Bible in 90 Days
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Wait upon the LORD, and He shall save you.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD; and deceitful balances are not good.
24 The steps of man are ruled by the LORD. How, then, can a man understand his own way?
25 It is a snare for a man to rashly declare holiness, and afterward to make inquiry.
26 A wise king scatters the wicked and causes the wheel to turn over them.
27 The light of the LORD is the spirit of man and searches all parts of his core.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king. For his throne shall be established with mercy.
29 The beauty of young men is their strength. And the glory of the aged is the gray head.
30 As bruises scour away evil, so do blows to the core of the body.
21 In the hand of the LORD, the king’s heart is as the rivers of waters. He turns it wherever it pleases him.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. But the LORD ponders the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 A haughty look and a proud heart (the light of the wicked) is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent surely bring abundance. But whoever is hasty surely comes to poverty.
6 The gathering of treasures by a deceitful tongue is vanity, tossed to and fro by those who seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them. For they have refused to execute judgment.
8 The way of some is perverted and strange. But the pure man’s work is right.
9 It is better to dwell on a corner of the housetop than to share the house with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked wishes evil, and his neighbor has no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple are made wise. And when one instructs the wise, he will receive knowledge.
12 The righteous teaches the house of the wicked. But God overthrows the wicked for their evil.
13 He who stops his ear at the crying of the poor shall also cry and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the bosom, great wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment. But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders out of the way of wisdom shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the just; and the transgressor for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman.
20 In the house of the wise is a pleasant treasure and oil, but a foolish man devours it.
21 He who follows after righteousness and mercy shall find life, righteousness and glory.
22 A wise man goes up into the city of the mighty and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 He who keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps his soul from afflictions.
24 Proud, haughty, and scornful are his name who works wrath in his arrogance.
25 The desire of the slothful slays him; for his hands refuse to work.
26 He always covets greedily. But the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. How much more when he brings it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish. But he who hears him, speaks continually.
29 A wicked man hardens his face. But as for the just, He will direct his way.
30 There is neither wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle. But salvation is from the LORD.
22 A good name is to be chosen above great riches. And loving favor is above silver and above gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together, the LORD the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man sees the plague and hides himself. But the foolish go on still, and are punished.
4 The reward of humility and the fear of God is riches and glory and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse. But he who guards his soul will depart far from them.
6 Teach a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he shall not depart from it.
7 The rich rules the poor. And the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity shall reap affliction. And the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He who has a generous eye shall be blessed, for he gives his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scoffer, and strife shall go out. Indeed, contention and dishonor shall cease.
11 He who loves pureness of heart shall the king befriend, because of the grace of his lips.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge. But He overthrows the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful says, “A lion is outside. I shall be killed in the street.”
14 The mouth of strange women is as a deep pit. He with whom the LORD is angry shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. But the rod of correction shall drive it away from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor for his own gain, giving to the rich, shall surely come to poverty.
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.
18 For it shall be pleasant if you keep them in your core; and if they are set together on your lips.
19 That your confidence may be in the LORD, I have shown you this day. Yes, you.
20 Have I not written to you before in counsels and knowledge,
21 that I might show you the assurance of the words of truth; and to answer words of truth to those who have sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor; nor oppress the afflicted in the gate.
23 For the LORD will defend their cause and spoil the soul of those who spoil them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man, nor go with the furious man,
25 lest you learn his ways and receive destruction to your soul.
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in pledges; nor among those who are surety for debts.
27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?
28 You shall not remove the ancient boundaries which your fathers have made.
29 You see that a man who is diligent in his business stands before kings; and does not stand before the lowly.
23 When you sit to eat with a ruler, diligently consider what is before you;
2 and put your knife to your throat if you are a man given to overeating.
