Bible in 90 Days
A Warning Against a Woman Who Commits Adultery
7 My son, obey my words.
Store up my commands inside you.
2 Obey my commands and you will live.
Guard my teachings as you would guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister.”
Say to understanding, “You are a member of my family.”
5 They will keep you from a woman who commits adultery.
They will keep you from the smooth talk of a sinful wife.
6 I stood at the window of my house.
I looked down through it.
7 Among those who were childish
I saw a young man who had no sense.
8 He went down the street near that sinful woman’s corner.
He walked toward her house.
9 The sun had gone down, and the day was fading.
The darkness of night was falling.
10 A woman came out to meet him.
She was dressed like a prostitute and had a clever plan.
11 She was wild and pushy.
She never stayed at home.
12 Sometimes she’s in the streets. Sometimes she’s at other places.
At every corner she waits.
13 She took hold of the young man and kissed him.
With a bold face she spoke to him. She said,
14 “Today I offered what I promised I would.
At home I have meat left over from my fellowship offering.
15 So I came out to meet you.
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored sheets from Egypt.
17 I’ve perfumed my bed with spices.
I used myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy ourselves by sleeping together!
19 My husband isn’t home.
He’s gone on a long journey.
20 He took his bag full of money.
He won’t be home for several days.”
21 She led him astray with her clever words.
She charmed him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her.
He was like an ox going to be killed.
He was like a deer stepping into a trap
23 until an arrow struck its liver.
He was like a bird rushing into a trap.
Little did he know it would cost him his life!
24 My sons, listen to me.
Pay attention to what I say.
25 Don’t let your hearts turn to her ways.
Don’t step onto her paths.
26 She has brought down a lot of men.
She has killed a huge crowd.
27 Her house is a road to the grave.
It leads down to the place of the dead.
Wisdom Calls Out
8 Doesn’t wisdom call out?
Doesn’t understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
she takes her place where the paths meet.
3 Beside the gate leading into the city,
she cries out at the entrance. She says,
4 “People, I call out to you.
I raise my voice to all human beings.
5 You who are childish, get some good sense.
You who are foolish, set your hearts on getting it.
6 Listen! I have things to say that you can depend on.
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true.
My lips hate evil.
8 All the words of my mouth are honest.
None of them is twisted or sinful.
9 To those who have understanding, all my words are right.
To those who have found knowledge, they are true.
10 Choose my teaching instead of silver.
Choose knowledge rather than fine gold.
11 Wisdom is worth more than rubies.
Nothing you want can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, live together with understanding.
I have knowledge and good sense.
13 To have respect for the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride and bragging.
I hate evil ways and twisted words.
14 I have good sense and give good advice.
I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings rule.
Leaders make laws that are fair.
16 By me princes and nobles govern.
It is by me that anyone rules on earth.
17 I love those who love me.
Those who look for me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor.
With me are lasting wealth and success.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold.
My gifts are better than the finest silver.
20 I walk in ways that are honest.
I take paths that are right.
21 I leave riches to those who love me.
I give them more than they have room for.
22 “The Lord created me as the first of his works,
before his acts of long ago.
23 I was formed a long, long time ago.
I was formed at the very beginning, when the world was created.
24 Before there were any oceans, I was born.
It was before there were springs flowing with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled in place, I was born.
Before there were any hills, I was born.
26 It happened before the Lord made the world and its fields.
It was before he made the dust of the earth.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place.
When he marked out the place where the sky meets the sea, I was there.
28 That was when he put the clouds above.
It was when he fixed the ocean springs in place.
29 It was when he set limits for the sea
so that the waters had to obey his command.
When the Lord marked out the foundations of the earth, I was there.
30 I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day.
I was always happy to be with him.
31 His whole world filled me with joy.
I took delight in all human beings.
32 “My children, listen to me.
Blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my teaching and be wise.
Don’t turn away from it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me.
They watch every day at my doors.
They wait beside my doorway.
