Font Size
Titus 1:11-2:6
English Standard Version
Titus 1:11-2:6
English Standard Version
11 They must be silenced, since (A)they are upsetting whole families by teaching (B)for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 (C)One of the Cretans,[a] a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”[b] 13 This testimony is true. Therefore (D)rebuke them (E)sharply, that they (F)may be sound in the faith, 14 (G)not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and (H)the commands of people (I)who turn away from the truth. 15 (J)To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and (K)unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both (L)their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 (M)They profess to know God, but they (N)deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, (O)unfit for any good work.
Teach Sound Doctrine
2 But as for you, teach what accords with (P)sound[c] doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, (Q)sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 (R)Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, (S)not slanderers (T)or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, (U)pure, (V)working at home, kind, and (W)submissive to their own husbands, (X)that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge (Y)the younger men to be self-controlled.
Footnotes
- Titus 1:12 Greek One of them
- Titus 1:12 Probably from Epimenides of Crete
- Titus 2:1 Or healthy; also verses 2, 8
Titus 1:11-2:6
New International Version
Titus 1:11-2:6
New International Version
11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households(A) by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets(B) has said it: “Cretans(C) are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”[a] 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke(D) them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith(E) 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths(F) or to the merely human commands(G) of those who reject the truth.(H) 15 To the pure, all things are pure,(I) but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.(J) In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.(K) 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.(L) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.(M)
Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.(N) 2 Teach the older men(O) to be temperate,(P) worthy of respect, self-controlled,(Q) and sound in faith,(R) in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers(S) or addicted to much wine,(T) but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women(U) to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled(V) and pure, to be busy at home,(W) to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,(X) so that no one will malign the word of God.(Y)
6 Similarly, encourage the young men(Z) to be self-controlled.(AA)
Footnotes
- Titus 1:12 From the Cretan philosopher Epimenides
Proverbs 7-13
English Standard Version
Proverbs 7-13
English Standard Version
Warning Against the Adulteress
7 (A)My son, keep my words
and (B)treasure up my commandments with you;
2 (C)keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as (D)the apple of your eye;
3 (E)bind them on your fingers;
(F)write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call insight your intimate friend,
5 to keep you from (G)the forbidden[a] woman,
from (H)the adulteress[b] with her smooth words.
6 For at (I)the window of my house
I have looked out through my lattice,
7 and I have seen among (J)the simple,
I have perceived among the youths,
a young man (K)lacking sense,
8 passing along the street (L)near her corner,
taking the road to her house
9 in (M)the twilight, in the evening,
at (N)the time of night and darkness.
10 And behold, the woman meets him,
(O)dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.[c]
11 She is (P)loud and (Q)wayward;
(R)her feet do not stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the market,
and (S)at every corner she (T)lies in wait.
13 She seizes him and kisses him,
and with (U)bold face she says to him,
14 “I had to (V)offer sacrifices,[d]
and today I have (W)paid my vows;
15 so now I have come out to meet you,
to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my couch with (X)coverings,
colored linens from (Y)Egyptian linen;
17 I have perfumed my bed with (Z)myrrh,
aloes, and (AA)cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love till morning;
let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For (AB)my husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey;
20 he took a bag of money with him;
at full moon he will come home.”
21 With much seductive speech she persuades him;
with (AC)her smooth talk she compels him.
22 All at once he follows her,
as an ox goes to the slaughter,
or as a stag is caught fast[e]
23 till an arrow pierces its liver;
as (AD)a bird rushes into a snare;
he does not know that it will cost him his life.
24 And (AE)now, O sons, listen to me,
and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
and all her slain are (AF)a mighty throng.
27 Her house is (AG)the way to Sheol,
going down to the chambers of death.
The Blessings of Wisdom
8 Does not (AH)wisdom call?
Does not (AI)understanding raise her voice?
2 On (AJ)the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside (AK)the gates in front of (AL)the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O (AM)men, I call,
and my cry is to (AN)the children of man.
