Proverbs

1 ¶ The ^aproverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel,

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice and judgment and equity,

4 To give prudence to the ^bsimple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 ^cA wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain to wise counsels,

6 To understand a proverb and the interpretation, the words of the wise and their ^driddles.

7 ^eThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 ¶ ^fMy son, hear the instruction of your father and do not forsake the law of your mother,

9 For they will be an ornament of ^ggrace to your head and chains around your neck.

10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice you, ^hdo not consent.

11 If they say, “Come with us. Let us ⁱlie in wait for blood. Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave, and whole ^jas those who go down into the pit;

13 We will find all precious substance. We will fill our houses with spoil.

14 Cast in your lot among us. Let us all have one purse.”

15 My son, ^kdo not walk in their way. ^lKeep your foot from their path,

16 ^mFor their feet run to evil and make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19 ⁿSo are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, who takes away the life of its owners.

20 ¶ ^oWisdom cries out aloud outside. She utters her voice in the streets.

21 She cries out from the chief place of the concourse and at the entrance of the gates. In the city she utters her words, saying,

22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For the scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn yourselves at my rebuke. Behold, ^pI will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.

24 ^qBecause I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one paid attention,

25 But you have ^rdisdained all my counsel and would have none of my rebuke.

26 ^sI also will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear comes,

27 When your ^tfear comes as desolation and your destruction comes as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you.

28 Then ^uthey will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me early, but they will not find me,

29 Because they ^vhated knowledge and did not ^wchoose the fear of the LORD;

30 ^xThey would not accept my counsel. They despised all my rebuke.

31 Therefore, ^ythey will eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices.

32 For the backsliding of the simple will slay them and the self-assurance of fools will destroy them.

33 But whoever hearkens to me will dwell ^zsafely and ^awill be secure from fear of evil.”

1 ¶ My son, if you will receive my words and ^atreasure my commandments within you,

2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding,

3 Yes, if you cry out after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding,

4 ^bIf you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures,

5 ^cThen you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

6 ¶ ^dFor the LORD gives wisdom. Out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous. ^eHe is a shield for those who walk uprightly.

8 He keeps the paths of judgment and ^fpreserves the way of His saints.

9 Then you will understand righteousness and judgment and equity, yes, every good path.

10 When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

11 Discretion will preserve you and ^gunderstanding will keep you,

12 To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man who speaks deceitful things,

13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness in order to ^hwalk in the ways of darkness,

14 ⁱWho rejoice to do evil and delight in the perversity of the wicked,

15 ^jWhose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths;

16 To deliver you from the ^kimmoral woman, even ^lfrom the seductress who flatters with her words,

17 Who forsakes the guide of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.

18 For ^mher house leads to death and her paths to the dead.

19 No one who goes to her returns again, nor do they take hold of the paths of life.

20 ¶ So you will walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright will dwell in the ⁿland and the perfect will remain in it.

22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth and the transgressors will be rooted out of it.

1 ¶ My son, do not forget my law, but ^alet your heart keep my commandments,

2 For they will add to you length of days and long life and ^bpeace.

3 Do not let mercy and truth forsake you. ^cBind them around your neck. ^dWrite them on the table of your heart,

4 ^eSo that you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 ^fTrust in the LORD with all your heart, and ^gdo not lean on your own understanding.

6 ^hIn all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own ⁱeyes. Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your body and ^jstrength to your bones.

9 ^kHonor the LORD with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase,

10 ^lSo that your barns will be filled with plenty and your presses will overflow with new wine.

11 ¶ ^mMy son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be weary of His correction.

12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, ⁿjust as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

13 ^oHappy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding.

14 ^pFor the profit of her is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies, and ^qall the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.

16 ^rLength of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor.

17 ^sHer ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a ^ttree of life to those who lay hold on her, and happy is everyone who retains her.

19 ^uThe LORD by wisdom has founded the earth, by understanding He has established the heavens.

20 By His knowledge the depths were ^vbroken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 ¶ My son, do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion,

22 So that they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.

23 ^wThen you will walk in your way safely and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

25 ^xDo not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the desolation of the wicked when it comes.

26 For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being taken.

27 ^yDo not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28 ^zDo not say to your neighbor, “Go and come again, and tomorrow I will give,” when you have it by you.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells securely by you.

30 ^aDo not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.

31 ^bDo not envy the oppressor and do not choose any of his ways.

32 For the deceitful person is an abomination to the LORD, but His ^csecret counsel is with the righteous.

33 ^dThe curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but ^eHe blesses the habitation of the just.

34 ^fSurely He scorns the scoffers, but He gives grace to the lowly.

35 The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the legacy of fools.

1 ¶ Hear, ^amy children, the instruction of a father and give attention to know understanding.

2 For I give you good teaching. Do not forsake my law.

3 For I was my father’s son, ^btender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

4 ^cHe taught me also and said to me, “Let your heart retain my words. ^dKeep my commandments and live.”

5 ^e“Get wisdom. Get understanding. Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her and she will preserve you. ^fLove her and she will keep you.”

7 ^g“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom. And with all your acquiring, get understanding.”

8 ^h“Exalt her and she will promote you. She will bring you to honor when you embrace her.”

9 “She will give to your head an ⁱornament of grace. She will deliver to you a crown of glory.”

10 ¶ Hear, O my son and receive my sayings, and the ^jyears of your life will be many.

11 I have ^ktaught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in right paths.

12 When you go, ^lyour steps will not be impeded. ^mAnd when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Take firm hold of instruction. Do not let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.

