The Book of Proverbs Proverbs Chapter 1 the Proverbs of Solomon son of David king of Israel for gaining wisdom and instruction for understanding words of insight for receiving instruction in prudent Behavior doing what is right and just and fair for giving Prudence to those who are simple knowledge and discretion to the young let the wise listen and add to their learning and let The Discerning get guidance for understanding Proverbs and Parables the sayings and riddles of the wise the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction listen my
son to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching they are a Garland to Grace your head and a chain to Adorn your Neck my son if sinful men entice you do not give in to them if they say come along with us let's lie and wait for innocent Blood let's Ambush some harmless Soul let's swallow them alive like the grave and whole like those who go down to the pit we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder cast lots with us we will all share the loot
my son do not go along with them do not set foot on their paths for their Feet rush into evil they are Swift to shed blood how useless to spread a net where every bird can see it these men lie in wait for their own blood they Ambush only themselves such are the paths of all who go after ill gotten gain it takes away the life of those who get it out in the open wisdom calls aloud she raises her voice in the Public Square on the top of the wall she cries out at The
City Gate she makes her Speech how long will you who are simple love your simple ways how long will mockers Delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge repent at my rebuke then I will pour out my thought to you and I will make known to you my teachings but since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke I in turn will laugh When disaster strikes you I will mock when Calamity overtakes you when Calamity
overtakes you like a storm when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind when distress and trouble overwhelm you then they will call to me but I will not answer they will look for me but will not find me since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the lord since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke they will Eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes for the waywardness of the simple will kill them and the complacency of fools will destroy them but whoever listens
to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of [Music] harm Proverbs Chapter 2 my son if you accept my words and store up my commands within you turning Your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for Hidden Treasure then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God for the Lord gives wisdom from his mouth come knowledge and understanding he
holds success in store for the upright he is a shield to those Whose way of life is blameless for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones then you will understand what is right and just and fair every good path for wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men for men whose words are perverse who have left the straight Paths to walk in dark ways who
Delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman from the Wayward woman with her seductive words who has left the partner of her Youth and ignored the Covenant she made before for God surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the Dead none who go to her return or attain the paths Of Life thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of
the righteous for the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the unfaithful will be torn from [Music] it Proverbs chapter 3 my son do not forget my teaching but Keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity let love and faithfulness never leave you bind them round your neck write them on the tablet of your heart then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of
God and man trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path Straight do not be wise in your own eyes fear the lord and shun evil this will bring Health to your body and nourishment to your bones honor the Lord with your wealth with the first fruits of all your crops then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your Vats will brim over with new wine my son do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not
resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves as a father the son he Delights In blessed are those who find wisdom those who gain understanding for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold she is more precious than rubies nothing you desire can compare with her long life is in her right hand in her left hand are riches and honor her ways are Pleasant ways and all her Paths of Peace she is a tree of life to those who take hold of her those who hold her fast will be
Blessed by wisdom the Lord laid the Earth's foundations by understanding he set the heavens in place by his knowledge the watery depths were divided and the clouds let drop the Dew my son did not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight preserve sound judgment and discretion they will be life for you an ornament to Grace your neck then you will go on your way in safety and your foot will not Stumble when you lie down you will not be afraid when you lie down your sleep will be sweet have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared to not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it it is in your power to act do not say to your neighbor come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you when you already have it with You do not plot harm against your neighbor who lives trustfully near you do not accuse anyone for no reason when they have done you no harm do not envy the violent or choose any
of their ways for the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence the Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked but He blesses the home of the righteous he mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed the wise inherit honor but Fools get only shame Proverbs chapter 4 Listen My Sons to a father's instruction pay attention and gain understanding I give you sound learning so do not forsake my teaching for I too was a son to my father still tender and cherished by my mother then he taught
me and he said to me take hold of my words with all your heart keep my commands and you will Live get wisdom get understanding do not forget my words or turn away from them do not forsake wisdom widom and she will protect you love her and she will watch over you the beginning of wisdom is this get wisdom though it cost all you have get understanding cherish her and she will exalt you Embrace her and she will honor you she will give you a Garland to Grace your head and present you with a Glorious
crown listen my son accept what I say and the years of your life will be many I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths when you walk your steps will not be hampered when you run you will not stumble hold on to instruction do not let it go guard it well for it is your life do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers avoid it do not travel on it turn from It and go on your way for they cannot rest
until they do evil they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence the path of the righteous is like the morning sun shining ever brighter till the full light of day but the Way of the Wicked is like Deep D nness they do not know what makes them stumble my son pay attention to what I say turn your ear to my words do not let Them out of your sight keep them within your heart for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body Above All Else guard your heart for everything you do flows from it keep your mouth free of perversity keep corrupt talk far from your lips let your eyes look straight ahead fix your gaze directly before you give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways do not turn to the right or The left keep your foot from [Music] Evil Proverbs Chapter 5 my son pay attention to my wisdom turn your ear to my words of insight that you may maintain discretion and your
lips May preserve knowledge for the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey and Her speech is smoother than oil but in the end she is bitter as Gall sharp as a double-edged sword her feet go down to death her Steps lead straight to to the Grave she gives no thought to the way of life her paths wander aimlessly but she does not know it now then my sons listen to me do not turn aside from what I say keep to a path far from her do not go near the door of her house lest you
lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel lest strangers Feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and body are spent you will say how I hated discipline how my heart spurned correction I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors and I was soon in serious trouble in the Assembly of God's people drink water from your own system running water from your own well should your Springs overflow in the streets
