Beaver Valley Chapter
Electronic Books
|
|
Knights of Columbus Beaver Valley Chapter Electronic Books |
|
The New Jerusalem Bible with Apocrypha
The Book of ProverbsThe core of this collection of wise sayings is the two collections of proverbs attributed to Solomon. They are succinct, witty and pungent reflections on life; they fit well with the origins of such collections of wise sayings, advice given to those who wanted to get on at court. In Israel Solomon was responsible for the development of the court, and himself had the reputation of unrivalled wisdom. The vast majority of the sayings show no particular connection with religion or faith, being purely a matter of deep good sense, but every now and then they reveal a belief that all wisdom comes from Yahweh. They reflect a sharp, competitive, cynical, secular society, where compassion too has its place. To this central core are added various supplements. There are four little collections at the end, appendices which speak for themselves; but the two most important are sections III and I. Section III is founded on the very ancient Egyptian Wisdom of Amenemophis (written down c. 1000 bc but already then ancient), which shows how Israel learnt from the neighbouring cultures. Section I is the latest part of the book, probably post–exilic; it is an invitation to acquire wisdom, acquired by faith in Yahweh, which reaches its climax in Wisdom’s own self–description at 8:22
Chapter 1
Title and purpose of the book
1:1The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2for learning what wisdom and discipline are, for understanding words of deep meaning, 3for acquiring a disciplined insight, uprightness, justice and fair dealing; 4for teaching sound judgement to the simple, and knowledge and reflection to the young; 6for perceiving the meaning of proverbs and obscure sayings, the sayings of the sages and their riddles. 5Let the wise listen and learn yet more, and a person of discernment will acquire the art of guidance. 7The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; fools spurn wisdom and discipline.
COMMENDATION OF WISDOM
The sage speaks: avoid bad company8Listen, my child, to your father's instruction, do not reject your mother's teaching: 9they will be a crown of grace for your head, a circlet for your neck. 10My child, if sinners try to seduce you, do not go with them. 11If they say, "Come with us: let us lie in ambush to shed blood; if we plan an ambush for the innocent without provocation, 12we can swallow them alive, like Sheol, and whole, like those who sink into oblivion. 13We shall find treasures of every sort, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14throw in your lot with us: one purse between us all." 15My child, do not follow them in their way, keep your steps out of their path 16for their feet hasten to evil, they are quick to shed blood; *[A quotation of Is 59:7, absent from the best Gk MSS.] 17for the net is spread in vain if any winged creature can see it. 18It is for their own blood such people lie in wait, their ambush is against their own selves! 19Such are the paths of all who seek dishonest gain: which robs of their lives all who take it for their own.
Wisdom speaks: a warning to the heedless
20Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the public squares; 21she calls out at the street corners, she delivers her message at the city gates. 22"You simple people, how much longer will you cling to your simple ways' How much longer will mockers revel in their mocking and fools go on hating knowledge" 23Pay attention to my warning. To you I will pour out my heart and tell you what I have to say. 24Since I have called and you have refused me, since I have beckoned and no one has taken notice, 25since you have ignored all my advice and rejected all my warnings, 26I, for my part, shall laugh at your distress, I shall jeer when terror befalls you, 27when terror befalls you, like a storm, when your distress arrives, like a whirlwind, when ordeal and anguish bear down on you. 28Then they will call me, but I shall not answer, they will look eagerly for me and will not find me. 29They have hated knowledge, they have not chosen the fear of Yahweh, 30they have taken no notice of my advice, they have spurned all my warnings: 31so they will have to eat the fruits of their own ways of life, and choke themselves with their own scheming. 32For the errors of the simple lead to their death, the complacency of fools works their own ruin; 33but whoever listens to me may live secure, will have quiet, fearing no mischance.’
Chapter 2
Wisdom, a safeguard against bad company
2:1My child, if you take my words to heart, if you set store by my commandments, 2tuning your ear to wisdom, tuning your heart to understanding, 3yes, if your plea is for clear perception, if you cry out for understanding, 4if you look for it as though for silver, search for it as though for buried treasure, 5then you will understand what the fear of Yahweh is, and discover the knowledge of God. 6For Yahweh himself is giver of wisdom, from his mouth issue knowledge and understanding. 7He reserves his advice for the honest, a shield to those whose ways are sound; 8he stands guard over the paths of equity, he keeps watch over the way of those faithful to him. 9Then you will understand uprightness, equity and fair dealing, the paths that lead to happiness. 10When wisdom comes into your heart and knowledge fills your soul with delight, 11then prudence will be there to watch over you, and understanding will be your guardian 12to keep you from the way that is evil, from those whose speech is deceitful, 13from those who leave the paths of honesty to walk the roads of darkness: 14those who find their joy in doing wrong, and their delight in deceitfulness, 15whose tracks are twisted, and the paths that they tread crooked. 16To keep you, too, from the woman who belongs to another, *[Adultery, besides its literal meaning, also symbolises desertion of Yahweh, Israel’s spouse. from the stranger, with her wheedling words; 17she has left the partner of her younger days, she has forgotten the covenant of her God; 18her house is tilting towards Death, down to the Shades go her paths. 19Of those who go to her not one returns, they never regain the paths of life. 20Thus you will tread the way of good people, persisting in the paths of the upright. 21For the land will be for the honest to live in, the innocent will have it for their home; 22while the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the faithless rooted out of it.
Chapter 3
How to acquire wisdom
3:1My child, do not forget my teaching, let your heart keep my principles, 2since they will increase your length of days, your years of life and your well-being. 3Let faithful love and constancy never leave you: tie them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Thus you will find favour and success in the sight of God and of people. 5Trust wholeheartedly in Yahweh, put no faith in your own perception; 6acknowledge him in every course you take, and he will see that your paths are smooth. 7Do not congratulate yourself on your own wisdom, fear Yahweh and turn your back on evil: 8health-giving, this, to your body, relief to your bones. 9Honour Yahweh with what goods you have and with the first-fruits of all your produce; 10then your barns will be filled with corn, your vats overflowing with new wine. 11My child, do not scorn correction from Yahweh, do not resent his reproof; 12for Yahweh reproves those he loves, as a father the child whom he loves.
The joys of wisdom
13Blessed are those who have discovered wisdom, those who have acquired understanding! 14Gaining her is more rewarding than silver, her yield is more valuable than gold. 15She is beyond the price of pearls, nothing you could covet is her equal. 16In her right hand is length of days; in her left hand, riches and honour. 17Her ways are filled with delight, her paths all lead to contentment. 18She is a tree of life for those who hold her fast, those who cling to her live happy lives. 19In wisdom, Yahweh laid the earth-s foundations, in understanding he spread out the heavens. 20Through his knowledge the depths were cleft open, and the clouds distil the dew. 21My child, hold to sound advice and prudence, never let them out of sight; 22they will give life to your soul and beauty to your neck. 23You will go on your way in safety, your feet will not stumble. 24When you go to bed, you will not be afraid; once in bed, your sleep will be sweet. 25Have no fear either of sudden terror or of attack mounted by wicked men, 26since Yahweh will be your guarantor, he will keep your steps from the snare. 27Refuse no kindness to those who have a right to it, if it is in your power to perform it. 28Do not say to your neighbour, 'Go away! Come another time! I will give it you tomorrow,' if you can do it now. 29Do not plot harm against your neighbour who is living unsuspecting beside you. 30Do not pick a groundless quarrel with anyone who has done you no harm. 31Do not envy the man of violence, never model your conduct on his; 32for the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to Yahweh, who confides only in the honest. 33Yahweh's curse lies on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. 34He mocks those who mock, but accords his favour to the humble. 35Glory is the portion of the wise, all that fools inherit is contempt.