3 Do not be desirous of his delicacies. For it is deceptive food.
4 Do not overwork to be rich. Cease from your own understanding.
5 Will you set your eyes on that which is nothing? For riches takes to her wings, as an eagle, and flies into the sky.
6 Do not eat the bread of him who has an evil eye; nor desire his delicacies.
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so he is. He will say to you, “Eat and drink.” But his heart is not with you.
8 You shall vomit your morsel that you have eaten, and you shall lose your sweet words.
9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool. For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not remove the ancient boundaries. And do not enter into the fields of the fatherless.
11 For He who redeems them is mighty. He will defend their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction; and your ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold correction from the child. If you strike him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 You shall strike him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from Hell.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart shall rejoice (and I also).
16 Indeed, my core shall rejoice when your lips speak righteous things.
17 Do not let your heart be envious against sinners. But let it be in the fear of the LORD, continually.
18 For surely there is an end. And your hope shall not be cut off.
19 O my son, hear, and be wise. And guide your heart in the way.
20 Do not keep company with drunkards, nor with gluttons.
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall be poor. And the sleeper shall be clothed with rags.
22 Obey your father who has begotten you. And do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, but do not sell it (likewise wisdom, instruction, and understanding).
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice. And he who begets a wise child shall have joy from him.
25 Your father and your mother shall be glad. And she who bore you shall rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
27 For a whore is as a deep ditch. And a strange woman is as a narrow pit.
28 Also, she lies in wait, as if for a prey. And she increases the transgressors among men.
29 To whom is woe? To whom is sorrow? To whom is strife? To whom is murmuring? To whom are wounds without cause? To whom is the redness of the eyes?
30 It is to those who linger long at the wine; to those who go and seek mixed wine.
31 Do not look at the wine when it is red; when it shows its color in the cup or goes down pleasantly.
32 In the end, it will bite like a serpent; and hurt like a viper.
33 Your eyes shall look upon strange women. And your heart shall speak lewd things.
34 And you shall be as one who sleeps in the midst of the sea; or who sleeps on the top of the mast, saying,
35 “They have stricken me, but I was not sick. They have beaten me, but I did not know it.” Therefore, when I awake, I will still seek it.
24 Do not be envious against evil men, nor desire to be with them.
2 For their heart imagines destruction, and their lips speak mischief.
3 Through wisdom is a house built. And with understanding it is established.
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is strong. For a man of understanding increases his strength.
6 For with counsel you shall wage your war. And health is in a multitude of counselors.
7 Wisdom is high to a fool. He cannot open his mouth in the gate.
8 He who plots to do evil, men shall call him an author of wickedness.
9 The wicked thought of a fool is sin. And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10 If you sink down on the day of adversity, your strength is small.
11 Deliver those who are drawn to death. And will you not preserve those who are led to be slain?
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know of this”, does not He Who ponders hearts understand it? And does not He Who keeps your soul know it? Will He not also repay every man according to his works?
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good; and the honeycomb, for it is sweet to your mouth.
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul if you find it. And there shall be an end; and your hope shall not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the house of the righteous. And do not spoil his resting place.
16 For a just man falls seven times and rises again. But the wicked fall into mischief.
17 Do not be glad when your enemy falls. And do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles;
18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him. And He turns His wrath from him.
19 Do not fret because of the malicious, nor be envious of the wicked.
20 For there shall be no posterity for the evil. The light of the wicked shall be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD, and the King. Do not associate with those given to change.
22 For their destruction shall rise suddenly. And who knows the ruin of them both?
23 Also, these things pertain to the wise: It is not good to show partiality to any person in judgment.
24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous”, the people shall curse him. And the multitude shall abhor him.
25 But to those who rebuke him, shall be pleasure. And upon them shall come the blessing of goodness.
26 They shall kiss the lips of him who answers uprightly.
27 Prepare your outside work and make ready your things in the field. And afterward, build your house.
28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me. I will recompense every man according to his work.”
30 I passed by the field of the slothful; and by the vineyard of the man destitute of understanding.
31 And lo, it was all grown over with thorns; nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I looked. I considered it well. I looked at it and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.
