The Human Truth Foundation

Mishlei (Book of Truth) / Proverbs

http://www.humanreligions.info/proverbs.html

By Vexen Crabtree 2012

#christianity #solomon

Christians were once adamant that the Book of Proverbs was composed by Solomon1, but, the various parts of Proverbs date from such a range of dates, and, other historical evidence has led academics almost universally away from the belief that Solomon was the author. The book of proverbs is a collection of sayings, stories and poems written by multiple authors over a period of hundreds of years1,2, reaching its finished editions around the 5th century BCE1

The first nine chapters are philosophical in nature1, and the last twelve chapters are a long series of sayings drawn from Jewish and Mesopotamian culture. Some of the proverbs are moral, but many are simply revengeful, and most simply relate to the local circumstances of the Jewish people at the time they were written2.

Some of the collections of songs in Proverbs are explicitly not by Solomon, and other collections say they're in his name, but evidently aren't.

The thirty-first chapter of Proverbs is an evidence of this; it is there said, v. i: “The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” This verse stands as a preface to the Proverbs that follow, and which are not the proverbs of Solomon, but of Lemuel; and this Lemuel was not one of the kings of Israel, nor of Judah, but of some other country, and consequently a Gentile. [...]

The 1st verse of the 25th chapter [says] "These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out." It was two hundred and fifty years from the time of Solomon to the time of Hezekiah. When a man is famous and his name is abroad, he is made the putative father of things he never said or did, and this, most probably, has been the case with Solomon.

"The Age of Reason" by Thomas Paine (1807)2


1. The 31 chapters of Proverbs (915 verses)

Proverbs 1 (33 verses) - The proverbs of Solomon. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Wisdom calls aloud. The complacency of fools destroys them.3

KJVYLTNotes
1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

Proverbs 1:7 appears on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God

Proverbs 1:7 is discussed on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament

2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;For knowing wisdom and instruction, For understanding sayings of intelligence,
3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;For receiving the instruction of wisdom, Righteousness, judgment, and uprightness,
4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.For giving to simple ones -- prudence, To a youth -- knowledge and discretion.
5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:(The wise doth hear and increaseth learning, And the intelligent doth obtain counsels.)
6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.For understanding a proverb and its sweetness, Words of the wise and their acute sayings.
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Fear of Jehovah `is' a beginning of knowledge, Wisdom and instruction fools have despised!
8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, And leave not the law of thy mother,
9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.For a graceful wreath `are' they to thy head, And chains to thy neck.
10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.My son, if sinners entice thee be not willing.
11If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:If they say, `Come with us, we lay wait for blood, We watch secretly for the innocent without cause,
12Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:We swallow them as Sheol -- alive, And whole -- as those going down `to' the pit,
13We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:Every precious substance we find, We fill our houses `with' spoil,
14Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:Thy lot thou dost cast among us, One purse is -- to all of us.'
15My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:My son! go not in the way with them, Withhold thy foot from their path,
16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.For their feet to evil do run, And they haste to shed blood.
17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.Surely in vain is the net spread out before the eyes of any bird.
18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.And they for their own blood lay wait, They watch secretly for their own lives.
19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.So `are' the paths of every gainer of dishonest gain, The life of its owners it taketh.
20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:Wisdom in an out-place crieth aloud, In broad places she giveth forth her voice,
21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,At the head of the multitudes she calleth, In the openings of the gates, In the city her sayings she saith:
22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?`Till when, ye simple, do ye love simplicity? And have scorners their scorning desired? And do fools hate knowledge?
23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.Turn back at my reproof, lo, I pour forth to you my spirit, I make known my words with you.
24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;Because I have called, and ye refuse, I stretched out my hand, and none is attending,
25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:And ye slight all my counsel, And my reproof ye have not desired.
26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;I also in your calamity do laugh, I deride when your fear cometh,
27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.When your fear cometh as destruction, And your calamity as a hurricane doth come, When on you come adversity and distress.
28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:Then they call me, and I do not answer, They seek me earnestly, and find me not.
29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Because that they have hated knowledge, And the fear of Jehovah have not chosen.
30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.They have not consented to my counsel, They have despised all my reproof,
31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.And they eat of the fruit of their way, And from their own counsels they are filled.
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.For the turning of the simple slayeth them, And the security of the foolish destroyeth them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.And whoso is hearkening to me dwelleth confidently, And `is' quiet from fear of evil!'

