Bible in 90 Days
7 My son,
pay attention to my words.
Treasure my commands that are within you.
2 Obey my commands so that you may live.
Follow my teachings just as you protect the pupil of your eye.
3 Tie them on your fingers.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister.”
Give the name “my relative” to understanding
5 in order to guard yourself from an adulterous woman,
from a loose woman with her smooth talk.
6 From a window in my house I looked through my screen.
7 I was looking at gullible people
when I saw a young man without much sense among youths
8 He was crossing a street near her corner
and walking toward her house
9 in the twilight,
in the evening,
in the dark hours of the night.
10 A woman with an ulterior motive meets him.
She is dressed as a prostitute.
11 She is loud and rebellious.
Her feet will not stay at home.
12 One moment she is out on the street,
the next she is at the curb,
on the prowl at every corner.
13 She grabs him and kisses him and brazenly says to him,
14 “I have some sacrificial meat.
Today I kept my vows.
15 That’s why I came to meet you.
Eagerly, I looked for you,
and I’ve found you.
16 I’ve made my bed,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17 I’ve sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy making love,
19 because my husband’s not home.
He has gone on a long trip.
20 He took lots of money with him.
He won’t be home for a couple of weeks.”
21 With all her seductive charms, she persuades him.
With her smooth lips, she makes him give in.
22 He immediately follows her
like a steer on its way to be slaughtered,
like a ram hobbling into captivity
23 until an arrow pierces his heart,
like a bird darting into a trap.
He does not realize that it will cost him his life.
24 Now, sons,
listen to me.
Pay attention to the words from my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart be turned to her ways.
Do not wander onto her paths,
26 because she has brought down many victims,
and she has killed all too many.
27 Her home is the way to hell
and leads to the darkest vaults of death.
Wisdom’s Announcement
8 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise its voice?
2 ⌞Wisdom⌟ takes its stand on high ground,
by the wayside where the roads meet,
3 near the gates to the city.
At the entrance ⌞wisdom⌟ sings its song,
4 “I am calling to all of you,
and my appeal is to all people.
5 You gullible people, learn how to be sensible.
You fools, get a heart that has understanding.
6 Listen! I am speaking about noble things,
and my lips will say what is right.
7 My mouth expresses the truth,
and wickedness is disgusting to my lips.
8 Everything I say is fair,
and there is nothing twisted or crooked in it.
9 All of it is clear to a person who has understanding
and right to those who have acquired knowledge.
10 Take my discipline, not silver,
and my knowledge rather than fine gold,
11 because wisdom is better than jewels.
Nothing you desire can equal it.
Wisdom’s Authority
12 “I, Wisdom, live with insight,
and I acquire knowledge and foresight.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.
14 Advice and priceless wisdom are mine.
I, Understanding, have strength.
15 Through me kings reign,
and rulers decree fair laws.
16 Through me princes rule,
so do nobles and all fair judges.
17 I love those who love me.
Those eagerly looking for me will find me.
18 I have riches and honor,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 What I produce is better than gold, pure gold.
What I yield is better than fine silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice,
21 to give an inheritance to those who love me
and to fill their treasuries.
Wisdom as Creator
22 “The Lord already possessed me long ago,
when his way began,
before any of his works.
23 I was appointed from everlasting
from the first,
before the earth began.
24 I was born
before there were oceans,
before there were springs filled with water.
25 I was born
before the mountains were settled in their places
and before the hills,
26 when he had not yet made land or fields
or the first dust of the world.
27 “When he set up the heavens, I was there.
When he traced the horizon on the surface of the ocean,
28 when he established the skies above,
when he determined the currents in the ocean,
29 when he set a limit for the sea
so the waters would not overstep his command,
when he traced the foundations of the earth,
30 I was beside him as a master craftsman.
I made him happy day after day,
I rejoiced in front of him all the time,
31 found joy in his inhabited world, and delighted in the human race.
Wisdom as Lifegiver
32 “Now, sons, listen to me.
