Proverbs 10-22
New Catholic Bible
The Proverbs of Solomon[a]
Chapter 10
The One Who Leads an Honest Life . . .[b]
1 The Proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son gives grief to his mother.
2 Treasures obtained by wicked means profit nothing,
but a righteous life brings delivery from death.
3 The Lord will not allow the righteous to go hungry,
but he foils the craving of the wicked.
4 Idle hands ensure poverty,
but the hands of the diligent bring riches.[c]
5 A son who gathers the crops during the summer is wise,
but a son who sleeps at harvest-time[d] is shameful.
6 Blessings are showered on the head of the righteous,
but sorrow will cover the face of the wicked.
7 The righteous is remembered with blessings,
but the name of the wicked fades away.
8 A wise man will heed commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to grief.
9 Anyone who leads an honorable life walks in safety,
but whoever pursues wicked ways will be found out.
10 Anyone who winks with the eye causes trouble,
but the one who rebukes promotes peace.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked is filled with violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but love overlooks all offenses.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of one who has understanding,
but a rod is in store for the back of a fool.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool precipitates ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich man is his stronghold;
the poverty of the lowly is his undoing.[e]
16 The reward of the righteous leads to life;
the gains of the wicked lead to sin.[f]
17 Whoever heeds admonition is on the path to life,
but anyone who rejects correction goes astray.
18 Lying lips conceal hatred,
and anyone who slanders another is a fool.
19 Where many words are spoken, sin is not absent,
but whoever restrains his tongue is prudent.
20 The tongue of the just man is like pure silver;
the heart of the wicked is without worth.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord is what brings wealth,
and our toil adds nothing to it.[g]
23 Doing wrong affords pleasure to the fool,
but wisdom is a delight to an intelligent man.
24 What the wicked man fears[h] catches up with him,
but what the righteous man desires is granted.
25 When the storm ends, the wicked man is no more,
but the righteous man stands firm forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard[i] to those he serves.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings them joy,
but the expectations of the wicked are frustrated.
29 The way of the Lord[j] is a stronghold for the upright,
but destruction for evildoers.
30 The righteous man will never be destroyed,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous dispenses wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous utter words of kindness,
but the mouth of the wicked knows only how to pervert.
Chapter 11
The Fruit of the Righteous . . .[k]
1 False scales are an abomination to the Lord,
but a true weight is pleasing to him.
2 When pride is nurtured, disgrace soon follows,
but wisdom is the hallmark of the humble.
3 The upright are guarded by their integrity;
the treacherous are destroyed by their own duplicity.
4 Riches will be of no avail on the day of wrath,[l]
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The virtue of the honest man keeps his way straight,
whereas the evil man falls as a result of his wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright saves them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own schemes.
7 When a wicked man dies, all his expectations die with him,
and the hope he placed in his riches comes to nought.
8 The righteous man escapes affliction,
and the wicked man incurs it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man seeks to ruin his neighbor,
but knowledge enables the righteous to be delivered.
10 The city rejoices when the upright prosper,
and when the wicked are ruined, there is exultation.
11 Through the blessing of the righteous a city is raised,
but it is destroyed by the mouth of the wicked.
12 A man who lacks sense belittles a neighbor,
but an intelligent man remains silent.
13 One who gossips reveals secrets,
but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden.
14 For lack of leadership a nation collapses;
safety is assured with a multitude of advisers.
15 Whoever puts up bail for a stranger will suffer loss,
but the one who refuses to do so will be safe.
16 A gracious woman acquires honor,
while the woman who hates virtue is covered with shame.
Those who are lazy become destitute,
but those who are diligent gain wealth.[m]
17 A kind man benefits himself,
whereas a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The labors of the wicked man produce little profit,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness finds life,
but the one who pursues evil is on the road to death.
20 Those with perverse hearts are abhorrent to the Lord,
but those whose ways are blameless are dear to him.
21 You need have no fear that the wicked will not be punished,
but those who are righteous will escape harm.
22 Like a ring of gold[n] in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman without good sense.
23 The righteous desire only what is good;
the expectation of the wicked ends in wrath.
24 One man gives lavishly and increases his wealth,
while another is tight-fisted and ends up impoverished.[o]
25 A generous person will be enriched;
he who refreshes others will also be refreshed.
26 The people curse those who hoard grain,
but the one who sells it earns their blessing.
27 Whoever strives for good earns great acclaim,
but the one who pursues evil will be afflicted by it.
28 Whoever places his trust in riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.
29 Whoever causes trouble for his family inherits the wind,
and a fool will become a servant to the wise man.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and the wise man wins souls.[p]
31 If the just man receives his deserts on earth,
how much more will the wicked and the sinner!
Chapter 12
On the Way of Righteousness[q]
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but the one who hates correction is stupid.
2 The good man wins the favor of the Lord,
but the malicious man incurs his condemnation.
3 No one earns security by wickedness,
but the roots of the righteous will not be shaken.
4 A good wife is her husband’s crown,
but one who disgraces him is like decay in his bones.
5 The aims of the righteous are honorable,
but the schemes of the wicked are full of deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are snares to shed blood,
but those of the upright keep them safe.
7 Once the wicked are overthrown, they are no more,
but the house of the righteous remains firm.
8 A man will be praised if he exhibits good sense,
but one with a perverse mind is despised.
9 It is better to be a laborer and have food to eat
than to put on airs and have an empty stomach.
10 A righteous person supplies the needs of his animals,[r]
but the heart of the wicked is without mercy.
11 One who tills his land has an abundance of food,
but he who chases fantasies[s] is a fool.
12 The wicked desire the prey of evil men,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 The wicked man is ensnared by the sin of his lips,
but the righteous frees himself from misfortune.
14 An abundance of good things flow from the fruit of one’s lips,
and a man’s labor will give him a suitable reward.[t]
15 The fool is convinced of the rightness of his ways,
but the man who listens to advice shows wisdom.
16 A fool is quick to show his anger,
but a prudent man ignores an insult.
17 A truthful witness is honest in his testimony,
but a false witness testifies deceitfully.
18 Thoughtless words wound like a sword thrust,
but the tongue of the wise produces healing.
19 Truthful speech endures forever,
but deceitful lies last only for a moment.[u]
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
21 No harm befalls the righteous,
but endless are the misfortunes of the wicked.
22 The Lord abhors lying lips,
but he delights in those who are truthful.
23 A prudent man does not flaunt his knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims their folly.
24 Authority will be granted to the diligent,
but the lazy will be enslaved.
25 Anxiety in the human heart weighs it down,
but a kind word makes it glad.
26 A righteous man gives good advice to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A lazy man never reaps a rich harvest,
but the diligent man acquires precious wealth.
28 The way of righteousness leads to life,
but the way of vengeance leads to death.
