Proverbes (NAB) 11
11 1 False scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a full weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The honesty of the upright guides them; the faithless are ruined by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is useless on the day of wrath, but virtue saves from death.
5 The honest man's virtue makes his way straight, but by his wickedness the wicked man falls.
6 The virtue of the upright saves them, but the faithless are caught in their own intrigue.
7 When a wicked man dies his hope perishes, and what is expected from strength comes to nought.
8 The just man escapes trouble, and the wicked man falls into it in his stead.
9 With his mouth the impious man would ruin his neighbor, but through their knowledge the just make their escape.
10 When the just prosper, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
11 Through the blessing of the righteous the city is exalted, but through the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 He who reviles his neighbor has no sense, but the intelligent man keeps silent.
13 A newsmonger reveals secrets, but a trustworthy man keeps a confidence.
14 For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors.
15 He is in a bad way who becomes surety for another, but he who hates giving pledges is safe.
16 A gracious woman wins esteem, but she who hates virtue is covered with shame. (The slothful become impoverished, but the diligent gain wealth.)
17 A kindly man benefits himself, but a merciless man harms himself.
18 The wicked man makes empty profits, but he who sows virture has a sure reward.
19 Virtue directs toward life, but he who pursues evil does so to his death.
20 The depraved in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those who walk blamelessly are his delight.
21 Truly the evil man shall not go unpunished, but those who are just shall escape.
22 Like a golden ring in a swine's snout is a beautiful woman with a rebellious disposition.
23 The desire of the just ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 One man is lavish yet grows still richer; another is too sparing, yet is the poorer.
25 He who confers benefits will be amply enriched, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26 Him who monopolizes grain, the people curse-- but blessings upon the head of him who distributes it!
27 He who seeks the good commands favor, but he who pursues evil will have evil befall him.
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but like green leaves the just flourish.
29 He who upsets his household has empty air for a heritage; and the fool will become slave to the wise man.
30 The fruit of virtue is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away.
31 If the just man is punished on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
12 1 He who loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2 The good man wins favor from the LORD, but the schemer is condemned by him.
3 No man is built up by wickedness, but the root of the just will never be disturbed.
4 A worthy wife is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful one is like rot in his bones.
5 The plans of the just are legitimate; the designs of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright saves them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the just stands firm.
8 According to his good sense a man is praised, but one with a warped mind is despised.
9 Better a lowly man who supports himself than one of assumed importance who lacks bread.
10 The just man takes care of his beast, but the heart of the wicked is merciless.
11 He who tills his own land has food in plenty, but he who follows idle pursuits is a fool.
12 The stronghold of evil men will be demolished, but the root of the just is enduring.
13 In the sin of his lips the evil man is ensnared, but the just comes free of trouble.
14 From the fruit of his words a man has his fill of good things, and the work of his hands comes back to reward him.
15 The way of the fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
16 The fool immediately shows his anger, but the shrewd man passes over an insult.
17 He tells the truth who states what he is sure of, but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.
18 The prating of some men is like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise is healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, the lying tongue, for only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hands of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.
21 No harm befalls the just, but the wicked are overwhelmed with misfortune.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who are truthful are his delight.
23 A shrewd man conceals his knowledge, but the hearts of fools gush forth folly.
24 The diligent hand will govern, but the slothful will be enslaved.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart depresses it, but a kindly word makes it glad.
26 The just man surpasses his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The slothful man catches not his prey, but the wealth of the diligent man is great.
28 In the path of justice there is life, but the abominable way leads to death.
13 1 A wise son loves correction, but the senseless one heeds no rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his words a man eats good things, but the treacherous one craves violence.
3 He who guards his mouth protects his life; to open wide one's lips brings downfall.
4 The soul of the sluggard craves in vain, but the diligent soul is amply satisfied.
5 Anything deceitful the just man hates, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
6 Virtue guards one who walks honestly, but the downfall of the wicked is sin.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches serve as ransom for his life, but the poor man heeds no rebuke.
9 The light of the just shines gaily, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.
10 The stupid man sows discord by his insolence, but with those who take counsel is wisdom.
11 Wealth quickly gotten dwindles away, but amassed little by little, it grows.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a wish fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who despises the word must pay for it, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that a man may avoid the snares of death.
