Dearest Loved Ones ~
Please join me on a daily journey seeking a month of wisdom. Our precious book of Proverbs has been divided into 31 chapters and through the month of October I would like to read a chapter a day, in prayerful pursuit of hearing God's voice for my life. Please consider this your invitation to join me (I started yesterday but I'm hoping you can catch up ;)
So as a first step, my invitation is to simply read a chapter each day from this great book of wisdom from the First Testament of the Holy Bible. I will actually paste the chapter in the comments to this post for ease :) And for those of you willing to go a bit beyond -- to really seek God speaking directly to you and your heart -- in addition to reading each chapter each day, may I encourage you to do the following:
1. Pray to God with thanksgiving and ask for Him to reveal Himself to you as you copy the daily comment into a document format and print it at home
2. In your printed copy, underline the key facts or points of focus (this may be a few words, many words, a few sentences, entire paragraphs, etc)
3. Jot notes in the margin of the paper regarding what these scriptures say as to what all of us should do (for example, "The beginning of knowledge is for us to live in reverence and awe of God" etc.)
4. Then convert these notes to what these truths mean for me personally (for example, "Most importantly, I need to be in reverence and awe of the Lord" etc.)
5. After you've read the chapter, jotted these notes about what the scriptures say to us generally as well as how you can apply them personally, pray to receive God's pinpoint message to you in one, two, or three summary sentences at the end of each chapter -- what is He saying to me today? (for example, "Throughout each day, I need to fill my mind with thoughts of how awesome God is and how I can live my life to revere Him")
Much love ~ many blessings, Sherrie
31 comments:
Proverbs 1
(Today's New International Version)
Purpose and Theme
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 [reverence and awe] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
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 in 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.
Wisdom's Rebuke
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
on 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 thoughts to you,
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 harm."
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%201&version=72
Proverbs 2
(Today's New International Version)
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
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 walk 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,
from 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 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 just
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 it.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%202&version=72
Proverbs 3
(Today's New International Version)
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
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 around 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 humankind.
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 paths 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 firstfruits 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 are 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 deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
My son, do 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.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when 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.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%203&version=72
Proverbs 4
(Today's New International Version)
Get Wisdom At Any Cost
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, 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 darkness;
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 evil.
Proverbs 5
(Today's New International Version)
Warning Against Adultery
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 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 cistern,
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 doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her 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 ensnare them;
the cords of their sins hold them fast.
For lack of discipline they will die,
led astray by their own great folly.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=pro%205&version=72
Proverbs 6
(Today's New International Version)
Warnings Against Folly
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,
ensnared 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 sluggard?
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.
Troublemakers and villains,
who go about with corrupt mouths,
who wink maliciously with their eyes,
signal with their feet
and motion with their fingers,
who plot evil with deceit in their hearts—
they always stir up dissension.
Therefore disaster will overtake them in an instant;
they will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty 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 dissension in the community.
Warning Against Adultery
My son, keep your father's command
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Bind them always on your heart;
fasten them around 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 preys on your very life.
Can a man scoop fire into his lap
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.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=pro%206;&version=72;
Proverbs 7
(Today's New International Version)
Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
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 lattice.
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 from my fellowship offering at home.
So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
Come, let's drink deep 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 persuasive 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 are 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.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%207&version=72
Proverbs 8
(Today's New International Version)
Wisdom's Call
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, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all humankind.
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 oceans, I was given birth,
when there were no springs abounding 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 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 humankind.
"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,
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."
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=pro%208&version=72
Proverbs 9
(Today's New International Version)
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up its seven [perfect number of] pillars.
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 [God's Wisdom] says,
"Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight."
Whoever corrects a mocker invites 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 [reverent & worshipful] 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,
"Let all who are simple come to my house!"
To those who have no sense she says,
"Stolen water [pleasure] is sweet [because they are forbidden];
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.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%209&version=72
Proverbs 10
Proverbs of Solomon
Wise children bring joy to their father,
but foolish children bring grief to their 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 dissension,
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.
Fools find pleasure in wicked schemes,
but those who have understanding delight 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 perverse.
Proverbs 11
The LORD detests dishonest scales,
but accurate 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 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 are 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.
Those who have no sense deride their neighbors,
but those who have understanding hold their tongues.
Gossips betray a confidence,
but the trustworthy keep 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 kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
The wicked earn deceptive wages,
but those who sow righteousness reap a sure reward.
Truly the righteous attain life,
but those who pursue evil go to their 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 wrath.
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 those who hoard grain,
but they pray God's blessing on those who are willing to sell.
Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to those who search for it.
Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Those who bring ruin on their families will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and those who win souls are wise.
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 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.
People are praised according to their prudence,
and those with warped minds are 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 plunder of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
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 brings 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 hands 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 13
A wise child heeds a parent'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 sluggard'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 a stench
and are filled with shame.
Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
The rich may be able to ransom their lives,
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 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 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.
Good people leave 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.
Those who spare the rod hate their children,
but those who love them are 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 the foolish,
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 goodwill 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 hotheaded and yet feels secure.
The quick-tempered do foolish things,
and those who devise evil schemes are hated.
The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Evildoers will bow down in the presence 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 are those who are 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.
Those who fear the LORD have 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.
Those who are patient have great understanding,
but the quick-tempered display 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 15
(Amplified Bible)
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly,
but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life,
but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.
A fool despises his father's instruction and correction,
but he who regards reproof acquires prudence.
In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure,
but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain];
not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is His delight!
The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord,
but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God's way;
and he who hates reproof will die [physically, morally, and spiritually].
Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the final place of the accuser Satan) are both before the Lord--
how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men?
A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him;
neither will he go to the wise [for counsel].
A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it,
but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly.
All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings],
but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].
Better is little with the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord
than great and rich treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger appeases contention.
The way of the sluggard is overgrown with thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him],
but the way of the righteous is plain and raised like a highway.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame.
Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense,
but a man of understanding walks uprightly [making straight his course].
Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated,
but with many counselors they are accomplished.
A man has joy in making an apt answer,
and a word spoken at the right moment--how good it is!
The path of the wise leads upward to life,
that he may avoid [the gloom] in the depths of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead).
The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but He makes secure the boundaries of the [consecrated] widow.
The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord,
but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him.
He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).
The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others,
and good news nourishes the bones.
The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life
will remain among the wise.
He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself,
but he who heeds reproof gets understanding.
The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 16
(Amplified Bible)
The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man,
but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).
Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and]
so shall your plans be established and succeed.
The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose--
even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil.
Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord;
be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished.
By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man--not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart,
and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil.
When a man's ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation and right standing with God)
than great revenues with injustice.
A man's mind plans his way,
but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king;
his mouth should not transgress in judgment.
A just balance and scales are the Lord's;
all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles].
It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness,
for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
Right and just lips are the delight of a king,
and he loves him who speaks what is right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death,
but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king's countenance is life,
and his favor is as a cloud bringing the spring rain.
How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
he who guards his way preserves his life.
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He who deals wisely and heeds [God's] word and counsel shall find good,
and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord--happy, blessed, and fortunate is he.
The wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing,
and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener].
Understanding is a wellspring of life to those who have it,
but to give instruction to fools is folly.
The mind of the wise instructs his mouth,
and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips.
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb,
sweet to the mind and healing to the body.
There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him,
but at the end of it is the way of death.
The appetite of the laborer works for him,
for [the need of] his mouth urges him on.
A worthless man devises and digs up mischief,
and in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
A perverse man sows strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
The exceedingly grasping, covetous, and violent man entices his neighbor,
leading him in a way that is not good.
He who shuts his eyes to devise perverse things and who compresses his lips [as if in concealment]
brings evil to pass.
The hoary head is a crown of beauty and glory
if it is found in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.
The lot is cast into the lap,
but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him].
Proverbs 17
(Amplified Bible)
Better is a dry morsel with quietness
than a house full of feasting [on offered sacrifices] with strife.
A wise servant shall have rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall share in the inheritance among the brothers.
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
but the Lord tries the hearts.
An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips;
and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker,
and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.
Children's children are the crown of old men,
and the glory of children is their fathers.
Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool--
much less do lying lips befit a prince.
A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it;
[as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.
A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding
than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool.
An evil man seeks only rebellion;
therefore a stern and pitiless messenger shall be sent against him.
Let [the brute ferocity of] a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man
rather than a [self-confident] fool in his folly [when he is in a rage].
Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam];
therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.
He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous
are both an abomination [exceedingly disgusting and hateful] to the Lord.
Of what use is money in the hand of a [self-confident] fool to buy skillful and godly Wisdom--
when he has no understanding or heart for it?
A friend loves at all times,
and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.
A man void of good sense gives a pledge
and becomes security for another in the presence of his neighbor.
He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself in guilt;
he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction.
He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good,
and he who has a willful and contrary tongue will fall into calamity.
He who becomes the parent of a [self-confident] fool does it to his sorrow,
and the father of [an empty-headed] fool has no joy [in him].