Chapter 13
The Light of the Righteous Shines Brightly[v]
1 A wise son listens to his father’s correction,
but a mocker will not accept any rebuke.[w]
2 A good man derives nourishment from the fruit of his words,
but one who is treacherous craves violence.
3 He who guards his mouth makes his life secure,
but one who talks excessively ensures his own downfall.[x]
4 The idler[y] craves for food and remains unsatisfied,
but the appetite of the diligent is fully sated.
5 The righteous man hates words that are deceitful,
but the evildoer slanders and defames.
6 Righteousness stands guard over one who is honest,
but sin brings about the ruin of the wicked.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor,[z] yet has great wealth.
8 A wealthy man pays a ransom to save his life;[aa]
a poor man never has to worry about such threats.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp[ab] of the wicked is extinguished.
10 An ignorant man causes strife by his insolence,
but wisdom is found with those who take advice.
11 Wealth hastily acquired will dwindle away,
but when amassed little by little, it will increase.
12 Hope deferred sickens the heart,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 One who refuses to accept advice is headed for destruction,
but he who respects a command will be rewarded.[ac]
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life
enabling one to avoid the snares of death.[ad]
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the faithless leads to their destruction.
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool proudly parades his folly.
17 An unreliable messenger engenders trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace befall one who ignores discipline,
but one who takes correction is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
while fools regard turning from evil as an abomination.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but he who mingles with fools will suffer harm.[ae]
21 Misfortune afflicts the sinful,
but good fortune is the reward of the upright.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fields of the poor may yield much food,
but it is stolen from them through injustice.
24 He who spares the rod[af] hates his son,
but one who loves his son will take care to discipline him.
25 The righteous man has enough food to appease his hunger,
but the belly of the wicked man is empty.
Chapter 14
Righteousness Is a Sign of a Nation’s Greatness[ag]
1 Wisdom builds herself a house,
but Folly tears down hers with her own hands.
2 One whose conduct is upright fears the Lord,[ah]
but one whose paths are crooked despises him.
3 The words of a fool ensure a rod for his back,[ai]
but the lips of the wise keep them safe.
4 Where there are no oxen, the barn is empty of grain,
but abundant crops come through the strength of the ox.
5 A truthful witness does not lie,
but a false witness lies incessantly.[aj]
6 In vain does a scoffer[ak] seek wisdom,
but knowledge comes easily to the man of discernment.
7 Do not remain in the presence of a fool,
for you will not gain any wisdom there.
8 The prudent possess the wisdom to follow the right way,
but the folly of fools misleads them.
9 Fools see no need to atone for guilt,
but the upright do so and enjoy God’s favor.
10 The heart knows its own grief best,
and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will stand firm.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but the end of it leads to death.
13 Even at times of laughter the heart may be sad,
and joy may end in grief.
14 The perverse man suffers the consequences of his ways,
while a good man reaps what his deeds deserve.
15 A simple man believes everything he hears,
but a prudent man carefully considers every step.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
but the fool is reckless and shows no restraint.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
but a prudent man is long-suffering.
18 The simple are adorned with folly,
but the prudent have knowledge as their crown.
19 Evil men will bow down before the good,
and the wicked will do so at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor man is disliked even by his neighbor,
but one who is wealthy never lacks for friends.
21 Anyone who despises his neighbor is a sinner,[al]
but blessed is he who is kind to the poor.
22 Do not those who hatch evil go astray?
But those who plan good are loyal and faithful.
23 Diligent labor always yields profit,
but idle conversation only leads to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches;
the garland of fools is their folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives;
anyone who utters lies is an impostor.
26 He who fears the Lord[am] provides strong security,
and in him one’s children will find a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord[an] is a fountain of life
enabling a man to avoid the snares of death.
28 Many subjects ensure the glory of a king,
but if his subjects are few, he is of no importance.
29 A patient man shows good sense,
but a quick-tempered man displays the height of folly.
30 A tranquil heart gives life to the body,
but envy causes the bones to rot.
31 He who oppresses the poor insults their Creator,
but the one who is kind to the needy[ao] does him honor.
32 The evildoer is undone by his malice,
but the upright finds refuge in his integrity.
33 Wisdom finds a home in an understanding heart,[ap]
but she is not found in the heart of fools.
34 Righteousness is a sign of a nation’s greatness,
but sin degrades any people.
35 A king favors a prudent servant
but is angry with a shameful servant.
Chapter 15
The Lord Loves Anyone Whose Goal Is Righteousness[aq]
1 A gentle reply turns away wrath,
but a harsh word arouses anger.
2 The tongue of the wise distills knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool utters nothing except folly.[ar]
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,[as]
keeping a close watch on the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
but an undisciplined tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns his father’s correction,
but whoever heeds admonition is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous there is no lack of treasures,
but the earnings of the wicked are never secure.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
such is not true of the heart of a fool.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,[at]
but he delights in the prayer of the upright.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves anyone whose goal is righteousness.
10 Severe punishment awaits the one who strays from the right path;
whoever hates a rebuke will die.
11 The netherworld and the abyss lie open to the Lord;
how much more is this true of the human heart.[au]
12 A scoffer[av] does not like to be reproved,
and he refuses to consult the wise.
13 A glad heart makes the face cheerful,
but anguish of heart breaks one’s spirit.
14 The mind of one who is wise seeks further knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 Every day is wretched for those who are sorrowing,
but to one who is cheerful, every day is a perpetual feast.[aw]
16 It is better to have a little and fear the Lord[ax]
than to possess immense wealth and suffer anguish.
17 Better a dish of herbs served with love
than a fattened ox accompanied by hatred.
18 An ill-tempered man provokes quarrels,
but a patient man quiets dissension.
19 The path of the idler[ay] is covered with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a broad highway.
20 A wise son is a joy to his father,
but a foolish son has no respect for his mother.
21 Folly delights the one without sense,
but a man of understanding follows a straight path.
22 Plans miscarry when counsel is lacking,
but they succeed when there are many counselors.
23 A man is joyful when he utters apt answers,
and even more satisfying is a word in season.
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent man
so that he may escape going down to the netherworld.[az]
25 The Lord tears down the proud man’s house,[ba]
but he preserves the widow’s boundaries.
26 The Lord abhors the thoughts of the wicked,
but he is pleased with the words of the pure.
27 He who is greedy for dishonest gain brings disaster on a house,
but he who refuses to accept bribes will have life.
28 The righteous man reflects before answering,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
29 The Lord keeps his distance from the wicked,
but he listens to the prayer of the righteous.
30 A kindly glance gives joy to the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones.
31 He who accepts saving reproof has life
and will enjoy the company of the wise.
32 He who rejects correction despises himself,
but whoever accepts admonition will gain understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord[bb] provides instruction in wisdom,
and to be humble is the way to honor.