35 Those who find me find life.
They receive blessing from the Lord.
36 But those who don’t find me harm only themselves.
Everyone who hates me loves death.”
Wisdom and Foolishness Call Out
9 Wisdom has built her house.
She has set up its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine.
She has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants.
She calls out from the highest point of the city.
4 She says, “Let all who are childish come to my house!”
She speaks to those who have no sense. She says,
5 “Come and eat my food.
Drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your childish ways and you will live.
Walk in the way of understanding.”
7 When you correct someone who makes fun of others, you might be laughed at.
When you warn a sinner, you might get hurt.
8 Don’t warn those who make fun of others, or they will hate you.
Warn those who are wise, and they will love you.
9 Teach a wise person, and they will become even wiser.
Teach a person who does right, and they will learn even more.
10 If you want to become wise, you must begin by respecting the Lord.
To know the Holy One is to gain understanding.
11 Through wisdom, you will live a long time.
Years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.
If you make fun of others, you alone will suffer.
13 The woman called Foolishness is wild.
She is childish and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house.
She sits at the highest point of the city.
15 She calls out to those who pass by.
She calls out to those who go straight on their way. She says,
16 “Let all who are childish come to my house!”
She speaks to those who have no sense.
17 She says, “Stolen water is sweet.
Food eaten in secret tastes good!”
18 But they don’t know that dead people are there.
They don’t know that her guests are deep in the place of the dead.
The Proverbs of Solomon
10 These are the proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes his father glad.
But a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.
2 Riches that are gained by sinning aren’t worth anything.
But doing what is right saves you from death.
3 The Lord gives those who do right the food they need.
But he lets those who do wrong go hungry.
4 Hands that don’t want to work make you poor.
But hands that work hard bring wealth to you.
5 A child who gathers crops in summer is wise.
But a child who sleeps at harvest time brings shame.
6 Blessings are like crowns on the heads of those who do right.
But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.
7 The names of those who do right are used in blessings.
But the names of those who do wrong will rot.
8 A wise heart accepts commands.
But foolish chattering destroys you.
9 Anyone who lives without blame walks safely.
But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.
10 An evil wink gets you into trouble.
And foolish chattering destroys you.
11 The mouths of those who do right pour out life like a fountain.
But the mouths of sinners hide their evil plans.
12 Hate stirs up fights.
But love erases all sins by forgiving them.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right.
But those who have no sense are punished.
14 Wise people store up knowledge.
But the mouths of foolish people destroy them.
15 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
But having nothing destroys those who are poor.
16 People who do what is right earn life.
But sinners earn sin and death.
17 Anyone who pays attention to correction
shows the path to life.
But anyone who refuses to be corrected
leads others down the wrong path.
18 Anyone who hides hatred with lying lips
and spreads lies is foolish.
19 Sin is not ended by using many words.
But those who are wise control their tongues.
20 The tongues of those who do right are like fine silver.
But the hearts of those who do wrong aren’t worth very much.
21 The words of those who do right benefit many people.
But those who are foolish die because they have no sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth.
And it comes without painful work.
23 A foolish person finds pleasure in evil plans.
But a person who has understanding takes delight in wisdom.
24 What sinners are afraid of will catch up with them.
But those who do right will get what they want.
25 When the storm is over, sinners are gone.
But those who do right stand firm forever.
26 Those who don’t want to work hurt those who send them.
They are like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27 Having respect for the Lord leads to a longer life.
But the years of evil people are cut short.
28 Those who do right can expect joy.
But the hopes of sinners are bound to fail.
29 The way of the Lord is a safe place for those without blame.
But that way destroys those who do evil.
30 Those who do right will never be removed from the land.
But those who do wrong will not remain in it.
31 The mouths of those who do right produce wisdom.
But tongues that speak twisted words will be made silent.
32 Those who do right know the proper thing to say.
But those who do wrong speak only twisted words.
11 The Lord hates it when people use scales to cheat others.
But he is delighted when people use honest weights.