14 ¶ ⁿDo not enter into the path of the wicked, and do not go in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it. Do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on.

16 ^oFor they do not sleep unless they have done mischief. And their sleep is taken away until they cause someone to fall.

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

18 ¶ ^pBut the path of the just ^qis the light of dawn that shines more and more to the perfect day.

19 ^rThe way of the wicked is as darkness. They do not know over what they stumble.

20 ¶ My son, give attention to my words. Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body.

23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of ^slife.

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.

25 Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your eyelids look straight before you.

26 Ponder the path of your ^tfeet, and let all your ways be established.

27 Do not turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil.

1 ¶ My son, give attention to my wisdom and bow your ear to my understanding.

2 So that you may regard discretion and that your lips ^amay keep knowledge.

3 ^bFor the lips of an immoral woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is ^csmoother than oil.

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood and sharp as a two-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death. ^dHer steps take hold on Sheol.

6 Lest you should ponder the path of life, her ways are unstable and you do not know them.

7 ¶ Therefore, hear me, O you children and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove your way far from her and do not come near the door of her house,

9 lest you give your honor to others and your years to the cruel,

10 lest foreigners be filled with your wealth, and your labors be in the house of a stranger,

11 and you at last mourn when your flesh and your body are consumed,

12 and say, “How have I hated instruction and my heart despised reproof;

13 “and I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!

14 “I was almost in total ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”

15 ¶ Drink waters out of your own cistern and running waters out of your own well.

16 Let your fountains be dispersed abroad and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only your own and not for aliens with you.

18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the ^ewife of your youth.

19 ^fLet her be as the loving deer and pleasant doe. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times, and be ravished always with her love.

20 And why will you, my son, be ravished by an ^gimmoral woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

21 ^hFor the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his goings.

22 ⁱHis own iniquities will take the wicked himself, and he will be held with the cords of his sins.

23 ^jHe will die without instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

1 ¶ My son, ^aif you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken your hand with a stranger,

2 you are snared with the words of your mouth. You are taken with the words of your mouth.

3 Now do this, my son, and deliver yourself. Since you have come into the hand of your friend, go and humble yourself, and plead with your friend.

4 ^bGive no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.

5 Deliver yourself as a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 ¶ ^cGo to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways and be wise:

7 which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.

9 ^dHow long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—

11 ^eso your poverty will come in like a prowler, and your need as an armed man.

12 ¶ A worthless and wicked man walks with a deceitful mouth.

13 ^fHe winks with his eyes. He speaks with his feet. He teaches with his fingers.

14 Perversity is in his heart. ^gHe devises mischief continually. ^hHe sows discord.

15 Therefore, his calamity will come ⁱsuddenly. He will ^jbe broken suddenly ^kwithout remedy.

16 ¶ These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 ^lhaughty eyes, ^ma lying tongue, and ⁿhands that shed innocent blood,

18 ^oa heart that devises wicked imaginations, ^pfeet that are swift in running to mischief,

19 ^qfalse witness who speaks lies, and he who ^rsows discord among brothers.

20 ¶ ^sMy son, keep your father’s commandment and do not forsake the law of your mother.

21 ^tBind them continually on your heart and tie them around your neck.

22 ^uWhen you go about, they will lead you. When you sleep, ^vthey will keep you. And when you awake, they will talk with you.

23 ^wFor the commandment is a lamp and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

24 ^xto keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of the immoral woman.

25 ^yDo not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

26 For ^zby means of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the ^aimmoral woman will ^bhunt for the precious life.

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29 So is he who goes into his neighbor’s wife. Whoever touches her will not be innocent.

30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry.

31 But if he is found, he will ^crepay sevenfold. He will give all the substance of his house.

32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman ^dlacks understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.

33 Wounds and disgrace he will find, and his reproach will not be wiped away.

34 For ^ejealousy is the rage of a man. Therefore, he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will not regard any ransom, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

1 ¶ My son, keep my words and ^alay up my commandments within you.

2 ^bKeep my commandments and live, and ^cmy law as the apple of your eye.

3 ^dBind them on your fingers. Write them on the table of your heart.

4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin,

5 ^eso that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the stranger who flatters with her words.

6 ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice

7 and saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man ^fvoid of understanding,

8 passing through the street near her corner. Then he went the way to her house

9 ^gin the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.

10 And behold, there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot and a subtle heart.

11 ^hShe was loud and stubborn. ⁱHer feet did not stay in her house.

12 She is now in the streets and lies in wait at every corner.

13 So she caught him and kissed him, and with a confident face said to him,

14 “I have peace offerings with me. This day I have paid my vows.

15 So I came forth to meet you, diligently to seek your face. And I have found you.

16 I have spread my couch with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine ^jlinen from Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning. Let us delight ourselves with love,

19 for my husband is not at home. He is gone on a long journey.

20 He has taken a bag of money with him and will come home at an appointed day.”

21 ¶ With ^kher many persuasions she entices him to yield, ^lwith the flattering of her lips she seduces him.

22 He goes after her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23 until an arrow strikes through his liver, ^mas a bird hastens to the snare and does not know that it will cost him his life.

24 ¶ Hearken to me now, therefore, O you children, and give attention to the words of my mouth.

25 Do not let your heart decline to her ways. Do not go astray in her paths.

26 For she has cast many down wounded. Yes, ⁿmany strong men have been slain by her.

27 ^oHer house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

1 ¶ Does not ^awisdom cry out, and understanding put forth her voice?

2 She stands on the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3 She cries out at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors.