Chapter 4
On choosing wisdom
4:1Listen, my children, to a father's instruction; pay attention, and learn what understanding is. 2What I am offering you is sound doctrine: do not forsake my teaching. 3I too was once a child with a father, in my mother's eyes a tender child, unique. 4This was what he used to teach me, 'Let your heart treasure what I have to say, keep my principles and you will live; 5acquire wisdom, acquire understanding, never forget her, never deviate from my words. 6Do not desert her, she will keep you safe; love her, she will watch over you. 7The first principle of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; at the cost of all you have, acquire understanding! 8Hold her close, and she will make you great; embrace her, and she will be your pride; 9she will provide a graceful garland for your head, bestow a crown of honour on you.' 10Listen, my child, take my words to heart, and the years of your life will be multiplied. 11I have educated you in the ways of wisdom, I have guided you along the path of honesty. 12When you walk, your going will be unhindered, if you run, you will not stumble. 13Hold fast to discipline, never let her go, keep your eyes on her, she is your life. 14Do not follow the path of the wicked, do not walk the way that the evil go. 15Avoid it, do not take it, turn your back on it, pass it by. 16For they cannot sleep unless they have first done wrong, they miss their sleep if they have not made someone stumble; 17for the bread of wickedness is what they eat, and the wine of violence is what they drink. 18The path of the upright is like the light of dawn, its brightness growing to the fullness of day; 19the way of the wicked is as dark as night, they cannot tell the obstacles they stumble over. 20My child, pay attention to what I am telling you, listen carefully to my words; 21do not let them out of your sight, keep them deep in your heart. 22For they are life to those who find them and health to all humanity. 23More than all else, keep watch over your heart, since here are the wellsprings of life. 24Turn your back on the mouth that misleads, keep your distance from lips that deceive. 25Let your eyes be fixed ahead, your gaze be straight before you. 26Let the path you tread be level and all your ways be firm. 27Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot clear of evil.
Chapter 5
Against adultery. Where the wise man's love should be
5:1My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen carefully to what I know; 2so that you may preserve discretion and your lips may guard knowledge. Take no notice of a loose-living woman, 3for the lips of the adulteress drip with honey, her palate is more unctuous than oil, 4but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death, Sheol the goal of her steps; 6far from following the path of life, her course is uncertain and she does not know it. 7And now, son, listen to me, never deviate from what I say: 8set your course as far from her as possible, go nowhere near the door of her house, 9or she will hand over your honour to others, the years of your life to a man without pity, 10and strangers will batten on your property, and your produce go to the house of a stranger, 11and, at your ending, your body and flesh having been consumed, you will groan 12and exclaim, "Alas, I hated discipline, my heart spurned all correction; 13I would not attend to the voice of my masters, I would not listen to those who tried to teach me. 14Now I have come to nearly every kind of misery, in the assembly and in the community." 15Drink the water from your own storage-well, fresh water from your own spring. 16Even if your fountains overflow outside, your streams of water in the public squares: 17let them be for you alone, and not for strangers with you. 18May your fountain-head be blessed! Find joy with the wife you married in your youth, 19fair as a hind, graceful as a fawn: hers the breasts that ever fill you with delight, hers the love that ever holds you captive. 20Why be seduced, my son, by someone else's wife, and fondle the breast of a woman who belongs to another" 21For the eyes of Yahweh observe human ways, and survey all human paths. 22The wicked is snared in his own misdeeds, is caught in the meshes of his own sin. 23For want of discipline, he dies, led astray by his own excessive folly.
Chapter 6
On surety rashly offered
6:1My child, if you have gone surety for your neighbour, if you have guaranteed the bond of a stranger, 2if you have committed yourself with your lips, if through words of yours you have been entrapped, 3do this, my child, to extricate yourself since you have put yourself in the power of your neighbour: go, humble yourself, plead with your neighbour, 4give your eyes no sleep, your eyelids no rest, 5break free like a gazelle from the trap, like a bird from the fowler's clutches.
The idler and the ant
6Idler, go to the ant; ponder her ways and grow wise: 7no one gives her orders, no overseer, no master, 8yet all through the summer she gets her food ready, and gathers her supplies at harvest time. 9How long do you intend to lie there, idler? When are you going to rise from your sleep? 10A little sleep, a little drowsiness, a little folding of the arms to lie back, 11and poverty comes like a vagrant and, like a beggar, dearth. *[24:33]
Portrait of a scoundrel
12A scoundrel, a vicious man, he goes with a leer on his lips, 13winking his eye, shuffling his foot, beckoning with his finger. 14Trickery in his heart, always scheming evil, he sows dissension. 15Disaster will overtake him sharply for this, suddenly, irretrievably, he will be broken.
Seven things abhorrent to God
16There are six things that Yahweh hates, seven that he abhors: 17a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18a heart that weaves wicked plots, feet that hurry to do evil, 19a false witness who lies with every breath, and one who sows dissension among brothers.
More fatherly advice
20Keep your father's precept, my child, do not spurn your mother's teaching. 21Bind them ever to your heart, tie them round your neck. 22While you are active, they will guide you, when you fall asleep, they will watch over you, when you wake up, they will converse with you. 23For the precept is a lamp, the teaching is a light; correction and discipline are the way to life, 24preserving you from the woman of bad character, from the wheedling talk of a woman who belongs to another. 25Do not covet her beauty in your heart or let her captivate you with the play of her eyes; 26a prostitute can be bought for a hunk of bread, but a married woman aims to snare a precious life. 27Can a man carry fire inside his shirt without setting his clothes alight? 28Can you walk on red-hot coals without burning your feet? 29Just so, the man who makes love to his neighbour's wife: no one who touches her will get off unpunished. 30People attach but little blame to a thief who steals only to satisfy his hunger; 31yet even he, if caught, will have to repay sevenfold and hand over all his family resources. 32But the adulterer has no sense; he works his own destruction. 33All he will get is blows and contempt, and dishonour never to be blotted out. 34For jealousy inflames the husband who will show no mercy when the day comes for revenge; 35he will not consider any compensation; lavish what gifts you may, he will not be placated.
Chapter 7
7:1My child, keep my words, and treasure my precepts, 2keep my precepts and you will live, keep my teaching as the apple of your eye. 3Bind these to your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Say to Wisdom, 'You are my sister!' Call Understanding your relation, 5to save yourself from the woman that belongs to another, from the stranger, with her seductive words. 6While I was at the window of my house, I was looking out through the lattice 7and I saw, among the callow youths, I noticed among the lads, one boy who had no sense. 8Going along the lane, near the corner where she lives, he reaches the path to her house, 9at twilight when day is declining, at dead of night and in the dark. 10And look, a woman is coming to meet him, dressed like a prostitute, false of heart. 11She is loud and brazen; her feet cannot rest at home. 12Once in the street, once in the square, she lurks at every corner. 13She catches hold of him, she kisses him, the bold-faced creature says to him, 14'I had to offer a communion sacrifice, I have discharged my vows today; 15that is why I came out to meet you, to look for you, and now I have found you. 16I have spread coverlets over my divan, embroidered stuff, Egyptian material, 17I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, with aloes and cinnamon. 18Come on, we'll make love as much as we like, till morning. Let us enjoy the delights of love! 19For my husband is not at home, he has gone on a very long journey, 20taking his moneybags with him; he will not be back till the moon is full.' 21With her persistent coaxing she overcomes him, lures him on with her wheedling patter. 22Forthwith he follows her, like an ox on its way to the slaughterhouse, like a madman on his way to the stocks, 23until an arrow pierces him to the liver, like the bird that dashes into the net without realising that its life is at stake. 24And now, son, listen to me, pay attention to the words I have to say: 25do not let your heart stray into her ways, or wander into her paths; 26she has done so many to death, and the strongest have all been her victims. 27Her house is the way to Sheol, the descent to the courts of death.
Chapter 8
Wisdom speaks again
8:1Is not Wisdom calling? Is not Understanding raising her voice? 2On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossways, she takes her stand; 3by the gates, at the entrance to the city, on the access-roads, she cries out, 4"I am calling to you, all people, my words are addressed to all humanity. 5Simpletons, learn how to behave, fools, come to your senses. 6Listen, I have something important to tell you, when I speak, my words are right. 7My mouth proclaims the truth, for evil is abhorrent to my lips. 8All the words from my mouth are upright, nothing false there, nothing crooked, 9everything plain, if you can understand, straight, if you have acquired knowledge. 10Accept my discipline rather than silver, and knowledge of me in preference to finest gold. 11For Wisdom is more precious than jewels, and nothing else is so worthy of desire."
Wisdom sings her own praises. Wisdom, the guide of kings
12I, Wisdom, share house with Discretion, I am mistress of the art of thought. 13(Fear of Yahweh means hatred of evil.) I hate pride and arrogance, wicked behaviour and a lying mouth. 14To me belong good advice and prudence, I am perception: power is mine! 15By me monarchs rule and princes decree what is right; 16by me rulers govern, so do nobles, the lawful authorities. 17I love those who love me; whoever searches eagerly for me finds me. 18With me are riches and honour, lasting wealth and saving justice. 19The fruit I give is better than gold, even the finest, the return I make is better than pure silver. 20I walk in the way of uprightness in the path of justice, 21to endow my friends with my wealth and to fill their treasuries.
