Proverbs 20-26
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 20
1Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; One who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 3Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel. 4The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. 5A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, But a person of understanding draws it out. 6Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy person? 7A righteous person who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. 8A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. 9Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin'? 10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. 11It is by his deeds that a boy distinguishes himself, If his conduct is pure and right. 12The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. 13Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. 14'Bad, bad,' says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. 15There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. 16Take his garment when he becomes guarantor for a stranger; And for foreigners, seize a pledge from him. 17Bread obtained by a lie is sweet to a person, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. 19One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip. 20He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. 21An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. 24A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord; How then can a person understand his way? 25It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, 'It is holy!' And after the vows to make inquiry. 26A wise king scatters the wicked, And drives a threshing wheel over them. 27The spirit of a person is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. 28 Loyalty and truth watch over the king, And he upholds his throne by loyalty. 29The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. 30Bruising wounds clean away evil, And blows cleanse the innermost parts.Chapter 21
1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases. 2Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord examines the hearts. 3To do righteousness and justice Is preferred by the Lord more than sacrifice. 4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage, But everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty. 6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. 7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. 8The way of a guilty person is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. 9It is better to live on a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor is shown no compassion in his eyes. 11When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Bringing the wicked to ruin. 13One who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will also call out himself, and not be answered. 14A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in an inside pocket, strong wrath. 15The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But terror to those who practice injustice. 16A person who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17One who loves pleasure will become a poor person; One who loves wine and oil will not become rich. 18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. 19It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and irritating woman. 20There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, But a foolish person swallows it up. 21One who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. 24'Proud,' 'Arrogant,' 'Scoffer,' are his names, One who acts with insolent pride. 25The desire of the lazy one puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; 26All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! 28A false witness will perish, But a person who listens will speak forever. 29A wicked person displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. 30There is no wisdom, no understanding, And no plan against the Lord. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the Lord.Chapter 22
1A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; Favor is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty. 4The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor, and life. 5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it. 7The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. 8One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish. 9One who is generous will be blessed, Because he gives some of his food to the poor. 10Drive out the scoffer, and strife will leave, Even quarreling and dishonor will cease. 11One who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. 12The eyes of the Lord protect knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous person. 13The lazy one says, 'There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!' 14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it. 15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. 16One who oppresses the poor to make more for himself, Or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. 17Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; 18For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, So that they may be ready on your lips. 19So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, you indeed. 20Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, 21To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, So that you may correctly answer him who sent you? 22Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor crush the needy at the gate; 23For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. 24Do not make friends with a person given to anger, Or go with a hot-tempered person, 25Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. 26Do not be among those who shake hands, Among those who become guarantors for debts. 27If you have nothing with which to repay, Why should he take your bed from under you? 28Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. 29Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure people.Chapter 23
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you, 2And put a knife to your throat If you are a person of great appetite. 3Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food. 4Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; Stop dwelling on it. 5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. 6Do not eat the bread of a selfish person; Or desire his delicacies; 7For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, 'Eat and drink!' But his heart is not with you. 8You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten And waste your compliments. 9Do not speak to be heard by a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless, 11For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you. 12Apply your heart to discipline, And your ears to words of knowledge. 13Do not withhold discipline from a child; Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die. 14You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol. 15My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad, 16And my innermost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right. 17Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. 18Certainly there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. 19Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way. 20Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags. 22Listen to your father, who fathered you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. 23Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom, instruction, and understanding. 24The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. 25Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her rejoice who gave birth to you. 26Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways. 27For a prostitute is a deep pit, And a strange woman is a narrow well. 28Certainly she lurks as a robber, And increases the treacherous among mankind. 29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has red eyes? 30Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine. 31Do not look at wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; 32In the end it bites like a snake And stings like a viper. 33Your eyes will see strange things And your mind will say perverse things. 34And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. 35'They struck me, but I did not become ill; They beat me, but I did not know it. When will I awake? I will seek another drink.'Chapter 24
