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The Abridged Book of Proverbs

What is the Book of Proverbs?

A list of sayings of wisdom and goodness, and evil and hate.


Pt 1: Lady Wisdom
Pt 2: One Liners
Pt 3: Teachings of the Wise
Pt 4: Hezkiah's
Pt 5: Appendices

Summary and Background

Stats

Other Names
Prov
Author
Traditionally by Solomon
Setting Range
950BC
Categories
Writings
Academic Composition Range
800BC-400BC
Historical Preservation
Fully Preserved
Public Domain Translations
KJVASVBBEYLTWEB
Abridged Status
Finished- 0% Remaining
Original Verse Count
915
Original Word Count
15,038
Abridged Word Count
8,832
Abridged Length
59%

Part 1: Lady Wisdom


Solomon writes a series of letters to his children, passing along the knowledge that got passed to him.
There is a recurring character, Wisdom, who is personified.
Key themes include Wisdom, doing the right thing, sticking to tradition, and avoiding cheating.

Chapter 1

1:1. The Proverbs of Solomon, son of King David of Israel

1:1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

1:2. Therse are for attaining wisdom and understanding insightful words,

1:2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

1:3. for being a disciplined and good person,

1:3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

1:4. for teaching knowledge and caution to the youth,

1:4. To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

1:5. Let the wise get wiser, and the people with high standards get guidance.

1:5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

1:6. Understand these sayings of the wise.

1:6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

1:7. Respecting God is the first step.
Fools despise wisdom and discipline.

1:7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1:8-9. Listen to your parents. It could be useful.

1:8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
1:9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

1:10. Don't let others talk you into doing stupid things.

1:10. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

1:11-16. If someone wants you to help them rob someone, say no.

1:11. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
1:12. Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
1:13. We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
1:14. Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
1:15. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
1:16. For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

1:17. You don't set a trap in open daylight, the animals will see it and know it's there.

1:17. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

1:18. Those types of people will dig their own graves.

1:18. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

1:19. If you live off of stealing and violence, it will only steal your own life.

1:19. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Wisdom

1:20-21. Wisdom stands in a crowded street and yells her speech,

1:20. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
1:21. She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

1:22. "How long will you cling to your ancient ways?
How long will people be bullies or stupid?

1:22. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

1:23. If you had listened to me, I would have opened my heart and mind to you.

1:23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

1:24. But you rejected me when I called, and no one accepted me when I reached out my hand.

1:24. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

1:25-27. Since you ignored my help, I will laugh at your misery.

1:25. But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
1:26. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
1:27. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

1:28. You can try to call me, but I will not answer.
You can try to look, but you won't find me.

1:28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

1:29-31. Since you hated knowledge and chose not to respect God, since you ignored me, you will get what you deserve.

1:29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
1:30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
1:31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

1:32. The ignorance of the foolish will destroy them.

1:32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

1:33. But, whoever listens to me will live confidently in safety."

1:33. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Chapter 2

2:1-5. My son,
If you listen to these words,
turn your ear to wisdom,
turn your heart to understanding,
call out for insight,
and look for it as you would treasure,
you will understand the respect and knowledge of God.

2:1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2:2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
2:3. Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
2:4. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
2:5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

2:6. God gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

2:6. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

2:7-8. God helps the good win, being their shield, guarding and protecting the way for those who have faith.

2:7. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
2:8. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

2:9. Then you will understand what is good and right.

2:9. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

2:10. Wisdom will enter your heart,
Knowledge will enter your soul.

2:10. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

2:11. Discretion and understanding will protect you.

2:11. Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

2:12-15. Wisdom will save you from evil, from evil words, evil ways, and evil people.

2:12. To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
2:13. Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
2:14. Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
2:15. Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

2:16-19. Wisdom will also help you not cheat and give into lust. That path leads to death.

2:16. To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
2:17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
2:18. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
2:19. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

2:20. Follow the path of good people.

2:20. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

2:21-22. The good people will get to keep living in the land, but the evil will be cut off from it.

2:21. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
2:22. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Chapter 3

3:1-2. My son, remember all this shit- it will help you live long, rich, and healthy.

3:1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3:3. Let love and faith consume your heart.

3:3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

3:4. That will earn you respect form God and your peers.

3:4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

3:5. Trust in God, and don't rely on your own understanding.

3:5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

3:6. Ask for God's help in all ways, and God will guide the way.

3:6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

3:7. Don't be concieted of your own opinion, respect God and hate evil.

3:7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

3:8. This will make you healthy.

3:8. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

3:9-10. Honor God with the first of your income, it will be given back to you.

3:9. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
3:10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

3:11-12. Don't hate God's discipline, it's what a parent does.

3:11. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
3:12. For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

3:13-15. One who finds Wisdom is blessed.
She is more valuable than gold or silver, and more precious than rubies.

3:13. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
3:14. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
3:15. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

3:16. She holds a long life in one hand, and wealth and integrity in the other.

3:16. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

3:17. Her way is nice, her path is peaceful.

3:17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

3:18. She is a giving tree that blesses those who know her.

3:18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

3:19-20. God built the earth through Wisdom, and heaven through Understanding, and divided them with Knowledge.

3:19. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
3:20. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

3:21-22. My son, give good and fair judgment.

3:21. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
3:22. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

3:23. Then you'll be safe and secure.

3:23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

3:24. You'll sleep soundly.

3:24. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

3:25. Do not worry when bad things happen to evil people.

3:25. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

3:26. Have confidence God will keep you safe.

3:26. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

3:27. Don't hesitate to do good things when you have the opportunity.

3:27. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

3:28. Don't tell people, "Maybe tomorrow", when you can do it today.

3:28. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

3:29. Don't backstab people.

3:29. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

3:30. Don't accuse someone for no reason.

3:30. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

3:31. Don't be jealous of evil people.

3:31. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

3:32-35. God hates evil, proud, foolish people and helps good, humble, wise people.

3:32. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
3:33. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
3:34. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
3:35. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Chapter 4

4:1-2. Listen, children, this is important.

4:1. Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
4:2. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

4:3-4. This is what my father taught me when I was little: "Keep my words in your heart, and you will live.

4:3. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4:4. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

4:5. Find Wisdom.

4:5. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

4:6. Love Wisdom, and she will protect you and watch over you.

4:6. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

4:7. Wisdom is supreme.

4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

4:8. Praise her, and she will praise you,
Hold her, and she will honor you.

4:8. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

4:9. She will give you a crown of grace and beauty.

4:9. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

4:10. This advice will help you live long.

4:10. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

4:11. I will teach you the ways of Wisdom, and lead you along straight paths.

4:11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

4:12. You will be able to do what you want with no issues.

4:12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

4:13. Remember these teachings and pass them on.

4:13. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

4:14-15. Don't be evil. Just stay away.

4:14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
4:15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

4:16-17. You'll become addicted.

4:16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
4:17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

4:18-19. Being a good person is like the sunrise, but being evil is like darnkess and confusion, unaware of what's causing your pain.

4:18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
4:19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

4:20-22. Listen closely to these words, they'll keep you healthy.

4:20. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
4:21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
4:22. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

4:23. Guard your heart- it's your source of light.

4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

4:24. Keep a clean mouth.

4:24. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

4:25. Keep your eyes straight ahead.

4:25. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

4:26-27. Only travel steady paths, and don't swerve.

4:26. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
4:27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Chapter 5

5:1-2. Listen, my child, keep secrets secret and preserve knoweldge.

5:1. My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
5:2. That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

5:3-6. The lips of a cheater drip honey, and their words are smoother than oil. But ultimately, it's not worth it, that path leads straight to death.

5:3. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
5:4. But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5:5. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
5:6. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

5:7-8. Keep away from cheaters.

5:7. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
5:8. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

5:9. You'll waste your best years.

5:9. Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

5:10. People will take advantage of you.

5:10. Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

5:11-14. You'll have regrets at the end of your life, wishing you had listened.

5:11. And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
5:12. And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
5:13. And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
5:14. I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

5:15-17. Only drink your own water, don't share it with strangers.

5:15. Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
5:16. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
5:17. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

5:18-19. Bless your fountain, and rejoice with the woman you married when you were young- hopefully you'll always love her boobs.

5:18. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
5:19. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

5:20. Why chance it by cheating?

