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Proverbs 15-22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Proverbs 15-22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 15
1 [a]A mild answer turns back wrath,(A)
but a harsh word stirs up anger.[b]
2 The tongue of the wise pours out knowledge,
but the mouth of fools spews folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse one breaks the spirit.
5 The fool spurns a father’s instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.[c](B)
6 In the house of the just there are ample resources,
but the harvest of the wicked is in peril.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
but the heart of fools is not steadfast.[d]
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,(C)
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves one who pursues justice.(D)
10 Discipline seems bad to those going astray;
one who hates reproof will die.[e]
11 Sheol and Abaddon[f] lie open before the Lord;
how much more the hearts of mortals!
12 Scoffers do not love reproof;
to the wise they will not go.
13 A glad heart lights up the face,
but an anguished heart breaks the spirit.(E)
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.[g]
15 All the days of the poor are evil,
but a good heart is a continual feast.[h]
16 [i]Better a little with fear of the Lord
than a great fortune with anxiety.
17 Better a dish of herbs where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
18 The ill-tempered stir up strife,(F)
but the patient settle disputes.
19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn hedge,
but the path of the diligent is a highway.
20 A wise son gives his father joy,
but a fool despises his mother.(G)
21 Folly is joy[j] to the senseless,
but the person of understanding goes the straight way.
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but they succeed when advisers are many.[k](H)
23 One has joy from an apt response;
a word in season, how good it is
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent,
turning them from Sheol below.[m]
25 The Lord pulls down the house of the proud,
but preserves intact the widow’s landmark.
26 The schemes of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,(J)
but gracious words are pure.[n]
27 The greedy tear down their own house,
but those who hate bribes will live.[o]
28 The heart of the just ponders a response,
but the mouth of the wicked spews evil.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but hears the prayer of the just.
30 A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart;
good news invigorates the bones.
31 The ear that listens to salutary reproof(K)
is at home among the wise.[p]
32 Those who disregard discipline hate themselves,
but those who heed reproof acquire understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is training for wisdom,
and humility goes before honors.(L)
Chapter 16
1 Plans are made in human hearts,
but from the Lord comes the tongue’s response.[q]
2 All one’s ways are pure[r] in one’s own eyes,
but the measurer of motives is the Lord.(M)
3 Entrust your works to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything for a purpose,
even the wicked for the evil day.[s]
5 Every proud heart[t] is an abomination to the Lord;(N)
be assured that none will go unpunished.
6 By steadfast loyalty guilt is expiated,
and by the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.[u]
7 When the Lord is pleased with someone’s ways,
he makes even enemies be at peace with them.
8 Better a little with justice,
than a large income with injustice.
9 The human heart plans the way,
but the Lord directs the steps.[v](O)
10 An oracle is upon the king’s lips,
no judgment of his mouth is false.[w]
11 Balance and scales belong to the Lord;
every weight in the sack is his concern.(P)
12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings,
for by justice the throne endures.(Q)
13 The king takes delight in honest lips,
and whoever speaks what is right he loves.(R)
14 The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(S)
but a wise person can pacify it.
15 A king’s smile means life,
and his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.[x]
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is preferable to silver.[y](T)
17 The path of the upright leads away from misfortune;
those who attend to their way guard their lives.[z]
18 Pride goes before disaster,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble with the poor
than to share plunder with the proud.(U)
20 Whoever ponders a matter will be successful;
happy the one who trusts in the Lord!
21 The wise of heart is esteemed for discernment,
and pleasing speech gains a reputation for learning.
22 Good sense is a fountain of life to those who have it,
but folly is the training of fools.
23 The heart of the wise makes for eloquent speech,
and increases the learning on their lips.
24 Pleasing words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones.
25 Sometimes a way seems right,
but the end of it leads to death!(V)
26 The appetite of workers works for them,
for their mouths urge them on.[aa](W)
27 Scoundrels are a furnace of evil,
and their lips are like a scorching fire.
28 Perverse speech sows discord,
and talebearing separates bosom friends.(X)
29 The violent deceive their neighbors,
and lead them into a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks an eye plans perversity;
whoever purses the lips does evil.[ab]
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;(Y)
it is gained by a life that is just.
32 The patient are better than warriors,
and those who rule their temper, better than the conqueror of a city.(Z)
33 Into the bag the lot is cast,
but from the Lord comes every decision.[ac]
Chapter 17
1 Better a dry crust with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.[ad]
2 A wise servant will rule over an unworthy son,
and will share the inheritance of the children.[ae]
3 The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but the tester of hearts is the Lord.
4 The evildoer gives heed to wicked lips,
the liar, to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor reviles their Maker;
whoever rejoices in their misfortune will not go unpunished.(AA)
6 Children’s children are the crown of the elderly,
and the glory of children is their parentage.
7 Fine words ill fit a fool;
how much more lying lips, a noble!
8 A bribe seems a charm to its user;
at every turn it brings success.[af]
9 Whoever overlooks an offense fosters friendship,
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.[ag]
10 A single reprimand does more for a discerning person
than a hundred lashes for a fool.[ah]
11 The wicked pursue only rebellion,
and a merciless messenger is sent against them.[ai]
12 Face a bear robbed of her cubs,
but never fools in their folly![aj]
13 If you return evil for good,
evil will not depart from your house.[ak](AB)
14 The start of strife is like the opening of a dam;
check a quarrel before it bursts forth!