Chapter 16
1 A man may make plans in his heart,
but the Lord provides the words that his tongue utters.[bc]
2 A man’s ways may seem honorable to him,
but the Lord weighs his motives.
3 Entrust everything that you do to the Lord,
and your plans will turn out to be successful.
4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for the day of disaster.[bd]
5 The Lord abhors the proud man;
be assured that such a man will not go unpunished.
6 Iniquity is expiated by kindness and faithfulness,
and by fear of the Lord[be] man turns away from evil.
7 When the Lord is pleased with someone’s conduct.
he makes even that man’s enemies friends with him.[bf]
8 It is better to have little and be righteous
than to acquire great riches with injustice.
9 A man may plan his own course,
but the Lord makes his steps secure.[bg]
The Justice of Kings[bh]
10 The lips of a king utter inspired oracles;
he does not err when he pronounces judgment.
11 Accurate scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag[bi] are his concern.
12 Kings regard wrongdoing as abhorrent,
for their throne’s foundation depends upon righteousness.
13 Honest speech is the delight of a king,
and he loves a man who speaks truthfully.
14 A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death,
but one who is wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens it spells life,
and his favor is like a rain shower[bj] in spring.
The Path of the Upright[bk]
16 It is better to acquire wisdom rather than gold,
and more desirable to acquire understanding rather than silver.
17 The path of the upright avoids evil;
he who treads carefully preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before disaster,
and a haughty spirit goes before a fall.
19 It is better to live humbly among the lowly
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 The one who pays heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed[bl] is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 A wise man is esteemed for being pleasant,
and his friendly words increase his influence.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who possesses it,
but folly is the punishment of fools.
23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,
and his lips increase learning.
24 Pleasing words are like a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and affording health to the body.[bm]
25 Sometimes a path may seem to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The laborer’s appetite works on his behalf,
as hunger spurs him on.[bn]
27 A scoundrel[bo] concocts evil,
and his lips are like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man sows strife,
and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships.
29 One who indulges in violence entices his neighbor
and leads him into evil ways.
30 One who winks his eye is plotting perverse deeds;
one who purses his lips is bent on mischief.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by a righteous life.
32 It is better to be a patient man rather than a warrior,
one who controls his temper rather than one who captures a city.
33 The lot[bp] is cast into the lap,
but the decision comes from the Lord.
Chapter 17
1 It is better to have a dry crust to eat in peace
than to feast in a house that is filled with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over an unworthy son
and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold,
but it is the Lord who tests the heart.
4 An evildoer listens eagerly to wicked lips,
and a liar pays heed to a slanderous tongue.
5 Anyone who mocks the poor insults their Creator;[bq]
whoever gloats at another’s distress will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their parents.
7 Fine words are not becoming to a fool,
and much less are false words to a noble.
8 A bribe is like a magic stone to one who offers it;
wherever he turns, he meets with success.[br]
9 One who forgives a misdeed fosters friendship,
but he who divulges it separates good friends.
10 A reproof makes a far greater impression upon a discerning person
than a hundred blows will upon a fool.
11 A wicked man is only interested in fomenting rebellion;
hence a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 It is better to come upon a bear robbed of her cubs
rather than confronting a fool in his folly.
13 One who returns evil for good
will forever have misfortune in his house.
14 To begin a quarrel is like unleashing a flood;
so desist before the quarreling begins.
15 Absolving the wicked and condemning the innocent
are both equally abominable to the Lord.
16 Of what advantage is money in the hands of a fool?
Can he purchase wisdom if he has no desire to learn?
17 A true friend is one at all times,
and a brother is born to render help in time of need.
18 A man without sense gives a pledge
to become surety for a neighbor.[bs]
19 One who sows discord enjoys strife,
and one who constructs a high threshold invites disaster.
20 One whose heart is perverse will never prosper,
and one whose tongue is evil will come to trouble.
21 The father of a fool endures endless sorrow
and receives no joy from having begotten him.
22 A cheerful heart[bt] is excellent medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man conceals a bribe[bu] under his cloak
to divert the course of justice.
24 A discerning man sets his face toward wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool range to the ends of the earth.[bv]
25 A foolish son causes grief to his father
and brings sorrow to the mother who bore him.
26 It is not right to fine the innocent
or to flog princes for their integrity.
27 One who uses words sparingly is truly wise;
a man of discernment keeps his tongue under control.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
if he closes his lips, he is regarded as intelligent.
Chapter 18
The Words of the Mouth[bw]
1 Someone who lives alone seeks only to fulfill his desires
and ignores the advice of others.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding
but only delights in expressing his own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, it is accompanied by contempt,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of the mouth are turbulent waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not right to show partiality[bx] to the guilty
or to deprive the innocent of a just judgment.
6 The lips of a fool cause strife,
and his mouth provokes a flogging.
7 The mouth of a fool leads to his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his very life.[by]
8 The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels
that corrode one’s inner being.
9 Anyone who is lazy in his work
is a brother to the man who wages destruction.
10 [bz]The name of the Lord is a tower of strength;
the upright man runs to it and finds refuge.
11 The wealth of a rich man is his stronghold;
he regards it as a high wall that cannot be scaled.
12 A man is haughty until disaster overtakes him,
but humility comes before honors.
13 One who answers before listening
exposes his folly and incurs shame.
14 A man’s spirit can manage to endure sickness,
but when the spirit is crushed, who can bear it?
15 A discerning mind gains knowledge,
and the ears of the wise eagerly seek knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors for the giver
and wins him access to the powerful.
17 The one who pleads his case first will seem right
until his opponent comes forth to interrogate him.[ca]
18 Casting lots[cb] can settle disputes
and avoid contention between powerful rivals.
19 An offended brother is stronger than a fortress,
and quarrels are more difficult to overcome than castle gates.
20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is filled;
contentment is gained from the yield of one’s lips.
21 The tongue has the power over life and death;[cc]
those who cherish it will enjoy its fruits.
22 One who finds a wife finds happiness
and receives favor from the Lord.[cd]
23 A poor man uses language of entreaty,
but the rich man replies with insults.
24 Some friends can lead us to ruin,
but a true friend is closer than a brother.
Chapter 19
Better Poor and Honest than Wealthy and Perverse[ce]
1 It is better to be poor and lead an honest life
than to be wealthy and perverse in one’s ways.
2 Zeal is useless when not accompanied by knowledge,
and acting hastily causes one to stumble.
3 A man’s own folly leads to his ruin,
yet it is against the Lord that his heart rages.[cf]
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but a poor man’s only friend will desert him.
5 A false witness will not escape punishment,
neither will the one who tells lies.
6 Many court the favor of the great,
and everyone is a friend to a man who bestows gifts.
