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

24 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic
  than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

25 Good news from far away
  is like cold water to the thirsty.

26 If the godly give in to the wicked,
  it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

27 It's not good to eat too much honey,
  and it's not good to seek honors for yourself.

28 A person without self-control
  is like a city with broken-down walls.

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24

1 Don't envy evil people
  or desire their company.
2 For their hearts plot violence,
  and their words always stir up trouble.

3 A house is built by wisdom
  and becomes strong through good sense.
4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled
  with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

5 The wise are mightier than the strong,*
  and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
6 So don't go to war without wise guidance;
  victory depends on having many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools.
  Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.

8 A person who plans evil
  will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
9 The schemes of a fool are sinful;
  everyone detests a mocker.

10 If you fail under pressure,
  your strength is too small.

11 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;
  save them as they stagger to their death.
12 Don't excuse yourself by saying, "Look, we didn't know."
  For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
  He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

13 My child,* eat honey, for it is good,
  and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.
  If you find it, you will have a bright future,
  and your hopes will not be cut short.

15 Don't wait in ambush at the home of the godly,
  and don't raid the house where the godly live.
16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
  But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

17 Don't rejoice when your enemies fall;
  don't be happy when they stumble.
18 For the LORD will be displeased with you
  and will turn his anger away from them.

19 Don't fret because of evildoers;
  don't envy the wicked.
20 For evil people have no future;
  the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21 My child, fear the LORD and the king.
Don't associate with rebels,
22   for disaster will hit them suddenly.
Who knows what punishment will come
  from the LORD and the king?

MORE SAYINGS OF THE WISE

23 Here are some further sayings of the wise:

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24 A judge who says to the wicked, "You are innocent,"
  will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
  rich blessings will be showered on them.

26 An honest answer
  is like a kiss of friendship.

27 Do your planning and prepare your fields
  before building your house.

28 Don't testify against your neighbors without cause;
  don't lie about them.
29 And don't say, "Now I can pay them back for what they've done to me!
  I'll get even with them!"

30 I walked by the field of a lazy person,
  the vineyard of one with no common sense.
31 I saw that it was overgrown with nettles.
  It was covered with weeds,
  and its walls were broken down.
32 Then, as I looked and thought about it,
  I learned this lesson:
33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
  a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
  scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23

1 While dining with a ruler,
  pay attention to what is put before you.
2 If you are a big eater,
  put a knife to your throat;
3 don't desire all the delicacies,
  for he might be trying to trick you.

4 Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich.
  Be wise enough to know when to quit.
5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
  for it will sprout wings
  and fly away like an eagle.

6 Don't eat with people who are stingy;
  don't desire their delicacies.
7 They are always thinking about how much it costs.*
  "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.
8 You will throw up what little you've eaten,
  and your compliments will be wasted.

9 Don't waste your breath on fools,
  for they will despise the wisest advice.

10 Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;
  don't take the land of defenseless orphans.
11 For their Redeemer* is strong;
  he himself will bring their charges against you.

12 Commit yourself to instruction;
  listen carefully to words of knowledge.

13 Don't fail to discipline your children.
  They won't die if you spank them.
14 Physical discipline
  may well save them from death.*

15 My child,* if your heart is wise,
  my own heart will rejoice!
16 Everything in me will celebrate
  when you speak what is right.

17 Don't envy sinners,
  but always continue to fear the LORD.
18 You will be rewarded for this;
  your hope will not be disappointed.

19 My child, listen and be wise:
  Keep your heart on the right course.
20 Do not carouse with drunkards
  or feast with gluttons,
21 for they are on their way to poverty,
  and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
  and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
  also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
  What a pleasure to have children who are wise.*
25 So give your father and mother joy!
  May she who gave you birth be happy.

26 O my son, give me your heart.
  May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
27 A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
  a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
28 She hides and waits like a robber,
  eager to make more men unfaithful.

29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
  Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
  Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
  trying out new drinks.
31 Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
  how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
  it stings like a viper.
33 You will see hallucinations,
  and you will say crazy things.
34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,
  clinging to a swaying mast.
35 And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it.
  I didn't even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up
  so I can look for another drink?"

