The proverbs of King Lemuel, an oracle taught to him by his mother:
Listen, my son. Listen, the offspring of my womb. Listen, the fulfillment of my marriage vows!
Do not waste your time chasing after women, a vice that has destroyed kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; rulers should not have a craving for liquor, for they may forget about the laws they have decreed and so deprive of justice any of the afflicted. Let liquor be for those who are dying and or for those who are depressed. Let them drink to forget those who are poor so they may recall their misery no more.
Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who have been dispossessed. Speak out and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and the needy.
A virtuous wife, who can find one? For her value is greater than precious stones. Her husband can place his trust in her, and she will see that he lacks for nothing. She brings him good, and no harm, through all the days of her life. She carefully selects the wool and the flax and works them with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships that transport food from afar. She rises while it is still dark, fixes meals for the family, and gives tasks to her serving maids. She inspects a field and buys it, and with her own hands plants vineyard. She sets out to work with fervor and with strong hands. She sees that her work turns a profit. Her lamp is not put out during the night. Spinning, one hand grasps the spindle and the other holds the spun fiber. She gives a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy as well. She has no fear of cold weather, for those in her household have clothes for the winter. She sews her own bed pillows and coverings. And her clothing is of fine linen dyed Tyrian purple. Her husband is well known in the city square and takes his place among the elders of the land. She sews garments of fine linen and sells them and supplies merchants with sashes. She comports herself with strength and dignity and looks to the future with joy.
She speaks with wisdom and words of kindly instruction. She supervises the activities of her household and does not indulge herself in idleness. When her children get up, they call her blessed — as does her husband, who praises her, “Many are the women who act nobly, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but the woman who reveres Jehovah will be praised. Give to her what her hands have made. Let her works bring her praise in the city square.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Chapter Thirty
The proverbs of Agur son of Jakeh, an oracle spoken by him to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
I am more ignorant than any man; indeed I have not the understanding to be a man. I have not acquired wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to Heaven and come back down? Who has gathered the winds in his clenched hands? Who has wrapped up the seas in his cloak? Who has set up the ends of the earth? What is his name and the name of his son? Surely, you know!
Every word of Jehovah is proven to be true. He is a shield to those who find refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will deemed a liar.
There are but two things, O Jehovah, that I ask of you. Do not refuse them to me before I die. Keep deception and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth, but feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you and ask, “Who is Jehovah,” or have too little and steal and profane the name of my god.
Do not slander a servant to his master, or he may contradict you and you be found in error.
Some people curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. They are pure in their own eyes, but are uncleansed of their filth. These people look about hauntily, casting disdainful glances. They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.
The leech has two daughters that each cry out, “Give me, give me!” There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things that never say “Enough” — the grave, the barren womb, the parched land, and fire; they do not say “Enough.”
The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s teaching will be pecked out by ravens of the valley and devoured by vultures.
There are three things that amaze me, nay, four things I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man in his youth.
This is the manner of an adulterous woman: she consumes her victim and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no evil.”
There are three things that make the earth shake, four that it cannot bear: a servant who becomes king, a fool who has eaten too much, a hateful woman who gets married, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.
Four things on earth are small, but are extremely wise:
ants are not strong creatures, but store up food in the summer; hyraxes are not mighty creatures, but are able to make their homes among the rocks; locust, who have no king, but swarm in military formation; the gecko, supported only by its hands, lives in the houses of kings.
Three things are of stately stride, four that stride with dignity: the lion, mightiest of beasts, who backs down to nothing; the [? unknown creature with girt loins], the billy goat, and a king against whom there is no revolt.
If you made a fool of yourself by bragging, or if you have been plotting evil, put a hand over your mouth.
As churning cream produces butter and tweaking the nose causes bleeding, so does the arousing of anger create strife.
I am more ignorant than any man; indeed I have not the understanding to be a man. I have not acquired wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to Heaven and come back down? Who has gathered the winds in his clenched hands? Who has wrapped up the seas in his cloak? Who has set up the ends of the earth? What is his name and the name of his son? Surely, you know!
