Bible in 90 Days
7 Follow my advice, my son; always keep it in mind and stick to it. 2 Obey me and live! Guard my words as your most precious possession. 3 Write them down,[a] and also keep them deep within your heart. 4 Love wisdom like a sweetheart; make her a beloved member of your family. 5 Let her hold you back from affairs with other women—from listening to their flattery.
6 I was looking out the window of my house one day 7 and saw a simpleminded lad, a young man lacking common sense, 8-9 walking at twilight down the street to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute. 10 She approached him, saucy and pert, and dressed seductively. 11-12 She was the brash, coarse type, seen often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner for men to be her lovers.
13 She put her arms around him and kissed him, and with a saucy look she said, “I was just coming to look for you and here you are! 14-17 Come home with me, and I’ll fix you a wonderful dinner,[b] and after that—well, my bed is spread with lovely, colored sheets of finest linen imported from Egypt, perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come on, let’s take our fill of love until morning, 19 for my husband is away on a long trip. 20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return for several days.”
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech, her coaxing and her wheedling, until he yielded to her. He couldn’t resist her flattery. 22 He followed her as an ox going to the butcher or as a stag that is trapped, 23 waiting to be killed with an arrow through its heart. He was as a bird flying into a snare, not knowing the fate awaiting it there.
24 Listen to me, young men, and not only listen but obey; 25 don’t let your desires get out of hand; don’t let yourself think about her. Don’t go near her; stay away from where she walks, lest she tempt you and seduce you. 26 For she has been the ruin of multitudes—a vast host of men have been her victims. 27 If you want to find the road to hell, look for her house.
8 1-3 Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house. Listen to what she says: 4-5 “Listen, men!” she calls. “How foolish and naive you are! Let me give you understanding. O foolish ones, let me show you common sense! 6-7 Listen to me! For I have important information for you. Everything I say is right and true, for I hate lies and every kind of deception. 8 My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing of evil in it. 9 My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind—if it is only open! 10 My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold.”
11 For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. 12 Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. 13 If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.
14-16 “I, Wisdom, give good advice and common sense. Because of my strength, kings reign in power, and rulers make just laws. 17 I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. 18 Unending riches, honor, justice, and righteousness are mine to distribute. 19 My gifts are better than the purest gold or sterling silver! 20 My paths are those of justice and right. 21 Those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries. 22 The Lord formed me in the beginning, before he created anything else.[c] 23 From ages past, I am. I existed before the earth began. 24 I lived before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters onto the earth, 25 before the mountains and the hills were made. 26 Yes, I was born before God made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.
27-29 “I was there when he established the heavens and formed the great springs in the depths of the oceans. I was there when he set the limits of the seas and gave them his instructions not to spread beyond their boundaries. I was there when he made the blueprint for the earth and oceans. 30 I was the craftsman at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. 31 And how happy I was with what he created—his wide world and all his family of mankind! 32 And so, young men, listen to me, for how happy are all who follow my instructions.
33 “Listen to my counsel—oh, don’t refuse it—and be wise. 34 Happy is the man who is so anxious to be with me that he watches for me daily at my gates, or waits for me outside my home! 35 For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the Lord. 36 But the one who misses me has injured himself irreparably. Those who refuse me show that they love death.”
9 Wisdom has built a palace supported on seven pillars, 2 and has prepared a great banquet, and mixed the wines, 3 and sent out her maidens inviting all to come. She calls from the busiest intersections in the city, 4 “Come, you simple ones without good judgment; 5 come to wisdom’s banquet and drink the wines that I have mixed. 6 Leave behind your foolishness and begin to live; learn how to be wise.”
7-8 If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don’t bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more. 9 Teach a wise man, and he will be the wiser; teach a good man, and he will learn more. 10 For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. 11 “I, Wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.” 12 Wisdom is its own reward, and if you scorn her, you hurt only yourself.
13 A prostitute is loud and brash and never has enough of lust and shame. 14 She sits at the door of her house or stands at the street corners of the city, 15 whispering to men going by and to those minding their own business. 16 “Come home with me,” she urges simpletons. 17 “Stolen melons[d] are the sweetest; stolen apples taste the best!” 18 But they don’t realize that her former guests are now citizens of hell.
10 Happy is the man with a level-headed son; sad the mother of a rebel.
2 Ill-gotten gain brings no lasting happiness; right living does.
3 The Lord will not let a good man starve to death, nor will he let the wicked man’s riches continue forever.
4 Lazy men are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
5 A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity.
6 The good man is covered with blessings from head to foot, but an evil man inwardly curses his luck.[e]
7 We all have happy memories of good men gone to their reward, but the names of wicked men stink after them.
8 The wise man is glad to be instructed, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face.
9 A good man has firm footing, but a crook will slip and fall.
10 Winking at sin leads to sorrow; bold reproof leads to peace.
11 There is living truth in what a good man says, but the mouth of the evil man is filled with curses.
12 Hatred stirs old quarrels, but love overlooks insults.
13 Men with common sense are admired[f] as counselors; those without it are beaten as servants.
14 A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to sorrow and trouble.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his only strength. The poor man’s poverty is his only[g] curse.
