1  Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction; but he that is brutish hateth reproof.

1  He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.

1  Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. But whoever hates correction is unwise.

2  A good man shall obtain favour of YHWH; but a man of wicked devices will He condemn.

2  He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.

2  Whoever is good shall draw grace from the Lord. But whoever trusts in his own thoughts acts impiously.

3  A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall never be moved.

3  Man will not be made strong from impiety. And the root of the just shall not be moved.

4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones.

4  A diligent woman is a crown to her husband. And she who acts with confusion as to which things are worthy is decay to his bones.

5  The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6  The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

6  The counsel of the wicked is to lie in wait for the shedding of the blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7  The wicked are overthrown, and are not; but the house of the righteous shall stand.

7  When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.

7  Turn from the impious, and they will not be. But the house of the just shall stand firm.

8  A man shall be commended according to his intelligence; but he that is of a distorted understanding shall be despised.

8  A man will be known by his doctrine. But whoever is vain and heartless will suffer contempt.

9  Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that playeth the man of rank, and lacketh bread.

9  Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.

9  Better is a pauper who has what he needs, than someone glorious and in need of bread.

10  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

10  A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

10  The just one knows the lives of his beasts. But the inner most parts of the impious are cruel.

11  He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding.

11  Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever continually pursues leisure is most foolish. Whoever is soothed by lingering over wine leaves behind contempt in his strongholds.

12  The wicked desireth the prey of evil men; but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

12  The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

12  The desire of the impious is the fortification of what is most wicked. But the root of the just shall prosper.

13  In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; but the righteous cometh out of trouble.

13  For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

14  A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the doings of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

14  The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

14  By the fruit of his own mouth, each one shall be filled with good things, and according to the works of his own hands, it will be distributed to him.

15  The way of a fool is straight in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16  A fool's vexation is presently known; but a prudent man concealeth shame.

16  A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

16  The senseless immediately reveals his anger. But whoever ignores injuries is clever.

17  He that breatheth forth truth uttereth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.

17  A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.

17  He is a sign of justice, who speaks what he knows. But whoever deceives is a dishonest witness.

18  There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.

18  Some wound as they speak, like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

18  He who makes promises is also jabbed, as if with a sword, in conscience. But the tongue of the wise is reasonable.

19  The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

19  True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

19  The lips of truth shall be steadfast forever. But a hasty witness readies a lying tongue.

20  Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

20  There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

21  There shall no mischief befall the righteous; but the wicked are filled with evil.

21  Whatever may befall the just, it will not discourage him. But the impious will be filled with disasters.

22  Lying lips are an abomination to YHWH; but they that deal truly are His delight.

23  A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

23  An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

23  A resourceful man conceals knowledge. And the heart of the unwise provokes foolishness.

24  The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful shall be under tribute.

24  The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25  Care in the heart of a man boweth it down; but a good word maketh it glad.

25  A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

26  The righteous is guided by his friend; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.

26  A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.

26  He who ignores a loss for the sake of a friend is just. But the way of the impious will deceive them.

27  The slothful man shall not hunt his prey; but the precious substance of men is to be diligent.

27  A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.

27  The dishonest will not discover gain. But the substance of a man will be like precious gold.

28  In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

28  In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries lead to death.

28  In the path of justice, there is life. But the devious way leads to death.

13:1  A wise son is instructed of his father; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

1  A wise son is the doctrine of his father. But he who ridicules does not listen when he is reproved.

1  WISE son hears his father's instructions; but an evil son does not listen to rebuke.

13:2  A man shall eat good from the fruit of his mouth; but the desire of the faithless is violence.

2  A good man shall eat of the fruits of righteousness: but the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time.

2  From the fruit of his own month, a man shall be satisfied with good things. But the soul of betrayers is iniquity.

13:3  He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; but for him that openeth wide his lips there shall be ruin.

3  Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.

3  He who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who speaks too much shall bring ruin upon himself.

13:4  The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be abundantly gratified.

4  Every slothful man desires, but the hands of the active are diligent.

4  The lazy one is willing and then not willing. But the soul of he who labors shall be made fat.

13:5  A righteous man hateth lying; but a wicked man behaveth vilely and shamefully.

5  A righteous man hates an unjust word: but an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have no confidence.

5  The just shall detest a lying word. But the impious confound and will be confounded.

13:6  Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

6  Justice guards the way of the innocent. But impiety undermines the sinner.

13:7  There is that pretendeth himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that pretendeth himself poor, yet hath great wealth.

7  There are some who, having nothing, enrich themselves: and there are some who bring themselves down in the midst of much wealth.

7  One is like the rich, though he has nothing. And another is like the poor, though he has many riches.

13:8  The ransom of a man's life are his riches; but the poor heareth no threatening.

8  A man’s own wealth is the ransom of his life: but the poor endures not threatening.

8  The redemption of a man’s life is his riches. But he who is poor cannot tolerate correction.

13:9  The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

9  The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is quenched. Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful.