Every word of Jehovah is proven to be true. He is a shield to those who find refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will deemed a liar.
There are but two things, O Jehovah, that I ask of you. Do not refuse them to me before I die. Keep deception and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth, but feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you and ask, “Who is Jehovah,” or have too little and steal and profane the name of my god.
Do not slander a servant to his master, or he may contradict you and you be found in error.
Some people curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. They are pure in their own eyes, but are uncleansed of their filth. These people look about hauntily, casting disdainful glances. They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.
The leech has two daughters that each cry out, “Give me, give me!” There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things that never say “Enough” — the grave, the barren womb, the parched land, and fire; they do not say “Enough.”
The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s teaching will be pecked out by ravens of the valley and devoured by vultures.
There are three things that amaze me, nay, four things I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man in his youth.
This is the manner of an adulterous woman: she consumes her victim and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no evil.”
There are three things that make the earth shake, four that it cannot bear: a servant who becomes king, a fool who has eaten too much, a hateful woman who gets married, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.
Four things on earth are small, but are extremely wise:
ants are not strong creatures, but store up food in the summer; hyraxes are not mighty creatures, but are able to make their homes among the rocks; locust, who have no king, but swarm in military formation; the gecko, supported only by its hands, lives in the houses of kings.
Three things are of stately stride, four that stride with dignity: the lion, mightiest of beasts, who backs down to nothing; the [? unknown creature with girt loins], the billy goat, and a king against whom there is no revolt.
If you made a fool of yourself by bragging, or if you have been plotting evil, put a hand over your mouth.
As churning cream produces butter and tweaking the nose causes bleeding, so does the arousing of anger create strife.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A man, who after being repeatedly reproved, remains stiff-necked will have his neck broken beyond repair.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but he who consorts with prostitutes squanders his wealth.
It is through justice that a king brings stability to his country. A ruler who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
The man who fawns over his neighbor is spreading out a net that will entangle his own feet.
The evil are trapped by their own transgressions, while the righteous sing and rejoice.
The righteous are concerned for the rights of the poor, but the wicked have no understanding of it.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise mollify anger.
If a wise man debates with a fool, the fool will only rage and taunt and nothing will be settled.
Bloodthirsty men hate men of integrity, but upright men will seek to protect their lives.
A fool will immediately vent his anger, but a wise man will restrain himself till later.
A ruler who pays attention to falsehoods is served by corrupt men.
The oppressed and the oppressors have one thing in common, Jehovah gave sight to both of them.
If the king accords the poor justice, his throne will endure forever.
The rod and a reproof will impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined will bring shame to his mother.
When the wicked gain power, crime increases, but the righteous will witness their downfall.
Discipline your children and they will give you comfort and delight to your heart.
Without divine guidance, the people behave with abandon, but blessed is they who obey divine law.
A servant cannot be correct by mere words, for even when they are understood, they are not heeded.
Take note of the man who speaks hastily without thinking; there is more hope for the fool than for him.
A master who pampers his servant in childhood will find that when the servant grows up, he will behave as if he were his son and heir.
An angry man stirs up strife; hotheads cause all kinds of sins to be committed.
Arrogance will bring about a man’s downfall, but honor will come to the humble man.
The accomplice of a thief hates his own life. Though he testifies under oath, he discloses nothing.
Veneration of men leads one into a trap, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah is protected.
Many seek to curry the ruler’s favor, but human justice derives from Jehovah.
The dishonest are detested by the righteous, while those who lead upright lives are detested by the wicked.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but he who consorts with prostitutes squanders his wealth.
It is through justice that a king brings stability to his country. A ruler who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
The man who fawns over his neighbor is spreading out a net that will entangle his own feet.
The evil are trapped by their own transgressions, while the righteous sing and rejoice.
The righteous are concerned for the rights of the poor, but the wicked have no understanding of it.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise mollify anger.
If a wise man debates with a fool, the fool will only rage and taunt and nothing will be settled.