Blessed are those who follow my ways.
33 Listen to discipline, and become wise.
Do not leave my ways.
34 Blessed is the person who listens to me,
watches at my door day after day,
and waits by my doorposts.
35 Whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord.
36 Whoever sins against me harms himself.
All those who hate me love death.”
Wisdom Hosts a Banquet
9 Wisdom has built her house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has set her table.
3 She has sent out her servant girls.
She calls from the highest places in the city,
4 “Whoever is gullible turn in here!”
She says to a person without sense,
5 “Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Stop being gullible and live.
Start traveling the road to understanding.”
Wisdom Prolongs Life
7 Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse.
Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt.
8 Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you.
Warn a wise person, and he will love you.
9 Give ⌞advice⌟ to a wise person,
and he will become even wiser.
Teach a righteous person,
and he will learn more.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 You will live longer because of me,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will help you.
If you mock, you alone will be held responsible.
Stupidity Imitates Wisdom’s Banquet
13 The woman Stupidity is loud, gullible, and ignorant.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house.
She is enthroned on the high ground of the city
15 and calls to those who pass by,
those minding their own business,
16 “Whoever is gullible turn in here!”
She says to a person without sense,
17 “Stolen waters are sweet,
and food eaten in secret is tasty.”
18 But he does not know
that the souls of the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of hell.
10 The proverbs of Solomon:
A Wise Son Is Righteous
A wise son makes his father happy,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Treasures gained dishonestly profit no one,
but righteousness rescues from death.
3 The Lord will not allow a righteous person to starve,
but he intentionally ignores the desires of a wicked person.
4 Lazy hands bring poverty,
but hard-working hands bring riches.
5 Whoever gathers in the summer is a wise son.
Whoever sleeps at harvest time brings shame.
6 Blessings cover the head of a righteous person,
but violence covers the mouths of wicked people.
7 The name of a righteous person remains blessed,
but the names of wicked people will rot away.
Proverbs Concerning the Mouth
8 The one who is truly wise accepts commands,
but the one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.
9 Whoever lives honestly will live securely,
but whoever lives dishonestly will be found out.
10 Whoever winks with his eye causes heartache.
The one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.
11 The mouth of a righteous person is a fountain of life,
but the mouths of wicked people conceal violence.
12 Hate starts quarrels,
but love covers every wrong.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding,
but a rod is for the back of one without sense.
14 Those who are wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a stubborn fool invites ruin.
15 The rich person’s wealth is ⌞his⌟ strong city.
Poverty ruins the poor.
16 A righteous person’s reward is life.
A wicked person’s harvest is sin.
17 Whoever practices discipline is on the way to life,
but whoever ignores a warning strays.
18 Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips.
Whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk,
but whoever seals his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of a righteous person is pure silver.
The hearts of wicked people are worthless.
21 The lips of a righteous person feed many,
but stubborn fools die because they have no sense.
22 It is the Lord’s blessing that makes a person rich,
and hard work adds nothing to it.
23 Like the laughter of a fool when he carries out an evil plan,
so is wisdom to a person who has understanding.
Righteous People Contrasted to Wicked People
24 That which wicked people dread happens to them,
but ⌞the Lord⌟ grants the desire of righteous people.
25 When the storm has passed, the wicked person has vanished,
but the righteous person has an everlasting foundation.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth,
like smoke to the eyes,
so is the lazy person to those who send him ⌞on a mission⌟.
27 The fear of the Lord lengthens ⌞the number of⌟ days,
but the years of wicked people are shortened.
28 The hope of righteous people ⌞leads to⌟ joy,
but the eager waiting of wicked people comes to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is a fortress for an innocent person
but a ruin to those who are troublemakers.
30 A righteous person will never be moved,
but wicked people will not continue to live in the land.
31 The mouth of a righteous person increases wisdom,
but a devious tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of a righteous person announce good will,
but the mouths of wicked people are devious.
The Value of Righteousness
11 Dishonest scales are disgusting to the Lord,
but accurate weights are pleasing to him.
