Proverbs

Part III (chapters 10 through 19)

The folly of wickedness, the wisdom of righteousness

In 2 translations

 

Proverbs 10 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

 The proverbs of Shlomo (Solomon):

1 A wise son is a joy to his father,
    but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

No good comes from ill-gotten wealth,
    but righteousness rescues from death.
Adonai does not let the righteous go hungry,
    but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Idle hands bring poverty;
    diligent hands bring wealth.
A sensible person gathers in summer,
    but he who sleeps during harvest is an embarrassment.

Blessings are for the head of the righteous,
    but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.
The memory of the righteous will be for a blessing,
    but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
Wise-hearted people take orders,
    but a babbling fool will have trouble.

He who walks purely walks securely,
    but he who walks in crooked ways will be found out.

10 He who winks his eye [instead of rebuking] causes pain,
    yet a babbling fool will have trouble.

11 The speech of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.

12 Hate stirs up disputes,
    but love covers all kinds of transgressions.

13 On the lips of the intelligent is found wisdom,
    but a stick is in store for the back of a fool.
14 Wise people hide their knowledge,
    but when a fool speaks, ruin is imminent.

15 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
    the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

16 The activity of the righteous is for life;
    the income of the wicked is for sin.

17 He who observes discipline is on the way to life;
    but he who ignores correction is making a mistake.

18 He who covers up hate has lips that lie,
    and anyone who slanders is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not lacking;
    so he who controls his speech is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver,
    but the mind of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.

22 The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich,
    and he doesn’t mix sorrow with it.

23 To a fool, vileness is like a game,
    as is wisdom to a person of discernment.

24 What a fool dreads will overtake him,
    but the righteous will be given his desire.
25 When the storm has passed, the wicked are gone;
    but the righteous are firmly established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes
    is a lazy person to his employer.

27 The fear of Adonai adds length to life,
    but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 What the righteous hope for will end in joy;
    what the wicked expect will come to nothing.
29 The way of Adonai is a stronghold to the upright
    but ruin to those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be moved,
    but the wicked will not remain in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
    but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is wanted,
    but the mouth of the wicked [knows] deceit.

Proverbs 11 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

False scales are an abomination to Adonai,
    but accurate weights please him.
First comes pride, then disgrace;
    but with the humble is wisdom.
The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the duplicity of the treacherous destroys them.
On the day of wrath, wealth doesn’t help;
    but righteousness rescues from death.
The righteousness of the innocent levels their way,
    but wickedness of the wicked makes them fall.
The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
    but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues.
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;
    what he hopes for from evil comes to nothing.
The righteous is delivered from trouble,
    and the wicked comes to take his place.
With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
    and when the wicked perish, there is joy.
11 By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up;
    but the words of the wicked tear it down.
12 He who belittles another lacks good sense,
    whereas a person of discernment stays silent.
13 A gossip goes around revealing secrets,
    but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
14 Without clever tactics an army is defeated,
    and victory comes from much planning.
15 He who guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer,
    but refusing to underwrite is safe.
16 A gracious woman obtains honor;
    aggressive men obtain wealth.
17 A man who is kind does himself good,
    but the cruel does harm to himself.
18 The profits of the wicked are illusory;
    but those who sow righteousness gain a true reward.
19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,
    but the pursuer of evil goes to his own death.
20 The crooked-hearted are an abomination to Adonai,
    but those sincere in their ways are his delight.
21 Depend on it: the evil will not go unpunished;
    but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
22 Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig
    is a beautiful woman who lacks good sense.
23 The righteous desire only good,
    but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.
24 Some give freely and still get richer,
    while others are stingy but grow still poorer.
25 The person who blesses others will prosper;
    he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.
26 The people will curse him who withholds grain;
    but if he sells it, blessings will be on his head.
27 He who strives for good obtains favor,
    but he who searches for evil — it comes to him!
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
    but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.
29 Those who trouble their families inherit the wind,
    and the fool becomes slave to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
    and he who is wise wins souls.
31 If the righteous are paid what they deserve here on earth,
    how much more the wicked and the sinner!
 

