Bible in 90 Days
7 Beni (my son), be shomer over my words, and treasure up my mitzvot with thee.
2 Be shomer over my mitzvot, and live, and over my torah as the apple of thine eye.
3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the luach (tablet) of thine lev.
4 Say unto chochmah, Thou art my achot; and call binah (understanding) thy kinsman;
5 That they may be shomer over thee and keep thee from the zarah, from the nokhriyah with her smooth words.
6 For at the chalon (window) of my bais I looked through my lattice,
7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the banim, a na’ar (young man) devoid of lev [of understanding, sense],
8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went on the derech to her bais,
9 In the twilight, at erev, in the black and dark lailah;
10 And, hinei, there met him an isha with the attire of a zonah, and crafty of lev
11 —She is loud and soreret (rebellious, defiant); her raglayim abide not in her bais;
12 Now is she without, now in the rechovot, and lurketh in wait at every pinnah (corner)—
13 So she caught hold of him, and kissed him, and with a brazen ponem said unto him,
14 I have zivkhei shelamim vowed; this yom have I payed my neder.
15 Al ken (therefore) came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with a bedspread of fine linen of Mitzrayim.
17 I have perfumed my mishkav (bed) with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of dodim (loves) until boker; let us delight ourselves with ahavim (loves, pl. of intensity).
19 For the ish (man, i.e., husband) is not b’bais, he is gone a derech merachok (distant journey);
20 He hath taken a bag of kesef with him, and will come back to his bais at the appointed time.
21 By her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with the smoothness of her sfatayim she seduced him.
22 He goeth after her and followeth immediately, as a shor (ox) goeth to tavach (stock yard, slaughter-house), or as the fettered to the musar of the fool;
23 Till a khetz (arrow) strike through his liver; as a tzippor hasteth to the pach (snare), and knoweth not that it is for his nefesh (life).
24 Pay heed unto me now therefore, O ye banim, and attend to the words of my peh (mouth).
25 Let not thine lev turn aside to her drakhim; go not astray in her netivot (trodden paths).
26 For she hath cast down many chalalim (wounded); indeed, many strong men have been slain by her.
27 Her bais is the drakhei Sheol, going down to the chadarim (chambers, rooms) of mavet (death). [T.N. The off-stage character here in chp 7 has been the cuckold. Because of her Ba’al affair, Hashem became the cuckold of Israel even as Hosea became the cuckold of Gomer.]
8 Doth not Chochmah cry out? And Tevunah (understanding) put forth her voice?
2 In the top of high hills, beside the derech (road) in the bais netivot (meeting place of trodden paths, crossroads) nitzavah (she [Lady Wisdom, the lady street preacher] stands).
3 She crieth out at the she’arim (gates), at the entry of the city, at the entrance at the petachim (doorways):
4 Unto you, O ishim, I call out; and my voice is to the Bnei Adam.
5 O ye simple ones, understand armah (prudence); and, ye kesilim, understand in your lev.
6 Hear; for I will speak negidim (noble things, worthy [words]); and the opening of my sfatayim (lips) shall be meisharim (upright, fair things).
7 For my mouth shall speak emes; and resha is an abomination to my sfatayim (lips).
8 All the words of my peh (mouth) are in tzedek; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
9 They are all correct to him that discerneth, and yesharim (straight ones) to them that find da’as (knowledge).
10 Receive my musar, and not kesef; and da’as (knowledge) rather than choice gold.
11 For chochmah is tovah (better, more precious) than pearls; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12 I, Chochmah, dwell with armah (prudence), and find out da’as (knowledge) of mezimot (discretions).
13 The Yirat Hashem is to hate rah; pride, and ga’on (arrogance), and the derech rah, and the perverse peh (mouth), do I hate.
14 Etzah (counsel, advice) is mine, and sound judgment; I am binah; I have gevurah.
15 By me melachim reign, and nobles decree tzedek.
16 By me sarim (princes) rule, and nobles, even all the shofetim of tzedek.
17 I love them that have ahavah for me; and those that seek me shall find me.
18 Osher and kavod are with me; indeed, enduring hon (wealth) and tzedakah.
19 My p’ri is better than gold, indeed, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice kesef.
20 I walk in the orach tzedakah (way of righteousness), in the midst of the netivot (paths) of mishpat,
21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their otzarot.