15 Good sense brings favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin.
16 The shrewd man does everything with prudence, but the fool peddles folly.
17 A wicked messenger brings on disaster, but a trustworthy envoy is a healing remedy.
18 Poverty and shame befall the man who disregards correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored.
19 Lust indulged starves the soul, but fools hate to turn from evil.
20 Walk with wise men and you will become wise, but the companion of fools will fare badly.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but the just shall be recompensed with good.
22 The good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just.
23 A lawsuit devours the tillage of the poor, but some men perish for lack of a law court.
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him takes care to chastise him.
25 When the just man eats, his hunger is appeased; but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
14 1 Wisdom builds her house, but Folly tears hers down with her own hands.
2 He who walks uprightly fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways spurns him.
3 In the mouth of the fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise preserve them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the crib remains empty; but large crops come through the strength of the bull.
5 A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness utters lies.
6 The senseless man seeks in vain for wisdom, but knowledge is easy to the man of intelligence.
7 To avoid the foolish man, take steps! But knowing lips one meets with by surprise.
8 The shrewd man's wisdom gives him knowledge of his way, but the folly of fools is their deception.
9 Guilt lodges in the tents of the arrogant, but favor in the house of the just.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and in its joy no one else shares.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 Sometimes a way seems right to a man, but the end of it leads to death!
13 Even in laughter the heart may be sad, and the end of joy may be sorrow.
14 The scoundrel suffers the consequences of his ways, and the good man reaps the fruit of his paths.
15 The simpleton believes everything, but the shrewd man measures his steps.
16 The wise man is cautious and shuns evil; the fool is reckless and sure of himself.
17 The quick-tempered man makes a fool of himself, but the prudent man is at peace.
18 The adornment of simpletons is folly, but shrewd men gain the crown of knowledge.
19 Evil men must bow down before the good, and the wicked, at the gates of the just.
20 Even by his neighbor the poor man is hated, but the friends of the rich are many.
21 He sins who despises the hungry; but happy is he who is kind to the poor!
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those intent on good gain kindness and constancy.
23 In all labor there is profit, but mere talk tends only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is resourcefulness; the diadem of fools is folly.
25 The truthful witness saves lives, but he who utters lies is a betrayer.
26 In the fear of the LORD is a strong defense; even for one's children he will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that a man may avoid the snares of death.
28 In many subjects lies the glory of the king; but if his people are few, it is the prince's ruin.
29 The patient man shows much good sense, but the quick-tempered man displays folly at its height.
30 A tranquil mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor blasphemes his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy glorifies him.
32 The wicked man is overthrown by his wickedness, but the just man finds a refuge in his honesty.
33 In the heart of the intelligent wisdom abides, but in the bosom of fools it is unknown.
34 Virtue exalts a nation, but sin is a people's disgrace.
35 The king favors the intelligent servant, but the worthless one incurs his wrath.
15 1 A mild answer calms wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise pours out knowledge, but the mouth of fools spurts forth folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse one crushes the spirit.
5 The fool spurns his father's admonition, but prudent is he who heeds reproof.
6 In the house of the just there are ample resources, but the earnings of the wicked are in turmoil.
7 The lips of the wise disseminate knowledge, but the heart of fools is perverted.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves the man who pursues virtue.
10 Severe punishment is in store for the man who goes astray; he who hates reproof will die.
11 The nether world and the abyss lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of men!
12 The senseless man loves not to be reproved; to wise men he will not go.
13 A glad heart lights up the face, but by mental anguish the spirit is broken.
14 The mind of the intelligent man seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15 Every day is miserable for the depressed, but a lighthearted man has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with fear of the LORD than a great fortune with anxiety.
17 Better a dish of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
18 An ill-tempered man stirs up strife, but a patient man allays discord.
19 The way of the sluggard is hemmed in as with thorns, but the path of the diligent is a highway.
20 A wise son makes his father glad, but a fool of a man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to the senseless man, but the man of understanding goes the straight way.
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but they succeed when counselors are many.
23 There is joy for a man in his utterance; a word in season, how good it is!
24 The path of life leads the prudent man upward, that he may avoid the nether world below.
25 The LORD overturns the house of the proud, but he preserves intact the widow's landmark.
26 The wicked man's schemes are an abomination to the LORD, but the pure speak what is pleasing to him.
27 He who is greedy of gain brings ruin on his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The just man weighs well his utterance, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but the prayer of the just he hears.