5:20. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

5:21-23. God sees everything you do, even when you trap and kill yourself by your own evil ways.

5:21. For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
5:22. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
5:23. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Chapter 6

6:1-5. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, even if you said the opposite before. Be honest, be humble, and free yourself.

6:1. My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
6:2. Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
6:3. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
6:4. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
6:5. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6:6-11. Keep busy like an ant, you lazy asshole.

6:6. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
6:7. Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
6:8. Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
6:9. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
6:10. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
6:11. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

6:12-15. Don't trust someone who winks and does shifty hand and foot motions. They're likely evil, and will destroy themselves.

6:12. A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
6:13. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
6:14. Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
6:15. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

6:16-19. There are six things that God hates, and seven things that God finds annoying:
Arrogance, lying, violence,
planning evil, jumping to evil,
liars and rebellers.

6:16. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
6:17. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
6:18. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
6:19. A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

6:20-22. Listen to all this shit- keep it written on your heart and it will guide you.

6:20. My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
6:21. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
6:22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

6:23-24. These teachings are the light- keeping you away from immoral people, from the smooth talking of cheaters.

6:23. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
6:24. To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

6:25. Do not lust after their beauty.
Do not look them in their eyes.

6:25. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

6:26. They're trying to take advantage of you.

6:26. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

6:27-28. Don't even try playing with fire.

6:27. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
6:28. Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

6:29. You'll get burned.

6:29. So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

6:30-31. We don't blame someone too much if they steal when they're hungry- but they still have to pay back 7x, even if it makes them go broke.

6:30. Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
6:31. But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

6:32-35. Someone who cheats lacks common sense, and destroys themself., unless the other partner who got cheated on destroys them first.

6:32. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
6:33. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
6:34. For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
6:35. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Chapter 7

7:1-3. Listen to these words, my son, wrap them in your fingers, and write them on your heart.

7:1. My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
7:2. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
7:3. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

7:4-5. Call Wisdom your sister,
and Understanding your friend,
They will keep you away from cheating.

7:4. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
7:5. That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

7:6-9. One time, I was looking out my window and saw a young man walking down the street.

7:6. For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
7:7. And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
7:8. Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
7:9. In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

7:10-13. Then a prostitute appeared before him, and kissed him, saying:

7:10. And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
7:11. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
7:12. Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
7:13. So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

7:19-20. "My husband has went on a business trip until next month.

7:19. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
7:20. He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

7:14-15. I had a day off and was looking for some fun.

7:14. I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
7:15. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

7:16. My bed is covered in silky sheets,

7:16. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

7:17. I have some incense,

7:17. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

7:18. Lets get drunk with love until the morning!"

7:18. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

7:21-23. He followed her, not knowing it would cost him his life.

7:21. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
7:22. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
7:23. Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

7:24-27. Don't fall for her, kids.

7:24. Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
7:25. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
7:26. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
7:27. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

Chapter 8

8:1-3. Do you hear Wisdom? She's on the side of the street, calling out, saying:

8:1. Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
8:2. She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
8:3. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

8:4-5. "Hey! I'm talking to you!
Be cautious, gain understanding.

8:4. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
8:5. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

8:6-9. Listen, all of this true, I hate to lie. If you know how to understand them, these sayings are perfect.

8:6. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
8:7. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8:8. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
8:9. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

8:10. Chose me over silver,
Knowledge over gold,

8:10. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

8:11. I am better than rubies,
Nothing compares with me.

8:11. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

8:12. I live with caution,
I am smart.

8:12. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

8:13. To respect God is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance.

8:13. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

8:14. I am wise and give good advice.

8:14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

8:15-16. Rulers rule with me, and make laws that are fair.

8:15. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
8:16. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

8:17. I love those who love me, and those who seek me, find me.

8:17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

8:18. I will give riches and honor.

8:18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

8:19. My results are better than gold and silver.

8:19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

8:20-21. I walk the path of good people, and give wealth to those who love me.

8:20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
8:21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

8:22-23. God created as one of the first, I was chosen from the beginning before Creation.

8:22. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
8:23. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

8:24-26. There was not ever water, or hills, or even the earth or dust of Creation.

8:24. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
8:25. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
8:26. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

8:27-28. I was there when heaven was created, and the Spirit floated over the darkness,

8:27. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
8:28. When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

8:29. and when God created the sea.

8:29. When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

8:30-31. I was the builder of God, every day was filled with joy and pleasure.

8:30. Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
8:31. Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

8:32-34. So listen, be wise, and bless those who wait, listen, and take action.

8:32. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
8:33. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
8:34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

8:35. Whoever finds me, finds life, and impresses God.

8:35. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

8:36. If you can't find me, it only harms yourself.
All who hate me, love evil.

8:36. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Chapter 9

9:1. Wisdom has built her house, and it has seven pillars.

9:1. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

9:2. She has cooked dinner and set the table.

9:2. She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

9:3. She sent out invitations.

9:3. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

9:4-6. "Let the simple come eat! Leave your ways and enter the way of understanding!

9:4. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
9:5. Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
9:6. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

9:7-9. If you correct or teach an asshole, they'll hate you for it.
If you correct a wise person, they'll love you for it.
Teach a wise person, and they'll learn.

9:7. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
9:8. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9:9. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

9:10. Respecting God is the beginning of Wisdom, and knowledge of God is Understanding.

9:10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

9:11. With my help, you will long and health.

9:11. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

9:12. If you're wise, you'll be rewarded.
Assholes will suffer.

9:12. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

9:13. Folly is loud, undisciplined, and stupid.

9:13. A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

9:14-16. She sits in her house, like Wisdom, and calls to the simple. But she says:

9:14. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
9:15. To call passengers who go right on their ways:
9:16. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

9:17. "Stolen food tastes better!"

9:17. Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

9:18. Little do her guests know- there are skeletons in her closet, and they are going to be next.

9:18. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Part 2: One Liners


Welcome to 20 chapters of one-liners, around 800 in total.

Chapter 10

10:1. The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise child brings joy, a foolish child brings grief.

10:1. The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

10:2. Stolen valuables have no worth.
Goodness saves from death.

10:2. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

10:3. God doesn't let the good starve,
And doesn't let the evil be satisfied.

10:3. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

10:4. Lazy people will be poor, hardworkers will make money.

10:4. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

10:5. Picking fruit is good,
Sleeping during work is bad.

10:5. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

10:6. Blessings pour over the head of good people,
Violence spills from the mouth of evil people.

10:6. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

10:7. Good people will be remembered fondly,
And bad people will have rotten names.

10:7. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

10:8. Wise people know how to follow orders,
A blabbering fool harms themselves.

10:8. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

10:9. Honorable people walk safely,
Evil people will be found out.

10:9. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10:10. Winking causes grief.

10:10. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

10:11. Good people speak the waters of life,
Violence spills from the mouth of evil people.

10:11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

10:12. Hatred caues rebellion, but love makes up for all wrongs.

10:12. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

10:13. Wisdom is spoken by people with good judgment.
Beat up people with bad judgment.

10:13. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

10:14. It's wise to be smart.
Fools encourage destruction.

10:14. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

10:15. Wealth is saftey,
Poverty is harmful.

10:15. The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

10:16. Good deeds bring life,
Bad deed bring punishment.

10:16. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

10:17. Displine is life,
Ignoring teaching and correction harms everyone, not just yourself.

10:17. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

10:18. Concealing anger is lying.
Spreading lies is for fools.

10:18. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

10:19. Fools talk a lot,
The wise understand silence.

10:19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

10:20. Good words are like silver,
Bad words are worthless.

10:20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

10:21. Good words give value to many,
Fools dies because of their bad judgment.

10:21. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

10:22. God blesses and brings health, with no added trouble.

10:22. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

10:23. A fool gets joy from evil,
Someone with understanding gets joy from wisdom.

10:23. It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

10:24. What evil people fear will haunt them,
What good people want, they will be given.

10:24. The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

10:25. After the storm, evil people will be gone, and the good people will be standing strong.

10:25. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

10:26. Lazy people are like vinegar and smoke.

10:26. As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

10:27. Respecting God lengthens your life,
Evil people's lives are cut short.

10:27. The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

10:28. Good people will get joy,
Evil people will never get what they hope for.

10:28. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

10:29. The way of God is safe for the good,
But is the destruction of those who are evil.