Bloodthirsty men hate men of integrity, but upright men will seek to protect their lives.
A fool will immediately vent his anger, but a wise man will restrain himself till later.
A ruler who pays attention to falsehoods is served by corrupt men.
The oppressed and the oppressors have one thing in common, Jehovah gave sight to both of them.
If the king accords the poor justice, his throne will endure forever.
The rod and a reproof will impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined will bring shame to his mother.
When the wicked gain power, crime increases, but the righteous will witness their downfall.
Discipline your children and they will give you comfort and delight to your heart.
Without divine guidance, the people behave with abandon, but blessed is they who obey divine law.
A servant cannot be correct by mere words, for even when they are understood, they are not heeded.
Take note of the man who speaks hastily without thinking; there is more hope for the fool than for him.
A master who pampers his servant in childhood will find that when the servant grows up, he will behave as if he were his son and heir.
An angry man stirs up strife; hotheads cause all kinds of sins to be committed.
Arrogance will bring about a man’s downfall, but honor will come to the humble man.
The accomplice of a thief hates his own life. Though he testifies under oath, he discloses nothing.
Veneration of men leads one into a trap, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah is protected.
Many seek to curry the ruler’s favor, but human justice derives from Jehovah.
The dishonest are detested by the righteous, while those who lead upright lives are detested by the wicked.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a young lion.
When a nation is in a state of rebellion, it has many rulers, but a wise and just leader will restore stability.
A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops standing.
Those who reject the law support the wicked, but those who follow the law fight against them.
Evil men do not understand right and wrong, but those who follow Jehovah understand all.
Better is the poor man who walks with integrity than the rich man who treads a crooked path.
Whoever keeps the law is a smart son. The son who is a companion of carousers brings shame upon his father.
Whoever increases his wealth by charging interest and practising usury amasses it for those who will be generous to the poor.
He who closes his ears to the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.
Whoever leads the righteous away on an evil path will fall into his own pit, while the innocent will claim a good inheritance.
Rich people see themselves as wise; one who is poor, but discerning sees through them.
When the righteous triumph, the people celebrate, but when the wicked come to power, men go into hiding.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but those who confess them and repent will find mercy.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who is hard-hearted will fall into ruin.
Like a roaring lion or a rampaging bear is a wicked ruler’s oppression of the poor.
A ruler without judgment will become a tyrant, but one who hates corruption will enjoy a long reign.
A man tormented with the guilt of murder rushes to the grave; let no man stop him.
He who walks upright will be spared, but he who is devious in his ways will suddenly fall.
He that works his land will have plenty of food, but he one who chases after vain fantasies will only have plenty of want.
A faithful man will have abundant blessings, but he who wants to get rich quick will not go unpunished.
To show partiality is not good, but some men may be bribed with a mere morsel of bread.
A greedy man hastens to enrich himself, but does not realize it is poverty that will overtake him.
Whoever rebukes a person will, in the end, find more favor than those who speak flattering words.
Whoever robs from his father and mother and claims, “It’s no sin,” is the same as a murderer’s accomplice.
The arrogant man stirs up conflict, but he who has faith in Jehovah will prosper.
He who relies upon his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom shall be kept safe.
Those who give to the poor will not be in want, but those who close their eyes to them will be cursed many times.
When the wicked come to power, the people go into hiding, but when the wicked perish, the righteous prosper.
When a nation is in a state of rebellion, it has many rulers, but a wise and just leader will restore stability.
A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops standing.
Those who reject the law support the wicked, but those who follow the law fight against them.
Evil men do not understand right and wrong, but those who follow Jehovah understand all.
Better is the poor man who walks with integrity than the rich man who treads a crooked path.
Whoever keeps the law is a smart son. The son who is a companion of carousers brings shame upon his father.
Whoever increases his wealth by charging interest and practising usury amasses it for those who will be generous to the poor.
He who closes his ears to the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.
Whoever leads the righteous away on an evil path will fall into his own pit, while the innocent will claim a good inheritance.