Proverbs 2 (22 verses) - My son, apply your heart to understanding. For the LORD gives wisdom. It will save you from the way of evil, and from the adulteress.3

KJVYLTNotes
1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;My son, if thou dost accept my sayings, And my commands dost lay up with thee,
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;To cause thine ear to attend to wisdom, Thou inclinest thy heart to understanding,
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;For, if for intelligence thou callest, For understanding givest forth thy voice,
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;If thou dost seek her as silver, And as hid treasures searchest for her,
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.Then understandest thou fear of Jehovah, And knowledge of God thou findest.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.For Jehovah giveth wisdom, From His mouth knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.Even to lay up for the upright substance, A shield for those walking uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.To keep the paths of judgment, And the way of His saints He preserveth.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.Then understandest thou righteousness, And judgment, and uprightness -- every good path.
10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;For wisdom cometh into thy heart, And knowledge to thy soul is pleasant,
11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:Thoughtfulness doth watch over thee, Understanding doth keep thee,
12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;To deliver thee from an evil way, From any speaking froward things,
13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;Who are forsaking paths of uprightness, To walk in ways of darkness,
14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;Who are rejoicing to do evil, They delight in frowardness of the wicked,
15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:Whose paths `are' crooked, Yea, they are perverted in their ways.
16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;To deliver thee from the strange woman, From the stranger who hath made smooth her sayings,
17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.Who is forsaking the guide of her youth, And the covenant of her God hath forgotten.
18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.For her house hath inclined unto death, And unto Rephaim her paths.
19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.None going in unto her turn back, Nor do they reach the paths of life.
20That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.That thou dost go in the way of the good, And the paths of the righteous dost keep.
21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.For the upright do inhabit the earth, And the perfect are left in it,
22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.And the wicked from the earth are cut off, And treacherous dealers plucked out of it!

Proverbs 3 (35 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:My son! my law forget not, And my commands let thy heart keep,
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.For length of days and years, Life and peace they do add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:Let not kindness and truth forsake thee, Bind them on thy neck, Write them on the tablet of thy heart,
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.And find grace and good understanding In the eyes of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.In all thy ways know thou Him, And He doth make straight thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Be not wise in thine own eyes, Fear Jehovah, and turn aside from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Healing it is to thy navel, And moistening to thy bones.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:Honour Jehovah from thy substance, And from the beginning of all thine increase;
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.And filled are thy barns `with' plenty, And `with' new wine thy presses break forth.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:Chastisement of Jehovah, my son, despise not, And be not vexed with His reproof,
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.For whom Jehovah loveth He reproveth, Even as a father the son He is pleased with.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.O the happiness of a man `who' hath found wisdom, And of a man `who' bringeth forth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.For better `is' her merchandise Than the merchandise of silver, And than gold -- her increase.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.Precious she `is' above rubies, And all thy pleasures are not comparable to her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.Length of days `is' in her right hand, In her left `are' wealth and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.Her ways `are' ways of pleasantness, And all her paths `are' peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.A tree of life she `is' to those laying hold on her, And whoso is retaining her `is' happy.
19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.Jehovah by wisdom did found the earth, He prepared the heavens by understanding.
20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.By His knowledge depths have been rent, And clouds do drop dew.
21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:My son! let them not turn from thine eyes, Keep thou wisdom and thoughtfulness,
22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.And they are life to thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.Then thou goest thy way confidently, And thy foot doth not stumble.
24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.If thou liest down, thou art not afraid, Yea, thou hast lain down, And sweet hath been thy sleep.
25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.Be not afraid of sudden fear, And of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh.
26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.For Jehovah is at thy side, And He hath kept thy foot from capture.
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.Withhold not good from its owners, When thy hand `is' toward God to do `it'.
28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.Say not thou to thy friend, `Go, and return, and to-morrow I give,' And substance with thee.
29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.Devise not against thy neighbour evil, And he sitting confidently with thee.
30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.Strive not with a man without cause, If he have not done thee evil.
31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.Be not envious of a man of violence, Nor fix thou on any of his ways.
32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.For an abomination to Jehovah `is' the perverted, And with the upright `is' His secret counsel.
33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.The curse of Jehovah `is' in the house of the wicked. And the habitation of the righteous He blesseth.
34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.If the scorners He doth scorn, Yet to the humble He doth give grace.
35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.Honour do the wise inherit, And fools are bearing away shame!