34 So your poverty comes as drifter, and your necessity like an armed man.
25 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, King of Judah, copied out.
2 The glory of God is to conceal a thing. But the King’s honor is to search out a thing.
3 As the heavens in height and the Earth in depth, so the king’s heart is unsearchable.
4 Take the dross from the silver, and there shall proceed a vessel for the refiner.
5 Take away the wicked from the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6 Do not boast before the king, and do not stand in the place of great men.
7 For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here”, than for you to be lowered in the presence of the Prince whom your eyes have seen.
8 Do not go forth hastily to strife, lest you do not know what to do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame.
9 Debate your matter with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret to another,
10 lest he who hears it puts you to shame, and your infamy does not cease.
11 A timely word spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 He who rebukes the wise and obedient ear, is as a golden earring and an ornament of fine gold.
13 As the cold of the snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him. For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 A man who falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 A prince is pacified by forbearance, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.
16 If you have found honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you be glutted and vomit it.
17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a hammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a disjointed foot.
20 He who takes away a garment in the cold is like pouring vinegar on soda, or like him who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If he who hates you is hungry, give him bread to eat. And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 For you shall lay coals upon his head. And the LORD shall repay you.
23 The north wind drives away the rain, and an angry face the slanderous tongue.
24 It is better to dwell on a corner of the housetop than to share the house with a contentious woman.
25 As are cold waters to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 A righteous man faltering before the wicked is like a polluted well and a corrupt spring.
27 It is not good to eat much honey; just as it is no glory to seek one’s own glory.
28 A man who does not refrain his appetites is like a city which is broken down and without walls.
26 As snow in summer and as rain at harvest, so is honor unseemly for a fool.
2 As the sparrow by wandering and the swallow by flying, so shall the causeless curse not come.
3 To the horse belongs a whip, to the ass a bridle, and to the fool’s back a rod.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool, is as he who cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 As the legs of the lame are weak, so is a proverb in a fool’s mouth.
8 As the binding up of a stone in a sling is he who gives glory to a fool.
9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10 The Great God, Who formed all things, both gives the fool his hire and passes over the transgressors.
11 As a dog turns again to his own vomit, so a fool turns to his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The slothful says, “A lion is in the road. A lion is in the streets.”
14 As the door turns upon its hinges, so does the slothful man upon his bed.
15 The slothful hides his hand in the dish, and it grieves him to put it to his mouth again.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven who can render a reason.
17 He who passes by and meddles in others’ quarrels, is as one who takes a dog by the ears.
18 As a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 is a man’s deception of his friend when he says, “I was only kidding!”
20 Without wood, the fire is quenched. And without a gossip, strife ceases.
21 As coal makes burning embers, and wood a fire, so the contentious man kindles strife.
22 The words of a gossip are as tasty morsels. And they descend into the bowels of the belly.
23 As silver overlaid upon an earthen vessel are burning lips and an evil heart.
24 He who hates will disguise it with his lips. But in his heart, he lays up deceit.
25 Though he speaks favorably, do not believe him. For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 His hatred may be covered by deceit, but his malice shall be discovered in the congregation.
27 He who digs a pit shall fall therein. And he who rolls a stone shall have it roll back on him.
28 A false tongue hates the afflicted. And a flattering mouth causes ruin.
27 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty. But a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
4 Anger is cruel, and wrath raging. But who can stand before envy?
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 The wounds of a friend are faithful. But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 The person that is full rejects a honeycomb. But to the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his own place.
9 As ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so does the sweetness of hearty counsel by a man’s friend.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend; nor enter into your brother’s house on the day of your calamity. For better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far off.
11 My son, be wise, and rejoice my heart; so that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12 A prudent man sees the plague and hides himself. But the foolish proceed and are punished.
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger; and a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14 He who praises his friend with a loud voice (rising early in the morning), it shall be counted to him as a curse.