4 ¶ “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man.

5 “O you simple people, understand wisdom, and you fools, be of an understanding heart.

6 “Hear, for I will speak of ^bexcellent things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

7 “For my mouth will speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 “All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, nothing deceitful or perverse is in them.

9 “They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

10 “Receive my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 ^c“For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

12 ¶ “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 ^d“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate ^epride and arrogance, the evil way, and the ^fperverse mouth.

14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom. I am understanding. ^gI have strength.

15 ^h“By me kings reign and princes decree justice.

16 “By me princes and nobles rule, even all the judges of the earth.

17 ⁱ“I love those who love me, and ^jthose who seek me diligently will find me.

18 ^k“Riches and honor are with me, yes, enduring riches and righteousness.

19 “My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue better than choice silver.

20 “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

21 “so that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance. And I will fill their treasuries.

22 ¶ ^l“The LORD possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.

23 ^m“From everlasting I was established, before there was ever an earth.

24 “When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 ⁿ“Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth;

26 “while He had not yet made the earth, or the fields, or the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 “When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He put a circle on the face of the depth,

28 “when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep,

29 ^o“when He gave to the sea its limit, that the waters should not pass His command, ^pwhen He appointed the foundations of the earth,

30 ^q“then I was by Him as one brought up with Him. And ^rI was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,

31 “rejoicing in the inhabited world, and ^smy delight was with the sons of men.

32 ¶ “Now therefore hearken to me, O you children, for ^tblessed are those who keep my ways.

33 “Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse it.

34 ^u“Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 “For whoever finds me finds life, and will ^vobtain favor from the LORD.

36 “But he who sins against me ^wwrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death.”

1 ¶ Wisdom has ^abuilt her house. She has hewn out her seven pillars.

2 ^bShe has prepared her meat. ^cShe has mixed her wine. She has also furnished her table.

3 She has sent forth her maidens. She cries out on the highest places of the city,

4 “Whoever is ^dsimple, let him turn in here.” As for him who wants understanding, she says to him,

5 “Come, ^eeat of my bread and drink of the wine that I have mixed.

6 “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.”

7 ¶ “He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8 ^f“Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you. ^gRebuke a wise man and he will love you.

9 “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser. Teach a just man and ^hhe will increase in learning.

10 “The ⁱfear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.

11 ^j“For by me your days will be multiplied, and the years of your life will be increased.

12 ^k“If you are wise, you will be wise for yourself. But if you scorn, you alone will bear it.”

13 ¶ ^lA foolish woman is clamorous. She is simple and knows nothing.

14 For she sits at the door of her house on a seat ^min the high places of the city,

15 in order to call out to those who pass by on their way,

16 “Whoever is ⁿsimple, let him turn in here.” And to him who wants understanding, she says to him,

17 “Stolen ^owaters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that ^pthe dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

1 ¶ The proverbs of ^aSolomon: ^bA wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 ^cTreasures of wickedness profit nothing, ^dbut righteousness delivers from death.

3 ^eThe LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to famish, but He casts away the substance of the wicked.

4 ^fPoor is the one who works with a slack hand, but the ^ghand of the diligent makes rich.

5 He who gathers in ^hsummer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a ⁱson who causes shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7 ^jThe memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a ^kbabbling fool will fall.

9 ^lHe who walks uprightly walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be known.

10 He who winks with the eye causes sorrow, but a babbling fool will fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up strifes, but ^mlove covers all sins.

13 In the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a ⁿrod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the ^omouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The ^prich man’s wealth is his strong city, but the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to ^qlife, but the wages of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life who keeps instruction, but he who refuses reproof errs.

18 He who ^rhides hatred with lying lips, and ^swho utters slander, is a fool.

19 ^tIn the multitude of words there is no lack of sin, but ^uhe who restrains his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is worth little.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

22 ^vThe blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

23 ¶ ^wIt is as sport to a fool to do mischief, but a man of understanding has wisdom.

24 ^xWhat the wicked fears will come upon him, but the ^ydesire of the righteous will be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passes, so is the ^zwicked no more, but a ^athe righteous has an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

27 ^bThe fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the ^cyears of the wicked will be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the ^dexpectation of the wicked will perish.

29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright, but ^edestruction will be to the workers of iniquity.

30 ^fThe righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

31 ^gThe mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the deceitful tongue will be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverted.

1 ¶ A ^afalse balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes then comes ^bshame, but with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright will guide ^cthem, but the perverseness of transgressors will destroy them.

4 ^dWealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but ^erighteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked will fall by his own ^fwickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but transgressors will be taken in their own lusts.

7 When a wicked man dies his expectation will ^gperish, and the hope of unjust men perishes.

8 ^hThe righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place.

9 The godless with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the just will be delivered.

10 ⁱWhen it goes well with the righteous the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there is shouting.

11 Through the blessing of the upright the city is ^jexalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He who is void of wisdom derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 ^kA talebearer reveals secrets, but he who has a faithful spirit ^lconceals the matter.

14 ^mWhere there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

15 He who is ⁿsurety for another will suffer, and he who hates being surety is secure.

16 A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men retain only riches.

17 ^oThe merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked works a deceitful work, but he ^pwho sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

19 As righteousness leads to ^qlife, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own ^rdeath.

20 Those who are of a deceitful heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those who are upright in their ways are His delight.

21 ^sThough they join together the wicked will not be unpunished, but the ^tseed of the righteous will be delivered.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous results in good, but the expectation of the wicked is ^uwrath.