22 Hashem possessed me in the reshit of His derech, before His works of old.
23 I was set up [to reign] me’olam (from eternity), from the beginning, or ever eretz was.
24 When there were no tehomot, I was brought forth; when there were no springs abounding with mayim.
25 Before the harim were settled, before the geva’ot (hills) was I brought forth;
26 While as yet He had not made eretz, nor the outer places, nor the beginning of the dust of the tevel.
27 When He set in place Shomayim, I was there; when He drew a khoog (circle, horizon) upon the face of the tehom,
28 When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the tehom,
29 When He gave to the yam His chok (decree, limits), that the mayim should not pass its limits, when He appointed the foundations of the Eretz;
30 Then I was etzel (at the side of, beside [see Yn 1:1]) Him, as an Amon (master craftsman, builder, architect, artist); and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him [Mishle 30:4] ;
31 Rejoicing in the tevel of His Eretz; and my delights were with the Bnei Adam.
32 Now therefore pay heed unto me, O ye banim; for ashrei (blessed, happy) are they that are shomer over my drakhim.
33 Hear musar, and be chacham, and disdain it not.
34 Ashrei is adam that heareth me, watching daily at my dalatot, waiting at the mezuzot of my doors.
35 For whosoever findeth me findeth Chayyim, and shall obtain ratzon Hashem.
36 But he that sinneth against me doth chamas against his own nefesh; all they that hate me love mavet.
9 Chochmah hath built her bais, she hath hewn out her seven ammudim;
2 She hath prepared her meat; she hath mixed her yayin; she hath also set her shulchan.
3 She hath sent forth her na’arot; she calleth from the highest points of the city;
4 Whosoever is simple, let him turn in here; as for him that lacketh lev (a heart of understanding), she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my lechem, and drink of the yayin which I have mixed [Yn 6:53-54 OJBC].
6 Forsake the simple ways, and live; and go in the derech binah.
7 He that reproveth a letz (mocker) getteth to himself shame, and he that is a mochiach (reprover) of a wicked man getteth himself a blot stain.
8 Reprove not a letz, lest he hate thee; rebuke a chacham, and he will love thee.
9 Give instruction to a chacham, and he will be yet wiser; teach a tzaddik, and he will increase in learning.
10 The Yirat Hashem is the beginning of chochmah, and the da’as Kedoshim (knowledge of the Holy One) is binah (understanding).
11 For by me thy yamim shall be multiplied, and shanot chayyim shall be increased to thee.
12 If thou be chacham, thou shalt be wise for thyself, but if thou mockest, thou alone shalt suffer.
13 Aishes Kesilut (Dame Folly) is clamorous; she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the petach (doorway) of her bais, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call those passing on the derech (road) who go straight on their way:
16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in here, and as for him that lacketh lev (heart of understanding), she saith to him,
17 Stolen waters are sweet, and lechem eaten in secret is pleasant.
18 But he has no da’as that the dead ones are there; and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
10 The mishle (proverbs) of Sh’lomo. A ben chacham maketh glad an av, but a ben kesil is the grief of his em.
2 Otzarot resha profit nothing, but tzedakah (righteousness) saveth from mavet.
3 Hashem will not suffer the nefesh of the tzaddik to famish, but He thwarteth the craving of the resha’im.
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a negligent palm, but the yad of the diligent maketh wealth.
5 He that gathereth in kayitz is a ben maskil (son of wisdom), but he that sleepeth in katzir (harvest) is a ben that causeth shame.
6 Brakhot are upon the head of the tzaddik, but chamas covereth the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.
7 The memory of the tzaddik is as bracha, but the shem resha’im shall rot.
8 The chacham lev will receive mitzvot, but one with foolish sfatayim (lips) shall be thrust down.
9 He that walketh uprightly walketh securely, but he that perverteth his drakhim shall be known.
10 He that winketh with the ayin causeth trouble, but one with foolish sfatayim shall come to ruin.
11 The peh (mouth) of a tzaddik is a Makor Chayyim, but chamas covereth the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.
12 Sin’ah (hatred) stirreth up medanim (dissensions), but ahavah covereth all peysha’im.
13 In the sfatayim (lips) of him that hath understanding chochmah is found, but a shevet (rod) is for the back of him that is devoid of lev [understanding].
14 Chachamim treasure up da’as (knowledge); but the peh (mouth) of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The oisher’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor ones is their poverty.
16 The wage of the tzaddik leadeth to Chayyim; the wage of the rashah is for chattat [Ro 6:23].
17 He is in the orach (path) of Chayyim that is shomer over musar, but he that abandoneth tokhakhat (reproof) goes astray.
18 He that hideth sin’ah with sfatayim sheker, and he that uttereth a slander, is a kesil (fool).
19 In the multitude of devarim there wanteth not sin, but he that restraineth his sfatayim (lips) is maskil (wise).
20 The lashon of the tzaddik is as choice kesef; the lev of the resha’im is of little worth.
21 The sfatayim (lips) of the tzaddik feed rabbim (many), but fools die for lack of lev [of chochmah].
22 The Birkat Hashem, it maketh wealthy, and He addeth no sorrow with it.
23 It is as sport to a kesil to do zimmah (evil design), but an ish tevunah (man of understanding) hath chochmah.
24 What the rashah dreads, it shall come upon him, but the ta’avat tzaddikim shall be granted.
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the rashah no more, but the tzaddik is a yesod olam (an everlasting foundation).