15 Whoever acquits the wicked,(AC) whoever condemns the just—
both are an abomination to the Lord.
16 Of what use is money in the hands of fools
when they have no heart to acquire wisdom?[al]
17 A friend is a friend at all times,
and a brother is born for the time of adversity.(AD)
18 Those without sense give their hands in pledge,
becoming surety for their neighbors.(AE)
19 Those who love an offense love a fight;(AF)
those who build their gate high[am] court disaster.
20 The perverse in heart come to no good,
and the double-tongued fall into trouble.[an]
21 Whoever conceives a fool has grief;
the father of a numskull has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is the health of the body,
but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.(AG)
23 A guilty person takes out a bribe from the pocket,
thus perverting the course of justice.[ao]
24 On the countenance of a discerning person is wisdom,(AH)
but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.[ap]
25 A foolish son is vexation to his father,
and bitter sorrow to her who bore him.(AI)
26 It is wrong to fine an innocent person,
but beyond reason to scourge nobles.
27 Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable,
and those who are discreet are intelligent.(AJ)
28 Even fools, keeping silent, are considered wise;
if they keep their lips closed, intelligent.[aq]
Chapter 18
1 One who is alienated seeks a pretext,
with all persistence picks a quarrel.
2 Fools take no delight in understanding,
but only in displaying what they think.[ar]
3 With wickedness comes contempt,
and with disgrace, scorn.
4 The words of one’s mouth are deep waters,
the spring of wisdom, a running brook.[as](AK)
5 It is not good to favor the guilty,
nor to reject the claim of the just.(AL)
6 The lips of fools walk into a fight,
and their mouths are asking for a beating.[at]
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
their lips are a deadly snare.(AM)
8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels:
they sink into one’s inmost being.(AN)
9 Those slack in their work
are kin to the destroyer.
10 [au]The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the just run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city;(AO)
they fancy it a high wall.
12 Before disaster the heart is haughty,(AP)
but before honor is humility.
13 Whoever answers before listening,(AQ)
theirs is folly and shame.[av]
14 One’s spirit supports one when ill,
but a broken spirit who can bear?[aw]
15 The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.[ax]
16 Gifts clear the way for people,
winning access to the great.(AR)
17 Those who plead the case first seem to be in the right;
then the opponent comes and cross-examines them.[ay]
18 The lot puts an end to disputes,
and decides a controversy between the mighty.[az]
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a stronghold;
such strife is more daunting than castle gates.[ba]
20 With the fruit of one’s mouth one’s belly is filled,
with the produce of one’s lips one is sated.[bb](AS)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;(AT)
those who choose one shall eat its fruit.[bc]
22 To find a wife is to find happiness,
a favor granted by the Lord.(AU)
23 The poor implore,
but the rich answer harshly.
24 There are friends who bring ruin,
but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.(AV)
Chapter 19
1 Better to be poor and walk in integrity
than rich and crooked in one’s ways.(AW)
2 Desire without knowledge is not good;
and whoever acts hastily, blunders.[bd]
3 Their own folly leads people astray;
in their hearts they rage against the Lord.[be]
4 Wealth adds many friends,
but the poor are left friendless.(AX)
5 The false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever utters lies will not escape.[bf](AY)
6 Many curry favor with a noble;
everybody is a friend of a gift giver.
7 All the kin of the poor despise them;
how much more do their friends shun them![bg]
8 Those who gain sense truly love themselves;
those who preserve understanding will find success.[bh]
9 The false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever utters lies will perish.
10 Luxury is not befitting a fool;
much less should a slave rule over princes.
11 It is good sense to be slow to anger,
and an honor to overlook an offense.[bi]
12 The king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion,
but his favor, like dew on the grass.[bj](AZ)
13 The foolish son is ruin to his father,(BA)
and a quarrelsome wife is water constantly dripping.[bk]
14 Home and possessions are an inheritance from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the Lord.(BB)
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the sluggard goes hungry.(BC)
16 Those who keep commands keep their lives,
but those who despise these ways will die.(BD)
17 Whoever cares for the poor lends to the Lord,(BE)
who will pay back the sum in full.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
but do not be intent on his death.[bl](BF)
19 A wrathful person bears the penalty;
after one rescue, you will have it to do again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
that you may eventually become wise.
21 Many are the plans of the human heart,
but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.(BG)
22 What is desired of a person is fidelity;
rather be poor than a liar.[bm]
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
one eats and sleeps free from any harm.
24 The sluggard buries a hand in the dish;
not even lifting it to the mouth.(BH)
25 Beat a scoffer and the naive learn a lesson;
rebuke the intelligent and they gain knowledge.(BI)
26 Whoever mistreats a father or drives away a mother,
is a shameless and disgraceful child.[bn](BJ)
27 My son, stop attending to correction;
start straying from words of knowledge.[bo]
28 An unprincipled witness scoffs at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked pours out iniquity.
29 Rods are prepared for scoffers,
and blows for the backs of fools.(BK)
Chapter 20
1 Wine is arrogant, strong drink is riotous;
none who are intoxicated by them are wise.[bp](BL)
2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion;(BM)
those who incur his anger forfeit their lives.
3 A person gains honor by avoiding strife,
while every fool starts a quarrel.[bq]
4 In seedtime sluggards do not plow;
when they look for the harvest, it is not there.
5 The intention of the human heart is deep water,
but the intelligent draw it forth.[br](BN)
6 Many say, “My loyal friend,”
but who can find someone worthy of trust?