13:10  By pride cometh only contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.

10  A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.

10  Among the arrogant, there are always conflicts. But those who do everything with counsel are ruled by wisdom.

13:11  Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth little by little shall increase.

11  Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased. The righteous is merciful, and lends.

11  Substance obtained in haste will be diminished. But what is collected by hand, little by little, shall be multiplied.

13:12  Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

12  Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads another to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.

13:13  Whoso despiseth the word shall suffer thereby; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

13  He that slights a matter shall be slighted of it: but he that fears the commandment has health of soul. To a crafty son there shall be nothing good: but a wise servant shall have prosperous doings, and his way shall be directed aright.

13  Whoever denounces something obligates himself for the future. But whoever fears a lesson shall turn away in peace. Deceitful souls wander into sins. The just are merciful and compassionate.

13:14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

14  The law of the wise is fountain of life: but the man void of understanding shall die by a snare.

13:15  Good understanding giveth grace; but the way of the faithless is harsh.

15  Sound discretion gives favour, and to know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend to destruction.

15  Good doctrine bestows grace. In the way of the contemptuous, there is a chasm.

13:16  Every prudent man dealeth with forethought; but a fool unfoldeth folly.

16  The discerning do everything with counsel. But whoever is senseless discloses his stupidity.

13:17  A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health.

17  A rash king shall fall into mischief: but a wise messenger shall deliver him.

17  The messenger of the impious will fall into evil. But a faithful ambassador shall prosper.

13:18  Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

18  Instruction removes poverty and disgrace: but he that attends to reproofs shall be honoured.

18  Destitution and disgrace are for those who abandon discipline. But whoever agrees with a reproof shall be glorified.

13:19  The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; and it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

19  The desires of the godly gladden the soul, but the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge.

19  The desired, when perfected, shall delight the soul. The foolish detest those who flee from evils.

13:20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but the companion of fools shall smart for it.

20  If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt be wise: but he that walks with fools shall be known.

20  Whoever keeps step with the wise shall be wise. A friend of the foolish will become like them.

13:21  Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

13:22  A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.

22  A good man shall inherit children’s children; and the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the just.

22  The good leave behind heirs: children and grandchildren. And the substance of the sinner is preserved for the just.

13:23  Much food is in the tillage of the poor; but there is that is swept away by want of righteousness.

23  The righteous shall spend many years in wealth: but the unrighteous shall perish suddenly.

23  Those who do not understand the manner of life are destroyed by riches; yea, many men are destroyed completely.

13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

24  He that spares the rod hates his son: but he that loves, carefully chastens him.

24  He who spares the rod hates his son. But he who loves him urgently instructs him.

13:25  The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his desire; but the belly of the wicked shall want.

25  A just man eats and satisfies his soul: but the souls of the ungodly are in want.

25  The just eats and fills his soul. But the belly of the impious is never satisfied.

14:1  Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

1  Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs hers down with her hands.

1  A wise woman builds up her household. But a foolish one will pull down with her own hands what has been built up.

14:2  He that walketh in his uprightness feareth YHWH; but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.

2  One who walks on a virtuous journey, and who fears God, is despised by him who advances along a disreputable way.

2  He who walks in uprightness has reverence for the LORD; but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.

14:3  In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

3  Out of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them.

14:4  Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

4  Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty. But where there are many crops, there the strength of the ox is manifest.

14:5  A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness breatheth forth lies.

14:6  A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; but knowledge is easy unto him that hath discernment.

6  Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.

14:7  Go from the presence of a foolish man, for thou wilt not perceive the lips of knowledge.

7  All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion.

7  Go against a foolish man, and he does not acknowledge lips of prudence.

14:8  The wisdom of the prudent is to look well to his way; but the folly of fools is deceit.

8  The wisdom of a discerning man is to understand his way. And the imprudence of the foolish is to be wandering astray.

14:9  Amends pleadeth for fools; but among the upright there is good will.

9  The houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.

9  The foolish will speak mockingly of sin. But grace lingers among the just.

14:10  The heart knoweth its own bitterness; and with its joy no stranger can intermeddle.

10  If a man’s mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.

10  Fools commit sins; but the children of the upright have good will.

14:11  The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

11  The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.

11  A heart which has understanding knows its own bitterness; and a stranger does not share in its joy. The house of the wicked shall be destroyed; but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

14:13  Even in laughter the heart acheth; and the end of mirth is heaviness.

13  Grief mingles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief.

13  Laughter shall be mingled with sorrow, and mourning occupies the limits of joy.

14:14  The dissembler in heart shall have his fill from his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

14  A stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.

14  The foolish will be filled up by his own ways. And the good man shall be above him.

14:15  The thoughtless believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

15  The simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.

15  The innocent trust every word. The astute one considers his own steps. Nothing good will be for the deceitful son. But the wise servant shall act prosperously and his way will be set in order.