16 The good man’s earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin.
17 Anyone willing to be corrected is on the pathway to life. Anyone refusing has lost his chance.
18 To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.
19 Don’t talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
20 When a good man speaks, he is worth listening to, but the words of fools are a dime a dozen.
21 A godly man gives good advice, but a rebel is destroyed by lack of common sense.
22 The Lord’s blessing is our greatest wealth. All our work adds nothing to it![h]
23 A fool’s fun is being bad; a wise man’s fun is being wise!
24 The wicked man’s fears will all come true and so will the good man’s hopes.
25 Disaster strikes like a cyclone and the wicked are whirled away. But the good man has a strong anchor.
26 A lazy fellow is a pain to his employers—like smoke in their eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.
27 Reverence for God adds hours to each day;[i] so how can the wicked expect a long, good life?
28 The hope of good men is eternal happiness; the hopes of evil men are all in vain.
29 God protects the upright but destroys the wicked.
30 The good shall never lose God’s blessings, but the wicked shall lose everything.
31 The good man gives wise advice, but the liar’s counsel is shunned.
32 The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion.
11 The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty.
2 Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise.
3 A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty.
4 Your riches won’t help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then.
5 Good people are directed by their honesty; the wicked shall fall beneath their load of sins.
6 The good man’s goodness delivers him; the evil man’s treachery is his undoing.
7 When an evil man dies, his hopes all perish, for they are based upon this earthly life.
8 God rescues good men from danger while letting the wicked fall into it.
9 Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds.[j]
10 The whole city celebrates a good man’s success—and also the godless man’s death.
11 The good influence of godly citizens causes a city to prosper, but the moral decay of the wicked drives it downhill.
12 To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish; a man with good sense holds his tongue.
13 A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them.
14 Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with good counselors there is safety.
15 Be sure you know a person well before you vouch for his credit! Better refuse than suffer later.
16 Honor goes to kind and gracious women, mere[k] money to cruel men.
17 Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.
18 The evil man gets rich for the moment, but the good man’s reward lasts forever.
19 The good man finds life; the evil man, death.
20 The Lord hates the stubborn but delights in those who are good.
21 You can be very sure the evil man will not go unpunished forever. And you can also be very sure God will rescue the children of the godly.
22 A beautiful woman lacking discretion and modesty is like a fine gold ring in a pig’s snout.
23 The good man can look forward to happiness, while the wicked can expect only wrath.
24-25 It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.
26 People curse the man who holds his grain for higher prices, but they bless the man who sells it to them in their time of need.
27 If you search for good, you will find God’s favor; if you search for evil, you will find his curse.
28 Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree!
29 The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left. He shall be the servant of a wiser man.
30 Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise.[l]
31 Even the godly shall be rewarded here on earth; how much more the wicked!
12 To learn, you must want to be taught. To refuse reproof is stupid.
2 The Lord blesses good men and condemns the wicked.
3 Wickedness never brings real success; only the godly have that.
4 A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; the other kind corrodes his strength and tears down everything he does.
5 A good man’s mind is filled with honest thoughts; an evil man’s mind is crammed with lies.
6 The wicked accuse; the godly defend.
7 The wicked shall perish; the godly shall stand.
8 Everyone admires a man with good sense, but a man with a warped mind is despised.
9 It is better to get your hands dirty—and eat,[m] than to be too proud to work—and starve.
10 A good man is concerned for the welfare of his animals, but even the kindness of godless men is cruel.
11 Hard work means prosperity;[n] only a fool idles away his time.
12 Crooks are jealous of each other’s loot, while good men long to help each other.
13 Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense.
14 Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him.
15 A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.
16 A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.
17 A good man is known by his truthfulness; a false man by deceit and lies.
18 Some people like to make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise soothe and heal.
19 Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed.
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; joy fills hearts that are planning for good!
21 No real harm befalls the good, but there is constant trouble for the wicked.
22 God delights in those who keep their promises and abhors those who don’t.
23 A wise man doesn’t display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness.
24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed.
25 Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders!
26 The good man asks advice from friends; the wicked plunge ahead—and fall.
27 A lazy man won’t even dress the game he gets while hunting, but the diligent man makes good use of everything he finds.
28 The path of the godly leads to life. So why fear death?
13 A wise youth accepts his father’s rebuke; a young mocker doesn’t.
2 The good man wins his case by careful argument; the evil-minded only wants to fight.
3 Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.
4 Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering.