7 The poor man is despised by all his brothers;
how much more do his friends desert him!
He pursues them with entreaties
but all in vain.
8 Whoever gains wisdom loves his own soul;
one who cherishes understanding will prosper.
9 A false witness will not escape punishment,
and the one who tells lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 A man with good sense is slow to anger,
and he earns glory for overlooking an offense.
12 A king’s anger is like the roaring of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son[cg] is a calamity to his father,
and a nagging wife is like an endless dripping of water.
14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is a gift from the Lord.
15 Laziness results in excessive sleep,
and an idle man suffers hunger.[ch]
16 Whoever observes the commandments will live,
but the one who scorns them will die.
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord[ci]
who will recompense him for his kindness.
18 Chastise your son while there is still hope for him,
but do not allow your anger to cause his death.
19 One with a violent temper must bear the consequences;
if you spare him, you make his evil worse.[cj]
20 Heed advice and accept instruction
so that your wisdom may increase in the future.
21 Many are the plans in a human mind,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will prevail.[ck]
22 A man’s attraction is his kindness;
it is far better to be poor than to be a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord[cl] leads to life,
enabling one to eat and sleep without fear of harm.
24 The idler[cm] will dip his hand into the dish,
but he will not so much as lift it to his mouth.
25 If you strike a scoffer,[cn] the simple will learn prudence;
if you reprove an intelligent man, he will gain understanding.
26 Anyone who maltreats his father and casts out his mother[co]
is a shameful and despicable son.
27 If a son ceases to accept correction,
he strays from the words of knowledge.
28 A lying witness makes a mockery of justice,
and the mouth of the wicked feasts on iniquity.
29 Punishments were meant for scoffers
and flogging for the backs of fools.
Chapter 20
Who Can Find Someone Truly Faithful?[cp]
1 Wine encourages recklessness and strong drink leads to brawls;
anyone who allows them to seduce him is not wise.[cq]
2 The anger of a king is like the roar of a lion;
he who provokes him places his life in jeopardy.
3 It is honorable to avoid strife,
but every fool is quarrelsome.
4 The idler[cr] does not plow in season;
so at harvest-time he looks for a crop in vain.
5 The purpose of a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a discerning person will draw it out.
6 Many declare their loyalty,
but who can find someone truly faithful?
7 When a man leads a blameless and upright life,
blessed are the children who succeed him.
8 A king who is seated on the throne of judgment
will eradicate all evil with a mere glance.
9 Who can truly say, “I have cleansed my heart
and I am purified of all sin”?[cs]
10 Weights and measures that are not consistent
are an abomination to the Lord.
11 By his very actions a child reveals
whether his conduct is innocent and upright.
12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees—
the Lord has made both of them.
13 Do not love sleep if you wish to avoid poverty;
remain awake and you will never lack food.
14 “No good, no good,” says the buyer,
but then he goes forth to boast about his bargain.[ct]
15 There is gold or an abundance of costly pearls,
but the lips that reveal knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of anyone who becomes surety for a stranger;
demand a pledge as security for persons unknown to you.[cu]
17 Bread obtained by deceit may taste sweet to a man,
but afterward his mouth is filled with grit.
18 Plans will succeed when good advice is accepted;
follow wise guidance when waging war.
19 A tale-bearer will reveal secrets;
so do not associate with a gossip.
20 If anyone curses his father or mother,[cv]
his lamp will go out in utter darkness.
21 Possessions that are quickly acquired in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil,”[cw]
but trust in the Lord, who will help you.
23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord,
and dishonest scales are not acceptable to him.
24 A man’s steps are directed by the Lord;
how then can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is rash to pledge a sacred gift,
or to make a vow and then have second thoughts.[cx]
26 A wise king winnows the wicked
and requites them for their guilt.[cy]
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord
that searches out the innermost self.
28 Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king,
and his throne is founded on saving justice.
29 The glory of youths is their strength,
but the splendor of the aged is their gray hair.
30 Evil is cleansed away by blows that wound,
and beatings chasten the innermost being.[cz]
Chapter 21
The Lord Weighs the Heart[da]
1 A king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he directs it wherever he pleases.
2 A man’s ways may seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.[db]
4 Haughty eyes[dc] and a proud heart—
the lamp of the wicked—are nothing but sin.
5 The plans of the diligent will ensure profit,
but rash haste will surely lead to poverty.
6 One who amasses a fortune by means of a lying tongue
is pursuing a fleeting vapor that leads to death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away
because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked,
but the conduct of the innocent is straightforward.
9 It is better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a spacious house with a nagging wife.[dd]
10 The soul of the wicked man is intent on evil;
his neighbor beholds no pity in his countenance.
11 When the scoffer[de] is punished, the simple become wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he increases in knowledge.
12 The Righteous One watches the house of the evildoer
and brings the evildoer to destruction.
13 One who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor
will himself also cry out and not be heard.
14 A gift given secretly appeases anger,
and a gift concealed in the cloak will avert violent wrath.
15 When justice is done, the upright rejoice,
but evildoers are filled with terror.
16 Anyone who strays from the way of prudence
will rest in the company of the shades.[df]
17 Whoever craves pleasure will end up in want;
whoever loves wine and oil will never grow rich.
18 The wicked man serves as a ransom for the righteous,[dg]
as does the faithless man for the upright.
19 It is better to live alone in the wilderness
than with a nagging and irritable wife.
20 The house of the wise man is filled with precious treasure and oil,
but the fool squanders all he has.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness[dh] and kindness
will find life and honor too.
22 A wise man can storm a city of warriors
and overthrow the stronghold[di] upon which they relied.
23 One who guards his mouth and his tongue
will preserve himself from trouble.
24 A scoffer[dj] is a proud and insolent man
who is haughty in everything he does.
25 The cravings of the idler[dk] will prove fatal,
since his hands will do no work.
26 All day long the godless man continues to covet,
whereas the righteous man gives unsparingly.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abhorrent,
and more so when it is offered for evil motives.[dl]
28 A false witness will perish,
but a truthful witness will never be silenced.
29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
but an upright man amends his ways.
30 Neither wisdom nor understanding nor counsel
can be of avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the Lord.[dm]
Chapter 22
Reflections on the Human Condition[dn]
1 An honorable name[do] is more to be desired than great riches,
and high esteem is preferable to silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
all of them were made by the Lord.[dp]
3 A prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter,
while the simple[dq] continue forward and pay for it.
4 The reward of humility and fear of the Lord[dr]
is wealth, honor, and life.
5 Thorns and snares cover the path of the perverse;
whoever values his life will steer clear of them.
6 Train a child in the way he should go,
and he will not deviate from it, even in old age.
7 The wealthy man lords it over the poor,[ds]
and the borrower becomes the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his wrath will disappear.