24 ¶ There is the one who ^vdistributes and yet increases more, and there is the one who withholds unduly, but it leads to poverty.

25 ^wThe generous soul will be made fat, and ^xhe who waters will be watered also himself.

26 The people will curse the ^yone who withholds grain, but ^zblessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27 He who diligently seeks good finds favor, but he who seeks mischief, it will come to him.

28 ^bHe who trusts in his riches will fall, but the ^crighteous will flourish as a branch.

29 He who troubles his own house ^dwill inherit the wind, and the fool will be a ^eservant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and ^fhe who wins souls is wise.

31 ^gIf the righteous will be rewarded on the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner.

1 ¶ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but He will condemn a man of wicked devices.

3 A man will not be established by wickedness, but the ^aroot of the righteous will not be moved.

4 ^bA virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who makes ashamed is ^cas rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 ^dThe words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, ^ebut the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 ^fThe wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, ^gbut he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 ¶ ^hBetter is the one who is nobody, but has a servant, than the one who honors himself and lacks bread.

10 ⁱA righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 ^jHe who tills his land will be satisfied with ^kbread, but he who follows vain persons is ^lvoid of understanding.

12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 ^mThe wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, ⁿbut the righteous will escape trouble.

14 ^oA man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the ^precompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15 ¶ ^qThe way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who hearkens to counsel is wise.

16 ^rA fool’s wrath is presently known, but a prudent man covers shame.

17 ^sHe who speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit.

18 ^tThere is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth will be established forever, ^ubut a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil, but to the counselors of peace is joy.

21 ^vNo evil will happen to the righteous, but the wicked will be filled with mischief.

22 ^wLying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 ^xA prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 ^yThe hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be under tribute.

25 ^zAnxiety in the heart of man makes it depressed, but a ^agood word makes it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The slothful man does not roast that which he took in hunting, but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

1 ¶ A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a ^ascoffer does not hear rebuke.

2 ^bA man will eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the transgressors will eat retribution.

3 ^cHe who keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips will have destruction.

4 ^dThe soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent will be made fat.

5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.

6 ^eRighteousness keeps the one who is upright in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

7 ^fThere is one who makes himself rich and yet has nothing, and one who makes himself poor and yet has great riches.

8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke.

9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, ^gbut the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 Only by pride comes ^hcontention, but with the well advised is wisdom.

11 ⁱWealth obtained by dishonesty will vanish, but he who gathers by labor will increase.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but ^jwhen the desire comes it is a tree of life.

13 ¶ Whoever ^kdespises instruction will be destroyed, but he who respects the commandment will be rewarded.

14 ^lThe law of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the ^msnares of death.

15 Good understanding wins ⁿfavor, but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 ^oEvery prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool reveals his foolishness.

17 A wicked messenger falls into mischief, but a ^pfaithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame will be to him who refuses instruction, but ^qhe who heeds correction will be honored.

19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed.

21 ^rEvil pursues sinners, but to the righteous good will be repaid.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the ^swealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23 ^tMuch food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but injustice takes it away.

24 ^uHe who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him promptly.

25 ^vThe righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked will be in want.

1 ¶ Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, ^abut he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, ^bbut the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen the manger is empty, but much increase comes by the strength of the oxen.

5 A ^ctruthful witness will not lie, but a false witness will utter ^dlies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but ^eknowledge is easy to him who understands.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man when you do not perceive in him the lips of ^fknowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 ^gFools mock at making amends for sin, but among the righteous there is favor.

10 The heart knows his own bitterness, and a stranger does not share with his joy.

11 ^hThe house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 ⁱThere is a way that seems right to a man, but ^jits end is the way of ^kdeath.

13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and ^lthe end of joy may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be ^mrepaid with his own ways, and a good man ⁿrewarded for his.

15 The simple believe every word, but the prudent man considers his steps.

16 ^oA wise man fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is self-confident.

17 He who is quick-tempered deals foolishly, and a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 ¶ ^pThe poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many ^qfriends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, ^rbut happy is he who has mercy on the poor.

22 Do they not err who devise evil? But mercy and truth will be to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivers ^ssouls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.

27 ^tThe fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honor, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 ^uHe who is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the body, but ^venvy is ^wrottenness of the bones.

31 ^xHe who oppresses the poor reproaches ^yhis Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but ^zthe righteous has hope in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but ^awhat is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalts a ^bnation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 ^cThe king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

1 ¶ A ^asoft answer turns away wrath, but ^bharsh words stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, ^cbut the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.

3 ^dThe eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 ^eA fool despises his father’s instruction, ^fbut he who accepts correction is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but trouble is the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the foolish does not do so.

8 ^gThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves the one who ^hfollows after righteousness.

10 ⁱCorrection is grievous to him who forsakes the way, and ^jhe who hates reproof will die.

11 ^kSheol and destruction are before the LORD, how much more then the ^lhearts of the children of men?

12 ^mA scoffer does not love the one who reproves him, nor will he go to the wise.

13 ⁿA merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but ^oby sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, ^pbut he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

16 ^qBetter is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.

17 ^rBetter is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox with hatred.

18 ^sA wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases strife.

19 ^tThe way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is a highway.

20 ^uA wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 ¶ ^vFolly is joy to him who lacks wisdom, ^wbut a man of understanding walks uprightly.

22 ^xWithout consultation plans are frustrated, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and how good is a ^ytimely word.

24 ^zThe way of life leads upward for the wise, so that he may ^aturn away from Sheol below.

25 ^bThe LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but ^cHe will establish the boundary of the widow.