Wisdom as Creator
*[Wisdom's creation by God was on a different plane to all his other works. Wisdom almost seems to be a distinct personality, sharing in God's activity, and his agent in the world. The concept given here will be used in the NT to express Christ's relationship to his Father22Yahweh created me, first-fruits of his fashioning, before the oldest of his works. 23From everlasting, I was firmly set, from the beginning, before the earth came into being. 24The deep was not, when I was born, nor were the springs with their abounding waters. 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I came to birth; 26before he had made the earth, the countryside, and the first elements of the world. 27When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there, when he drew a circle on the surface of the deep, 28when he thickened the clouds above, when the sources of the deep began to swell, 29when he assigned the sea its boundaries and the waters will not encroach on the shore when he traced the foundations of the earth, 30I was beside the master craftsman, delighting him day after day, ever at play in his presence, 31at play everywhere on his earth, delighting to be with the children of men.
The supreme invitation
32And now, my children, listen to me. Happy are those who keep my ways. 33Listen to instruction and become wise, do not reject it. 34Blessed, whoever listens to me, who day after day keeps watch at my gates to guard my portals. 35For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains the favour of Yahweh; 36but whoever misses me harms himself, all who hate me are in love with death.
Chapter 9
Wisdom as hostess
9:1Wisdom has built herself a house, she has hewn her seven pillars, 2she has slaughtered her beasts, drawn her wine, she has laid her table. 3She has despatched her maidservants and proclaimed from the heights above the city, 4Who is simple? Let him come this way. To the fool she says, 5"Come and eat my bread, drink the wine which I have drawn! 6Leave foolishness behind and you will live, go forwards in the ways of perception."
Against cynics
7Reprove a mocker and you attract contempt, rebuke the wicked and you attract dishonour. 8Do not rebuke the mocker, he will hate you. Rebuke the wise and he will love you for it. 9Be open with the wise, he grows wiser still, teach the upright, he will gain yet more. 10The first principle of wisdom is the fear of Yahweh, What God's holy ones knows this is understanding. 11For by me your days will be multiplied, and your years of life increased. 12Are you wise? You are wise to your own good. A mocker? The burden is yours alone.
A silly woman apes Wisdom
13A silly woman acts on impulse, is foolish and knows nothing. 14She sits at the door of her house, on a throne high up in the city, 15calling to the passers-by, who are walking straight past on their way, 16"Who is simple? Turn aside, come over here." To the fool she says, 17"Stolen waters are sweet, and bread tastes better when eaten in secret." 18But the fool does not know that this is where the Shades are and that her guests are already in the vales of Sheol.
Chapter 10
THE MAJOR COLLECTION ATTRIBUTED TO SOLOMON
10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise child is a father's joy *[15:20] a foolish child a mother's grief. 2Treasures wickedly come by give no benefit, but uprightness brings delivery from death. *[11:4] 3Yahweh does not let the upright go hungry, but he thwarts the greed of the wicked. 4A slack hand brings poverty, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. 5Reaping at harvest-time is the mark of the prudent, sleeping at harvest-time is the sign of the worthless. 6Blessings are on the head of the upright, but the mouth of the godless is a cover for violence. 7The upright is remembered with blessings, the name of the wicked rots away. 8The wise of heart takes orders, but a gabbling fool heads for ruin. 9Anyone whose ways are honourable walks secure, but whoever follows crooked ways is soon unmasked. 10A wink of the eye brings trouble, a bold rebuke brings peace. 11The mouth of the upright is a life-giving fountain, but the mouth of the godless is a cover for violence. 12Hatred provokes disputes, but love excuses all offences. 13On the lips of the discerning is found wisdom, on the back of a fool, the stick. 14Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool makes ruin imminent. 15The wealth of the rich is their stronghold, *[18:11] poverty is the undoing of the weak. 16The wage of the upright affords life, but sin is all the wicked earns. 17Whoever abides by discipline, walks towards life, whoever ignores correction goes astray. 18Liars' lips are a cover for hatred, whoever utters slander is a fool. 19A flood of words is never without fault; whoever controls the lips is wise. 20The tongue of the upright is purest silver, the heart of the wicked is of trumpery value. 21The lips of the upright nourish many peoples, but fools die for want of sense. 22The blessing of Yahweh is what brings riches, to this, hard toil has nothing to add. 23A fool takes pleasure in doing wrong, the intelligent in cultivating wisdom. 24What the wicked fears overtakes him, what the upright desires comes to him as a present. 25When the storm is over, the wicked is no more, but the upright stands firm for ever. 26As vinegar to the teeth, smoke to the eyes, so the sluggard to the one who sends him. 27The fear of Yahweh adds length to life, the years of the wicked will be cut short. 28The hope of the upright is joy, the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. 29The way of Yahweh is a rampart for the honest, for evil-doers nothing but ruin. 30The upright will never have to give way, but the land will offer no home for the wicked. 31The mouth of the upright utters wisdom, the tongue that deceives will be cut off. 32The lips of the upright know about kindness, the mouth of the wicked about deceit.
Chapter 11
11:1A false balance is abhorrent to Yahweh, a just weight is pleasing to him. 2Pride comes first; disgrace soon follows; with the humble is wisdom found. 3The honest have their own honesty for guidance, the treacherous are ruined by their own perfidy. 4In the day of retribution riches will be useless, but uprightness delivers from death. *[10:2] 5The uprightness of the good makes their way straight, the wicked fall by their own wickedness. 6Their uprightness sets the honest free, the treacherous are imprisoned by their own desires. 7The hope of the wicked perishes with death, hope placed in riches comes to nothing. 8The upright escapes affliction, the wicked incurs it instead. 9Through his mouth the godless is the ruin of his neighbour, but by knowledge the upright are safeguarded. 10When the upright prosper the city rejoices, when the wicked are ruined there is a shout of joy. 11A city is raised on the blessing of the honest, and demolished by the mouth of the wicked. 12Whoever looks down on a neighbour lacks good sense; the intelligent keeps a check on the tongue. 13A tittle-tattler lets secrets out, the trustworthy keeps things hidden. 14For want of leadership a people perishes, safety lies in many advisers. 15Whoever goes bail for a stranger does himself harm, but one who shuns going surety is safe. 16A gracious woman acquires honour, violent people acquire wealth. 17Faithful love brings its own reward, the inflexible injure their own selves. 18Disappointment crowns the labours of the wicked, whoever sows uprightness reaps a solid reward. 19Whoever establishes uprightness is on the way to life, whoever pursues evil, on the way to death. 20Tortuous hearts are abhorrent to Yahweh, dear to him, those whose ways are blameless. 21Be sure of it, the wicked will not go unpunished, but the race of the upright will come to no harm. 22A golden ring in the snout of a pig is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. 23The hope of the upright is nothing but good, the expectation of the wicked is retribution. 24One scatters money around, yet only adds to his wealth, another is excessively mean, but only grows the poorer. 25The soul who blesses will prosper, whoever satisfies others will also be satisfied. 26The people's curse is on those who hoard the wheat, their blessing on the head of those who sell it. 27Whoever strives for good obtains favour, whoever looks for evil will get an evil return. 28Whoever trusts in riches will have a fall, the upright will flourish like the leaves. 29Whoever misgoverns a house inherits the wind, and the fool becomes slave to the wise. 30The fruit of the upright is a tree of life: the sage captivates souls. 31If here on earth the upright gets due reward, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Chapter 12
12:1Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge, stupid are those who hate correction. 2The honest obtains Yahweh's favour, the schemer incurs his condemnation. 3No one is made secure by wickedness, but nothing shakes the roots of the upright. 4A capable wife, her husband's crown, a shameless wife, a cancer in his bones. 5The plans of the upright are honest, the intrigues of the wicked are full of deceit. 6The words of the wicked are snares to shed blood, what the honest say keeps them safe. 7Once thrown down, the wicked are no more, but the house of the upright stands firm. 8Prudence wins praise, but a tortuous heart incurs only contempt. 9Better a common fellow who has a slave than someone who gives himself airs and has nothing to eat. 10The upright has compassion on his animals, but the heart of the wicked is ruthless. 11Whoever works his land shall have bread and to spare, but no one who chases fantasies has any sense. *[28:19] 12The godless delights in the snare of the wicked, but the root of the upright bears fruit. 13In the sin of the lips lies a disastrous trap, but the upright finds a way out of misfortune. 14Abundance of good things is the fruit of the lips; labour brings its own return. 15Fools think the way they go is straight, the wise listens to advice. 16The fool shows anger straightaway, the discreet conceals dislike. 17To tell the truth is to further justice, a false witness is nothing but deceit. 18Thoughtless words can wound like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19Sincere lips endure for ever, the lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20Deceit is in the heart of the schemer, joy with those who give counsels of peace. 21No harm can come to the upright, but the wicked are swamped by misfortunes. 22Lying lips are abhorrent to Yahweh; dear to him those who make truth their way of life. 23The discreet keeps knowledge hidden, the heart of fools proclaims their folly. 24For the diligent hand, authority; for the slack hand, forced labour. 25Worry makes a heart heavy, a kindly word makes it glad. 26The upright shows the way to a friend; the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27The idle has no game to roast; diligence is anyone's most precious possession. 28In the way of uprightness is life, the ways of the vengeful lead to death.