2 Arrogance comes,
then comes shame,
but wisdom remains with humble people.
3 Integrity guides decent people,
but hypocrisy leads treacherous people to ruin.
4 Riches are of no help on the day of fury,
but righteousness saves from death.
5 The righteousness of innocent people makes their road smooth,
but wicked people fall by their own wickedness.
6 Decent people are saved by their righteousness,
but treacherous people are trapped by their own greed.
7 At the death of a wicked person, hope vanishes.
Moreover, his confidence in strength vanishes.
8 A righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and a wicked person takes his place.
9 With his talk a godless person can ruin his neighbor,
but righteous people are rescued by knowledge.
10 When righteous people prosper, a city is glad.
When wicked people die, there are songs of joy.
11 With the blessing of decent people a city is raised up,
but by the words of wicked people, it is torn down.
12 A person who despises a neighbor has no sense,
but a person who has understanding keeps quiet.
13 Whoever gossips gives away secrets,
but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.
14 A nation will fall when there is no direction,
but with many advisers there is victory.
15 Whoever guarantees a stranger’s loan will get into trouble,
but whoever hates the closing of a deal remains secure.
16 A gracious woman wins respect,
but ruthless men gain riches.
17 A merciful person helps himself,
but a cruel person hurts himself.
18 A wicked person earns dishonest wages,
but whoever spreads righteousness earns honest pay.
19 As righteousness leads to life,
so whoever pursues evil finds his own death.
20 Devious people are disgusting to the Lord,
but he is delighted with those whose ways are innocent.
21 Certainly, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the descendants of righteous people will escape.
22 ⌞Like⌟ a gold ring in a pig’s snout,
⌞so⌟ is a beautiful woman who lacks good taste.
23 The desire of righteous people ends only in good,
but the hope of wicked people ends only in fury.
24 One person spends freely and yet grows richer,
while another holds back what he owes and yet grows poorer.
25 A generous person will be made rich,
and whoever satisfies others will himself be satisfied.[a]
26 People will curse the one who hoards grain,
but a blessing will be upon the head of the one who sells it.
27 Whoever eagerly seeks good searches for good will,
but whoever looks for evil finds it.
28 Whoever trusts his riches will fall,
but righteous people will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings trouble upon his family inherits ⌞only⌟ wind,
and that stubborn fool becomes a slave to the wise in heart.
30 The fruit of a righteous person is a tree of life,
and a winner of souls is wise.
31 If the righteous person is rewarded on earth,
how much more the wicked person and the sinner!
12 Whoever loves discipline loves to learn,
but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal.
2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord,
but the Lord condemns everyone who schemes.
3 A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness,
and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved.
4 A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband,
but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer.
5 The thoughts of righteous people are fair.
The advice of wicked people is treacherous.
6 The words of wicked people are a deadly ambush,
but the words [b] of decent people rescue.
7 Overthrow wicked people, and they are no more,
but the families of righteous people continue to stand.
8 A person will be praised based on his insight,
but whoever has a twisted mind will be despised.
9 Better to be unimportant and have a slave
than to act important and have nothing to eat.
10 A righteous person cares ⌞even⌟ about the life of his animals,
but the compassion of wicked people is ⌞nothing but⌟ cruelty.
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat,
but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense.
12 A wicked person delights in setting a trap for ⌞other⌟ evil people,
but the roots of righteous people produce ⌞fruit⌟.
13 An evil person is trapped by his own sinful talk,
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.
14 One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability.
Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished.
15 A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one,
but a person who listens to advice is wise.
16 When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately,
but a sensible person hides the insult.
17 A truthful witness speaks honestly,
but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.
18 Careless words stab like a sword,
but the words of wise people bring healing.
19 The word of truth lasts forever,
but lies last only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,
but joy belongs to those who advise peace.
21 No ⌞lasting⌟ harm comes to a righteous person,
but wicked people have lots of trouble.
22 Lips that lie are disgusting to the Lord,
but honest people are his delight.
