A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer won’t listen to criticism.
A man of wise words will savor sweetness, but the treacherous will taste the bitterness of violence.
He who guards his words guards his life, but he who speaks with rashness will come to ruin.
The cravings of the lazy man are many, but are unfulfilled; on the other hand, the desires of the industrious man will be sated.
The righteous man hates falsehood, but the deceitful man brings shame and disgrace upon himself.
Righteousness protects the man on the path of integrity, but wickedness will destroy the sinner.
One man feigns wealth, but is poor, another, possessing great wealth, pretends to be indigent.
Riches may ransom a man’s life, but the poor are not subjected to such threats.
The lamp of the righteous shines brightly, while the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
With arrogance comes contention, but with wisdom is a willingness to accept advice.
Riches attained dishonestly dissipate, but wealth acquired through labor will grow.
A hope deferred sours the heart, but a desire that comes to fruition is a tree of life.
Whoever rejects instruction will pay for it, but he who respects authority will be rewarded.
The teachings of the wise is a fountain of life that turns one away from the perils of death.
Good sense is a favorable path; that of treachery, a harsh one.
All prudent people act on good knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
An unreliable messenger spells trouble, but a trustworthy envoy is a tonic.
He who ignores instruction will come to poverty and disgrace, but he who accepts reproofs will be honored.
A desire fulfilled is sweetness to the soul, but fools are loathed to turn from evil.
He who keeps company with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will find himself in trouble.
Sinners are pursued by misfortune, but the righteous are rewarded with prosperity.
The good man is able to leave an inheritance to his grandchildren, while the sinner’s wealth is stored up only to pass to the righteous.
There is plenty of food to be had in the uncultivated fields of the poor, but it is lost through incompetent management.
Whoever fails to discipline his son, hates him, but he who loves his son will be diligent to punish him.
The righteous man will eat to his body’s satisfaction, while the stomach of the wicked man remains empty.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Chapter Twelve
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates criticism is a fool.
A good man attains the favor of Jehovah, but Jehovah will condemn the man of evil schemes.
No man can be made secure by wickedness; the righteous cannot be uprooted.
A virtuous woman is her husband’s crown, but she who brings shame upon is like a corruption in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are wholesome, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
The words of the wicked are like an ambush that takes life, but the words of the upright preserve life.
The wicked are overthrown and cease to exist, while the family of the righteous endures.
A man is commended for his good sense, but he who has a devious mind will come to be despised.
Better to be a humble man who can provide for himself than a person of self-importance who is without food.
A righteous man will be concerned for the lives of his animals, but even the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues pipedreams is without sense.
A wicked man will covet the loot of evil doers, while the root of the righteous will bear its own fruit.
The wicked are ensnared by their own sinful words, but the righteous will free themselves from their troubles.
A man will be satisfied when the good things he has spoken of come to pass and the fruits of his labor are rendered to him.
The way of a fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who is wise will listen to the advice of others.
The fool will readily express his annoyance, but the prudent man will ignore a slight.
He who is truthful gives honest testimony, but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
The words of those who speak tactlessly are like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes healing.
Lips that utter truth endure forever; a lying tongue is but of the moment.
Deceit is in the minds of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace know joy.
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are plagued by troubles.
Jehovah detests lips that lie, but delights in those who are trustworthy in their dealings.
A prudent man keeps what he knows to himself, but it is the fool’s inclination to proclaim his folly.
The hands of a diligent man will make him a leader, but the lazy man will end up a slave.
Anxiety may weigh down upon a man’s mind, but a good word will cheer him up.
A righteous man is an example to his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked will lead him astray.
The lazy man has no game to cook, but the spoils of the hunt are savored by the diligent man.
The way of the righteous man leads to life; on that path there is no death.
A good man attains the favor of Jehovah, but Jehovah will condemn the man of evil schemes.
No man can be made secure by wickedness; the righteous cannot be uprooted.
A virtuous woman is her husband’s crown, but she who brings shame upon is like a corruption in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are wholesome, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
The words of the wicked are like an ambush that takes life, but the words of the upright preserve life.
The wicked are overthrown and cease to exist, while the family of the righteous endures.
A man is commended for his good sense, but he who has a devious mind will come to be despised.
Better to be a humble man who can provide for himself than a person of self-importance who is without food.
A righteous man will be concerned for the lives of his animals, but even the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues pipedreams is without sense.
A wicked man will covet the loot of evil doers, while the root of the righteous will bear its own fruit.
The wicked are ensnared by their own sinful words, but the righteous will free themselves from their troubles.
A man will be satisfied when the good things he has spoken of come to pass and the fruits of his labor are rendered to him.
The way of a fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who is wise will listen to the advice of others.
The fool will readily express his annoyance, but the prudent man will ignore a slight.
He who is truthful gives honest testimony, but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
The words of those who speak tactlessly are like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes healing.
Lips that utter truth endure forever; a lying tongue is but of the moment.
Deceit is in the minds of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace know joy.
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are plagued by troubles.
Jehovah detests lips that lie, but delights in those who are trustworthy in their dealings.