7 The just walk in integrity;
happy are their children after them!
8 A king seated on the throne of judgment
dispels all evil with his glance.[bs]
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean,(BO)
I am cleansed of my sin”?[bt]
10 Varying weights, varying measures,
are both an abomination to the Lord.(BP)
11 In their actions even children can playact
though their deeds be blameless and right.[bu]
12 The ear that hears, the eye that sees—
the Lord has made them both.[bv]
13 Do not love sleep lest you be reduced to poverty;
keep your eyes open, have your fill of food.
14 “Bad, bad!” says the buyer,
then goes away only to boast.[bw]
15 One can put on gold and abundant jewels,
but wise lips are the most precious ornament.[bx]
16 Take the garment of the one who became surety for a stranger;(BQ)
if for foreigners, exact the pledge![by]
17 Bread earned by deceit is sweet,
but afterward the mouth is filled with gravel.
18 Plans made with advice succeed;
with wise direction wage your war.
19 A slanderer reveals secrets;
so have nothing to do with a babbler!
20 Those who curse father or mother—
their lamp will go out[bz] in the dead of night.(BR)
21 Possessions greedily guarded at the outset
will not be blessed in the end.[ca]
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil!”
Wait for the Lord, who will help you.[cb](BS)
23 Varying weights are an abomination to the Lord,
and false scales are not good.(BT)
24 Our steps are from the Lord;(BU)
how, then, can mortals understand their way?[cc]
25 It is a trap to pledge rashly a sacred gift,
and after a vow, then to reflect.[cd]
26 A wise king winnows the wicked,
and threshes them under the cartwheel.[ce]
27 A lamp from the Lord is human life-breath;
it searches through the inmost being.[cf]
28 His steadfast loyalty safeguards the king,
and he upholds his throne by justice.(BV)
29 The glory of the young is their strength,
and the dignity of the old is gray hair.(BW)
30 Evil is cleansed away by bloody lashes,
and a scourging to the inmost being.
Chapter 21
1 A king’s heart is channeled water in the hand of the Lord;
God directs it where he pleases.[cg]
2 All your ways may be straight in your own eyes,
but it is the Lord who weighs hearts.(BX)
3 To do what is right and just(BY)
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.[ch]
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the lamp of the wicked will fail.[ci]
5 The plans of the diligent end in profit,
but those of the hasty end in loss.[cj]
6 Trying to get rich by lying
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
because they refuse to do what is right.
8 One’s path may be winding and unfamiliar,
but one’s conduct is blameless and right.[ck]
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop
than in a mansion with a quarrelsome woman.[cl](BZ)
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
their neighbor finds no pity in their eyes.
11 When scoffers are punished the naive become wise;
when the wise succeed, they gain knowledge.(CA)
12 The Righteous One appraises the house of the wicked,
bringing down the wicked to ruin.[cm]
13 Those who shut their ears to the cry of the poor
will themselves call out and not be answered.
14 A secret gift allays anger,
and a present concealed, violent wrath.[cn]
15 When justice is done it is a joy for the just,
downfall for evildoers.[co](CB)
16 Whoever strays from the way of good sense
will abide in the assembly of the shades.[cp]
17 The lover of pleasure will suffer want;
the lover of wine and perfume will never be rich.
18 The wicked serve as ransom for the just,
and the faithless for the upright.[cq](CC)
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness
than with a quarrelsome wife and trouble.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise,
but the fool consumes them.
21 Whoever pursues justice and kindness
will find life and honor.[cr]
22 The wise person storms the city of the mighty,
and overthrows the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard mouth and tongue
guard themselves[cs] from trouble.(CD)
24 Proud, boastful—scoffer is the name:
those who act with overbearing pride.
25 The desire of sluggards will slay them,
for their hands refuse to work.[ct]
26 Some are consumed with avarice all the day,
but the just give unsparingly.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
the more so when they offer it with bad intent.(CE)
28 The false witness will perish,(CF)
but one who listens will give lasting testimony.
29 The face of the wicked hardens,
but the upright maintains a straight course.[cu]
30 No wisdom, no understanding,
no counsel prevail against the Lord.
31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle,
but victory is the Lord’s.
Chapter 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and high esteem, than gold and silver.[cv](CG)
2 Rich and poor have a common bond:
the Lord is the maker of them all.(CH)
3 The astute see an evil and hide,
while the naive continue on and pay the penalty.[cw](CI)
4 The result of humility and fear of the Lord
is riches, honor and life.[cx]
5 Thorns and snares are on the path of the crooked;
those who would safeguard their lives will avoid them.
6 Train the young in the way they should go;
even when old, they will not swerve from it.[cy]
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.[cz]
8 Those who sow iniquity reap calamity,(CJ)
and the rod used in anger will fail.[da]
9 The generous will be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.
10 Expel the arrogant and discord goes too;
strife and insult cease.
11 The Lord loves the pure of heart;(CK)
the person of winning speech has a king for a friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over the knowledgeable,
but he defeats the projects of the faithless.
13 The sluggard says, “A lion is outside;(CL)
I might be slain in the street.”[db]
14 The mouth of the foreign woman is a deep pit;(CM)
whoever incurs the Lord’s anger will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound to the heart of a youth,
but the rod of discipline will drive it out.[dc]
16 Oppressing the poor for enrichment,
giving to the rich: both are sheer loss.[dd]
IV. Sayings of the Wise[de]
17 The Words of the Wise:[df]
Incline your ear, and hear my words,(CN)
and let your mind attend to my teaching;
18 For it will be well if you hold them within you,
if they all are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
I make them known to you today—yes, to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings,
containing counsels and knowledge,
21 To teach you truly
how to give a dependable report to one who sends you?