10:29. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

10:30. Good people will always keep their land,
Bad people will loose it.

10:30. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

10:31. Good people speak wisdom,
Evil people will loose their tongue.

10:31. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

10:32. Good people know the best things to say,
Evil people know what to say to makes things worse.

10:32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Chapter 11

11:1. God likes honest merchants.

11:1. A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

11:2. Pride leads to embarrasment,
Humility leads to wisdom

11:2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

11:3. Let integrity be your guide.

11:3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

11:4. Wealth is worthless on judgment day.
Being good will save your life.


11:4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

11:5. Good people follow a straight path,
Evil people are destroyed by their own actions.

11:5. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

11:6. Being good pays itself back and saves your life.
Doing bad things trap and destroy you.

11:6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

11:7. When the evil die, they lose everything- hope, money, and power.

11:7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

11:8. The good people are saved from trouble, and it's given to the evil people.

11:8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

11:9. Bad people destroy others with their mouth,
Good people escape through knowledge.

11:9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

11:10. When good people win, everyone cheers,
When evil is destroyed, everyone cheers.

11:10. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11:11. Good people bring blessing to their city,
Bad people destroy it.

11:11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

11:12. Bad people lash out at their neighbor,
Good people know how to hold their tongue.

11:12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

11:13. Gossip betrays confidence,
Trust keeps secrets.

11:13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

11:14. Nations fall without guidance,
Coming together makes victory possible.

11:14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

11:15. Don't vouch for someone you don't know.

11:15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

11:16. Kind people gain respect.
Aggressive people only gain wealth.

11:16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

11:17. Being kind to others is also a benefit to yourself,
Being mean hurts yourself.

11:17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

11:18. Evil people earn money by lies,
Good people get rewarded for being good.

11:18. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

11:19. Good people live,
Bad people die.

11:19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

11:20. God hates evil hearts, and likes innocence.

11:20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

11:21. Evil people will be punished,
Good people will be set free.

11:21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

11:22. Beautiful people with no judgment are like jewelry on a pig.

11:22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

11:23. Good people hope for good,
Bad people hope for destruction.

11:23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

11:24. Those who give get more,
Those who hoard and stockpile end up poor.

11:24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

11:25. Someone who is generous will get rich,
Someone who energizes others energizes themselves.

11:25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

11:26. People hate those who hoard, but people who sell at the market are blessed.

11:26. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

11:27. Seek good, find good.
Seek evil, find evil.

11:27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

11:28. Trust in money and you'll be let down.
Good people will thrive.

11:28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

11:29. Don't give your family a bad name, you won't get any inheritance.
Foolish people will work for the wise.

11:29. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

11:30. Good people plant a tree of life, and those who touch souls are wise.

11:30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

11:31. Good people will be rewarded on earth,
Bad people will be punished,
You'll get back whatever you put out.

11:31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Chapter 12

12:1. Whoever loves learning loves knowledge,
But whoever hates instructions are stupid.

12:1. Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

12:2. God likes good people, and doesn't like suspicious people.

12:2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

12:3. You cannot build a home out of evil,
And good people cannot be moved.

12:3. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

12:4. A good marriage partner is like a fancy crown,
A bad marriage partner is like arthritis.

12:4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

12:5. Good people plan good things,
Bad people give bad advice.

12:5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

12:6. Evil people harm with their speech,
Good people save with their speech.

12:6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

12:7. Evil people will be destroyed and forgotten,
Good people will build strong families.

12:7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

12:8. People are recognized based on wisdom,
Evil people are hated.

12:8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

12:9. It is better to look like nobody and have fancy things, than pretend to be somebody important and have nothing of value.

12:9. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

12:10. Good people take care of animals,
Evil people can't do anything nice.

12:10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

12:11. People who work will have food,
People who daydream instead aren't making a very good choice.

12:11. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12:12. Evil people steal from each other,
Good people provide to many.

12:12. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

12:13. Evil people get themselves into trouble with their words, but a good person gets out of trouble.

12:13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

12:14. Your words are as important as your actions.

12:14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

12:15. Fools are overconfident, wise people listen to advice.

12:15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

12:16. 

12:16. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

12:17. A honest person tells the truth, a liar lies.

12:17. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

12:18. Speaking before you think can cause harm, wise people heal others with their words.

12:18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

12:19. The truth stays the same, but lies will unravel.

12:19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

12:20. There is evil in the hearts of liars, but joy for those who are peaceful.

12:20. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

12:21. Nothing bad happens to good people, but bad people have lots of trouble.

12:21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

12:22. God hates liars and loves honesty.

12:22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

12:23. Fools talk about things they know nothing about, while wise people are quiet unless asked.

12:23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

12:24. Determined hands will win, but lazy people get crappy jobs.

12:24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

12:25. Anxiety is heavy, but kindness can lift people up.

12:25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

12:26. A good person watches who they associate with, and evil people get lost and confused.

12:26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

12:27. Lazy people don't cook what they hunt, but good workers value their possessions.

12:27. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

12:28. The way to eternal life is the path of good.

12:28. In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Chapter 13

13:1. Wise children listen to their parents, fools don't like correction.

13:1. A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

13:2. Good people speak good things, evil people like violence.

13:2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

13:3. Watching what you say can save your life, running your mouth can destroy you.

13:3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

13:4. Lazy people get nothing.
People who work hard will be satisfied.

13:4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

13:5. Good people hate fake things, evil people bring shame and embarrasment.

13:5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

13:6. Your own honor and goodness will protect you, evil destroys the wrongdoer.

13:6. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

13:7. Someone pretends to be rich, they have nothing,
Someone else pretends to be poor, they are rich.

13:7. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

13:8. A rich person fears a robber, but a poor person doesn't.

13:8. The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

13:9. The light of good people shine bright, but the light of evil people are blown out.

13:9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

13:10. Pride causes fights, but people who take advice are wise.

13:10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

13:11. Money earned by lying, cheating, and stealing will disappear, but money saved slowly will build up.

13:11. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

13:12. Having to wait longer than expected can made you sad, but when something you've been waiting for happens, it brings you life.

13:12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13:13. If you don't listen to advice, you'll pay for it, but if you listen, you'll be rewarded.

13:13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

13:14. Wise teachings can help save the evil from death.

13:14. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

13:15. People who are understanding are well-like, but people who are untrustworthy have a hard time.

13:15. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

13:16. Wise people act only when they have enough information to act, they know for sure what's going on. A fool is obvious.

13:16. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

13:17. An evil messenger brings trouble, a trustworthy messenger brings health.

13:17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

13:18. Ignoring teachers will bring you poverty, following instructions will bring you honor.

13:18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

13:19. It's nice when you finally get something you want, but fools want to be evil.

13:19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

13:20. You become like the people you spend time with. If you hang out with wise people, you'll get wiser, but hang out with fools, and you'll get hurt.

13:20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

13:21. Bad things happen to bad people, good things happen to good people.

13:21. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

13:22. Good people leave inheritance for their family, but evil wealth is taken away and redistributed.

13:22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

13:23. A poor person's field may produce a lot of food, but evil will destroy it all.

13:23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

13:24. Discipline your kids or else you don't love them.

13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

13:25. Good people eat as much as they want, but evil people starve.

13:25. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Chapter 14

14:1. Wise people bulid their house, foolish people tear their's down.

14:1. Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

14:2. Good people respect God, evil people hate God.

14:2. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

14:3. A fool's words makes people want to hit them, a wise person's words gives themself protection.

14:3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

14:4. If there are no oxen, you don't have to provide food for them, but with oxen, you get more food.

14:4. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

14:5. A good witness doesn't lie, a bad one does.

14:5. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

14:6. Fools seek wisdom and find none, but knowledge comes to those with good judgment.

14:6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

14:7. Fools speak no good words.

14:7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

14:8. Wise people think about their actions, fools try to decieve others.

14:8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

14:9. Fools hate apologies, good people are giving.

14:9. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

14:10. Everyone's heart only knows it's own pain and own joy.

14:10. The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

14:11. Evil people's homes will be destroyed, good people's homes will be blessed.

14:11. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

14:12. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

14:12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

14:13. Just because someone is laughing and happy, it doesn't mean they're not going through some things.

14:13. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14:14. Everyone wil get back what they put into the world.