your streams of water in the Public squares let them be yours alone never to be shared with strangers may your fountain be blessed and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth a loving dough a graceful deer May her breasts satisfy you always may you ever be intoxicated with Hur love why my son be intoxicated with another man's wife why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman for your ways are in full view of The Lord and He examines all your paths the evil Deeds of the wicked ens snare them the cords of their
sins hold them fast for lack of discipline they will die LED astray by their own great folly Proverbs Chapter 6 my son if you have put up security for your neighbor if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger you have been trapped by what you said and snared by The words of your mouth so do this my son to Free Yourself since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands go to the point of exhaustion and give your neighbor No Rest allow no sleep to your eyes no Slumber to your eyelids free yourself like
a gazelle from the hand of the hunter like a bird From The Snare of the Fowler go to the ant you sluggard consider its ways and be wise it has no Commander no overseer or Ruler yet it stores its Provisions in summer and gathers its food at Harvest how long will you lie there you slugged when will you get up from your sleep a little sleep a little Slumber a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man a troublemaker and a villain
who goes about with a corrupt mouth who Winks maliciously with his eye signals with his feet and motions with his Fingers who plots evil with de seat in his heart he always stirs up conflict therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant he will suddenly be destroyed without remedy there are six things the Lord hates seven that are detestable to him hay eyes a lying tongue hands that shed innocent blood a heart that devises wicked schemes feet that are quick to rush into evil a false witness who pours Out lies and a person who stirs
up conflict in the community my son keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching bind them always on your heart fasten them round your neck when you walk they will guide you when you sleep they will watch over you when you awake they will speak to you for this command is a lamp this teaching is a light and correction and instruction are the way to life keeping you from your neighbor's Wife from the smooth talk of a wayward woman do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her Captivate you
with her eyes for a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread but another man's wife prays on your very life can a man scoop fire into his lap with without his clothes being burned can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched so is he who sleeps with another man's wife no one who touches Her will go unpunished people do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving yet if he is caught he must pay Sevenfold though it costs him all the wealth of
his house but a man who commits adultery has no sense whoever does so destroys himself blows and disgrace are his lot and his shame will never be wiped away for jealousy arouses a husband's Fury and he will show no mercy when he takes Revenge he will not accept any compensation he will refuse a bribe however great it is Proverbs Chapter 7 my son keep my words and store up my commands within you keep my commands and you will live guard my teachings as the apple of your eye bind them on your fingers write them on
the tablet of your heart say to wisdom you are my sister and to Insight you are my Relative they will keep you from the adulterous woman from the Wayward woman with her seductive words at the window of my house I looked down through the ltis I saw among the simple I noticed among the young men a youth who had no sense he was going down the street near her Corner walking along in the direction of her house at Twilight as the day was fading as the dark of night set In then out came a woman
to meet him dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent she is unruly and defiant her feet never stay at home now in the street now in the squares at every corner she lurks she took hold of him and kissed him and with a Brazen face she said today I fulfilled my vows and I have food for my fellowship offering at home so I came out to meet you I looked for You you and have found you I have covered my bed with colored Linens from Egypt I have perfumed my bed with myrrh Alives and
cinnamon come let's drink deeply of Love till morning let's enjoy ourselves with love my husband is not at home he has gone on a long journey he took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon with persuasion of words she led him astray she seduced him with her Smooth talk all at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare little knowing it will cost him his life now then
my sons listen to me pay attention to what I say do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths many of the victims she has brought down her slain Are a mighty throng her house is a highway to the Grave leading down to the chambers of death Proverbs chapter 8 does not wisdom call out does not understanding raise her voice at the highest point along the way where the paths meet she takes her stand beside the gate leading into the city at the entrance she cries aloud to you oh people
I call out I raise my voice to all Humanity you who are simple gain Prudence you who are foolish set your hearts on it listen for I have trustworthy things to say I open my lips to speak what is right my mouth speaks what is true for my lips detest wickedness all the words of my mouth are just none of them is crooked or perverse to the Discerning all of them are right they are upright to those who have found knowledge choose my instruction instead of silver knowledge rather than Choice Gold for wisdom is more
precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare with her I wisdom dwell together with Prudence I possess knowledge and discretion to fear the lord is to hate evil I hate pride and arrogance evil behavior and perverse speech counsel and sound judgment are mine I have Insight I have power by me Kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just by me Princes govern and Nobles all who rule on Earth I love those who love me and those who seek me find me with me are riches and honor enduring wealth and prosperity my fruit is
better than fine gold what I yield surpasses Choice silver I walk in the way of righteousness along the paths of Justice bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full the Lord brought me forth as the First of his Works before his deeds of old I was formed long ages ago at the very beginning when the world came to be when there were no watery depths I was given birth when there were no springs overflowing with water before the mountains were settled in place before the hills I was given birth
before he made the world or its Fields or any of the Dust of the earth I was there when he set the heavens in place when he marked out the Horizon on the Face of the deep when he established the clouds above and fixed securely The Fountains of the deep when he gave the sea its boundary so that the waters would not overstep his command and when he marked out the foundations of the Earth then I was constantly at his side I was filled with delight day after day rejoicing always in his presence rejoicing in
his whole world and delighting in the human Race now then my children listen to me blessed are those who keep my ways listen to my instruction and be wise do not disregard it blessed are those who listen to me me watching daily at my doors waiting at my doorway for those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord but those who fail to find me harm themselves all who hate me love death Proverbs chapter 9 wisdom has built her house she has set Up its seven p she has prepared her meat and
mixed her wine she has also set her table she has sent out her servants and she calls from the highest point of the city let all who are simple come to my house to those who have no sense she says come eat my food and drink the wine I've mixed leave your simple ways and you will live walk in the way of insight whoever corrects a mocker invite fites insults whoever rebukes the wicked Incurs abuse do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you rebuke the wise and they will love you instruct the wise and
they will be wiser still teach the righteous and they will add to their learning the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding for through wisdom your days will be many and years will be added to your Life if you are wise your wisdom will reward you if you are a mocker you alone will suffer Folly is an unruly woman she is simple and knows nothing she sits at the door of her house on a seat at the highest point of the city calling out to those