2 When pride comes, shame follows.
But wisdom comes to those who are not proud.
3 Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives.
But those who aren’t faithful are destroyed by their lies.
4 Wealth isn’t worth anything when God judges you.
But doing what is right saves you from death.
5 The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right.
But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins.
6 Godly people are saved by doing what is right.
But those who aren’t faithful are trapped by evil longings.
7 Hopes placed in human beings will die with them.
Everything their power promised comes to nothing.
8 Those who do right are saved from trouble.
But trouble comes on those who do wrong.
9 With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors.
But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge.
10 When those who do right succeed, their city is glad.
When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy.
11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city.
But the words of sinners destroy it.
12 Whoever makes fun of their neighbor has no sense.
But the one who has understanding controls their tongue.
13 Those who talk about others will tell secrets.
But those who can be trusted keep the secrets of others.
14 Without guidance a nation falls.
But many good advisers can bring victory to a nation.
15 Whoever promises to pay for what someone else owes will certainly suffer.
But a person who doesn’t agree to pay someone else’s bill is safe.
16 A woman who has a kind heart gains honor.
But men who are not kind gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves.
But mean people bring ruin on themselves.
18 An evil person really earns nothing.
But the one who plants what is right will certainly be rewarded.
19 Surely right living leads to life.
But whoever runs after evil finds death.
20 The Lord hates those whose hearts are twisted.
But he is pleased with those who live without blame.
21 You can be sure that sinners will be punished.
And you can also be sure that godly people will go free.
22 A beautiful woman who has no sense
is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.
23 What godly people long for ends only in what is good.
But what sinners hope for ends only in God’s anger.
24 One person gives freely but gets even richer.
Another person doesn’t give what they should but gets even poorer.
25 Anyone who gives a lot will succeed.
Anyone who renews others will be renewed.
26 People ask for bad things to happen to those who store up grain for themselves.
But people ask for God’s blessing on those who are willing to sell.
27 Anyone who looks for what is good will be blessed.
But bad things will happen to a person who plans to do evil.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall.
But those who do right will be as healthy as a green leaf.
29 Those who bring ruin on their families will receive nothing but wind.
And foolish people will serve wise people.
30 The fruit that godly people bear is like a tree of life.
And those who are wise save lives.
31 Godly people get what they should get on earth.
So ungodly people and sinners will certainly get what they should get!
12 Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge.
Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.
2 The Lord blesses anyone who does good.
But he judges anyone who plans to do evil.
3 No one can become strong and steady by doing evil.
But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.
4 An excellent woman is her husband’s crown.
But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.
5 The plans of godly people are right.
But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.
6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.
But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.
7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away.
But the houses of godly people stand firm.
8 A person is praised for how wise they are.
But people hate anyone who has a twisted mind.
9 Being nobody and having a servant
is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.
10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.
But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.
11 Those who farm their land will have plenty of food.
But those who chase dreams have no sense.
12 Those who do what is wrong are safe for just a while.
But those who do what is right last forever.
13 Those who do evil are trapped by their sinful talk.
But those who have done no wrong escape trouble.
14 Many good things come from what people say.
And the work of their hands rewards them.
15 The way of foolish people seems right to them.
But those who are wise listen to advice.
16 Foolish people are easily upset.
But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.
17 An honest witness tells the truth.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
18 The words of thoughtless people cut like swords.
But the tongue of wise people brings healing.
19 Truthful words last forever.
But lies last for only a moment.
20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.
21 No harm comes to godly people.
But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.
22 The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.
But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.
23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.
24 Hands that work hard will rule.
But people who are lazy will be forced to work.
25 Worry makes the heart heavy.
But a kind word cheers it up.
26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.
27 Lazy people do not even cook what they catch.
But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted.
28 There is life in doing what is right.
Along that path you will never die.
13 A wise son pays attention to what his father teaches him.
But anyone who makes fun of others doesn’t listen to warnings.
2 The good things people say benefit them.
But liars love to hurt others.