Rich people see themselves as wise; one who is poor, but discerning sees through them.
When the righteous triumph, the people celebrate, but when the wicked come to power, men go into hiding.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but those who confess them and repent will find mercy.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who is hard-hearted will fall into ruin.
Like a roaring lion or a rampaging bear is a wicked ruler’s oppression of the poor.
A ruler without judgment will become a tyrant, but one who hates corruption will enjoy a long reign.
A man tormented with the guilt of murder rushes to the grave; let no man stop him.
He who walks upright will be spared, but he who is devious in his ways will suddenly fall.
He that works his land will have plenty of food, but he one who chases after vain fantasies will only have plenty of want.
A faithful man will have abundant blessings, but he who wants to get rich quick will not go unpunished.
To show partiality is not good, but some men may be bribed with a mere morsel of bread.
A greedy man hastens to enrich himself, but does not realize it is poverty that will overtake him.
Whoever rebukes a person will, in the end, find more favor than those who speak flattering words.
Whoever robs from his father and mother and claims, “It’s no sin,” is the same as a murderer’s accomplice.
The arrogant man stirs up conflict, but he who has faith in Jehovah will prosper.
He who relies upon his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom shall be kept safe.
Those who give to the poor will not be in want, but those who close their eyes to them will be cursed many times.
When the wicked come to power, the people go into hiding, but when the wicked perish, the righteous prosper.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Do not boast about tomorrow, because you never know what the next day may bring.
Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth — a stranger, not your own lips.
A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but heavier than both is the aggravation caused by a fool.
Fury is fierce and anger is like a flood, but who can put up with jealousy.
Better an open rebuke than hidden love.
Wounds from a faithful friend are better than abundant kisses from an enemy.
One with a full stomach will eschew a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Like a bird that flies away from its nest is the man who wanders from his home.
Scented oil and incense gladdens the heart; equally sweet is the earnest counsel of one’s friend.
Do not desert your friends or the friends of your family or go away to a relative’s house when calamity strikes. Better a neighbor nearby than a family member far away.
Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy so that I can reply to anyone who taunts me.
A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simple ignor it and are penalized for it.
Accept a man’s garment as collateral for a stranger’s debt; for a foreigner’s debt, take possession of it as security.
Loudly blessing a neighbor early in the morning is almost like a curse.
A nagging wife is just like the dripping of water from a leaky roof on a rainy day. To restrain her nagging is like holding back the wind or grabbing something with an oily hand.
Iron sharpens iron and a man is sharpened by the face of his friend.
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat of its fruit; he that takes care of his master will be honored.
As the water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the man.
Death and destruction are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man.
A crucible for silver, a furnace for gold, so a man is tested by the praise he receives.
Even if you grind a fool with a mortar and a pestle like grain, you cannot take the folly out of him.
Know well the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds, for wealth does not last forever and a crown may not be passed to the next generation.
When the hay is cut and new growth appears, when grass from the hillside is harvested, the lambs will provide you with clothing. With billy goats you can purchase a field. And there will be enough milk from the nanny goats to provide for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.
Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth — a stranger, not your own lips.
A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but heavier than both is the aggravation caused by a fool.
Fury is fierce and anger is like a flood, but who can put up with jealousy.
Better an open rebuke than hidden love.
Wounds from a faithful friend are better than abundant kisses from an enemy.
One with a full stomach will eschew a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Like a bird that flies away from its nest is the man who wanders from his home.
Scented oil and incense gladdens the heart; equally sweet is the earnest counsel of one’s friend.
Do not desert your friends or the friends of your family or go away to a relative’s house when calamity strikes. Better a neighbor nearby than a family member far away.
Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy so that I can reply to anyone who taunts me.
A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simple ignor it and are penalized for it.
Accept a man’s garment as collateral for a stranger’s debt; for a foreigner’s debt, take possession of it as security.
Loudly blessing a neighbor early in the morning is almost like a curse.
A nagging wife is just like the dripping of water from a leaky roof on a rainy day. To restrain her nagging is like holding back the wind or grabbing something with an oily hand.