26 ^dThe thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, ^ebut the words of the pure are pleasant.

27 ^fHe who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous ^gstudies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29 ^hThe LORD is far from the wicked, but ⁱHe hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The cheerful look rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones fat.

31 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.

32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who hears correction receives understanding.

33 ^jThe fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and ^kbefore honor is humility.

1 ¶ The ^aplans of the heart belong to man, ^bbut the reply from the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own ^ceyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits.

3 ^dCommit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.

4 The ^eLORD has made all things for Himself, ^fyes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 ^gEveryone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD, though they join hand in hand they will not be unpunished.

6 ^hBy mercy and faithfulness sin is purged, and ⁱby the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 ^jBetter is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without justice.

9 ^kA man’s heart plans his way, ^lbut the LORD directs his steps.

10 ¶ A divine sentence is on the lips of the king, his mouth should not err in judgment.

11 ^mA just weight and balance are the Lord’s. All the weights of the bag are His work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, for ⁿthe throne is established by righteousness.

13 ^oRighteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks right.

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will ^pappease it.

15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life, and his favor is like a ^qcloud of the latter rain.

16 ^rHow much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil, and he who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be humble in spirit with the poor, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who handles a matter wisely will find good, and happy is the one who ^strusts in the LORD.

21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

25 ¶ There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end are the ways of ^tdeath.

26 He who labors, labors for himself, for his hunger urges ^uhim on.

27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning ^vfire.

28 A perverse man sows strife, and a ^wgossip separates best friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and he leads him into the way that is not good.

30 He winks his eyes to devise deceitful things, and he purses his lips to bring about evil.

31 ^xThe gray head is a crown of glory, if it is attained by the way of righteousness.

32 ^yHe who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who controls his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

1 ¶ Better is a ^adry morsel and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.

2 A wise servant will have rule over ^ba son who causes shame, and will share the inheritance among the brothers.

3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, ^cbut the LORD tests the hearts.

4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips, and a liar gives ear to a worthless tongue.

5 ^dWhoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and ^ehe who gloats over calamity will not be unpunished.

6 ^fChildren’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers.

7 Excellent speech does not become a fool, much less do lying lips a prince.

8 A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him who has it. It prospers wherever it turns.

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but ^hhe who repeats a matter separates friends.

10 ⁱA rebuke enters more into a wise man than a hundred stripes on a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, therefore a merciless messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet a ^jbear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.

13 ¶ Whoever ^krewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water, therefore ^lleave the quarrel before it breaks out.

15 ^mHe who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, even both are an abomination to the LORD.

16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, since he has no heart for it?

17 ⁿA friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

18 ^oA man void of understanding shakes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.

19 He loves transgression who loves strife, and ^phe who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a ^qperverse tongue falls into mischief.

21 He who begets a fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A ^rmerry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 A wicked man takes a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice.

24 ^sWisdom is before him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A ^tfoolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27 ^uHe who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28 ^vEven a fool when he holds his peace is counted wise. He who shuts his lips is considered a man of understanding.

1 ¶ A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he argues against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his ^aown mind.

3 When the wicked comes, so also comes contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.

4 ^bThe words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the ^cwellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in ^djudgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for a beating.

7 ^eA fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his ^fsoul.

8 ^gThe words of a gossip are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

9 He also who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong ^htower; the righteous runs to it and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own esteem.

12 ⁱBefore destruction the heart of man is arrogant, and before honor is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he listens, it is his folly and shame.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his sickness, but who can bear a wounded spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 ^jA man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

17 The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.

18 The casting of ^klots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart.

19 An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 ^lA man’s belly will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, and he will be filled with the increase of his lips.

21 ^mDeath and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 ⁿWhoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.

23 The poor pleads for mercy, but the rich answers ^oroughly.

24 A man who has friends must show himself friendly, ^pbut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

1 ¶ Better is the ^apoor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

2 Also, it is not good that the soul be without knowledge, and he who hastens with his feet sins.

3 The foolishness of man perverts his way, and his heart rages against the LORD.

4 ^bWealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.

5 A ^cfalse witness will not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many will ask for the favor of the prince, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.

7 ^dAll the brothers of the poor hate him, how much more do his friends go ^efar from him? He pursues them with words, yet they abandon him.

8 He who acquires wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding ^fwill find good.

9 A false witness will not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies will perish.

10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less ^gfor a servant to have rule over princes.

11 ^hThe discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and it is ⁱhis glory to overlook a transgression.

12 ^jThe king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion, but his favor is ^kas dew on the grass.

13 ^lA foolish son is the calamity of his father, and ^mthe contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14 ⁿHouse and riches are inherited from the fathers, and a ^oprudent wife is from the LORD.

15 ^pLaziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle soul will ^qsuffer hunger.

16 ^rHe who keeps the commandment keeps his own soul, but he who despises his ways will die.

17 ^sHe who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and that which he has given He will pay him again.

18 ¶ ^tChasten your son while there is hope, and do not be a willing party to his destruction.

19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment, for if you rescue him you must do it again.

20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, so that you may be wise ^uin your latter days.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, but ^vit is the Lord’s will that will prevail.

22 The desire of a man is the measure of his kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 ^wThe fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in contentment. He will not be visited with evil.

24 ^xA slothful man hides his hand in his bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Smite a scoffer and the simple ^ywill beware. ^zRebuke one who has understanding and he will understand knowledge.

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother, is a ^ason who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease listening, my son, to instruction and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 An ungodly witness mocks judgment, and the ^bmouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and ^cstripes for the back of fools.