14:16  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident.

16  The wise fear, and so turn away from evil. The foolish leap ahead with confidence.

16  A wise man is cautious, and departs from evil; but the fool tampers with it confidently.

14:17  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; and a man of wicked devices is hated.

17  A passionate man acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.

17  A man hasty in whatever he does never seeks counsel; but a wise man is moderate.

14:18  The thoughtless come into possession of folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

18  The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge.

18  Fools inherit folly; but the prudent dispense knowledge.

14:19  The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

19  Evil men shall fall before the good; and the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous.

19  The evil will fall down before the good. And the impious will fall down before the gates of the just.

14:20  The poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.

20  Friends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many.

20  The pauper will be hated, even by his own neighbor. Yet truly, the friends of the wealthy are many.

14:21  He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious unto the humble, happy is he.

21  Whoever despises his neighbor, sins. But whoever pities the poor shall be blessed. Whoever trusts in the Lord loves mercy.

21  He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

14:22  Shall they not go astray that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good.

22  They that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.

22  They wander astray who work evil. But mercy and truth prepare good things.

14:23  In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

23  With every one who is careful there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want.

23  In all your labor there is profit; but he who is young is carefree and at ease. The LORD heals every wound; but the talk of the lips of the wicked tends only to poverty.

14:24  The crown of the wise is their riches; but the folly of fools remaineth folly.

24  A prudent man is the crown of the wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.

14:25  A true witness delivereth souls; but he that breatheth forth lies is all deceit.

25  A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: but a deceitful man kindles falsehoods.

14:26  In the fear of YHWH a man hath strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge.

26  In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and he leaves his children a support.

26  in reverence for the LORD is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.

14:27  The fear of YHWH is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

27  The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death.

27  Reverence for the LORD is a fountain of life to those who turn away from the snares of death.

14:28  In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the want of people is the ruin of the prince.

28  In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.

28  In a multitude of people, there is dignity for the king. And in a paucity of people, there is disgrace for the prince.

14:29  He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

29  A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient spirit is very foolish.

29  Whoever is patient is governed by much prudence. But whoever is impatient exalts his foolishness.

14:30  A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rottenness of the bones.

30  A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.

30  He who cools down his anger is a healer of his own heart; but wrath is the rottenness of the bones.

14:31  He that oppresseth the poor blasphemeth his Maker; but he that is gracious unto the needy honoureth Him.

31  Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.

31  He who oppresses the poor provokes his Maker; but he who honors the LORD has mercy on the needy.

14:32  The wicked is thrust down in his misfortune; but the righteous, even when he is brought to death, hath hope.

32  The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: but he who is secure in his own holiness is just.

32  The impious will be expelled in his malice. But the just finds hope even in his own death.

14:33  In the heart of him that hath discernment wisdom resteth; but in the inward part of fools it maketh itself known.

33  There is wisdom in the good heart of a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned.

14:34  Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.

34  Justice elevates a nation. But sin makes the peoples miserable.

14:35  The king's favour is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; but his wrath striketh him that dealeth shamefully.

35  An understanding servant is acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.

15:1  A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

1  Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath: but a grievous word stirs up anger.

1  A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.

15:2  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

15:3  The eyes of YHWH are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

3  The eyes of the Lord behold both the evil and the good in every place.

3  In every place, the eyes of the Lord consider good and evil.

15:4  A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit.

4  The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled with understanding.

4  A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.

15:5  A fool despiseth his father's correction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

5  A fool scorns his father’s instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.

5  A fool laughs at the discipline of his father. But whoever preserves rebukes will become astute. In abundant justice, there is very great virtue. But the intentions of the impious will be eradicated.

15:6  In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

6  In the houses of the righteous is much strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.

6  The house of the just has very great strength. And in the fruits of the impious, there is disorder.

15:7  The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish is not stedfast.

15:8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH; but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

8  The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.

8  The sacrifices of the impious are abominable to the Lord. The vows of the just are appeasing.

15:9  The way of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH; but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

9  The ways of an ungodly man are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those that follow after righteousness.

9  The way of the impious is an abomination to the Lord. Whoever pursues justice is loved by him.

15:10  There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die.

10  The instruction of the simple is known by them that pass by; but they that hate reproofs die disgracefully.

10  Doctrine is evil to those who abandon the way of life. Whoever hates correction shall die.

15:11  The nether-world and Destruction are before YHWH; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

11  Hell and destruction are manifest to the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men?

11  Sheol and destruction are before the LORD; how much more than the hearts of men?

15:12  A scorner loveth not to be reproved; he will not go unto the wise.

12  An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise.

15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

13  When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow, the countenance is sad.

13  A rejoicing heart gladdens the face. But by the grief of the soul, the spirit is cast down.

15:14  The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

14  An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.

15:15  All the days of the poor are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

15  The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet.

15:16  Better is little with the fear of YHWH, than great treasure and turmoil therewith.