3 Those who guard what they say guard their lives.
But those who speak without thinking will be destroyed.
4 People who refuse to work want things and get nothing.
But the desires of people who work hard are completely satisfied.
5 Those who do right hate what is false.
But those who do wrong stink and bring shame on themselves.
6 Doing right guards those who are honest.
But evil destroys those who are sinful.
7 Some people pretend to be rich but have nothing.
Others pretend to be poor but have great wealth.
8 A person’s riches might save their life.
But a poor person is not able to do anything about danger.
9 The lights of godly people shine brightly.
But the lamps of sinners are blown out.
10 Where there is arguing, there is pride.
But those who take advice are wise.
11 Money gained in the wrong way disappears.
But money gathered little by little grows.
12 Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart.
But a desire that is met is like a tree of life.
13 Anyone who hates what they are taught will pay for it later.
But a person who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of wise people is like a fountain that gives life.
It turns those who listen to it away from the jaws of death.
15 Good judgment wins favor.
But the way of liars leads to their ruin.
16 Wise people act with knowledge.
But foolish people show how foolish they are.
17 An evil messenger gets into trouble.
But a trusted messenger brings healing.
18 Those who turn away from their training become poor and ashamed.
But those who accept warnings are honored.
19 A desire that is met is like something that tastes sweet.
But foolish people hate to turn away from evil.
20 Walk with wise people and become wise.
A companion of foolish people suffers harm.
21 Hard times chase those who are sinful.
But those who do right are rewarded with good things.
22 A good person leaves what they own to their children and grandchildren.
But a sinner’s wealth is stored up for those who do right.
23 An unplowed field produces food for poor people.
But those who treat them badly destroy it all.
24 Those who don’t correct their children hate them.
But those who love them are careful to correct them.
25 Those who do right eat until they are full.
But the stomachs of those who do wrong go hungry.
14 A wise woman builds her house.
But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
2 Whoever has respect for the Lord lives a good life.
But those who hate him walk down an evil path.
3 The proud words of a foolish person sting like a whip.
But the things wise people say keep them safe.
4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty.
But a strong ox brings in huge harvests.
5 An honest witness does not lie.
But a dishonest witness pours out lies.
6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don’t find it.
But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.
7 Stay away from a foolish person.
You won’t find knowledge in what they say.
8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live.
But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.
9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin.
But honest people try to do the right thing.
10 Each heart knows its own sadness.
And no one else can share its joy.
11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed.
But the tents of honest people will stand firm.
12 There is a way that appears to be right.
But in the end it leads to death.
13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting.
And your joy can end in sadness.
14 Those who aren’t faithful will be paid back
for what they’ve done.
And good people will receive rewards
for how they’ve lived.
15 A childish person believes anything.
But a wise person thinks about how they live.
16 A wise person has respect for the Lord and avoids evil.
But a foolish person has a bad temper and yet feels secure.
17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things.
And a person who is tricky is hated.
18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways.
But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.
19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people.
And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.
20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.
But rich people have many friends.
21 It is a sin to hate your neighbor.
But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.
22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path.
But those who plan good find love and truth.
23 All hard work pays off.
But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.
24 The wealth of wise people is their crown.
But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.
25 An honest witness saves lives.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
26 Anyone who shows respect for the Lord has a strong tower.
It will be a safe place for their children.
27 Respect for the Lord is like a fountain that gives life.
It turns you away from the jaws of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory.
But a prince without followers is destroyed.
29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding.
But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish they are.
30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body.
But jealousy rots the bones.
31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker.
But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.
32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down.
But godly people seek safety in God even as they die.
33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right.
And even among foolish people she makes herself known.
34 Doing what is right lifts people up.
But sin brings judgment to any nation.
35 A king is pleased with a wise servant.
But a servant who is full of shame stirs up the king’s anger.
15 A gentle answer turns anger away.
But mean words stir up anger.
2 The tongues of wise people use knowledge well.
But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere.