5 O (AO)simple ones, learn (AP)prudence;
O (AQ)fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak (AR)noble things,
and from my lips will come (AS)what is right,
7 for my (AT)mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing (AU)twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all (AV)straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
10 (AW)Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 (AX)for wisdom is better than jewels,
and (AY)all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and (AZ)discretion.
13 (BA)The fear of the Lord is (BB)hatred of evil.
(BC)Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and (BD)perverted speech I hate.
14 I have (BE)counsel and (BF)sound wisdom;
I have insight; (BG)I have strength.
15 By me (BH)kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.[f]
17 (BI)I love those who love me,
and (BJ)those who seek me diligently find me.
18 (BK)Riches and honor are with me,
(BL)enduring wealth and (BM)righteousness.
19 My fruit is (BN)better than (BO)gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than (BP)choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
22 (BQ)“The Lord (BR)possessed[g] me at the beginning of his work,[h]
the first of his acts (BS)of old.
23 Ages ago I was (BT)set up,
at the first, (BU)before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no (BV)depths I was (BW)brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains (BX)had been shaped,
(BY)before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he (BZ)established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew (CA)a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he (CB)made firm the skies above,
when he established[i] the fountains of the deep,
29 when he (CC)assigned to the sea its (CD)limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out (CE)the foundations of the earth,
30 then (CF)I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his[j] (CG)delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 (CH)rejoicing in his (CI)inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.
32 “And now, (CJ)O sons, listen to me:
(CK)blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 (CL)Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 (CM)Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For (CN)whoever finds me (CO)finds life
and (CP)obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me (CQ)injures himself;
all who (CR)hate me (CS)love death.”
The Way of Wisdom
9 (CT)Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her (CU)seven (CV)pillars.
2 She has (CW)slaughtered her beasts; she has (CX)mixed her wine;
she has also (CY)set her table.
3 She has (CZ)sent out her young women to (DA)call
from (DB)the highest places in the town,
4 (DC)“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
(DD)To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, (DE)eat of my bread
and (DF)drink of (DG)the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave (DH)your simple ways,[k] and (DI)live,
(DJ)and walk in the way of insight.”
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 (DK)Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
(DL)reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction[l] to a wise man, and he will be (DM)still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will (DN)increase in learning.
10 (DO)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and (DP)the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me (DQ)your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 (DR)If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Way of Folly
13 (DS)The woman Folly is (DT)loud;
she is seductive[m] and (DU)knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on (DV)the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are (DW)going straight on their way,
16 (DX)“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 (DY)“Stolen water is sweet,
and (DZ)bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know (EA)that the dead[n] are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
The Proverbs of Solomon
10 (EB)The proverbs of Solomon.
(EC)A wise son makes a glad father,
(ED)but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 (EE)Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
(EF)but righteousness delivers from death.
3 (EG)The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
(EH)but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 A slack hand (EI)causes poverty,
(EJ)but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who (EK)gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is (EL)a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but (EM)the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.[o]
7 (EN)The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but (EO)the name of the wicked will rot.
8 (EP)The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 (EQ)Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked (ER)will be found out.
10 Whoever (ES)winks the eye causes trouble,
and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 (ET)The mouth of the righteous is (EU)a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked (EV)conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but (EW)love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but (EX)a rod is for the back of him who (EY)lacks sense.
14 The wise (EZ)lay up knowledge,
but (FA)the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
15 (FB)A rich man's wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads (FC)to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on (FD)the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 (FE)When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
(FF)but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is (FG)choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for (FH)lack of sense.
22 (FI)The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.[p]
23 Doing wrong is (FJ)like a joke to a fool,
but (FK)wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 (FL)What the wicked dreads (FM)will come upon him,
but (FN)the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When (FO)the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
but (FP)the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 (FQ)The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
(FR)but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 (FS)The hope of the righteous brings joy,
(FT)but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 (FU)The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,
but destruction to evildoers.
30 (FV)The righteous will never be removed,
but (FW)the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 (FX)The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous (FY)know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, (FZ)what is perverse.
11 (GA)A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
(GB)but a just weight is his delight.
2 (GC)When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with (GD)the humble is wisdom.