16  Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear of the Lord.

16  Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and dissatisfaction.

15:17  Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

17  Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity.

17  It is better to be called to vegetables with charity, than to a fatted calf with hatred.

15:18  A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

18  A passionate man stirs up strife; but he that is slow to anger appeases even a rising one. A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man rather stirs them up.

18  A short-tempered man provokes conflicts. Whoever is patient tempers those who are stirred up.

15:19  The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns; but the path of the upright is even.

19  The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth.

15:20  A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

15:21  Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.

21  The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright.

21  A foolish man lacks understanding; but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

15:22  For want of counsel purposes are frustrated; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

22  Intentions dissipate where there is no counsel. Yet truly, they are confirmed where there are many counselors.

22  Those who have undue respect for the counsel fail to appreciate its purpose; but in the multitude of counsellors the counsel is established.

15:23  A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; and a word in due season, how good is it!

23  A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common weal.

15:24  The path of life goeth upward for the wise, that he may depart from the nether-world beneath.

24  The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell.

24  The way of life leads upward for the wise, that he may depart from the depths of Sheol.

15:25  YHWH will pluck up the house of the proud; but He will establish the border of the widow.

25  The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow.

25  The Lord will demolish the house of the arrogant. And He will make firm the borders of the widow.

15:26  The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to YHWH; but words of pleasantness are pure.

26  An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour.

26  Evil intentions are an abomination to the Lord. And pure conversation, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by him.

15:27  He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

27  A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe. By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away;but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.

15:28  The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

28  The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.

28  The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.

15:29  YHWH is far from the wicked; but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.

29  God is far from the ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous. Better are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness. Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God.

29  The Lord is distant from the impious. And he will heed the prayers of the just.

15:30  The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones fat.

15:31  The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

15:32  He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

32  Whoever rejects discipline despises his own soul. But whoever agrees to correction is a possessor of the heart.

32  He who refuses instruction despises his own soul; but he who listens to reproof gains wisdom.

15:33  The fear of YHWH is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility.

33  The fear of the Lord is the discipline of wisdom. And humility precedes glory.

33  Reverence for the LORD is the instruction of life; and the glory of the meek goes before him.

16:1  The preparations of the heart are man's, but the answer of the tongue is from YHWH.

1  It is for man to prepare the soul, and for the Lord to govern the tongue.

1  THE reasoning of the mind is from man; but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

16:2  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but YHWH weigheth the spirits.

2  All the works of the humble man are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.

16:3  Commit thy works unto YHWH, and thy thoughts shall be established.

3  Open your works to the Lord, and your intentions will be set in order.

3  Commit your works to the LORD, and he will establish your thoughts.

16:4  YHWH hath made every things for His own purpose, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

4  The Lord has wrought all things because of himself. Likewise the impious is for the evil day.

4  All the works of the LORD are for those who will hearken to him; but the wicked are reserved for the day of calamity.

16:5  Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to YHWH; my hand upon it! he shall not be unpunished.

5  All the arrogant are an abomination to the Lord. Even if hand will be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice. And this is more acceptable with God than to immolate sacrifices.

5  Every one who is proud in his heart is an abomination to the LORD; and he who stretches out his hand against his neighbor shall not be pardoned because of this evil.

16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is expiated; and by the fear of YHWH men depart from evil.

16:7  When a man's ways please YHWH, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

7  The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.

7  When the ways of man will please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace.

16:8  Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.

8  He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace.

16:9  A man's heart deviseth his way; but YHWH directeth his steps.

9  All of the works of the Lord are done with righteousness; and the ungodly man is kept for the evil day.

9  The heart of man disposes his way. But it is for Lord to direct his steps.

16:10  A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth trespasseth not in judgment.

10  There is an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgement.

16:11  A just balance and scales are YHWH'S; all the weights of the bag are His work.

11  The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.

11  Weights and scales are judgments of the Lord. And all the stones in the bag are his work.

16:12  It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.

12  An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.

12  Those who act impiously are abominable to the king. For the throne is made firm by justice.

16:13  Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

13  Just lips are the will of kings. He who speaks honestly shall be loved.

13  The lips of a righteous man are the delight of a king; and he loves the word of the upright.

16:14  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.

14  The indignation of a king is a herald of death. And the wise man will appease it.

16:15  In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

15  The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.

15  In the cheerfulness of the king’s countenance, there is life. And his clemency is like belated rain.

16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

16  The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.

16  Possess wisdom, for it is better than gold. And acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver.

16:17  The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

17  The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.

17  The path of the just turns away from evils. He who guards his soul preserves his way.

16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

18  Arrogance precedes destruction. And the spirit is exalted before a fall.

18  Disgrace goes before destruction, and pride before misfortune.

16:19  Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the humble, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

19  Better is a meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.

19  It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the arrogant.

16:20  He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; and whoso trusteth in YHWH, happy is he.