26 As chometz to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) to them that send him.
27 The Yirat Hashem prolongeth yamim; but the shanot of the resha’im shall be cut short.
28 The prospect of the tzaddikim shall be simchah, but the tikveh of the resha’im shall perish.
29 The Derech Hashem is maoz to the blameless, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30 The tzaddik shall never be removed, but the resha’im shall not inhabit Eretz.
31 The peh (mouth) of the tzaddik bringeth forth chochmah, but the lashon tahpukhot (tongue of perversion, distortion) shall be cut off.
32 The sfatayim (lips) of the tzaddik know what is ratzon (acceptable), but the peh (mouth) of the resha’im speaketh tahpukhot (perversity).
11 A balance of mirmah (dishonesty, deception) is abomination to Hashem, but an even shelemah (perfect stone, just weight) is His ratzon.
2 When zadon (pride) cometh, then cometh kalon (shame, disgrace), but with the humble is chochmah.
3 The integrity of the yesharim (upright ones) shall guide them, but the deceit of the bogedim (treacherous ones) shall destroy them.
4 Hon (riches) profit not in the yom evrah (day of wrath), but tzedakah (righteousness) delivereth from mavet.
5 The tzidkat tamim (righteousness of the blameless) shall make his derech straight, but the rasha shall fall by his own evil.
6 The tzidkat yesharim shall deliver them, but bogedim (treacherous ones) shall be caught in their own evil desire.
7 At the mot adam rasha, his tikveh shall perish, and the expectation of his [surviving] strong ones perisheth.
8 The tzaddik is delivered out of tzoros, but the rashah cometh on to take his place.
9 A chanef (hypocrite, man without G-d) with his peh (mouth) destroyeth his re’a, but through da’as (knowledge) shall the tzaddikim be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the tzaddikim, the city rejoiceth, and when the resha’im perish, there is rinnah (joyful shouting).
11 By the birkat yesharim the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.
12 He that is devoid of lev [of understanding] despiseth his re’a, but an ish tevunot holdeth his peace.
13 A bringer of rekhil (gossip, rekhilut) revealeth sod (secrets, confidences), but he that is of a ne’eman ruach concealeth the matter.
14 Where no strategic policy is, the nation falls, but in the multitude of yoetz (counsellors, advisors) there is teshu’ah (victory, safety).
15 He that is guaranty for a zar shall suffer for it, and he that hateth pledging collateral is secure.
16 An eshet chen retaineth kavod (honor, respect), but ruthless men retain osher.
17 The ish chesed (merciful man) doeth good to his own nefesh, but he that is cruel harmeth his own self.
18 The reshah worketh a wage of sheker, but to him that soweth tzedakah (righteousness) shall be a sachar emes (sure reward).
19 As tzedakah (righteousness) leadeth to Chayyim, so he that pursueth ra’ah pursueth it to his own mot (death).
20 They that are of a perverse lev are an abomination to Hashem, but such as are upright in their derech are His delight.
21 Though yad join in yad, the rah shall not go unpunished, but the zera of the tzaddikim shall be delivered.
22 As a ring of zahav in the snout of a chazir, so is an isha yafah which is without ta’am (judgment, discretion).
23 The ta’avat tzaddikim is only tov, but the tikveh of the resha’im is wrath.
24 There is that which scattereth, and yet increaseth more; and there is that which withholdeth more than is yosher, but it leadeth to machsor (want, need, poverty).
25 The nefesh brocha (generous person) shall be made to prosper, and he that watereth shall be refreshed also himself.
26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him, but brocha shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh tov procureth ratzon, but he that seeketh ra’ah, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the tzaddik shall flourish like the green leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own bais shall inherit the ruach (wind), and the fool shall be eved to the chacham lev.
30 The p’ri tzedek is Etz Chayyim, and he that winneth nefashot is chacham (wise).
31 If the tzaddik are recompensed on ha’aretz (the earth), much more the rashah and the choteh (sinner).
12 He who loveth musar loveth da’as, but he that hateth tokhakhat (reproof, correction) is ba’ar (a boorish, ignorant person).
2 A tov (good man) obtaineth ratzon (favor) from Hashem, but an ish mezimor (a man of crafty devices) will He condemn.
3 An adam shall not be made secure by resha, but the shoresh tzaddikim (root of the righteous ones) shall not be moved. [T.N. Cf 12:4 and 31:10.]
4 An aishes chayil (a woman of valor, an excellent wife) is an ateret to her ba’al, but she that bringeth shame is like rottenness in his atzmot.
5 The thoughts of the tzaddikim are right, but the tachbulot (guidance) of the resha’im are mirmah (deceitful).
6 The devarim of the resha’im are to lie in wait for dahm, but the peh (mouth) of the yesharim (upright ones) shall deliver them.
7 The resha’im are overthrown, and are no more, but the bais tzaddikim shall stand.
8 An ish shall be commended according to his seichel, but he that is of a perverse mind shall be despised.
9 He that is lightly esteemed, and hath an eved, is better than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh lechem.