1Do not be envious of evil people, Nor desire to be with them; 2For their minds plot violence, And their lips talk of trouble. 3By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5A wise man is strong, And a person of knowledge increases power. 6For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in an abundance of counselors there is victory. 7Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth at the gate. 8One who plans to do evil, People will call a schemer. 9The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to humanity. 10 If you show yourself lacking courage on the day of distress, Your strength is meager. 11Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to the slaughter, Oh hold them back! 12If you say, 'See, we did not know this,' Does He who weighs the hearts not consider it? And does He who watches over your soul not know it? And will He not repay a person according to his work? 13My son, eat honey, for it is good; Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; 14Know that wisdom is the same for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off. 15Do not lie in ambush, you wicked person, against the home of the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; 16For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster. 17Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, 18Otherwise, the Lord will see and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him. 19Do not get upset because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked; 20For there will be no future for the evil person; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21My son, fear the Lord and the king; Do not get involved with those of high rank, 22For their disaster will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin that can come from both of them? 23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. 24One who says to the wicked, 'You are righteous,' Peoples will curse him, nations will scold him; 25But for those who rebuke the wicked there will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26One who gives a right answer Kisses the lips. 27Prepare your work outside, And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward, then, build your house. 28Do not be a witness against your neighbor for no reason, And do not deceive with your lips. 29Do not say, 'I shall do the same to him as he has done to me; I will repay the person according to his work.' 30I passed by the field of a lazy one, And by the vineyard of a person lacking sense, 31And behold, it was completely overgrown with weeds; Its surface was covered with weeds, And its stone wall was broken down. 32When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. 33'A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,' 34Then your poverty will come like a drifter, And your need like an armed man.Chapter 25
1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the impurities from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;
5Take away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Do not boast in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the same place as great people;
7For it is better that it be said to you, 'Come up here,' Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
8Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor humiliates you?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,
10Or one who hears it will put you to shame, And the evil report about you will not pass away.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken at the proper time.
12 Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold, Is a wise person who offers rebukes to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a person who boasts of his gifts falsely.
15Through patience a ruler may be persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks bone.
16Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, So that you do not have it in excess and vomit it.
17Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house, Or he will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow Is a person who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a treacherous person in time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you.
23The north wind brings rain, And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.
24It is better to live on a corner of the roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well, So is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls So is a person who has no self-control over his spirit.
Chapter 26
1Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not come to rest. 3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools. 4Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, Or you will also be like him. 5Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves, So that he will not be wise in his own eyes. 6One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Chops off his own feet and drinks violence. 7 Like useless legs to one who cannot walk, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools. 8Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is one who gives honor to a fool. 9 Like a thorn that sticks in the hand of a heavy drinker, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools. 10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is one who hires a fool or hires those who pass by. 11Like a dog that returns to its vomit, So is a fool who repeats his foolishness. 12Do you see a person wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 A lazy one says, 'There is a lion on the road! A lion is in the public square!' 14 As the door turns on its hinges, So does a lazy one on his bed. 15A lazy one buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. 16A lazy one is wiser in his own eyes Than seven people who can give a discreet answer. 17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears, So is one who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him. 18Like a maniac who shoots Flaming arrows, arrows, and death, 19So is a person who deceives his neighbor, And says, 'Was I not joking?' 20For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down. 21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious person to kindle strife. 22The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 23 Like an earthenware vessel overlaid with silver impurities Are burning lips and a wicked heart. 24One who hates disguises it with his lips, But he harbors deceit in his heart. 25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, Because there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Though his hatred covers itself with deception, His wickedness will be revealed in the assembly. 27One who digs a pit will fall into it, And one who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. 28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.King James Version
Chapter 20
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
30The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Chapter 21
1The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.
Chapter 22
1A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Chapter 23
1When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
35They 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 24
1Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
Christian Standard Bible
29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
Chapter 21
1A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.
24The arrogant and proud person, named "Mocker," acts with excessive arrogance.
25A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.
30No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against the Lord.
31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.
16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.
17Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.
19I have instructed you today—even you— so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
21in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?
22Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the oppressed at the city gate,
23for the Lord will champion their cause and will plunder those who plunder them.
24Don’t make friends with an angry person, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one,
25or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Don’t be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans.
28Don’t move an ancient boundary marker that your fathers set up.
29Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.
Chapter 23
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, 2and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite;
3don’t desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive.
4Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; because you know better, stop!
5As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.
6Don’t eat a stingy person’s bread, and don’t desire his choice food,
7for it’s like someone calculating inwardly. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
9Don’t speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.
10Don’t move an ancient boundary marker, and don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
12Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge.
13Don’t withhold discipline from a youth; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die.
14Punish him with a rod, and you will rescue his life from Sheol.
15My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.
16My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right.
17Don’t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the Lord.