1 ¶ ^aWine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion. Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.

3 ^bIt is an honor for a man to cease from strife, but any fool can start an argument.

4 ^cThe sluggard will not plow because of the cold, therefore ^dhe will beg in harvest and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim their own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?

7 ^eThe just man walks in his integrity, ^fHis children are blessed after him.

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

9 ^gWho can say, “I have made my heart clean. I am pure from my sin”?

10 ^hDiffering weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

11 Even a child is ⁱknown by his actions, whether his conduct is pure and right.

12 ^jThe hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made both of them.

13 ^kDo not love sleep lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread.

14 “It is no good. It is no good,” says the buyer. But when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

15 ¶ There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the ^llips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 ^mTake the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold him in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

17 ⁿBread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 ^oEvery purpose is established by counsel, and with ^pgood advice make war.

19 ^qHe who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with him ^rwho flatters with his lips.

20 ^sWhoever curses his father or his mother, ^this lamp will be put out in obscure darkness.

21 ^uAn inheritance may be received hastily at the beginning, but its end ^vwill not be blessed.

22 ^wDo not say, “I will take revenge,” but ^xwait on the LORD and He will save you.

23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, and a false balance is not good.

24 A man’s steps are of the LORD. How then can a man understand his own way?

25 It is a snare to the man who devours what is holy, then afterward vows to make inquiry.

26 ^yA wise king scatters the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them.

27 ^zThe spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the depths of the heart.

28 ^aMercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is made secure by mercy.

29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the ^bbeauty of old men is the grey head.

30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, so do stripes the depths of the heart.

1 ¶ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD as the rivers of water. He turns it wherever He desires.

2 ^aEvery way of a man is right in his own eyes, ^bbut the LORD weighs the hearts.

3 ^cTo do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 ^dArrogant eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

5 ^eThe thoughts of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

6 ^fThe acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fantasy tossed to and fro by those who seek death.

7 The robbery of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.

8 The way of the guilty is devious, but as for the pure, his work is right.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a ^gcontentious woman in a wide house.

10 ^hThe soul of the wicked desires evil. His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise. And when the ⁱwise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked, but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.

13 ^jWhoever stops his ears at the outcry of the poor, he also will cry out himself, but will not be heard.

14 A gift given in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe given in concealment, great wrath.

15 It is joy to the just to do justly, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding will remain in the assembly of the ^kdead.

17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked will be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 ^lThere is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

21 ^mHe who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness and honor.

22 A ⁿwise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 ^oWhoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

24 A proud and arrogant man: “Scoffer” is his name, who acts in arrogant wrath.

25 The ^pdesire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

26 He covets greedily all the day long, but the righteous ^qgives and does not spare.

27 ^rThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with a wicked mind?

28 A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

30 ^sThere is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but ^tvictory is from the LORD.

1 ¶ A ^agood name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2 The ^brich and poor meet together. The ^cLORD is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are ^dpunished.

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the deceitful. He who keeps his soul will be far from them.

6 ^eTrain up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The ^frich rules over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender.

8 He who sows iniquity will reap ^gtrouble, and the rod of his anger will fail.

9 The ^hHe who has a generous eye will be ⁱblessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

10 ^jCast out the scoffer and contention will leave, yes, strife and reproach will cease.

11 ^kHe who loves purity of heart and whose speech is with grace, the king will be his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and He overthrows the words of the transgressor.

13 ^lThe slothful man says, “There is a lion outside. I will be slain in the streets.”

14 ^mThe mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit. ⁿHe who is abhorred of the LORD will fall in it.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the ^orod of correction will drive it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

17 ¶ Bow down your ear and hear the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my knowledge,

18 for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, so that they may be ready on your lips,

19 that your trust may be in the LORD. I have instructed you this day, even you.

20 Have I not written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

21 ^pso that I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth, ^qthat you might answer the words of truth to those who send to you?

22 ¶ Do not rob the poor because he is ^rpoor, nor oppress the afflicted in the gate.

23 ^sFor the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those who spoiled them.

24 Make no friend of an angry man, and with a ^tfurious man you will not go,

25 lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.

26 ^uDo not be one of those who strike hands, or with those who are sureties for debts.

27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

28 ^vDo not remove the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

29 Do you see a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure men.

1 ¶ When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you.

2 And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.

3 Do not crave his delicacies, for they are deceitful food.

4 ^aDo not labor to be rich. ^bCease because of your own wisdom.

5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings. They fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Do not eat the food of a ^cstingy man, nor desire his delicacies.

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink,” ^dhe says to you, but his heart is not with you.

8 The morsel that you have eaten you will vomit up, and lose your sweet words.

9 ^eDo not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not remove the old landmark, and do not enter into the fields of the fatherless,

11 ^ffor their Redeemer is mighty. He will plead their cause with you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 ^gDo not withhold correction from the child, for if you beat him with a rod he will not die.

14 You will beat him with a rod, and will deliver his soul from Sheol.

15 ¶ My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice, even I myself.

16 Yes, my inner being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.

17 ^hDo not let your heart envy sinners, but ⁱbe in the fear of the LORD throughout the day,

18 ^jfor surely there is an end, and your expectation will not be cut off.

19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.

20 ^kDo not associate with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat.

21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22 ^lHearken to your father who begat you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 ^mBuy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24 ⁿThe father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will have joy in him.

25 Your father and your mother will be glad, and she who bore you will rejoice.

26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways.

27 ^oFor a whore is a deep ditch, and an adulterous woman is a narrow pit.