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor,
nor crush the needy at the gate;[dg]
23 For the Lord will defend their cause,(CO)
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24 Do not be friendly with hotheads,
nor associate with the wrathful,
25 Lest you learn their ways,
and become ensnared.
26 Do not be one of those who give their hand in pledge,
those who become surety for debts;(CP)
27 For if you are unable to pay,
your bed will be taken from under you.[dh]
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark[di]
that your ancestors set up.(CQ)
29 Do you see those skilled at their work?
They will stand in the presence of kings,
but not in the presence of the obscure.
Footnotes
- 15:1–7 These verses form a section beginning and ending with the topic of words.
- 15:1 Paradoxically, where words are concerned soft is powerful and hard is ineffective.
- 15:5 One becomes wise by keeping and foolish by rejecting. One must accept the tradition of the community.
- 15:7 “Lips” and “heart” are a fixed pair, in Proverbs signifying, respectively, expression and source. The wise disseminate what they have in their heart, but the wicked are unsound even in the source of their words, their hearts.
- 15:10 Discipline, always a good thing in Proverbs, seems bad to those deliberately wandering from justice.
- 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon: terms for the abode of the dead, signifying the profound obscurity which is open nevertheless to the sight and power of God; cf. 27:20.
- 15:14 The contrasts include heart (organ of reflection) and mouth (organ of expression), and the wise and fools. One type feeds its mind with wisdom and the other feeds its face with folly.
- 15:15 Good heart does not refer to good intentions but to an instructed mind. Wisdom makes poverty not only bearable but even joyful like the joy of feast days.
- 15:16–17 The sages favor wealth over poverty—but not at any price; cf. Ps 37:16.
- 15:21 The word “joy” occurs in the first line of vv. 20, 21, and 23. The state of folly is joy to a fool but the wise person is totally absorbed in keeping on the right or straight road.
- 15:22 Failure to consult makes it likely a plan will not succeed. The point is nicely made by contrasting the singular number in the first line (“no counsel”) with the plural number in the second line (“many advisers”).
- 15:23 Conversation is the art of saying the right thing at the right time. It gives pleasure to speaker and hearer alike.
- 15:24 Death is personified as Sheol, the underworld. “Up” and “down” in Hebrew as in English are metaphors for success and failure (see Dt 28:43). One who stays on the path of life need not fear the punishment that stalks sinners.
- 15:26 “Pure” here means acceptable. The language of ritual (acceptable or pure) is applied to ordinary human actions. “Gracious words” are words that bring peace to the neighbor.
- 15:27 The same lesson as the opening scene of Proverbs (1:8–19): one cannot build a house by unjust gain. Injustice will come back upon a house so built.
- 15:31 To become wise, one must hear and integrate perspectives contrary to one’s own, which means accepting “reproof.” Wisdom does not isolate one but places one in the company of the wise.
- 16:1 Words, like actions, often produce results different from those which were planned, and this comes under the agency of God.
- 16:2 “Pure” in a moral sense for human action is found only in Job and Proverbs. As in v. 1, the contrast is between human intent and divine assessment.
- 16:4 Even the wicked do not lie outside God’s plan.
- 16:5 Proud heart: lit., “high of heart.” To forget one is a fallible human being is so basic an error that one cannot escape exposure and punishment.
- 16:6 As v. 5 used the language of worship to express what is acceptable or not to God, so this saying uses similar language to declare that lovingly loyal conduct undoes the effects of sin.
- 16:9 As in vv. 1–3, the antithesis is between human plans and divine disposal. The saying uses the familiar metaphor of path for the course of life.
- 16:10 Six sayings on the king and his divine authority begin here, following the series of sayings about the Lord’s governance in 15:33–16:9, in which “Lord” was mentioned nine times.
- 16:15 The last of six sayings about the king. In the previous verse, royal wrath means death; in this verse royal favor means life. It is significant that royal favor is compared to something not under human control—the clouds preceding the spring rains.
- 16:16 The point of comparison is the superiority of the pursuit of wisdom and gold, not the relative merits of wealth and wisdom.
- 16:17 In the metaphor of the two ways, the way of the righteous is protected and the way of the wicked is unprotected. Since the path of the righteous leads therefore away from trouble, one’s task is to stay on it, to “attend to” it.
- 16:26 The adage puzzled ancient and modern commentators. The meaning seems to state the paradox that a person does not toil to feed the gullet but that the gullet itself “toils” in the sense that it forces the person to work. As often in Proverbs, the sense organ stands for the faculty by metonymy. Cf. Eccl 6:7.
- 16:30 A restless or twitching eye or lip betrays the condition of the heart (cf. 6:13).
- 16:33 Dice were given meanings of “yes” or “no” and then cast for their answer. What came out was the decision. Here the saying interprets the sequence of actions: a human being puts the dice in the bag but what emerges from the bag is the Lord’s decision.
- 17:1 A “better than” saying, stating the circumstances when a dry crust is better than a banquet. Peace and fellowship give joy to a meal, not the richness of the food. For a similar thought, see 15:16 and 16:8.
- 17:2 Ability is esteemed more highly than ties of blood.