Proverbs 12 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

He who loves knowledge loves discipline,
    but he who hates correction is a boor.
A good man obtains Adonai’s favor,
    but the schemer his condemnation.
No one is made secure by wickedness,
    but the roots of the righteous will never be moved.
A capable wife is a crown for her husband,
    but a shameful one is like rot in his bones.
The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the schemes of the wicked are deceitful.
The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Once the wicked are down, it’s the end of them;
    but the house of the upright endures.
A person wins praise in keeping with his common sense,
    but a person with a warped mind is treated with contempt.
Better to be despised and have a servant
    than to boast of one’s status but have nothing to eat.
10 A righteous man takes care of his animal,
    but the wicked? Even his compassion is cruel.
11 He who farms his land will have plenty of food,
    but he who follows futilities has no sense.
12 The wicked covet the loot of evil men,
    but the root of the righteous gives forth of itself.
13 The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech,
    but the righteous finds a way out of trouble.
14 One can be filled with good as the result of one’s words,
    and one gets the reward one’s deeds deserve.
15 Fools suppose their way is straight,
    but the wise pay attention to advice.
16 A fool’s anger is known at once,
    but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.
17 He who tells the truth furthers justice,
    but a false witness furthers deceit.
18 Idle talk can pierce like a sword,
    but the tongue of the wise can heal.
19 Truthful words will stand forever,
    lying speech but a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but for those advising peace there is joy.
21 No harm can come to the righteous,
    but the wicked are overwhelmed with disaster.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Adonai,
    but those who deal faithfully are his delight.
23 A cautious person conceals knowledge,
    but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.
24 The diligent will rule,
    while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,
    but a kind word cheers him up.
26 The righteous guides his friend’s way rightly,
    but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.
27 A lazy man doesn’t roast what he hunted;
    but when a man is diligent, his wealth is precious.
28 In the road of righteousness is life;
    no death is in its pathway.

Proverbs 13 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

A son who heeds his father’s discipline is wise,
    but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.
A [good] man enjoys good as a result of what he says,
    but the essence of the treacherous is violence.
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
    but one who talks too much comes to ruin.
The lazy person wants but doesn’t have;
    the diligent get their desires filled.
A righteous person hates lying,
    but the wicked is vile and disgraceful.
Righteousness protects him whose way is honest,
    but wickedness brings down the sinner.
There are those with nothing who pretend they are rich,
    also those with great wealth who pretend they are poor.
The rich man may have to ransom his life,
    but a poor man gets no threats.
The light of the righteous [shines] joyfully,
    but the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
10 Insolence produces only strife,
    but wisdom is found with those who take advice.
11 Wealth gotten by worthless means dwindles away,
    but he who amasses it by hard work will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who despises a word will suffer for it,
    but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of a wise man is a fountain of life,
    enabling one to avoid deadly traps.
15 Good common sense produces grace,
    but the way of the treacherous is rough.
16 Every cautious person acts with knowledge,
    but a fool parades his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into evil,
    but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame are for him who won’t be taught,
    but he who heeds reproof will be honored.
19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but turning away from evil is abhorrent to fools.
20 He who walks with the wise will become wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer.
21 Evil pursues sinners,
    but prosperity will reward the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren,
    but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fields of the poor may yield much food,
    but some are swept away because of injustice.
24 He who fails to use a stick hates his son,
    but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous person eats his fill, but the belly of the wicked is empty.

Proverbs 14 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Every wise woman builds up her home,
    but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

A person with upright conduct fears Adonai,
    but a person who is devious scorns him.

From the mouth of a fool sprouts pride,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.

Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean;
    but much is produced by the strength of an ox.

An honest witness will not lie,
    but a false witness lies with every breath.

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge comes easily to someone with discernment.

Keep clear of a fool,
    for you won’t hear a sensible word from him.
The wisdom of the cautious makes him know where he is going,
    but the folly of fools misleads them.
Guilt offerings make a mockery of fools;
    but among the upright there is good will.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no stranger can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There can be a way which seems right to a person,
    but at its end are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart can be sad,
    and joy may end in sorrow.
14 A backslider is filled up with his own ways,
    but a good person gets satisfaction from himself.

15 One who doesn’t think believes every word,
    but the cautious understands his steps.

16 A wise person fears and turns away from evil,
    but a fool is reckless and overconfident.

17 He who is quick-tempered does stupid things,
    and one who does vile things is hated.

18 Thoughtless people inherit folly,
    but the cautious are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are disliked even by their peers,
    but the rich have many friends.

21 He who despises his fellow sins,
    but he who shows compassion to the humble is happy.

22 Won’t those who plot evil go astray?
    But grace and truth are for those who plan good.

23 In all work there is profit,
    but mere talk produces only poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
    but the folly of fools is just that — folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a liar misdirects [judgment].

26 In the fear of Adonai is powerful security;
    for his children there will be a place of refuge.
27 The fear of Adonai is a fountain of life
    enabling one to avoid deadly traps.