They watch those who are evil and those who are good.
4 A tongue that calms is like a tree of life.
But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.
5 A foolish person turns their back on their parent’s correction.
But anyone who accepts correction shows understanding.
6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth.
But those who do what is wrong earn only ruin.
7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge.
But the hearts of foolish people are not honest.
8 The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people.
But the prayers of honest people please him.
9 The Lord hates how sinners live.
But he loves those who run after what is right.
10 Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path.
A person who hates to be corrected will die.
11 Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord.
So human hearts certainly lie open to him!
12 People who make fun of others don’t like to be corrected.
So they stay away from wise people.
13 A happy heart makes a face look cheerful.
But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14 A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge.
But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.
15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering.
But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.
16 It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little
than to be rich and have trouble.
17 A few vegetables where there is love
are better than the finest meat where there is hatred.
18 A person with a bad temper stirs up conflict.
But a person who is patient calms things down.
19 The way of people who don’t want to work is blocked with thorns.
But the path of honest people is a wide road.
20 A wise son makes his father glad.
But a foolish son hates his mother.
21 A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things.
But a person who has understanding walks straight ahead.
22 Plans fail without good advice.
But they succeed when there are many advisers.
23 Joy is found in giving the right answer.
And how good is a word spoken at the right time!
24 The path of life leads up for those who are wise.
It keeps them from going down to the place of the dead.
25 The Lord tears down the proud person’s house.
But he keeps the widow’s property safe.
26 The Lord hates the thoughts of sinful people.
But he considers kind words to be pure.
27 Those who always want more bring ruin to their households.
But a person who refuses to be paid to lie will live.
28 The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer.
But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.
29 The Lord is far away from those who do wrong.
But he hears the prayers of those who do right.
30 The cheerful look of a messenger brings joy to your heart.
And good news gives health to your body.
31 Whoever listens to a warning that gives life
will be at home among those who are wise.
32 Those who turn away from correction hate themselves.
But anyone who accepts correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom teaches you to have respect for the Lord.
So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.
16 People make plans in their hearts.
But the Lord puts the correct answer on their tongues.
2 Everything a person does might seem pure to them.
But the Lord knows why they do what they do.
3 Commit to the Lord everything you do.
Then he will make your plans succeed.
4 The Lord works everything out to the proper end.
Even those who do wrong were made for a day of trouble.
5 The Lord hates all those who have proud hearts.
You can be sure that they will be punished.
6 Through love and truth sin is paid for.
People avoid evil when they have respect for the Lord.
7 When the way you live pleases the Lord,
he makes even your enemies live at peace with you.
8 It is better to have a little and do right
than to have a lot and be unfair.
9 In their hearts human beings plan their lives.
But the Lord decides where their steps will take them.
10 A king speaks as if his words come from God.
And what he says does not turn right into wrong.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord.
He made all the weights in the bag.
12 A king hates it when his people do what is wrong.
A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.
13 Kings are pleased when what you say is honest.
They value people who speak what is right.
14 An angry king can order your death.
But a wise person will try to calm him down.
15 When a king’s face is happy, it means life.
His favor is like rain in the spring.
16 It is much better to get wisdom than gold.
It is much better to choose understanding than silver.
17 The path of honest people takes them away from evil.
Those who guard their ways guard their lives.
18 If you are proud, you will be destroyed.
If you are proud, you will fall.
19 Suppose you are lowly in spirit along with those who are treated badly.
That’s better than sharing stolen goods with those who are proud.
20 If anyone pays attention to what they’re taught, they will succeed.
Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord.
21 Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right.
Kind words make people want to learn more.
22 Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it.
But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.
23 The hearts of wise people guide their mouths.
Their words make people want to learn more.
24 Kind words are like honey.
They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.
25 There is a way that appears to be right.
But in the end it leads to death.
26 The hunger of workers makes them work.
Their hunger drives them on.
27 A worthless person plans to do evil things.
Their words are like a burning fire.