- 17:8 An observation on the effect of the bribe upon the bribe-giver: it gives an intoxicating feeling of power (“seems”). In v. 23 the evil effects of a bribe are noted.
- 17:9 A paradox. One finds (love, friend) by concealing (an offense), one loses (a friend) by revealing (a secret). In 10:12 love also covers over a multitude of offenses.
- 17:10 A wonderful comment on the openness and sensitivity of the wise and the foolish. One type learns from a single word and for the other one hundred blows are not enough.
- 17:11 The irony is that such people will meet up with what they so energetically pursue—in the form of an unrelenting emissary sent to them.
- 17:12 Humorous hyperbole. An outraged dangerous beast poses less danger than a fool.
- 17:13 The paradox is that to pay out evil for good means that the evil will never leave one’s own house.
- 17:16 The exhortation to acquire or purchase wisdom is common in Proverbs. Fools misunderstand the metaphor, assuming they can buy it with money. Their very misunderstanding shows they have no “heart” = mind, understanding. Money in the hand is no good without such a “heart” to store it in.
- 17:19 Build their gate high: a symbol of arrogance.
- 17:20 The saying employs the familiar metaphors of walking = conducting oneself (“fall into trouble”), and of straight and crooked = right and wrong (“perverse,” “double-tongued”).
- 17:23 A sharp look at the sly withdrawing of a bribe from the pocket and a blunt judgment on its significance.
- 17:24 Wisdom is visible on the countenance (i.e., mouth, lips, tongue) of the wise person; its ultimate source is the heart. Fools have no such source of wisdom within them, a point that is nicely made by referring to the eye of the fool, roving over the landscape.
- 17:28 Related to v. 27. Words provide a glimpse into the heart. In the unlikely event that fools, who usually pour out words (15:2), were to say nothing, people would not be able to see their folly and would presume them intelligent. Alas, the saying is contrary to fact.
- 18:2 One grows in wisdom by listening to others, but fools take delight in expounding the contents of their minds.
- 18:4 Words express a person’s thoughts (“deep waters”), which in turn become accessible to others. Cf. 20:5a.
- 18:6 The bold personification of lips and mouth is similar to Ps 73:9, “They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.” Careless words can lead one into serious trouble.
- 18:10–11 Contrast this judgment with the observation in 10:15.
- 18:13 To speak without first listening is characteristic of a fool; cf. 10:14; Sir 11:8.
- 18:14 The paradox is that something as slight as a column of air offers protection against the encroachment of death. If it is stilled, nothing, no matter how powerful, can substitute for it.
- 18:15 “Knowledge” here refers to what one knows, not knowledge in itself. The mind acquires and stores it, the ear strains toward it.
- 18:17 A persuasive speech in court can easily make one forget there is another side to the question. When the other party speaks, people realize they made a premature judgment. The experience at court is a lesson for daily life: there are two sides to every question.
- 18:18 See note on 16:33.
- 18:19 The Greek version, followed by several ancient versions, has the opposite meaning: “A brother helped by a brother is like a strong and lofty city; it is strong like a well-founded palace.” The Greek is secondary as is shown by the need to supply the phrase “by a brother”; further, the parallelism is inadequate. The Hebrew is to be preferred.
- 18:20 Fruit from the earth is our ordinary sustenance, but “the fruit of one’s lips,” i.e., our words, also affect our well-being. If our words and our deeds are right, then we are blessed, our “belly is filled.”
- 18:21 This enigmatic saying has provoked many interpretations, e.g., judicious speech brings a reward; those who love the tongue in the sense of rattling on must face the consequences of their loquacity. This translation interprets the verb “love” in colon B in its occasional sense of “choose” (e.g., 12:1; 20:13; Dt 4:37) and interprets its pronominal object as referring to both death and life in colon A. Death and life are set before every person (cf. Dt 30:15–20) and we have the power to choose either one by the quality of our deeds. Words (= “the tongue”) are regarded here as the defining actions of human beings.
- 19:2 When not guided by wisdom, appetite—or desire—is not good. “Running feet” (so the Hebrew) miss the mark, i.e., do not reach their destination.
- 19:3 One’s own folly destroys one’s life. It is an indication of that folly that one blames God rather than oneself.
- 19:5 The punishment fits the crime: those who abuse the legal system will be punished by the same system. They will not be acquitted.
- 19:7 Closely related to vv. 4 and 6. An observation, not without sympathy, on the social isolation of poor people.
- 19:8 Wisdom benefits the one who practices it.
- 19:11 The paradox is that one obtains one thing by giving up another.
- 19:12 An observation on the exercise of royal power. Both images suggest royal attitudes are beyond human control. Colon A is a variant of 20:2a and colon B of 16:15b.
- 19:13 One of many sayings about domestic happiness. The perspective is male; the two greatest pains to a father is a malicious son and an unsuitable wife. The immediately following saying is on the noble wife, perhaps to make a positive statement about women.
- 19:18 The pain of disciplining the young cannot be compared with the danger no discipline may bring. The chief reason for disciplining the young is their capacity to change; excluded thereby are revenge and punishment.
- 19:22 The proverb has been read in two ways: (1) “Desire (greed) is a shame to a person,” which assumes the rare Hebrew word for “shame” is being used; (2) “What is desired in a person is fidelity.” The second interpretation is preferable. The context may be the court: better to forego money (a bribe) than perjure oneself.
- 19:26 Children who disgrace the family equivalently plunder their father’s wealth and expel their mother from the home.