5 A good man hates lies; wicked men lie constantly[o] and come to shame.
6 A man’s goodness helps him all through life, while evil men are being destroyed by their wickedness.
7 Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth!
8 Being kidnapped and held for ransom never worries the poor man!
9 The good man’s life is full of light. The sinner’s road is dark and gloomy.
10 Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice, and become wise.
11 Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy.[p]
13 Despise God’s Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed.
14 The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead.
15 A man with good sense is appreciated. A treacherous man must walk a rocky road.
16 A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it!
17 An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress.
18 If you refuse criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you are on the road to fame.
19 It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong.
20 Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil.
21 Curses chase sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!
22 When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is stored up for the godly.
23 A poor man’s farm may have good soil, but injustice robs him of its riches.
24 If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don’t love him; for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him.
25 The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat.[q]
14 A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down by her own efforts.
2 To do right honors God; to sin is to despise him.
3 A rebel’s foolish talk should prick his own pride! But the wise man’s speech is respected.
4 An empty stable stays clean—but there is no income from an empty stable.
5 A truthful witness never lies; a false witness always lies.
6 A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense.
7 If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools.
8 The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts.
9 The common bond of rebels is their guilt.[r] The common bond of godly people is goodwill.
10 Only the person involved can know his own bitterness or joy—no one else can really share it.
11 The work of the wicked will perish; the work of the godly will flourish.
12 Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death.
13 Laughter cannot mask a heavy heart. When the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14 The backslider gets bored with himself; the godly man’s life is exciting.
15 Only a simpleton believes everything he’s told! A prudent man understands the need for proof.
16 A wise man is cautious and avoids danger; a fool plunges ahead with great confidence.
17 A short-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient.
18 The simpleton is crowned with folly; the wise man is crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil men shall bow before the godly.
20-21 Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many “friends.” But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who help them.
22 Those who plot evil shall wander away and be lost, but those who plan good shall be granted mercy and quietness.
23 Work brings profit; talk brings poverty!
24 Wise men are praised for their wisdom; fools are despised for their folly.
25 A witness who tells the truth saves good men from being sentenced to death, but a false witness is a traitor.
26 Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.
27 Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death.
28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
29 A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.
30 A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away.
31 Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.
32 The godly have a refuge when they die, but the wicked are crushed by their sins.
33 Wisdom is enshrined in the hearts of men of common sense, but it must shout loudly before fools will hear it.
34 Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
15 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.
2 A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness.
3 The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps his eye on both the evil and the good.
4 Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement.
5 Only a fool despises his father’s advice; a wise son considers each suggestion.
6 There is treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked.
7 Only the good can give good advice. Rebels can’t.
8 The Lord hates the gifts of the wicked but delights in the prayers of his people.
9-10 The Lord despises the deeds of the wicked but loves those who try to be good. If they stop trying, the Lord will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die.
11 The depths of hell are open to God’s knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind!
12 A mocker stays away from wise men because he hates to be scolded.
13 A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart.
14 A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash.
15 When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!
16 Better a little with reverence for God than great treasure and trouble with it.
17 It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate.
18 A quick-tempered man starts fights; a cool-tempered man tries to stop them.
19 A lazy fellow has trouble all through life; the good man’s path is easy!
20 A sensible son gladdens his father. A rebellious son saddens his mother.[s]
21 If a man enjoys folly, something is wrong! The sensible stay on the pathways of right.
22 Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.
23 Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time!
24 The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind.
25 The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows.
26 The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words.[t]
27 Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness.[u]
28 A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30 Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health.
31-32 If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.
33 Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.
16 We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands.
2 We can always “prove” that we are right, but is the Lord convinced?
3 Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked for punishment.
5 Pride disgusts the Lord. Take my word for it—proud men shall be punished.
6 Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverence for God.
7 When a man is trying to please God, God makes even his worst enemies to be at peace with him.
8 A little gained honestly is better than great wealth gotten by dishonest means.
9 We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.
10 God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.
11 The Lord demands fairness in every business deal.[v] He established this principle.
12 It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.[w]
13 The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair.
14 The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
15 Many favors are showered on those who please the king.
16 How much better is wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
17 The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe.
18 Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
19 Better poor and humble than proud and rich.
20 God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord.
21 The wise man is known by his common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to those possessing it, but a fool’s burden is his folly.
23 From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech.
24 Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful.
25 Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death.
26 Hunger is good—if it makes you work to satisfy it!
27 Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.[x]
28 An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29 Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin.[y]
30 The wicked man stares into space with pursed lips, deep in thought, planning his evil deeds.
31 White hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly.
32 It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army.
33 We toss the coin,[z] but it is the Lord who controls its decision.
17 A dry crust eaten in peace is better than steak every day along with argument and strife.
2 A wise slave will rule his master’s wicked sons and share their estate.
3 Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts.