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket)
to pervert the ways of justice.
A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face,
but the eyes of a [self-confident] fool are on the ends of the earth.
A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father
and bitterness to her who bore him.
Also, to punish or fine the righteous is not good,
nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
He who has knowledge spares his words,
and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.
Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise;
when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 18
(Amplified Bible)
He who willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.
A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good.
A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.
Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.
He who answers a matter before he hears the facts--it is folly and shame to him.
The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?
The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.
A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.
To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.
A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.
The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19
(Amplified Bible)
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his speech and is a [self-confident] fool.
Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark.
The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
Wealth makes many friends, but the poor man is avoided by his neighbor.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes out lies shall not escape.
Many will entreat the favor of a liberal man, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.
All the brothers of a poor man detest him--how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish.
Luxury is not fitting for a [self-confident] fool--much less for a slave to rule over princes.
Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.
The king's wrath is as terrifying as the roaring of a lion, but his favor is as [refreshing as] dew upon the grass.
A self-confident and foolish son is the [multiplied] calamity of his father, and the contentions of a wife are like a continual dripping [of water through a chink in the roof].
House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.
Slothfulness casts one into a deep sleep, and the idle person shall suffer hunger.
He who keeps the commandment [of the Lord] keeps his own life, but he who despises His ways shall die.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not [indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and] set yourself to his ruin.
A man of great wrath shall suffer the penalty; for if you deliver him [from the consequences], he will [feel free to] cause you to do it again.
Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.
Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand.
That which is desired in a man is loyalty and kindness [and his glory and delight are his giving], but a poor man is better than a liar.
The reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied; he cannot be visited with [actual] evil.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will increase in knowledge.
He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to ignore it and stray from the words of knowledge.
A worthless witness scoffs at justice, and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.
Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and stripes for the backs of [self-confident] fools.
Proverbs 20
(Amplified Bible)
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise.
The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger or angers himself against him sins against his own life.
It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.
The sluggard does not plow when winter sets in; therefore he begs in harvest and has nothing.
Counsel in the heart of man is like water in a deep well, but a man of understanding draws it out.
Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness and goodness, but a faithful man who can find?
The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed (happy, fortunate, enviable) are his children after him.
A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows out all evil [like chaff] with his eyes.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Diverse weights [one for buying and another for selling] and diverse measures--both of them are exceedingly offensive and abhorrent to the Lord.
Even a child is known by his acts, whether [or not] what he does is pure and right.
The hearing ear and the seeing eye--the Lord has made both of them.
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread.
It is worthless, it is worthless! says the buyer; but when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].
There is gold, and a multitude of pearls, but the lips of knowledge are a vase of preciousness [the most precious of all].
[The judge tells the creditor] Take the garment of one who is security for a stranger; and hold him in pledge when he is security for foreigners.
Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and [only] with good advice make or carry on war.
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely.
Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in complete darkness.
An inheritance hastily gotten [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning, in the end it will not be blessed.
Do not say, I will repay evil; wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue you.
Diverse and deceitful weights are shamefully vile and abhorrent to the Lord, and false scales are not good.
Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?
It is a snare to a man to utter a vow [of consecration] rashly and [not until] afterward inquire [whether he can fulfill it].
A wise king winnows out the wicked [from among the good] and brings the threshing wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain].
The spirit of man [that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
Loving-kindness and mercy, truth and faithfulness, preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by [the people's] loyalty.
The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head [suggesting wisdom and experience].
Blows that wound cleanse away evil, and strokes [for correction] reach to the innermost parts.
Proverbs 21
(Amplified Bible)
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts.
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughtiness of eyes and a proud heart, even the tillage of the wicked or the lamp [of joy] to them [whatever it may be], are sin [in the eyes of God].
The thoughts of the [steadily] diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want.
Securing treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven to and fro; those who seek them seek death.
The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, because they refuse to do justice.
The way of the guilty is exceedingly crooked, but as for the pure, his work is right and his conduct is straight.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome, and faultfinding woman.
The soul or life of the wicked craves and seeks evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
When the scoffer is punished, the fool gets a lesson in being wise; but men of [godly] Wisdom and good sense learn by being instructed.
The [uncompromisingly] righteous man considers well the house of the wicked--how the wicked are cast down to ruin.
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor will cry out himself and not be heard.
A gift in secret pacifies and turns away anger, and a bribe in the lap, strong wrath.
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God), but to the evildoers it is dismay, calamity, and ruin.
A man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall abide in the congregation of the spirits (of the dead).