A prudent man keeps what he knows to himself, but it is the fool’s inclination to proclaim his folly.
The hands of a diligent man will make him a leader, but the lazy man will end up a slave.
Anxiety may weigh down upon a man’s mind, but a good word will cheer him up.
A righteous man is an example to his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked will lead him astray.
The lazy man has no game to cook, but the spoils of the hunt are savored by the diligent man.
The way of the righteous man leads to life; on that path there is no death.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Chapter Eleven
Rigged scales are an abomination to Jehovah, while honest weights are his delight.
When arrogance appears, disgrace comes as well, but with the humble lies wisdom.
The honesty of the upright guides them; the duplicity of the faithless destroys them.
On the Day of Judgment riches are of no avail, but righteousness delivers one from death.
The rectitude of the righteous keeps his path a straight one, but the wicked will stumble because of their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are caught in the snare of their own lusts.
When the wicked man dies, his hopes dies with him, as do the expectations of the unjust.
The righteous man is delivered from his troubles, which fall instead upon the wicked.
The godless man corrupts his neighbors with his words, but knowledge delivers the righteous.
When the righteous prosper, the city celebrates, and when the wicked perish, there are cries of jubilation.
A city is exalted by the blessings of the upright, but it is overthrown by the words of the wicked.
He who denigrates his neighbor lacks discretion, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
A gossip betrays secrets, while a person of trustworthy character covers up the matter.
Without sound guidance, a nation falls, but there is comfort in having many advisers.
If a man guarantees a loan for a stranger, he will suffer for it, but he who loathes such guarantees is safe.
A gracious woman gains honor, and a ruthless man gains wealth.
A kind man benefits himself, but the cruel man harms himself.
The wicked earn dubious rewards, but he who sows righteousness reaps a reward that is certain.
Those who are truly righteous attain life, but those who pursue evil are led to their own death.
Jehovah detests those with deceitful minds, but delights in those of blameless conduct.
Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.
Like a ring of gold in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who has no discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only for good; the expectation of the wicked is indignation.
One gives freely of his goods, yet grows only richer, while another withholds giving his just due and is reduced to want.
A generous man will prosper; he who gives a drink to another will himself be given a drink.
People curse those who hoard grain, but a blessing is upon the head of those who sell it.
He who seeks good will find favor, but he who seeks evil, it will come to him.
Those who trust in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Whoever stirs up trouble within his own family will inherit the winds, and such a fool will become a servant to the wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who is wise wins friends.
If the righteous receive their just deserts here on earth, how much more so the wicked and the sinner!
When arrogance appears, disgrace comes as well, but with the humble lies wisdom.
The honesty of the upright guides them; the duplicity of the faithless destroys them.
On the Day of Judgment riches are of no avail, but righteousness delivers one from death.
The rectitude of the righteous keeps his path a straight one, but the wicked will stumble because of their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are caught in the snare of their own lusts.
When the wicked man dies, his hopes dies with him, as do the expectations of the unjust.
The righteous man is delivered from his troubles, which fall instead upon the wicked.
The godless man corrupts his neighbors with his words, but knowledge delivers the righteous.
When the righteous prosper, the city celebrates, and when the wicked perish, there are cries of jubilation.
A city is exalted by the blessings of the upright, but it is overthrown by the words of the wicked.
He who denigrates his neighbor lacks discretion, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
A gossip betrays secrets, while a person of trustworthy character covers up the matter.
Without sound guidance, a nation falls, but there is comfort in having many advisers.
If a man guarantees a loan for a stranger, he will suffer for it, but he who loathes such guarantees is safe.
A gracious woman gains honor, and a ruthless man gains wealth.
A kind man benefits himself, but the cruel man harms himself.
The wicked earn dubious rewards, but he who sows righteousness reaps a reward that is certain.
Those who are truly righteous attain life, but those who pursue evil are led to their own death.
Jehovah detests those with deceitful minds, but delights in those of blameless conduct.
Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.
Like a ring of gold in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who has no discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only for good; the expectation of the wicked is indignation.
One gives freely of his goods, yet grows only richer, while another withholds giving his just due and is reduced to want.
A generous man will prosper; he who gives a drink to another will himself be given a drink.
People curse those who hoard grain, but a blessing is upon the head of those who sell it.
He who seeks good will find favor, but he who seeks evil, it will come to him.
Those who trust in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Whoever stirs up trouble within his own family will inherit the winds, and such a fool will become a servant to the wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who is wise wins friends.
If the righteous receive their just deserts here on earth, how much more so the wicked and the sinner!
Chapter Ten
The Proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings delight to his father, but a foolish son is a source of grief to his mother.
There is no profit in ill-gotten gains, but righteousness will save one from death.
Jehovah will not allow the righteous to go hungry, but he will spurn the cravings of the wicked.
Idle hands bring poverty, while industrious hands create wealth.
He who gathers the crops in summer is a wise son, while the son who naps at harvest time is a disgrace.
The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal his violence.
Remembrance of a righteous man is blessed, but the name of an evil man will rot away.