20  He who is skillful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.

20  The learned in word shall find good things. And whoever hopes in the Lord is blessed.

16:21  The wise in heart is called a man of discernment; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

21  Men call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.

21  Whoever is wise in heart shall be called prudent. And whoever is sweet in eloquence shall attain to what is greater.

16:22  Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; but folly is the chastisement of fools.

22  Learning is a fountain of life to one who possesses it. The doctrine of the foolish is senseless.

16:23  The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

23  The heart of the wise will discern the things which proceed from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.

16:24  Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

16:25  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

25  There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.

16:26  The hunger of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth compelleth him.

26  A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from him his own ruin.

26  A sorrowful person grieves himself; from his own mouth comes his destruction.

16:27  An ungodly man diggeth up evil, and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

27  But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.

27  The impious man digs up evil, and in his lips is a burning fire.

16:28  A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth familiar friends.

28  A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.

28  A wicked man threatens justice and persecutes his neighbor without cause.

16:29  A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.

29  A transgressor tries to ensnare friends, and leads them in ways that are not good.

29  A wicked man entices his neighbor and leads him into the way that is not good.

16:30  He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; he that biteth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

30  And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness.

30  Whoever, with astonished eyes, thinks up depravities, biting his lips, accomplishes evil.

16:31  The hoary head is a crown of glory, it is found in the way of righteousness.

31  Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice.

16:32  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

32  A man slow to anger is better than a strong man; and he that governs his temper better than he that takes a city.

32  A patient man is better than a strong one. And whoever rules his soul is better than one who assaults cities.

16:33  The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of YHWH.

33  All evils come upon the ungodly into their bosoms; but all righteous things come of the Lord.

33  Lots are cast into the lap, but they are tempered by the Lord.

17:1  Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting with strife.

1  Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

1  A dry morsel with gladness is better than a house full of sacrifices along with conflict.

17:2  A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that dealeth shamefully, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

2  A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.

17:3  The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but YHWH trieth the hearts.

3  As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.

3  Just as silver is tested by fire, and gold is tested in the furnace, so also does the Lord test hearts.

17:4  A evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

4  A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.

4  The evil obey an unjust tongue. And the false are submissive to lying lips.

17:5  Whoso mocketh the poor blasphemeth his Maker; and he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

5  He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.

5  Whoever despises the poor rebukes his Maker. And whoever rejoices in the ruin of another will not go unpunished.

17:6  Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

6  Children’s children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.

6  Sons of sons are the crown of old age. And the glory of sons is their fathers.

17:7  Overbearing speech becometh not a churl; much less do lying lips a prince.

7  Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.

7  Well-chosen words are not fitting for the foolish, nor are lying lips fitting for a leader.

17:8  A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; whithersoever he turneth, he prospereth.

8  Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

8  The expectation of those who stand ready is a most pleasing jewel. Whichever way he turns himself, he understands prudently.

17:9  He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that harpeth on a matter estrangeth a familiar friend.

9  Whoever conceals an offense seeks friendships. Whoever repeats the words of another separates allies.

9  He who forgets an offense seeks friendship; but he who hates to forget an offense estranges himself from a friend and neighbor.

17:10  A rebuke entereth deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.

10  A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.

10  A correction benefits more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.

17:11  A rebellious man seeketh only evil; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

11  Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

11  The evil one continually seeks conflicts. But a cruel Angel shall be sent against him.

17:12  Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

12  Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

12  It is more expedient to meet a bear robbed of her young, than the foolish trusting in his own folly.

17:13  Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

17:14  The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.

14  Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

14  He who sheds blood stirs up judgment before the ruler.

17:15  He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are an abomination to YHWH.

15  He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

15  Those who justify the impious, and those who condemn the just, both are abominable with God.

17:16  Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he hath no understanding?

16  Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

16  What good is wealth in the possession of a fool who has no desire to acquire wisdom?

17:17  A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

17  Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

17  Whoever is a friend loves at all times. And a brother is proved by distress.

17:18  A man void of understanding is he that striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his neighbour.

18  A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

18  A foolish man will clap his hands, when he makes a pledge for his friend.

17:19  He loveth transgression that loveth strife; he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

19  A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

19  Whoever dwells on discord loves disputes. And whoever exalts his door seeks ruin.

17:20  He that hath a froward heart findeth no good; and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into evil.

20  and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

20  Whoever is of a perverse heart shall not find good. And whoever turns his tongue shall fall into evil.

17:21  He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; and the father of a churl hath no joy.

21  and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

17:22  A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

22  A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

22  A joyful soul makes a lifetime flourish. A gloomy spirit dries out the bones.

17:23  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of justice.