9 One who is kindly will be blessed,[dt]
for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Banish the scoffer[du] and strife will cease;
discord and abuse will come to an end.
11 The Lord loves the pure of heart;
the man of gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord[dv] preserve knowledge,
but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful.
13 The idler cries out, “There is a lion outside;
I will be killed if I go out on the street.”[dw]
14 The mouth of an adulteress[dx] is a deep pit;
the man with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is rooted deep in the heart of a child,
but the rod of correction[dy] will remove it far from him.
16 A man becomes rich by crushing the poor,
but presents to the rich will only impoverish him.[dz]
The Sayings of the Wise[ea]
Lend Your Ear[eb]
17 These are the sayings of the wise:
Incline your ear and listen to my words,
and apply your mind to the knowledge I impart.
18 They will afford pleasure if you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 In order that your trust may be in the Lord,
I will make them known to you today.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings[ec]
of admonition and knowledge
21 to show you what is right and true
so that you can offer sound answers to the one who sent you?
Practical Counsels[ed]
22 Do not rob the poor because they are helpless
or oppress the needy at the gate.
23 For the Lord will take up their cause[ee]
and rob of life those who despoiled them.
24 Never make friends with a man prone to anger,
and do not associate with anyone who is wrathful.
25 Otherwise you may learn his ways[ef]
and find yourself entangled in a snare.
26 Do not be one of those who give pledges
and become surety for another’s debts.
27 For if you have no means of paying,
your bed will be taken from under you.
28 Never remove the ancient boundary stone
that your ancestors set up.
29 If you see a man who is skilled in his work,[eg]
remember that he will serve kings;
he will not stand before common people.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 10:1 This section makes up the oldest part of the Book of Proverbs, and there is a probability that some of its sayings go back to Solomon or even earlier. They represent an ancient fund of rural, familial, social, or human wisdom. The collection unrolls a long series of isolated maxims; they are rarely brought together around a single theme, but they resemble one another by their brief, rhythmic, and thought-provoking form. It is difficult to remain attentive while attempting a continuous reading; it is better to concentrate on random phrases here and there. Some sayings stand out by their picturesqueness: concerning laziness (Prov 10:26) or concerning an insupportable woman (Prov 11:22; 12:4; 21:9). Others are characterized by their teaching about the spirit of justice (Prov 11:26), by their humanity (Prov 10:12), and by their religious sense: about the poor (Prov 14:31, 34; 17:5); about God who sees everything (Prov 15:3, 11); and about sincere offering (Prov 15:8; 21:3, 27).
Any attempt to systematize the sayings is likely to be artificial. To stimulate the imagination, we highlight simply one or another theme. - Proverbs 10:1 In these scattered elements, we might note the idea that one has of justice in his human relations, the aversion to laziness, the cost of the true word, the horror of lying (vv. 19-21), and finally the certitude that God takes in hand the cause of the righteous.
- Proverbs 10:4 This is a theme that runs throughout the Book: diligence is good and brings prosperity while laziness is bad and leads to unhappy consequences (see Prov 6:6; 12:11, 24, 27; 13:4; 14:23; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15; 27:23-27; 28:19).
- Proverbs 10:5 Sleeps at harvest-time: the same condemnation is found in Prov 6:9-11; 19:15; 20:13.
- Proverbs 10:15 This verse states an obvious fact of human life: money is power and poverty is powerlessness; but the author does not approve of this fact. It is true that wealth brings friends (Prov 14:20; 19:4) and power (Prov 18:23; 22:7), while poverty has no influence (Prov 18:23), no friends (Prov 19:4, 7), and no security. However, the only real security is found in God (Ps 52:7-10).
- Proverbs 10:16 The gains of the wicked lead to sin: and the corollary to this is Paul’s dictum: “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23).
- Proverbs 10:22 Labor without God’s blessing leads nowhere.
- Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked man fears: e.g., distress and anguish (see Prov 1:27; 3:25; Job 15:21; Isa 66:4). What the righteous man desires: e.g., happiness in the Lord’s presence, serving God in holiness, and an answer to prayers (Pss 27:4; 37:4; 145:19; Mt 5:6; 1 Jn 5:14-15).
- Proverbs 10:26 Sluggard: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 10:29 Way of the Lord: i.e., the way that God desires for us, the life of wisdom (see Pss 27:11; 143:8; Mt 22:16; Acts 18:25).
- Proverbs 11:1 Once again we see the opposition between the righteous and the wicked. For there are two ways of life, and no person escapes choosing one of them. The reward of the righteous is already inscribed in the heart in some manner in his life, whereas the wicked has no valid perspective before him. The themes of kindness and mercy are joined to those of truth, uprightness, and good.
- Proverbs 11:4 Day of wrath: i.e., the day of judgment (see Isa 10:3; Zep 1:18).
- Proverbs 11:16 This verse follows the Greek. The Hebrew reads: “A kindhearted woman gains respect,/ but ruthless men acquire wealth.”
- Proverbs 11:22 Ring of gold: usually worn by women on their nose (see Gen 24:47; Ezek 16:20).
- Proverbs 11:24 Generosity brings greater blessings and prosperity (see Prov 3:9-10; Ps 112:9; Eccl 11:1-2; 2 Cor 6:9), while the one who is tight-fisted makes no friends and harms himself (see Prov 21:13).
- Proverbs 11:30 And the wise man wins souls: the Greek reads: “but violence takes lives away.”
- Proverbs 12:1 In this endless and already known variation on the theme of the righteous and the wicked and the sage and the fool, one could perhaps note a more marked insistence on truth in human relationships and on dislike of the foolish word. However, each maxim brings its own observation or its own teaching from popular good sense and sometimes from its religious certitude. From time to time, opposing portraits of women are evoked.
- Proverbs 12:10 A person who is good is kind even to animals (see Prov 27:23; Deut 25:4).
- Proverbs 12:11 This text is repeated almost verbatim in Prov 28:19. Chases fantasies: schemes to acquire ill-gotten goods.
- Proverbs 12:14 A man’s words of wisdom will yield a good harvest in the same way that his physical labor will bring him an abundant crop (see note on Prov 1:31; see also Job 34:11).
- Proverbs 12:19 A person who has spoken the truth has said it once and for all and need not open the mouth again; a liar must fall back on ever-new lies.
- Proverbs 13:1 In this uninterrupted accumulation of ancient proverbs, we find words about education and good sense; if one proverb highlights the burden of wealth, another presents it as a reward. However, in these diverse aphorisms the idea of a righteous life is always there, even though the author allows strongly opposed conceptions to be expressed. In all countries, each proverb finds its counter-maxim; but from the whole a vision of things comes through that is proper to a civilization or a religion.