14:14. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

14:15. Fools believe everything, wise people think abot their next actions.

14:15. The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

14:16. Someone who is wise respects God and hates evil, but a fool is careless and aggressive.

14:16. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

14:17. If you're quick to lose your patience, you'll do something stupid, and someone who is manipulative is hated.

14:17. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

14:18. Fools are fools, the wise are crowed with knowledge.

14:18. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

14:19. Evil people will one day submit to the good.

14:19. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

14:20. Everyone hates the poor and loves the rich.

14:20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

14:21. Hating your neighbor is wrong, and be nice to the poor.

14:21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

14:22. Plan evil, get destroyed by evil; plan good, you'll find love.

14:22. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

14:23. If work as hard as you say you do, you wouldn't be poor.

14:23. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

14:24. Wisdom brings money, foolishness brings foolishness.

14:24. The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

14:25. A good witness saves lives, a bad witness lies.

14:25. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

14:26. Whoever respects God will be protected.

14:26. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

14:27. Respecting God will save your life.

14:27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

14:28. A big population is proof a king is good, a ruler without any people is nothing.

14:28. In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

14:29. Patience leads to understanding, impatience is foolish.

14:29. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

14:30. A good outlook gives health, continuous hatred causes illness.

14:30. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

14:31. God hates people who oppress the poor, God likes people who give to the poor.

14:31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

14:32. Evil people are ruined when one thing goes wrong, but good people are loved even in death.

14:32. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

14:33. Wisdom lives in the heart of the wise, and even shows herself to fools.

14:33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

14:34. Being good will make a nation stand out, but wrongdoing is gross to everyone.

14:34. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

14:35. A boss likes a wise employee, but a stupid one makes them mad.

14:35. The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Chapter 15

15:1. A gentle person calms people, harsh words make people mad.

15:1. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

15:2. Wise people like knowledge, fools talk nonsense.

15:2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

15:3. God sees everything.

15:3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

15:4. Healing words are nice, lying hurts people.

15:4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

15:5. A fool hates correction, wise people don't.

15:5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

15:6. Good people have nice homes, but trouble follows those who gain wealth through evil means.

15:6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

15:7. Wise people share knowledge openly, but fools keep it locked away in their hearts.

15:7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

15:8. God doesn't like offerings from the evil, but the prayers of honest people are pleasing.

15:8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

15:9. God doesn't approve of the ways of the evil, but loves those who seek to do right.

15:9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

15:10. Ignoring guidance leads to trouble; refusing to learn ends in disaster.

15:10. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

15:11. God sees everything, even the hidden thoughts in people's hearts.

15:11. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

15:12. Someone who mocks advice avoids seeking wisdom from the wise.

15:12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

15:13. Happiness shows on a cheerful face, but sadness crushes the spirit.

15:13. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

15:14. Smart people seek knowledge, but foolish talk increases foolishness.

15:14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15:15. Life feels miserable for the oppressed, but a joyful heart brings constant happiness.

15:15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

15:16. It's better to have a little and respect God than to be rich and live in chaos.

15:16. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

15:17. Love at a simple meal is better than hate at a feast.

15:17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

15:18. Quick tempers create arguments, but patience settles them.

15:18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

15:19. Laziness leads to obstacles, but doing right creates an easy path.

15:19. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

15:20. A wise child brings joy to parents, but a foolish one brings them shame.

15:20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

15:21. Foolishness delights the clueless, but understanding keeps people on track.

15:21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

15:22. Plans fail without advice, but with many opinions, they succeed.

15:22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

15:23. Well-timed responses bring joy, and wise words are invaluable.

15:23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

15:24. Wisdom leads to a fulfilling life, steering clear of destruction.

15:24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

15:25. God protects the vulnerable but brings down the prideful.

15:25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

15:26. God likes pure thoughts but despises evil plans.

15:26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

15:27. Greed causes family problems, but rejecting bribes leads to a good life.

15:27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

15:28. Good people consider their words, while evil mouths spill evil.

15:28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

15:29. God's distant from the evil but listens to the prayers of the upright.

15:29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

15:30. Smiles bring joy, and good news is great for your health.

15:30. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

15:31. Listening to advice is wise; it earns you respect among clever people.

15:31. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

15:32. Ignoring discipline harms oneself, but accepting correction brings understanding.

15:32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

15:33. Respect for God teaches wisdom, and humility leads to respect.

15:33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Chapter 16

16:1. People plan, but God guides their words.

16:1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

16:2. Everyone pretends they're doing the right thing, but God knows their motives.

16:2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

16:3. Trust God in what you do, and your plans will succeed.

16:3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

16:4. God has a purpose for everything, even the actions of the evil.

16:4. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

16:5. God dislikes arrogance and assures consequences for the proud.

16:5. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

16:6. Love and faithfulness make up for mistakes; respecting God avoids evil.

16:6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

16:7. When people please God, even their enemies make peace with them.

16:7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

16:8. It's better to have little with fairness than much with injustice.

16:8. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

16:9. People make plans, but God directs their steps.

16:9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

16:10. Rulers' words carry weight; fairness should never be compromised.

16:10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

16:11. Honesty comes from God; fairness in all measurements is His design.

16:11. A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.

16:12. Rulers seek righteousness; it secures their rule.

16:12. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

16:13. Rulers value honesty; they appreciate truth-telling.

16:13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

16:14. A ruler's anger is dangerous, but wisdom can calm it.

16:14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

16:15. When a ruler is pleased, it brings life and joy.

16:15. In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16:16. Wisdom is worth more than gold; understanding beats silver.

16:16. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

16:17. Good people avoid evil.

16:17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

16:18. Arrogance leads to downfall.

16:18. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

16:19. Humility is better than pride and criminal gain.

16:19. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

16:20. Those who listen to advice get rich; trusting God brings blessings.

16:20. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

16:21. Wise people are respected; their words encourage learning.

16:21. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

16:22. Understanding leads to good life; foolishness brings punishment.

16:22. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

16:23. A wise person's words educate; they speak to teach.

16:23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

16:24. Kind words bring comfort and healing.

16:24. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

16:25. People might think they're right, but wrong choices lead to ruin.

16:25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

16:26. Hard work pays off; motivation keeps people going.

16:26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

16:27. Evil brings harm.

16:27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

16:28. Trouble follows troublemakers; gossip ruins friendships.

16:28. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

16:29. Influencing others negatively is harmful.

16:29. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

16:30. Winking is suspicious. Don't trust it.

16:30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

16:31. Aging with integrity is honorable; it's the result of a good life.

16:31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

16:32. Patience surpasses warrior skills; self-control is mightier than conquest.

16:32. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

16:33. People may roll dice, but God decides the outcome.

16:33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Chapter 17

17:1. Peace and quiet is better than a party filled with arguments any day.

17:1. Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

17:2. A smart servant can inherit like family, even over a disappointing child.

17:2. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

17:3. Just as metals are tested, God examines the heart.

17:3. The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

17:4. Only evil people listen to gossip.

17:4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

17:5. Mocking the poor disrespects God; celebrating others' misfortunes won't go unpunished.

17:5. Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

17:6. Grandkids bring pride to their granparents; parents are a source of joy to their kids.

17:6. Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

17:7. You shouldn't be stupid and proud- even worse to be a liar in power!

17:7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

17:8. Bribes seem effective; they bring success wherever they go.

17:8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

17:9. Covering someone's mistake for them is loving, but gossip tears friends apart.

17:9. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

17:10. A wise person values advice more than a fool values punishment.

17:10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

17:11. Rebellion leads to trouble; harsh officials deal with troublemakers.

17:11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

17:12. Meeting an upset bear is better than dealing with a foolish person.

17:12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

17:13. Paying back good with evil invites trouble to stay.

17:13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

17:14. Avoid starting fights; they lead to chaos.

17:14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

17:15. Condemning the innocent and freeing the guilty make God mad.

17:15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

17:16. Money is pointless in the hands of people who don’t seek wisdom.

17:16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

17:17. Friends stick around in good times and bad; siblings support in tough times.

17:17. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

17:18. Don't co-sign for others recklessly.

17:18. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

17:19. Enjoying arguments is enjoying evil, keeping resources to yourself invite destruction.

17:19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

17:20. Lying hearts don’t succeed; lying tongues cause trouble.