28 A king’s glory lies in having many subjects;
    if the prince’s people are few, it is his ruin.

29 Being slow to anger goes with great understanding,
    being quick-tempered makes folly still worse.

30 A tranquil mind gives health to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.
31 The oppressor of the poor insults his maker,
    but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

32 The wicked are brought down by their wrongdoing,
    but the righteous can be confident even at death.

33 Wisdom is at rest in a person with discernment,
    but in fools it has to call attention to itself.

34 Righteousness makes a nation great,
    but sin degrades any people.

35 A king shows favor to a servant with good sense,
    but his wrath strikes one who shames [him].

Proverbs 15 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 A gentle response deflects fury,
    but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
    but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.

The eyes of Adonai are everywhere,
    watching the evil and the good.

A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but when it twists things, it breaks the spirit.

A fool despises his father’s discipline,
    but he who heeds warnings is prudent.

The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure,
    but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the hearts of fools.

Adonai detests the sacrifices of the wicked
    but delights in the prayers of the upright.
Adonai detests the way of the wicked
    but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.

10 Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way,
    and whoever can’t stand correction will die.

11 Sh’ol and Abaddon lie open to Adonai;
    so how much more people’s hearts!
12 A scorner does not like being corrected;
    he won’t go to the wise [for advice].

13 A glad heart makes a face happy,
    but heartache breaks the spirit.

14 The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 For the poor, every day is hard;
    but the good-hearted have a perpetual feast.
16 Better little with the fear of Adonai
    than great wealth coupled with worry.
17 Better a vegetable dinner with love
    than a stall-fattened ox with hate.

18 Hot-tempered people stir up strife,
    but patient people quiet quarrels.

19 The lazy person’s way seems overgrown by thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20 A wise son is a joy to his father,
    and only a fool despises his mother.

21 Folly appeals to one who lacks sense,
    but a person of discernment goes straight ahead.

22 Without deliberation, plans go wrong;
    but with many advisers, they succeed.

23 People take pleasure in anything they say;
    but a word at the right time, how good it is!

24 For the prudent, the path of life goes upward;
    thus he avoids Sh’ol below.

25 Adonai will pull down the houses of the proud,
    but preserves intact the widow’s boundaries.

26 Adonai detests plans to do evil,
    but kind words are pure.

27 The greedy for gain brings trouble to his home,
    but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking,
    but the mouth of the wicked spews out evil stuff.
29 Adonai is far from the wicked,
    but he listens to the prayer of the righteous.

30 A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart,
    and good news invigorates the bones.

31 He who heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home in the company of the wise.
32 He who spurns discipline detests himself,
    but he who listens to correction grows in understanding.
33 The discipline of wisdom is fear of Adonai,
    so before being honored, a person must be humble.

Proverbs 16 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 A person is responsible to prepare his heart,
    but how the tongue speaks is from Adonai.

All a man’s ways are pure in his own view,
    but Adonai weighs the spirit.

If you entrust all you do to Adonai,
    your plans will achieve success.

Adonai made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Adonai detests all those with proud hearts;
    be assured that they will not go unpunished.

Grace and truth atone for iniquity,
    and people turn from evil through fear of Adonai.

When a man’s ways please Adonai,
    he makes even the man’s enemies be at peace with him.

Better a little with righteousness
    than a huge income with injustice.

A person may plan his path,
    but Adonai directs his steps.

10 Divine inspiration is on the lips of the king,
    so his mouth must be faithful when he judges.
11 The balance and scales of justice have their origin in Adonai;
    all the weights in the bag are his doing.
12 It is an abomination for a king to do evil,
    for the throne is made secure by righteousness.
13 The king should delight in righteous lips,
    and he should love someone who speaks what is right.
14 The king’s anger is a herald of death,
    and one who is wise will appease it.
15 When the king’s face brightens, it means life;
    his favor is like the clouds that bring spring rain.

16 How much better than gold it is to gain wisdom!
    Yes, rather than money, choose to gain understanding.

17 Avoiding evil is the highway of the upright;
    he who watches his step preserves his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
    and arrogance before failure.

19 Better to be humble among the poor
    than share the spoil with the proud.

20 He who has skill in a matter will succeed;
    he who trusts in Adonai will be happy.

21 A wise-hearted person is said to have discernment,
    and sweetness of speech adds to learning.

22 Common sense is a fountain of life to one who has it,
    whereas fools are punished by their own folly.

23 The wise man’s heart teaches his mouth,
    and to his lips it adds learning.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
    sweet to the taste and healing for the body.