3 (GE)The integrity of the upright guides them,
(GF)but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 (GG)Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
(GH)but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless (GI)keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 (GJ)The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous (GK)are taken captive by their lust.
7 When the wicked dies, his (GL)hope will perish,
and (GM)the expectation of wealth[q] perishes too.
8 (GN)The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked walks into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 (GO)When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but (GP)by the mouth of the wicked (GQ)it is overthrown.
12 Whoever (GR)belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever (GS)goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is (GT)no guidance, a people falls,
(GU)but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 (GV)Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
16 (GW)A gracious woman gets honor,
and (GX)violent men get riches.
17 (GY)A man who is kind benefits himself,
but a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,
but one who (GZ)sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness (HA)will live,
but (HB)he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of (HC)crooked heart are (HD)an abomination to the Lord,
but those of (HE)blameless ways are (HF)his delight.
21 (HG)Be assured, (HH)an evil person will not go unpunished,
but (HI)the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like (HJ)a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
(HK)the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
24 (HL)One gives (HM)freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
25 (HN)Whoever brings blessing (HO)will be enriched,
and (HP)one who waters will himself be watered.
26 (HQ)The people curse him who holds back grain,
but (HR)a blessing is on the head of him who (HS)sells it.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,[r]
but evil comes to (HT)him who searches for it.
28 Whoever (HU)trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will (HV)flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever (HW)troubles his own household will (HX)inherit the wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is (HY)a tree of life,
and whoever (HZ)captures souls is wise.
31 If (IA)the righteous is repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who (IB)hates reproof is (IC)stupid.
2 A good man (ID)obtains favor from the Lord,
but a man of evil devices he condemns.
3 No one is established by wickedness,
but the root of (IE)the righteous will never be moved.
4 (IF)An excellent wife is (IG)the crown of her husband,
but she who (IH)brings shame is like (II)rottenness in his bones.
5 (IJ)The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked (IK)lie in wait for blood,
but (IL)the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 (IM)The wicked are (IN)overthrown and are no more,
(IO)but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is (IP)despised.
9 Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.
10 (IQ)Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
11 (IR)Whoever works his land (IS)will have plenty of bread,
(IT)but he who follows (IU)worthless pursuits lacks sense.
12 Whoever is wicked covets (IV)the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 An evil man is ensnared (IW)by the transgression of his lips,[s]
(IX)but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth (IY)a man is satisfied with good,
(IZ)and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
15 (JA)The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 (JB)The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 (JC)Whoever speaks[t] the truth gives honest evidence,
but (JD)a false witness utters deceit.
18 (JE)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings (JF)healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but (JG)a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of (JH)those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
21 (JI)No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 (JJ)Lying lips are (JK)an abomination to the Lord,
(JL)but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 (JM)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
(JN)but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 (JO)The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be (JP)put to forced labor.
25 (JQ)Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,[u]
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 (JR)Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
but the diligent man will get precious wealth.[v]
28 (JS)In the path of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death.
13 A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but (JT)a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man (JU)eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous (JV)is for violence.
3 (JW)Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
(JX)he who opens wide his lips (JY)comes to ruin.
4 (JZ)The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent (KA)is richly supplied.
5 The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame[w] and disgrace.
6 (KB)Righteousness guards him whose (KC)way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked.
7 (KD)One pretends to be rich,[x] yet has nothing;
(KE)another pretends to be poor,[y] yet has great wealth.
8 The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,
but a poor man (KF)hears no threat.
9 (KG)The light of the righteous rejoices,
but (KH)the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 (KI)By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11 (KJ)Wealth gained hastily[z] will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
(KK)but a desire fulfilled is (KL)a tree of life.
13 Whoever (KM)despises (KN)the word[aa] brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment[ab] will be (KO)rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is (KP)a fountain of life,
that one may (KQ)turn away from the snares of death.
15 (KR)Good sense wins (KS)favor,
but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.[ac]
16 (KT)Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
(KU)but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but (KV)a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who (KW)ignores instruction,
(KX)but whoever (KY)heeds reproof is honored.
19 (KZ)A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 (LA)Disaster[ad] pursues sinners,
(LB)but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22 (LC)A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
but (LD)the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through (LE)injustice.
