These are more of the proverbs of Solomon, compiled by officials of Hezekiah, King of Judah:
It is the privilege of God to conceal things, the place of kings to search them out.
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so are the minds of kings unknowable.
Remove the dross from the silver and the silversmith can create a vessel. Remove the corrupt officials from the king’s court and the government will be administered with justice.
Do not force yourself into the presence of the king or claim a place among his company of great men. It is better if he says to you, “Come up here,” than for you to humiliate yourself before him.
Do not hastily report to the court something you may have seen, for, what will you do if it turns out a neighbor discredits your testimony?
If you have a dispute with a neighbor settle it between yourselves and don’t betray another’s confidence or else someone may hear it and reproach you for it, and your reputation will be forever tarnished.
A ruling rightly given is like gold apples on a silver tray.
A wise rebuke is, to a receptive ear, like a golden earring or an ornament of pure gold.
Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a faithful emissary; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
A man who boasts of gifts he has never given is like clouds and wind without any rain.
Through patience is a ruler persuaded; gentle speech can break a bone.
If you find some honey, eat only your fill, lest you become overly full and throw it up.
Visit your neighbor’s house only seldom or else he may become tired of you and hate you.
Bearing false witness against a neighbor is like attacking him with a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
Putting your trust in an undependable person during a crisis is like relying on a bad tooth or a lame foot.
Singing songs to someone who is sad of heart is like taking one’s clothes off on a cold day or pouring vinegar upon natron.
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. This is like heaping burning coals upon his head, and Jehovah will reward you for it.
Just as a north wind brings rain so does a backbiting tongue bring an angry countenance.
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a nagging wife.
Like cool water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives in to the wicked.
It isn’t good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own glory.
A person who lacks self control is like a city that has been broken into and is without walls.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Chapter Twenty-Four
Do not envy the wicked or crave their company, for their minds plot violence and their lips speak of mischief.
A house is built by wisdom and its foundation is understanding. Through knowledge its rooms are furnished with treasures rare and beautiful.
A wise man is endowed with strength and increases his strength through knowledge.
War is waged with sound guidance, and victory is achieved through many advisers.
Wisdom is over the head of a fool; at meetings in the city square he has nothing to say.
Those who plot evil will acquire a reputation as a troublemaker.
Plans of folly are sinful; a scoffer is detested by all.
If you falter in a time of adversity, then your strength is in short supply.
Rescue those that are being led to death and hold back those who stagger to the slaughter.
You declare, “We knew nothing about this.” But does not he who understand all hearts know, for he watches over all of us? Does he not discern our thoughts and reward each man according to his actions?
Eat honey, my son: it’s good — and the honeycomb, which is sweet to the taste. Realize, too, that wisdom is honey for your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hopes will not be thwarted.
Do not lay in wait, wicked man, outside the home of the righteous. Do not molest his resting place.
The righteous man may fall seven times, but he gets up again. But when the wicked stumble, it is to their destruction.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls; don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles, or Jehovah will see it and, being displeased with you, turn his wrath away from him.
Fret not on account of of evildoers nor be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Respect Jehovah and the king and do not associate with those who advocate revolution, for sudden destruction will come to them. Who knows what kind of destruction may come from both of them.
Here are some further aphorisms of the wise:
It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent” will be cursed by the people and detested by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be bestowed upon them.
An honest reply is like a kiss on the lips.
Plan your outside work and make ready your fields, then, build your house.
Do not testify against your neighbor without good reason. Do not deceive with your speech.
Don’t say, “As he has done to me, so I will do to him. I will treat each man according to his actions.”
I passed by the field of a lazy man and the vineyard of someone who is without sense. They were overgrown with thistles, the ground covered in weeds, and the stone walls in ruins. I considered what I saw and as I looked, I learned a lesson. A little sleep, a little nap, a little folding of the hands in rest and poverty will come upon you like a thief and want will assault you like a robber.
A house is built by wisdom and its foundation is understanding. Through knowledge its rooms are furnished with treasures rare and beautiful.
A wise man is endowed with strength and increases his strength through knowledge.
War is waged with sound guidance, and victory is achieved through many advisers.
Wisdom is over the head of a fool; at meetings in the city square he has nothing to say.
Those who plot evil will acquire a reputation as a troublemaker.
Plans of folly are sinful; a scoffer is detested by all.
If you falter in a time of adversity, then your strength is in short supply.
Rescue those that are being led to death and hold back those who stagger to the slaughter.