15 A continual dropping on a rainy day, and a contentious woman, are alike.
16 Whoever hides her, hides the wind, and the oil in his right hand calls out.
17 Iron sharpens iron. So does a man sharpen the face of his friend.
18 He who keeps the fig tree, shall eat the fruit thereof. So he who waits upon his master, shall come to honor.
19 As in water, face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.
20 Hell and destruction can never be full; so the eyes of man can never be satisfied.
21 As is the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is every man according to his praise.
22 Though you should grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle, among wheat, still his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flock. And pay attention to the herds.
24 For riches do not always remain, nor does the crown from generation to generation.
25 The hay presents itself and the grass appears. And the herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats for the price of the field.
27 And let the milk of the goats be sufficient for your food; for the food of your family and for the sustenance of your maids.
28 The wicked flee when none pursues. But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 Because of the transgression of the land, there are many princes thereof. But by a man of understanding and knowledge, a realm endures long.
3 A poor man, if he oppresses the poor, is like a raging rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the Law, praise the wicked. But those who keep the Law, set themselves against them.
5 Wicked men do not understand judgment. But those who seek the LORD, understand all things.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who perverts his ways, though he is rich.
7 He who keeps the Law is a child of understanding. But he who feeds the gluttons, shames his father.
8 He who increases his riches by usury and extortion, gathers them for him who will be merciful to the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abominable.
10 He who causes the righteous to go astray by an evil way, shall fall into his own pit. And the upright shall inherit good things.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes. But the poor who has understanding can search him out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory. But when the wicked arise, man is disguised.
13 He who hides his sins shall not prosper. But he who confesses and forsakes them, shall have mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent. But he who hardens his heart shall fall into evil.
15 As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, so is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 A prince, destitute of understanding, is also a great oppressor. But he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man who does violence to human blood shall flee to the pit. Let no one hold him.
18 He who walks uprightly shall be saved. But he who is perverse in his ways, shall fall all at once.
19 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread. But he who follows the idle shall be filled with poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound in blessings. But he who rushes to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; because that man will transgress for a piece of bread.
22 A man with a wicked eye rushes to riches, and does not know that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man shall find more favor afterward than he who flatters with his tongue.
24 He who robs his father and mother, and says, “It is no transgression”, is the companion of a destroyer.
25 A proud heart stirs up strife. But he who trusts in the LORD shall prosper.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool. But he who walks in wisdom shall be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor shall lack nothing. But he who hides his eyes shall have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves. But when they perish, the righteous increase.
29 A man who hardens his neck when he is rebuked shall suddenly be destroyed, and cannot be cured.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked rule, the people sigh.
3 A man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But he who associates with harlots wastes his substance.
4 By judgment, a king maintains the country. But a man who receives gifts destroys it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
6 An evil man is ensnared by his transgression. But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous know the cause of the poor. The wicked do not discern knowledge.
8 Scoffers ensnare a city. But wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he is angry or laughing, there is no rest.
10 Bloody men hate the upright. But the just seek out his soul.
11 A fool pours out his whole mind. But a wise man holds it back.
12 If a prince listens to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor share this: The LORD lights both their eyes.
14 A king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and correction give wisdom. But a child left to himself makes his mother ashamed.
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increases. But the righteous shall see their fall.
17 Correct your son and he will give you rest; and will give pleasures to your soul.
18 Where there is no Revelation, the people cast off restraint. But he who keeps the Law is blessed.
19 A servant will not be chastised with words. Though he understands, he will still not answer.
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from youth, will have him for a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 The pride of a man shall bring him low. But the humble in spirit shall enjoy glory.
24 He who is partner with a thief hates his own soul. He hears cursing and does not declare it.
25 The fear of man brings a snare. But he who trusts in the LORD shall be exalted.
26 Many seek the face of the ruler. But every man’s judgment comes from the LORD.
27 A wicked man is abomination to the just. And he who is upright in his way is abomination to the wicked. THE WORDS OF AGUR, THE SON OF JAKEH.
