Amplified Bible (AMP)

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A false balanceanddishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the Lord,

But an accurate scale is His delight.

2 When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonorandshame,

But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdomandsoundness of mind.

3 The integrityandmoral courage of the upright will guide them,

But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

4 Riches will not provide security in the day of wrathandjudgment,

But righteousness rescues from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their wayandkeep it straight,

But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will rescue them,

But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

7 When the wicked man dies, his expectation will perish;

And the hope of [godless] strong men perishes.

8 The righteous is rescued from trouble,

And the wicked takes his place.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,

But through knowledgeanddiscernment the righteous will be rescued.

10 When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices,

And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

11 By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted,

But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,

But a man of understanding keeps silent.

13 He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets,

But he who is trustworthyandfaithful keeps a matter hidden.

14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm],

But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.

15 He who puts up securityandguarantees a debt for an outsider will surely suffer [for his foolishness],

But he who hates (declines) being a guarantor is secure [from its penalties].

16 A graciousandgood woman attains honor,

And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect].

17 The mercifulandgenerous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him],

But the cruelandcallous man does himself harm.

18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages,

But he who sows righteousnessandlives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying].

19 He who is steadfast in righteousnessattainslife,

But he who pursues evilattainshis own death.

20 The perverse in heart are repulsiveandshamefully vile to the Lord,

But those who are blamelessandabove reproach in their walk are His delight!

21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,

But the descendants of the righteous will be freed.

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,

So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty].

23 The desire of the righteous brings only good,

But the expectation of the wicked brings wrath.

24 There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more;

And there is the one who withholds what is justly due,but it resultsonly in wantandpoverty.

25 The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperousandenriched,

And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].

26 The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it],

But a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.

27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favorandgrace,

But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

28 He who leans onandtrusts inandis confident in his riches will fall,

But the righteous [who trust in God’s provision] will flourish like agreenleaf.

29 He who troubles (mismanages) his own house will inherit the wind (nothing),

And the foolish will be a servant to the wise-hearted.

30 The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life,

And he who is wise capturesandwins souls [for God–he gathers them for eternity].

31 If the righteous will be rewarded on the earth [with godly blessings],

How much more [will] the wicked and the sinner [be repaid with punishment]!

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 Whoever loves instructionanddiscipline loves knowledge,

But he who hates reproofandcorrection is stupid.

2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,

But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

3 A man will not be established by wickedness,

But the root of the [consistently] righteous will not be moved.

4 A virtuousandexcellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband,

But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughtsandpurposes of the [consistently] righteous are just (honest, reliable),

But the counselsandschemes of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The [malevolent] words of the wicked lie in wait for [innocent] blood [to slander],

But the mouth of the upright will rescueandprotect them.

7 The wicked are overthrown [by their evil] and are no more,

But the house of the [consistently] righteous will stand [securely].

8 A man will be commended according to his insightandsound judgment,

But the one who is of a perverse mind will be despised.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant,

Than he who [boastfully] honors himself [pretending to be what he is not] and lacks bread.

10 A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal,

But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,

But he who follows worthlessthingslacks common senseandgood judgment.

12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,

But the root of the righteous yieldsricherfruit.

13 An evil man is [dangerously] ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

But the righteous will escape from trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,

And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him [as a harvest].

15 The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,

But a wiseandprudent man is he who listens to counsel.

16 The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],

But a prudent man ignores an insult.

17 He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,

But a false witness utters deceit [in court].

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever,

But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No harm befalls the righteous,

But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord,

But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],

But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,

But the negligentandlazy will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,

But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.

26 The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor,

But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not catchandroast his prey,

But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

28 In the way of righteousness is life,

And in its pathway there is no death [but immortality–eternal life].

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A wise son heedsandaccepts [and is the result of] his father’s disciplineandinstruction,

But a scoffer does not listen to reprimandanddoes not learn from his errors.

2 From the fruit of his mouth a [wise] man enjoys good,

But the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

3 The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life;

The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

4 The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition],

But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is richandabundantly supplied.

5 A righteous man hates lies,

But a wicked man is loathsome, and he acts shamefully.

6 Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless,

But wickedness underminesandoverthrows the sinner.

7 There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing at all;

Anotherpretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

8 The ransom for a man’s life is his wealth,

But the poor man does not even have to listen to a rebukeorthreats [from the envious].

9 The light of the righteous [within him–grows brighter and] rejoices,

But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.

10 Through prideandpresumption come nothing but strife,

But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.

11 Wealthobtainedby fraud dwindles,

But he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches].

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the wordandcounsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself,

But he who [reverently] fearsandrespects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountainandsource of life,

So that one may avoid the snares of death.