28 A twisted person stirs up conflict.
Anyone who talks about others separates close friends.
29 A person who wants to hurt others tries to get them to sin.
That person leads them down a path that isn’t good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is planning to do wrong.
Whoever closes their lips tightly is up to no good.
31 Gray hair is a glorious crown.
You get it by living the right way.
32 It is better to be patient than to fight.
It is better to control your temper than to take a city.
33 Lots are cast into the lap to make decisions.
But everything they decide comes from the Lord.
17 It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace and quiet
than to eat a big dinner in a house full of fighting.
2 A wise servant will rule over a shameful child.
He will be given part of the property as if he were a family member.
3 Fire tests silver, and heat tests gold.
But the Lord tests our hearts.
4 Evil people listen to lies.
Lying people listen to evil.
5 Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker.
Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.
6 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people.
And children are proud of their parents.
7 Fancy words don’t belong in the mouths of ungodly fools.
And lies certainly don’t belong in the mouths of rulers!
8 Those who give money think it will buy them favors.
They think that no matter where they turn, they will succeed.
9 Whoever wants to show love forgives a wrong.
But those who talk about it separate close friends.
10 A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning
than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.
11 An evil person tries to keep others from obeying God.
The messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen
than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.
13 Evil will never leave the house
of anyone who pays back evil for good.
14 Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam.
So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.
15 The Lord hates two things.
He hates it when the guilty are set free.
He also hates it when those who aren’t guilty are punished.
16 Why should a foolish person try to buy wisdom?
They are not even able to understand it.
17 A friend loves at all times.
They are there to help when trouble comes.
18 A person who has no sense agrees to pay what other people owe.
It isn’t wise to promise to pay other people’s bills.
19 The one who loves to argue loves to sin.
The one who builds a high gate is just asking to be destroyed.
20 If your heart is twisted, you won’t succeed.
If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.
21 It is sad to have a foolish child.
The parents of a godless fool have no joy.
22 A cheerful heart makes you healthy.
But a broken spirit dries you up.
23 Anyone who does wrong accepts favors in secret.
Then they turn what is right into what is wrong.
24 Anyone who understands what is right keeps wisdom in view.
But the eyes of a foolish person look everywhere else.
25 A foolish child makes his father sad
and his mother sorry.
26 It isn’t good to fine those who aren’t guilty.
So it certainly isn’t good to whip officials just because they are honest.
27 Anyone who has knowledge controls their words.
Anyone who has understanding is not easily upset.
28 We think even foolish people are wise if they keep silent.
We think they understand what is right if they control their tongues.
18 A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for themselves.
They oppose all good sense by starting fights.
2 Foolish people don’t want to understand.
They take delight in saying only what they think.
3 People hate it when evil comes.
And they refuse to honor those who bring shame.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep water.
But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It isn’t good to favor those who do wrong.
That would keep justice from those who aren’t guilty.
6 What foolish people say leads to arguing.
They are just asking for a beating.
7 The words of foolish people drag them down.
They are trapped by what they say.
8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food.
They go deep down inside you.
9 Anyone who doesn’t want to work
is like someone who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower.
Godly people run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
They think of it as a city with walls that can’t be climbed.
12 If a person’s heart is proud, they will be destroyed.
So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.
13 To answer before listening
is foolish and shameful.
14 A cheerful spirit gives strength even during sickness.
But you can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit.
15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge.
That’s because the ears of those who are wise listen for it.
16 A gift opens the door
and helps the giver meet important people.
17 In court, the first one to speak seems right.
Then someone else comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing.
It will keep the strongest enemies apart.
19 A broken friendship is harder to handle than a city with high walls around it.
And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.
20 Because of what they say a person can fill their stomach.
What their words produce can satisfy them.
21 Your tongue has the power of life and death.
Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.
22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good.
He receives favor from the Lord.
23 Poor people beg for mercy.
But rich people answer in a mean way.
24 A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin.
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19 It is better to be poor and to live without blame
than to be foolish and to twist words around.