30 The prophecy the warrior spoke to Ithiel - to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely, I am more foolish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man in me.
3 For I have not learned wisdom, nor attained to the knowledge of holy things.
4 Who has ascended up to Heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fist? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the world? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you can tell?
5 Every Word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who trust in Him.
6 Add nothing to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
7 Two things have I required of you. Do not deny me them before I die.
8 Remove far from me vanity and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with food prescribed to me;
9 lest I be full and deny, saying, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal, and manipulate the Name of my God.
10 Do not accuse a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you are found guilty.
11 A generation curses their father and does not bless their mother.
12 A generation are pure in their own eyes, and are not washed from their filthiness.
13 A generation’s eyes are haughty, and their eye lids are lifted up.
14 A generation’s teeth are as swords, and their incisors as knives, to devour the poor from off the Earth, and the needy from among man.
15 The leech has two daughters who cry, “Give! Give!” There are three things that will not be satisfied; four that do not say, “It is enough”:
16 The grave, the barren womb, the Earth that cannot be satisfied with water, and the fire that does not say, “It is enough.”
17 The eye that mocks its father, and despises the instruction of its mother, let the ravens of the valley pick it out; and the young eagles eat it.
18 There are three things hidden from me. Indeed, four that I do not know:
19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a stone, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.
20 Such is also the way of an adulterous woman. She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wickedness.”
21 For three things the Earth is moved. Indeed, for four it cannot sustain itself:
22 for a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with meat,
23 for the hateful woman when she is married, and for a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24 These are four small things on the Earth, yet they are wise and full of wisdom:
25 The ants, a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in summer:
26 The hyrax, a people not mighty, yet they make their houses in the rock.
27 The locust has no king, yet they all go forth by ranks.
28 The spider takes hold with its hands; and is in king’s palaces.
29 There are three things that order well their going. Indeed, four are stately in going:
30 A lion (which is strong among beasts and does not turn at the sight of any),
31 a lusty greyhound, a goat, and a king against whom there is no rising up.
32 If you have been foolish in lifting yourself up. And if you have thought wickedly. Lay your hand upon your mouth.
33 When one churns milk, he brings forth butter. And he who squeezes his nose causes blood to come out. So, he who forces wrath brings forth strife.
31 THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL: The prophecy which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son?! And what, the son of my womb?! And what, O son of my desires?!
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink.
5 Lest he drink and forget the decree; and change the judgment of all the children of affliction.
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to those who have grief of heart.
7 Let him drink, that he may forget his poverty; and remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute in the cause of all the children of destruction.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead for the afflicted and the poor.10 Who shall find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above pearls.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. And he shall have no need of plunder.
12 She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and linen, and labors cheerfully with her hands.
14 She is like the ships of merchants. She brings her food from afar.
15 And she rises while it is still night; and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maids.
16 She considers a field and acquires it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
18 She feels that her merchandise is good. Her candle is not put out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the wheel, and her hands handle the spindle.
20 She stretches out her hand to the poor, and puts forth her hands to the needy.
21 She does not fear the snow for her family. For all her family is clothed with crimson.
22 She makes herself carpets. Fine linen and purple are her garments.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits with the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; and delivers belts to the merchant.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing. And in the coming days she shall rejoice.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. And the law of grace is in her tongue.
27 She oversees the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also. He praises her, saying,
29 “Many daughters have done virtuously. But you exceed them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful; and beauty but a vapor. But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands. And let her own works praise her in the gates.
1 The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the preacher, “Vanity of vanities. All is vanity.
3 “What remains to man in all his travail which he suffers under the Sun?”
4 One generation passes, and another generation succeeds. But the Earth remains forever.
5 The Sun rises, and the Sun goes down, and hastens to its place where it arose.
6 The wind goes toward the south, and circles around toward the north. The wind whirls about continually and returns by its circuits.