28 ^pShe also lies in wait as for a prey, and increases the transgressors among men.

29 ¶ ^qWho has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has ^rredness of eyes?

30 ^sThose who linger long at the wine and those who go to seek ^tmixed wine.

31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly.

32 At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.

33 Your eyes will behold strange things and your heart will utter perverse things.

34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he who lies on the top of a mast.

35 ^u“They have stricken me,” you will say, “yet I am not hurt. They have beaten me, and I did not feel it. When ^vI awake I will seek it yet again.”

1 ¶ Do not be ^aenvious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,

2 for their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;

4 and by knowledge the chambers will be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 ^bA wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.

6 ^cFor by wise counsel you will make your war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

7 ^dWisdom is too high for a fool. He does not open his mouth in the gate.

8 He who ^eplots to do evil will be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.

10 If you ^ffalter in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

11 ^gRescue those who are drawn to death, and those who are ready to be slain.

12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know it,” does not ^hHe who weighs the heart consider it? And He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to every man ⁱaccording to his works?

13 My son, ^jeat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb that is sweet to your taste.

14 ^kSo will the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul. When you have found it, then there will be a reward and your hope will not be cut off.

15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous. Do not spoil his resting place,

16 ^lfor a just man falls seven times and rises up again, ^mbut the wicked will fall into mischief.

17 ⁿDo not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles,

18 lest the LORD see and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.

19 ^oDo not fret yourself because of evil men, nor be envious of the wicked,

20 for there will be no reward for the evil man. The candle of the wicked will be put out.

21 My son, ^pfear the LORD and the king, and do not meddle with those who are given to rebellion,

22 for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin of them both?

23 ¶ These things also belong to the wise. ^qIt is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 ^rHe who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him will the people curse. Nations will abhor him.

25 But for those who rebuke him it ^swill go well and a good blessing will come on them.

26 Every man will kiss the lips of him who gives a right answer.

27 ^tPrepare your outside work and make it fit for yourself in the field, and afterwards build your house.

28 ^uDo not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 ^vDo not say, “I will do so to him as he has done to me. I will render to the man according to his work.”

30 ¶ I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding,

31 and behold, it was wall grown over with thorns and nettles had covered its surface, and its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw and considered it well. I looked on it and received instruction.

33 ^xA little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;

34 ^yso will your poverty come as a prowler, and your need as an armed man.

1 ¶ ^aThese are also proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

2 ^bIt is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

3 The heaven for height and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4 ^cTake away the dross from the silver, and there will come forth material for the silversmith.

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in ^drighteousness.

6 Do not put forth yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

7 ^efor it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.

8 ^fDo not go forth hastily to argue your case lest you not know what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame.

9 ^gDebate your case with your neighbor alone, and do not disclose a secret to another,

10 lest he who hears it put you to shame and your reputation be ruined.

11 ¶ A word aptly ^hspoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13 ⁱAs the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 ^jWhoever boasts himself of a false gift is like ^kclouds and wind without rain.

15 ¶ ^lBy long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled with it and vomit it.

17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.

18 ^mA man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in a time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint.

20 As he who takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on soda, so is he who ⁿsings songs to a heavy heart.

21 ^oIf your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat. And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head and ^pthe LORD will reward you.

23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so does a ^qbackbiting tongue bring an angry countenance.

24 ^rIt is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is ^sgood news from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a murky spring and a polluted well.

27 It is not good to eat much honey, so for men ^tto seek their own glory is not glory.

28 ^uHe who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.

1 ¶ As snow in summer, and as a rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 As a sparrow in its flitting, as a swallow in its flying, so ^ba curse without cause does not alight.

3 ^cA whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.

5 ^dAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks damage.

7 The legs of the lame are not equal, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.

9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 The great God who formed all things, both rewards the fool and rewards transgressors.

11 ^eAs a dog returns to his vomit, ^fso a fool returns to his folly.

12 ^gDo you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 ¶ The slothful man says, “There is a lion in the way. A lion is in the streets.”

14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful on his bed.

15 The ^hslothful buries his hand in his dish. It grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer discreetly.

17 ¶ He who passes by and meddles in an argument not belonging to him, is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows and death,

19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ⁱ“I was only joking.”

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out. So where there is no talebearer the strife ceases.

21 ^jAs charcoal is to burning coals and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself.

25 ^kWhen he speaks fair, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 His hatred is covered by deceit. His wickedness will be revealed before the whole assembly.

27 ^lWhoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will return on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ^mruin.

1 ¶ ^aDo not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2 ^bLet another man praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips.

3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.

4 Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but ^cwho is able to stand before envy?

5 ^dOpen rebuke is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are ^edeceitful.

7 The satisfied soul loathes a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his place.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

10 Do not forsake your own friend and your father’s friend, nor go into your brother’s house in the day of your calamity, for ^fbetter is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.

11 My son, be wise and make my heart glad, ^gso that I may answer him who reproaches me.

12 A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are ^hpunished.

13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for a wayward woman.

14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.

15 A ⁱcontinual dropping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.

17 Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

18 ^jWhoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit, so he who waits on his master will be honored.

19 As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.

20 ^kSheol and destruction are never full, so ^lthe eyes of man are never satisfied.

21 ^mAs the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold, so each is tested by the praise given to him.

22 ⁿThough you crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23 ¶ Be diligent to know the state of your ^oflocks, and look well to your herds.

24 For riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to every generation.

25 ^pWhen the hay is removed, and the new growth shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered,

26 the lambs are for your clothing and the goats are the price of the field.