Rather than giving direct teaching, the Book of Proverbs provides us with an atmosphere in which to reflect; we are to learn to appreciate the mood and the felicitous formulation, without taking each maxim literally. We must bear in mind the penchant of Semitic poetry for strong expressions and its use of parallelism (either repetition or contrast). - Proverbs 13:1 A mocker will not accept any rebuke: see notes on Prov 1:22; 9:7-12.
- Proverbs 13:3 The tongue has the power over life and death (see Prov 10:19; 18:21; 21:23; Jas 3:6).
- Proverbs 13:4 Idler: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 13:7 Pretends to be rich . . . pretends to be poor: both pretenses are foolish and lead to folly (see Prov 11:28; 12:9; 14:8).
- Proverbs 13:8 Pays a ransom to save his life: the wealthy have the means to ward off enemies (see note on Prov 10:15). The poor are never held for ransom.
- Proverbs 13:9 Light . . . lamp: symbols of life (see Job 3:20). Lamp of the wicked is extinguished: see Prov 20:20; 24:20; Job 18:5; 21:17.
- Proverbs 13:13 The reward indicated is to receive the benefits of wisdom (see note on Prov 3:2; see also v. 21; 3:16-18).
- Proverbs 13:14 Life . . . death: in this and other similar proverbs, these two words indicate “a long and happy life” and a “premature death” respectively.
- Proverbs 13:20 This verse stresses the need to choose friends and associates wisely (see Prov 2:20; 12:26) and to steer clear of the wicked (see Prov 1:10, 18; 2:12; 16:29; 22:24-25).
- Proverbs 13:24 Rod: most likely a symbol for any kind of discipline, which protects one’s children from folly and leads them away from evil paths (see Prov 19:18; 23:13-14). A “rod” of correction is really a “rod” of love—even God makes use of it for the good of his faithful (see note on Prov 3:11-12).
- Proverbs 14:1 Fear of God, wisdom, common sense, understanding, and honesty build up one’s life. Folly tarnishes all that it touches; it destroys the values of humans and society, for it is falsehood, vanity, and injustice. The upright take the side of the poor and the lowly, whereas the evildoer is the person without pity and without feelings. In passing, we will pause at the fine psychological notation about human suffering (vv. 10, 13). Readers will take up again the phrase that entices or offends them; the essential thing is to find some points of departure to achieve a more just idea of life.
- Proverbs 14:2 Fears the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 14:3 Rod for his back: see note on Prov 13:24.
- Proverbs 14:5 See note on Prov 6:19.
- Proverbs 14:6 Scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22.
- Proverbs 14:21 Anyone who despises his neighbor is a sinner: for the Lord had said: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18). Blessed is he who is kind to the poor: such a person “does . . . honor” to God (v. 31) and will “suffer [no] want” (Prov 28:27; see also Prov 21:13; Ps 41:2). Proverbs indicates some of the ways one can be kind to the poor: sharing one’s food with them (Prov 22:9), giving them money (Prov 28:8), and defending their rights (Prov 31:9).
- Proverbs 14:26 Fears the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 14:31 Since God created both the rich and the poor in his image (see Prov 22:2; Job 31:15; Jas 3:9), whoever oppresses the poor insults their Creator. Kind to the needy: see note on verse 21. Does him honor: i.e., carries out his will and also “lends to the Lord” (Prov 19:17; see Mt 25:40).
- Proverbs 14:33 Heart: for the Semites the heart was the seat of knowledge and understanding (see note on Ps 4:8).
- Proverbs 15:1 An honest, reflexive, and sober life—such seems to be the ideal of the sages whose maxims are collected in this part of the Book of Proverbs. It is a conviction that must be reflected everywhere in thought and word, in sentiments and relationships—a wisdom that is very human and well grounded, like all these recommendations. Yet, is it so banal as to be true and righteous in one’s heart and in one’s behavior? It is like a reflection of the very sentiments of God. Hence, we will not be surprised to find here maxims in which human behavior becomes religion, devotion, and fear of God. In those distant times, people did not yet imagine a life with God beyond their years on earth. God’s blessing consisted above all in material, familial, and social success. Nonetheless, they did already realize that the contemplation of God, even during the short earthly sojourn, is worth more than success and fortune.
- Proverbs 15:2 The mouth of a fool utters nothing except folly: see vv. 7, 28; 12:23; 13:16.
- Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere: see Prov 5:21; 2 Chr 16:9; see also notes on Ps 139:1b-6; 139:2; 139:7-12; 139:13-18; Jer 16:17.
- Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: the sacrifices of the wicked are without value in God’s eyes (see Prov 21:3 and note; 21:27; Eccl 4:17; Isa 1:11-15; Jer 6:20). He delights in the prayer of the upright: see Prov 3:32.
- Proverbs 15:11 Nothing remains inaccessible to God, whether it be the netherworld and the abyss (see Job 26:6; Ps 139:8) or the human heart (see 1 Sam 16:7).
- Proverbs 15:12 Scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22.
- Proverbs 15:15 To one who is cheerful, every day is a perpetual feast: see Prov 14:30; see also Lev 23:39-41.
- Proverbs 15:16 Fear the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 15:19 Idler: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 15:24 The wise man will prolong his life and thus delay for a long time his descent to the region of the dead; he will enjoy happiness in this world for years to come.
- Proverbs 15:25 Tears down the proud man’s house: see Prov 2:22; 10:25; 14:11. Preserves the widow’s boundaries: by keeping intact the boundary stones that acted as landmarks for a person’s property (see Prov 22:28; Deut 19:14; Job 24:2; Ps 68:5).
- Proverbs 15:33 Fear of the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 16:1 People make plans, but it is God’s grace that enables them to accomplish them (see Prov 19:21).
- Proverbs 16:4 God’s providence works in every life and in all history (see Eccl 7:14; Rom 8:28). Even the wicked, in their punishment, glorify God and his justice (see Ex 9:16).
- Proverbs 16:6 When God’s people repent of sin and obey his will, God offers forgiveness and withholds his chastisement (see Isa 1:18-19; 55:7; Jer 3:22; Ezek 18:23, 30-32; 33:11-16; Hos 14:1-4). Hence, iniquity can be said to be expiated by kindness and faithfulness—inasmuch as the latter ward off God’s wrath against it. Fear of the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 16:7 By his grace God turns the enemies of his faithful into their friends (see Rom 8:28).
- Proverbs 16:9 When making plans for our future, we must always remember that they depend on God’s will: “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall live to do this or that” (Jas 4:15).
- Proverbs 16:10 A ruler’s true greatness lies in making use of his power to dispense justice inspired by the sentiments of God. Were there any kings even in Israel who were completely faithful to such an ideal?
- Proverbs 16:11 The Lord desires that all scales be accurate (see Prov 11:1; 20:23; Ezek 45:10). All the weights in the bag: in their bags merchants carried various sizes of stones for weighing money; money was paid by weight, since coins were unknown. God condemns fraud.
