Bible in 90 Days
7 My son, keep my words; lay up within you my commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them.
2 Keep my commandments and live, and keep my law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to skillful and godly Wisdom, You are my sister, and regard understanding or insight as your intimate friend—
5 That they may keep you from the loose woman, from the adventuress who flatters with and makes smooth her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice.
7 And among the simple (empty-headed and emptyhearted) ones, I perceived among the youths a young man void of good sense,
8 Sauntering through the street near the [loose woman’s] corner; and he went the way to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening; night black and dense was falling [over the young man’s life].
10 And behold, there met him a woman, dressed as a harlot and sly and cunning of heart.
11 She is turbulent and willful; her feet stay not in her house;
12 Now in the streets, now in the marketplaces, she sets her ambush at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him and with impudent face she said to him,
14 Sacrifices of peace offerings were due from me; this day I paid my vows.
15 So I came forth to meet you [that you might share with me the feast from my offering]; diligently I sought your face, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my couch with rugs and cushions of tapestry, with striped sheets of fine linen of Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us console and delight ourselves with love.
19 For the man is not at home; he is gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him and will come home at the day appointed [at the full moon].
21 With much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along.
22 Suddenly he [yields and] follows her reluctantly like an ox moving to the slaughter, like one in fetters going to the correction [to be given] to a fool or [a]like a dog enticed by food to the muzzle
23 Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net [he hastens], not knowing that it will cost him his life.
24 Listen to me now therefore, O you sons, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart incline toward her ways, do not stray into her paths.
26 For she has cast down many wounded; indeed, all her slain are a mighty host.(A)
27 Her house is the way to Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead), going down to the chambers of death.
8 Does not skillful and godly Wisdom cry out, and understanding raise her voice [in contrast to the loose woman]?
2 On the top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, stands Wisdom [skillful and godly];
3 At the gates at the entrance of the town, at the coming in at the doors, she cries out:
4 To you, O men, I call, and my voice is directed to the sons of men.
5 O you simple and thoughtless ones, understand prudence; you [self-confident] fools, be of an understanding heart.(B)
6 Hear, for I will speak excellent and princely things; and the opening of my lips shall be for right things.
7 For my mouth shall utter truth, and wrongdoing is detestable and loathsome to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous (upright and in right standing with God); there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it].
10 Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.(C)
12 I, Wisdom [from God], make prudence my dwelling, and I find out knowledge and discretion.(D)
13 The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice.(E)
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.(F)
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God).(G)
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than refined gold, and my increase than choice silver.
20 I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice,
21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches and that I may fill their treasuries.
22 The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old.
23 I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed.(H)
24 When there were no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains laden with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,(I)
26 While as yet He had not made the land or the fields or the first of the dust of the earth.
27 When He prepared the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; when He drew a circle upon the face of the deep and stretched out the firmament over it,
28 When He made firm the skies above, when He established the fountains of the deep,
29 When He gave to the sea its limit and His decree that the waters should not transgress [across the boundaries set by] His command, when He appointed the foundations of the earth—(J)
30 Then I [Wisdom] was [b]beside Him as a master and director of the work; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always,(K)
31 Rejoicing in His inhabited earth and delighting in the sons of men.(L)
32 Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways.(M)
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it.
34 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord.
36 But he who misses me or sins against me wrongs and injures himself; all who hate me love and court death.
9 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars.
2 She has killed her beasts, she has mixed her [spiritual] wine; she has also set her table.(N)
3 She has sent out her maids to cry from the highest places of the town:
4 Whoever is simple (easily led astray and wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, [God’s] Wisdom says to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed.(O)
6 Leave off, simple ones [forsake the foolish and simpleminded] and live! And walk in the way of insight and understanding.
7 He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.(P)
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning.
10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.
11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scorn, you alone will bear it and pay the penalty.
13 The foolish woman is noisy; she is simple and open to all forms of evil, she [willfully and recklessly] knows nothing whatever [of eternal value].
14 For she sits at the door of her house or on a seat in the conspicuous places of the town,
15 Calling to those who pass by, who go uprightly on their way:
16 Whoever is simple (wavering and easily led astray), let him turn in here! And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17 Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden]; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.(Q)
18 But he knows not that the shades of the dead are there [specters haunting the scene of past transgressions], and that her invited guests are [already sunk] in the depths of Sheol (the lower world, Hades, the place of the dead).
10 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish and self-confident son is the grief of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) delivers from death.
3 The Lord will not allow the [uncompromisingly] righteous to famish, but He thwarts the desire of the wicked.(R)
4 He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.(S)
8 The wise in heart will accept and obey commandments, but the foolish of lips will fall headlong.
9 He who walks uprightly walks securely, but he who takes a crooked way shall be found out and punished.
10 He who winks with the eye [craftily and with malice] causes sorrow; the foolish of lips will fall headlong but [c]he who boldly reproves makes peace.
11 The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions.
13 On the lips of him who has discernment skillful and godly [d]Wisdom is found, but discipline and the rod are for the back of him who is without sense and understanding.
14 Wise men store up knowledge [in mind and heart], but the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.(T)
16 The earnings of the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) lead to life, but the profit of the wicked leads to further sin.(U)
17 He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.
18 He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool.(V)
19 In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongues of those who are upright and in right standing with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value.