Proverbs 4 (27 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Hear, ye sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding.
2For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.For good learning I have given to you, My law forsake not.
3For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.For, a son I have been to my father -- tender, And an only one before my mother.
4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.And he directeth me, and he saith to me: `Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.
5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.Get wisdom, get understanding, Do not forget, nor turn away From the sayings of my mouth.
6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee.
7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.The first thing `is' wisdom -- get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding.
8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.Exalt her, and she doth lift thee up, She honoureth thee, when thou dost embrace her.
9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.She giveth to thy head a wreath of grace, A crown of beauty she doth give thee freely.
10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And years of life `are' multiplied to thee.
11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.In a way of wisdom I have directed thee, I have caused thee to tread in paths of uprightness.
12When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.
13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.Lay hold on instruction, do not desist, Keep her, for she `is' thy life.
14Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.Into the path of the wicked enter not, And be not happy in a way of evil doers.
15Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.Avoid it, pass not over into it, Turn aside from it, and pass on.
16For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.For they sleep not if they do not evil, And their sleep hath been taken violently away, If they cause not `some' to stumble.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.For they have eaten bread of wickedness, And wine of violence they drink.
18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.And the path of the righteous `is' as a shining light, Going and brightening till the day is established,
19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.The way of the wicked `is' as darkness, They have not known at what they stumble.
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.My son, to my words give attention, To my sayings incline thine ear,
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.Let them not turn aside from thine eyes, Preserve them in the midst of thy heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.For life they `are' to those finding them, And to all their flesh healing.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Above every charge keep thy heart, For out of it `are' the outgoings of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.Turn aside from thee a froward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee,
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.Thine eyes do look straightforward, And thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.Ponder thou the path of thy feet, And all thy ways `are' established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.Incline not `to' the right or to the left, Turn aside thy foot from evil!

Proverbs 5 (23 verses) - My son, listen to my words. In the end an adulteress is bitter as wormwood. Keep away from her. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.3

KJVYLTNotes
1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:My son! to my wisdom give attention, To mine understanding incline thine ear,
2That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.To observe thoughtfulness, And knowledge do thy lips keep.
3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And smoother than oil `is' her mouth,
4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.And her latter end `is' bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a sword `with' mouths.
5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.Her feet are going down to death, Sheol do her steps take hold of.
6Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.The path of life -- lest thou ponder, Moved have her paths -- thou knowest not.
7Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.And now, ye sons, hearken to me, And turn not from sayings of my mouth.
8Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:Keep far from off her thy way, And come not near unto the opening of her house,
9Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:Lest thou give to others thy honour, And thy years to the fierce,
10Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;Lest strangers be filled `with' thy power, And thy labours in the house of a stranger,
11And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,And thou hast howled in thy latter end, In the consumption of thy flesh and thy food,
12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;And hast said, `How have I hated instruction, And reproof hath my heart despised,
13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!And I have not hearkened to the voice of my directors, And to my teachers have not inclined mine ear.
14I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.As a little thing I have been all evil, In the midst of an assembly and a company.
15Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.Drink waters out of thine own cistern, Even flowing ones out of thine own well.
16Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.Let thy fountains be scattered abroad, In broad places rivulets of waters.
17Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.Let them be to thee for thyself, And not to strangers with thee.
18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.Let thy fountain be blessed, And rejoice because of the wife of thy youth,
19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.A hind of loves, and a roe of grace! Let her loves satisfy thee at all times, In her love magnify thyself continually.
20And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?And why dost thou magnify thyself, My son, with a stranger? And embrace the bosom of a strange woman?
21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.For over-against the eyes of Jehovah are the ways of each, And all his paths He is pondering.
22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.His own iniquities do capture the wicked, And with the ropes of his sin he is holden.
23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.He dieth without instruction, And in the abundance of his folly magnifieth himself!

Proverbs 6 (35 verses) - Some life advice. Although very short, Proverbs is highly contradictory, and teaches dubious morals

Proverbs 6 makes little sense. It argues that to promise your word is to be trapped and that a good way out of this is to engage in mutual sleep deprivation between you and your friend. Ant-watching is good for lazy people despite the fact that ants organize mostly into war-waging tribes and food-stealing crime syndicates. It erroneously states that ants don't have leaders. It contradicts several verses from Matthew and Luke in a denial of universalism. In a list of 7 things God detests, Proverbs 6 manages to list the same thing twice, and, contradicts several of the sayings of Jesus. It manages to argue against adultery on the grounds of avoiding the consequences, rather than on the grounds of morality. Proverbs 6 makes sense when it warns that lazy people will become economically poor.