Chapter 13
13:1A wise child listens to a father's discipline, a cynic will not listen to reproof. 2The fruit of the mouth provides a good meal, but the soul of the treacherous feeds on violence. 3A guard on the mouth makes life secure, whoever talks too much is lost. 4The idler hungers but has no food; hard workers get their fill. 5The upright hates a lying word, but the wicked slanders and defames. 6Uprightness stands guard over one whose way is honest, sin causes the ruin of the wicked. 7There are some who, on nothing, pretend to be rich, some, with great wealth, pretend to be poor. 8The ransom for life is a person's wealth; but the poor will not hear the reproof. 9The light of the upright is joyful, the lamp of the wicked goes out. 10Insolence breeds only disputes, wisdom lies with those who take advice. 11A sudden fortune will dwindle away, accumulation little by little is the way to riches. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13Contempt for the word is self-destructive, respect for the commandment wins salvation. 14The teaching of the wise is a life-giving fountain for eluding the snares of death.*[14:27] 15Good sense wins favour, but the way of the treacherous is hard. 16Anyone of discretion acts by the light of knowledge, the fool parades his folly. 17A bad messenger falls into misfortune, a trusty messenger brings healing. 18Whoever rejects discipline wins poverty and scorn; for anyone who accepts correction: honour. 19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul; fools are loth to turn from evil. 20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, whoever mixes with fools will be ruined. 21Evil will pursue the sinner, but good will reward the upright. 22The good bequeaths a heritage to children's children, the wealth of the sinner is stored away for the upright. 23Though the farms of the poor yield much food, some perish for lack of justice. 24Whoever fails to use the stick hates his child; whoever is free with correction loves him. 25The upright eats to the full, the belly of the wicked goes empty.
Chapter 14
14:1Wisdom builds herself a house; with her own hands Folly pulls it down. 2Whoever keeps to an honest course fears Yahweh, whoever deserts his paths shows contempt for him. 3Pride sprouts in the mouth of the fool, the lips of the wise keep them safe. 4No oxen, empty manger; strong bull, much cash. 5The truthful witness tells no lies, the false witness lies with every breath. 6In vain the mocker looks for wisdom, knowledge comes easy to the intelligent. 7Keep well clear of the fool, you will not find wise lips there. 8With people of discretion, wisdom keeps a watch over their conduct, but the folly of fools leads them astray. 9Fools mock at the sacrifice for sin, but favour resides among the honest. 10The heart knows its own grief best, nor can a stranger share its joy. 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, the tent of the honest will prosper. 12There are ways that some think straight, but they lead in the end to death. *[16:25] 13Even in laughter the heart finds sadness, and joy makes way for sorrow. 14The miscreant will reap the reward of his conduct, and the good the reward of his deeds. 15The simpleton believes any message, a person of discretion treads a careful path. 16The wise fears evil and avoids it, the fool is insolent and conceited. 17A quick-tempered person commits rash acts, but a schemer is detestable. 18Simpletons have folly for their portion, people of discretion knowledge for their crown. 19The evil bow down before the good, the wicked, at the gates of the upright. 20The poor is detestable even to a friend, but many are they who love someone rich. 21One who despises the needy is at fault, one who takes pity on the poor is blessed. 22Plan evil isn't this to go astray? Those who plan for good can earn faithful love and constancy. 23Hard work always yields its profit, idle talk brings only want. 24The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of fools is folly. 25A truthful witness saves lives, whoever utters lies is a deceiver. 26In the fear of Yahweh is powerful security; for his children he is a refuge. 27The fear of Yahweh is a life-giving spring for eluding the snares of death.* [\:14] 28Large population, monarch's glory; dwindling population, ruler's ruin. 29Mastery of temper is high proof of intelligence, a quick temper makes folly worse than ever. 30The life of the body is a tranquil heart, but envy is a cancer in the bones. 31To oppress the weak insults the Creator, kindness to the needy honours the Creator. 32For evil-doing, the wicked will be flung headlong, but in integrity the upright will find refuge. 33Wisdom resides in an understanding heart; she is not to be found in the hearts of fools. 34Uprightness makes a nation great, by sin whole races are disgraced. 35A king shows favour to a wise minister, but anger to one who shames him.
Chapter 15
15:1A mild answer turns away wrath, sharp words stir up anger. 2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge welcome, the mouth of a fool spews folly. 3The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere: observing the wicked and the good. 4The tongue that soothes is a tree of life; the perverse tongue, a breaker of hearts. 5Only a fool spurns a father's discipline, whoever accepts correction is discreet. 6In the house of the upright there is no lack of treasure, the earnings of the wicked are fraught with anxiety. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not so the hearts of fools. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is abhorrent to Yahweh, dear to him is the prayer of the honest. 9The conduct of the wicked is abhorrent to Yahweh, but he loves the person whose goal is uprightness. 10Correction is severe for one who leaves the way; whoever hates being reprimanded will die. 11Sheol and Perdition lie open to Yahweh; how much more the human heart! 12The mocker does not care to be reprimanded, and will not choose the wise as companions. 13Glad heart means happy face, where the heart is sad the spirit is broken. 14The heart of the wise seeks knowledge, a fool's mouth feeds on folly. 15For the poor every day is evil, for the joyous heart it is always festival time. 16Better to have little and with it fear of Yahweh than immense wealth and with it anxiety. 17Better a dish of herbs when love is there than a fattened ox and hatred to go with it. 18The hot-headed provokes disputes, the equable allays dissension. 19The way of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, the path of the honest is a broad highway. 20A wise child is a father's joy;*[10:1] only a brute despises his mother. 21Folly appeals to someone without sense, a person of understanding goes straight forward. 22Without deliberation plans come to nothing. Plans succeed where counsellors are many. 23Anyone who has a ready answer has joy too: how satisfying is the apt reply! 24For the prudent, the path of life leads upwards thus avoiding Sheol below. 25Yahweh pulls down the house of the proud, but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. 26Wicked scheming is abhorrent to Yahweh, but words that are kind are pure. 27Craving for dishonest gain brings trouble on a house, hatred of bribery earns life. 28The heart of the upright reflects before answering, the mouth of the wicked spews out wickedness. 29Yahweh keeps his distance from the wicked, but he listens to the prayers of the upright. 30A kindly glance gives joy to the heart, good news lends strength to the bones. 31The ear attentive to wholesome correction finds itself at home in the company of the wise. 32Whoever rejects correction lacks self-respect, whoever accepts reproof grows in understanding. 33The fear of Yahweh is a school of wisdom, before there can be glory, there must be humility. *[18:12]
Chapter 16
16:1A human heart makes the plans, Yahweh gives the answer. 2A person's own acts seem right to the doer, but Yahweh is the weigher of souls. 3Commend what you do to Yahweh, and what you plan will be achieved. 4Yahweh made everything for its own purpose, yes, even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5Every arrogant heart is abhorrent to Yahweh: be sure this will not go unpunished. 6By faithful love and constancy sin is expiated; by fear of Yahweh evil is avoided. 7Let Yahweh be pleased with someone's way of life and he makes that person's very enemies into friends. 8Better have little and with it uprightness than great revenues with injustice. 9The human heart may plan a course, but it is Yahweh who makes the steps secure. 10The lips of the king utter prophecies, he keeps faith when he speaks in judgement. 11The balances and scales belong to Yahweh, all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12Evil-doing is abhorrent to kings, since uprightness is a throne's foundation. 13Upright lips are welcome to a king, he loves someone of honest words. 14The king's wrath is the herald of death, but the wise will appease it. 15When the king's face brightens it spells life, his favour is like the rain in spring. 16Better gain wisdom than gold, choose understanding in preference to silver. 17To turn from evil is the way of the honest; whoever watches the path keeps life safe. 18Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19Better be humble with the poor than share the booty with the proud. 20Whoever listens closely to the word finds happiness; whoever trusts Yahweh is blessed. 21The wise of heart is acclaimed as intelligent, sweetness of speech increases knowledge. 22Shrewdness is a fountain of life for its possessor, the folly of fools is their own punishment. 23The heart of the wise lends shrewdness to speech and makes words more persuasive. 24Kindly words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste, wholesome to the body. 25There is a way that some think straight, but it leads in the end to death. *[14:12] 26A worker's appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him on. 27A worthless person concocts evil, such a one's talk is like a scorching fire. 28A troublemaker sows strife, a slanderer divides friend from friend. 29The violent lures his neighbour astray and leads him by a way that is not good. 30Whoever narrows the eyes to think up tricks and purses the lips has already done wrong. 31White hairs are a crown of honour, they are found in the ways of uprightness. 32Better an equable person than a hero, someone with self-mastery than one who takes a city. 33In the fold of the garment the lot is thrown, but from Yahweh comes the decision.