27 And you will have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and for sustenance for your maidservants.

1 ¶ The ^awicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 By the transgression of a land there are many princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state will be prolonged.

3 ^bA ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4 ^cThose who forsake the law praise the wicked, ^dbut such as keep the law contend with them.

5 ^eEvil men do not understand judgment, but ^fthose who seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness, than he who is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of riotous men shames his father.

8 He who by usury and unjust gain increases his wealth, will gather it for him who will pity the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, ^geven his prayer will be an abomination.

10 ^hWhoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he will fall himself into his own pit. ⁱBut the upright will have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great ^jglory. But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 ^kHe who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into mischief.

15 ^lAs a roaring lion and a raging bear, so is a ^mwicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince who lacks understanding is also a great ⁿoppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17 ^oA man who does violence to the blood of any person will flee to the pit. Let no man support him.

18 Whoever walks uprightly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will fall at once.

19 ^pHe who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows after useless persons will have poverty in plenty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, ^qbut he who makes haste to be rich will not be innocent.

21 ^rTo have respect of persons is not good, ^sbecause for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and does not consider that ^tpoverty will come on him.

23 ^uHe who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It is no transgression,” the same is the ^vcompanion of a destroyer.

25 ^wHe who has a proud heart stirs up strife, ^xbut he who puts his trust in the LORD will be made fat.

26 He who ^ytrusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

27 ^zHe who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise ^amen hide themselves, but when they perish the righteous increase.

1 ¶ ^aHe who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

2 The ^bpeople rejoice when the righteous are in authority. But the ^cpeople mourn when the wicked have control.

3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he who keeps company with harlots spends his substance.

4 The king by judgment establishes the land, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.

5 A man who ^dflatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous sings and rejoices.

7 The righteous ^econsiders the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

8 Scornful men ^fbring a city into a snare, but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, the ^gfool only rages or laughs, and there is no peace.

10 ^hThe bloodthirsty detest the blameless, but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool speaks all his ⁱmind, but a wise man keeps it in until later.

12 If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together, and ^jthe LORD enlightens the eyes of both.

14 The king who ^kfaithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

15 The rod and reproof give ^lwisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked are multiplied transgression increases, but the righteous will see their ^mfall.

17 Correct your son and he will give you rest, yes, he will give delight to your soul.

18 ⁿWhere there is no vision the people perish, but ^ohappy is he who keeps the law.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words, for though he understands he will not answer.

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? ^pThere is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 He who pampers his servant from youth will in the end find him to be a son.

22 ^qAn angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.

23 ^rA man’s pride will bring him low, but honor will uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own soul; ^she puts himself under oath and does not testify.

25 ^tThe fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD will be safe.

26 ^uMany seek the ruler’s favor, but every man’s judgment comes from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

1 ¶ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. This man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 ^aSurely I am more ignorant than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the ^bknowledge of the holy.

4 ^cWho has ascended up into heaven, or descended? ^dWho has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name and what is His Son’s name, if you can tell?

5 ^eEvery word of God is pure. ^fHe is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 ^gDo not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you are found a liar.

7 Two things I have required from You (do not deny me of them before I die):

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. ^hFeed me with food allotted for me,

9 ⁱlest I be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain.

10 ¶ Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that curses their ^jfather and does not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation ^kthat is pure in their own eyes, and yet, is not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation—O how ^llofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.

14 ^mThere is a generation whose teeth are as swords and their jaw teeth as knives, ⁿto devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men.

15 The leech has two daughters, crying, “Give! Give!” There are three things that will not be satisfied, four that will not say, “Enough”:

16 ^oThe grave, and the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water, and the fire that does not say, “It is enough.”

17 ^pThe eye that mocks at his father and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

18 ¶ There are three things that are too wonderful for me, yes, four that I do not know:

19 the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.

20 ¶ Such is the way of an adulterous woman. She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wickedness.”

21 For three things the earth trembles, and for four that it cannot bear:

22 ^qfor a servant when he reigns, and a fool when he is filled with food,

23 for a hateful woman when she is married, and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.

24 ¶ There be four things that are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:

25 ^rthe ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.

26 ^sThe rock badgers are but feeble creatures, yet they make their houses in the rocks.

27 The locusts have no king, yet they go forth all of them by ranks.

28 The spider takes hold with her hands and is in kings’ palaces.

29 ¶ There are three things that go well, yes, four are stately in their walk:

30 a lion that is strongest among beasts and does not turn away for any,

31 a greyhound, a male goat also, and a king with his army around him.

32 ¶ If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, ^tlay your hand on your mouth.

33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the twisting of the nose brings forth blood, so the stirring up of wrath brings forth strife.

1 ¶ The words of King Lemuel, the oracle that his mother taught him:

2 O my son? O the son of my womb? O the ^ason of my vows?

3 ^bDo not give your strength to women, nor your ways ^cto that which destroys kings.

4 ^dIt is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink,

5 ^elest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the oppressed.

6 ^fGive strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his misery no more.

8 ¶ ^gOpen your mouth for the mute in the cause of all who are left desolate.

9 Open your mouth, ^hjudge righteously and ⁱplead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 ¶ ^jWho can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he will have no lack of gain.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships. She brings her food from afar.

15 ^kShe rises also while it is still night and ^lgives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.

19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 ^mShe stretches out her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry, her clothing is silk and purple.

23 ⁿHer husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers sashes to the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she will rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up and call her blessed. Her husband praises her.

29 Many women have done well, but you surpass them all.

30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.