You declare, “We knew nothing about this.” But does not he who understand all hearts know, for he watches over all of us? Does he not discern our thoughts and reward each man according to his actions?
Eat honey, my son: it’s good — and the honeycomb, which is sweet to the taste. Realize, too, that wisdom is honey for your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hopes will not be thwarted.
Do not lay in wait, wicked man, outside the home of the righteous. Do not molest his resting place.
The righteous man may fall seven times, but he gets up again. But when the wicked stumble, it is to their destruction.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls; don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles, or Jehovah will see it and, being displeased with you, turn his wrath away from him.
Fret not on account of of evildoers nor be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Respect Jehovah and the king and do not associate with those who advocate revolution, for sudden destruction will come to them. Who knows what kind of destruction may come from both of them.
Here are some further aphorisms of the wise:
It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent” will be cursed by the people and detested by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be bestowed upon them.
An honest reply is like a kiss on the lips.
Plan your outside work and make ready your fields, then, build your house.
Do not testify against your neighbor without good reason. Do not deceive with your speech.
Don’t say, “As he has done to me, so I will do to him. I will treat each man according to his actions.”
I passed by the field of a lazy man and the vineyard of someone who is without sense. They were overgrown with thistles, the ground covered in weeds, and the stone walls in ruins. I considered what I saw and as I looked, I learned a lesson. A little sleep, a little nap, a little folding of the hands in rest and poverty will come upon you like a thief and want will assault you like a robber.
Chapter Twenty-Three
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, pay close attention to what is put before you, and if you have a large appetite, curb it. Do not develop a taste his delicacies, for such food is seductive.
Do not wear yourself out toiling for wealth; your prudence should tell you when to quit. When you examine wealth, it will vanish, for it will sprout wings and soar into the heavens like an eagle.
Do not dine with a stingy host or crave his fine food, for he is someone who counts the cost. He may say to you, “Eat and drink,” but in his heart he doesn’t mean it. You will throw up the little you have eaten and will have squandered your compliments.
Do not waste your words on a fool, for he will despise your wisdom.
Do not move an ancient boundary markers or violate the fields that belong to orphans, for their Defender is mighty and he will plead their case against you.
Apply your mind to instruction and listen to the words of knowledge.
Do not refrain from disciplining your child. If you strike him with a rod, he won’t die. Punish him with the rod and thus save his soul from Hell.
My son, if your mind is wise, then my heart will rejoice in it as well. All within me will be glad when your lips speak what is right.
Do not envy sinners, but always revere Jehovah. Then you will have a future and your hopes will not be thwarted.
Listen, my son, be wise: keep your mind on the proper path.
Don’t carouse with heavy drinkers or feast with gluttonous eaters; the drunkard and the glutton will be reduced to poverty and their drowsiness will leave them clothed in rags.
Heed the father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it away. Wisdom, education, and understanding as well.
The father of a righteous son will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will be delight because of him. Make your father and mother be joyful, especially she who gave you birth.
My son, give your heart to me and let your eyes observe my example, for a prostitute is like a deep pit and a loose woman is a like a narrow well. She lies in ambush like a robber and adds to the number of men who are unfaithful.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has been hurt without cause? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger a long time in drink, sampling bowls of mixed wine. Gaze not upon the wine when it is red and sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. For in the end it bites like a snake and stings like an viper. Your eyes will see hallucinations and your mind will make you say nonsensical things. You will be like one sleeping in the middle of the ocean on top of a ship’s mast. “They hit me,” you will say. “But I’m not hurt. They beat me up, but I didn’t feel it. When I wake up, I will look for another drink.”
Do not wear yourself out toiling for wealth; your prudence should tell you when to quit. When you examine wealth, it will vanish, for it will sprout wings and soar into the heavens like an eagle.
Do not dine with a stingy host or crave his fine food, for he is someone who counts the cost. He may say to you, “Eat and drink,” but in his heart he doesn’t mean it. You will throw up the little you have eaten and will have squandered your compliments.
Do not waste your words on a fool, for he will despise your wisdom.
Do not move an ancient boundary markers or violate the fields that belong to orphans, for their Defender is mighty and he will plead their case against you.
Apply your mind to instruction and listen to the words of knowledge.
Do not refrain from disciplining your child. If you strike him with a rod, he won’t die. Punish him with the rod and thus save his soul from Hell.
My son, if your mind is wise, then my heart will rejoice in it as well. All within me will be glad when your lips speak what is right.
Do not envy sinners, but always revere Jehovah. Then you will have a future and your hopes will not be thwarted.