15 Good understanding wins favor [from others],

But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil].

16 Every prudentandself-disciplined man acts with knowledge,

But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].

17 A wicked messenger falls into hardship,

But a faithful ambassador brings healing.

18 Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instructionanddiscipline,

But he who acceptsandlearns from reprooforcensure is honored.

19 Desire realized is sweet to the soul;

But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned].

20 He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,

But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

21 Adversity pursues sinners,

But the [consistently] upright will be rewarded with prosperity.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.

23 Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor,

But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice.

24 He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son,

But he who loves him disciplinesandtrains him diligentlyandappropriately [with wisdom and love].

25 The [consistently] righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

But the stomach of the wicked is in need [of bread].

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives],

But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].

2 He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the Lord[and obeys and worships Him with profound respect],

But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of the [arrogant]fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back,

But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithfulandtrustworthy witness will not lie,

But a false witness speaks lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom],

But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

7 Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool,

For you will not find knowledgeorhear godly wisdom from his lips.

8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,

But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],

But among the upright there is good willandthe favorandblessing of God.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

And no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,

But the tent of the upright will thrive.

12 There is a waywhich seemsright to a manandappears straight before him,

But its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain,

And the end of joy may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own [rotten] ways,

But a good man willbe satisfiedwith his ways [the godly thought and action which his heart pursues and in which he delights].

15 The naiveorinexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears,

But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going.

16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil,

But the fool is arrogant and careless.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishlyandwithout self-control,

And a man of wicked schemes is hated.

18 The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness,

But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow down before the good,

And the wicked [will bow down] at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbor,

But those who love the rich are many.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins [against God and his fellow man],

But happy [blessed and favored by God] is he who is graciousandmerciful to the poor.

22 Do they not go astray who devise evilandwander from the way of righteousness?

But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit,

But mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth [of wisdom],

But the foolishness of [closed-minded] fools is [nothing but] folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

But he who speaks lies is treacherous.

26 In the [reverent] fear of the Lordthere is strong confidence,

And His children will [always] have a place of refuge.

27 The [reverent] fear of the Lord[that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life,

So that one may avoid the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory,

But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince’s ruin.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control],

But he who is quick-tempered exposesandexalts his foolishness [for all to see].

30 A calmandpeacefulandtranquil heart is lifeandhealth to the body,

But passionandenvy are like rottenness to the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor tauntsandinsults his Maker,

But he who is kindandmercifulandgracious to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing,

But the righteous has hopeandconfidenceanda refuge [with God] even in death.

33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the heart of one who has understanding,

But what is in the heart of [shortsighted] fools is made known.

34 Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation,

But sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 The king’s favorandgood will are toward a servant who acts wiselyanddiscreetly,

But his angerandwrath are toward him who acts shamefully.

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A softandgentleandthoughtful answer turns away wrath,

But harshandpainfulandcareless words stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasingandacceptable,

But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.

3 The eyes of the Lordare in every place,

Watching the evil and the good [in all their endeavors].

4 A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life,

But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.

5 A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instructionandcorrection,

But he who [is willing to learn and] regardsandkeeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.

6 Greatandpriceless treasure is in the house of the [consistently] righteous one [who seeks godly instruction and grows in wisdom],

But trouble is in the income of the wicked one [who rejects the laws of God].

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain];

But the hearts of [shortsighted] fools are not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is hatefulandexceedingly offensive to the Lord,

But the prayer of the upright is His delight!

9 The way [of life] of the wicked is hatefulandexceedingly offensive to the Lord,

But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character].

10 There is severe discipline for him whoturns from the way [of righteousness];

And he who hates correction will die.

11 Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the place of eternal punishment)lie openbefore the Lord–

How much more the heartsandinner motives of the children of men.

12 A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes himandtries to teach him;

Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction].

13 A heart full of joyandgoodness makes a cheerful face,

But when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed.

14 The mind of the intelligentanddiscerning seeks knowledgeandeagerly inquires after it,

But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are bad,

But a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of the circumstances].

16 Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord

Than great treasure and trouble with it.

17 Better is a dinner of vegetablesandherbs where love is present

Than a fattened ox served with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

But he who is slow to angerandpatient calms disputes.

19 The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him],

But the way [of life] of the upright is smoothandopen like a highway.

20 A wise son makes a father glad,

But a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Foolishness is joy to him who is without heartandlacks [intelligent, common] sense,

But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].

22 Without consultationandwise advice, plans are frustrated,

But with many counselors they are established and succeed.

23 A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer,

And how goodanddelightful is a word spoken at the right moment–how good it is!