A wise man will accept instruction, but the babbling fool will come to ruin.
He who walks upright walks securely, but he who takes the crooked path will be exposed.
He that winks an eye may cause grief; the babbling fool will come to ruin.
The words of the righteous are a fountain of life, but the words of the wicked conceal his violence.
Hatred foments strife, but loves smooths over all affronts.
Words of wisdom come from the lips of those who possess discernment; a rod is to beat the back of those who lack discernment.
Those who are wise accumulate knowledge, but foolish speech leads to destruction.
The wealth of a rich man is his fortress; poverty is the ruination of the poor.
The wages of the righteous purchases life; the earnings of the wicked is spent on sin.
He who heeds instruction is on the path of life, but he who ignores correction follows an errant path.
He that conceals his hatred with lying words and he that utters a slander is a fool.
With too much talking there is no lack of sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut is wise.
The words of the righteous are pure silver, but the thoughts of the wicked have little worth.
The words of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for their lack of sense.
The blessing of Jehovah brings one wealth, without the trouble that goes with it.
The fool makes a sport of carrying out his wicked schemes, but a man of understanding finds his pleasure in wisdom.
What the wicked dreads will befall him; the wishes of the righteous will be granted.
When the tempest has passed, the wicked are no more, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a loafer to those who have sent him.
Reverence for Jehovah prolongs one’s life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
The prospect of the righteous is one of joy, but the expectations of the wicked will come to nought.
The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the upright, but is the ruin of evildoers.
The righteous will never be displaced, but the wicked will not remain on the earth.
The mouth of the righteous pours forth wisdom, but the unruly tongue will be cut out.
The lips of the righteous speak what is proper, but shameless words issue forth from the mouth of the wicked.
A wise son brings delight to his father, but a foolish son is a source of grief to his mother.
There is no profit in ill-gotten gains, but righteousness will save one from death.
Jehovah will not allow the righteous to go hungry, but he will spurn the cravings of the wicked.
Idle hands bring poverty, while industrious hands create wealth.
He who gathers the crops in summer is a wise son, while the son who naps at harvest time is a disgrace.
The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal his violence.
Remembrance of a righteous man is blessed, but the name of an evil man will rot away.
A wise man will accept instruction, but the babbling fool will come to ruin.
He who walks upright walks securely, but he who takes the crooked path will be exposed.
He that winks an eye may cause grief; the babbling fool will come to ruin.
The words of the righteous are a fountain of life, but the words of the wicked conceal his violence.
Hatred foments strife, but loves smooths over all affronts.
Words of wisdom come from the lips of those who possess discernment; a rod is to beat the back of those who lack discernment.
Those who are wise accumulate knowledge, but foolish speech leads to destruction.
The wealth of a rich man is his fortress; poverty is the ruination of the poor.
The wages of the righteous purchases life; the earnings of the wicked is spent on sin.
He who heeds instruction is on the path of life, but he who ignores correction follows an errant path.
He that conceals his hatred with lying words and he that utters a slander is a fool.
With too much talking there is no lack of sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut is wise.
The words of the righteous are pure silver, but the thoughts of the wicked have little worth.
The words of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for their lack of sense.
The blessing of Jehovah brings one wealth, without the trouble that goes with it.
The fool makes a sport of carrying out his wicked schemes, but a man of understanding finds his pleasure in wisdom.
What the wicked dreads will befall him; the wishes of the righteous will be granted.
When the tempest has passed, the wicked are no more, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a loafer to those who have sent him.
Reverence for Jehovah prolongs one’s life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
The prospect of the righteous is one of joy, but the expectations of the wicked will come to nought.
The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the upright, but is the ruin of evildoers.
The righteous will never be displaced, but the wicked will not remain on the earth.
The mouth of the righteous pours forth wisdom, but the unruly tongue will be cut out.
The lips of the righteous speak what is proper, but shameless words issue forth from the mouth of the wicked.
Chapter Nine
Wisdom has constructed her house and has set up seven pillars. She has prepared her food and mixed her wine and set the table. She has dispatched her maid servants to cry out from the highest points in the city. “Whoever is naive, come in here,” she says to those who have no sense. “Come and eat my food and the wine I’ve mixed. Leave behind your simple ways. Live and walk down the path of understanding.”
Whoever rebukes a mocker invites insult; he who reproves the wicked receives abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker, for he will hate you for it; reprove a wise man and he will love you for it. Instruct the wise and he will be wiser. Teach a just man and his learning will be increased.
A reverence for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. A knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom benefits you; if you are a mocker you will suffer from your own mocking.
Folly is a boisterous woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits in her doorway at the highest point of the city and accosts men who pass by, but are going straight on their way. She invites those who have no sense, “Those who are simple, come in to my house. Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is tasty.” But they do not realize that the dead are there and her guests are in the depths of the underworld.
Whoever rebukes a mocker invites insult; he who reproves the wicked receives abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker, for he will hate you for it; reprove a wise man and he will love you for it. Instruct the wise and he will be wiser. Teach a just man and his learning will be increased.