17:20. He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

17:21. Having a foolish child brings sadness; there’s no joy for their parent.

17:21. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

17:22. A happy heart brings healing, but a broken spirit causes pain.

17:22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

17:23. Evil people accept bribes.

17:23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

17:24. Wise folks stay focused; fools wander without purpose.

17:24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

17:25. A foolish child brings sorrow; bitterness to those who raised them.

17:25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

17:26. Punishing the innocent or beating the good people isn't right.

17:26. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

17:27. Knowledgeable people are careful with words; understanding keeps them calm.

17:27. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

17:28. Even a fool seems smart if they stay quiet and seem thoughtful.

17:28. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Chapter 18

18:1. Selfish people chase their own goals and ignore good advice.

18:1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

18:2. Fools dislike understanding but love sharing their opinions.

18:2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

18:3. Wrongdoings bring anger and embarassment.

18:3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

18:4. Words can hold deep meaning, but wisdom is like a refreshing stream.

18:4. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

18:5. Favoring evil or denying justice to the innocent is never right.

18:5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

18:6. Fools' words invites trouble and a betaing.

18:6. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

18:7. Foolish talk leads to trouble; their words trap them.

18:7. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

18:8. Gossip tastes sweet but brings trouble deep inside.

18:8. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

18:9. Laziness and destruction go hand in hand.

18:9. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

18:10. God's name is a fort; the good people find safety in it.

18:10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

18:11. Wealth brings rich people ease of mind.

18:11. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

18:12. Pride comes before a fall; humility leads to honor.

18:12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

18:13. Speaking without listening leads to foolishness and shame.

18:13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

18:14. Inner strength helps during sickness; a crushed spirit is hard to deal with.

18:14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

18:15. Smart hearts seek knowledge; wise ears search for it.

18:15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

18:16. Gifts open doors and bring people into the presence of the powerful.

18:16. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

18:17. Hear all sides of the story.

18:17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18:18. Rolling dice settles disputes.

18:18. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

18:19. Anger is hard to break through; arguments are like locked gates.

18:19. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

18:20. What you speak is what is given back to you- they can satisfy or bring emptiness.

18:20. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

18:21. Words have the power of life and death; those who love talking will taste its results.

18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

18:22. Finding a good wife brings favor from God.

18:22. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

18:23. Poor people ask for mercy; the rich often respond harshly.

18:23. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

18:24. Many friends can lead to ruin, but a true friend is priceless.

18:24. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Chapter 19

19:1. It's better to be poor and honest than a foolish liar.

19:1. Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

19:2. Don't rush without knowing.

19:2. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

19:3. Foolish choices ruin lives, and still blame God.

19:3. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

19:4. Money attracts friends, but the poor often lose them.

19:4. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

19:5. Liars won't escape consequences.

19:5. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

19:6. Many seek favor from the powerful, especially if they give gifts.

19:6. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

19:7. When a poor person needs help, their friends might vanish.

19:7. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

19:8. Embrace wisdom; it's the key to success.

19:8. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

19:9. Liars will face consequences.

19:9. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

19:10. Fools aren't meant for luxury, slaves aren't meant for power.

19:10. Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

19:11. Patience shows wisdom; forgiving is honorable.

19:11. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

19:12. A ruler's anger is bad, but their help is good.

19:12. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

19:13. Foolish children hurt their parents, sometimes spouses can be annoying.

19:13. A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

19:14. Wealth is inherited from parents, but a good spouse is from God.

19:14. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

19:15. Laziness leads to sleep but also hunger.

19:15. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

19:16. Following guidance is good for you; ignoring it leads to death.

19:16. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

19:17. Helping the poor is like hepling God, you'll be rewarded.

19:17. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

19:18. Discipline your child; it brings hope and prevents death.

19:18. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19:19. Impatient people face repeated trouble; rescue them once, you'll have to do it again.

19:19. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

19:20. Listen, learn, and gain wisdom through advice and instruction.

19:20. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

19:21. People make plans, but God's plan is what actually happens.

19:21. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

19:22. Authentic love is invaluable; it's better to be poor than dishonest.

19:22. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

19:23. Respect for God brings contentment and peace.

19:23. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

19:24. The lazy won't even feed themselves; they're too lazy to even lift their hands.

19:24. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

19:25. Discipline teaches idiots; wisepeopl learn from explanations.

19:25. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

19:26. Treating your parents bad is embarrassing.

19:26. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

19:27. Ignoring guidance leads to straying from knowledge.

19:27. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

19:28. Bad witnesses make fun of justice; evil people eat evil.

19:28. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

19:29. Fools deserve to be beaten.

19:29. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Chapter 20

20:1. Wine and beer lead to trouble; avoiding them is wise.

20:1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

20:2. A ruler's anger is dangerous, like a lion's roar.

20:2. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

20:3. Honor comes from avoiding fights; fools rush into them.

20:3. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

20:4. Laziness leads to empty hands at harvest time.

20:4. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

20:5. Understanding reveals the depths of a person's heart.

20:5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

20:6. Many claim love, but finding a faithful person is rare.

20:6. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

20:7. Goodness leads to a good legacy for children.

20:7. The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

20:8. A wise ruler removes evil with just a look.

20:8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

20:9. Claiming complete purity is unrealistic; only God knows.

20:9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

20:10. Dishonest measures are hated to God.

20:10. Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

20:11. Children are known by their actions and behavior.

20:11. Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

20:12. Ears and eyes are gifts from God.

20:12. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

20:13. Avoid loving sleep; stay awake for abundance.

20:13. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

20:14. A jerk talks a shop down on price and brags about it.

20:14. It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

20:15. Knowledgeable words are more valuable than gold and rubies.

20:15. There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

20:16. Be cautious when vouching for a stranger.

20:16. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

20:17. Fraudulent gain leads to consequences.

20:17. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

20:18. Seek advice before making plans or waging war.

20:18. Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

20:19. Gossip betrays trust; avoid those who talk too much.

20:19. He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20:20. Cursing parents leads to darkness.

20:20. Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

20:21. Quick riches may disappear quickly.

20:21. An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

20:22. Trust God for justice; revenge is not the answer.

20:22. Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

20:23. God doesn't like dishonesty.

20:23. Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

20:24. God directs our steps; you're not meant to understand.

20:24. Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

20:25. Don't be too quick to sign a contract.

20:25. It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

20:26. A wise leader removes evil.

20:26. A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

20:27. God's light exposes a person's true spirit.

20:27. The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

20:28. Love and faithfulness secure a ruler's throne.

20:28. Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

20:29. Strength is the best of youth; gray hair is the sign of wisdom.

20:29. The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

20:30. Suffering cleanses the soul.

20:30. The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

Chapter 21

21:1. God steers the ruler's decisions.

21:1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

21:2. Everyone thinks they're right, but God knows our true intentions.

21:2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

21:3. Doing right and fair is better to God than just offering gifts.

21:3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

21:4. Prideful behavior is evil.

21:4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

21:5. Steady plans lead to wealth; rushing brings poverty.

21:5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

21:6. Wealth from lies is temporary and traps you to death.

21:6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

21:7. Evil people's own violence pulls them down because they reject good.

21:7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

21:8. Guilty people act devious. Innocent people walk straight.

21:8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

21:9. It's better to live simply than share space with an annoying spouse.

21:9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

21:10. Evil people desire evil; they show no mercy to their neighbors.

21:10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

21:11. Mockers learn when punished; the wise gain from instruction.

21:11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

21:12. God notices evil's house and destroys them.

21:12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

21:13. Ignoring the poor brings unanswered cries in your own time of need.

21:13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

21:14. Secret gifts calm anger; hidden bribes ease great wrath.

21:14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

21:15. Justice brings joy to the good but fear to wrongdoers.

21:15. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

21:16. Those who stray from understanding end up in bad company.

21:16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

21:17. Pursuing pleasure leads to poverty; loving luxuries won't bring riches.

21:17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

21:18. Things will be taken from evil and given to good.

21:18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

21:19. Living secluded is better than with an irritable spouse.

21:19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

21:20. The wise save up wisely, while the foolish squander what they have.

21:20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21:21. Seeking goodness and love leads to life, wealth, and honor.

21:21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

21:22. Wisdom topples mighty cities and forts.

21:22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

21:23. Watch what you say to avoid trouble and disaster.