24 The [chosen] path of life leads upward for the wise,

That he may keep away from Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) below.

25 The Lordwill tear down the house of the proudandarrogant (self-righteous),

But He will establishandprotect the boundaries [of the land] of the [godly] widow.

26 Evil plansandthoughts of the wicked are exceedingly vileandoffensive to the Lord,

But pure words are pleasant words to Him.

27 He who profits unlawfully brings suffering to his own house,

But he who hates bribes [and does not receive nor pay them] will live.

28 The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way],

But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

29 The Lordis far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them],

But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the hearts of others,

And good news puts fat on the bones.

31 The ear that listens toandlearns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure)

Will remain among the wise.

32 He who neglectsandignores instructionanddiscipline despises himself,

But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].

33 The [reverent] fear of the Lord[that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the instruction for wisdom [its starting point and its essence];

And before honor comes humility.

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 The plansandreflections of the heart belong to man,

But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All the ways of a man are cleanandinnocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions],

But the Lordweighsandexamines the motivesandintents [of the heart and knows the truth].

3 Commit your works to the Lord[submit and trust them to Him],

And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

4 The Lordhas made everything for its own purpose,

Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil.

5 Everyone who is proudandarrogant in heart is disgustingandexceedingly offensive to the Lord;

Be assured he will not go unpunished.

6 By mercyandlovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart,

And by the fear of the Lordone avoids evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

Than great income [gained] with injustice.

9 A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life],

But the Lorddirects his stepsandestablishes them.

10 A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative];

His mouth should not be unfaithfulorunjust in judgment.

11 A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s;

All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].

12 It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly,

For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,

And he who speaks right is loved.

14 The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death,

But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of the king’s face is life,

And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

17 The highway of the upright turns awayanddeparts from evil;

He who guards his way protects his life (soul).

18 Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly

Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).

20 He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good,

And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,

And sweet speech increases persuasivenessandlearning [in both speaker and listener].

22 Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,

But to give instructionandcorrection to fools is foolishness.

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom]

And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

Sweetanddelightful to the soul and healing to the body.

25 There is a way which seems right to a manandappears straight before him,

But its end is the way of death.

26 The appetite of a worker works for him,

For his hunger urges him on.

27 A worthless man devisesanddigs up evil,

And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man spreads strife,

And one who gossips separates intimate friends.

29 A violentandexceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin],

And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things;

And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass.

31 The silver-haired head is a crown of splendorandglory;

It is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is betterandmore honorable than the mighty [soldier],

And he who rulesandcontrols his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision is from the Lord.

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietnessandpeace

Than a house full of feasting [served] with strifeandcontention.

2 A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefullyandbrings disgrace [to the family]

And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers.

3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,

But the Lordtests hearts.

4 An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips;

And a liar pays attention to a destructiveandmalicious tongue.

5 Whoever mocks the poor taunts his Maker,

And he who rejoices at [another’s] disaster will not go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of aged men,

And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives].

7 Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],

Much less do lying lipsbenefita prince.

8 A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner;

Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 He who coversandforgives an offense seeks love,

But he who repeatsorgossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

10 A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understandinganda teachable spirit

Than a hundred lashes into a fool.

11 A rebellious man seeks only evil;

Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs

Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.

13 Whoever returns evil for good,

Evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];

Thereforeabandon the quarrel before it breaks outandtempers explode.

15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous

Are both repulsive to the Lord.

16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,

When he has no common senseoreven a heart for it?

17 A friend loves at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man lacking common sense gives a pledge

And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.

19 He who loves transgression loves strifeandis quarrelsome;

He who [proudly] raises his gate seeks destruction [because of his arrogant pride].

20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good,

And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

21 He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow,

And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.

22 A happy heart is good medicineanda joyful mind causes healing,

But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket

To pervert the ways of justice.

24 [Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it],

But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a griefandanguish to his father

And bitterness to her who gave birth to him.

26 It is also not good to fine the righteous,

Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

27 He who has knowledge restrainsandis careful with his words,

And a man of understandingandwisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

28 Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;

When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet)anda man of understanding.

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,

He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

2 A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,

But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

3 When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,

And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).

4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];

The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

5 To show respect to the wicked person is not good,

Nor to push asideanddeprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring contentionandstrife,

And his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];

They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

9 He who is careless in his work

Is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lordis a strong tower;

The righteous runs to it and is safeandset on high [far above evil].

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imaginationandconceit.

12 Before disaster the heart of a man is haughtyandfilled with self-importance,

But humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before he hears [the facts]–

It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness,

But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?

15 The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him

And brings him before great men.

17 The first one to plead his case seems right,

Untilanother comes and cross-examines him.