24 (LF)Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.[ae]
25 (LG)The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 7:5 Hebrew strange
- Proverbs 7:5 Hebrew the foreign woman
- Proverbs 7:10 Hebrew guarded in heart
- Proverbs 7:14 Hebrew peace offerings
- Proverbs 7:22 Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac); Hebrew as a chain to discipline a fool
- Proverbs 8:16 Most Hebrew manuscripts; many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint govern the earth
- Proverbs 8:22 Or fathered; Septuagint created
- Proverbs 8:22 Hebrew way
- Proverbs 8:28 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
- Proverbs 8:30 Or daily filled with
- Proverbs 9:6 Or Leave the company of the simple
- Proverbs 9:9 Hebrew lacks instruction
- Proverbs 9:13 Or full of simpleness
- Proverbs 9:18 Hebrew Rephaim
- Proverbs 10:6 Or but violence covers the mouth of the wicked; also verse 11
- Proverbs 10:22 Or and toil adds nothing to it
- Proverbs 11:7 Or of his strength, or of iniquity
- Proverbs 11:27 Or acceptance
- Proverbs 12:13 Or In the transgression of the lips, there is an evil snare
- Proverbs 12:17 Hebrew breathes out
- Proverbs 12:26 Or The righteous chooses his friends carefully
- Proverbs 12:27 Or but diligence is precious wealth
- Proverbs 13:5 Or stench
- Proverbs 13:7 Or One makes himself rich
- Proverbs 13:7 Or another makes himself poor
- Proverbs 13:11 Or by fraud
- Proverbs 13:13 Or a word
- Proverbs 13:13 Or a commandment
- Proverbs 13:15 Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew is rugged, or is an enduring rut
- Proverbs 13:21 Or Evil
- Proverbs 13:24 Or who loves him disciplines him early
Proverbs 7-13
New International Version
Proverbs 7-13
New International Version
Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
7 My son,(A) keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;(B)
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.(C)
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and to insight, “You are my relative.”
5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words.(D)
6 At the window of my house
I looked down through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who had no sense.(E)
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight,(F) as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is unruly(G) and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)(H)
13 She took hold of him(I) and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:(J)
14 “Today I fulfilled my vows,
and I have food from my fellowship offering(K) at home.
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed(L)
with myrrh,(M) aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;
let’s enjoy ourselves with love!(N)
19 My husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.(O)
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer[a] stepping into a noose[b](P)
23 till an arrow pierces(Q) his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.(R)
24 Now then, my sons, listen(S) to me;
pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.(T)
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,
leading down to the chambers of death.(U)
Wisdom’s Call
8 Does not wisdom call out?(V)
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:(W)
4 “To you, O people, I call out;(X)
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple,(Y) gain prudence;(Z)
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[c]
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,(AA)
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,(AB)
11 for wisdom is more precious(AC) than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.(AD)
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.(AE)
13 To fear the Lord(AF) is to hate evil;(AG)
I hate(AH) pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.(AI)
15 By me kings reign
and rulers(AJ) issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,(AK)
and nobles—all who rule on earth.[d]
17 I love those who love me,(AL)
and those who seek me find me.(AM)
18 With me are riches and honor,(AN)
enduring wealth and prosperity.(AO)
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;(AP)
what I yield surpasses choice silver.(AQ)
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,(AR)
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.(AS)
22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,[e][f]
before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
when there were no springs overflowing with water;(AT)
25 before the mountains were settled in place,(AU)
before the hills, I was given birth,(AV)
26 before he made the world or its fields
or any of the dust of the earth.(AW)
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,(AX)
when he marked out the horizon(AY) on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above(AZ)
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,(BA)
29 when he gave the sea its boundary(BB)
so the waters would not overstep his command,(BC)
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.(BD)
30 Then I was constantly[g] at his side.(BE)
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.(BF)
32 “Now then, my children, listen(BG) to me;
blessed are(BH) those who keep my ways.(BI)
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen(BJ) to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me(BK) find life(BL)
and receive favor from the Lord.(BM)
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;(BN)
all who hate me love death.”(BO)
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
9 Wisdom has built(BP) her house;
she has set up[h] its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;(BQ)
she has also set her table.(BR)
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls(BS)
from the highest point of the city,(BT)
4 “Let all who are simple(BU) come to my house!”