30 A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart; good news invigorates the bones.
31 He who listens to salutary reproof will abide among the wise.
32 He who rejects admonition despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproof gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is training for wisdom, and humility goes before honors.
16 1 Man may make plans in his heart, but what the tongue utters is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man may be pure in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves the spirit.
3 Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD has made everything for his own ends, even the wicked for the evil day.
5 Every proud man is an abomination to the LORD; I assure you that he will not go unpunished.
6 By kindness and piety guilt is expiated, and by the fear of the LORD man avoids evil.
7 When the LORD is pleased with a man's ways, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
8 Better a little with virtue, than a large income with injustice.
9 In his mind a man plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
10 The king's lips are an oracle; no judgment he pronounces is false.
11 Balance and scales belong to the LORD; all the weights used with them are his concern.
12 Kings have a horror of wrongdoing, for by righteousness the throne endures.
13 The king takes delight in honest lips, and the man who speaks what is right he loves.
14 The king's wrath is like messengers of death, but a wise man can pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.
17 The path of the upright avoids misfortune; he who pays attention to his way safeguards his life.
18 Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble with the meek than to share plunder with the proud.
20 He who plans a thing will be successful; happy is he who trusts in the LORD!
21 The wise man is esteemed for his discernment, yet pleasing speech increases his persuasiveness.
22 Good sense is a fountain of life to its possessor, but folly brings chastisement on fools.
23 The mind of the wise man makes him eloquent, and augments the persuasiveness of his lips.
24 Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healthful to the body.
25 Sometimes a way seems right to a man, but the end of it leads to death!
26 The laborer's appetite labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.
27 A scoundrel is a furnace of evil, and on his lips there is a scorching fire.
28 An intriguer sows discord, and a talebearer separates bosom friends.
29 A lawless man allures his neighbor, and leads him into a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eye is plotting trickery; he who compresses his lips has mischief ready.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by virtuous living.
32 A patient man is better than a warrior, and he who rules his temper, than he who takes a city.
33 When the lot is cast into the lap, its decision depends entirely on the LORD.
17 1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 An intelligent servant will rule over a worthless son, and will share the inheritance with the brothers.
3 The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the tester of hearts is the LORD.
4 The evil man gives heed to wicked lips, and listens to falsehood from a mischievous tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor blasphemes his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their parentage.
7 Fine words are out of place in a fool; how much more, lying words in a noble!
8 A man who has a bribe to offer rates it a magic stone; at every turn it brings him success.
9 He who covers up a misdeed fosters friendship, but he who gossips about it separates friends.
10 A single reprimand does more for a man of intelligence than a hundred lashes for a fool.
11 On rebellion alone is the wicked man bent, but a merciless messenger will be sent against him.
12 Face a bear robbed of her cubs, but never a fool in his folly!
13 If a man returns evil for good, from his house evil will not depart.
14 The start of strife is like the opening of a dam; therefore, check a quarrel before it begins!
15 He who condones the wicked, he who condemns the just, are both an abomination to the LORD.
16 Of what use in the fool's hand are the means to buy wisdom, since he has no mind for it?
17 He who is a friend is always a friend, and a brother is born for the time of stress.
18 Senseless is the man who gives his hand in pledge, who becomes surety for his neighbor.
19 He who loves strife loves guilt; he who builds his gate high courts disaster.
20 He who is perverse in heart finds no good, and a double-tongued man falls into trouble.
21 To be a fool's parent is grief for a man; the father of a numskull has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked man accepts a concealed bribe to pervert the course of justice.
24 The man of intelligence fixes his gaze on wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is vexation to his father, and bitter sorrow to her who bore him.
26 It is wrong to fine an innocent man, but beyond reason to scourge princes.
27 He who spares his words is truly wise, and he who is chary of speech is a man of intelligence.
28 Even a fool, if he keeps silent, is considered wise; if he closes his lips, intelligent.
18 1 In estrangement one seeks pretexts: with all persistence he picks a quarrel.
2 The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in displaying what he thinks.
3 With wickedness comes contempt, and with disgrace comes scorn.
4 The words from a man's mouth are deep waters, but the source of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty, and so to reject a rightful claim.
6 The fool's lips lead him into strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 The fool's mouth is his ruin; his lips are a snare to his life.
8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels that sink into one's inmost being.
9 The man who is slack in his work is own brother to the man who is destructive.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the just man runs to it and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors.
13 He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame.
14 A man's spirit sustains him in infirmity-- but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift clears the way for him, and gains him access to great men.