18 To cast lots puts an end to quarrels

And decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offendedis harder to winover than a fortified city,

And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;

He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love itandindulge it will eat its fruitandbear the consequences of their words.

22 He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing

And obtains favorandapproval from the Lord.

23 The poor man pleads,

But the rich man answers roughly.

24 The man oftoo manyfriends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in piecesandcome to ruin,

But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

On Life and Conduct

1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

Than a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.

2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,

And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).

3 The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes];

Then his heart is resentfulandrages against the Lord[for, being a fool, he blames the Lordinstead of himself].

4 Wealth makes many friends,

But a poor man is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,

And he who breathes out lies will not escape.

6 Many will seek the favor of a generousandnoble man,

And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts.

7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him;

How much more do his friends abandon him!

He pursuesthem withwords, but they are gone.

8 He who gains wisdomandgood sense loves (preserves) his own soul;

He who keeps understanding will find goodandprosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,

And he who breathes lies will perish.

10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool;

Much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11 Good senseanddiscretion make a man slow to anger,

And it is his honorandglory to overlook a transgressionoran offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].

12 The king’s wrathterrifieslike the roaring of a lion,

But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.

13 A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father,

And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].

14 House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers,

But a wise, understanding,andsensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord.

15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity],

And the idle person will suffer hunger.

16 He who keepsandobeys the commandment [of the Lord] keeps (guards) his own life,

But he who is careless of his waysandconduct will die.

17 He who is graciousandlends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord,

And the Lordwill repay him for his good deed.

18 Disciplineandteach your son while there is hope,

And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction.

19 A man ofgreat anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control];

For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again.

20 Listen to counsel, receive instruction,andaccept correction,

That you may be wise in the time to come.

21 Many plans are in a man’s mind,

But it is the Lord’spurpose for him that will stand (be carried out).

22 That which is desirable in a man is his loyaltyandunfailing love,

But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar.

23 The fear of the Lordleadsto life,

So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

24 The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish,

But will not even bring it to his mouth again.

25 Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;

Reprimand one who has understandinganda teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledgeandinsight.

26 He who assaults his father and chases away his mother

Is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Cease listening, my son, to instructionanddiscipline

And you willstray from the words of knowledge.

28 A wickedandworthless witness mocks justice,

And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,

And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.

On Life and Conduct

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler;

And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion;

Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

3 It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],

But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].

4 The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives;

So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].

5 A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well,

But a man of understanding draws it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyaltyandgoodness,

But who can find a faithfulandtrustworthy man?

7 The righteous man who walks in integrityandlives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs–

How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].

8 A [discerning] king who sits on the throne of judgment

Sifts all evil [like chaff] with his eyes [and cannot be easily fooled].

9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart,

I am pure from my sin?”

10 Differing weights [one for buying and another for selling] and differing measures,

Both of them are detestableandoffensive to the Lord.

11 Even a boy is knownanddistinguished by his acts,

Whether his conduct is pure and right.

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,

The [omnipotent] Lordhas made both of them.

13 Do not love [excessive] sleep, or you will become poor;

Open your eyes [so that you can do your work] and you will be satisfied with bread.

14 “It is [almost] worthless, it is [almost] worthless,” says the buyer [as he negotiates the price];

But when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].

15 There is gold, and an abundance of pearls,

But the lips of knowledge are a vessel of preciousness [the most precious of all].

16 [The judge tells the creditor], “Take the clothes of one who is surety for a stranger;

And hold him in pledge [when he guarantees a loan] for foreigners.”

17 Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel [just as sin may be sweet at first, but later its consequences bring despair].

18 Plans are established by counsel;

So make war [only] with wise guidance.

19 He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets;

Therefore do not associate with a gossip [who talks freely or flatters].

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,

His lamp [of life] will be extinguished in time of darkness.

21 An inheritance hastily gained [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning

Will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;

Wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescueandsave you.

23 Differing weights are detestableandoffensive to the Lord,

And fraudulent scales are not good.

24 Man’s steps are orderedandordained by the Lord.

How then can a man [fully] understand his way?

25 It is a trap for a man to [speak a vow of consecration and] say rashly, “It is holy!”

And [not until] afterward consider [whether he can fulfill it].

26 A wise king sifts out the wicked [from among the good]

And drives the [threshing] wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain].

27 Thespirit (conscience) of man is the lamp of the Lord,

Searchingandexamining all the innermost parts of his being.

28 Loyaltyandmercy, truthandfaithfulness, protect the king,

And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.

29 The glory of young men is their [physical] strength,

And the honor of aged men is their gray head [representing wisdom and experience].

30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil,

And strokes reach to the innermost parts.