21 The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous feed and guide many, but fools die for want of understanding and heart.
22 The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].
23 It is as sport to a [self-confident] fool to do wickedness, but to have skillful and godly Wisdom is pleasure and relaxation to a man of understanding.
24 The thing a wicked man fears shall come upon him, but the desire of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be granted.
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous have an everlasting foundation.(W)
26 As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who employ and send him.
27 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord prolongs one’s days, but the years of the wicked shall be made short.
28 The hope of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked (those who are out of harmony with God) comes to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is strength and a stronghold to the upright, but it is destruction to the workers of iniquity.
30 The [consistently] righteous shall never be removed, but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth [eventually].(X)
31 The mouths of the righteous (those harmonious with God) bring forth skillful and godly Wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut down [like a barren and rotten tree].
32 The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous know [and therefore utter] what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked knows [and therefore speaks only] what is obstinately willful and contrary.
11 A false balance and unrighteous dealings are extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.(Y)
2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
4 Riches provide no security in any day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) delivers from death.(Z)
5 The righteousness of the blameless shall rectify and make plain their way and keep it straight, but the wicked shall fall by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright [their rectitude in every area and relation] shall deliver them, but the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity and greedy desire.
7 When the wicked man dies, his hope [for the future] perishes; and the expectation of the godless comes to nothing.
8 The [uncompromisingly] righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked gets into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge and superior discernment shall the righteous be delivered.
10 When it goes well with the [uncompromisingly] righteous, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
14 Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
15 He who becomes security for an outsider shall smart for it, but he who hates suretyship is secure [from its penalties].
16 A gracious and good woman wins honor [for her husband], and violent men win riches but [e]a woman who hates righteousness is a throne of dishonor for him.
17 The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution.
18 The wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) shall have a sure reward [permanent and satisfying].(AA)
19 He who is steadfast in righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) attains to life, but he who pursues evil does it to his own death.
20 They who are willfully contrary in heart are extremely disgusting and shamefully vile in the eyes of the Lord, but such as are blameless and wholehearted in their ways are His delight!
21 Assuredly [I pledge it] the wicked shall not go unpunished, but the multitude of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion.
23 The desire of the [consistently] righteous brings only good, but the expectation of the wicked brings wrath.
24 There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.
25 The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.(AB)
26 The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it], but a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.
27 He who diligently seeks good seeks [God’s] favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come upon him.
28 He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like a green bough.
29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men—he gathers and receives them for eternity].(AC)
31 Behold, the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be recompensed on earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner! And [f]if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and wicked?(AD)
12 Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He condemns.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall never be moved.
4 A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.(AE)
5 The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them and the innocent ones [thus endangered].
7 The wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread.
10 A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.(AF)
11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.
12 The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].
13 The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble.
14 From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hands shall come back to him [as a harvest].
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.(AG)
16 A fool’s wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.
17 He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.
21 No [actual] evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, and calamity.(AH)
22 Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight.(AI)
23 A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly.(AJ)
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.(AK)
26 The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.
27 The slothful man does not catch his game or roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions.
28 Life is in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), and in its pathway there is no death but immortality (perpetual, eternal life).(AL)
13 A wise son heeds [and is the fruit of] his father’s instruction and correction, but a scoffer listens not to rebuke.
2 A good man eats good from the fruit of his mouth, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4 The appetite of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.(AM)
5 A [consistently] righteous man hates lying and deceit, but a wicked man is loathsome [his very breath spreads pollution] and he comes [surely] to shame.
6 Righteousness (rightness and justice in every area and relation) guards him who is upright in the way, but wickedness plunges into sin and overthrows the sinner.
7 One man considers himself rich, yet has nothing [to keep permanently]; another man considers himself poor, yet has great [and indestructible] riches.(AN)
8 A rich man can buy his way out of threatened death by paying a ransom, but the poor man does not even have to listen to threats [from the envious].
9 The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him—it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly.
10 By pride and insolence comes only contention, but with the well-advised is skillful and godly Wisdom.
11 Wealth [not earned but] won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use [such riches] will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase [his riches].
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the transgressor is hard [like the barren, dry soil or the impassable swamp].
16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored.
19 Satisfied desire is sweet to a person; therefore it is hateful and exceedingly offensive to [self-confident] fools to give up evil [upon which they have set their hearts].
20 He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.(AO)
21 Evil pursues sinners, but the consistently upright and in right standing with God is recompensed with good.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.
23 Much food is in the tilled land of the poor, but there are those who are destroyed because of injustice.
24 He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.(AP)
25 The [uncompromisingly] righteous eats to his own satisfaction, but the stomach of the wicked is in want.
14 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 He who walks in uprightness reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, but he who is contrary and devious in his ways despises Him.
3 In the [g]fool’s own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men’s lips preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but much increase [of crops] comes by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes out falsehoods.
6 A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive.
9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God.(AQ)
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is heaviness and grief.
14 The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].
15 The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.
16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.