7 All the rivers go into the sea. Yet the sea is not full. For the rivers go to the place from where they have returned.
8 All things are full of labor. Man cannot utter it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 What has been is what will be. And what has been done is what shall be done. And there is no new thing under the Sun.
10 Is there anything of which one may say, “Behold this, it is new?” It has already been in the previous time before us.
11 There is no memory of former things, nor shall there be a remembrance of things to come by those who shall come after.
12 I, the preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13 And I have given my heart to search and find out wisdom by all things that are done under the heaven. God has given this sore travail to the sons of men to humble them.
14 I have considered all the works that are done under the Sun and behold, all is vanity and grasping at the wind.
15 That which is crooked can no one make straight. And that which fails cannot be numbered.
16 I thought in my heart, and said, “Behold, I have become great, and exceed in wisdom all those who have been before me in Jerusalem. And my heart has seen much wisdom and knowledge.”
17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and foolishness. I knew also that this is grasping at the wind.
18 For in the multitude of wisdom is much grief. And he who increases knowledge, increases sorrow.
2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure. Therefore, enjoy yourself.” And behold, this also is vanity.
2 I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of joy, “What does it accomplish?”
3 I sought in my heart to give myself to wine while leading my heart in wisdom, and to take hold of folly until I might see what goodness there is for the children of men to do under the heaven all the days of their life.
4 I have made my great works. I have built myself houses. I have planted vineyards.
5 I have made myself gardens and orchards and planted all fruit trees in them.
6 I have made myself cisterns of water with which to water the woods that grow with trees.
7 I have gotten servants and maids and had children in the house. Also, I had a great possession of herds and flocks above all who were before me in Jerusalem.
8 I have also gathered to me silver and gold and the chief treasures of kings and provinces. I have provided myself men singers and women singers and the delights of the sons of men, a woman taken captive and women taken captives.
9 And I was great and increased above all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom remained with me also.
10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not withhold from them. I did not withdraw my heart from any pleasure; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor. And this was my reward for all my labor.
11 Then I looked on all my works that my hands had wrought, and on the work that I had labored to do. And behold, all is vanity and grasping at the wind. And there is no profit under the Sun.
12 And I turned to behold wisdom and madness and folly. For what may the man who will come after the king do except that which men now have done?
13 Then I saw that there is more profit in wisdom than in folly, as the light is more excellent than darkness.
14 For the wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also know that the same condition befalls them all.
15 Then I thought in my heart, “What happens to me, happens to the fool. Therefore, why do I labor to be more wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity.
16 For there shall be no remembrance of either the wise or the fool, forever. For in the days to come, what now is shall all be forgotten. And how does the wise man die? Just as the fool!
17 Therefore, I hated life. For the work that is wrought under the Sun is grievous to me. For all is vanity and grasping at the wind.
18 I also hated all my labor in which I had travailed under the Sun, which I shall leave to the man who shall come after me.
19 And who knows whether he shall be wise or foolish? Yet he shall have rule over all my labor in which I have travailed, and in which I have shown myself wise under the Sun. This is also vanity.
20 Therefore, I went about to make my heart abhor all the labor in which I had travailed under the Sun.
21 For there is a man whose travail is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in skill. Yet, he shall give his portion to a man who has not travailed in these. This also is vanity, and a great grief.
22 For what has man for all the labor and grief of his heart in which he has travailed under the Sun?
23 For all his days are sorrows, and his work grief. Also, his heart does not take rest in the night, which is also vanity.
24 There is nothing better for a man but that he eat and drink and delight his soul with the profit of his labor. This I saw, also, that it was of the Hand of God.
25 For who could eat and who could seek enjoyment more than I?
26 Surely to a man who is good in His sight, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy. But to the sinner He gives pain to gather and to heap, to give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping at the wind.
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