- Proverbs 16:15 Rain shower: bringing the awaited rain for the growth of the vegetation.
- Proverbs 16:16 The maxims follow one another, in no real order, to oppose the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. Under different formulas, the same virtues are always set forth. In this group, we will see above all the recommendations to be attentive to what one says and to hold in the cry of anger, which is reputed as wisdom (Prov 16:32). We will have discerned little by little that the Book of Proverbs contains a complete morality of the human word. Humility is placed in value (notably in Prov 17:19), and at times we divine better the meaning of poverty (Prov 17:5), pardon (Prov 7:9), and understanding (Prov 16:16, 22, 27).
- Proverbs 16:20 Blessed: see note on Prov 31:28.
- Proverbs 16:24 See note on Prov 2:10.
- Proverbs 16:26 See 2 Thes 3:10.
- Proverbs 16:27 Scoundrel: see note on Prov 6:12.
- Proverbs 16:33 Lot: an allusion to the high priest’s pectoral and to the Urim and Thummim that it contained, which were used for casting lots. However, the lot is controlled by God’s providence (see Eph 1:11).
- Proverbs 17:5 Anyone who mocks the poor insults their Creator: see note on Prov 14:31.
- Proverbs 17:8 Such is human behavior that bribes open doors (see v. 23; 18:16; 21:14), but both bribe-giving and bribe-taking are evil acts that corrupt the human heart and are abhorrent to the Lord (see Deut 10:17) who condemns them (see Prov 15:27; Deut 16:19; 1 Sam 12:3; Ps 26:10; Eccl 7:7; Isa 1:23; 33:15; Am 5:12; 1 Tim 6:10).
- Proverbs 17:18 See note on Prov 6:1-5.
- Proverbs 17:22 Cheerful heart: see Prov 14:30; 15:13, 30; 16:15.
- Proverbs 17:23 Bribe: see note on v. 8.
- Proverbs 17:24 The prudent look directly in front of them; fools go astray.
- Proverbs 18:1 In this sparse series of sayings, whose themes are now familiar to the reader, a few reflections stand out, e.g., concerning the danger of the human word and the difficulty of the righteous during a trial. Once again we note the unfavorable state of the poor (v. 23).
- Proverbs 18:5 Partiality toward anyone was condemned in the law (see Lev 19:15; Deut 1:17; 16:19).
- Proverbs 18:7 One who cannot curb his tongue is a fool (see Jas 3), for it is through our words that we are justified or condemned (see Mt 12:37). Our speech should always be seasoned with salt so that we may know how to respond to each person (see Col 4:6).
- Proverbs 18:10 In the struggle of life the faithful find support and refuge in the Lord, while the foolish put their trust in their wealth. Name of the Lord: the name stands for the person since it expresses his nature and qualities (see note on Ex 3:13-15). Tower: towers were the only safe places against robbers and enemies. The wealth . . . stronghold: same as Prov 10:15 (see note there). Cannot be scaled: unscalable for humans but not for God (see Isa 25:12).
- Proverbs 18:17 This verse can apply to many situations, but it can also be interpreted as being directed toward judges to persuade them to hear both sides of a case (see Deut 1:16).
- Proverbs 18:18 Casting lots: see note on Prov 16:33.
- Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power over life and death: see note on Prov 13:3.
- Proverbs 18:22 Receives favor from the Lord: identical to Prov 8:35, where the favor results from finding wisdom.
- Proverbs 19:1 In the proverbs found in this chapter, we will pay special attention to those that describe the condition of the poor (vv. 1, 4-7, 17, 22) or those who care about the difficulty of obtaining justice (vv. 5, 9, 28); we will also note the theme of charity (the one who gives to the poor lends to God—v. 17) and mercy (v. 22). Once more, a warning is issued to idlers (vv. 15, 24), and reflections on the family and education are set forth (vv. 13-14, 18, 26). Our maxim “Man proposes but God disposes” is foreshadowed by the words in verse 21: Many are the plans in a human mind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will prevail.
- Proverbs 19:3 It is against the Lord that his heart rages: i.e., he blames the Lord for all his troubles (see Gen 4:5; Isa 8:21; Lam 3:39).
- Proverbs 19:13 Foolish son: see Prov 17:21, 25. Nagging wife: she is also upbraided in Prov 21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15.
- Proverbs 19:15 See note on Prov 10:4.
- Proverbs 19:17 Lends to the Lord: the Lord regards kindness to the poor as kindness done to him (see Mt 25:40).
- Proverbs 19:19 If you spare him, you make his evil worse: another possible translation: “If you rescue him, you will have to do it again.”
- Proverbs 19:21 See Prov 16:1; 16:9 and notes.
- Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7.
- Proverbs 19:24 Almost identical to Prov 26:15. Idler: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 19:25 Strike a scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22; see also v. 29; 14:3. Simple: see note on Prov 1:4.
- Proverbs 19:26 Maltreats his father and casts out his mother: children were forbidden to maltreat their parents physically or verbally (see Ex 21:15, 17).
- Proverbs 20:1 In the midst of these stand-alone proverbs, a few present the ideal figure of a king who dispenses justice (vv. 8, 26, 28); others delicately note commercial customs (v. 14), flog idlers again (vv. 4, 13), and return to trickery used in weights and measures (v. 23) or in fraud of any kind (vv. 17, 21). If one saying justifies corporal punishment (v. 30), others inveigh against the desire for vengeance (vv. 3, 22). Then amidst these sayings for familial, social, and even economic life, there appears a more profound reflection on the mystery of life in which God is at work (vv. 24, 27). A witness of a deep moral and religious sense, verse 9 recognizes the ineradicable tendency of human beings toward evil, from which they cannot free themselves by their own powers.
- Proverbs 20:1 Those who drink too much wine or hard liquor become scoffers and brawlers (see Hos 7:5). Drunkenness leads to poverty (Prov 23:20-21), strife and brawling (Prov 23:29-30), and perversion of justice (Prov 31:4-5).
- Proverbs 20:4 Idler: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 20:9 No humans can claim to be sinless (see Job 14:4; Rom 3:23), except those whose sins are forgiven through the power of God (see 1 Ki 8:46ff; Job 4:17; 14:4; Pss 51:2ff; 130:3-4; Rom 3:23-24; 1 Jn 1:8).
- Proverbs 20:14 In Old Testament times, people arrived at the price of things through bargaining. The buyers would devalue things in order to buy them at bargain prices and then boast about their purchase.
- Proverbs 20:16 The words are like those of a judge against one who has imprudently made himself a guarantor (see Prov 6:1-5). A garment could be taken as security for a debt (see Deut 24:10-13).
- Proverbs 20:20 Curses his father or mother: such an action (see also Prov 30:11, 17) was punishable by death (see Ex 21:17; Lev 20:9).