Listen, my son, be wise: keep your mind on the proper path.
Don’t carouse with heavy drinkers or feast with gluttonous eaters; the drunkard and the glutton will be reduced to poverty and their drowsiness will leave them clothed in rags.
Heed the father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it away. Wisdom, education, and understanding as well.
The father of a righteous son will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will be delight because of him. Make your father and mother be joyful, especially she who gave you birth.
My son, give your heart to me and let your eyes observe my example, for a prostitute is like a deep pit and a loose woman is a like a narrow well. She lies in ambush like a robber and adds to the number of men who are unfaithful.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has been hurt without cause? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger a long time in drink, sampling bowls of mixed wine. Gaze not upon the wine when it is red and sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. For in the end it bites like a snake and stings like an viper. Your eyes will see hallucinations and your mind will make you say nonsensical things. You will be like one sleeping in the middle of the ocean on top of a ship’s mast. “They hit me,” you will say. “But I’m not hurt. They beat me up, but I didn’t feel it. When I wake up, I will look for another drink.”
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Chapter Twenty-Two
A good name is to be preferred over riches, to be held in favor, better than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor have this is common: Jehovah is the creator of them both.
The sensible man sees danger coming and protects himself from it, but the simple man goes on his way and suffers the consequences.
The rewards of humility and a reverence for Jehovah are wealth, honor, and long life.
The path of the devious is full of thorns and pitfalls. Whoever values his life stays far from it.
Steer your children onto the correct path and when they are old, they will never stray from it.
As the rich rule the poor so is the borrower a slave to the lender.
He who plants the seeds of injustice will reap a harvest of evil. The punishing rod of his wrath will be broken.
He who is generous is blessed, for he has shared his food with the poor.
Expel the scorner and contention will go with him; quarreling and insults will cease.
Whoever loves purity of heart and graciousness of speech, will find a friend in the king.
Jehovah watches over the preservation of knowledge, but silences the words of the deceitful.
The lazy man says, “There’s a lion abroad. I’ll be slaughtered in the streets!”
The mouth of an exotic woman is like a deep pit. Those who are the object of Jehovah’s ire will fall into it.
Foolishness is inherent in the mind of a child, but the rod of punishment will correct it.
Those who press the poor to gain wealth and those who give to the rich will both end up in want.
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your mind to my teachings, for it is pleasant to hold them in your memory so that they can readily be spoken. Today I am instructing you, even you, that you may put your trust in Jehovah. Have I not formerly written down for you excellent maxims of advice and knowledge? I did this to teach you the certain truth so you can answer accurately when you report back to those who have sent you.
Do not oppress the poor because of their poverty or exploit the disadvantaged in court, for Jehovah will plead their cause and take the life of those who take from them.
Do not make friends with those who are prone to anger or be a companion to someone has a violent temper, or you may take up his ways and entrap yourself.
Do not be among those who shake hands in a pledge and put up collateral for a loan if you lack the resources to repay it, for your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Do not move an ancient boundary marker set up by your forbears.
Do see someone who is an expert at his trade? Well, he will stand in the service of kings. He won’t work for nobodies.
The rich and the poor have this is common: Jehovah is the creator of them both.
The sensible man sees danger coming and protects himself from it, but the simple man goes on his way and suffers the consequences.
The rewards of humility and a reverence for Jehovah are wealth, honor, and long life.
The path of the devious is full of thorns and pitfalls. Whoever values his life stays far from it.
Steer your children onto the correct path and when they are old, they will never stray from it.
As the rich rule the poor so is the borrower a slave to the lender.
He who plants the seeds of injustice will reap a harvest of evil. The punishing rod of his wrath will be broken.
He who is generous is blessed, for he has shared his food with the poor.
Expel the scorner and contention will go with him; quarreling and insults will cease.
Whoever loves purity of heart and graciousness of speech, will find a friend in the king.
Jehovah watches over the preservation of knowledge, but silences the words of the deceitful.
The lazy man says, “There’s a lion abroad. I’ll be slaughtered in the streets!”
The mouth of an exotic woman is like a deep pit. Those who are the object of Jehovah’s ire will fall into it.
Foolishness is inherent in the mind of a child, but the rod of punishment will correct it.
Those who press the poor to gain wealth and those who give to the rich will both end up in want.
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your mind to my teachings, for it is pleasant to hold them in your memory so that they can readily be spoken. Today I am instructing you, even you, that you may put your trust in Jehovah. Have I not formerly written down for you excellent maxims of advice and knowledge? I did this to teach you the certain truth so you can answer accurately when you report back to those who have sent you.