23 A sensible person ⌞discreetly⌟ hides knowledge,
but foolish minds preach stupidity.
24 Hard-working hands gain control,
but lazy hands do slave labor.
25 A person’s anxiety will weigh him down,
but an encouraging word makes him joyful.
26 A righteous person looks out for his neighbor,
but the path of wicked people leads others astray.
27 A lazy hunter does not catch his prey,
but a hard-working person becomes wealthy.
28 Everlasting life is on the way of righteousness.
Eternal death is not along its path.
A Wise Son Lives Righteously
13 A wise son listens to his father’s discipline,
but a mocker does not listen to reprimands.
2 A person eats well as a result of his speaking ability,
but the appetite of treacherous people ⌞craves⌟ violence.
3 Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life.
Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin.
4 A lazy person craves food and there is none,
but the appetite of hard-working people is satisfied.
5 A righteous person hates lying,
but a wicked person behaves with shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness protects the honest way of life,
but wickedness ruins a sacrifice for sin.
7 One person pretends to be rich but has nothing.
Another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.
8 A person’s riches are the ransom for his life,
but the poor person does not pay attention to threats.
9 The light of righteous people beams brightly,
but the lamp of wicked people will be snuffed out.
10 Arrogance produces only quarreling,
but those who take advice gain wisdom.
11 Wealth ⌞gained⌟ through injustice dwindles away,
but whoever gathers little by little has plenty.
12 Delayed hope makes one sick at heart,
but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises ⌞God’s⌟ words will pay the penalty,
but the one who fears ⌞God’s⌟ commands will be rewarded.
14 The teachings of a wise person are a fountain of life
to turn ⌞one⌟ away from the grasp of death.
15 Good sense brings favor,
but the way of treacherous people is always the same.[c]
16 Any sensible person acts with knowledge,
but a fool displays stupidity.
17 An undependable messenger gets into trouble,
but a dependable envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to a person who ignores discipline,
but whoever pays attention to constructive criticism will be honored.
19 A fulfilled desire is sweet to the soul,
but turning from evil is disgusting to fools.
20 Whoever walks with wise people will be wise,
but whoever associates with fools will suffer.
21 Disaster hunts down sinners,
but righteous people are rewarded with good.
22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the wealth of sinners is stored away for a righteous person.
23 When poor people are able to plow, there is much food,
but a person is swept away where there is no justice.
24 Whoever refuses to spank his son hates him,
but whoever loves his son disciplines him from early on.
25 A righteous person eats to satisfy his appetite,
but the bellies of wicked people are always empty.
Wise People Live Righteously
14 The wisest of women builds up her home,
but a stupid one tears it down with her own hands.
2 Whoever lives right fears the Lord,
but a person who is devious in his ways despises him.
3 Because of a stubborn fool’s words a whip is lifted against him,
but wise people are protected by their speech.
4 Where there are no cattle, the feeding trough is empty,
but the strength of an ox produces plentiful harvests.
5 A trustworthy witness does not lie,
but a dishonest witness breathes lies.
6 A mocker searches for wisdom without finding it,
but knowledge comes easily to a person who has understanding.
7 Stay away from a fool,
because you will not receive knowledge from his lips.
8 The wisdom of a sensible person guides his way of life,
but the stupidity of fools misleads them.
9 Stubborn fools make fun of guilt,
but there is forgiveness among decent people.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger can share its joy.
11 The houses of wicked people will be destroyed,
but the tents of decent people will continue to expand.
12 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but eventually it ends in death.
13 Even while laughing a heart can ache,
and joy can end in grief.
14 A heart that turns ⌞from God⌟ becomes bored with its own ways,
but a good person is satisfied with God’s ways.
15 A gullible person believes anything,
but a sensible person watches his step.
16 A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is careless and overconfident.
17 A short-tempered person acts stupidly,
and a person who plots evil is hated.
18 Gullible people are gifted with stupidity,
but sensible people are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil people will bow to good people.