10 A tzaddik regardeth the nefesh (life) of his behemah (beast), but the compassion of the reshaim is cruel.
11 He that worketh his adamah shall be satisfied with lechem, but he that chaseth after worthless persons is devoid of lev [of understanding].
12 The resha coveteth the catch of ra’im (evil men), but the shoresh (root) of the tzaddikim yieldeth fruit.
13 The rah is ensnared by the peysha (transgression) of his sfatayim (lips), but the tzaddik shall escape from tzoros.
14 An ish shall be filled with tov by the fruit of his peh (mouth), and the recompence of the hands of adam shall be rendered unto him.
15 The derech of a fool is yashar (right) in his own eynayim, but he that payeth heed unto etzah is chacham (wise).
16 A fool’s wrath is known immediately, but a prudent man covereth kalon (shame, disgrace, shameful nakedness).
17 He that speaketh emunah declareth tzedek, but an ed shekarim, mirmah.
18 There is one who speaketh rash words like the wounding of a cherev, but the lashon of the chachamim promotes marpeh (healing).
19 The lip of emes shall be established forever, but a lashon sheker is but for a moment.
20 Mirmah (deceit) is in the lev of them that plot rah, but to the counsellors of shalom is simchah.
21 There shall no harm befall the tzaddik, but the resha’im shall be filled with rah.
22 Sfatayim (lips) of sheker are to’evah to Hashem, but they that deal emunah (faithfully, truthfully) are His delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth da’as, but the lev kesilim (mind of fools) preaches folly.
24 The yad of the kharutzim (diligent ones) shall rule, but the remiyyah (deceitfully lazy man) shall be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in the lev ish causeth depression, but a davar tov cheers it up.
26 The tzaddik prevaileth advantageously over his neighbor, but the derech resha’im leads them astray.
27 The remiyyah (deceitfully lazy man) roasteth not that which he took in hunting, but diligence is the precious possession of man.
28 In the orach tzedakah (way of righteousness) is chayyim, and in the derech netivot (pathway) thereof there is no mavet.
13 A ben chacham heareth his musar av, but a scoffer heareth not ge’arah (scolding, rebuke).
2 An ish shall eat tov by the fruit of his peh (mouth), but the nefesh of the bogedim (unfaithful ones, traitors) shall eat chamas.
3 He that is shomer over his peh (mouth) guards his nefesh, but he that openeth wide his sfatayim (lips) shall have ruin.
4 The nefesh of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) desireth, and hath nothing, but the nefesh of the kharutzim (diligent ones) shall have ample provision.
5 A tzaddik hateth sheker, but a wicked man is shamefully loathsome, and bringeth disgrace.
6 Tzedakah is guard over him whose derech is blameless, but wickedness overthroweth the chattat (sinner).
7 There is one who maketh himself out to be rich, yet hath nothing; there is one that maketh himself out to be poor, yet hath hon rav (great wealth).
8 The riches of an ish is kofer (ransom) for his nefesh (life), but the poor heareth no threat.
9 The ohr (light) of the tzaddik rejoiceth, but the ner (lamp) of the resha’im (wicked) shall be put out.
10 By zadon (pride) cometh only contention, but with the teachable is chochmah.
11 Hon (wealth) gotten by dishonesty shall be diminished, but he that gathereth incrementally shall have an increment.
12 Hope deferred maketh the lev sick, but when the ta’avah (desire) cometh, it is an Etz Chayyim (Tree of Life).
13 He who despiseth the davar shall be destroyed, but he that feareth the mitzvah shall be rewarded.
14 The torat chacham (teaching of the wise) is a makor chayyim (fountain of life), to turn one away from the snares of mavet.
15 Seichel tov giveth favor, but the derech bogedim (way of traitors) is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts with da’as, but a kesil (fool) displays his folly.
17 A malach rasha falleth into rah (trouble), but a tzir emunim (trustworthy envoy) is marpeh (healing).
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that disdains musar, but he that is shomer over tokhakhat (reproof) shall be honored.
19 The ta’avah (desire, longing) fulfilled is sweet to the nefesh, but it is to’evat kesilim (the abomination of fools) to depart from rah.
20 He that walketh with chachamim shall be wise, but a companion of kesilim (fools) shall come to harm.
21 Ra’ah (disaster) pursueth chatta’im (sinners), but tov is the reward of the tzaddikim.
22 A tov (good man) leaveth an inheritance to his bnei banim, and the wealth of the choteh (sinner) is laid up for the tzaddik.
23 Rav ochel (much food) is in the untilled ground of the poor, but for want of mishpat (justice) it is swept away.
24 He that spareth his shevet (rod) hateth bno (his son), but he that loveth him is diligent in his musar (discipline).
25 The tzaddik (righteous) eateth to the satisfying of his nefesh (soul), but the beten (stomach) of the resha’im shall want.
14 Chachmot nashim buildeth her bais, but the foolish pulleth it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his yashar feareth Hashem, but he that is devious in his drakhim despiseth Him.