Do not oppress the poor because of their poverty or exploit the disadvantaged in court, for Jehovah will plead their cause and take the life of those who take from them.
Do not make friends with those who are prone to anger or be a companion to someone has a violent temper, or you may take up his ways and entrap yourself.
Do not be among those who shake hands in a pledge and put up collateral for a loan if you lack the resources to repay it, for your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Do not move an ancient boundary marker set up by your forbears.
Do see someone who is an expert at his trade? Well, he will stand in the service of kings. He won’t work for nobodies.
Chapter Twenty-One
The heart of the king is like a stream of water that, through Jehovah’s power, may be directed wherever he pleases.
In his own eyes a man believes his ways to be right, but it is Jehovah who judges his motivations.
To do what is right and just is valued by Jehovah more than any sacrifice made to him.
A haughty look, an arrogant manner — sinful produce from the field of the wicked.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit just as those of the reckless lead only to want.
Fortune acquired by a lying tongue is but a transitory mist. Those who grab for it seek death.
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
The guilty walk a crooked path, while that of the innocent is a straight road.
Better to live on a quarter of the roof than share a house with a contentious wife.
The wicked soul is disposed to evil, with no consideration for his neighbor.
When mockers are punished those who are simple become wise. Instruct the wise man and he will gain knowledge.
The Righteous One knows what goes on in the houses of wicked and he will bring ruin upon them for their evil.
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will cry out themselves and not be heard.
A secret gift mollifies anger, an under-the-table pay-off pacifies rage.
When judgment is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to evildoers.
The man who strays from the prudent path, will come to rest in the company of the dead.
He who loves pleasure will become poor; he who loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
The wicked are punished in place of the righteous, the traitor in place of the upright.
Better to dwell in the desert than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.
In the wise man’s house wealth and oil are stored up, but the foolish man will squander them.
He who strives to be righteous and loyal will find life, justice, and honor.
A man who is wise can scale the walls of a mighty city and topple its secure fortress.
Whoever holds his tongue and shuts his mouth keeps himself out of trouble.
He who is called proud, haughty, and mocking acts with insolence and arrogance.
The lazy man’s indulgences will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.
Some are always greedy for more, but the righteous are giving and do not hold back.
A sacrifice offered by an wicked person is an abomination — how much more so when it is made with evil intent.
A fasle witness will be interrupted, but a reliable witness will always be allowed to speak.
The wicked man only puts up a brazen facade; the upright man is confident in his actions.
No wisdom, no understanding or counsel can prevail over Jehovah.
The warhorse may be prepared for the day of battle, but victory depends upon Jehovah.
In his own eyes a man believes his ways to be right, but it is Jehovah who judges his motivations.
To do what is right and just is valued by Jehovah more than any sacrifice made to him.
A haughty look, an arrogant manner — sinful produce from the field of the wicked.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit just as those of the reckless lead only to want.
Fortune acquired by a lying tongue is but a transitory mist. Those who grab for it seek death.
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
The guilty walk a crooked path, while that of the innocent is a straight road.
Better to live on a quarter of the roof than share a house with a contentious wife.
The wicked soul is disposed to evil, with no consideration for his neighbor.
When mockers are punished those who are simple become wise. Instruct the wise man and he will gain knowledge.
The Righteous One knows what goes on in the houses of wicked and he will bring ruin upon them for their evil.
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will cry out themselves and not be heard.
A secret gift mollifies anger, an under-the-table pay-off pacifies rage.
When judgment is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to evildoers.
The man who strays from the prudent path, will come to rest in the company of the dead.
He who loves pleasure will become poor; he who loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
The wicked are punished in place of the righteous, the traitor in place of the upright.
Better to dwell in the desert than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.
In the wise man’s house wealth and oil are stored up, but the foolish man will squander them.
He who strives to be righteous and loyal will find life, justice, and honor.
A man who is wise can scale the walls of a mighty city and topple its secure fortress.
Whoever holds his tongue and shuts his mouth keeps himself out of trouble.
He who is called proud, haughty, and mocking acts with insolence and arrogance.
The lazy man’s indulgences will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.
Some are always greedy for more, but the righteous are giving and do not hold back.
A sacrifice offered by an wicked person is an abomination — how much more so when it is made with evil intent.
A fasle witness will be interrupted, but a reliable witness will always be allowed to speak.
The wicked man only puts up a brazen facade; the upright man is confident in his actions.
No wisdom, no understanding or counsel can prevail over Jehovah.