Wicked people will bow at the gates of a righteous person.
20 A poor person is hated even by his neighbor,
but a rich person is loved by many.
21 Whoever despises his neighbor sins,
but blessed is the one who is kind to humble people.
22 Don’t those who stray plan what is evil,
while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good?
23 In hard work there is always something gained,
but idle talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of wise people is their wealth.
The stupidity of fools is just that—stupidity!
25 An honest witness saves lives,
but one who tells lies is dangerous.
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
and his children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life
to turn ⌞one⌟ away from the grasp of death.
28 A large population is an honor for a king,
but without people a ruler is ruined.
29 A person of great understanding is patient,
but a short temper is the height of stupidity.
30 A tranquil heart makes for a healthy body,
but jealousy is ⌞like⌟ bone cancer.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor insults his maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors him.
32 A wicked person is thrown down by his own wrongdoing,
but even in his death a righteous person has a refuge.
33 Wisdom finds rest in the heart of an understanding person.
Even fools recognize this.
Wise Ways to Live
34 Righteousness lifts up a nation,
but sin is a disgrace in any society.
35 A king is delighted with a servant who acts wisely,
but he is furious with one who acts shamefully.
15 A gentle answer turns away rage,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere.
They watch evil people and good people.
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit.
5 A stubborn fool despises his father’s discipline,
but whoever appreciates a warning shows good sense.
6 Great treasure is in the house of a righteous person,
but trouble comes along with the income of a wicked person.
7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge,
but a foolish attitude does not.
8 A sacrifice brought by wicked people is disgusting to the Lord,
but the prayers of decent people please him.
9 The way of wicked people is disgusting to the Lord,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Discipline is a terrible ⌞burden⌟ to anyone who leaves the ⌞right⌟ path.
Anyone who hates a warning will die.
11 If Sheol and Abaddon lie open in front of the Lord
how much more the human heart!
12 A mocker does not appreciate a warning.
He will not go to wise people.
13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,
but with a heartache comes depression.
14 The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity.
15 Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better to have a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and turmoil.
17 Better to have a dish of vegetables where there is love
than juicy steaks where there is hate.
18 A hothead stirs up a fight,
but one who holds his temper calms disputes.
19 The path of lazy people is like a thorny hedge,
but the road of decent people is an ⌞open⌟ highway.
A Wise Son Brings Blessings to Others
20 A wise son makes his father happy,
but a foolish child despises its mother.
21 Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense,
but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead.
22 Without advice plans go wrong,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth,
and a timely word—oh, how good!
24 The path of life for a wise person leads upward
in order to turn him away from hell below.
25 The Lord tears down the house of an arrogant person,
but he protects the property of widows.
26 The thoughts of evil people are disgusting to the Lord,
but pleasant words are pure to him.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his family,
but whoever hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer,
but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.
29 The Lord is far from wicked people,
but he hears the prayers of righteous people.
30 A twinkle in the eye delights the heart.
Good news refreshes the body.
31 The ear that listens to a life-giving warning
will be at home among wise people.
32 Whoever ignores discipline despises himself,
but the person who listens to warning gains understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is discipline ⌞leading to⌟ wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Wisdom’s Blessings Come from the Lord
16 The plans of the heart belong to humans,
but an answer on the tongue comes from the Lord.
2 A person thinks all his ways are pure,
but the Lord weighs motives.
3 Entrust your efforts to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything for his own purpose,
even wicked people for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the Lord.
Certainly, ⌞such a person⌟ will not go unpunished.
6 By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the Lord.
By the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided.
7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better a few ⌞possessions⌟ gained honestly
than many gained through injustice.
9 A person may plan his own journey,
but the Lord directs his steps.
10 When a divine revelation is on a king’s lips,
he cannot voice a wrong judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales belong to the Lord.
He made the entire set of weights.
12 Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings
because a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings are happy with honest words,
and whoever speaks what is right is loved.
14 A king’s anger announces death,
but a wise man makes peace with him.