A reverence for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. A knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom benefits you; if you are a mocker you will suffer from your own mocking.
Folly is a boisterous woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits in her doorway at the highest point of the city and accosts men who pass by, but are going straight on their way. She invites those who have no sense, “Those who are simple, come in to my house. Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is tasty.” But they do not realize that the dead are there and her guests are in the depths of the underworld.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Chapter Eight
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the top of a hill where the roads meet, she takes her stand. Beside the gate that is the entrance to the city, she cries aloud. “To you, the common man, I call. My voice is for all mankind. You who are simple and naive, learn prudence. You who are fools, cultivate an understanding mind.”
Listen, for I speak noble words and what passes my lips is right and true. My mouth speaks the truth, and wickedness is an anathema to my lips. All the words of my mouth are upright; there is nothing devious or duplicitous in them. They are clear to anyone of comprehension and correct to those who have acquired knowledge. Choose instruction over silver, knowledge over gold, for wisdom is better than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare to it.
“I, wisdom, live with prudence and possess a knowledge of creativity. A reverence for Jehovah is hatred of evil. I detest arrogance and pride, wicked ways and defiant words. Counsel and good judgment are mine. Understanding and strength belong to me. By me kings reign and rulers issue just decrees. By me princes rule, as well as nobles and those who rule justly upon the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek for me will find me. Riches and honor are with me, as are enduring prosperity and righteousness. My fruit is superior to gold, even the purest gold, and my harvest, better than the choicest silver. I trod the way of righteousness and upon the paths of justice, enriching those who love me and filling their treasuries.
"Jehovah brought me into being as the first of his creations, before he made anything else. I was formed in times long ago, at the beginning, when the world came into being. When there were yet no oceans depths, when there were no springs flowing forth with water, I was conceived. Before the mountains were put in their place, before the hills, I was born, this before he created the earth with its fields or the merest dust of the world. I was there when he crafted the heavenly bodies, when he set the horizons upon the surface of the oceans, when he fashioned the clouds in the sky above and established the fountains of the deep, when he set up the shores of the seas so they would not spread beyond their bounds, when he laid out the foundations of the earth. I was at his side as his collaborator. Every day I was his delight, always rejoicing in his presence, celebrating the inhabited world, and taking delight in the human race.
“And so, my children, listen to me, blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed my instruction and be wise. Do not ignore it. Blessed are those that listen to me, watching daily at my gate, waiting at my doorway, for whoever find me, finds life and will obtain the favor of Jehovah. — But anyone who fails to find me, injures himself. All who hate me, love death.”
Listen, for I speak noble words and what passes my lips is right and true. My mouth speaks the truth, and wickedness is an anathema to my lips. All the words of my mouth are upright; there is nothing devious or duplicitous in them. They are clear to anyone of comprehension and correct to those who have acquired knowledge. Choose instruction over silver, knowledge over gold, for wisdom is better than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare to it.
“I, wisdom, live with prudence and possess a knowledge of creativity. A reverence for Jehovah is hatred of evil. I detest arrogance and pride, wicked ways and defiant words. Counsel and good judgment are mine. Understanding and strength belong to me. By me kings reign and rulers issue just decrees. By me princes rule, as well as nobles and those who rule justly upon the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek for me will find me. Riches and honor are with me, as are enduring prosperity and righteousness. My fruit is superior to gold, even the purest gold, and my harvest, better than the choicest silver. I trod the way of righteousness and upon the paths of justice, enriching those who love me and filling their treasuries.
"Jehovah brought me into being as the first of his creations, before he made anything else. I was formed in times long ago, at the beginning, when the world came into being. When there were yet no oceans depths, when there were no springs flowing forth with water, I was conceived. Before the mountains were put in their place, before the hills, I was born, this before he created the earth with its fields or the merest dust of the world. I was there when he crafted the heavenly bodies, when he set the horizons upon the surface of the oceans, when he fashioned the clouds in the sky above and established the fountains of the deep, when he set up the shores of the seas so they would not spread beyond their bounds, when he laid out the foundations of the earth. I was at his side as his collaborator. Every day I was his delight, always rejoicing in his presence, celebrating the inhabited world, and taking delight in the human race.
“And so, my children, listen to me, blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed my instruction and be wise. Do not ignore it. Blessed are those that listen to me, watching daily at my gate, waiting at my doorway, for whoever find me, finds life and will obtain the favor of Jehovah. — But anyone who fails to find me, injures himself. All who hate me, love death.”
Chapter Seven
My son, obey my words and keep my instructions in mind. Obey my commandments and you will live; regard my teachings as a treasured possession. Keep them at your fingerprints; inscribe them upon the scroll of your mind. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and make understanding a member of the family. They will defend you from the adulteress. from the exotic temptress with her seductive words.
From the window of my house I peered through the lattice and saw among the callow youths, a young man who had no sense. He was walking down the street to the corner, on the way to her house. Whether at dusk, or in the evening, or in the middle of the night, it was under the cover of darkness that this woman came out to greet him, she, dressed like a prostitute and intent on seducing him. She was brash and defiant. Never content to stay at home, she is always out on the streets and in the city squares, soliciting on every corner.