who pass by who go straight on their way say let all who are simple come to my house to those who have no sense she says stolen water is sweet food eaten in Secret is delicious but little do they know that the Dead are there that her guests are deep in the realm of the Dead Proverbs chap 10 the Proverbs of Solomon a wise son brings joy to his father but a foolish son brings grief to his mother ill-gotten Treasures have no lasting value but righteousness delivers from Death the Lord does not let the Righteous
go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked lazy hands make for poverty but diligent hands bring wealth he who Gathers crops in summer is a prudent son but he who sleeps during Harvest is a disgraceful son blessings Crown the head of the righteous but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked the name of the righteous is used in blessings but the name of the wicked Will rot the wise in heart accept commands but a chattering fool comes to ruin whoever walks in Integrity walks securely but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out
whoever Winks maliciously causes grief and a chattering fool comes to ruin the mouth of the righteous is a Fountain of Life but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence hatred stirs up conflict but Love covers over all wrongs wisdom is found on the lips of the Discerning but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense the wise store up knowledge but the mouth of a fool invites ruin the wealth of the rich is their fortified City but poverty is the ruin of the poor the wages of the righteous is life but
the earnings of the wicked are sin and death whoever heeds discipline shows the Way to life but whoever ignores correction leads others astray whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool sin is not ended by multiplying words but The Prudent hold their tongues the tongue of the righteous is Choice silver but the heart of the wicked is of little value the lips of the righteous nourish many but fools die for lack of sense the blessing of the Lord brings wealth Without painful toil for it a fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes
but a person of understanding Delights in wisdom what the wicked dread will overtake them what the righteous desire will be granted when the storm has swept by the wicked are gone but the righteous stand firm forever as vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes so are sluggards to those who send Them the fear of the Lord adds length to life but the years of the wicked are cut short the prospect of the righteous is Joy but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing the way of the Lord is a refuge for the
blameless but it is the ruin of those who do evil the righteous will never be uprooted but the wicked will not remain in the land from the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom but a perverse tongue will be Silenced the lips of the righteous know what finds favor but the mouth of the wicked only what is [Music] perverse Proverbs 11 the Lord detests dishonest scales but urate weights find favor with him when pride comes then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom the Integrity of the upright guides them but the Unfaithful are
destroyed by their Duplicity wealth is worthless in the day of Wrath but righteousness delivers from Death the righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight but the wicked are brought down by their own Wicked wickedness the righteousness of the upright delivers them but the Unfaithful are trapped by evil desires hopes placed in Mortals die with them all the promise of their power comes to nothing the righteous person is Rescued from trouble and it falls on the wicked instead with their mouths the Godless destroy their neighbors but through knowledge the righteous Escape when the righteous Prosper
the city rejoices when the wicked perish there are shouts of Joy through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed whoever derides their neighbor Has no sense but the one who has understanding holds their tongue a gossip betrays a confidence but a trustworthy person keeps a secret for lack of guidance a nation Falls but Victory is won through many advisers whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe a kind-hearted woman gains honor but
ruthless men gain only Wealth those who are kind benefit themselves but the cruel bring ruin on themselves a wicked person earns deceptive wages but the one who SWS righteousness reaps a sure reward truly the righteous attain life but whoever pursues evil finds death the Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse but he Delights in those whose ways are blameless be sure of this the wicked Will not go unpunished but those who are righteous will go free like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion the desire of the
righteous ends only in good but the hope of the wicked only in wroth one person gives freely yet gains even more another withholds unduly but comes to Poverty a generous person will prosper whoever refreshes others will be Refreshed people curse the one who Hoards grain but they pray God's blessing on the one who is willing to sell whoever seeks good finds favor but evil comes to one who searches for it those who trust in their riches will fall but the righteous will Thrive like a green leaf whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only
Wind And The Fool will be servant to the wise the fruit of the righteous is a tree of Life and the one who is wise saves lives if the righteous receive their due on Earth how much more the ungodly and The Sinner Proverbs 12 whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but whoever hates correction is stupid good people obtain faith favor from the Lord but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes no one can be established Through wickedness but the righteous cannot be uprooted a wife of noble character is her husband's Crown but a disgraceful wife is
like decay in his bones the plans of the righteous are just but the advice of the wicked is deceitful the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood but the speech of the upright rescues them the wicked are overthrown and are no more but the house of the righteous stands Firm a person is praised according to their prudence and one with a warped mind is despised better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food the righteous care for the needs of their animals but the
kindest acts of the wicked are cruel those who work their land will have abundant food but those who chase fantasies have no sense the wicked desire the stronghold Of evildoers but the root of the righteous endures evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk and so the innocent Escape trouble from the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things and the work of their hands bring them reward the way of fools seems right to them but the wise listen to advice fools show their annoyance at once but The Prudent Overlook an Insult an honest
witness tells the truth but a false witness tells lies the words of the Reckless Pierce like swords but the tongue of the wise brings healing truthful lips endure forever but a lying tongue lasts only a moment deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil but those who promote peace have joy no harm overtakes the righteous but the wicked have their fill of Trouble the Lord detests lying lips but he Delights in people who are trustworthy The Prudent keep their knowledge to themselves but a Fool's heart blurts out Folly diligent hand will rule but
laziness ends in forced labor anxiety weighs down the heart but a kind word cheers it up the righteous choose their friends carefully but the Way of the Wicked leads them astray the lazy do not roast any game But the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt in the way of righteousness there is life along that path is immortality Proverbs Chapter 13 a wise son heeds his father's instruction but a mocker does not respond to rebukes from the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things but the Unfaithful have an appetite for violence those who
guard their lips preserve their lives but those who speak Rashly will come to ruin a slugger's appetite is never filled but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied the righteous hate what is false but the wicked make themselves obnoxious and bring shame on themselves righteousness guards the person of Integrity but wickedness overthrows The Sinner one person pretends to be rich yet has nothing another pretends to be Be poor yet has great wealth a person's riches May Ransom their life but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes the light of the righteous shines brightly but