15 When the king is cheerful, there is life,
and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.
16 How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold,
and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.
17 The highway of decent people turns away from evil.
Whoever watches his way preserves his own life.
18 Pride precedes a disaster,
and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall.
19 Better to be humble with lowly people
than to share stolen goods with arrogant people.
20 Whoever gives attention to the Lord’s word prospers,
and blessed is the person who trusts the Lord.
21 The person who is truly wise is called understanding,
and speaking sweetly helps others learn.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it,
but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity.
23 A wise person’s heart controls his speech,
and what he says helps others learn.
24 Pleasant words are ⌞like⌟ honey from a honeycomb—
sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.
Words of Advice to a Wise Son
25 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but eventually it ends in death.
26 A laborer’s appetite works to his advantage,
because his hunger drives him on.
27 A worthless person plots trouble,
and his speech is like a burning fire.
28 A devious person spreads quarrels.
A gossip separates the closest of friends.
29 A violent person misleads his neighbor
and leads him on a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eye is plotting something devious.
Whoever bites his lips has finished his evil work.
31 Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life.
32 Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero.
Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.
33 The dice are thrown,
but the Lord determines every outcome.
17 Better a bite of dry bread ⌞eaten⌟ in peace
than a family feast filled with strife.
2 A wise slave will become master over a son who acts shamefully,
and he will share the inheritance with the brothers.
3 The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold,
but the one who purifies hearts ⌞by fire⌟ is the Lord.
4 An evildoer pays attention to wicked lips.
A liar opens his ears to a slanderous tongue.
5 Whoever makes fun of a poor person insults his maker.
Whoever is happy ⌞to see someone’s⌟ distress will not escape punishment.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents,
and parents are the glory of their children.
The Consequences of Being a Fool
7 Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool.
How much less does lying fit a noble person!
8 A bribe seems ⌞like⌟ a jewel to the one who gives it.[d]
Wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 Whoever forgives an offense seeks love,
but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.
10 A reprimand impresses a person who has understanding
more than a hundred lashes impress a fool.
11 A rebel looks for nothing but evil.
Therefore, a cruel messenger will be sent ⌞to punish⌟ him.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of its cubs
than a fool ⌞carried away⌟ with his stupidity.
13 Whoever pays back evil for good—
evil will never leave his home.
14 Starting a quarrel is ⌞like⌟ opening a floodgate,
so stop before the argument gets out of control.
15 Whoever approves of wicked people
and whoever condemns righteous people
is disgusting to the Lord.
16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom
when he doesn’t have a mind to grasp anything?
17 A friend always loves,
and a brother is born to share trouble.
18 A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake.
He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend.
19 Whoever loves sin loves a quarrel.
Whoever builds his city gate high invites destruction.
20 A twisted mind never finds happiness,
and one with a devious tongue ⌞repeatedly⌟ gets into trouble.
21 The parent of a fool has grief,
and the father of a godless fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but depression drains one’s strength.
23 A wicked person secretly accepts a bribe to corrupt the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person,
but the eyes of a fool ⌞are looking around⌟ all over the world.
How Fools Live
25 A foolish son is a heartache to his father
and bitter grief to his mother.
26 To punish an innocent person is not good.
To strike down noble people is not right.
27 Whoever has knowledge controls his words,
and a person who has understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent.
He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.
18 A loner is out to get what he wants for himself.
He opposes all sound reasoning.
2 A fool does not find joy in understanding
but only in expressing his own opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
and insult comes along with disgrace.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person,
thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.
6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin.
His lips are a trap to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily,
and they go down into a person’s innermost being.
How to Avoid Fools and Foolishness
9 Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower.
A righteous person runs to it and is safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city
and is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant,
but humility comes before honor.
13 Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge.
The ears of wise people seek knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it
and brings him into the presence of great people.
17 The first to state his case seems right
⌞until⌟ his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.
18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels
and settles ⌞issues⌟ between powerful people.