For more, see:

Proverbs 7 (27 verses) - My son, wisdom will keep you from the adulteress. I saw her seducing a young man. He followed her like an ox going to the slaughter.3

KJVYLTNotes
1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.My son! keep my sayings, And my commands lay up with thee.
2Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.Keep my commands, and live, And my law as the pupil of thine eye.
3Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.Bind them on thy fingers, Write them on the tablet of thy heart.
4Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:Say to wisdom, `My sister Thou `art'.' And cry to understanding, `Kinswoman!'
5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.To preserve thee from a strange woman, From a stranger who hath made smooth her sayings.
6For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,For, at a window of my house, Through my casement I have looked out,
7And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,And I do see among the simple ones, I discern among the sons, A young man lacking understanding,
8Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,Passing on in the street, near her corner, And the way `to' her house he doth step,
9In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:In the twilight -- in the evening of day, In the darkness of night and blackness.
10And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.And, lo, a woman to meet him -- (A harlot's dress, and watchful of heart,
11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:Noisy she `is', and stubborn, In her house her feet rest not.
12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)Now in an out-place, now in broad places, And near every corner she lieth in wait) --
13So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,And she laid hold on him, and kissed him, She hath hardened her face, and saith to him,
14I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.`Sacrifices of peace-offerings `are' by me, To-day I have completed my vows.
15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.Therefore I have come forth to meet thee, To seek earnestly thy face, and I find thee.
16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.`With' ornamental coverings I decked my couch, Carved works -- cotton of Egypt.
17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.I sprinkled my bed -- myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.Come, we are filled `with' loves till the morning, We delight ourselves in loves.
19For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:For the man is not in his house, He hath gone on a long journey.
20He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.A bag of money he hath taken in his hand, At the day of the new moon he cometh to his house.'
21With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.She turneth him aside with the abundance of her speech, With the flattery of her lips she forceth him.
22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;He is going after her straightway, As an ox unto the slaughter he cometh, And as a fetter unto the chastisement of a fool,
23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.Till an arrow doth split his liver, As a bird hath hastened unto a snare, And hath not known that it `is' for its life.
24Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.And now, ye sons, hearken to me, And give attention to sayings of my mouth.
25Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.Let not thy heart turn unto her ways, Do not wander in her paths,
26For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.For many `are' the wounded she caused to fall, And mighty `are' all her slain ones.
27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.The ways of Sheol -- her house, Going down unto inner chambers of death!

Proverbs 8 (36 verses) - Wisdom cries aloud: "My mouth speaks truth. The LORD brought me forth at the beginning of his works. Whoever finds me finds life."3

KJVYLTNotes
1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?Doth not wisdom call? And understanding give forth her voice?
2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.At the head of high places by the way, Between the paths she hath stood,
3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.At the side of the gates, at the mouth of the city, The entrance of the openings, she crieth aloud,
4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.`Unto you, O men, I call, And my voice `is' unto the sons of men.
5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,
6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.Hearken, for noble things I speak, And the opening of my lips `is' uprightness.
7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.For truth doth my mouth utter, And an abomination to my lips `is' wickedness.
8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.In righteousness `are' all the sayings of my mouth, Nothing in them is froward and perverse.
9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.All of them `are' plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.
10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.For better `is' wisdom than rubies, Yea, all delights are not comparable with it.
12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.I, wisdom, have dwelt with prudence, And a knowledge of devices I find out.
13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.The fear of Jehovah `is' to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and an evil way, And a froward mouth, I have hated.
14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.Mine `is' counsel and substance, I `am' understanding, I have might.
15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,
16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.
17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.I love those loving me, And those seeking me earnestly do find me.
18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.Wealth and honour `are' with me, Lasting substance and righteousness.
19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.Better `is' my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver.
20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,
21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.To cause my lovers to inherit substance, Yea, their treasures I fill.
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.Jehovah possessed me -- the beginning of His way, Before His works since then.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.In there being no depths, I was brought forth, In there being no fountains heavy `with' waters,
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:Before mountains were sunk, Before heights, I was brought forth.
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.While He had not made the earth, and out-places, And the top of the dusts of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:In His preparing the heavens I `am' there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:In His strengthening clouds above, In His making strong fountains of the deep,
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:In His setting for the sea its limit, And the waters transgress not His command, In His decreeing the foundations of earth,
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;Then I am near Him, a workman, And I am a delight -- day by day. Rejoicing before Him at all times,
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth, And my delights `are' with the sons of men.
32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.And now, ye sons, hearken to me, Yea, happy are they who keep my ways.
33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.Hear instruction, and be wise, and slight not.
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.O the happiness of the man hearkening to me, To watch at my doors day by day, To watch at the door-posts of my entrance.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.For whoso is finding me, hath found life, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.And whoso is missing me, is wronging his soul, All hating me have loved death!