18For then you will have a future, and your hope will not be dashed.
19Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course.
20Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat.
21For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags.
22Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
25Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.
26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a wayward woman is a narrow well;
28indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber and increases the number of unfaithful people.
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has red eyes?
30Those who linger over wine; those who go looking for mixed wine.
31Don’t gaze at wine because it is red, because it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly.
32In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things, and you will say absurd things.
34You’ll be like someone sleeping out at sea or lying down on the top of a ship’s mast.
35"They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I didn’t know it! When will I wake up? I’ll look for another drink."
2for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble.
3A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding;
4by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;
7Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool; he does not open his mouth at the city gate.
8The one who plots evil will be called a schemer.
9A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to people.
10If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.
11Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter.
12If you say, "But we didn’t know about this," won’t he who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t he who protects your life know? Won’t he repay a person according to his work?
13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
14realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.
15Don’t set an ambush, you wicked one, at the camp of the righteous man; don’t destroy his dwelling.
16Though a righteous person falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
17Don’t gloat when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn his wrath away from him.
19Don’t be agitated by evildoers, and don’t envy the wicked.
20For the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king, and don’t associate with rebels,
22for destruction will come suddenly from them; who knows what distress these two can bring?
23These sayings also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent" — peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
27Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.
28Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.
29Don’t say, "I’ll do to him what he did to me; I’ll repay the man for what he has done."
30I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.
31Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.
32I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:
33a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,
34and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need, like a bandit.
Chapter 25
1These too are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah, copied. 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.
4Remove impurities from silver, and material will be produced for a silversmith.
5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Don’t boast about yourself before the king, and don’t stand in the place of the great;
7for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here!" than to demote you in plain view of a noble.
8Don’t take a matter to court hastily. Otherwise, what will you do afterward if your opponent humiliates you?
9Make your case with your opponent without revealing another’s secret;
10otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you, and you’ll never live it down.
11A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.
13To those who send him, a trustworthy envoy is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day; he refreshes the life of his masters.
14The one who boasts about a gift that does not exist is like clouds and wind without rain.
15A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat only what you need; otherwise, you’ll get sick from it and vomit.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house; otherwise, he’ll get sick of you and hate you.
18A person giving false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
20Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.
25Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.
26A righteous person who yields to the wicked is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.
27It is not good to eat too much honey or to seek glory after glory.
28A person who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down.
Chapter 26
1Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is inappropriate for a fool. 2Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow, an undeserved curse goes nowhere. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools. 4Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you’ll be like him yourself. 5Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes. 6The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like lame legs that hang limp. 8Giving honor to a fool is like binding a stone in a sling. 9A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard. 10The one who hires a fool or who hires those passing by is like an archer who wounds everyone. 11As a dog returns to its vomit, so also a fool repeats his foolishness.
12Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The slacker says, "There’s a lion in the road— a lion in the public square!"
14A door turns on its hinges, and a slacker, on his bed.
15The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth!
16In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven who can answer sensibly.
17A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
18Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19so is the person who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
20Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.
23Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within.
25When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart.
26Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
27The one who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone— it will come back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
New Living Translation
Chapter 20
1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.Chapter 21
1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
17Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
18For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
19I am teaching you today — yes, you — so you will trust in the Lord.
20I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.
21In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.
23For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,
25or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
27If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
Chapter 23
1While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. 2If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; 3don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.
4Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.
5In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
6Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.
7They are always thinking about how much it costs. 'Eat and drink,' they say, but they don’t mean it.
8You will throw up what little you’ve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.
10Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
11For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.
13Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them.
14Physical discipline may well save them from death.
15My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
16Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.
17Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.
18You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.
19My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.
20Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons,
21for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
22Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
26O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
27A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
28She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.
29Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
31Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
33You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
34You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
35And you will say, 'They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?'
Chapter 24
1Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. 2For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.
3A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
4Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
5The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
6So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
8A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
9The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.
11Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death.
12Don’t excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn’t know.' For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
13My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
14In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
15Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live.
16The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
17Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
18For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.
19Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
20For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels,
22for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?
23Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24A judge who says to the wicked, 'You are innocent,' will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them.
28Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them.
29And don’t say, 'Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!'
30I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.
31I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down.
32Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson:
33A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest —
34then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Chapter 25
1These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
4Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5Remove the wicked from the king’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice.
7It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you’ve seen something,
8don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret.
10Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.
21If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
24It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
5Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
18Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19is someone who lies to a friend and then says, 'I was only joking.'