23  The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

23  He who accepts a bribe is wicked; for he perverts the way of justice.

17:24  Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

24  The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

24  Prudence shines from the face of the wise. The eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.

17:25  A foolish son is vexation to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

25  A foolish son is the anger of the father and the grief of the mother who conceived him.

17:26  To punish also the righteous is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

26  It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

17:27  He that spareth his words hath knowledge; and he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment.

27  Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit.

17:28  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding.

28  Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

28  If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.

18:1  He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.

1  A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

1  WHEN a man is inactive he imagines lust and mocks at good instruction.

18:2  A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.

2  A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

18:3  When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

3  When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.

3  The impious, when he has arrived within the depths of sin, thinks little of it. But ill repute and disgrace follow him.

18:4  The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.

4  A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

4  Words from the mouth of a man are deep waters. And the fountain of wisdom is a torrent overflowing.

18:5  It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

18:6  A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

6  The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

6  The lips of the foolish meddle in disputes. And his mouth provokes conflicts.

18:7  A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

7  The mouth of the foolish is his destruction, and his own lips are the ruin of his soul.

18:8  The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

8  Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

8  The words of the double-tongued seem simple. And they reach even to the interior of the gut. Fear casts down the lazy, but the souls of the effeminate shall go hungry.

18:9  Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

9  A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

9  Whoever is dissolute and slack in his work is the brother of him who wastes his own works.

18:10  The name of YHWH is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.

10  The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

18:11  The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.

11  The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

11  The substance of the wealthy is the city of his strength, and it is like a strong wall encircling him.

18:12  Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility.

12  Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.

12  The heart of a man is exalted before it is crushed and humbled before it is glorified.

18:13  He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.

13  Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.

13  Whoever responds before he listens, demonstrates himself to be foolish and deserving of confusion.

18:14  The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

14  A wise servant calms a man’s anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

14  The spirit of a man sustains his weakness. Yet who can sustain a spirit that is easily angered?

18:15  The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

15  The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

15  A prudent heart shall possess knowledge. And the ear of the wise seeks doctrine.

18:16  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

16  A man’s gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

18:17  He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

18:18  The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.

18  A silent man quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

18  Casting a lot suppresses contentions and passes judgment, even among the powerful.

18:19  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

19  A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is as strong as a well-founded palace.

19  A brother who is helped by a brother is like a reinforced city, and judgments are like the bars of cities.

18:20  A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.

20  From the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be filled. And the harvest of his own lips shall satisfy him.

18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.

18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of YHWH.

22  He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.

22  He who finds a good wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD. And he who puts out a good wife, puts out good from his house.

18:23  The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.

23  The poor will speak with supplications. And the rich will express themselves roughly.

23  The poor speak humbly; but the rich talk of great things.

18:24  There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

24  A man amiable to society shall be more friendly than a brother.

19:1  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips and a fool at the same time.

1  Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.

19:2  Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

2  Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.

2  He who has no knowledge of his own soul, it is not good for him; and he who is hasty with his feet sins.

19:3  The foolishness of man perverteth his way; and his heart fretteth against YHWH.

3  The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.

3  The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.

19:4  Wealth addeth many friends; but as for the poor, his friend separateth himself from him.

4  Riches adds many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.

4  Wealth makes many friends; but a poor man is deserted by his friends.

19:5  A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall not escape.

19:6  Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

6  Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to another man.

6  Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts.

19:7  All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He that pursueth words, they turn against him.

7  Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.

7  The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.

19:8  He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

8  But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.

19:9  A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall perish.

19:10  Luxury is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

10  Delight does not suit a fool, nor is it seemly if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.

10  Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.

19:11  It is the discretion of a man to be slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

11  A merciful man is long-suffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.

11  The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.

19:12  The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

12  The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.

12  Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass.

19:13  A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

19:14  House and riches are the inheritance of fathers; but a prudent wife is from YHWH.

14  Fathers divide house and substance to their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.

14  A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.

19:15  Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

15  Cowardice possesses the effeminate man; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.

15  Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.

19:16  He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; but he that despiseth His ways shall die.

16  Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.

16  He who keeps the law keeps his own soul; but he who despises right ways shall die.

19:17  He that is gracious unto the poor lendeth unto YHWH; and his good deed will He repay unto him.

17  Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.

17  He who has pity upon the poor is a companion of the LORD; and he shall be repaid according to his works.

19:18  Chasten thy son, for there is hope; but set not thy heart on his destruction.

18  Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.

18  Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul share his dishonor.

19:19  A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou interpose, thou wilt add thereto.

19  A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.

19  Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.

19:20  Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

20  Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.

20  Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.

19:21  There are many devices in a man's heart; but the counsel of YHWH, that shall stand.

21  There are many thoughts in a man’s heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.

21  There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.

19:22  The lust of a man is his shame; and a poor man is better than a liar.

22  An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.

19:23  The fear of YHWH tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied, he shall not be visited with evil.

23  The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.

23  Reverence for the LORD leads to life; and he who is satisfied with it shall abide; he shall not be visited with evil.

19:24  The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it back to his mouth.