- 19:27 The meaning was disputed even in antiquity. The interpretation that most respects the syntax is to take it as ironic advice as in 22:6: to stop (listening) is to go (wandering).
- 20:1 The cause stands for its effect (wine, drunken behavior). In Proverbs wine is a sign of prosperity and a symbol of feasting (3:10; 4:17; 9:2, 5) but also a potential threat to wisdom as in 20:1; 21:17; 23:29–35.
- 20:3 The honor that one might seek to gain from fighting comes of itself to the person who refrains from fighting.
- 20:5 The heart is where human plans are made and stored; they remain “deep water” until words reveal them to others. The wise know how to draw up those waters, i.e., express them. Cf. 18:4.
- 20:8 The royal throne is established in justice and the king is the agent of that justice.
- 20:9 A claim to sinlessness can be merely self-deception; see 16:2; cf. also 15:11.
- 20:11 The verb in colon A can mean either “to make oneself known” or “to play another person” (as in Gn 42:7 and 1 Kgs 14:5, 6). The second meaning makes a better parallel to colon B. The meaning is that if a child can playact, an adult can do so even more. Actions do not always reveal character.
- 20:12 Human judgments are not ultimate; the Lord expects proper use of these faculties.
- 20:14 Bartering invites playacting and masking one’s true intent. The truth of words depends on their context.
- 20:15 Wisdom is said to be preferable to gold in 3:14; 8:10, 19; 16:16. Colon B suggests that the gold and jewelry here are ornaments for the face (cf. Gn 24:53; Ex 3:22; Is 61:10). Wise lips are the most beautiful adornment, for they display the wisdom of the heart.
- 20:16 The text is not clear. See 27:13. Caution in becoming surety is always advised (cf. 6:1–3), and it is especially advisable with strangers.
- 20:20 Their lamp will go out: misfortune, even death, awaits them; cf. 13:9; Ex 21:17.
- 20:21 By definition, an inheritance is not gained by one’s own efforts but is received as a gift. If, when one first receives the inheritance, one drives everyone away, one treats it as if one acquired it by one’s own efforts. In an agricultural society, an inheritance would often be a field that would require God’s blessing to be fertile.
- 20:22 Appointing oneself an agent of divine retribution is dangerous. Better to wait for God to effect justice. Cf. 24:17–18.
- 20:24 An indication of the Lord’s inscrutable providence; cf. Jer 10:23; see Prv 21:2; cf. also 14:12.
- 20:25 This verse cautions against making vows without proper reflection; cf. Dt 23:22–25; Eccl 5:4–5.
- 20:26 The king is responsible for effecting justice. Judgment is portrayed in agricultural imagery—exposing grain to a current of air so that the chaff is blown away, and passing a wheel over the cereal to break the husk. Winnowing as image for judgment is found throughout the Bible.
- 20:27 A parallel is drawn between the life-breath that is God’s gift (Jb 32:8; 33:2) coursing through the human body (Is 2:22) and the lamp of God, which can be a symbol of divine scrutiny. In Zep 1:12, God declares, “And in that day I will search through Jerusalem with lamps.”
- 21:1 “Channeled water” in Is 32:2 and Prv 5:16 is water that fertilizes arid land. It takes great skill to direct water, whether it be water to fertilize fields or cosmic floods harnessed at creation, for water is powerful and seems to have a mind of its own. It also requires great skill to direct the heart of a king, for it is inscrutable and beyond ordinary human control.
- 21:3 External rites or sacrifices do not please God unless accompanied by internal worship and right moral conduct; cf. 15:8; 21:27; Is 1:11–15; Am 5:22; Mal 1:12.
- 21:4 Heart and eyes depict, respectively, the inner and the outer person. “Haughty eyes” peering out from a “proud heart” show a thoroughly arrogant person. How can such a person flourish! Their lamp, which signifies life, will go out.
- 21:5 The antitheses are diligent and impetuous. The metaphor characterizing each type is taken from the world of commerce. Planning is important; bustle leads to waste.
- 21:8 One cannot always read others’ hearts from their behavior. Unconventional conduct need not indicate evil motives.
- 21:9 In Proverbs, two great obstacles to a happy household are foolish children and quarrelsome spouses. The nagging wife is also mentioned in 19:13 and 27:15; 25:24 is a duplicate.
- 21:12 It is difficult to ascertain the subject of the saying. Some hold it is the Lord, the “Righteous One,” who is normally the executor of justice in Proverbs. Others believe it is the just person who is the agent of divine justice. “Righteous One” is a title for God in Is 24:16. The best argument for making God the subject of the verb is that elsewhere in Proverbs righteous human beings never do anything to the wicked; only God does.
- 21:14 Proverbs offers several remedies for anger—a soft word (15:1), patience, and a bribe. The last remedy implies a certain disdain for the disordered passion of anger, for it can be so easily assuaged by a discreetly offered “gift.”
- 21:15 The second line is a duplicate of 10:29b.
- 21:16 Assembly of the shades: those who dwell in Sheol.
- 21:18 In this bold paradox, the ransom that protects the righteous is the wicked person who attracts, like a lightning rod, the divine wrath that might have been directed at the righteous.
- 21:21 The paradox is that one comes upon something other than what one pursued. The way to (long and healthy) life and honor is the vigorous pursuit of virtue.
- 21:23 Themselves: see note on 13:3. To guard your “self” (lit., “throat,” the moist and breathing center of the body, by metonymy, “life”), you must guard your tongue. Speech in Proverbs is the quintessential human activity and often has a meaning broader than speech alone; it can stand for all human activity. Acting rightly is the best way to protect yourself from evil.