25 There can be a way which seems right to a person,
    but at its end are the ways of death.

26 A working man’s appetite acts on his behalf,
    because his hunger presses him on.

27 A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] —
    it is like scorching fire on his lips.
28 A deceitful person stirs up strife,
    and a slanderer can separate even close friends.

29 A violent man lures his neighbor astray
    and leads him into evil ways.
30 One who winks knowingly is planning deceit;
    one who pinches his lips together has already done wrong.

31 White hair is a crown of honor
    obtained by righteous living.

32 He who controls his temper is better than a war hero,
    he who rules his spirit better than he who captures a city.

33 One can cast lots into one’s lap,
    but the decision comes from Adonai.

Proverbs 17 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Better a dry piece of bread with calm
    than a house full of food but also full of strife.

An intelligent slave will rule a shameful son
    and share the inheritance with the brothers.

The crucible [tests] silver, and the furnace [tests] gold,
    but the one who tests hearts is Adonai.

An evildoer heeds wicked lips;
    a liar listens to destructive talk.

He who mocks the poor insults his maker;
    he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
    while the glory of children is their ancestors.

Fine speech is unbecoming to a boor,
    and even less lying lips to a leader.

A bribe works like a charm, in the view of him who gives it —
    wherever it turns, it succeeds.

He who conceals an offense promotes love,
    but he who harps on it can separate even close friends.

10 A rebuke makes more impression on a person of understanding
    than a hundred blows on a fool.

11 An evil person seeks only rebellion,
    but a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Rather meet a bear robbed of its cubs
    than encounter a fool in his folly.
13 Evil will not depart from the house
    of him who returns evil for good.

14 Starting a fight is like letting water through [a dike] —
    better stop the quarrel before it gets worse.

15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous —
    both alike are an abomination to Adonai.

16 Why would a fool wish to pay for wisdom
    when he has no desire to learn?

17 A friend shows his friendship at all times —
    it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born.

18 He who gives his hand to guarantee a loan
    for his neighbor lacks good sense.

19 Those who love quarreling love giving offense;
    those who make their gates tall are courting disaster.

20 A crooked-hearted person will find nothing good,
    and the perverse of speech will end in calamity.

21 He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow,
    and the father of a boor has no joy.

22 A happy heart is good medicine,
    but low spirits sap one’s strength.

23 From under a cloak a bad man takes a bribe
    to pervert the course of justice.

24 The discerning person focuses on wisdom there before him,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A son who is a fool means anger for his father
    and bitterness for the mother who gave him birth.

26 To punish the innocent is not right,
    likewise to flog noble people for their uprightness.

27 A knowledgeable person controls his tongue;
    a discerning person controls his temper.

28 Even a fool, if he stays silent, is thought wise;
    he who keeps his mouth shut can pass for smart.

 Proverbs 18 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 He who separates himself indulges his desires
    and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind.

A fool takes no pleasure in trying to understand;
    he only wants to express his own opinion.

When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too,
    and with disdain, provocation.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep water,
    a gushing torrent, a fountain of wisdom.

It is not good to be partial to the guilty
    and thus deprive the innocent of justice.

A fool’s words get him into fights;
    yes, his mouth calls out for a beating.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin;
    his words are a trap for him.
A slanderer’s words are tasty morsels;
    they slide right down into the belly.

Whoever is lazy in doing his work
    is brother to the destroyer.

10 The name of Adonai is a strong tower;
    a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger].
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city,
    like a high wall, in his own imagination.

12 Before being ruined, a person’s heart is proud;
    before being honored, a person must be humble.

13 To answer someone before hearing him out
    is both stupid and embarrassing.

14 A person’s spirit can sustain him when ill,
    but a crushed spirit — who can bear it?

15 The mind of a person with discernment gets knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A person’s gift clears his way
    and gives him access to the great.

17 The first to state his case seems right,
    till the other one comes and cross-examines.
18 Casting lots puts an end to strife
    and separates powerful disputants.

19 It is harder to win an offended brother than a strong city;
    their fights are like the bars of a fortress.

20 A person’s belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth;
    with what his lips produce he will be filled.
21 The tongue has power over life and death;
    those who indulge it must eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a great good;
    he has won the favor of Adonai.

23 The poor man speaks beseechingly,
    the rich man’s answer is blunt.

24 Some “friends” pretend to be friends,
    but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs chapters 10 through 18: part III of The Proverbs, the folly of wickedness; the wisdom of righteousness – King James Version

 

CHAPTER 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CHAPTER 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

 

To be continued with part IV of The Proverbs; warnings and instructions, chapters 20 through 29