She grabbed and kissed him and, with a brazen look, spoke to him, “I have made the peace offerings and have fulfilled my vows. Now, hungry to see your face, I have come out to look for you. And I have found you! I have draped my couch with covers of richly dyed linen from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come let us drink our fill of love till morning and find pleasure with each other in lovemaking. My husband is not at home. He’s gone on a long trip. He’s taken his purse full of money with him and won’t come home again till the moon is full.”
She won him over with her enticing speech and seduced him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like a steer going to the slaughter, like a stag held fast in a trap until an arrow pierces his heart, like a bird flying into a snare, not knowing it will cost him his life.
Now then, my sons, pay attention to what I say. Let not your heart be seduced by her ways. Do not stray down her path. She has been the ruin of many men; her many victims are a mighty army. Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death.
From the window of my house I peered through the lattice and saw among the callow youths, a young man who had no sense. He was walking down the street to the corner, on the way to her house. Whether at dusk, or in the evening, or in the middle of the night, it was under the cover of darkness that this woman came out to greet him, she, dressed like a prostitute and intent on seducing him. She was brash and defiant. Never content to stay at home, she is always out on the streets and in the city squares, soliciting on every corner.
She grabbed and kissed him and, with a brazen look, spoke to him, “I have made the peace offerings and have fulfilled my vows. Now, hungry to see your face, I have come out to look for you. And I have found you! I have draped my couch with covers of richly dyed linen from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come let us drink our fill of love till morning and find pleasure with each other in lovemaking. My husband is not at home. He’s gone on a long trip. He’s taken his purse full of money with him and won’t come home again till the moon is full.”
She won him over with her enticing speech and seduced him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like a steer going to the slaughter, like a stag held fast in a trap until an arrow pierces his heart, like a bird flying into a snare, not knowing it will cost him his life.
Now then, my sons, pay attention to what I say. Let not your heart be seduced by her ways. Do not stray down her path. She has been the ruin of many men; her many victims are a mighty army. Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Chapter Six
If you have put up security for your neighbor, or made a pledge to a stranger, if you have been snared by what you have said, trapped by the words that came out of your mouth, do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen under your neighbor’s power: humble yourself and strongly importune your neighbor. Do not rest; allow yourself no sleep. Flee like a gazelle from the weapons of the hunter; fly away like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
Take note of the ant, you loafer; consider its ways and be wise. It has no general, no supervisor, no ruler. Yet, it gets food for itself in the summer and gathers provisions at harvest time. How long will you lie around, you loafer? When will you rouse yourself from your lethargy. For a little sleep, a short nap, a folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, privation will assault you like an armed robber.
Those who are worthless and wicked are the ones who use deceitful speech; they wink maliciously, make signs with their feet, and point with their fingers. He of corrupt mind continually plots evil and sows discord. Calamity will overtake him precipitously. He will be broken suddenly and be beyond recovery.
There are six things Jehovah detests, indeed seven that are an abomination to him: an arrogant look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a mind that devises wicked schemes, feet that run quicky to evil, a false witness that spews lies, and one who incites discord within his family.
My son, obey your father’s commands and do not disregard the rules of your mother. Keep them continually in mind, fasten them round your neck. When you walk about, they will lead you. When you sleep, they will watch over you. When you awake, they will speak to you. For the commandments are a lamp and the law is a light.
The reproofs of instruction is the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of the adulterous woman. In your heart, do not lust after her beauty, nor let her flashing eyes captivate you, for though a prostitute may cost you but the price of a loaf of bread, an adulterous wife goes after your precious life. Can a man hold fire in his lap without burning his clothes? Can he walk on hot coals without blistering his feet? So it is having sexual relations with another man’s wife. He who touches her will not go unpunished.
People do not despise a thief if he steals merely to fill his belly when he is hungry. Yet, if he is caught, he must make a sevenfold compensation, even if he must give up all the goods of his house. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; he only destroys himself. He will be wounded and dishonored and the blot will never be wiped away. For jealousy arouses a husband’s ire, and he will show no mercy when he exacts vengeance. He will not accept any compensation; he will not be appeased no matter how much you increase the payoff.
Take note of the ant, you loafer; consider its ways and be wise. It has no general, no supervisor, no ruler. Yet, it gets food for itself in the summer and gathers provisions at harvest time. How long will you lie around, you loafer? When will you rouse yourself from your lethargy. For a little sleep, a short nap, a folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, privation will assault you like an armed robber.
Those who are worthless and wicked are the ones who use deceitful speech; they wink maliciously, make signs with their feet, and point with their fingers. He of corrupt mind continually plots evil and sows discord. Calamity will overtake him precipitously. He will be broken suddenly and be beyond recovery.
There are six things Jehovah detests, indeed seven that are an abomination to him: an arrogant look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a mind that devises wicked schemes, feet that run quicky to evil, a false witness that spews lies, and one who incites discord within his family.