17 The man who pleads his case first seems to be in the right; then his opponent comes and puts him to the test.
18 The lot puts an end to disputes, and is decisive in a controversy between the mighty.
19 A brother is a better defense than a strong city, and a friend is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man has his fill; with the yield of his lips he sates himself.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds happiness; it is a favor he receives from the LORD.
23 The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.
19 1 Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked in his ways and rich.
2 Without knowledge even zeal is not good; and he who acts hastily, blunders.
3 A man's own folly upsets his way, but his heart is resentful against the LORD.
4 Wealth adds many friends, but the friend of the poor man deserts him.
5 The false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape.
6 Many curry favor with a noble; all are friends of the man who has something to give.
7 All the poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends shun him!
8 He who gains intelligence is his own best friend; he who keeps understanding will be successful.
9 The false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will perish.
10 Luxury is not befitting a fool; much less should a slave rule over princes.
11 It is good sense in a man to be slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor, like dew on the grass.
13 The foolish son is ruin to his father, and the nagging of a wife is a persistent leak.
14 Home and possessions are an inheritance from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness plunges a man into deep sleep, and the sluggard must go hungry.
16 He who keeps the precept keeps his life, but the despiser of the word will die.
17 He who has compassion on the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his good deed.
18 Chastise your son, for in this there is hope; but do not desire his death.
19 The man of violent temper pays the penalty; even if you rescue him, you will have it to do again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise.
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the decision of the LORD that endures.
22 From a man's greed comes his shame; rather be a poor man than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD is an aid to life; one eats and sleeps without being visited by misfortune.
24 The sluggard loses his hand in the dish; he will not even lift it to his mouth.
25 If you beat an arrogant man, the simple learn a lesson; if you rebuke an intelligent man, he gains knowledge.
26 He who mistreats his father, or drives away his mother, is a worthless and disgraceful son.
27 If a son ceases to hear instruction, he wanders from words of knowledge.
28 An unprincipled witness perverts justice, and the mouth of the wicked pours out iniquity.
29 Rods are prepared for the arrogant, and blows for the backs of fools.
20 1 Wine is arrogant, strong drink is riotous; none who goes astray for it is wise.
2 The dread of the king is as when a lion roars; he who incurs his anger forfeits his life.
3 It is honorable for a man to shun strife, while every fool starts a quarrel.
4 In seedtime the sluggard plows not; when he looks for the harvest, it is not there.
5 The intention in the human heart is like water far below the surface, but the man of intelligence draws it forth.
6 Many are declared to be men of virtue: but who can find one worthy of trust?
7 When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him!
8 A king seated on the throne of judgment dispels all evil with his glance.
9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am cleansed of my sin"?
10 Varying weights, varying measures, are both an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even by his manners the child betrays whether his conduct is innocent and right.
12 The ear that hears, and the eye that sees-- the LORD has made them both.
13 Love not sleep, lest you be reduced to poverty; eyes wide open mean abundant food.
14 "Bad, bad!" says the buyer; but once he has gone his way, he boasts.
15 Like gold or a wealth of corals, wise lips are a precious ornament.
16 Take his garment who becomes surety for another, and for strangers yield it up!
17 The bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Plans made after advice succeed; so with wise guidance wage your war.
19 A newsmonger reveals secrets; so have nothing to do with a babbler!
20 If one curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out at the coming of darkness.
21 Possessions gained hastily at the outset will in the end not be blessed.
22 Say not, "I will repay evil!" Trust in the LORD and he will help you.
23 Varying weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.
24 Man's steps are from the LORD; how, then, can a man understand his way?
25 Rashly to pledge a sacred gift is a trap for a man, or to regret a vow once made.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and threshes them under the cartwheel.
27 A lamp from the LORD is the breath of man; it searches through all his inmost being.
28 Kindness and piety safeguard the king, and he upholds his throne by justice.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the dignity of old men is gray hair.
30 Evil is cleansed away by bloody lashes, and a scourging to the inmost being.
21 1 Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart-- the tillage of the wicked is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
6 He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
7 The oppression of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the culprit is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman.
10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
14 A secret gift allays anger, and a concealed present, violent wrath.
15 To practice justice is a joy for the just, but terror for evildoers.
16 The man who strays from the way of good sense will abide in the assembly of the shades.
17 He who loves pleasure will suffer want; he who loves wine and perfume will not be rich.
18 The wicked man serves as ransom for the just, and the faithless man for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and vexatious wife.