3 In the peh (mouth) of the fool is a rod of ga’avah (pride), but the sfatayim (lips) of the chachamim shall be shomer over them and preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the evus (feeding trough) is clean, but much increase is by the ko’ach of the shor (ox).
5 An ed emunim will not lie, but an ed sheker will utter lies.
6 A scoffer seeketh chochmah, and findeth it not, but da’as cometh easily unto him that is discerning.
7 Go from the presence of an ish kesil, when thou perceivest not in him the sfatayim (lips) of da’as (knowledge).
8 The chochmah of the prudent is to understand his derech, but the folly of kesilim is mirmah (deceit).
9 Fools mock at guilt, but among the yesharim (upright ones) there is ratzon (favor).
10 The lev knoweth its own bitterness, and a zar (stranger) doth not share its simchah.
11 The bais of the resha’im shall be shmad, but the ohel of the yesharim shall flourish.
12 There is a derech (road) which seemeth yashar (right) unto an ish, but the acharit (latter end, future) thereof are the drakhim of mavet.
13 Even in sekhok (laughter) the lev is sad, and the acharit (latter end) of that simchah is grief.
14 The sug (backslider, faithless one) in lev is filled with his own drakhim (roads), but an ish tov shall be satisfied from above himself.
15 The naive believeth every davar, but the prudent looketh with care to his steps.
16 A chacham feareth, and departeth from rah, but the kesil throweth off restraint and is arrogantly reckless.
17 He that is quicktempered dealeth folly, and an ish mezimot (a man of crafty schemes) is hated.
18 The naive inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with da’as.
19 The ra’im will bow before the tov’im, and the resha’im at the she’arim of the tzaddik.
20 The poor is hated even by his own re’a (neighbor), but the oisher hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his re’a sinneth, but he that is kind to the anayim (needy ones), happy is he.
22 Do they not go astray that plot rah? But chesed and emes shall be to them that plan tov.
23 In all hard work there is profit, but idle chatter of the sfatayim (lips) tendeth only to makhsor (poverty, want).
24 The ateret chachamim is their riches, but the foolishness of kesilim is folly.
25 An ed emes (true witness) saveth nefashot (souls, lives), but a lying witness is a betrayer.
26 In the Yirat Hashem is strong confidence, and his banim shall have a place of refuge.
27 The Yirat Hashem is a makor chayyim (fountain of life) to turn one away from the snares of mavet.
28 In the multitude of people is the glory of a melech, but in the lack of subjects is the ruin of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of rav tevunah (great understanding), but he that is angrily impulsive exalteth folly.
30 A lev marpeh (sound mind) is life to the basar, but kinah (envy) is the rottenness of the atzmot (bones).
31 He that oppresseth the dal (poor) showeth contempt for his Oseh (Maker), but he that honoreth Him is kind to the evyon (needy).
32 The reshah is banished in his ra’ah, but the tzaddik hath refuge in his mot (death).
33 In the lev of the discerning reposes chochmah, but that which is in kesilim is made known.
34 Tzedakah exalteth a nation, but chattat (sin) is a reproach to any people.
35 The ratzon melech (king’s favor) is toward an eved maskil (a wise servant), but his wrath is against him that bringeth shame.
15 A soft answer turneth away chemah (wrath); but harsh devarim stir up anger.
2 The lashon of chachamim useth da’as aright, but the peh (mouth) of kesilim (fools) poureth out folly.
3 The eynayim of Hashem are in kol makom (every place), watching the ra’im and the tovim.
4 A marpeh lashon (a tongue of healing) is an Etz Chayyim, but selef (perversity) therein is crushing to the ruach (spirit).
5 A fool spurns his musar av, but he that is shomer over tokhakhat (reproof) is prudent.
6 In the bais of the tzaddik is much treasure, but in the revenues of the rashah is trouble.
7 The sfatayim (lips) of chachamim disperse da’as, but the lev of kesilim doeth not so.
8 The zevach of the resha’im is a to’evah to Hashem, but the tefillah (prayer) of the yesharim is His delight.
9 The derech rashah is a to’evah unto Hashem, but He loveth him that pursueth tzedakah.
10 Musar is grievous unto him that forsaketh the orach (way), and he that hateth tokhakhat (reproof) shall die.
11 Sheol and Avaddon are before Hashem, how much more then the hearts of Bnei Adam?
12 A scoffer loveth not one that correcteth him, neither will he go unto chachamim.
13 A lev same’ach maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the lev the ruach is broken.
14 The lev of him that hath understanding seeketh da’as, but the peh (mouth) of kesilim feedeth on folly.
15 All the days of the oni are ra’im, but he that is of a tov lev hath a mishteh tamid (a continual feast).
16 Better is little with the Yirat Hashem than otzar rav (great treasure) and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a meal of yarak (vegetables) where love is, than a fatted calf and sinah (hatred) therewith.