My son, obey your father’s commands and do not disregard the rules of your mother. Keep them continually in mind, fasten them round your neck. When you walk about, they will lead you. When you sleep, they will watch over you. When you awake, they will speak to you. For the commandments are a lamp and the law is a light.
The reproofs of instruction is the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of the adulterous woman. In your heart, do not lust after her beauty, nor let her flashing eyes captivate you, for though a prostitute may cost you but the price of a loaf of bread, an adulterous wife goes after your precious life. Can a man hold fire in his lap without burning his clothes? Can he walk on hot coals without blistering his feet? So it is having sexual relations with another man’s wife. He who touches her will not go unpunished.
People do not despise a thief if he steals merely to fill his belly when he is hungry. Yet, if he is caught, he must make a sevenfold compensation, even if he must give up all the goods of his house. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; he only destroys himself. He will be wounded and dishonored and the blot will never be wiped away. For jealousy arouses a husband’s ire, and he will show no mercy when he exacts vengeance. He will not accept any compensation; he will not be appeased no matter how much you increase the payoff.
Chapter Five
My son, pay heed to my wisdom and listen closely to my words of understanding so that you may practice discretion and by your speech conserve this knowledge. For the lips of the exotic woman are as sweet as honey and her speech is as smooth as oil, but in the end she is as bitter as gall, as sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet descend to death and her steps lead to the grave. She gives no thought to the path her life should take and doesn’t realize that her ways meander.
Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not deviate from what I saying. Stay far away from her. Don’t go near the door of her house. If you do, you may sacrifice the vitality of your youth to ruthless strangers who will drain you of your wealth. You will toil to enrich the house of a stranger and at the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and body are wasted away. You will lament, “How I hated instruction. How my mind despised being corrected. I wouldn’t listen to my teachers or pay attention to those who instructed me. Now I have come to the brink of ruin in the presence of the entire community.”
Drink water from your own cistern, fresh water from your own well. Let not your fountains overflow onto the street and stream into the public square. Keep its water for yourself alone and do not share it with strangers. Let your fountain be blessed — may you fulfill your desires with the wife of your youth. She is a loving hind, a graceful roe. Let her body always satisfy you and may you always be thrilled by her love. Why excite yourself, my son, with a strange woman; why make love to a someone you don’t know?
For a man’s conduct is under the eye of Jehovah, who examines all a person’s actions. The evil deeds of the wicked will ensnare him and he will be bound by the cords of his sins. Because he has not received instruction, he will die, having been led astray by the magnitude of his foolishness.
Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not deviate from what I saying. Stay far away from her. Don’t go near the door of her house. If you do, you may sacrifice the vitality of your youth to ruthless strangers who will drain you of your wealth. You will toil to enrich the house of a stranger and at the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and body are wasted away. You will lament, “How I hated instruction. How my mind despised being corrected. I wouldn’t listen to my teachers or pay attention to those who instructed me. Now I have come to the brink of ruin in the presence of the entire community.”
Drink water from your own cistern, fresh water from your own well. Let not your fountains overflow onto the street and stream into the public square. Keep its water for yourself alone and do not share it with strangers. Let your fountain be blessed — may you fulfill your desires with the wife of your youth. She is a loving hind, a graceful roe. Let her body always satisfy you and may you always be thrilled by her love. Why excite yourself, my son, with a strange woman; why make love to a someone you don’t know?
For a man’s conduct is under the eye of Jehovah, who examines all a person’s actions. The evil deeds of the wicked will ensnare him and he will be bound by the cords of his sins. Because he has not received instruction, he will die, having been led astray by the magnitude of his foolishness.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Chapter Four
Listen, my son, when your father instructs you. Pay attention that you may gain understanding, for I am giving you sound guidance. Therefore, do not ignore my teaching. For I, too, was my father’s son, callow, and, in my mother’s eyes, her favorite child. Teaching me, he said, “Your mind must retain my words. Obey my commandments and live. Acquire wisdom. Gain understanding. Do not forget my words or reject them. Do not forsake wisdom, for she will preserve you. Respect her and she will watch over you. Wisdom is the most important thing — get wisdom and, whatever it may cost, get understanding. Prize it and she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. She will place upon your head a garland of grace and deliver to you a crown of glory.”
Listen to me, my son, accept my words, and the years of your life will be many. I will teach you the way of wisdom and lead you along the path of the upright. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let it go. Guard it, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk on the road used by evil men. Avoid it. Do not tread upon it. Turn away from it and pass it by. Evil men will not sleep until they can do some mischief; sleep is snatched away from them unless they can make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the dawning light that shines brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like utter darkness; they do not even know over what they stumble.
Pay attention, my son, to what I say. Tune your ear to my words. Do not lose sight of them; inscribe them upon your heart. For they bring life to those who discover them and bring health to one’s whole body. Above all, conserve your mind, for from it flows the springs of life. Shun deceitful language and stay far away from devious talk. Let your eyes look directly before you and fix your gaze straight ahead. Ponder the path your feet may take, and then all your ways will be secure. Do not be diverted to the right or to the left — turn away your foot from evil.