Chapter 17
17:1Better a mouthful of dry bread with peace than a house filled with quarrelsome sacrifices. 2A shrewd servant comes off better than an unworthy child, he will share the inheritance with the brothers. 3A furnace for silver, a foundry for gold, *[27:21] but Yahweh for the testing of hearts! 4An evil-doer pays heed to malicious talk, a liar listens to a slanderous tongue. 5To mock the poor is to insult the Creator, no one who laughs at distress will go unpunished. 6The crown of the aged is their children's children; the children's glory is their father. 7Fine words do not become the foolish, false words become a prince still less. 8A gift works like a talisman for one who holds it: it brings prosperity at every turn. 9Whoever covers an offence promotes love, whoever again raises the matter divides friends. 10A reproof makes more impression on a person of understanding than a hundred strokes on a fool. 11The wicked person thinks of nothing but rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent to such a one. 12Rather come on a bear robbed of her cubs than on a fool in his folly. 13Disaster will never be far from the house of one who returns evil for good. 14As well unleash a flood as start a dispute; desist before the quarrel breaks out. 15To absolve the guilty and condemn the upright, both alike are abhorrent to Yahweh. 16What good is money in the hand of a fool? To buy wisdom with it? The desire is not there. 17A friend is a friend at all times, it is for adversity that a brother is born. 18Whoever offers guarantees lacks sense and goes surety for a neighbour. 19The double-dealer loves sin, the proud courts ruin. 20The tortuous of heart finds no happiness, the perverse of speech falls into misery. 21He who fathers a stupid child does so to his sorrow, the father of a fool knows no joy. 22A glad heart is excellent medicine, a depressed spirit wastes the bones away. 23Under cover of his cloak a bad man takes a gift to pervert the course of justice. 24The intelligent has wisdom there before him, but the eyes of a fool range to the ends of the earth. 25A foolish child is a father's sorrow, and the grief of her who gave the child birth. 26To fine the upright is indeed a crime, to strike the noble is an injustice. 27Whoever can control the tongue knows what knowledge is, someone of understanding keeps a cool temper. 28If the fool holds his tongue, he may pass for wise; if he seals his lips, he may pass for intelligent.
Chapter 18
18:1Whoever lives alone follows private whims, and is angered by advice of any kind. 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in airing an opinion. 3When wickedness comes, indignity comes too, and, with contempt, dishonour. 4Deep waters, such are human words: a gushing stream, the utterance of wisdom. 5It is not good to show partiality for the wicked and so to deprive the upright when giving judgement. 6The lips of a fool go to the law-courts with a mouth that pleads for a beating. 7The mouth of the fool works its owner's ruin, the lips of a fool are a snare for their owner's life. 8The words of a slanderer are tasty morsels that go right down into the belly. *[26:22] 9Whoever is idle at work is blood-brother to the destroyer. 10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the upright runs to it and is secure. 11The wealth of the rich forms a stronghold, *[10:15] a high wall, as the rich supposes. 12The human heart is haughty until destruction comes, before there can be glory there must be humility. *[15:33] 13To retort without first listening is both foolish and embarrassing. 14Sickness the human spirit can endure, but when the spirit is broken, who can bear this? 15The heart of the intelligent acquires learning, the ears of the wise search for knowledge. 16A present will open all doors and win access to the great. 17The first to plead is adjudged to be upright, until the next comes and cross-examines him. 18The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between men of power. 19A brother offended is worse than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the locks of a keep. 20From the fruit of the mouth is a stomach filled, it is the yield of the lips that gives contentment. 21Death and life are in the gift of the tongue, those who indulge it must eat the fruit it yields. 22He who finds a wife finds happiness, receiving a mark of favour from Yahweh. 23The language of the poor is entreaty, the answer of the rich harshness. 24There are friends who point the way to ruin, others are closer than a brother.
Chapter 19
19:1Better the poor living an honest life than the adept at double-talk who is a fool. 2Where knowledge is wanting, zeal is not good; whoever goes too quickly stumbles. 3Folly leads conduct astray, yet it is against Yahweh that the heart rages. 4Wealth multiplies friends, but the one friend the poor has is taken away. 5The false witness will not go unpunished, *[19:9] no one who utters lies will go free. 6The nobleman has many to court his favour, to a giver of gifts, everyone is friend. 7The poor man's brothers hate him, every one; his friends how much the more do these desert him! He goes in search of words, but there are none to be had. *[A fragment, probably lacking the first line.] 8Whoever acquires sense wins profit from it, whoever treasures understanding finds happiness. 9The false witness will not go unpunished, *[19:5] whoever utters lies will be destroyed. 10It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, still less for a slave to govern princes. 11Good sense makes for self-control, and for pride in overlooking an offence. 12Like the roaring of a lion, the anger of a king, but like dew on the grass his favour. 13A foolish child is a disaster for the father, the bickerings of a wife are like an ever-dripping gutter. 14From fathers comes inheritance of house and wealth, from Yahweh a wife who is discreet. 15Idleness lulls to sleep, the feckless soul will go hungry. 16Keeping the commandment is self-preservation, but whoever despises these ways will die. 17Whoever is kind to the poor is lending to Yahweh who will repay him the kindness done. 18While there is hope for him, chastise your child, but do not get so angry as to kill him. 19The violent lays himself open to a penalty; spare him, and you aggravate his crime. 20Listen to advice, accept correction, to be the wiser in the time to come. 21Many are the plans in the human heart, but the purpose of Yahweh that stands firm. 22Faithful love is what people look for in a person; they prefer the poor to a liar. 23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, it brings food and shelter, without fear of evil. 24Into the dish the idler dips his hand, but bring it back to his mouth he cannot. *[26:15] 25Strike a cynic, and simpletons will be more wary; reprove the intelligent and he will understand your meaning. 26He who ill-treats his father and drives out his mother is a child both worthless and depraved. 27Give up listening to instruction, my child, if you mean to stray from words of knowledge. 28A perjured witness holds the law in scorn; the mouth of the wicked feasts on evil-doing. 29Punishments were made for mockers, and beating for the backs of fools.
Chapter 20
20:1Wine is reckless, liquor rowdy; unwise is anyone whom it seduces. 2Like the roaring of a lion is the fury of a king; whoever provokes him sins against himself. 3It is praiseworthy to stop short of a law-suit; only a fool flies into a rage. 4In autumn the idler does not plough, at harvest time he looks - nothing there! 5The resources of the human heart are like deep waters: an understanding person has only to draw on them. 6Many describe themselves as people of faithful love, but who can find someone really to be trusted? 7The upright whose ways are blameless - blessed the children who come after! 8A king enthroned on the judgement seat with one look scatters all that is evil. 9Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am purified of my sin? 10One weight here, another there; here one measure, there another: both alike are abhorrent to Yahweh. 11A young man's character appears in what he does, if his behaviour is pure and straight. 12Ear that hears, eye that sees, Yahweh has made both of these. 13Do not love sleep or you will know poverty; keep your eyes open and have your fill of food. 14"No good, no good!" says the buyer, but he goes off congratulating himself. 15There are gold and jewels of every type, but a priceless ornament is speech informed by knowledge. 16Take the man's clothes! He has gone surety for a stranger. Take a pledge from him to the profit of persons unknown! *[27:13] 17Bread is sweet when it is got by fraud, but later the mouth is full of grit. 18Plans are matured by consultation; take wise advice when waging war. 19The bearer of gossip lets out secrets; do not mingle with chatterers. 20Whoever curses father or mother will have his lamp put out in the deepest darkness. 21Property quickly come by at first will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, "I shall repay evil"; put your hope in Yahweh and he will keep you safe. 23One weight here, another there: this is abhorrent to Yahweh, false scales are not good. 24Yahweh guides the steps of the powerful: but who can comprehend human ways? 25Anyone is trapped who cries "Dedicated!" and begins to reflect only after the vow. 26A wise king winnows the wicked and makes the wheel pass over them. 27The human spirit is the lamp of Yahweh - searching the deepest self. 28Faithful love and loyalty mount guard over the king, his throne is founded on saving justice. 29The pride of the young is their strength, the ornament of the old, grey hairs. 30Wounding strokes are good medicine for evil, blows have an effect on the inmost self.