the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out where there is Strife there is pride but wisdom is found in those who take advice dishonest money dwindles away but whoever gathers money Liv little by little makes it Grow hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life whoever scorns instruction will pay for it but whoever respects a command is rewarded the teaching of the wise is a Fountain of Life turning a person from the snares of death good judgment wins favor but the way of the Unfaithful leads to their destruction
all who are prudent act with knowledge but fools expose their Folly a wicked messenger falls into trouble but a trustworthy Envoy brings healing whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame but whoever heeds correction is honored a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul but fo fools detest turning from Evil walk with the wise and become wise for a companion of fools suffers harm trouble pursues The Sinner but the righteous are rewarded with good things a good person leaves an Inheritance for their children's children but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous an
unplowed field produces food for the poor but Injustice sweeps it away whoever spares the rud hates their children but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them the righteous eat to their hearts content but the stomach of the wicked goes Hungry Proverbs 14 the wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly but those who despise him are devious in their ways a Fool's mouth lashes out with pride but the lips of the wise protect them where there are no
oxen the manger is empty but from the strength of an ox come abundant Harvests an honest witness does not deceive but a false witness pours out lies the mocker seeks wisdom and finds none but knowledge comes easily to the Discerning stay away from a fool for you will not find knowledge on their lips the wisdom of The Prudent is to give thought to their ways but the Folly of fools is deception fools mock at making amends for sin but good will is found among the upright each heart knows its own Bitterness and no one else
can share its Joy The House of the wicked will be destroyed but the tent of the upright will flourish there is a way that appears to be right but in the end it leads to death even in laughter the heart May ache and rejoicing may end in grief the faithless will be fully repaid for their ways and the good rewarded for theirs the simple believe anything but the prudent give thought to Their steps the wise fear the lord and shun evil but a fool is hot-headed and yet feels secure a quick-tempered person does foolish things
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated the simple inherit Folly but The Prudent are crowned with knowledge evildoers will bow down in the presence of of the good and the Wicked at the gates of the righteous the poor are shunned even by their neighbors but The rich have many friends it is a sin to despise one's neighbor but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy do not those who plot evil go astray but those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness all hard work brings a profit but mere
talk leads only to Poverty the wealth of the wise is their Crown but the Folly of fools yields Folly a truthful witness saves lives but a false witness is deceitful whoever fears the Lord has a secure Fortress and for their children it will be a refuge the fear of the Lord is a Fountain of Life turning a person from the snares of death a large population is a king's Glory but without subjects a prince is ruined whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is Quick-tempered displays Folly a heart at peace gives life to
the body but Envy rots the bones whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker but whoever is kind to the needy honors God when Calamity Comes The Wicked are brought down but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God wisdom reposes in the heart of the Discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known righteousness exalts a nation but Sin condemns any people a king Delights in a wise servant but a shameful servant arouses his Fury Proverbs chapter 15 a gentle answer turns away wroth but a harsh word stirs up anger the
tongue of the wise adorns knowledge but the mouth of the fool gushes Folly the eyes of the Lord are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and the Good the soothing tongue is a tree of life but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit a fool spurns a parents discipline but whoever heeds correction shows Prudence The House of the righteous contains great treasure but the income of the wicked brings ruin the lips of the wise spread knowledge but the hearts of fools are not ight the Lord detests the sacrifice of The wicked but the prayer of the
up upright pleases him the Lord detests The Way of the Wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path the one who hates correction will die death and destruction lie open before the Lord how much more do human hearts mockers resent correction so they avoid the wise A happy heart makes the face cheerful but heartache crushes the spirit the Discerning heart seeks knowledge but the mouth of a fool feeds on Folly all the days of the oppressed are wretched but the cheerful heart has a continual Feast better a
little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil better a dish of vegetables with love than a fattened car with Hatred a hot-tempered person stirs up conflict but the one who is patient calms a quarrel the way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns but the path of the upright is a Highway a wise son brings joy to his father but a foolish man despises his mother Folly brings joy to one who has no sense but whoever has understanding keep keeps a straight course plans fail for lack of counsel but with many
advisors they Succeed a person finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word the path of Life leads upward for The Prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the Dead the Lord tears Down The House of the proud but he sets the Widow's boundary stones in place the Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked but gracious words are pure in his sight the greedy bring ruin to their households but the one who hates bribes Will live the heart of the righteous weighs its answers but the mouth
of the wicked gushes evil the Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous light in a messenger's eyes brings Joy to the heart and good news gives Health to the bones whoever heeds lifegiving correction will be at home among the wise those who disregard discipline despise themselves but the one who heeds Correction gains understanding wisdom's instruction is to fear the lord and humility comes before [Music] honor proverb chapter 16 to humans belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue all a
person's ways seem pure to them but motives are weighed by the Lord commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans the Lord works out everything to its proper end even the wicked for a day of disaster the Lord detests all the proud of heart be sure of this they will not go unpunished through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided when the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way he causes their enemies to make peace with them better a little with righteousness than
much gain within Justice in their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps the lips of a king speaks as an Oracle and his mouth does not betray Justice honest scales and balances belong to the Lord all the weights in the bag are of his making Kings detest wrongdoing for a throne is established through righteousness Kings take pleasure in honest lips they value the one who Speaks what is Right a king's wroth is a messenger of death but the wise will appease it when a king's face brightens it means life his favor
is like a raincloud in Spring how much better to get wisdom than gold to get insight rather than silver the highway of the upright avoids evil those who guard their ways preserve their lives Pride goes Before Destruction a hay spirit before a Fall better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord the wise in heart are called Discerning and gracious words promote instruction Prudence is a Fountain of Life to the prudent but
Folly brings punishment to fools the hearts of the wise make their Mouths prudent and their lips promote instruction gracious words are a honeycomb sweet to the soul and healing to the bones there is a way that appears to be right but in the end it leads to death the appetite of laborers works for them their hunger drives them on a a scoundrel plots evil and on their lips it is like a scorching fire a perverse person stirs up conflict and a gossip separates close Friends a violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a