18 An ish chemah (angry man) stirreth up madon (strife), but he that is slow to anger pacifies a quarrel.
19 The derech (road) of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) is a thorny hedge, but the orach yesharim (way of the upright) is a highway.
20 A ben chacham maketh glad an av, but a kesil adam despiseth immo.
21 Folly is simchah to him that is destitute of lev [of discernment], but an ish tevunah walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel, plans go amiss, but in the multitude of yo’atzim (counsellors) they are established.
23 An ish hath simchah in the apt reply of his peh (mouth), and a timely davar, mah tov (how good!)
24 The Orach Chayyim leads upward to the wise, in order that he may depart from Sheol beneath.
25 Hashem will destroy the bais of the proud, but he will maintain the boundary of the almanah.
26 The thoughts of the rah are a to’evah to Hashem, but the words of the tehorim (pure ones) are pleasant.
27 He that is greedy of unjust gain troubleth his own bais, but he that hateth mattanot (bribes) shall live.
28 The lev tzaddik studieth how to answer, but the peh (mouth) of the resha’im poureth out evil things.
29 Hashem is far from the resha’im, but He heareth the tefillah of the tzaddikim.
30 The ohr (light) of the eynayim rejoiceth the lev, and a good report giveth health to the etzem.
31 The ozen that heareth the tokhakhat chayyim (reproof of life) lodgeth among chachamim.
32 He that refuseth musar despiseth his own nefesh, but he that heareth tokhakhat (reproof) gaineth lev [of understanding].
33 The Yirat Hashem is the musar of chochmah; and before kavod (honor) is anavah (humility).
16 The plans of the lev belong to adam, and the answer of the lashon is from Hashem.
2 All the drakhei ish are pure in his own eynayim, but Hashem weigheth the ruchot.
3 Commit thy ma’asim (works) unto Hashem, and thy plans shall be established.
4 Hashem works out all things for Himself, indeed, even the rasha (wicked) for the Yom Ra’ah (day of evil).
5 Every one that is proud in lev is to’evat Hashem; though yad join in yad, he shall not go unpunished.
6 By chesed and emes avon is purged, and by the Yirat Hashem men depart from rah.
7 When drakhei ish please Hashem, He maketh even his oyevim to be in shalom with him.
8 Better is a little with tzedakah than great revenues without mishpat (justice).
9 The lev adam plans his derech, but Hashem directeth his steps.
10 A kesem (oracle) is on the sfatayim (lips) of Melech, his peh (mouth) must not betray mishpat.
11 A just weight and balance are Hashem’s, all the weights of the bag are His concern.
12 It is to’evat melachim to commit resha (wickedness), for the kisse is established through tzedakah.
13 Sfatayim (lips) of tzedek are the delight of melachim; and they love him that speaketh yesharim (upright things).
14 The wrath of a melech is as malachim of mavet, but an ish chacham will appease it.
15 In the light of the countenance of melech is chayyim, and his favor is like the cloud of a spring rain.
16 How much better is it to acquire chochmah than zahav, and acquiring binah (understanding) a better choice than kesef!
17 The mesilat yesharim (highway of the upright) is to depart from rah; he that guards his derech is shomer over his nefesh (soul).
18 Ga’on (pride) goeth before shever (destruction), and a ruach of haughtiness before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of a humble ruach among the anayim, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20 He that wisely heeds the Davar shall find tov (good), and he who trusteth in Hashem, happy is he.
21 The chacham lev shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the sfatayim (lips) adds to learning.
22 Seichel is a Makor Chayyim unto him that hath it, but the musar (instruction, discipline) of fools is folly.
23 The lev chacham guides his peh (mouth), and addeth learning to his sfatayim (lips).
24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the nefesh, and marpeh (healing) to the atzmot (bones).
25 There is a derech that seemeth yashar (right) before an ish, but its acharit (future, latter end) is the drakhei mavet.
26 The nefesh (appetite) of the laborer works for him, for his peh (mouth) of hunger driveth him on.
27 An ish Beliya’al diggeth up ra’ah, and in his sfatayim (lips) there is as a scorching eish.
28 A perverse ish soweth madon (strife, dissension), and a whisperer separateth close friends.
29 An ish chamas enticeth his re’a, and leadeth him into the derech that is not good.
30 He winking his eynayim to plot perverse things, compressing his sfatayim (lips), bringeth ra’ah to pass.
31 The silvery hair is an ateret tiferet; it is found in the derech tzedakah.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the gibbor; and he that ruleth his ruach than he that captures a city.
33 The goral is cast into the kheyk (lap), but the whole decision thereof is from Hashem.
17 Better is a dry crust, and quietness therewith, than a bais full of zevakhim (sacrificial religious meals) with strife.
2 An eved maskil (wise servant) shall have rule over a ben that causeth shame, and shall have a share of the nachalah among the achim.
3 The crucible is for kesef, and the furnace for zahav, but Hashem is the testor of hearts.
4 An evildoer giveth heed to false sfatayim (lips), and a sheker (liar) giveth ear to a spiteful lashon.
5 He who mocketh the poor showeth contempt for his Oseh (Maker), and he that gloats at calamities shall not go unpunished.