Chapter 21
21:1Like flowing water is a king's heart in Yahweh's hand; he directs it wherever he pleases. 2All actions are straight in the doer's own eyes, but it is Yahweh who weighs hearts. 3To do what is upright and just is more pleasing to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4Haughty eye, proud heart, lamp of the wicked, nothing but sin. 5The hardworking is thoughtful, and all is gain; too much haste, and all that comes of it is want. 6To make a fortune with the help of a lying tongue: such is the idle fantasy of those who look for death. 7The violence of the wicked proves their ruin, for they refuse to do what is right. 8The way of the felon is devious, the conduct of the innocent straight. 9Better the corner of a roof to live on than a house shared with a quarrelsome woman. *[25:24] 10The soul of the wicked is intent on evil, to such a person no neighbour can ever do right. 11When a cynic is punished, simpletons grow wiser, but someone of understanding acquires knowledge by instruction. 12The Upright One watches the house of the wicked; he hurls the wicked to destruction. 13Whoever refuses to listen to the cry of the weak, will in turn plead and not be heard. 14Anger is mollified by a covert gift, raging fury by a present under cover of the cloak. 15Doing what is right fills the upright with joy, but evil-doers with terror. 16Whoever strays far from the way of prudence will rest in the assembly of shadows. 17Pleasure-lovers stay poor, no one will grow rich who loves wine and good living. 18The wicked is a ransom for the upright; and the law-breaker for the honest. 19Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and irritable woman. 20The wise has valuables and oil at home, but a fool soon runs through both. 21Whoever pursues uprightness and faithful love will find life, uprightness and honour. 22A sage can scale a garrisoned city and shatter the rampart on which it relied. 23Watch kept over mouth and tongue keeps the watcher safe from disaster. 24Insolent, haughty the name is Cynic; overweening pride marks such behaviour. 25The idler's desires are the death of him, since his hands will do no work. 26All day long the godless is racked by desire, the upright gives without ever refusing. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is abhorrent, above all if it is offered for bad motives. 28The false witness will perish, but no one who knows how to listen will ever be silenced. 29The wicked man's strength shows on his face, but the honest it is whose steps are firm. 30No wisdom, no understanding, no advice is worth anything before Yahweh. 31Fit out the cavalry for the day of battle, but the victory is Yahweh's.
Chapter 22
22:1Fame is preferable to great wealth, favour, to silver and gold. 2Rich and poor rub shoulders, Yahweh has made them both. 3The discreet sees danger and takes shelter, simpletons go ahead and pay the penalty. *[27:12] 4The reward of humility is the fear of Yahweh, and riches, honour and life. 5Thorns and snares line the path of the wilful, whoever values life will stay at a distance. 6Give a lad a training suitable to his character and, even when old, he will not go back on it. 7The rich lords it over the poor, the borrower is the lender's slave. 8Whoever sows injustice reaps disaster, and the rod of such anger will disappear. 9A kindly eye will earn a blessing, such a person shares out food with the poor. 10Expel the mocker and strife goes too, law-suits and dislike die down. 11Whoever loves the pure of heart and is gracious of speech has the king for a friend. 12Yahweh's eyes protect knowledge, but he confounds deceitful speeches. 13"There is a lion outside," says the idler, "I shall be killed in the street!" 14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit, into it falls the man whom Yahweh rebukes. 15Folly is anchored in the heart of a youth, the whip of instruction will rid him of it. 16Harsh treatment enriches the poor, but a gift impoverishes the rich.
III: A SELECTION FROM THE SAGES
17Give ear, listen to the sayings of the sages, and apply your heart to what I know, 18for it will be a delight to keep them deep within you to have them all ready on your lips. 19So that your trust may be in Yahweh, it is you whom I wish to instruct today. 20Have I not written for you thirty chapters of advice and knowledge, 21to make you know the certainty of true sayings, so that you can return with sound answers to those who sent you? 22Do not despoil the weak, for he is weak, and do not oppress the poor at the gate, 23for Yahweh takes up their cause, and extorts the life of their extortioners. 24Do not make friends with one who gives way to anger, make no one quick-tempered a companion of yours, 25for fear you learn such behaviour and in it find a snare for yourself. 26Do not be one of those who go guarantor, who go surety for debts: 27if you have no means of paying your bed will be taken from under you. 28Do not displace the ancient boundary-stone *[23:10] set by your ancestors. 29You see someone alert at his business? His aim will be to serve kings; not for him the service of the obscure.
Chapter 23
23:1If you take your seat at a great man's table, take careful note of what you have before you; 2if you have a big appetite put a knife to your throat. 3Do not hanker for his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. 4Do not wear yourself out in quest of wealth, stop applying your mind to this. 5Fix your gaze on it, and it is there no longer, for it is able to sprout wings like an eagle that flies off to the sky. 6Do not eat the food of anyone whose eye is jealous, do not hanker for his delicacies. 7For what he is really thinking about is himself: 'Eat and drink,' he tells you, but his heart is not with you. 8You will spit out whatever you have eaten and find your compliments wasted. 9Do not waste words on a fool, who will not appreciate the shrewdness of your remarks. 10Do not displace the ancient boundary-stone,*[22:28] or encroach on orphans' lands, 11for they have a powerful avenger, and he will take up their cause against you. 12Apply your heart to discipline, and your ears to instructive sayings. 13Do not be chary of correcting a child, a stroke of the cane is not likely to be fatal. 14Give him a stroke of the cane, you will save his soul from Sheol. 15My child, if your heart is wise, then my own heart is glad, 16and my inmost self rejoices when from your lips come honest words. 17Do not let your heart be envious of sinners but remain steady every day in the fear of Yahweh; 18for there is a future, and your hope will not come to nothing. 19Listen, my child, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way. 20Do not be one of those forever tippling wine nor one of those who gorge themselves with meat; 21for the drunkard and glutton impoverish themselves, and sleepiness is clothed in rags. 22Listen to your father from whom you are sprung, do not despise your mother in her old age. 23Purchase truth - never sell it - wisdom, discipline, and discernment. 24The father of the upright will rejoice indeed, he who fathers a wise child will have joy of it. 25Your father and mother will be happy, and she who bore you joyful. 26My child, pay attention to me, let your eyes take pleasure in my way: 27a prostitute is a deep pit, a narrow well, the woman who belongs to another. 28Yes, like a brigand, she lies in wait, increasing the number of law–breakers. 29For whom is pity, for whom contempt, for whom is strife, for whom complaint, for whom blows struck at random, for whom the clouded eye? 30For those who linger over wine too long, ever on the look–out for the blended liquors. 31Do not gaze at wine, how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup! How smoothly it slips down the throat! 32In the end its bite is like a serpent’s, its sting as sharp as an adder’s. 33Your eyes will see peculiar things, you will talk nonsense from your heart. 34You will be like someone sleeping in mid–ocean, like one asleep at the mast–head. 35‘Struck me, have they? But I’m not hurt. Beaten me? I don’t feel anything. When shall I wake up? . . I’ll ask for more of it!’