He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
The wicked become a ransom for the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and the treacherous for the upright [because the wicked themselves fall into the traps and pits they have dug for the good].
It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious woman and with vexation.
There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor.
A wise man scales the city walls of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.
The proud and haughty man--Scoffer is his name--deals and acts with overbearing pride.
The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
He covets greedily all the day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold.
The sacrifice of the wicked is exceedingly disgusting and abhorrent [to the Lord]--how much more when he brings it with evil intention?
A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears attentively will endure and go unchallenged.
A wicked man puts on the bold, unfeeling face [of guilt], but as for the upright, he considers, directs, and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity].
There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance and victory are of the Lord.
Proverbs 22
(Amplified Bible)
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.
A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering].
The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them.
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail.
He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out; yes, strife and abuse will cease.
He who loves purity and the pure in heart and who is gracious in speech--because of the grace of his lips will he have the king for his friend.
The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and him who has it, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.
The sluggard says, There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!
The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit [for ensnaring wild animals]; he with whom the Lord is indignant and who is abhorrent to Him will fall into it.
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself and he who gives to the rich--both will surely come to want.
Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;
For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them.
So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you.
Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
Rob not the poor [being tempted by their helplessness], neither oppress the afflicted at the gate [where the city court is held],
For the Lord will plead their cause and deprive of life those who deprive [the poor or afflicted].
Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate,
Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare.
Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another's debts.
If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?
Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers have set up.
Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Proverbs 22:17 - 24:22
(Today's New International Version)
Proverbs 22
Saying 1
17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
Saying 2
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will exact life for life.
Saying 3
24 Do not make friends with the hot-tempered,
do not associate with those who are easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
Saying 4
26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Saying 5
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.
Saying 6
29 Do you see those who are skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Proverbs 23
Saying 7
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
Saying 8
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Saying 9
6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
do not crave his delicacies;
7 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.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.
Saying 10
9 Do not speak to fools,
for they will scorn your prudent words.
Saying 11
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.
Saying 12
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
Saying 13
13 Do not withhold discipline from children;
if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
14 Punish them with the rod
and save them from death.
Saying 14
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Saying 15
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 16
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Saying 17
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes delight in my ways,
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait,
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 "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 24
Saying 20
1 Do not envy the wicked,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
Saying 21
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Saying 22
5 The wise prevail through great power,
and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
and victory is won through many advisers.
Saying 23
7 Wisdom is too high for fools;
in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.
Saying 24
8 Whoever plots evil
will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin,
and people detest a mocker.
Saying 25
10 If you falter in a time of trouble,
how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 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
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 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
15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
do not plunder their dwelling place;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Saying 28
17 Do not gloat when your enemies fall;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
Saying 29
19 Do not fret because of evildoers
or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evildoer has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Saying 30
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with rebellious officials,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%2022:17-24:22;&version=72;
Proverbs 24:23-34
(Amplified Bible)
These also are sayings of the wise: To discriminate and show partiality, having respect of persons in judging, is not good.
He who says to the wicked, You are righteous and innocent--peoples will curse him, nations will defy and abhor him.
But to those [upright judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, and a good blessing will be upon them.
He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of men] who give a right answer.
[Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home.
Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive not with your lips.
Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for his deed.
I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
And, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles were covering its face, and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I beheld and considered it well; I looked and received instruction.
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep--
So shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.
Proverbs 25
(Amplified Bible)
THESE ARE also the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.
As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up].
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;
For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you.
Rush not forth soon to quarrel [before magistrates or elsewhere], lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame.
Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret,
Lest he who hears you revile you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end.
A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Like an earring or nose ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and obeys.
Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters.
Whoever falsely boasts of gifts [he does not give] is like clouds and wind without rain.
By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance.
Have you found [pleasure sweet like] honey? Eat only as much as is sufficient for you, lest, being filled with it, you vomit it.
Let your foot seldom be in your neighbor's house, lest he become tired of you and hate you.
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a heavy sledgehammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.
He who sings songs to a heavy heart is like him who lays off a garment in cold weather and like vinegar upon soda.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For in doing so, you will [footnote a] heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord will reward you.
The north wind brings forth rain; so does a backbiting tongue bring forth an angry countenance.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a disagreeing, quarrelsome, and scolding woman.
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far [home] country.
Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked.
It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to seek glory, their own glory, causes suffering and is not glory.