21:23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

21:24. Arrogance behaves with pride.

21:24. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

21:25. Laziness leads to ruin; the hardworking are generous.

21:25. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

21:26. The lazy always want more; good people give freely.

21:26. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

21:27. Even offerings are hated when given with wrong motives.

21:27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

21:28. False witnesses and those who trust them will fail.

21:28. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

21:29. The evil act tough, but the good are self-aware.

21:29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

21:30. No plan against God will succeed; His wisdom overcomes all.

21:30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

21:31. Though armies prepare, victory belongs to God.

21:31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Chapter 22a

22:1. Reputation matters more than wealth; being respected is better than silver or gold.

22:1. A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

22:2. Both rich and poor are made by God.

22:2. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

22:3. Smart people spot danger and find safety, while the clueless stumble and suffer.

22:3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

22:4. Humility and respect for God bring wealth, honor, and life.

22:4. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

22:5. Evil paths are full of traps, so stay awy.

22:5. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

22:6. Teach kids the right way, and they'll stick to it as they grow.

22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

22:7. The rich have power over the poor, and borrowers are slaves to lenders.

22:7. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

22:8. Those who do wrong face punishment.

22:8. He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

22:9. Generosity brings blessings; sharing food with the poor is a good thing.

22:9. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

22:10. Remove troublemakers to end fights and insults.

22:10. Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

22:11. Having a pure heart and gracious speech earns the ruler's friendship.

22:11. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

22:12. God watches over those who value knowledge.

22:12. The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

22:13. Lazy excuses like 'There's a lion outside!' won't work.

22:13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

22:14. God will make you cheat if God is mad at you.

22:14. The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

22:15. Kids are fools, but you can beat it out of them.

22:15. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

22:16. Oppressing the poor for profit and bribing the rich lead to poverty.

22:16. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Chapter 24a

24:23. Here's more wise advice: It's bad to be unfair in court.

24:23. These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24:24. Saying a guilty person is innocent will get you cursed and hated.

24:24. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

24:25. But things will go well for those who say guilty people are guilty; they'll be blessed.

24:25. But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

24:26. Honest answers are as nice as a kiss.

24:26. Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

24:27. Get your work done outside and prepare your fields before you build your house.

24:27. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

24:28. Don't accuse your neighbor for no reason or lie about them.

24:28. Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

24:29. Don't plan to hurt someone just because they hurt you.

24:29. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

24:30-34. I walked by a lazy person's field. It was all overgrown with thorns and weeds, and the wall was broken down.
I looked and thought about what I saw, learning a lesson from it:
Just a little more sleep, and poverty will surprise on you like a thief.

24:30. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
24:31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
24:32. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
24:33. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
24:34. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Part 3: Teachings of the Wise

Chapter 22b

22:17-18. These are the teachings of the wise- keep them in your heart and have them ready to say.

22:17. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
22:18. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

22:19. I'm teaching you for the sake of God.

22:19. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

22:20-21. I've already written 30 of these for you, so you'll know what to say.

22:20. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
22:21. That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22:22-23. Don't exploit the poor, God will take it back from you.

22:22. Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
22:23. For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

22:24-25. Don't hang out with people who are impatient or have bad attitudes, or else you might get one too.

22:24. Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
22:25. Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

22:26-27. Don't co-sign for others.

22:26. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
22:27. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

22:28. Don't move boundary stones.

22:28. Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

22:29. Skilled workers get good jobs.

22:29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Chapter 23

23:1-2. When you're eating with someone important, pay attention to what's in front of you.
If you love to eat, you might have to really hold yourself back.

23:1. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
23:2. And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

23:3. Don't desire fancy food from them.

23:3. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

23:4. Don't exhaust yourself trying to get rich; know when to stop.

23:4. Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

23:5. Just a look at wealth and poof! It can disappear, like it grew wings and flew away.

23:5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

23:6. Don't eat with stingy people or want their fancy food.

23:6. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

23:7. They're just pretending when they offer you food; they don't mean it.

23:7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

23:8. You'll regret eating their food and waste your kind words.

23:8. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

23:9. Don't bother talking to someone who ignores good advice.

23:9. Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

23:10. Don't mess with old property lines or cheat orphans.

23:10. Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

23:11. They're protected by someone powerful who will fight you.

23:11. For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

23:12. Take in teaching and listen to smart advice.

23:12. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

23:13. It's okay to discipline kids; it won't kill them.

23:13. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

23:14. Discipline helps them and can even save their lives.

23:14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

23:15. If you're wise, you'll make me happy.

23:15. My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

23:16. I'll be really joyful if you say the right things.

23:16. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

23:17. Don't envy people who do wrong, but respect God always.

23:17. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

23:18. You have a future with hope.

23:18. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

23:19. Listen, be smart, and stay on the right track.

23:19. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

23:20. Don't hang out with heavy drinkers or overeaters.

23:20. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

23:21. They'll end up broke and looking shabby.

23:21. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

23:22. Respect your dad who made your life, and don't disrespect your mom when she's old.

23:22. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23:23. Stick with the truth; it's worth buying and keeping wisdom, self-control, and understanding.

23:23. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

23:24. Parents of good people are really happy.

23:24. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

23:25. Your parents will be proud if you're wise.

23:25. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

23:26-28. Stay focused on my advice- Avoid promiscuous relationships; they’re dangerous. They’ll ruin your life.

23:26. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
23:27. For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
23:28. She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

23:29-32. Who has troubles and fights, complaints, bruises, and bloodshot eyes?
People who spend too much time with alcohol. Don't be tempted by wine that looks good and goes down smooth- it will turn on you like a snake and hurt like poison.

23:29. Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
23:30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
23:31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
23:32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

23:33-34. You'll see weird things and be confused.
It'll feel like you're being tossed at sea.

23:33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
23:34. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

23:35. You'll say you're fine despite being beaten up and you'll want another drink when you wake up.

23:35. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Chapter 24b

24:1. Don't be jealous of bad people or want to hang out with them.

24:1. Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

24:2. They're always thinking up ways to hurt others and talking about causing trouble.

24:2. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

24:3. It takes wisdom to build a home and understanding to make it strong.

24:3. Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

24:4. Knowledge fills the house with all sorts of precious and beautiful things.

24:4. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

24:5. Smart people are mighty, and those who know a lot have more power.

24:5. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

24:6. You need good advice to fight a battle and win it.

24:6. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

24:7. Fools can't grasp wisdom; they have nothing worthwhile to say.

24:7. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

24:8. Someone who does evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.

24:8. He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

24:9. Stupid plans are wrong, and nobody likes someone who mocks others.

24:9. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

24:10. If you give up when things get tough, you're not very strong.

24:10. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

24:11. Help and save those who are being taken away to die; stop those who are about to be killed.

24:11. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

24:12. Pretending you don't know what's happening doesn't fool the one who knows your heart. Won't he repay everyone for what they've done?

24:12. If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

24:13. Eat honey because it's good and sweet.

24:13. My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

24:14. Just like honey, wisdom is sweet for your soul. Finding it means you'll have a bright future.

24:14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

24:15. Don't ambush good people in their homes or rob them.

24:15. Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

24:16. Good folks might fall many times, but they get back up, while disaster knocks down the bad ones.

24:16. For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

24:17. Don't be happy when your enemy falls or fails.

24:17. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

24:18. If you do, God will see it and be unhappy, and he might stop being angry at them.

24:18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

24:19. Don't worry about bad people or want what they have.

24:19. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

24:20. Bad people have no hope for the future; their flame will go out.

24:20. For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

24:21. Respect God and the government, son, and don't hang out with rebels.

24:21. My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

24:22. They can experience sudden disaster, and who knows what kind of trouble they can cause?

24:22. For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Part 4: Hezkiah's

Chapter 25

25:1. Here are more wise sayings from Solomon, written down by King Hezekiah's scribes:

25:1. These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

25:2. God is praised for keeping secrets; a king is praised for uncovering them.

25:2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

25:3. Just as the sky is high and the ocean deep, you can't guess what's in a king's heart.

25:3. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

25:4. Purify silver and it's ready for the silversmith to use.

25:4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

25:5. Kick out the bad people from the king's circle, and his rule will be fair and stable.

25:5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

25:6. Don’t brag or try to hang out with the important people.