17 He who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly, and a man of wicked plots and plans is hated.
18 The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil men bow before the good, and the wicked [stand suppliantly] at the gates of the [uncompromisingly] righteous.
20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins [against God, his fellowman, and himself], but happy (blessed and fortunate) is he who is kind and merciful to the poor.
22 Do they not err who devise evil and wander from the way of life? But loving-kindness and mercy, loyalty and faithfulness, shall be to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the foolishness of [self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives].
26 In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.
27 Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.(AR)
28 In a multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in a lack of people is the prince’s ruin.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exposes and exalts his folly.(AS)
30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.(AT)
32 The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the [consistently] righteous has hope and confidence even in death.
33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known.(AU)
34 Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise and discreet servant, but his wrath is against him who does shamefully.(AV)
15 A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.(AW)
2 The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.(AX)
4 A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction and correction, but he who regards reproof acquires prudence.
6 In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation.
7 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.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight!(AY)
9 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).
10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God’s way; and he who hates reproof will die [physically, morally, and spiritually].
11 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?(AZ)
12 A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him; neither will he go to the wise [for counsel].
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.(BA)
14 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.(BB)
15 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].
16 Better is little with the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord than great and rich treasure and trouble with it.(BC)
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.(BD)
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases contention.
19 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.
20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame.
21 Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly [making straight his course].(BE)
22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.
23 A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!
24 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).(BF)
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He makes secure the boundaries of the [consecrated] widow.
26 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.
27 He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.(BG)
28 The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.(BH)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).
30 The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones.
31 The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life will remain among the wise.
32 He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding.
33 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
16 The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
2 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).(BI)
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.(BJ)
6 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.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation and right standing with God) than great revenues with injustice.(BK)
9 A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.(BL)
10 Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles].
12 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).
13 Right and just lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life, and his favor is as a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(BM)
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 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.
21 The wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing, and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener].
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to those who have it, but to give instruction to fools is folly.
23 The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.
25 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.
26 The appetite of the laborer works for him, for [the need of] his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man devises and digs up mischief, and in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.(BN)
29 The exceedingly grasping, covetous, and violent man entices his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.
30 He who shuts his eyes to devise perverse things and who compresses his lips [as if in concealment] brings evil to pass.
31 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).(BO)
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.
33 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].
17 Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting [on offered sacrifices] with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share in the inheritance among the brothers.
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts.(BP)
4 An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips; and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.(BQ)
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.(BR)
7 Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool—much less do lying lips befit a prince.
8 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.
9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.
10 A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool.(BS)
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a stern and pitiless messenger shall be sent against him.
12 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].(BT)
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.(BU)
14 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.
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both an abomination [exceedingly disgusting and hateful] to the Lord.(BV)
16 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?
17 A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.
18 A man void of good sense gives a pledge and becomes security for another in the presence of his neighbor.
19 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.
20 He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good, and he who has a willful and contrary tongue will fall into calamity.(BW)
21 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].
22 A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.(BX)
23 A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket) to pervert the ways of justice.
24 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.
25 A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also, to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.(BY)
28 Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.
18 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.
2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
3 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.
4 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].
5 To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good.
6 A [self-confident] fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A [self-confident] fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
8 The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and [h]he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
10 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.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.
12 Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him.(BZ)
14 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?
15 The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.(CA)
17 He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.
18 To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.
20 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].
21 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].(CB)
22 He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.(CC)
23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.
24 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.
19 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.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark.
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor man is avoided by his neighbor.(CD)
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes out lies shall not escape.(CE)
6 Many will entreat the favor of a liberal man, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.
7 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.
8 He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a [self-confident] fool—much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.
12 The king’s wrath is as terrifying as the roaring of a lion, but his favor is as [refreshing as] dew upon the grass.(CF)
13 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].
14 House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.(CG)
15 Slothfulness casts one into a deep sleep, and the idle person shall suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment [of the Lord] keeps his own life, but he who despises His ways shall die.(CH)
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.(CI)
18 Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not [indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and] set yourself to his ruin.
19 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.
20 Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.
21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.(CJ)
22 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.
23 The reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied; he cannot be visited with [actual] evil.(CK)
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will increase in knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to ignore it and stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness scoffs at justice, and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and stripes for the backs of [self-confident] fools.(CL)
20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise.(CM)
2 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.
3 It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.
4 The sluggard does not plow when winter sets in; therefore he begs in harvest and has nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like water in a deep well, but a man of understanding draws it out.(CN)
6 Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness and goodness, but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed (happy, fortunate, enviable) are his children after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows out all evil [like chaff] with his eyes.
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?(CO)
10 Diverse weights [one for buying and another for selling] and diverse measures—both of them are exceedingly offensive and abhorrent to the Lord.(CP)
11 Even a child is known by his acts, whether [or not] what he does is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the Lord has made both of them.
13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread.
14 It is worthless, it is worthless! says the buyer; but when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].
15 There is gold, and a multitude of pearls, but the lips of knowledge are a vase of preciousness [the most precious of all].(CQ)
16 [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.
17 Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and [only] with good advice make or carry on war.
19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely.(CR)
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in complete darkness.
21 An inheritance hastily gotten [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning, in the end it will not be blessed.(CS)
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