Iron sharpens iron and a man is sharpened by the face of his friend.
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat of its fruit; he that takes care of his master will be honored.
As the water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the man.
Death and destruction are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man.
A crucible for silver, a furnace for gold, so a man is tested by the praise he receives.
Even if you grind a fool with a mortar and a pestle like grain, you cannot take the folly out of him.
Know well the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds, for wealth does not last forever and a crown may not be passed to the next generation.
When the hay is cut and new growth appears, when grass from the hillside is harvested, the lambs will provide you with clothing. With billy goats you can purchase a field. And there will be enough milk from the nanny goats to provide for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Honor no more befits a fool than snow the summer or rain the harvest time.
Like a sparrow that flits about or a fluttering swallow an undeserved curse will never light upon its victim.
A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey — and a rod for the back of a fool.
Do not reply to a fool with his own folly, or you yourself will be as foolish as he is. Reply to a fool by showing up his folly or else he may regard himself as wise.
Entrusting a message into the hands of a fool is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like the limp legs that hang down from a paralyzed man.
He who honors a fool is like one who ties a stone to a slingshot.
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorn stuck in the hand of a drunkard.
One who hires a fool or anyone who passes by is like an archer that shoots his arrows at random.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
There is more hope for a fool than there is for one who, in his conceit, regards himself as wise.
The lazy man declares, “There’s a lion in the street, a fierce lion roaming the public square!”
The door swings on its hinges the way the lazy man turns over on his bed.
The lazy man puts his hand into his food dish, but is too weary to bring it to his mouth.
The lazy man regards himself as wiser than a throng of people who can give a reasonable counsel.
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is he who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Like a lunatic who shoots flaming darts and deadly arrows is the man who tricks his neighbor and then says, “I was only joking!”
Without wood the fires dies out. Without a gossip the quarrel dies out.
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to a fire, so does a contentious man fuel strife.
The words of a gossip are like wounds that penetrate the innermost part of the soul.
Like earthenware glazed with a silver dross are the ardent words of a wicked heart.
The hater dissembles with his words, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech be gracious, do not believe him, for his heart is filled with abominations. His hatred may be disguised by his deceit, but his wickedness will be revealed before the whole community.
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone will find the stone rolling back upon him.
The lying tongue hates those it hurts. The flattering mouth works ruin.
Like a sparrow that flits about or a fluttering swallow an undeserved curse will never light upon its victim.
A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey — and a rod for the back of a fool.
Do not reply to a fool with his own folly, or you yourself will be as foolish as he is. Reply to a fool by showing up his folly or else he may regard himself as wise.
Entrusting a message into the hands of a fool is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like the limp legs that hang down from a paralyzed man.
He who honors a fool is like one who ties a stone to a slingshot.
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorn stuck in the hand of a drunkard.
One who hires a fool or anyone who passes by is like an archer that shoots his arrows at random.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
There is more hope for a fool than there is for one who, in his conceit, regards himself as wise.
The lazy man declares, “There’s a lion in the street, a fierce lion roaming the public square!”
The door swings on its hinges the way the lazy man turns over on his bed.
The lazy man puts his hand into his food dish, but is too weary to bring it to his mouth.
The lazy man regards himself as wiser than a throng of people who can give a reasonable counsel.
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is he who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Like a lunatic who shoots flaming darts and deadly arrows is the man who tricks his neighbor and then says, “I was only joking!”
Without wood the fires dies out. Without a gossip the quarrel dies out.
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to a fire, so does a contentious man fuel strife.
The words of a gossip are like wounds that penetrate the innermost part of the soul.
Like earthenware glazed with a silver dross are the ardent words of a wicked heart.
The hater dissembles with his words, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech be gracious, do not believe him, for his heart is filled with abominations. His hatred may be disguised by his deceit, but his wickedness will be revealed before the whole community.
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone will find the stone rolling back upon him.
The lying tongue hates those it hurts. The flattering mouth works ruin.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Chapter Twenty-Five
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.
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.
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