The warhorse may be prepared for the day of battle, but victory depends upon Jehovah.
Chapter Twenty
Wine is a mocker, hard liquor a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
The anger of a king is like the roaring of a lion. Provoke either and you risk your life.
It is a credit to a man that he avoids strife. Every fool is quick to quarrel.
The lazy man will not plow in season, blaming the cold weather. But when harvest time comes, he will look for a crop and find nothing.
The motivations of the human heart are like deep waters, but one with understanding will draw them out.
Many will proclaim their faithful devotion, but who can actually find a trustworthy man?
The righteous man leads a life of integrity. Blessed are the children that follow him.
The king who sits on the judgment seat can distinguish evil with his eyes.
Who can say, “I have kept my conscience clear. I have been cleansed of my sins”?
Differing weights, disparate measurements, both are an abomination to Jehovah.
Even a child is judged by his actions, whether or not they be pure and upright.
Ears that hear, eyes that see, these are gifts from Jehovah.
Do not love sleep or you will be poor. Keep your eyes open and you will have plenty of food.
“It’s no good, it’s no good,” declares the buyer. But, leaving with his purchase, he boasts of its value.
Gold and jewels are abundant, but lips that speak words of wisdom are a rare treasure.
Accept an article of clothing as collateral for someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Take possession of it as a pledge, if it is done for a foreigner.
Food acquired by fraud may taste sweet to a man, but his mouth will later be filled with gravel.
Plans are devised through counsel and only through counsel should war be waged.
Those who go about gossiping betray secrets. Therefore, don’t trust scandalmongers.
If one curses his mother or his father, his lamp will be extinguished in utter darkness.
An inheritance acquired prematurely may, in the end, not be a happy one.
Do not say, “I will avenge this wrong!” Wait for Jehovah; he will save you.
Dishonest weights are detested by Jehovah: false scales bring no good.
The steps a man takes are determined by Jehovah. How, then, can anyone understand his own path.
A man may fall into a trap by making a holy dedication rashly and then, later, questioning it.
The wise king sifts out the wicked and drives a threshing wheel over them.
The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah shedding light upon his innermost being.
It is mercy and truth that preserve a monarch. His throne is sustained by devotion.
The glory of a young man is his strength; the splendor of an old man lies in his gray hair.
Wounding blows cleanse evil; floggings purge the innermost being.
The anger of a king is like the roaring of a lion. Provoke either and you risk your life.
It is a credit to a man that he avoids strife. Every fool is quick to quarrel.
The lazy man will not plow in season, blaming the cold weather. But when harvest time comes, he will look for a crop and find nothing.
The motivations of the human heart are like deep waters, but one with understanding will draw them out.
Many will proclaim their faithful devotion, but who can actually find a trustworthy man?
The righteous man leads a life of integrity. Blessed are the children that follow him.
The king who sits on the judgment seat can distinguish evil with his eyes.
Who can say, “I have kept my conscience clear. I have been cleansed of my sins”?
Differing weights, disparate measurements, both are an abomination to Jehovah.
Even a child is judged by his actions, whether or not they be pure and upright.
Ears that hear, eyes that see, these are gifts from Jehovah.
Do not love sleep or you will be poor. Keep your eyes open and you will have plenty of food.
“It’s no good, it’s no good,” declares the buyer. But, leaving with his purchase, he boasts of its value.
Gold and jewels are abundant, but lips that speak words of wisdom are a rare treasure.
Accept an article of clothing as collateral for someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Take possession of it as a pledge, if it is done for a foreigner.
Food acquired by fraud may taste sweet to a man, but his mouth will later be filled with gravel.
Plans are devised through counsel and only through counsel should war be waged.
Those who go about gossiping betray secrets. Therefore, don’t trust scandalmongers.
If one curses his mother or his father, his lamp will be extinguished in utter darkness.
An inheritance acquired prematurely may, in the end, not be a happy one.
Do not say, “I will avenge this wrong!” Wait for Jehovah; he will save you.
Dishonest weights are detested by Jehovah: false scales bring no good.
The steps a man takes are determined by Jehovah. How, then, can anyone understand his own path.
A man may fall into a trap by making a holy dedication rashly and then, later, questioning it.
The wise king sifts out the wicked and drives a threshing wheel over them.
The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah shedding light upon his innermost being.
It is mercy and truth that preserve a monarch. His throne is sustained by devotion.
The glory of a young man is his strength; the splendor of an old man lies in his gray hair.
Wounding blows cleanse evil; floggings purge the innermost being.
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