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;
  being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common:
  The LORD made them both.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
  The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and fear of the LORD
  lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
  whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children onto the right path,
  and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor,
  so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
  and their reign of terror will come to an end.*

9 Blessed are those who are generous,
  because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
  Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
  will have the king as a friend.

12 The LORD preserves those with knowledge,
  but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, "There's a lion out there!
  If I go outside, I might be killed!"

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;
  those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness,
  but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor
  or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

SAYINGS OF THE WISE

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
  apply your heart to my instruction.

18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
  and always ready on your lips.

19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
  so you will trust in the LORD.

20 I have written thirty sayings* for you,
  filled with advice and knowledge.

21 In this way, you may know the truth
  and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Don't rob the poor just because you can,
  or exploit the needy in court.
23 For the LORD is their defender.
  He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Don't befriend angry people
  or associate with hot-tempered people,
25 or you will learn to be like them
  and endanger your soul.

26 Don't agree to guarantee another person's debt
  or put up security for someone else.
27 If you can't pay it,
  even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
  set up by previous generations.

29 Do you see any truly competent workers?
  They will serve kings
  rather than working for ordinary people.

Proverbs 20

PROVERBS 20

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.[a]

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
    but every fool will be quarreling.

4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
    but a faithful man who can find?

7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—
    blessed are his children after him!

8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
    winnows all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
    I am clean from my sin”?

10 Unequal[b] weights and unequal measures
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.[c]

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
    the Lord has made them both.

13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
    but when he goes away, then he boasts.

15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.[d]

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel;
    by wise guidance wage war.

19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.[e]

20 If one curses his father or his mother,
    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord,
    and false scales are not good.

24 A man's steps are from the Lord;
    how then can man understand his way?

25 It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
    and to reflect only after making vows.

26 A wise king winnows the wicked
    and drives the wheel over them.

27 The spirit[f] of man is the lamp of the Lord,
    searching all his innermost parts.

28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
    strokes make clean the innermost parts.

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21

1 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD;
  he guides it wherever he pleases.

2 People may be right in their own eyes,
  but the LORD examines their heart.

3 The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just
  than when we offer him sacrifices.

4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart,
  and evil actions are all sin.

5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
  but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

6 Wealth created by a lying tongue
  is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.*

7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
  because they refuse to do what is just.

8 The guilty walk a crooked path;
  the innocent travel a straight road.

9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic
  than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

10 Evil people desire evil;
  their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
  if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

12 The Righteous One* knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;
  he will bring disaster on them.

13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor
  will be ignored in their own time of need.

14 A secret gift calms anger;
  a bribe under the table pacifies fury.

15 Justice is a joy to the godly,
  but it terrifies evildoers.

16 The person who strays from common sense
  will end up in the company of the dead.

17 Those who love pleasure become poor;
  those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly,
  and traitors in place of the honest.

19 It's better to live alone in the desert
  than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

20 The wise have wealth and luxury,
  but fools spend whatever they get.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
  will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22 The wise conquer the city of the strong
  and level the fortress in which they trust.

23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
  and you will stay out of trouble.

24 Mockers are proud and haughty;
  they act with boundless arrogance.

25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
  for their hands refuse to work.

26 Some people are always greedy for more,
  but the godly love to give!

27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable,
  especially when it is offered with wrong motives.

28 A false witness will be cut off,
  but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.

29 The wicked bluff their way through,
  but the virtuous think before they act.

30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan
  can stand against the LORD.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
  but the victory belongs to the LORD.

Proverbs 19

1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

2 Desire without knowledge is not good,

and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

3When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,

his heart rages against the Lord.

4 Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,

and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

7 All a poor man’s brothers hate him;

how much more do his friends go far from him!

He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;

he who keeps understanding will discover good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who breathes out lies will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,

much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11 Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is ruin to his father,

and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,

and an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;

he who despises his ways will die.

17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,

and he will repay him for his deed.

18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;

do not set your heart on putting him to death.

19A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,

for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

20Listen to advice and accept instruction,

that you may gain wisdom in the future.

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love,

and a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of the Lord leads to life,

and whoever has it rests satisfied;

he will not be visited by harm.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish

and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother

is a son who brings shame and reproach.

27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A worthless witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers,

and beating for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 18

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.

7  A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.

14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties,
but the rich answer roughly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.