- Proverbs 20:22 I will repay evil: vengeance is the province of the Lord, not of his faithful people. He will repay the wicked for their actions (see Deut 32:35; Ps 94:1). Trust in the Lord: see Pss 27:14; 37:34.
- Proverbs 20:25 Vows should be made without haste and should always be carried out (see also Eccl 5:1; Jer 44:25).
- Proverbs 20:26 Winnows the wicked and requites them for their guilt: literally, “winnows the wicked and causes the wheel to pass over them,” an example taken from the carts used in threshing at that time. The wheel of the cart separated the grain from the husk (see Isa 28:27-28); in the same way, the wicked will be separated from the righteous and punished.
- Proverbs 20:30 Once again (see Prov 10:13; 13:24, and note; 14:3; 19:29; 22:15) the idea is put forth that some type of punishment is needed to restrain evil.
- Proverbs 21:1 There is nothing unexpected in these reflections that oppose the lot of the righteous and that of the wicked, or in these comparative illustrations of wisdom and folly. The traditional teaching then in vogue about the earthly recompense of the righteous and the conviction that the wicked hasten to their ruin even on earth remain in full force. We will read two apt words about the quarrelsome woman, but this is not the first time this caricature appears in the Book. Verse 18 seems to stem from a pessimistic realism: wickedness will forever play its part in the universe! But we will meditate above all on the affirmation that the entire destiny of human beings is found in the hands of God (vv. 2, 30-31).
- Proverbs 21:3 More acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice: internal goodness is more acceptable to the Lord than external sacrifice (see v. 27; 15:8; 1 Sam 15:22; Isa 1:11-15; Am 5:22; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:7-8; Mal 1:12).
- Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes: see note on Prov 6:17; see also Prov 16:5, 18.
- Proverbs 21:9 Nagging wife: see note on Prov 19:13.
- Proverbs 21:11 Scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22; see also Prov 14:3; 19:29. Simple: see note on Prov 1:4.
- Proverbs 21:16 Company of the shades: i.e., the dead in the netherworld.
- Proverbs 21:18 The wicked man serves as a ransom for the righteous: this thought is exemplified in the history of Israel; e.g., God ransomed the exiles of Judah from the Persian conqueror Cyrus by giving him three nations (Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba) in ransom (see Isa 43:1ff).
- Proverbs 21:21 Pursues righteousness: see Prov 15:9. Life and honor: these are the same benefits received by those who seek wisdom (see note on Prov 3:2; see also Prov 3:16; 8:18; 22:4).
- Proverbs 21:22 A wise man can . . . overthrow the stronghold: i.e., “wisdom is better than power” (Eccl 9:16). See also Prov 24:5; 2 Cor 10:14, both of which indicate that spiritual weapons have divine power to overthrow strongholds.
- Proverbs 21:24 Scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22. Such a person is punished because of his pride (see v. 11; 3:34; 19:25, 29).
- Proverbs 21:25 Idler: see note on Prov 6:6.
- Proverbs 21:27 See note on Prov 21:3.
- Proverbs 21:31 Neither horses nor chariots nor any other means of fighting a battle can ensure victory (see Ps 20:8; Hos 1:7; see Deut 7:16), since it is the Lord alone who ensures victory (see 1 Sam 17:47; Pss 3:9; 27:1; 28:9; 33:12-19; Isa 31:1; 43:3; Rev 7:10).
- Proverbs 22:1 Like the preceding chapters, this last chapter of the second part of Proverbs collects—in no particular order—observations on the life of human beings, reflections of moralists, and affirmations of believers. Thus, for better or worse and in spite of contradictions, we are presented with a certain image of the life and behavior of those who cling to true values, i.e., to the wisdom that God inspires in human beings.
- Proverbs 22:1 Honorable name: see also Prov 3:4; 10:7; Eccl 7:1. Preferable to silver and gold: the same is true of the possession of wisdom (see Prov 3:14; 16:16).
- Proverbs 22:2 See note on Prov 14:31.
- Proverbs 22:3 Simple: see note on Prov 1:4.
- Proverbs 22:4 Fear of the Lord: see note on Prov 1:7; see also Prov 15:33.
- Proverbs 22:7 The wealthy man lords it over the poor: see note on Prov 10:15.
- Proverbs 22:9 One who is kindly will be blessed: see note on Prov 11:24. Shares his food: see note on Prov 14:21.
- Proverbs 22:10 Scoffer: see note on Prov 1:22.
- Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the Lord: see Prov 5:21; 15:3; Job 31:4; 34:21; Jer 16:17; Heb 4:13. Preserve knowledge: i.e., God watches over those who possess knowledge (see Pss 1:6; 34:16). Ruins the plans of the unfaithful: see Prov 16:19; and there is no defense against God (Prov 21:30).
- Proverbs 22:13 The idler overstates difficulties in order to escape putting forth effort (see also note on Prov 6:6).
- Proverbs 22:14 Mouth of an adulteress: i.e., her seductive words (see notes on Prov 2:16 and 5:3; see also Prov 7:5). Deep pit: this may refer to a well or to the trap laid by a hunter (see Prov 5:22; 7:22-23).
- Proverbs 22:15 Rod of correction: see note on Prov 13:24.
- Proverbs 22:16 The man who gains money by crushing the poor will inevitably lose it by paying tribute to those who are richer.
- Proverbs 22:17 This collection of sayings may have been intended for the training and reflection of persons in positions of responsibility. Critics find in it some analogies with an Egyptian book containing the wisdom of a certain Amenemope (tenth century B.C.). But unlike the latter, which could only have served as a model, our collection teaches trust in God, under whose gaze the actions of human beings, especially of the mighty, are done. This collection sought to group its proverbs into some kind of order, although it never really reached that goal. It readily dispenses its counsels and loves warning formulas: Do not rob the poor. . . . Never make friends . . . (Prov 22:22, 24).
- Proverbs 22:17 This warm invitation greatly resembles the preface to chapter 1. The sage is a happy person who places trust in God.
- Proverbs 22:20 Thirty sayings: there are thirty units in this section, most of them two or three verses long. The Wisdom of Amenemope also contains thirty sections.
- Proverbs 22:22 These are practical counsels inspired by respect for the poor, by prudence, and by the sense of justice. These virtues are essential for a responsible society. The ending remains obscure: one notes that the capable person quickly reaches the level of success, a simple fact about which no judgment is made.
- Proverbs 22:23 Will take up their cause: i.e., the cause of the poor (see Prov 23:11; Pss 12:6; 140:13; Isa 3:14-16; Mal 3:5).
- Proverbs 22:25 May learn his ways: i.e., the ways of the wicked, a theme repeated by Paul: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor 15:33).
- Proverbs 22:29 Who is skilled in his work: see note on Prov 8:30.