24  He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even bring them up to his mouth.

24  A sluggard hides his hands in his bosom and will not even try to bring them to his mouth again.

19:25  When thou smitest a scorner, the simple will become prudent; and when one that hath understanding is reproved, he will understand knowledge.

19:26  A son that dealeth shamefully and reproachfully will despoil his father, and chase away his mother.

26  He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.

26  Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.

19:27  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

27  A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.

27  Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.

19:28  An ungodly witness mocketh at right; and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

28  He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgement.

28  An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.

19:29  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

29  Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.

29  Grief is prepared for those who scoff at justice, and a scourge for foolish people.

20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; and whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise.

1  Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.

1  It is a luxurious thing, wine, and inebriation is tumultuous. Anyone who is delighted by this will not be wise.

20:2  The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger forfeiteth his life.

2  Just like the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king. Whoever provokes him sins in his own soul.

20:3  It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be snarling.

3  It is a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.

3  Honor is for the man who separates himself from contentions. But all the foolish meddle in altercations.

20:4  The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

4  A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

20:5  Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

5  The counsel in a king's heart is deep; but a wise man will draw it out.

20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?

6  A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but it is hard to find a faithful man.

6  Many men are called merciful. But who will find a faithful man?

20:7  He that walketh in his integrity as a just man, happy are his children after him.

7  He that walks blameless in justice, shall leave his children blessed.

7  The just who walks in his simplicity shall leave behind him blessed sons.

20:8  A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

8  Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil thing can stand before his presence.

8  The king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his gaze.

20:9  Who can say: 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'?

9  Who will boast that he has a pure heart? or who will boldly say that he is pure from sins.

9  Who is able to say: “My heart is clean. I am pure from sin?”

20:10  Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are an abomination to YHWH.

10  A large and small weight, and divers measures, are even both of them unclean before the Lord; and so is he that makes them.

10  Diverse weights, diverse measures: both are abominable with God.

20:11  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

11  A youth when in company with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and then his way will be straight.

11  A child may be understood by his interests: whether his works may be clean and upright.

20:12  The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, YHWH hath made even both of them.

12  The ear hears, and the eye sees: even both of them are the Lord’s work.

20:13  Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt have bread in plenty.

13  Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut off: open thine eyes, and be filled with bread.

13  Do not love sleep, lest deprivation oppress you. Open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.

20:14  'It is bad, it is bad', saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

14  “It is bad, it is bad,” says every buyer; and when he has withdrawn, then he will boast.

14  A friend says to his friend, I have made a gain; then he boasts.

20:15  There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

15  Again he says, Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and precious vessels; but the lips of knowledge are precious jewels.

20:16  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; and hold him in pledge that is surety for an alien woman.

16  Take away the vestments of him who stands up to vouch for a stranger, and take a pledge from him instead of from outsiders.

16  Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger; and take his pledge for the sake of a stranger.

20:17  Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

17  The bread of lies is sweet to a man. But afterwards, his mouth will be filled with pebbles.

17  He who becomes surety for a man by means of deceitful gain will afterwards have his mouth filled with gravel.

20:18  Every purpose is established by counsel; and with good advice carry on war.

18  Plans are strengthened by counsels. And wars are to be handled by governments.

18  A good purpose is established by counsel; but by provocation war is made.

20:19  He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips.

19  Do not become involved with him who reveals mysteries, and who walks deceitfully, and who enlarges his lips.

19  He who reveals a secret causes slander; therefore do not meddle with him who is hasty with his lips.

20:20  Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.

20  The lamp of him that reviles father or mother shall be put out, and his eyeballs shall see darkness.

20  Whoever curses his father and mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the midst of darkness.

20:21  An estate may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

21  A portion hastily gotten at first shall not be blessed in the end.

21  When an inheritance is obtained hastily in the beginning, in the end it will be without a blessing.

20:22  Say not thou: 'I will requite evil'; wait for YHWH, and He will save thee.

22  Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; but wait on the Lord, that he may help thee.

22  Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Wait for the Lord, and he will free you.

20:23  Divers weights are an abomination to YHWH; and a false balance is not good.

23  A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.

23  Diverse weights are an abomination with the Lord. A deceitful balance is not good.

20:24  A man's goings are of YHWH; how then can man look to his way?

24  The steps of men are directed by the Lord. But who is the man able to understand his own way?

20:25  It is a snare to a man rashly to say: 'Holy', and after vows to make inquiry.

25  It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for in that case repentance comes after vowing.

25  It is ruin for a man to devour what is holy, or, after making vows, to retract them.

20:26  A wise king sifteth the wicked, and turneth the wheel over them.

26  A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.

26  A wise king scatters the impious and bends an archway over them.

20:27  The spirit of man is the lamp of YHWH, searching all the inward parts.

27  The spirit of a man is a lamp to the Lord, which investigates all the secrets of the inner self.

27  The soul of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the heart.

20:28  Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy.

28  Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.