25:6. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

25:7. It's better to be invited to step up than to be put down in front of the elite.

25:7. For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

25:8. Don't rush to argue in public or you might be embarrassed if proven wrong.

25:8. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

25:9-10. If you have a disagreement with someone, don’t spill secrets or it can ruin your reputation.

25:9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
25:10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

25:11. The right words at the right time are precious.

25:11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

25:12. Wise criticism to someone who listens is as valuable as gold jewelry.

25:12. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

25:13. A reliable messenger is refreshing and encouraging to those who send him.

25:13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

25:14. Promising something and not delivering is like promising rain without a cloud in sight.

25:14. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

25:15. Being patient can persuade a leader, and a soft-spoken word can have a powerful impact.

25:15. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

25:16. Enjoy honey, but don’t overdo it or it will make you sick.

25:16. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

25:17. Visit your friends sparingly or they’ll get tired of you and start to dislike you.

25:17. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

25:18. Lying about your neighbor is as harmful as hitting someone with a weapon.

25:18. A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

25:19. Trusting an unreliable person in tough times is as bad as a broken foot or a painful tooth.

25:19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

25:20. Being cheerful around someone who's sad can feel thoughtless and uncaring.

25:20. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

25:21-22. Help your enemies when they're in need; in doing so, they'll feel remorseful, and you'll be rewarded.

25:21. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
25:22. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

25:23. Just like certain winds mean rain is coming, sneakiness invites angry glares.

25:23. The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

25:24. It's better to live alone in a tiny spot than with a combative spouse in a large home.

25:24. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25:25. Good news from far away refreshes like cold water to a tired person.

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

25:26. A good person giving in to evil is disappointing, like a polluted water source.

25:26. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

25:27. Eating too much honey is bad, and it's not classy to seek too much praise.

25:27. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

25:28. A person who can't control themselves is as vulnerable as a city with broken walls.

25:28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Chapter 26

26:1. Giving praise to someone foolish is as out of place as snow in summer.

26:1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

26:2. A curse without reason won't come true, just like how a bird flutters around without landing.

26:2. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

26:3. Just like horses and donkeys need tools to control them, foolish people need to be kept in check.

26:3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

26:4. Don't stoop to the level of a fool by arguing with them, or you'll look foolish too.

26:4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

26:5. Sometimes you have to correct a fool, otherwise, they'll think they're right.

26:5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

26:6. Trusting a fool to deliver a message is as self-destructive as harming oneself.

26:6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

26:7. Fools quoting wise sayings is as useless as paralyzed legs.

26:7. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

26:8. Honoring a fool is as pointless as tying a rock in a sling—it just doesn't work.

26:8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

26:9. A fool trying to say something wise is as dangerous and nonsensical as a drunk with a thornbush.

26:9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

26:10. Hiring a fool is as reckless as an archer who shoots without aiming.

26:10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

26:11. A fool keeps making the same mistakes, just like a dog that eats its own vomit.

26:11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

26:12. Someone who only listens to themselves has less hope than a fool.

26:12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

26:13. Lazy people make up ridiculous excuses, like saying there's a lion in the streets to avoid going out.

26:13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

26:14. Lazy people just stay in bed and hardly move, like a door on its hinges.

26:14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

26:15. A lazy person can't even be bothered to feed themselves properly.

26:15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

26:16. Lazy people think they know best, even more than those who are truly wise.

26:16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

26:17. Getting involved in someone else's fight is as foolish as grabbing a dog's ears.

26:17. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

26:18-19. Deceiving your friend and then saying it's just a joke is as dangerous as a madman shooting dangerous weapons.

26:18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
26:19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

26:20. If you stop gossiping, arguments settle down just like fire dies without wood.

26:20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

26:21. Someone who loves to argue keeps conflicts alive, just like wood keeps a fire burning.

26:21. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

26:22. Gossip is as tempting as tasty food and can really affect a person.

26:22. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

26:23. People who seem enthusiastic but have bad intentions are covering up their true feelings.

26:23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

26:24. Someone can pretend to be nice, but if they're really deceitful, don't trust them.

26:24. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

26:25. Even if someone talks sweetly, they can be hiding their true, harmful intentions.

26:25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26:26. Someone's hidden bad intentions will eventually become public.

26:26. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

26:27. If you set a trap for others, you'll end up trapped yourself.

26:27. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

26:28. Liars hate the people they hurt, and people who flatter too much end up causing problems.

26:28. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Chapter 27

27:1. Don't brag about tomorrow; you can't predict the future.

27:1. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

27:2. Let others compliment you, don't brag.

27:2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

27:3. Carrying a stone or sand is tough, but dealing with a fool is worse.

27:3. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

27:4. Anger is bad, but jealousy is even more destructive.

27:4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

27:5. Honest criticism is better than secret affection.

27:5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.

27:6. Trust a friend's tough love, but be wary of an enemy's flattery.

27:6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

27:7. Satisfied people might not want what they usually like, but hungry people will enjoy anything.

27:7. The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

27:8. A person who leaves their home is like a bird that leaves its nest.

27:8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

27:9. Nice smells make you happy, just like good advice from a friend.

27:9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

27:10. Stick with your close friends and neighbors, especially in hard times, instead of distant relatives.

27:10. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

27:11. Make smart choices to make me proud; then I can counter any disrespect.

27:11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

27:12. Clever people avoid danger, but naive ones keep going and suffer for it.

27:12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

27:13. If someone guarantees a loan for a stranger or an unreliable person, take collateral.

27:13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

27:14. Loudly blessing your neighbor too early in the morning will seem like a curse.

27:14. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

27:15. Living with a nagging spouse is like endless dripping on a rainy day.

27:15. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

27:16. Trying to control a nagging spouse is as futile as catching wind or holding oil.

27:16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

27:17. People help each other improve, just like iron sharpens iron.

27:17. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

27:18. Taking care of something, like a fig tree or your boss, will reward you.

27:18. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

27:19. The way you are on the inside shows who you really are.

27:19. As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

27:20. People are never completely satisfied, just like death is never filled.

27:20. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

27:21. Being praised tests a person's character, just like metals are tested by fire.

27:21. As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

27:22. No matter how much you try, you can't change a fool's nature.

27:22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

27:23. Keep a close eye on your property and investments.

27:23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

27:24. Wealth doesn't last forever, nor does family power.

27:24. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

27:25-26. When you harvest your crops at the right time, you'll get resources like clothes from sheep and money from selling goats.

27:25. The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
27:26. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

27:27. And you will always have enough to feed and care for your family and workers.

27:27. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Chapter 28

28:1. Bad people run away when no one is chasing them, but good people are as brave as lions.

28:1. The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

28:2. A country in chaos changes leaders often, but smart, informed people keep things stable.

28:2. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

28:3. A leader who hurts the poor is harmful, like a storm that ruins crops.

28:3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

28:4. People who ignore the law like bad guys, but those who follow the law stand up to them.

28:4. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

28:5. Bad people don't get fairness, but those who follow God really understand it.

28:5. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

28:6. It's better to be poor and honest than rich and evil.

28:6. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

28:7. If you follow the rules, you're smart, but if you hang out with overeaters, you embarrass your family.

28:7. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

28:8. If you get rich by charging too much interest, you'll end up giving it to someone who helps the poor.

28:8. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

28:9. Ignoring the law makes even your prayers disgusting.

28:9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

28:10. If you trick good people into doing bad, you'll get caught in your own trap, but honest people will get something nice.

28:10. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

28:11. Rich people might think they're smart, but a poor person with insight can see right through them.

28:11. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

28:12. Everyone's happy when good people succeed, but when bad people are in charge, everyone hides.

28:12. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

28:13. Hiding your mistakes won't help you succeed, but if you admit and stop them, you'll be forgiven.

28:13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

28:14. You're blessed if you're always in awe of God, but if you're stubborn, you'll get into trouble.

28:14. Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

28:15. A bad leader over powerless people is as scary as a lion or bear attacking.

28:15. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

28:16. A cruel leader has no sense, but one who hates dirty money will live a long time.

28:16. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

28:17. Someone guilty of murder will always be on the run until they die; no one should help them.

28:17. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

28:18. If you live right, you'll be safe, but if you're dishonest, you can fall out of nowhere.

28:18. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

28:19. Working the land feeds you well, but chasing dreams gets you poverty.