19 An offended brother is more ⌞resistant⌟ than a strong city,
and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.
20 A person’s speaking ability provides for his stomach.
His talking provides him a living.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds something good
and has obtained favor from the Lord.
23 A poor person is timid when begging,
but a rich person is blunt when replying.
24 Friends can destroy one another,[e]
but a loving friend can stick closer than family.
19 Better to be a poor person who lives innocently
than to be one who talks dishonestly and is a fool.
2 A person without knowledge is no good.
A person in a hurry makes mistakes.
3 The stupidity of a person turns his life upside down,
and his heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth adds many friends,
but a poor person is separated from his friend.
5 A lying witness will not go unpunished.
One who tells lies will not escape.
6 Many try to win the kindness of a generous person,
and everyone is a friend to a person who gives gifts.
7 The entire family of a poor person hates him.
How much more do his friends keep their distance from him!
When he chases them with words, they are gone.
8 A person who gains sense loves himself.
One who guards understanding finds something good.
9 A lying witness will not go unpunished.
One who tells lies will die.
10 Luxury does not fit a fool,
much less a slave ruling princes.
11 A person with good sense is patient,
and it is to his credit that he overlooks an offense.
12 The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
A Foolish Son Brings Ruin to Others
13 A foolish son ruins his father,
and a quarreling woman is like constantly dripping water.
14 Home and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a sensible wife comes from the Lord.
15 Laziness throws one into a deep sleep,
and an idle person will go hungry.
16 Whoever obeys the law preserves his life,
⌞but⌟ whoever despises the Lord’s ways will be put to death.
17 Whoever has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his good deed.
18 Discipline your son while there is still hope.
Do not be the one responsible for his death.
19 A person who has a hot temper will pay for it.
If you rescue him, you will have to do it over and over.
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline
so that you may be wise the rest of your life.
21 Many plans are in the human heart,
but the advice of the Lord will endure.
22 Loyalty is desirable in a person,
and it is better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
and such a person will rest easy without suffering harm.
24 A lazy person puts his fork in his food.
He doesn’t even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and a gullible person may learn a lesson.
Warn an understanding person, and he will gain more knowledge.
Foolproof Instructions
26 A son who assaults his father ⌞and⌟ who drives away his mother
brings shame and disgrace.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks justice,
and the mouths of wicked people swallow up trouble.
29 Punishments are set for mockers
and beatings for the backs of fools.
20 Wine ⌞makes people⌟ mock,
liquor ⌞makes them⌟ noisy,
and everyone under their influence is unwise.
2 The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion.
Whoever makes him angry forfeits his life.
3 Avoiding a quarrel is honorable.
After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.
4 A lazy person does not plow in the fall.[f]
He looks for something in the harvest but finds nothing.
5 A motive in the human heart is like deep water,
and a person who has understanding draws it out.
6 Many people declare themselves loyal,
but who can find someone who is ⌞really⌟ trustworthy?
7 A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity.
Blessed are his children after he is gone.
8 A king who sits on his throne to judge sifts out every evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say,
“I’ve made my heart pure.
I’m cleansed from my sin”?
10 A double standard of weights and measures—
both are disgusting to the Lord.
11 Even a child makes himself known by his actions,
whether his deeds are pure or right.
12 The ear that hears,
the eye that sees—
the Lord made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will end up poor.
Keep your eyes open, and you will have plenty to eat.
14 “Bad! Bad!” says the buyer.
Then, as he goes away, he brags ⌞about his bargain⌟.
15 There are gold and plenty of jewels,
but the lips of knowledge are precious gems.
16 Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger’s loan,
and hold responsible the person who makes a loan on behalf of a foreigner.
17 Food gained dishonestly tastes sweet to a person,
but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Plans are confirmed by getting advice,
and with guidance one wages war.
19 Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets.
Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open.
20 The lamp of the person who curses his father and mother
will be snuffed out in total darkness.[g]
21 An inheritance quickly obtained in the beginning
will never be blessed in the end.
Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.