20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it.
21 He who pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.
22 The wise man storms a city of the mighty, and overthrows the stronghold in which it trusts.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 Arrogant is the name for the man of overbearing pride who acts with scornful effrontery.
25 The sluggard's propensity slays him, for his hands refuse to work.
26 Some are consumed with avarice all the day, but the just man gives unsparingly.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, the more so when they offer it with a bad intention.
28 The false witness will perish, but he who listens will finally have his say.
29 The wicked man is brazenfaced, but the upright man pays heed to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, against the LORD.
31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD'S.
22 1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver.
2 Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3 The shrewd man perceives evil and hides, while simpletons continue on and suffer the penalty.
4 The reward of humility and fear of the LORD is riches, honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are on the path of the crooked; he who would safeguard his life will shun them.
6 Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity reaps calamity, and the rod destroys his labors.
9 The kindly man will be blessed, for he gives of his sustenance to the poor.
10 Expel the arrogant man and discord goes out; strife and insult cease.
11 The LORD loves the pure of heart; the man of winning speech has the king for his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD safeguard knowledge, but he defeats the projects of the faithless.
13 The sluggard says, "A lion is outside; in the streets I might be slain."
14 The mouth of the adulteress is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is close to the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to enrich himself will yield up his gains to the rich as sheer loss.
17 The sayings of the wise: Incline your ear, and hear my words, and apply your heart to my doctrine;
18 For it will be well if you keep them in your bosom, if they all are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I make known to you the words of Amen-em-Ope.
20 Have I not written for you the "Thirty," with counsels and knowledge,
21 To teach you truly how to give a dependable report to one who sends you?
22 Injure not the poor because they are poor, nor crush the needy at the gate;
23 For the LORD will defend their cause, and will plunder the lives of those who plunder them.
24 Be not friendly with a hotheaded man, nor the companion of a wrathful man,
25 Lest you learn his ways, and get yourself into a snare.
26 Be not one of those who give their hand in pledge, of those who become surety for debts;
27 For if you have not the means to pay, your bed will be taken from under you.
28 Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers set up.
29 You see a man skilled at his work? He will stand in the presence of kings; he will not stand in the presence of obscure men.
23 1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, keep in mind who is before you;
2 And put a knife to your throat if you have a ravenous appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies; they are deceitful food.
4 Toil not to gain wealth, cease to be concerned about it;
5 While your glance flits to it, it is gone! for assuredly it grows wings, like the eagle that flies toward heaven.
6 Do not take food with a grudging man, and do not desire his dainties;
7 For in his greed he is like a storm. "Eat and drink," he says to you, though his heart is not with you;
8 The little you have eaten you will vomit up, and you will have wasted your agreeable words.
9 Speak not for the fool's hearing; he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Remove not the ancient landmark, nor invade the fields of orphans;
11 For their redeemer is strong; he will defend their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not chastisement from a boy; if you beat him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Beat him with the rod, and you will save him from the nether world.
15 My son, if your heart be wise, my own heart also will rejoice;
16 And my inmost being will exult, when your lips speak what is right.
17 Let not your heart emulate sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD always;
18 For you will surely have a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the right way.
20 Consort not with winebibbers, nor with those who eat meat to excess;
21 For the drunkard and the glutton come to poverty, and torpor clothes a man in rags.
22 Listen to your father who begot you, and despise not your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth, and sell it not-- wisdom, instruction and understanding.
24 The father of a just man will exult with glee; he who begets a wise son will have joy in him.
25 Let your father and mother have joy; let her who bore you exult.
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes keep to my ways.
27 For the harlot is a deep ditch, and the adulteress a narrow pit;
28 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the faithless among men.
29 Who scream? Who shriek? Who have strife? Who have anxiety? Who have wounds for nothing? Who have black eyes?
30 Those who linger long over wine, those who engage in trials of blended wine.
31 Look not on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the glass. It goes down smoothly;
32 but in the end it bites like a serpent, or like a poisonous adder.
33 Your eyes behold strange sights, and your heart utters disordered thoughts;
34 You are like one now lying in the depths of the sea, now sprawled at the top of the mast.
35 "They struck me, but it pained me not; They beat me, but I felt it not; When shall I awake to seek wine once again?"
Proverbes (NAB) 11