28:19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

28:20. Faithful people are rewarded, but those in a hurry to get rich get punished.

28:20. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

28:21. It's bad to play favorites, yet some people do wrong for just a little gain.

28:21. To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

28:22. A greedy person rushes to get rich, not realizing they're heading for poverty.

28:22. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

28:23. Telling someone off honestly is better in the long run than fake compliments.

28:23. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

28:24. Stealing from your parents and saying it's OK makes you as bad as a destroyer.

28:24. Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

28:25. Greedy people cause fights, but trusting in God brings prosperity.

28:25. He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

28:26. Trust yourself alone and you're a fool, but live wisely and you'll be safe.

28:26. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

28:27. Helping the poor means you'll never want for anything, but ignoring them brings lots of trouble.

28:27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28:28. When bad people take over, everyone hides; but when they're gone, good people do well.

28:28. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Chapter 29

29:1. Someone who won't change their ways after being warned will suddenly face serious consequences.

29:1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

29:2. People are happy when good leaders are in charge; they're unhappy under bad leaders.

29:2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

29:3. A person who values wisdom makes their parents proud, but one who spends time with prostitutes wastes their money.

29:3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

29:4. A fair king stabilizes a nation, but a corrupt one looking for bribes destroys it.

29:4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

29:5. Flattering someone too much is like setting a trap for them.

29:5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

29:6. Bad people get caught by their own wrongdoings, but good people can be happy and celebrate.

29:6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

29:7. Good people care about fairness for the needy, but bad people don't care at all.

29:7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

29:8. Trouble-makers cause problems in a city, but sensible people calm things down.

29:8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

29:9. When a smart person has a legal problem with a fool, the fool gets angry and there's no resolving it.

29:9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

29:10. Violent people dislike those who are honest and want to harm them.

29:10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

29:11. A fool loses his temper quickly, but a smart person stays calm and in control.

29:11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

29:12. When a leader believes lies, their entire team becomes corrupt.

29:12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

29:13. Poor people and oppressors both have the ability to see, given by God.

29:13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

29:14. A king who judges the poor fairly will have a long-lasting rule.

29:14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

29:15. Discipline teaches wisdom, but a child left alone brings shame to their mom.

29:15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

29:16. When bad people are in power, wrongdoing increases, but good people will eventually see them fall.

29:16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

29:17. If you discipline your child, they'll bring you peace and happiness.

29:17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

29:18. Without guidance, people do whatever they want, but following the rules brings blessings.

29:18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

29:19. Words alone won't teach a servant; they might understand but still not do what's asked.

29:19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

29:20. Reacting too quickly can be worse than being foolish.

29:20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

29:21. Spoiling a servant from a young age will lead to problems later on.

29:21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

29:22. Someone who's always angry causes arguments and makes a lot of mistakes.

29:22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

29:23. Arrogance will bring a person down, but humility earns respect.

29:23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

29:24. Helping a thief is self-destructive; they can't speak up without getting themselves in trouble.

29:24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

29:25. Being scared of others can trap you, but trusting in God keeps you safe.

29:25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

29:26. Many people want favors from those in power, but true justice comes from God.

29:26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

29:27. Honest people dislike the dishonest, just as bad people dislike those who are honest.

29:27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Part 5: Appendices

Chapter 30

30:1. Agur, Jakeh's son, shared some wisdom with Ithiel and Ucal.

30:1. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

30:2. "I'm the least knowledgeable person; I don't understand things as a wise person should.

30:2. Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

30:3. I haven't learned wisdom, nor do I know much about the divine.

30:3. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

30:4. Who has ever gone to heaven and come back? Who can hold the wind or wrap up the ocean? Who set up the world? What's his name or his son's name? Do you know?

30:4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

30:5. God's words are perfect, and he protects those who look to him for safety.

30:5. Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

30:6. Don't mess with God's words, or you'll be corrected and proved wrong.

30:6. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

30:7-9. I'm asking you, God, for two favors before I die:
Keep me from lying, and don't make me rich or poor—just give me enough to live on.
If I'm too rich, I might forget you, God. If I'm too poor, I might steal and insult your name.

30:7. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
30:8. Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
30:9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

30:10. Don't bad-mouth a worker to their boss, or you'll regret it and have to pay.

30:10. Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

30:11-14. Some people curse their parents and don't respect their mothers. They think they're clean, but they're actually dirty, they're arrogant and cruel and selfish.

30:11. There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
30:12. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
30:13. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
30:14. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

30:15-16. A leech has two greedy children that can't get enough, just like other things that are never satisfied: death, infertility, drought, and fire.

30:15. The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
30:16. The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

30:17. Anyone who mocks their dad or disrespects their mom will end up blind and eaten by scavengers.

30:17. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

30:18-19. There are four wonders that amaze me: An eagle flying, a snake slithering on a rock, a ship navigating the ocean, and how a man romances a woman.

30:18. There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
30:19. The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

30:20. An unfaithful woman acts as if nothing happened after cheating.

30:20. Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

30:21-23. Four things are bad:
A servant who becomes a king,
a fool who gets rich,
an unloved wife when she gets married,
and a maid who sleeps with her married boss.

30:21. For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
30:22. For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
30:23. For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

30:24-28. Four small creatures are super smart:
Ants are weak, but they store food for later;
Rock badgers are feeble, but they live in rocky fortresses;
Locusts have no leader, but they move in organized groups;
Lizards are easy to catch, but they sneak into palaces.

30:24. There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
30:25. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
30:26. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
30:27. The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
30:28. The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

30:29-30. There are four animals with impressive walks: A lion, fearless; a strutting rooster; a goat; and a king with his people.

30:29. There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
30:30. A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

30:31. If you've been foolish and arrogant, or if you've plotted evil, shut up!

30:31. A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

30:32. Just as churning cream makes butter, and hitting a nose causes bleeding, getting people riled up causes fights.

30:32. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

Chapter 31

31:1. Here's some advice King Lemuel got from his mom:

31:1. The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

31:2. "Hey son,

31:2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

31:3. don't waste your energy on relationships that mess you up, especially those that take down leaders.

31:3. Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

31:4-5. Not cool for kings like you, Lemuel - kings shouldn't drink wine or get hooked on beer, because it'll make them forget the rules and not stand up for the downtrodden.

31:4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
31:5. Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

31:6-7. Leave the booze for those who are dying or super stressed, so they can drink, forget their troubles, and not feel bad anymore.

31:6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
31:7. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

31:8. Always stand up for the silent ones, fight for the screwed-over people.

31:8. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

31:9. Be fair in your judgments; go to bat for the poor and the helpless."

31:9. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

31:10. Finding a top-notch wife? She's more valuable than diamonds.

31:10. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

31:11. Her husband can trust her completely, and he's got everything he needs.

31:11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

31:12. She's good to him – never bad – always and forever.

31:12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

31:13. She's into finding good materials and crafts eagerly.

31:13. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

31:14. She's business-savvy, bringing in food from all over.

31:14. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

31:15. She wakes up early, feeds the family, and organizes her employees.

31:15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

31:16. She checks out land, buys it, and with her earnings, she starts a vineyard.

31:16. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

31:17. She dives into her work head on; she's got some serious muscle.

31:17. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

31:18. She keeps an eye on her deals; she's hard-working round the clock.

31:18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

31:19. She's skilled in the crafts, spinning wool and weaving.

31:19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

31:20. She’s generous to the needy, always lending a hand.

31:20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

31:21. She's not worried about winter; her family's ready and dressed warmly.

31:21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22. She makes her own bedding, and her clothes are top-quality.

31:22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

31:23. Her husband is a big deal in the community, hanging with the important folks.

31:23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

31:24. She produces clothes and belts, and she supplies the stores.

31:24. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

31:25. She's got power and grace; she looks at the future and laughs.

31:25. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

31:26. When she talks, she's smart and caring.

31:26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

31:27. She's on top of her household; laziness is not her thing.

31:27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

31:28-29. Her kids think she's great; her husband cheers her on, "Lots of women do great things, but you're the best of the best."

31:28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
31:29. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

31:30. Charm can trick you, and beauty is not forever; but a woman who respects God deserves praise.

31:30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31:31. Reward her for what she's done; let everyone praise her achievements in public.

31:31. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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30:33. Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
THE END
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