Chapter 24
24:1Do not be envious of the wicked or wish for their company, 2for their hearts are scheming violence, their lips talking mischief. 3By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is made strong; 4by knowledge its storerooms are filled with riches of every kind, rare and desirable. 5The wise is mighty in power, strength is reinforced by science; 6for it is by strategy that you wage war, and victory depends on having many counsellors. 7For a fool wisdom is an inaccessible fortress: at the city gate he does not open his mouth. 8Anyone intent on evil–doing is known as a master in cunning. 9Folly dreams of nothing but sin, the mocker is abhorrent. 10If you lose heart when things go wrong, your strength is not worth much. 11Save those being dragged towards death, but can you rescue those on their way to execution? 12If you say, ‘But look, we did not know,’ will the Weigher of the heart pay no attention? Will not the Guardian of your soul be aware and repay you as your deeds deserve? 13Eat honey, my child, since it is good; honey that drips from the comb is sweet to the taste: 14and so, for sure, will wisdom be to your soul: find it and you will have a future and your hope will not be cut short. 15Do not lurk, wicked man, round the upright man’s dwelling, do not despoil his house. 16For though the upright falls seven times, he gets up again; the wicked are the ones who stumble in adversity. 17Should your enemy fall, do not rejoice, when he stumbles do not let your heart exult: 18for fear that Yahweh will be displeased at the sight and turn his anger away from him. 19Do not be indignant about the wicked, do not be envious of the evil, 20for there is no future for the evil, the lamp of the wicked will go out. 21Fear Yahweh, my child, and fear the king; do not ally yourself with innovators; 22for suddenly disaster will loom for them, and who knows what ruin will seize them and their friends?
A FURTHER SELECTION FROM THE SAGES
23The following are also taken from the sages: To show partiality in judgement is not good. 24Whoever tells the wicked, ‘You are upright,’ peoples curse him, nations revile him; 25but those who correct him, come out of it well, on them will come a happy blessing. 26Whoever returns an honest answer, plants a kiss on the lips. 27Plan what you want on the open ground, make your preparation in the field; then go and build your house. 28Do not bear witness lightly against your neighbour, nor deceive with your lips. 29Do not say, ‘I will treat my neighbour as my neighbour treated me; I will repay everyone what each has earned.’ 30By the idler’s field I was passing, by the vineyard of a man who had no sense, 31there it all lay, deep in thorns, entirely overgrown with weeds, and its stone wall broken down. 32And as I gazed I pondered, I drew this lesson from the sight, 33‘A little sleep, a little drowsiness, a little folding of the arms to lie back 34and poverty comes like a vagrant, and, like a beggar, dearth.’*[\=6:10–]
Chapter 25
THE SECOND COLLECTION ATTRIBUTED TO SOLOMON
25:1Here are some more of Solomon’s proverbs, transcribed at the court of Hezekiah king of Judah: 2To conceal a matter, this is the glory of God, to sift it thoroughly, the glory of kings. 3The heavens for height and the earth for depth, unfathomable, as are the hearts of kings. 4From silver remove the dross and it emerges wholly purified; 5from the king’s presence remove the wicked and on uprightness his throne is founded. 6In the presence of the king do not give yourself airs, do not take a place among the great; 7better to be invited, ‘Come up here’, than be humiliated in the presence of the prince. 8What your eyes have witnessed do not produce too quickly at the trial, for what are you to do at the end should your neighbour confute you? 9Have the quarrel out with your neighbour. but do not disclose another’s secret, 10for fear your listener put you to shame, and the loss of repute be irremediable. 11Like apples of gold inlaid with silver is a word that is aptly spoken. 12A golden ring, an ornament of finest gold, is a wise rebuke to an attentive ear. 13The coolness of snow in harvest time, such is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him: he revives the soul of his master. 14Clouds and wind, but no rain: such is anyone whose promises are princely but never kept. 15With patience a judge may be cajoled: a soft tongue breaks bones. 16Eat to your satisfaction what honey you may find, but not to excess or you will bring it up again. 17Do not set foot too often in your neighbour’s house, for fear the neighbour tire of you and come to hate you. 18A mace, a sword, a piercing arrow, such is anyone who bears false witness against a companion. 19Decaying tooth, lame foot, such is the fickle when trusted in time of trouble: 20as well take off your coat in bitter weather. You are pouring vinegar on a wound when you sing songs to a sorrowing heart. 21If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if thirsty, something to drink. 22By this you will be heaping red–hot coals on his head, and Yahweh will reward you. 23The north wind begets the rain, and a backbiting tongue, black looks. 24Better the corner of a roof to live on than a house shared with a quarrelsome woman. *[\!:9] 25Cold water to a thirsty throat; such is good news from a distant land. 26A churned–up spring, a fountain fouled; such is the upright person trembling before the wicked. 27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor to seek for glory on top of glory. 28An open town, and without defences: such is anyone who lacks self–control
Chapter 26
26:1Snow no more befits the summer, nor rain the harvest–time, than honours befit a fool. 2As the sparrow escapes, and the swallow flies away, so the undeserved curse will never hit its mark. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and for the backs of fools, a stick. 4Do not answer a fool in the terms of his folly for fear you grow like him yourself. 5Answer a fool in the terms of his folly for fear he imagine himself wise. 6He wounds himself, he takes violence for his drink, who sends a message by a fool. 7Unreliable as the legs of the lame, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8As well tie the stone to the sling as pay honour to a fool. 9A thorn branch in a drunkard’s hand, such is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10An archer wounding everyone, such is he who hires the passing fool and drunkard. 11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool reverts to his folly. 12You see someone who thinks himself wise? More to be hoped for from a fool than from him! 13‘A wild beast on the road!’ says the idler, ‘a lion in the streets!’ 14The door turns on its hinges, the idler on his bed. 15Into the dish the idler dips his hand, but is too tired to bring it back to his mouth. *[\:24.] 16The idler thinks himself wiser than seven people who answer with discretion. 17He takes a stray dog by the ears, who meddles in someone else’s quarrel. 18Like a madman hurling firebrands, arrows and death, 19so is anyone who lies to a companion and then says, ‘Aren’t I amusing?’ 20No wood, and the fire goes out; no slanderer, and quarrelling dies down. 21Charcoal for live embers, wood for fire, and the quarrelsome for kindling strife. 22The words of a slanderer are tasty morsels that go right down into the belly. *[\:8] 23Base silver–plate on top of clay: such are fervent lips and a wicked heart. 24Whoever hates may hide it in speech, but deep within lies treachery; 25do not trust such a person’s pretty speeches, since in the heart lurk seven abominations. 26Hatred may disguise itself with guile, to reveal its wickedness later in the assembly. 27Whoever digs a pit falls into it, the stone comes back on him that rolls it. 28The lying tongue hates its victims, the wheedling mouth causes ruin.
Chapter 27
27:1Do not congratulate yourself about tomorrow, since you do not know what today will bring forth. 2Let someone else sing your praises, but not your own mouth, a stranger, but not your own lips. 3Heavy is the stone, weighty is the sand; heavier than both—a grudge borne by a fool. 4Cruel is wrath, overwhelming is anger; but jealousy, who can withstand that? 5Better open reproof than feigned love. 6Trustworthy are blows from a friend, deceitful are kisses from a foe. 7The gorged throat revolts at honey, the hungry throat finds all bitterness sweet. 8Like a bird that strays from its nest, so is anyone who strays away from home. 9Oil and perfume gladden the heart, and the sweetness of friendship rather than self–reliance. 10Do not give up your friend or your father’s friend; when trouble comes, do not go off to your brother’s house, better a near neighbour than a distant brother. 11Learn to be wise, my child, and gladden my heart, that I may have an answer for anyone who insults me. 12The discreet sees danger and takes shelter, simpletons go ahead and pay the penalty. *[\":3] 13Take the man’s clothes! He has gone surety for a stranger. Take a pledge from him, for persons unknown.*[\ :16] 14Whoever at dawn loudly blesses his neighbour—it will be reckoned to him as a curse. 15The dripping of a gutter on a rainy day and a quarrelsome woman are alike; 16whoever can restrain her, can restrain the wind, and take a firm hold on grease. 17Iron is sharpened by iron, one person is sharpened by contact with another. 18Whoever tends the fig tree eats its figs, whoever looks after his master will be honoured. 19As water reflects face back to face, so one human heart reflects another. 20Sheol and Perdition are never satisfied, insatiable, too, are human eyes. 21A furnace for silver, a foundry for gold: a person is worth what his reputation is worth. 22Pound a fool in a mortar, among grain with a pestle, his folly will not leave him. 23Know your flocks’ condition well, take good care of your herds; 24for riches do not last for ever, crowns do not hand themselves on from age to age. 25The grass once gone, the aftergrowth appearing, the hay gathered in from the mountains, 26you should have lambs to clothe you, goats to buy you a field, 27goat’s milk sufficient to feed you, to feed your household and provide for your serving girls
Chapter 28
28:1The wicked flees when no one is pursuing, the upright is bold as a lion. 2A country in revolt throws up many leaders: with one person wise and experienced, you have stability. 3The wicked oppresses the weak: here is a devastating rain—and farewell, bread! 4Those who forsake the law sing the praises of the wicked, those who observe the law are angered by them. 5The wicked do not know what justice means, those who seek Yahweh understand everything. 6Better someone poor living an honest life than someone of devious ways however rich. 7An intelligent child is one who keeps the Law; an associate of profligates brings shame on his father. 8Whoever increases wealth by usury and interest amasses it for someone else who will bestow it on the poor. 9Whoever refuses to listen to the Law, such a one’s very prayer is an abomination. 10Whoever seduces the honest to evil ways will fall into his own pit. The blameless are the heirs to happiness. 11The rich may think himself wise, but the intelligent poor will unmask him. 12When the upright triumph, there is great exultation: when the wicked are in the ascendant, people take cover. *[\(:28] 13No one who conceals his sins will prosper, whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. 14Blessed the person who is never without fear, whoever hardens his heart will fall into distress. 15Like a roaring lion or a springing bear is a wicked ruler of a powerless people. 16An unenlightened ruler is rich in rapacity, one who hates greed will lengthen his days. 17A man guilty of murder will flee till he reaches his tomb: let no one halt him! 18Whoever lives an honest life will be safe, whoever wavers between two ways falls down in one of them. 19Whoever works his land shall have bread and to spare, but no one who chases fantasies has any sense. *[\:11] 20A trustworthy person will be overwhelmed with blessings, but no one who tries to get rich quickly will go unpunished. 21It is not good to show partiality, but people will do wrong for a mouthful of bread. 22The person of greedy eye chases after wealth, not knowing that want will be the result. 23Anyone who reproves another will enjoy more favour in the end than the flatterer. 24Whoever robs father and mother saying, ‘Nothing wrong in that!’ is comrade for a brigand. 25The covetous provokes disputes, whoever trusts in Yahweh will prosper. 26Whoever trusts his own wit is a fool, anyone whose ways are wise will be safe. 27No one who gives to the poor will ever go short, but whoever closes his eyes will have curses in plenty. 28When the wicked are in the ascendant, people take cover, *[\(:12] but when they perish, the upright multiply.