He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 25:22 This is not to be understood as a revengeful act intended to embarrass its victim, but just the opposite. The picture is that of the high priest (Lev. 16:12) who, on the Day of Atonement, took his censer and filled it with "coals of fire" from off the altar of burnt offering, and then put incense on the coals to create a pleasing, sweet-smelling fragrance. The cloud or smoke of the incense covered the mercy seat and was acceptable to God for atonement. Samuel Wesley wrote: "So artists melt the sullen ore of lead, By heaping coals of fire upon its head: In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross the silver runs below."
I pray your life is being blessed by the knowledge (mind), understanding (heart), and wisdom (action) of Proverbs ...
and that God is using time with Him each day to continue the good work He has started in you,
transforming each of us into the image of Christ! Much love, Sherrie
Proverbs 26
(Amplified Bible)
LIKE SNOW in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a [self-confident] fool.
Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, so the causeless curse does not alight.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a [straight, slender] rod for the backs of [self-confident] fools.
Answer not a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
Answer a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes and conceit.
He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet [of satisfactory delivery] and drinks the damage.
Like the legs of a lame man which hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of a fool.
Like he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a [self-confident] fool.
Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man, so is a proverb in the mouth of a [self-confident] fool.
[But] like an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or chance passers-by.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes and conceit? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him.
The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets!
As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man [move not from his place] upon his bed.
The slothful and self-indulgent buries his hand in his bosom; it distresses and wearies him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes and conceit than seven men who can render a reason and answer discreetly.
He who, passing by, stops to meddle with strife that is none of his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, Was I not joking?
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention ceases.
As coals are to hot embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to inflame strife.
The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are like deadly wounds]; and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or of the victim's nature].
Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver].
He who hates pretends with his lips, but stores up deceit within himself.
When he speaks kindly, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness shall be shown openly before the assembly.
Whoever digs a pit [for another man's feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him.
A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs 27
(Amplified Bible)
DO NOT boast of [yourself and] tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth.
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
Stone is heavy and sand weighty, but a fool's [unreasoning] wrath is heavier and more intolerable than both of them.
Wrath is cruel and anger is an overwhelming flood, but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful.
He who is satiated [with sensual pleasures] loathes and treads underfoot a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Like a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who strays from his home.
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart.
Your own friend and your father's friend, forsake them not; neither go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near [in spirit] than a brother who is far off [in heart].
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me [as having failed in my parental duty].
A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering].
[The judge tells the creditor] Take the garment of one who is security for a stranger; and hold him in pledge when he is security for foreigners.
The flatterer who loudly praises and glorifies his neighbor, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted as cursing him [for he will be suspected of sinister purposes].
A continual dripping on a day of violent showers and a contentious woman are alike;
Whoever attempts to restrain [a contentious woman] might as well try to stop the wind--his right hand encounters oil [and she slips through his fingers].
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].
Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who patiently and faithfully guards and heeds his master shall be honored.
As in water face answers to and reflects face, so the heart of man to man.
Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction) are never satisfied; so [the lust of] the eyes of man is never satisfied.
As the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold [bring forth all the impurities of the metal], so let a man be in his trial of praise [ridding himself of all that is base or insincere; for a man is judged by what he praises and of what he boasts].
Even though like grain you should pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds;
For riches are not forever; does a crown endure to all generations?
When the hay is gone, the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountain are gathered in,
The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats [will furnish you] the price of a field.
And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maids.
Proverbs 28
(Today's New International Version)
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 a 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 walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.
Those who heed instruction are discerning children,
but companions of gluttons disgrace their parents.
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.
Those who lead 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.
Those who conceal their sins do not prosper,
but those who confess and renounce them find mercy.
Blessed are those who always tremble before God,
but those who harden their hearts fall 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.
Those whose walk is blameless are kept safe,
but those 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 partiality 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 dissension,
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
(Today's New International Version)
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 groan.
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 people 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 children left to themselves disgrace their 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 are those who heed 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 than for them.
A servant pampered from youth
will turn out to be insolent.
An angry person stirs up dissension,
and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
they are put under oath and dare not testify.
To fear anyone will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
The righteous detest the dishonest;
the wicked detest the upright.
Proverbs 30
(Today's New International Version)
Sayings of Agur
The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.
This man's utterance to Ithiel:
"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 servants 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 haughty,
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 humankind.
"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 mocks 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 snake 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;
hyraxes 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 kings' 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 rooster, a he-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."
As a bookend to Lady Wisdom, we find the wife of noble character ... I hope your journey through proverbs has been a blessing ~ thank you for joining me on the adventure!! Love, Sherrie
Proverbs 31
(Today's New International Version)
Sayings of King Lemuel
The sayings 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.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
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 women 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 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 gate.
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