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!
Friday, October 27, 2017
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)