English Standard Version
Chapter 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. 3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. 4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. 5The purpose in a man 's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? 7The righteous who walks in his integrity — blessed are his children after him! 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"? 10 Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord. 11Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both. 13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread. 14"Bad, bad," says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts. 15There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take a man 's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. 18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war. 19Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. 20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. 23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good. 24A man 's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? 25It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows. 26A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts. 28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld. 29The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. 30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.Chapter 21
1The king 's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. 7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 8The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright. 9It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. 13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. 14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. 15When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. 16One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright. 19It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. 20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man 's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. 21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. 24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. 28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. 29A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. 30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.Chapter 22
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 4The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 8Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. 9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. 10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease. 11He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. 12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor. 13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!" 14The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it. 15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. 17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you. 20Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, 21to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? 22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, 23for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them. 24Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 26Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. 27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? 28Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. 29Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.Chapter 23
1When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, 2and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. 4 Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. 5When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. 6 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies, 7for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words. 9Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, 11for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you. 12Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. 13Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. 16My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. 17Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. 18Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. 19Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. 20Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. 22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. 25 Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice. 26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well. 28 She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. 31Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. 32In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. 33Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. 34You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. 35"They struck me," you will say, "but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink."Chapter 24
1Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, 2for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble. 3By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, 6for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. 7Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth. 8Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer. 9 The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. 10If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 12If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work? 13My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. 14Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. 15 Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; 16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, 18lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him. 19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, 20for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, 22for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both? 23These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.
24Whoever says to the wicked, "You are in the right," will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
26Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
29Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done."
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
32Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
34and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
2It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Do not put yourself forward in the king 's presence or stand in the place of the great,
7for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another 's secret,
10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
15With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor 's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one 's own glory.
28A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Chapter 26
1Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7Like a lame man 's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool. 9Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard. 11Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. 12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!" 14As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. 16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. 17Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. 18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death 19is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!" 20For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. 21As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart. 24Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; 25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 26though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. 28A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.New International Version
29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
24The proud and arrogant person—"Mocker" is his name— behaves with insolent fury.
25The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
30There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
Chapter 22
1A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
16One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
17Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.
20Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
23for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.
24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
25or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
26Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
27if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.
29Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Chapter 23
1When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. 4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. 5Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. 6Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; 7for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments. 9Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. 10Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, 11for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. 12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. 13Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. 14Punish them with the rod and save them from death. 15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; 16my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. 17Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. 18There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. 19Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: 20Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. 22Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. 24The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. 25May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! 26My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, 27for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. 28Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men. 29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. 31Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! 32In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. 33Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. 34You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 35"They hit me," you will say, "but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"Chapter 24
1Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; 2for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. 3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. 5The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. 6Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. 7Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths. 8Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. 9The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker. 10If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! 11Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. 12If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? 13Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. 14Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. 15Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; 16for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. 17Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. 19Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, 20for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. 21Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, 22for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?
23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
24Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent," will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
27Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead?
29Do not say, "I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did."
30I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—
34and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;
8do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,
10or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
11Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
28Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
Chapter 26
1Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. 6Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison. 7Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 8Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. 9Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 10Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by. 11As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13A sluggard says, "There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
14As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
17Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
19is one who deceives their neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
20Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
New King James Version
Chapter 20
1Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. 11Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made them both. 13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14“ It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22 Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, And dishonest scales are not good. 24A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? 25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.Chapter 21
1The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 7The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. 8The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright. 19Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. 24A proud and haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride. 25The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 28A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly. 29A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.Chapter 22
1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all. 3A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. 4By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life. 5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. 7The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. 8He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail. 9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease. 11 He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend. 12The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless. 13 The lazy man says, “ There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” 14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. 15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. 16He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty. 17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; 18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips, 19So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. 20Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, 21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you? 22Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them. 24Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, 25Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul. 26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts; 27If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you? 28 Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set. 29Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.Chapter 23
1When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; 2And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. 3Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food. 4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! 5Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 6Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; 7For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. 8The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; 11 For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you. 12Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. 14You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell. 15My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; 16Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things. 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; 18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. 19Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. 25Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. 26My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well. 28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, And increases the unfaithful among men. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. 31Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; 32At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. 33Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. 34Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 35“They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”Chapter 24
1Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. 3Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. 9The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off. 15Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; 16 For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. 19 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21My son, fear the Lord and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?
23These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him.
25But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.
26He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.
27 Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house.
28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips?
29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”
30I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.
32When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest;
34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
10Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
16Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.
23The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.
26A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