Listen to me, my son, accept my words, and the years of your life will be many. I will teach you the way of wisdom and lead you along the path of the upright. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let it go. Guard it, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk on the road used by evil men. Avoid it. Do not tread upon it. Turn away from it and pass it by. Evil men will not sleep until they can do some mischief; sleep is snatched away from them unless they can make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the dawning light that shines brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like utter darkness; they do not even know over what they stumble.
Pay attention, my son, to what I say. Tune your ear to my words. Do not lose sight of them; inscribe them upon your heart. For they bring life to those who discover them and bring health to one’s whole body. Above all, conserve your mind, for from it flows the springs of life. Shun deceitful language and stay far away from devious talk. Let your eyes look directly before you and fix your gaze straight ahead. Ponder the path your feet may take, and then all your ways will be secure. Do not be diverted to the right or to the left — turn away your foot from evil.
Chapter Three
Do not forget my teachings, my son, but keep in mind my commandments, for they will prolong your life and add to your peace of mind. Let not kindness or truth desert you. Tie them round your neck; inscribe them in your heart. Then you will find favor and sympathy with God and with man. Trust Jehovah with all your heart and do not rely upon your own understanding. Defer to him in all things and he will smooth the way for you. Do not regard yourself as wise, but revere Jehovah and shun evil. This will be healthful for your body, nourishing to your bones. Honor Jehovah with your wealth and tender to him the first fruits of all your harvests: then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will be brim with new wine.
My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah or be offended by his rebukes, because Jehovah corrects those that he loves, just as a father corrects the son who pleases him. Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Wisdom, she is a property more valuable than silver; she yields more profit than gold. She is more precious than rubies. Nothing that you might desire can compare with her. In her right hand is long life, in her left, wealth and honor. Her way is one of sweetness, her path, one of peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her. and those who cling to her will be made happy. It is by wisdom that Jehovah laid the foundations of the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. Through his knowledge were the waters divided and the clouds dropped down dew.
My son, do not loose sight of common sense and discretion; they are life for your body, an ornament round your neck. With them you will go your way with safety and your foot will not stumble. When you will lie down, you will have no fear and when you go to bed, your sleep will be sound. Do not be afraid of a sudden disaster, for when ruin comes to the wicked, Jehovah will be at your side and keep your foot from being caught.
Do not withhold money from those to whom it is due, when it is within your power to pay. Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will give it to you then,” when you already have the money with you.
Do not plot to harm the neighbor who lives peaceably next to you. Don’t pick a fight with a man without cause, if he has done you no ill. Do not envy the man of violence or copy his behavior. Such crooked people are an abomination to Jehovah, while he shares his secret counsel with the upright. Jehovah’s curse is upon the house of the wicked, while his blessing is upon the dwelling of the righteous. To the arrogant scorner he is scornful, but to the humble he shows his favor. The wise will inherit honor, but shame is the recompense of fools.
My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah or be offended by his rebukes, because Jehovah corrects those that he loves, just as a father corrects the son who pleases him. Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Wisdom, she is a property more valuable than silver; she yields more profit than gold. She is more precious than rubies. Nothing that you might desire can compare with her. In her right hand is long life, in her left, wealth and honor. Her way is one of sweetness, her path, one of peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her. and those who cling to her will be made happy. It is by wisdom that Jehovah laid the foundations of the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. Through his knowledge were the waters divided and the clouds dropped down dew.
My son, do not loose sight of common sense and discretion; they are life for your body, an ornament round your neck. With them you will go your way with safety and your foot will not stumble. When you will lie down, you will have no fear and when you go to bed, your sleep will be sound. Do not be afraid of a sudden disaster, for when ruin comes to the wicked, Jehovah will be at your side and keep your foot from being caught.
Do not withhold money from those to whom it is due, when it is within your power to pay. Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will give it to you then,” when you already have the money with you.
Do not plot to harm the neighbor who lives peaceably next to you. Don’t pick a fight with a man without cause, if he has done you no ill. Do not envy the man of violence or copy his behavior. Such crooked people are an abomination to Jehovah, while he shares his secret counsel with the upright. Jehovah’s curse is upon the house of the wicked, while his blessing is upon the dwelling of the righteous. To the arrogant scorner he is scornful, but to the humble he shows his favor. The wise will inherit honor, but shame is the recompense of fools.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Chapter Two
My son, if you accept my words, keep in your heart my commandments, make your ears receptive to wisdom, apply your mind to comprehension, and yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, and if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will know reverence for the divine and gain the knowledge of God. For it is Jehovah who imparts wisdom and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
He has reserved cherished wisdom for the righteous and is a shield for those who walk with rectitude, for he guards the paths of justice and watches over the ways traveled by those faithful to him. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fairness — indeed, every correct path to take. For wisdom will enter your mind and knowledge will bring pleasure to your being. Discretion will preserve you and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will deliver you from the ways of wicked men, who speak perversely, have departed from the way that is straight to wander down dark paths, who delight in wrong-doing, rejoice in the perversities of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.