path that is not good whoever Winks with their eye is plotting perversity whoever purses their lips is bent on evil gray hair is a crown of splendor it is attained in the way of righteousness better a patient person than a warrior one with self control than one who takes a City the lot is cast into the lap but it's every decision is from the Lord Proverbs chapter 17 better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with Strife a prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the
inheritance as one of the family The Crucible for silver and the furnace for gold but the Lord tests the heart a wicked person listens to deceitful lips a liar pays attention to A destructive tongue whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their maker whoever gloats over desire dister will not go unpunished children's children are a crown to the Aged and parents are the pride of their children eloquent lips are unsuited to a Godless fool how much worse lying lips to a ruler a bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it they
think success will Come at every turn whoever would Foster love covers over an offense but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends a rebuke impresses a Discerning person more than aund lashes of fool evildoers Foster Rebellion against God the messenger of death will be sent against them better to meet a bear robbed of her Cubs than a fool bent on Folly evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for Good starting a model is like breaching a dam so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out acquitting the guilty and condemning
the innocent the Lord detests them both why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom when they are not able to understand it a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity why one who has no sense Shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor whoever loves a quaddle loves sin whoever builds a high gate invits destruction one whose heart is corrupt does not Prosper one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble to have a fool for a child brings grief there is no joy
for the parent of a Godless fool a CH F heart is good medicine but a crushed Spirit dries up the Bones the wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of Justice a Discerning person keeps wisdom in view but a Fool's eyes wander to the ends of the Earth a foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother Who Bore him if imposing a fine on the innocent is not good surely to log honest officials is not right the one who has knowledge uses Words with restraint and whoever has understanding is
even tempered even fools are thought wise if they keep silent and Discerning if they hold their tongues Proverbs chapter 18 an unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all all sound judgment starts quarrels fools find no pleasure in understanding but Delight in aing their Own opinions when wickedness comes so does contempt and with shame comes reproach the words of the mouth are deep Waters but the Fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream it is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of Justice the lips of fools bring them strife
and their mouths invite a beating the mouths of fools are their Undoing and their lips are a snare to their very lives the words of a gossip are like Choice morsels they go down to the inmost parts one who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys the name of the Lord is a fortified Tower the righteous run to it and are safe the wealth of the rich is their fortified City they imagine it a wall Too high to scale before a downfall the heart is hay but humility comes before honor to
answer before listening that is fly and shame the human Spirit can endure in times of illness but a crushed Spirit who can bear the heart of the Discerning acquires knowledge for the ears of the wise seek it out a gift opens the way and ushers The Giver into the presence of the great in a lawsuit the first to speak seems right until someone comes forward and cross-examines casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart a brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified City disputes are like the barred Gates of a citadel from
the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled with the Harvest of their lips they are Satisfied the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord the poor plead for Mercy but the rich answer harshly one who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother Proverbs Chapter 19 better the poor whose way of life is Blameless than a fool whose lips are
perverse desire without knowledge is not good how much more will Hasty feet miss the way a person's own Folly leads to their ruin yet their heart rages against the Lord wealth attracts many friends but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them a false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will not go Free many Curry favor with the ruler and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts the poor are shunned by all their relatives how much more do their friends avoid them though the poor pursue them with
pleading they are nowhere to be found the one who gets wisdom loves life the one who cherishes understanding will soon Prosper a false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will Perish it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury how much worse for a slave to rule over princes a person's wisdom yields patience it is to one's glory to overlook an offense a king's rage is like the Roar of a lion but his favor is like Dew on the grass a foolish child is a father's ruin and a quarrelsome
wife is like the Constant dripping of a leaky roof houses and wealth are inherited from parents but a Prudent Wife is from the Lord laziness brings on deep sleep and the shiftless go hungry whoever keeps Commandments keeps their life but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and He will reward them for What they have done discipline your children for in that there is hope do not be a willing party to their death a hot-tempered person must pay the penalty rescue them and you will
have to do it again listen to advice and accept discipline and at the end you will be counted among the wise many other plans in a person's heart but it is the Lord's purpose that Prevails what a person desires is unfailing love better to be poor than a liar the fear of the Lord leads to life then one rests content Untouched by trouble a sluggard buries his hand in the dish he will not even bring it back to his mouth flog a mocker and the simple will learn Prudence rebuke the Discerning and they will gain
knowledge whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and Disgrace stop listening to instruction my son and you will stray from the words of knowledge a corrupt witness mocks at Justice and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil penalties of are prepared for mockers and beatings for the backs of fools Proverbs Chapter 20 wine is a mocker and beer a brawler whoever is Led astray by them is not wise a king's Roth strikes Terror like The Roar of a lion those who anger him forfeit their lives it
is to one's honor to avoid Strife but every fool is quick to quarrel sluggards do not plow in season so at Harvest time they look but find nothing the purposes of a person's heart are deep Waters but one who has Insight draws them out many claim to have unfailing love but a faithful person who can Find the righteous lead blameless lives blessed are their children after them when a king sits on his throne to judge he winnows out all evil with his eyes who can say I have kept my heart pure I am clean and
without sin differing weights and differing measures the Lord detests them both even small children are known by their actions so is their conduct really pure and upright ears that hear and eyes that see The Lord has made them both do not love sleep or you will grow poor stay awake and you will have food to spare it's no good it's no good says the buyer then goes off and boasts about the purchase gold there is and rubies in abundance but lips that speak knowledge are a rare Jewel take the Garment of one who puts up
security for a stranger hold it in pledge if it is done for an Outsider food gained by fraud tastes sweet but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel plans are established by seeking advice so if you wage war obtain guidance a gossip betrays a confidence so avoid anyone who talks too much if someone curses their father or mother their lamp will be snuffed out in Pitch Darkness an inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end do not say I'll pay you back for This wrong wait for the Lord and He