Chapter 29
29:1Whoever is stiff–necked under reproof will be suddenly and irremediably broken. 2When the upright are on the increase, the people rejoice; when the wicked are in power, the people groan. 3The lover of Wisdom makes his father glad, but the patron of prostitutes fritters his wealth away. 4A king gives a country stability by justice, an extortioner brings it to ruin. 5Whoever flatters his companion spreads a net for his feet. 6In the sin of the wicked lies a snare, but the upright exults and rejoices. 7The upright understands the cause of the weak, the wicked has not the wit to understand it. 8Scoffers set a city in ferment, but the wise moderate anger. 9Let someone wise argue with a fool, anger and good humour alike will be wasted. 10The bloodthirsty hate the honest, but the upright seek them out. 11The fool blurts out every angry feeling, but the wise subdues and restrains them. 12When a ruler listens to false reports, all his ministers will be scoundrels. 13Poor and oppressor are found together, Yahweh gives light to the eyes of both. 14The king who judges the weak with equity sees his throne set firm for ever. 15The stick and the reprimand bestow wisdom, a young man left to himself brings shame on his mother. 16When the wicked are on the increase, sin multiplies, but the upright will witness their downfall. 17Correct your child, and he will give you peace of mind; he will delight your soul. 18Where there is no vision the people get out of hand; happy are they who keep the law. 19Not by words is a slave corrected: even if he understands, he will take no notice. 20You see someone too ready of speech? There is more to be hoped for from a fool! 21If a slave is pampered from childhood, he will prove ungrateful in the end. 22The hot–head provokes disputes, someone in a rage commits all sorts of sins. 23Pride brings humiliation, whoever humbles himself will win honour. 24To hear the curse and disclose nothing is to share with the thief and to hate oneself. 25To be afraid of human beings is a snare, whoever trusts in Yahweh is secure. 26Many people seek a ruler’s favour, but the rights of each come from Yahweh. 27Abhorrent to the upright is the sinful, abhorrent to the wicked is one whose way is straight.
Chapter 30
THE SAYINGS OF AGUR
30:1The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh, of Massa. *[In northern Arabia, home also of Lemuel (31:1). The wisdom of eastern sages was proverbial.] Prophecy of this man for Ithiel, for Ithiel and for Ucal. 2I am myself the stupidest of people, bereft of human intelligence, 3I have not learnt wisdom, and I lack the knowledge of the holy ones. 4Who has mounted to the heavens, then come down again? Who has gathered the wind in the clasp of his hand? Who has wrapped the waters in his cloak? Who has set all the ends of the earth firm? What is his name? What is his child’s name? Do you know? 5Every word of God is unalloyed, a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6To his words make no addition, lest he reprove you and account you a liar. 7Two things I beg of you, do not grudge me them before I die: 8keep falsehood and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches, grant me only my share of food, 9for fear that, surrounded by plenty, I should fall away and say, ‘Yahweh—who is Yahweh?’ or else, in destitution, take to stealing and profane the name of my God. 10Do not blacken a slave’s name to his master, lest he curse you, and you suffer for it. 11There is a breed of person that curses his father and does not bless his mother; 12a breed that, laying claim to purity, has not yet been cleansed of its filth; 13a breed haughty of eye, with disdain in every glance; 14a breed with swords for teeth, with knives for jaws, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from the land.
NUMERICAL PROVERBS
15The leech has two daughters: ‘Give! Give!’ There are three insatiable things, four, indeed, that never say, ‘Enough!’ 16Sheol, the barren womb, earth which can never have its fill of water, fire which never says, ‘Enough!’ 17The eye which looks jeeringly on a father, and scorns the obedience due to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, and eaten by the vultures. 18There are three things beyond my comprehension, four, indeed, that I do not understand: 19the way of an eagle through the skies, the way of a snake over the rock, the way of a ship in mid–ocean, the way of a man with a girl. 20This is how an adulteress behaves: she eats, then wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong!’ 21There are three things at which the earth trembles, four, indeed, which it cannot endure: 22a slave become king, a brute gorged with food, 23a hateful woman wed at last, a servant girl inheriting from her mistress. 24There are four creatures little on the earth, though they are wisest of the wise: 25ants, a race with no strength, yet in the summer they make sure of their food; 26the coneys, a race without defences, yet they make their home in the rocks; 27locusts, which have no king, yet they all march in good order; 28lizards, which you can catch in your hand, yet they frequent the palaces of kings. 29There are three things of stately tread, four, indeed, of stately walk: 30the lion, bravest of beasts, he will draw back from nothing; 31a vigorous cock, a he–goat, and the king when he harangues his people. 32If you have been foolish enough to fly into a passion and now have second thoughts, lay your hand on your lips. 33For by churning the milk you produce butter, by wringing the nose you produce blood, and by whipping up anger you produce strife.
Chapter 31
THE SAYINGS OF LEMUEL
31:1The sayings of Lemuel king of Massa, taught him by his mother: 2What, my son! What, son of my womb! What, son of my vows! 3Do not expend your energy on women nor your wealth on those who ruin kings. 4Not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings the drinking of wine, not for princes the love of liquor, 5for fear that in liquor they forget what they have decreed and pervert the course of justice against all the poor. 6Procure strong drink for someone about to die, wine for him whose heart is heavy: 7let him drink and forget his misfortune, and remember his misery no more. 8Make your views heard, on behalf of the dumb, on behalf of all the unwanted; 9make your views heard, pronounce an upright verdict, defend the cause of the poor and the wretched.
THE PERFECT HOUSEWIFE
Aleph 10The truly capable woman—who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls. 11 Bet Her husband’s heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit. 12 Gimel Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life. 13 DaletShe selects wool and flax, she does her work with eager hands. 14He She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away. 15 WawShe gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls. 16 ZainShe sets her mind on a field, then she buys it; with what her hands have earned she plants a vineyard. 17 HetShe puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be. 18 TetShe knows that her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night. 19 YodShe sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle. 20 KaphShe holds out her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy. 21 LamedSnow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed. 22
Mem
She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple. 23 NunHer husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. 24 SamekShe weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes. 25AinShe is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come. 26PeWhen she opens her mouth, she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction. 27ZadeShe keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her. 28QophHer children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises: 29Resh‘Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all!’ 30ShinCharm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears Yahweh is the one to praise. 31TawGive her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates.
|
|
The Beaver Valley Chapter of the Knights of Columbus graciously thanks Duquesne University and Father Sean Hogan, C.S.Sp. for sponsoring our Knights of Columbus Beaver Valley Chapter web page. |
|