6 Bnei banim are the ateret of zekenim; and the tiferet of banim are their avot.
7 Eloquent speech becometh not a naval (fool), much less do lying sfatayim (lips) a ruler.
8 A shochad (gift, bribe) is like a charm in the eynayim of him that hath it: wherever he turneth, he prospereth.
9 He that covereth a peysha (transgression) seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth the best of friends.
10 Ge’arah (scolding) goeth deeper into a meiven than a hundred blows into a kesil (fool).
11 A rah seeketh only rebellion; therefore a merciless malach shall be sent to him.
12 Let an ish meet a dov robbed of her cubs rather than a kesil in his folly.
13 He who rewardeth ra’ah for tovah, ra’ah shall not depart from his bais.
14 The beginning of madon (strife) is like releasing mayim, therefore stop contention before a quarrel begins.
15 He that justifieth the rashah, and he that condemneth the tzaddik, even they both are to’evah to Hashem.
16 Why is there the purchase price in the yad of a kesil (fool) to acquire chochmah, seeing he hath no lev for it?
17 The re’a (friend) loveth at all times, and a brother is born for tzarah (adversity).
18 Adam devoid of lev [of understanding] shaketh hands in pledge, and becometh the security deposit for his neighbor.
19 He loveth peysha (transgression, sin) that loveth strife, and he that maketh his threshold high seeketh shever (fracture).
20 He that hath a crooked mind findeth no tov, and he that hath a deceitful lashon falleth into ra’ah.
21 He that begetteth a kesil doeth it to his sorrow, and the avi naval hath no simchah.
22 A lev same’ach doeth tov like a medicine, but a downcast ruach drieth up the bones.
23 A rasha accepts a shochad (bribe) out of the kheyk (bosom, i.e., secretly) to pervert the orkhot mishpat (paths of justice).
24 Chochmah is before the meiven (discerning one); but the eynayim of a kesil are on the ends of ha’aretz.
25 A ben kesil is a ka’as (grief) to aviv (his father), and bitterness to her that bore him.
26 Also to punish the tzaddik is not tov, nor to flog officials for their yashar (uprightness, integrity).
27 He that hath da’as spareth his words, and an ish tevunah (man of understanding) is of a calm ruach.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted chacham, and he that shutteth his sfatayim (lips) is esteemed a man of understanding.
18 A man who separates himself seeks his own ta’avah (desire); he defies all tushiyyah (wisdom, sound judgment).
2 A kesil (fool) hath no delight in tevunah (understanding), but only in airing out his lev (mind, opinions).
3 When the rashah cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonor, cherpah (reproach, disgrace).
4 The devarim of a man’s mouth are deep mayim; the makor chochmah is a flowing stream.
5 It is not tov to show partiality to the rashah, to subvert the tzaddik in mishpat.
6 The sfatayim (lips) of a kesil enter into contention, and his peh (mouth) inviteth blows.
7 The peh (mouth) of a kesil is his undoing, and his sfatayim (lips) are the mokesh (snare) of his nefesh.
8 The devarim of a nirgan (gossip, talebearer, slanderer) are like mitlachamim (delicious tidbits), and they go down into the innermost parts of the beten (belly).
9 He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is ba’al mashchit (master of destruction).
10 The Shem of Hashem is a strong migdal (tower), the tzaddik runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The oisher’s wealth is his strong city, and is a high chomah in his own conceit.
12 Before shever (destruction) the lev ish is haughty, and before kavod is anavah (humility).
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and kelimmah (reproach, shame) unto him.
14 The ruach ish will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed ruach who can bear?
15 The lev of the prudent acquireth da’as, and the ozen of the chachamim seeketh da’as.
16 The mattan adam (gift of a man) openeth the way for him, and bringeth him before gedolim.
17 He that is harishon (the first) to make his case seemeth tzaddik, but his re’a cometh and doth cross-examine him.
18 The goral (lot) causeth contentions to cease, and keepeth the mighty apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentious quarrelings are like the bars of an armon (citadel).
20 An ish’s beten shall be filled with the fruit of his peh (mouth), and with the produce of his sfatayim (lips) shall he be satisfied.
21 Mavet and chayyim are in the power of the lashon, and they that love it shall eat the p’ri (fruit) thereof.
22 He who findeth an isha (wife) findeth tov, and obtaineth ratzon (favor) from Hashem.
23 The poor useth entreaties, but the oisher answereth roughly.
24 An ish of many companions may come to ruin, but there is an ohev (friend) that sticketh closer than a brother.
19 Better is the poor that walketh in his tohm (integrity, guilelessness), than he that is perverse in his sfatayim (lips), and is a kesil (fool).