- 21:25 Desire, or appetite, is the impulse toward food and drink (see Ps 42:3) which spurs animals and human beings into action. But sluggards cannot lift hand to mouth; they bury their hand in the dish (19:24), and so their appetite is thwarted.
- 21:29 The wicked cannot deter the righteous from walking the straight path, i.e., from practicing virtue.
- 22:1 “Good name” (Heb. shem) and “high esteem” (Heb. chen) are declared to be of more value than great riches. Human beings belong to a community and without the acceptance of that community, which is built on esteem and trust, human life is grievously damaged. Riches are less essential to the human spirit.
- 22:3 The wise see dangers before they are engulfed by them whereas fools, through dullness or boldness, march right on.
- 22:4 Humiliation can be an occasion for knowing one’s place in God’s world. Such knowledge is part of fear (or revering) of the Lord. Revering the Lord brings the blessings of wealth, honor, and long life. The saying is perhaps meant to counter the view that humiliation is an unmixed evil; something good can come of it.
- 22:6 One of the few exhortations in the collection (cf. 14:7; 16:3; 19:18, 20). “Way” in the first colon has been taken in two different senses: (1) the morally right way, “according to the way one ought to go”; (2) personal aptitude, i.e., the manner of life for which one is destined, as “the way of Egypt” (Is 10:24). Neither interpretation, however, accounts for the pronoun in the Hebrew phrase, lit., “his own way.” The most natural solution is to take the whole as ironic advice (like 19:27): yes, go ahead and let the young do exactly what they want; they will become self-willed adults.
- 22:7 An observation on money and power. One who borrows becomes poor in the sense of indebted, a slave to the lender.
- 22:8 Agricultural metaphors express the failure of malicious actions. In the first line, bad actions are seeds yielding trouble. In the second line, “the rod” is a flail used to beat grains as in Is 28:27.
- 22:13 To avoid the effort required for action, the sluggard exaggerates the difficulties that must be overcome.
- 22:15 Folly is attached to children as the husk is attached to the grain. “Rod” here, as in v. 8, seems to be the flail. Discipline is the process of winnowing away the folly.
- 22:16 A difficult saying. One possibility is to take it as a seemingly neutral observation on the plight of the poor: taking money from the poor is relatively easy for the powerful but it is dangerous as the poor have the Lord as their defender (24:22–23), who will punish their oppressors. Giving to the rich, perhaps to win their favor by presents and bribes, is equally a waste of money, for the rich will always do what they please in any case.
- 22:17–24:22
This collection consists of an introduction (22:17–21) urging openness and stating the purpose of the Words and diverse admonitions, aphorisms, and counsels. It is written with faith in the Lord, shrewdness, and a satirical eye. The first part seems aimed at young people intent on a career (22:22–23:11); the second is taken up with the concerns of youth (23:12–35); the third part is interested in the ultimate fate of the good and the wicked (24:1–22). The whole can be described as a guidebook of professional ethics. The aim is to inculcate trust in the Lord and to help readers avoid trouble and advance their careers by living according to wisdom. Its outlook is very practical: avoid bad companions because in time you will take on some of their qualities; do not post bond for others because you yourself will be encumbered; do not promote yourself too aggressively because such promotion is self-defeating; do not abuse sex or alcohol because they will harm you; do not emulate your peers if they are wicked (23:14; 24:1, 19) because such people have no future. Rather, trust the vocation of a sage (22:29–23:9).
The Egyptian Instructions of Amenemope (written ca. 1100 B.C.) was discovered in 1923. Scholars immediately recognized it as a source of Prv 22:17–23:11. The Egyptian work has thirty chapters (cf. Prv 22:20); its preface resembled Prv 22:17–21; its first two admonitions matched the first two in Proverbs (Prv 22:22–25). There are many other resemblances as well, some of which are pointed out in the notes. The instruction of a father to his son (or an administrator to his successor) was a well-known genre in Egypt; seventeen works are extant, spanning the period from 2500 B.C. to the first century A.D. The instructions aimed to help a young person live a happy and prosperous life and avoid mistakes that cause difficulties. They make concrete and pragmatic suggestions rather than hold up abstract ideals. Pragmatic though they were, the instructions were religious; they assumed that the gods implanted an order in the world (Egyptian maat), which is found both in nature and in the human world. Amenemope represents a stage in the development of the Egyptian genre, displaying a new inwardness and quest for serenity while still assuming that the practice of virtue brings worldly success. Proverbs borrows from the Egyptian work with great freedom: it does not, for example, import as such the Egyptian concept of order; it engages the reader with its characteristic wit, irony, and paradox (e.g., 22:26–27; 23:1–3).
- 22:17–23:35 The maxims warn against: robbing the poor and defenseless (22:22–23), anger (22:24–25), giving surety for debts (22:26–27), advancing oneself by socializing with rulers (23:1–2), anxiety for riches (23:4–5), forcing oneself on a grudging host (23:6–8), intemperance in food and drink (23:19–21, 29–35), and adultery (23:26–28). They exhort to: careful workmanship (22:29), respect for the rights of orphans (23:10–11), correction of the young (23:13–14), filial piety (23:15–16, 22–25), and fear of the Lord (23:17–18).
- 22:22 At the gate: of the city, where justice was administered and public affairs discussed; cf. Ru 4:1. Cf. also Ps 69:13; 127:5; Prv 24:7; 31:23, 31. The Lord will personally avenge those who have no one to defend them.