20:29  The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the hoary head.

29  Wisdom is an ornament to young men; and grey hairs are the glory of old men.

29  The joy of youths is their strength. And the dignity of old men is their grey hairs.

20:30  Sharp wounds cleanse away evil; so do stripes that reach the inward parts.

30  Bruises and contusions befall bad men; and plagues shall come in the inward parts of their belly.

21:1  The king's heart is in the hand of YHWH as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will.

1  As a rush of water, so is the king’s heart in God’s hand: he turns it whithersoever he may desire to point out.

1  Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills.

21:2  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but YHWH weigheth the hearts.

2  Every man seems to himself righteous; but the Lord directs the hearts.

21:3  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to YHWH than sacrifice.

3  To do justly and to speak truth, are more pleasing to God than the blood of sacrifices.

3  He who does righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than he who offers a sacrifice.

21:4  A haughty look, and a proud heart--the tillage of the wicked is sin.

4  A high-minded man is stout-hearted in his pride; and the lamp of the wicked is sin.

4  To lift up the eyes is to enlarge the heart. The lamp of the impious is sin.

21:5  The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.

5  The intentions of the robust continually bring forth abundance. But all the lazy are continually in need.

21:6  The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapour driven to and fro; they that seek them seek death.

6  He that gathers treasures with a lying tongue pursues vanity on to the snares of death.

6  Whoever gathers treasures by a lying tongue is vain and heartless. And he will stumble into the snares of death.

21:7  The violence of the wicked shall drag them away; because they refuse to do justly.

7  Destruction shall lodge with the ungodly; for they refuse to do justly.

21:8  The way of man is froward and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.

8  To the froward God sends froward ways; for his works are pure and right.

8  He who perverts his own way acts strangely; but he who is pure, his works are right.

21:9  It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.

21:10  The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

10  The soul of the ungodly shall not be pitied by any man.

10  The soul of a wicked man is hidden from his neighbor's eyes.

21:11  When the scorner is punished, the thoughtless is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

21:12  The Righteous One considereth the house of the wicked; overthrowing the wicked to their ruin.

12  A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.

12  The just thinks carefully about the house of the impious, so that he may draw the impious away from evil.

21:13  Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be answered.

13  He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear him.

13  Whoever blocks his ears to the outcry of the poor shall also cry out himself, and he will not be heeded.

21:14  A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath.

14  A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.

14  A surprise gift extinguishes anger. And a gift concealed in the bosom extinguishes the greatest indignation.

21:15  To do justly is joy to the righteous, but ruin to the workers of iniquity.

15  It is the joy of the righteous to do judgement: but a holy man is abominable with evil-doers.

15  It is gladness for the just to do judgment; and it is dread for those who work iniquity.

21:16  The man that strayeth out of the way of understanding shall rest in the congregation of the shades.

16  A man who wanders astray from the way of doctrine will linger in the company of the giants.

21:17  He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

17  A poor man loves mirth, loving wine and oil in abundance;

17  Whoever loves a feast will be in deprivation. Whoever loves wine and fatness will not be enriched.

21:18  The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; and the faithless cometh in the stead of the upright.

18  and a transgressor is the abomination of a righteous man.

18  The impious is given over instead of the just, and the iniquitous is given over in place of the upright.

21:19  It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.

21:20  There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.

20  A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up.

20  A coveted treasure and ointment are in a dwelling place; but the wisdom and understanding of men shall dispense it.

21:21  He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, prosperity, and honour.

21  The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.

21  Whoever follows justice and mercy shall discover life, justice, and glory.

21:22  A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and bringeth down the stronghold wherein it trusteth.

22  A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.

22  The wise has ascended the city of the strong, and he has torn down the bulwark of its confidence.

21:23  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

23  Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.

21:24  A proud and haughty man, scorner is his name, even he that dealeth in overbearing pride.

24  A bold and self-willed and insolent man is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.

24  In his wrath a hasty and proud man commits iniquity.

21:25  The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

25  Desires kill the sluggard; for his hands do not choose to do anything.

21:26  There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

26  An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.

26  He covets and desires all day long. But whoever is just shall distribute and shall not cease.

21:27  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more, when he bringeth it with the proceeds of wickedness?

27  The sacrifices of the ungodly are abomination to the Lord, for they offer them wickedly.

21:28  A false witness shall perish; but the man that obeyeth shall speak unchallenged.

28  A lying witness will perish. An obedient man shall speak of victory.

21:29  A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he looketh well to his way.

29  An ungodly man impudently withstands with his face; but the upright man himself understands his ways.

29  The impious man insolently hardens his face. But whoever is upright corrects his own way.

21:30  There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against YHWH.

30  There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel, which is against the Lord.

21:31  The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but victory is of YHWH.

31  A horse is prepared for the day of battle; but help is of the Lord.

31  The horse may be prepared for the day of battle; but salvation is of the LORD.