2 Also, that the nefesh (desire) be without da’as, it is not tov, and he that hasteth with his raglayim (feet) sinneth.
3 The folly of adam maketh his derech crooked, yet his lev rages against Hashem.
4 Wealth maketh many friends, but the dal (poor) is separated from his re’a (neighbor).
5 An ed shekarim (false witness) shall not go unpunished, and he that speaketh kezavim (lies) shall not escape.
6 Rabbim (many) will entreat the favor of the ruler, and every ish is the re’a (friend) to him that giveth mattan (gifts).
7 All the kin of the rahsh (pauper) do hate him; how much more does his friend avoid him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are not there.
8 He that getteth lev [of understanding] loveth his own nefesh; he that is shomer over tevunah (understanding) shall find tov.
9 An ed shekarim (false witness) shall not go unpunished, and he that speaketh kezavim (lies) shall perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a kesil (fool); much less for an eved to have rule over sarim.
11 The seichel adam deferreth his anger, and it is his tiferet (glory) to pass over a peysha (transgression).
12 The wrath of a melech is like the roaring of a lion, but his ratzon (favor) is as tal (dew) upon the esev (grass).
13 A ben kesil is the calamity of aviv (his father), and the contentions of an isha are a constant dripping [i.e., an irritant].
14 Bais and hon (wealth) are the nachalah avot, and a prudent isha (wife) is from Hashem.
15 Atzlah (slothfulness, laziness) casteth into a tardemah (deep sleep), and a nefesh remiyyah (a deceitfully lazy soul) shall suffer hunger.
16 He that is shomer over the mitzvah is shomer over his own nefesh, but he that is reckless in his drakhim shall die.
17 He that hath compassion on the dal (poor) lendeth unto Hashem; and for his benefits He will repay him.
18 Chasten binecha (thy son) while there is yet tikvah, and give not in to thy nefesh (desire) to kill him.
19 One of gadol chemah (great temper) shall bear onesh (punishment), for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear etzah, and accept musar, that thou mayest be wise in thy acharit (latter end, future).
21 There are many plans in a lev ish; nevertheless it is the etzah of Hashem that shall stand.
22 The ta’avah (what is desirable) in an adam is his chesed, and a rahsh (pauper) is better than an ish kazav (liar).
23 The Yirat Hashem tendeth to chayyim, and he that hath it shall rest secure; he shall not be visited by rah.
24 An atzel (sluggard, lazy one) thrusteth his yad into his dish, and will not so much as bring it back to his peh (mouth) again.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn what is prudent, and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand da’as.
26 He that mistreateth his av, and driveth out his em, is a ben that causeth shame, and bringeth cherpah.
27 Cease, beni (my son), to hear musar and thou shalt go astray from the words of da’as.
28 An ed beliya’al (corrupt witness) scorneth mishpat (justice), and the peh (mouth) of the resha’im devoureth iniquity.
29 Shefatim (penalties, judgments) are prepared for scoffers, and for kesilim, beatings for the back.
20 The yayin is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever is seduced to be led astray thereby is not wise.
2 The wrath of a melech is as the roaring of a lion; he who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own nefesh.
3 It is kavod for an ish to cease from strife, but any fool can start a quarrel.
4 The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) will not plow by reason of choref (winter, cold); therefore shall he beg at katzir (harvest), and have nothing.
5 Etzah (purpose; see Yn 2:24-25 ) in the lev ish is like deep mayim, but an ish tevunah will draw it out.
6 Rav adam will proclaim every one his own chesed, but an ish emunim (faithful man, loyal man) who can find one?
7 The tzaddik walketh in his tohm (integrity, guilelessness); his banim after him are blessed.
8 A melech that sitteth in the kisse din (throne of judgment) winnows out all rah with his eynayim.
9 Who can say, I have made my lev pure, I am tahor from my chattat?
10 Differing weights, and differing measures, both of them are alike to’evah to Hashem.
11 Even a na’ar (child) is known by his ways, whether his conduct be pure, and whether it be yashar (right).
12 The hearing ozen, and the seeing ayin, Hashem hath made even both of them.
13 Love not sheynah (sleep), lest thou come to poverty; open thine eynayim, and thou shalt have enough lechem.
14 It is good for nothing, it is naught, saith the koneh (buyer), but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is zahav, and a multitude of rubies, but the sfatayim (lips) of da’as are a precious jewel.
16 Take his garment that is guaranty for a zar (stranger), and hold it as his pledge for a nokhriyah (foreign woman, strange woman, seductress).
17 Lechem from sheker (deceit) is sweet to an ish, but afterwards his peh (mouth) shall be filled with gravel.
18 Every plan is established by etzah, and with tachbulot (guidance) wage milchamah.
19 He that goeth about as a rakhil (gossip, slanderer, talebearer) revealeth secrets; therefore associate not with the babbler.
20 He who curseth aviv or immo, his ner (lamp) shall be put out in deep choshech.
21 A nachalah (inheritance) may be gotten hastily at the rishonah (beginning); but the acharit (latter end) thereof shall not have a bracha.
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