2 Getting excited about something without knowledge isn’t good.
It’s even worse to be in a hurry and miss the way.
3 A person’s own foolish acts destroy their life.
But their heart is angry with the Lord.
4 Wealth brings many friends.
But even the closest friend of a poor person abandons them.
5 A dishonest witness will be punished.
And whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6 Many try to win the favor of rulers.
And everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts.
7 Poor people are avoided by their whole family.
Their friends avoid them even more.
The poor person runs after his friends to beg for help.
But they can’t be found.
8 Anyone who gets wisdom loves life.
Anyone who values understanding will soon succeed.
9 A dishonest witness will be punished.
And those who pour out lies will die.
10 It isn’t proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort.
And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!
11 A person’s wisdom makes them patient.
They will be honored if they forgive someone who sins against them.
12 A king’s anger is like a lion’s roar.
But his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin.
A nagging wife is like dripping that never stops.
14 You will receive houses and wealth from your parents.
But a wise wife is given by the Lord.
15 Anyone who doesn’t want to work sleeps his life away.
And a person who refuses to work goes hungry.
16 Those who keep commandments keep their lives.
But those who don’t care how they live will die.
17 Anyone who is kind to poor people lends to the Lord.
God will reward them for what they have done.
18 Train your children, because then there is hope.
Don’t do anything to bring about their deaths.
19 A person with a bad temper must pay for it.
If you save them, you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept correction.
In the end you will be counted among those who are wise.
21 A person may have many plans in their heart.
But the Lord’s purpose wins out in the end.
22 Everyone longs for love that never fails.
It is better to be poor than to be a liar.
23 Having respect for the Lord leads to life.
Then you will be content and free from trouble.
24 A person who doesn’t want to work leaves his hand in the dish.
He won’t even bring it back up to his mouth!
25 If you whip a person who makes fun of others,
childish people will learn to be wise.
If you warn those who already understand what is right,
they will gain even more knowledge.
26 Anyone who robs their father and drives out their mother
is a child who brings shame and dishonor.
27 My son, if you stop listening to what I teach you,
you will wander away from the words of knowledge.
28 A dishonest witness makes fun of what is right.
The mouths of those who do wrong gulp down evil.
29 Those who make fun of others will be judged.
Foolish people will be punished.
20 Wine causes you to make fun of others, and beer causes you to start fights.
Anyone who is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s anger brings terror like a lion’s roar.
Anyone who makes him angry may lose their life.
3 Avoiding a fight brings honor to a person.
But every foolish person is quick to argue.
4 Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t plow in the right season.
When they look for a crop at harvest time, they don’t find it.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are like deep water.
But one who has understanding brings them out.
6 Many claim to have love that never fails.
But who can find a faithful person?
7 Those who do what is right live without blame.
Blessed are their children after them.
8 A king sits on his throne to judge.
He gets rid of all evil when he sees it.
9 No one can say, “I have kept my heart pure.
I’m ‘clean,’ and I haven’t sinned.”
10 The Lord hates two things.
He hates weights that weigh things heavier or lighter than they really are.
He also hates measures that measure things larger or smaller than they really are.
11 Even small children are known by their actions.
So is their conduct really pure and right?
12 The Lord has made two things.
He has made ears that hear.
He has also made eyes that see.
13 Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor.
Stay awake, and you will have more food than you need.
14 “It’s no good. It’s no good!” says a buyer.
Then off they go and brag about what they bought.
15 There is gold, and there are plenty of rubies.
But lips that speak knowledge are a priceless jewel.
16 Take the coat of one who puts up money for what a stranger owes.
Hold it until you get paid back if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by cheating tastes sweet.
But you will end up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are made by asking for guidance.
So if you go to war, get good advice.
19 A person who talks about others tells secrets.
So avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If anyone asks for bad things to happen to their father or mother,
that person’s lamp will be blown out in total darkness.
21 Property that you claim too soon
will not be blessed in the end.
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