The proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 10:1 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.
10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.
10:3 The Lord satisfies the appetite of the righteous, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
10:4 The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.
10:5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.
10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.
10:7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
10:8 The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.
10:9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.
10:10 The one who winks his eye causes trouble, and the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.
10:11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.
10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.
10:14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.
10:15 The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.
10:16 The reward which the righteous receive is life; the recompense which the wicked receive is judgment.
10:17 The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray.
10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.
10:19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.
10:20 What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value.
10:21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.
10:22 The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.
10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
10:24 What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
10:25 When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.
10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
10:27 Fearing the Lord prolongs life, but the life span of the wicked will be shortened.
10:28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.
10:29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers.
10:30 The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
10:31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.
10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech of the wicked is perverse.
11:1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but an accurate weight is his elight.
11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them.
11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness.
11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the faithless will be captured by their own desires.
11:7 When a wicked person dies, his expectation perishes, and the hope of his strength perishes.
11:8 The righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked turns up in his stead.
11:9 With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
11:10 When the righteous do well, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there is joy.
11:11 A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright, but it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked.
11:12 The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent.
11:13 The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
11:14 When there is no guidance a nation falls, but there is success in the abundance of counselors.
11:15 The one who puts up security for a stranger will surely have trouble, but whoever avoids shaking hands will be secure.
11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.
11:17 A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble.
11:18 The wicked person earns deceitful wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a genuine reward.
11:19 True righteousness leads to life, but the one who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
11:20 The Lord abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who are blameless in their ways are his delight.
11:21 Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished, but the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment.
11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion.
11:23 What the righteous desire leads only to good, but what the wicked hope for leads to wrath.
11:24 One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy, but another withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.
11:25 A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.
11:26 People will curse the one who withholds grain, but they will praise the one who sells it.
11:27 The one who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but the one who searches for evil – it will come to him.
11:28 The one who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
11:29 The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing, and the fool will be a servant to the wise person.
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is like a tree producing life, and the one who wins souls is wise.
11:31 If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the wicked sinner!
12:1 The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid.
12:2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a person with wicked schemes.
12:3 No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved.
12:4 A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.
12:5 The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but the words of the upright will deliver them.
12:7 The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the righteous household will stand.
12:8 A person is praised in accordance with his wisdom, but the one who has a twisted mind is despised.
12:9 Better is a person of humble standing who nevertheless has a servant, than one who pretends to be somebody important yet has no food.
12:10 A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel.
12:11 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom.
12:12 The wicked person desires a stronghold, but the righteous root endures.
12:13 The evil person is ensnared by the transgression of his speech, but the righteous person escapes out of trouble.
12:14 A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who listens to advice is wise.
12:16 A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an insult.
12:17 The faithful witness tells what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
12:18 Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.
12:19 The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who lies will last only for a moment.
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
12:21 The righteous do not encounter any harm, but the wicked are filled with calamity.
12:22 The Lord abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.
12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly.
12:24 The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will become a slave.
12:25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.
12:26 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27 The lazy person does not roast his prey, but personal possessions are precious to the diligent.
12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life, but another path leads to death.
13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
13:2 From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the faithless desire the fruit of violence.
13:3 The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is talkative will come to ruin.
13:4 The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.
13:5 The righteous person hates anything false, but the wicked person acts in shameful disgrace.
13:6 Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7 There is one who pretends to be rich and yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor and yet possesses great wealth.
13:8 The ransom of a person’s life is his wealth, but the poor person hears no threat.
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.
13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
13:11 Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away, but the one who gathers it little by little will become rich.
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life.
13:13 The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but whoever esteems instruction will be rewarded.
13:14 Instruction from the wise is like a life-giving fountain, to turn a person from deadly snares.
13:15 Keen insight wins favor, but the conduct of the unfaithful is harsh.
13:16 Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
13:17 An unreliable messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
13:18 The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but the one who accepts reproof is honored.
13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools abhor turning away from evil.
13:20 The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21 Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
13:22 A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren, but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.
13:23 There is abundant food in the field of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice.
13:24 The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves his child is diligent in disciplining him.
13:25 The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked lacks food.
14:1 Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
14:2 The one who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but the one who is perverted in his ways despises him.
14:3 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of the wise protect them.
14:4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.
14:5 A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
14:6 The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy for a discerning person.
14:7 Leave the presence of a foolish person, or you will not understand wise counsel.
14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deception.
14:9 Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.
14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and with its joy no one else can share.
14:11 The household of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
14:12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
14:14 The backslider will be paid back from his own ways, but a good person will be rewarded for his.
14:15 A naive person believes everything, but the shrewd person discerns his steps.
14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is overconfident.
14:17 A person who has a quick temper does foolish things, and a person with crafty schemes is hated.
14:18 The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.
14:19 Those who are evil will bow before those who are good, and the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous.
14:20 A poor person is disliked even by his neighbors, but those who love the rich are many.
14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.
14:22 Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good exhibit faithful covenant love.
14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it only brings poverty.
14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is folly.