will avenge you the Lord detests differing weights and dishonest scales do not please him a person's steps are directed by the Lord how then can anyone understand their own way it is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vow a wise King winnows out the wicked he drives the threshing wheel over them the Human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one's inmost being love and faithfulness keep a king safe through love his throne is made secure the glory of young men is their strength gray hair
the Splendor of the old blows and wounds scrub away evil and beatings Purge the inmost being Proverbs chapter 21 in the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels towards all who please him a person may Think their own ways are right but the Lord weighs the heart to do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice y eyes and a proud heart the unplowed field of the wicked produce sin the plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to Poverty a
fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare the violence of the wicked will Drag them away for they refuse to do what is right the way of the guilty is Devious but the conduct of the the innocent is upright better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife the wicked crave evil their neighbors get no mercy from them when a mocker is punished the simple gain wisdom by paying attention to the wise they get Knowledge the righteous one takes note of the
House of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin whoever shuts their ears to the Cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered a gift given in secret soothes anger and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wroth when Justice is done it brings Joy to the righteous but Terror to evildoers whoever Strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company Of the Dead whoever loves pleasure will become poor whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich the wicked become a ransom for the righteous and
the Unfaithful for the uprite better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife the wise store up Choice food and olive oil but fools gulp theirs down whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life prosperity and honor one who is wise can go up against The city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from Calamity the proud and arrogant person mocka is his name behaves with insolent Fury the craving of a sluggard will be the death of him
because his hands refuse to work all day long he craves for more but the righteous give without spare ing the sacrifice of the wicked is Detestable how much more so when brought with evil intent a false witness will perish but a careful listener will testify successfully the wicked put up a bold front but the upright give thought to their ways there is no wisdom no Insight no plan that can succeed against the Lord the horse is made ready for the day of battle but Victory rests with the Lord Proverbs chap 22 a good name is
more desirable than great riches to be esteemed is better than silver or gold rich and poor have this in common the Lord is the maker of the more The Prudent see danger and take refuge but the simple keep going and pay the penalty humility is the fear of the Lord its wages are riches and honor and life in the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls but those who would Preserve their life stay far from them start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn
from it the rich rule over the poor and the borrower is slave to the lender whoever SWS Injustice reaps Calamity and the rod they wield in Fury will be broken the generous will themselves be blessed for they share their food with the poor drive out the mocker and out go Strife quarrels and insults are ended one who loves a pure heart and who speaks with Grace will have the King For a Friend the eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge but he frustrates the words of the Unfaithful the sluggard says there's a lion outside
I'll be killed in the Public Square the mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit a man who is under the Lord's Roth falls into it Folly is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of discipline will drive it far away one who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich both come to Poverty 30 sayings of the wise saying one pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise apply your heart To what I teach for it is pleasing when
you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips so that your trust may be in the Lord I teach you today even you have I not written 30 sayings for you sayings of counsel and knowledge teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve saying two do not exploit the poor because they Are poor and do not crush the needy in court for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life saying three do
not make friends with a hot-tempered person do not associate with one easily angered or you may learn their ways and get yourself in snared saying four do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts if you lack the means to pay your very bed Will be snatched from under you saying five do not move an ancient boundary Stone set up by your ancestors saying six do you see someone skilled in their work they will serve before Kings they will not serve before officials of low rank Proverbs chapter 23 saying
seven when you sit to dine with a ruler note well what is before you and put a Knife to your throat if you're given to gluttony do not crave his Delicacies for that food is deceptive saying 8 do not wear yourself out to get rich do not trust your own cleverness cast but a glance at riches and they're gone for they will surely Sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle saying nine do not eat the food of a stingy host do Not crave his Delicacies for he is the kind of person
who is always thinking about the cost eat and drink he says to you but his heart is not with you you will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments saying 10 do not speak to fools for they will scorn your prudent words saying 11 do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless For their Defender is strong he will take up their case against you saying 12 apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge saying 13 do not withhold discipline
from a child if you punish them with the rod they will not die punish them with the rod and save them from Death saying 14 my son if your heart is wise then my Heart will be glad indeed my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is Right saying 15 do not let your heart Envy Sinners but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord there is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off saying 16 listen my son and be wise and set your heart on
the right path do not join those who drink too much wine or Gorge Themselves on meat for drunkards and Glutton become poor and drowsiness clothes them in rags saying 17 listen to your father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old buy the truth and do not sell it wisdom instruction and insight as well the father of a righteous child has great joy a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him may your father and Mother Rejoice may she who gave you birth be joyful saying 18 my son
give me your heart and let your eyes Delight in my ways for an adulterous woman is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well like a bandit she lies in weight and multiplies the Unfaithful among men saying 19 who has woe who has sorrow who has Strife who has complaints who has Needless bruises who has bloodshot eyes those who linger over wine who go to sample Bowls Of Me mixed wine do not gaze at wine when it is red when it sparkles in the cup when it goes down smoothly in the end
it bites like a snake and poisons like a Viper your eyes will see strange sights and your mind will imagine confusing things you will be like one sleeping on the high seas lying on top of the rigging they hit me you will say but I'm Not hurt they beat me but I don't feel it when will I wake up so I can find another drink Proverbs chapter 24 saying 20 do not Envy The Wicked do not desire their company for their hearts plot violence and their lips talk about making trouble saying 21 by wisdom a
house is built and Through understanding it is established through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful Treasures saying 22 the wise Prevail through great power and those who have knowledge Master their strength surely you need guidance to wage war and victory is won through many advisers saying 23 wisdom is too high for fools in the assembly at the gate they must not open Their mouth saying 24 whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer the schemes of folly are sin and people detest a mocker saying 25 if you falter in a time