4 The wicked enjoy fellowship with others who are wicked; liars enjoy liars.
5 Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. He will punish those who rejoice at others’ misfortunes.
6 An old man’s grandchildren are his crowning glory. A child’s glory is his father.
7 Truth from a rebel or lies from a king are both unexpected.
8 A bribe works like magic. Whoever uses it will prosper![aa]
9 Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.
10 A rebuke to a man of common sense is more effective than a hundred lashes on the back of a rebel.
11 The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished.[ab]
12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in his folly.
13 If you repay evil for good, a curse is upon your home.
14 It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts,[ac] so don’t let it begin.
15 The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad.
16 It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth.[ad]
17 A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
18 It is poor judgment to countersign another’s note, to become responsible for his debts.
19 Sinners love to fight; boasting is looking for trouble.
20 An evil man is suspicious of everyone[ae] and tumbles into constant trouble.
21 It’s no fun to be a rebel’s father.
22 A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick.
23 It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justice.
24 Wisdom is the main pursuit of sensible men, but a fool’s goals are at the ends of the earth!
25 A rebellious son is a grief to his father and a bitter blow to his mother.
26 How shortsighted to fine the godly for being good! And to punish nobles for being honest!
27-28 The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.
18 The selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way.
2 A rebel doesn’t care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell.[af]
3 Sin brings disgrace.
4 A wise man’s words express deep streams of thought.
5 It is wrong for a judge to favor the wicked and condemn the innocent.
6-7 A fool gets into constant fights. His mouth is his undoing! His words endanger him.
8 What dainty morsels rumors are. They are eaten with great relish!
9 A lazy man is brother to the saboteur.
10 The Lord[ag] is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer!
12 Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor.
13 What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!
14 A man’s courage[ah] can sustain his broken body, but when courage dies, what hope is left?
15 The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.
16 A gift does wonders; it will bring you before men of importance!
17 Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.
18 A coin toss[ai] ends arguments and settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city.[aj] His anger shuts you out like iron bars.
20 Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal!
21 Those who love to talk will suffer the consequences. Men have died for saying the wrong thing!
22 The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord.
23 The poor man pleads, and the rich man answers with insults.
24 There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19 Better to be poor and honest than rich[ak] and dishonest.
2 It is dangerous and sinful to rush into the unknown.
3 A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on the Lord!
4 A wealthy man has many “friends”; the poor man has none left.
5 Punish false witnesses. Track down liars.
6 Many beg favors from a man who is generous; everyone is his friend!
7 A poor man’s own brothers turn away from him in embarrassment;[al] how much more his friends! He calls after them, but they are gone.
8 He who loves wisdom loves his own best interest and will be a success.
9 A false witness shall be punished, and a liar shall be caught.
10 It doesn’t seem right for a fool to succeed or for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.
12 The king’s anger is as dangerous as a lion’s. But his approval is as refreshing as the dew on grass.
13 A rebellious son is a calamity to his father, and a nagging wife annoys like constant dripping.
14 A father can give his sons homes and riches, but only the Lord can give them understanding wives.
15 A lazy man sleeps soundly—and he goes hungry!
16 Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them means death.
17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
18 Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don’t, you will ruin his life.
19 A short-tempered man must bear his own penalty; you can’t do much to help him. If you try once, you must try a dozen times!
20 Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.
21 Man proposes, but God disposes.
22 Kindness makes a man attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.
23 Reverence for God gives life, happiness, and protection from harm.
24 Some men are so lazy they won’t even feed themselves!
25 Punish a mocker and others will learn from his example. Reprove a wise man, and he will be the wiser.
26 A son who mistreats his father or mother is a public disgrace.
27 Stop listening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right.
28 A worthless witness cares nothing for truth—he enjoys his sinning too much.
29 Mockers and rebels shall be severely punished.
20 Wine gives false courage; hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it master them, making them reel drunkenly down the street!
2 The king’s fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
3 It is an honor for a man to stay out of a fight. Only fools insist on quarreling.
4 If you won’t plow in the cold, you won’t eat at the harvest.
5 Though good advice lies deep within a counselor’s heart, the wise man will draw it out.
6 Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling the truth?
7 It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father.
8 A king sitting as judge weighs all the evidence carefully, distinguishing the true from false.
9 Who can ever say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am sinless”?
10 The Lord despises every kind of cheating.[am]
11 The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts—whether what he does is pure and right.
12 If you have good eyesight and good hearing, thank[an] God who gave them to you.
13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat!
14 “Utterly worthless!” says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards he brags about his bargain!
15 Good sense is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels.
16 It is risky to make loans to strangers!
17 Some men enjoy cheating, but the cake they buy with such ill-gotten gain will turn to gravel in their mouths.
18 Don’t go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don’t go to war until they agree.
19 Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world.
20 God puts out the light of the man who curses his father or mother.
21 Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.