Wisdom will protect you from the exotic woman, the seductive flattery of the adulteress who has abandoned the husband she wed when young and has ignored the vows of marriage made before God, for her house leads to death and her path, to the realm of departed spirits. None who go to her return or regain the paths of life.
Follow then the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous, for the upright will inhabit the land and the blameless will remain in it. But the wicked will be driven off the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.
He has reserved cherished wisdom for the righteous and is a shield for those who walk with rectitude, for he guards the paths of justice and watches over the ways traveled by those faithful to him. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fairness — indeed, every correct path to take. For wisdom will enter your mind and knowledge will bring pleasure to your being. Discretion will preserve you and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will deliver you from the ways of wicked men, who speak perversely, have departed from the way that is straight to wander down dark paths, who delight in wrong-doing, rejoice in the perversities of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.
Wisdom will protect you from the exotic woman, the seductive flattery of the adulteress who has abandoned the husband she wed when young and has ignored the vows of marriage made before God, for her house leads to death and her path, to the realm of departed spirits. None who go to her return or regain the paths of life.
Follow then the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous, for the upright will inhabit the land and the blameless will remain in it. But the wicked will be driven off the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.
Chapter One
For gaining wisdom and instruction, understanding words of insight, the teaching of wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and integrity, lending prudence to the naive, knowledge and discretion to the young. Let the wise listen and increase their wisdom, let men of discernment obtain guidance. Let them understand the meaning of proverbs and parables, the sayings of the wise and their riddles.
Reverence for Jehovah is the starting point for the acquisition of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen, my son, to the instruction of your father and do not ignore the teaching of your mother. They are a laurel wreath upon your head, a gold medal round your neck.
My son, if sinners seduce you, do not give in to them. If they say to you, “Come with us. Let’s hide in ambush and kill some innocent persons for kicks. We’ll swallow them alive like the grave, swallow them whole like those that go down to the Pit. We’ll find all sorts of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder. Throw in with us and we’ll share the loot equally.” My son, do not go along with them; don’t set foot upon their path, for their feet run to evil and they hasten to shed blood.
It is futile to spread a net in full view of any bird, but these men lie in wait to shed their own blood; they hide to ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who acquire dishonest gain: it destroys the life of its possessor.
Wisdom cries out in the open and raises her voice in the public square. At the intersection of busy streets she calls out. At the entrance to the city gates she utters her words. “How long, you simpletons, will you love simple-mindedness? How long will mockers take pleasure in their mockery and fools hate knowledge?"
Respond to my reprimand — for, look, I will pour out my mind and make my thoughts known to you. However, I have called out to you and you have refused to listen. I have stretched out my hand, but none of you would take it. All my advice you have disregarded and my reproofs you did not want. Therefore, I will laugh at you when calamity strikes and mock you when terror comes upon you, when disaster overtakes you like a storm, when destruction engulfs you like a whirlwind and distress and anguish overwhelm you.
Then they will call out to me, but I won’t answer. They will diligently seek me, but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and chose not to revere Jehovah. They rejected my advice and spurned all my criticisms. Therefore, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be stuffed full of their own counsel. The backsliding of the simpleton will kill him. The smugness of the fool will destroy him. But whoever will listen to me will live in security and tranquility, untroubled by the fear of evil.
Reverence for Jehovah is the starting point for the acquisition of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen, my son, to the instruction of your father and do not ignore the teaching of your mother. They are a laurel wreath upon your head, a gold medal round your neck.
My son, if sinners seduce you, do not give in to them. If they say to you, “Come with us. Let’s hide in ambush and kill some innocent persons for kicks. We’ll swallow them alive like the grave, swallow them whole like those that go down to the Pit. We’ll find all sorts of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder. Throw in with us and we’ll share the loot equally.” My son, do not go along with them; don’t set foot upon their path, for their feet run to evil and they hasten to shed blood.
It is futile to spread a net in full view of any bird, but these men lie in wait to shed their own blood; they hide to ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who acquire dishonest gain: it destroys the life of its possessor.
Wisdom cries out in the open and raises her voice in the public square. At the intersection of busy streets she calls out. At the entrance to the city gates she utters her words. “How long, you simpletons, will you love simple-mindedness? How long will mockers take pleasure in their mockery and fools hate knowledge?"
Respond to my reprimand — for, look, I will pour out my mind and make my thoughts known to you. However, I have called out to you and you have refused to listen. I have stretched out my hand, but none of you would take it. All my advice you have disregarded and my reproofs you did not want. Therefore, I will laugh at you when calamity strikes and mock you when terror comes upon you, when disaster overtakes you like a storm, when destruction engulfs you like a whirlwind and distress and anguish overwhelm you.
Then they will call out to me, but I won’t answer. They will diligently seek me, but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and chose not to revere Jehovah. They rejected my advice and spurned all my criticisms. Therefore, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be stuffed full of their own counsel. The backsliding of the simpleton will kill him. The smugness of the fool will destroy him. But whoever will listen to me will live in security and tranquility, untroubled by the fear of evil.
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