of trouble how small is your strength rescue those being led away to death hold back those staggering towards Slaughter if you say but we knew nothing about this does not he who weighs the Heart perceive it does not he who guards your life know it will he not repay everyone according to what they have done saying 26 eat honey my son for it is good honey from the comb is sweet to your taste know also that wisdom is like honey for you if you find it there is a future hope for you and your hope
will not be cut off saying 27 do not lurk like a thief near the House of the righteous do not plunder their dwelling place for though the righteous fall seven times they rise again but the wicked stumble when Calamity strikes saying 28 do not gloat when your enemy Falls when they stumble do not let your heart Rejoice or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wroth away from them saying 29 do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked for the evildoer has no future hope and the lamp of the
wicked will be snuffed out saying 30 fear the lord and the King my son and do not join with rebellious officials for those two will send sudden destruction on them and who knows what calamities they can bring these also are sayings of the wise to show partiality in judging is Not good whoever says to the guilty you are innocent will be cursed by peoples and denounced by Nations but it will go well with those who convict the guilty and rich blessing will come on them an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips put
your outdoor work in order and get your Fields ready after that build your house do not testify against your neighbor without cause would you use Your lips to mislead do not say I'll do to them as they have done to me I'll pay them back for what they did I went past the field of a sluggard past the vineyard of someone who has no sense Thorns had come up everywhere the ground was covered with weeds and the stone wall was in Ruins I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what
I saw a little sleep a little Slumber a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty Will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man Proverbs 25 these are more Proverbs of Solomon compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah it is the glory of God to conceal a matter to search out a matter is the Glory of Kings as the heavens are high and the Earth is deep so the hearts of kings are unsearchable remove the dross from the silver and a silver smith can produce a Vessel remove
Wicked officials from the king's presence and his throne will be established through righteousness do not exalt yourself in the king's presence and do not claim a place among his great men it is better for him to say to you come up here than for him to humiliate you before his Nobles what you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to Shame if you take your neighbor to court do not betray another's confidence or the one who hears it may
shame you and the charge against you will stand like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear like a snow cooled drink at Harvest time is a trustworthy Messenger to the one who sends him he refreshes the Spirit of his master like clouds and wind Without Rain is one who boasts of gifts never given through patience a ruler can be persuaded and a gentle tongue can break a bone if you
find honey eat just enough too much of it and you will vomit seldom set foot in your neighbor's house too much of you and they will hate you like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony Against a neighbor like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the Unfaithful in a time of trouble like one who takes away a garment on a cold day or like vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart if your enemy is hungry give him
food to eat if he is thirsty give him water to drink in doing this you will Heap burning coals on his head and the Lord Will reward you like a North Wind that brings unexpected rain is a Sly tongue which provokes a horrified look better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land like a mudded spring or a polluted well are the Righteous who give way to the wicked it is not good to eat
too much Honey nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control Proverbs chap 26 like snow in summer or rain in Harvest honor is not fitting for a fool like a fluttering Sparrow or a darting swallow an undeserved curse does not come to rest a whip for the horse a bridal for the donkey and a rod for the backs of Fools do not answer fool according to his folly or you yourself will be just like him answer a fool
according to his folly or he will be wise in his own eyes sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool like a thorn bush in a drunkard's hand is a Prover in the mouth of a fool like an Archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer by as a
dog returns to its vomit so fools repeat their Folly do you see a person wise in their own eyes there is more hope for a fool than for them a slugger says there's a lion in the road a fierce lion roaming the streets as a door turns on its hinges so a slug turns on his bed a sluggard buries his hand in the dish he Is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth a sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly like one who grabs a stray dog by
the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says I was only joking without wood a fire goes out without gossip a quarrel dies Down as charcoal to Embers and as wood to fire so is a quarrelsome person for kindling Strife the words of a gossip are like Choice morsels they go down to the inmost parts like a coating of silver dross on Earth andwar are fervent lips with an evil heart enemies disguise themselves with their lips but
in their hearts they Harbor Deceit though their speech is charming do not believe them for seven Abominations fill their hearts their malice may be concealed by deception but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly whoever digs a pit will fall into it if someone rolls a stone it will roll back on them a lying tongue hates those it hurts and a flattering mouth Works ruin Proverbs chapter 27 do not boast about tomorrow for you Do not know what a day may bring let someone else praise you and not your own mouth an outsider and
not your own [Music] lips stone is heavy and sand a burden but a Fool's provocation is heavier than both anger is cruel and fury overwhelming but who can stand before jealousy better is open rebuke than hidden love wounds from a friend can be trusted But an enemy multiplies Kisses one who is full loathes honey from the comb but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of a friend Springs from their
heartfelt advice do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family and do not go to your relative's house when disaster Strikes you better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away be wise my son and bring joy to my heart then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt the prudence seed danger and take refuge but the simple keep going and pay the penalty take the Garment of one who puts up security for a stranger hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider if anyone loudly blesses their Neighbor early
in the morning it will be taken as a curse a quadd some wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand as iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another the one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit and whoever protects their Master will be honored as water reflects the face so One's life reflects the heart death and destruction are never satisfied and neither are human eyes The Crucible for silver and the furnace for gold but people are
tested by their praise though you grind a fool in a mortar grinding them like grain with a pessel you will not remove their Folly from them be sure you know the condition of your flocks give careful attention to your hers for riches do not endure Forever and a crown is not secure for all generations when the hay is removed and New Growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in the Lambs will provide you with clothing and the goats with the price of a field you will have plenty of goats milk to feed
your family and to nourish your female servants Proverbs chap 28 the wicked flee though no one pursues But the righteous are as bold as a lion when a country is rebellious it has many rulers but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order a ruler who oppresses the poor is like driving rain that leaves no crops those who forsake instruction praise the wicked but those who heed it resist them evildoers do not understand what is right but those who seek the Lord understand it Fully better the poor whose way of life is blameless than the