To those who have no sense(BV) she says,
5 “Come,(BW) eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.(BX)
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;(BY)
walk in the way of insight.”(BZ)
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.(CA)
8 Do not rebuke mockers(CB) or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.(CC)
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.(CD)
10 The fear of the Lord(CE) is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One(CF) is understanding.(CG)
11 For through wisdom[i] your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.(CH)
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
13 Folly is an unruly woman;(CI)
she is simple and knows nothing.(CJ)
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,(CK)
15 calling out(CL) to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense(CM) she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!(CN)”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.(CO)
Proverbs of Solomon
10 The proverbs(CP) of Solomon:(CQ)
A wise son brings joy to his father,(CR)
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.(CY)
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[j](CZ)
7 The name of the righteous(DA) is used in blessings,[k]
but the name of the wicked(DB) will rot.(DC)
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.(DD)
9 Whoever walks in integrity(DE) walks securely,(DF)
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.(DG)
10 Whoever winks maliciously(DH) causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(DI)
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(DJ)
12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.(DK)
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(DL)
but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(DM)
17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,(DT)
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips(DU)
and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.(DV)
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.(DW)
23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,(EA)
but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.(EK)
29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.(EL)
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.(EM)
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,(EN)
but a perverse tongue(EO) will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,(EP)
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.(EQ)
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.(EV)
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,(EZ)
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.(FA)
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.(FB)
7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them;(FC)
all the promise of[l] their power comes to nothing.(FD)
8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.(FE)
9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.(FF)
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;(FG)
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.(FH)
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,(FI)
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.(FJ)
12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,(FK)
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.(FL)
15 Whoever puts up security(FQ) for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.(FR)
16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,(FS)
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.(FT)
20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,(FW)
but he delights(FX) in those whose ways are blameless.(FY)
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will go free.(FZ)
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.(GC)
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,(GD)
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.(GE)
29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.(GF)
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,(GG)
and the one who is wise saves lives.
31 If the righteous receive their due(GH) on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.(GI)
3 No one can be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.(GL)
4 A wife of noble character(GM) is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.(GN)
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(GO)
8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped(GR) mind is despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,(GS)
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.(GT)
12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(GW)
and the work of their hands brings them reward.(GX)
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.(HD)
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.(HG)
21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(HH)
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.(HN)
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(HO)
but a kind word cheers it up.
26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(HP)
27 The lazy do not roast[m] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(HQ)
along that path is immortality.
13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.(HR)
2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,(HS)
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who guard their lips(HT) preserve their lives,(HU)
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(HV)
4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,(HW)
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,(HX)
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.
6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.(HY)
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;(HZ)
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(IA)
8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.(IB)
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.(IC)
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(ID)
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,(IE)
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.(IF)
13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(IG)
but whoever respects(IH) a command is rewarded.(II)
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(IJ)
turning a person from the snares of death.(IK)
15 Good judgment wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[n]
18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(IP)
but whoever heeds correction is honored.(IQ)
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(IR)
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.(IS)
22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.(IW)
23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 Whoever spares the rod(IX) hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline(IY) them.(IZ)
25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.(JA)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool
- Proverbs 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
- Proverbs 8:5 Septuagint; Hebrew foolish, instruct your minds
- Proverbs 8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts all righteous rulers
- Proverbs 8:22 Or way; or dominion
- Proverbs 8:22 Or The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work; or The Lord brought me forth at the beginning of his work
- Proverbs 8:30 Or was the artisan; or was a little child
- Proverbs 9:1 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew has hewn out
- Proverbs 9:11 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew me
- Proverbs 10:6 Or righteous, / but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence
- Proverbs 10:7 See Gen. 48:20.
- Proverbs 11:7 Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum When the wicked die, their hope perishes; / all they expected from
- Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
- Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
- Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through
English Standard Version (ESV) 
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.