1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life. |
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. |
4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. |
5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. |
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? |
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. |
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. |
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"? |
10 Differing weights and differing measures--the LORD detests them both. |
11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. |
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see--the LORD has made them both. |
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. |
14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. |
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. |
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. |
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel. |
18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. |
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. |
20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. |
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. |
22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. |
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. |
24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? |
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. |
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. |
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being. |
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. |
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. |
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being. |