14:25 A truthful witness rescues lives, but the one who breathes lies brings deception.
14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and it will be a refuge for his children.
14:27 The fear of the Lord is like a life-giving fountain, to turn people from deadly snares.
14:28 A king’s glory is the abundance of people, but the lack of subjects is the ruin of a ruler.
14:29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the one who has a quick temper exalts folly.
14:30 A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
14:31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever shows favor to the needy honors him.
14:32 The wicked will be thrown down in his trouble, but the righteous have refuge even in the threat of death.
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known even in the heart of fools.
14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
14:35 The king shows favor to a wise servant, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
15:1 A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly.
15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good.
15:4 Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.
15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.
15:6 In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
15:8 The Lord abhors the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
15:9 The Lord abhors the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
15:10 Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof will die.
15:11 Death and Destruction are before the Lord – how much more the hearts of humans!
15:12 The scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to the wise.
15:13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.
15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and turmoil with it.
15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox where there is hatred.
15:18 A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a highway.
15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother.
15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.
15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established.
15:23 A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time – how good it is!
15:24 The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.
15:26 The Lord abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure.
15:27 The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live.
15:28 The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
15:30 A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body.
15:31 The person who hears the reproof that leads to life is at home among the wise.
15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever hears reproof acquires understanding.
15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.
16:1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.
16:2 All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.
16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
16:4 The Lord works everything for its own ends – even the wicked for the day of disaster.
16:5 The Lord abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will not go unpunished.
16:6 Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the Lord one avoids evil.
16:7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles his enemies to himself.
16:8 Better to have a little with righteousness than to have abundant income without justice.
16:9 A person plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.
16:10 The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.
16:11 Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his handiwork.
16:12 Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness.
16:13 The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one who speaks uprightly.
16:14 A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.
16:15 In the light of the king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds of the spring rain.
16:16 How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.
16:17 The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; the one who guards his way safeguards his life.
16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoils with the proud.
16:20 The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind speech increases persuasiveness.
16:22 Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.
16:23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.
16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
16:25 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.
16:26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work.
16:27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and his slander is like a scorching fire.
16:28 A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the closest friends.
16:29 A violent person entices his neighbor, and leads him down a path that is terrible.
16:30 The one who winks his eyes devises perverse things, and one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
16:31 Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness.
16:32 Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.
16:33 The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the Lord.
17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.
17:3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold, likewise the Lord tests hearts.
17:4 One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar listens to a malicious tongue.
17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator; whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.
17:6 Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly, and the glory of children is their parents.
17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!
17:8 A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.
17:9 The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.
17:10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.
17:11 An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
17:12 It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.
17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.
17:14 Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!
17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent – both of them are an abomination to the Lord.
17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?
17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in adversity.
17:18 The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor.
17:19 The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression; whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.
17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.
17:21 Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and the father of a fool has no joy.
17:22 A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice.
17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.
17:25 A foolish child is a grief to his father, and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
17:26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog honorable men is wrong.
17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.
17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.
18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.
18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.
18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice.
18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.
18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the person’s innermost being.
18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.
18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.
18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.
18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.
18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens – that is his folly and his shame.
18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness – but who can bear a crushed spirit?
18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.
18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.
18:17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.
18:18 A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.
18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.
18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied, with the product of his lips is he satisfied.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.
18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a pleasurable gift from the Lord.
18:23 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly.
18:24 A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.
19:2 It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.
19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.
19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his friend.
19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will not escape punishment.
19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts.
19:7 All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him – he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.
19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves understanding will prosper.
19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will perish.
19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes!
19:11 A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.
19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
19:15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go hungry.
19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who despises his ways will die.
19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.
19:18 Discipline your child, for there is hope, but do not set your heart on causing his death.
19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.
19:20 Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life.
19:21 There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the Lord which will stand.
19:22 What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor person is better than a liar.
19:23 Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.
19:24 The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish, and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.
19:26 The one who robs his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs of fools.
20:1 Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.
20:2 The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.
20:3 It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels.
20:4 The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.
20:5 Counsel in a person’s heart is like deep water, but an understanding person draws it out.
20:6 Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person – who can find?
20:7 The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his children after him.
20:8 A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes.
20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart clean; I am pure from my sin”?
20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures – the Lord abhors both of them.
20:11 Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.
20:12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees – the Lord has made them both.
20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes so that you might be satisfied with food.
20:14 “It’s worthless! It’s worthless!” says the buyer, but when he goes on his way, he boasts.
20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel.
20:16 Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger, and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.
20:17 Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
20:18 Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.
20:19 The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.
20:20 The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.
20:21 An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
20:22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.
20:23 The Lord abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked.
20:24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord – so how can anyone understand his own way?
20:25 It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!” and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.
20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing wheel over them.
20:27 The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
20:28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.
21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.
21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.
21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart – the agricultural product of the wicked is sin.
21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.
21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is right.
21:8 The way of the guilty person is devious, but as for the pure, his way is upright.
21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.
21:10 The appetite of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.
21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains

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