- 22:27 Providing surety for a debtor puts one in danger of having the very basics of one’s life suddenly seized.
- 22:28 Landmark: marks the boundary of property. To remove it is the equivalent of stealing land. A similar warning is contained in 23:10.
Proverbs 15-22
New International Version
Proverbs 15-22
New International Version
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.(K)
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,(L)
but the income of the wicked brings ruin.(M)
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,(N)
but the hearts of fools are not upright.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.(T)
12 Mockers resent correction,(W)
so they avoid the wise.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(Z)
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.(AA)
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.(AB)
17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.(AC)
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,(AF)
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,(AG)
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(AH)
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,(AN)
but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.(AO)
26 The Lord detests the thoughts(AP) of the wicked,(AQ)
but gracious words are pure(AR) in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
but the one who hates bribes will live.(AS)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.(AV)
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.(AW)
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.(AX)
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(AY)
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(AZ)
16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(BC)
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.(BG)
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord(BL) evil is avoided.(BM)
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace(BN) with them.(BO)
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.(BR)
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.(BS)
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.(BT)
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.(BU)
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.(BV)
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.(CC)
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[b](CG)
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(CH)
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(CJ)
but folly brings punishment to fools.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.(CU)
30 Whoever winks(CV) with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;(CW)
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.(DA)
2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor(DD) shows contempt for their Maker;(DE)
whoever gloats over disaster(DF) will not go unpunished.(DG)
6 Children’s children(DH) are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(DI)
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
they think success will come at every turn.(DJ)
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(DK)
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(DL)
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool bent on folly.(DM)
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.(DP)
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?(DS)
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(DT)
18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
and puts up security for a neighbor.(DU)
19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.(DV)
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes(EA) wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the mother who bore him.(EB)
26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,(EC)
surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(ED)
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(EE)
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.(EF)
18 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.(EG)
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,(EH)
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.(EK)
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.(EN)
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.(EO)
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;(ER)
they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.(ES)
13 To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.(ET)
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?(EU)
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(EV)
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift(EW) opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes(EX)
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged(EY) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.(EZ)
23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.(FE)
19 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.(FF)
2 Desire without knowledge is not good—
how much more will hasty feet miss the way!(FG)
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.(FJ)
7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
how much more do their friends avoid them!(FP)
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
they are nowhere to be found.[e](FQ)
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.(FR)
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish.(FS)
10 It is not fitting for a fool(FT) to live in luxury—
how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!(FU)
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;(FV)
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin,(FZ)
and a quarrelsome wife is like
the constant dripping of a leaky roof.(GA)
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless go hungry.(GD)
16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.(GE)
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,(GF)
and he will reward them for what they have done.(GG)
18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to their death.(GH)
19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
rescue them, and you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(GI)
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(GJ)
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.(GK)
22 What a person desires is unfailing love[f];
better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.(GL)
24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!(GM)
25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke the discerning,(GN) and they will gain knowledge.(GO)
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother(GP)
is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,(GQ)
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.(GR)
29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.(GS)
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;(GX)
those who anger him forfeit their lives.(GY)
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(HD)
but one who has insight draws them out.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?(HE)
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.(HL)
11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure(HM) and upright?
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.(HN)
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;(HO)
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge(HP) if it is done for an outsider.(HQ)
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(HT)
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;(HU)
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother,(HV)
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.(HW)
21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”(HX)
Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.(HY)
23 The Lord detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.(HZ)
24 A person’s steps are directed(IA) by the Lord.(IB)
How then can anyone understand their own way?(IC)
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.(ID)
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.(IE)
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.(IJ)
21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.(IM)
2 A person may think their own ways are right,
but the Lord weighs the heart.(IN)
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(IO)
4 Haughty eyes(IP) and a proud heart—
the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit(IQ)
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,(IS)
for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious,(IT)
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.(IU)
10 The wicked crave evil;
their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(IV)
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.(IZ)
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.(JA)
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead.(JB)
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.(JC)
18 The wicked become a ransom(JD) for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.(JE)
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty(JH)
and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
24 The proud and arrogant person(JK)—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,(JL)
because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous(JM) give without sparing.(JN)
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable(JO)—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!(JP)
29 The wicked put up a bold front,
but the upright give thought to their ways.(JS)
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the Lord.(JV)
22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.(JW)
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all.(JX)
5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,(KC)
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
6 Start(KD) children off on the way they should go,(KE)
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.(KF)
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.(KK)
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.(KL)
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!(KM)
I’ll be killed in the public square!”
14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;(KN)
a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.(KO)
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.(KP)
16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Saying 1
17 Pay attention(KQ) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;(KR)
apply your heart to what I teach,(KS)
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,(KT)
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
Saying 2
22 Do not exploit the poor(KU) because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,(KV)
23 for the Lord will take up their case(KW)
and will exact life for life.(KX)
Saying 3
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.(KY)
Saying 4
26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge(KZ)
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.(LA)
Saying 5
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone(LB)
set up by your ancestors.
Saying 6
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Abaddon
- Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
- Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
- Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive
- Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
- Proverbs 19:22 Or Greed is a person’s shame
- Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are
- Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
- Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous person
- Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness
Proverbs 15-22
King James Version
Proverbs 15-22
King James Version
15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
16 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
17 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
18 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
19 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.
24 Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
21 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.
22 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
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