[1] A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,but a just weight is his delight.[2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace;but with the humble is wisdom.[3] The integrity of the upright guides them,but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.[4] Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,but righteousness delivers from death.[5] The […]

[1] The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father,but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.[2] Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,but righteousness delivers from death.[3] The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.[4] A slack hand causes poverty,but the hand […]

[1] Wisdom has built her house,she has set up her seven pillars.[2] She has slaughtered her beasts, she has mixed her wine,she has also set her table.[3] She has sent out her maids to callfrom the highest places in the town,[4] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”To him who is without sense she […]

[1] Does not wisdom call,does not understanding raise her voice?[2] On the heights beside the way,in the paths she takes her stand;[3] beside the gates in front of the town,at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:[4] “To you, O men, I call,and my cry is to the sons of men.[5] O simple ones, […]

[1] Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,and be attentive, that you may gain insight;[2] for I give you good precepts:do not forsake my teaching.[3] When I was a son with my father,tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,[4] he taught me, and said to me,“Let your heart hold fast my words;keep my […]

[1] My son, keep my wordsand treasure up my commandments with you;[2] keep my commandments and live,keep my teachings as the apple of your eye;[3] bind them on your fingers,write them on the tablet of your heart.[4] Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”and call insight your intimate friend;[5] to preserve you from the loose […]

[1] My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,have given your pledge for a stranger;[2] if you are snared in the utterance of your lips,caught in the words of your mouth;[3] then do this, my son, and save yourself,for you have come into your neighbor’s power:go, hasten, and importune your neighbor.[4] Give your […]

[1] My son, be attentive to my wisdom,incline your ear to my understanding;[2] that you may keep discretion,and your lips may guard knowledge.[3] For the lips of a loose woman drip honey,and her speech is smoother than oil;[4] but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,sharp as a two-edged sword.[5] Her feet go down […]

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching,but let your heart keep my commandments;[2] for length of days and years of lifeand abundant welfare will they give you.[3] Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;bind them about your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart.[4] So you will find favor and good reputein the […]

[1] My son, if you receive my wordsand treasure up my commandments with you,[2] making your ear attentive to wisdomand inclining your heart to understanding;[3] yes, if you cry out for insightand raise your voice for understanding,[4] if you seek it like silverand search for it as for hidden treasures;[5] then you will understand the […]