rich whose ways are perverse a Discerning son heeds instruction but a companion of glutton disgraces his father whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another who will be kind to the poor if anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction even their prayers are Detestable whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap but the blameless will receive a good inheritance the rich are wise in their own eyes one who is poor and Discerning sees how deluded they are when the righteous Triumph there
is great Elation but when the wicked rise to power people go into hiding whoever conceals their sins does not Prosper but the one who confesses And announces them finds Mercy blessed is the one who always trembles before God but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people a tyrannical ruler practices extortion but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long Reign anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave let No one hold them back the
one whose way of life is blameless is kept safe but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit those who work their land will have abundant food but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty a faithful person will be richly blessed but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished to show par reality is not good yet a person will do wrong for a Piece of bread the stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain
favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue whoever robs their father or mother and says it's not wrong is partner to one who destroys the greedy stir up conflict but those who trust in the Lord will prosper those who trust in themselves Are fools but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe those who give to the poor will lack nothing but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses when the wicked rise to power people go into hiding but when the wicked perish the righteous Thrive Proverbs 29 9 whoever remains stiff
necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without Remedy when the righteous Thrive the people rejoice when the wicked rule the people Gran a man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth by Justice a king gives a country stability but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet evildoers are snared by their own sin But the righteous shout for joy and are glad the righteous care about Justice for the poor but the wicked have no
such concern mockers stir up a city but the wise turn away anger if a wise person goes to court with a fool the fool rages and scoffs and there is no peace the bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright fools give full vent to their rage but the wise bring calm in the End if a ruler listens to lies all his officials become Wicked the poor and the oppressor have this in common the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both if a king judges the poor with fairness his throne
will be established forever a rod and a reprimand impart wisdom but a Child Left undisciplined disgraces its mother when the wicked Thrive so does sin but the righteous will see their Downfall discipline your children and they will give you peace they will bring you the Delights you desire where there is no Revelation people cast off restraint but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction servants cannot be corrected by mere words though they understand they will not respond do you see someone who speaks in haste there is more hope for a fool them For them
a servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent an angry person stirs up conflict and a hot-tempered person commits many sins Pride brings a person low but the lowly in spirit gain honor the accomplice of Thieves are their own enemies they are put under oath and dare not testify fear of man will prove to be a Snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe many seek an audience with the ruler but it is from the Lord that one gets Justice the righteous detest the dishonest the wicked detest the upright Proverbs chap
30 the sayings of agar son of Jaca an inspired utterance this man's utterance to ithel I am weary God but I can Prevail surely I am only a brute not a man I do not have human understanding I have not learned wisdom nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One who has gone up to heaven and come down whose hands have gathered up the wind who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak who has established all the ends of the Earth what is his name and what is the name of his
son surely you know every word of God is Flawless he is A shield to those who take refuge in him do not add to his words or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar two things I Ask of You Lord do not refuse me before I die keep falsehood and lies far from me give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread otherwise I may have too much and disown you and say who is the Lord or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my
God do not slander a servant to their master Or they will curse you and you will pay for it there are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth those whose eyes are ever so hay whose glances are so disdainful those whose teeth are swords and whose Jaws are set with knives to Devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among the human race the leech has two Daughters give give they cry there are three
things that are never satisfied four that never say enough the grave the barren womb land which is never satisfied with water and fire which never says enough the eye that marks a father that scorns an aged mother will be pecked out by the Ravens of the valley will be eaten by the vultures there are three things that are Too amazing for me four that I do not understand the way of an eagle in the sky the way of a sake on a rock the way of a ship on the high seas and the way of
a man with a young woman this is the way of an adulterous woman she eats and wipes her mouth and says I've done nothing wrong under three things the Earth trembles under four it cannot bear up a servant who becomes king a Godless fool who gets plenty to eat a contemptible woman who Gets married and a servant who displaces her mistress four things on Earth are small yet they are extremely wise ants are creatures of little strength yet they store up their food in the summer hieres are creatures of little power yet they make their
home in the Crags locusts have no King yet they Advance together in ranks a lizard can be caught with the Hand yet it is found in King's palaces there are three things that are stately in their stride four that move with stately bearing a lion Mighty among beasts who Retreats before nothing a strutting a heig goat and a king secure against Revolt if you play the fool and exalt yourself or if you plan evil clap your hand over your mouth for as churning cream produces butter and as twisting the nose produces Blood so stirring up
anger produces Strife Proverbs chapter 31 the same of King Lemuel an inspired utterance his mother taught him listen my son listen son of my womb listen my son the answer to my prayers do not spend your strength on women your Vigor on those who ruin Kings it is not for Kings Lemuel it is not for Kings to drink wine not for rulers to Crave beer lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and deprive All the oppressed of their rights let beer be for those who are perishing wine for those who are in anguish
let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute speak up and judge fairly defend the rights of the poor and needy a wife of noble character who can find she is worth far more than Rubies her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value she brings him good not harm all the days of her life she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands she is like the merchant ships bringing her
food from afar she gets up while it is still night she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants she considers a field and buys it out of her earnings she plants a Vineyard she sets about her work Vigorously her arms are strong for her tasks she sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy when it snows she has
no fear for her household for all of them are clothed in Scarlet she makes coverings for her bed she is clothed in fine linen And purple her husband is respected at The City Gate where he takes his seat among the Elders of the land she makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes she is clothed with strength and dignity she can laugh at the days to come she speaks with with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue She watches over the Affairs of her household and does not eat the bread
of Idleness her children arise and call her blessed her husband also and he Praises her many women do noble things but you surpass them all charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised honor her for all that her hands have done and let her Works bring her praise at The City [Music] Gate E e e e e
