[1] The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him:[2] What, my son? What, son of my womb?What, son of my vows?[3] Give not your strength to women,your ways to those who destroy kings.[4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine,or for rulers to desire […]

[1] The words of Agur son of Jakeh of Massa. The man says to Ith’i-el,to Ith’i-el and Ucal:[2] Surely I am too stupid to be a man.I have not the understanding of a man.[3] I have not learned wisdom,nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.[4] Who has ascended to heaven and come down?Who has […]

[1] He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neckwill suddenly be broken beyond healing.[2] When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;but when the wicked rule, the people groan.[3] He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.[4] By justice a king gives stability to […]

[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are bold as a lion.[2] When a land transgressesit has many rulers;but with men of understanding and knowledgeits stability will long continue.[3] A poor man who oppresses the pooris a beating rain that leaves no food.[4] Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,but those […]

[1] Do not boast about tomorrow,for you do not know what a day may bring forth.[2] Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;a stranger, and not your own lips.[3] A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.[4] Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming;but who can stand […]

[1] Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,so honor is not fitting for a fool.[2] Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,a curse that is causeless does not alight.[3] A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass,and a rod for the back of fools.[4] Answer not a […]

[1] These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezeki’ah king of Judah copied.[2] It is the glory of God to conceal things,but the glory of kings is to search things out.[3] As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,so the mind of kings is unsearchable.[4] Take away the dross from […]

[1] Be not envious of evil men,nor desire to be with them;[2] for their minds devise violence,and their lips talk of mischief.[3] By wisdom a house is built,and by understanding it is established;[4] by knowledge the rooms are filledwith all precious and pleasant riches.[5] A wise man is mightier than a strong man,and a man […]

[1] When you sit down to eat with a ruler,observe carefully what is before you;[2] and put a knife to your throatif you are a man given to appetite.[3] Do not desire his delicacies,for they are deceptive food.[4] Do not toil to acquire wealth;be wise enough to desist.[5] When your eyes light upon it, it […]

[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,and favor is better than silver or gold.[2] The rich and the poor meet together;the LORD is the maker of them all.[3] A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;but the simple go on, and suffer for it.[4] The reward for humility and fear […]