Proverbs 9 (18 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:Wisdom hath builded her house, She hath hewn out her pillars -- seven.

Proverbs 9:1 is referenced on The Mystical Number 7: 2. In the Bible (Judaism and Christianity)

Proverbs 9:10-11 is mentioned on Life Expectancy and Longevity: 6. Sociological Data on Life Expectancy Versus Religion

For more on Proverbs 9:10-11 see Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?: 1. How and Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?

Proverbs 9:10-11 appears on Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?: 4. Sociological Data on Life Expectancy Versus Religion

2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.She hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table.
3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:
4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,`Who `is' simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him,
5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.`Come, eat of my bread, And drink of the wine I have mingled.
6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.Give to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.The commencement of wisdom `is' the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones `is' understanding.
11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.For by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life.
12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest `it'.
13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.A foolish woman `is' noisy, Simple, and hath not known what.
14For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,And she hath sat at the opening of her house, On a throne -- the high places of the city,
15To call passengers who go right on their ways:To call to those passing by the way, Who are going straight `on' their paths.
16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,`Who `is' simple? let him turn aside hither.' And whoso lacketh heart -- she said to him,
17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.`Stolen waters are sweet, And hidden bread is pleasant.'
18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.And he hath not known that Rephaim `are' there, In deep places of Sheol her invited ones!

Proverbs 10 (32 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son causeth a father to rejoice, And a foolish son `is' an affliction to his mother.

Some comments on Proverbs 10:27 are on Life Expectancy and Longevity: 6. Sociological Data on Life Expectancy Versus Religion

Proverbs 10:27 is referenced on Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?: 1. How and Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?

For more on Proverbs 10:27 see Why Did Some People in the Bible Live So Long?: 4. Sociological Data on Life Expectancy Versus Religion

2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.Treasures of wickedness profit not, And righteousness delivereth from death.
3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.Jehovah causeth not the soul of the righteous to hunger, And the desire of the wicked He thrusteth away.
4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Poor `is' he who is working -- a slothful hand, And the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.Whoso is gathering in summer `is' a wise son, Whoso is sleeping in harvest `is' a son causing shame.
6Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.Blessings `are' for the head of the righteous, And the mouth of the wicked cover doth violence.
7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.The remembrance of the righteous `is' for a blessing, And the name of the wicked doth rot.
8The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.The wise in heart accepteth commands, And a talkative fool kicketh.
9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.Whoso is walking in integrity walketh confidently, And whoso is perverting his ways is known.
10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.Whoso is winking the eye giveth grief, And a talkative fool kicketh.
11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.A fountain of life `is' the mouth of the righteous, And the mouth of the wicked cover doth violence.
12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.Hatred awaketh contentions, And over all transgressions love covereth.
13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.In the lips of the intelligent is wisdom found, And a rod `is' for the back of him who is lacking understanding.
14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.The wise lay up knowledge, and the mouth of a fool `is' near ruin.
15The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.The wealth of the rich `is' his strong city, The ruin of the poor `is' their poverty.
16The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.The wage of the righteous `is' for life, The increase of the wicked for sin.
17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.A traveller to life `is' he who is keeping instruction, And whoso is forsaking rebuke is erring.
18He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.Whoso is covering hatred with lying lips, And whoso is bringing out an evil report is a fool.
19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.In the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips `is' wise.
20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.The tongue of the righteous `is' chosen silver, The heart of the wicked -- as a little thing.
21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die.
22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.The blessing of Jehovah -- it maketh rich, And He addeth no grief with it.
23It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.To execute inventions `is' as play to a fool, And wisdom to a man of understanding.
24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.The feared thing of the wicked it meeteth him, And the desire of the righteous is given.
25As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.As the passing by of a hurricane, So the wicked is not, And the righteous is a foundation age-during.
26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So `is' the slothful to those sending him.
27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.The fear of Jehovah addeth days, And the years of the wicked are shortened.
28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.The hope of the righteous `is' joyful, And the expectation of the wicked perisheth.
29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.The way of Jehovah `is' strength to the perfect, And ruin to workers of iniquity.
30The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.The righteous to the age is not moved, And the wicked inhabit not the earth.
31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, And the tongue of frowardness is cut out.
32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.The lips of the righteous know a pleasing thing, And the mouth of the wicked perverseness!

Proverbs 11 (31 verses) - The LORD hates dishonest scales. The wicked earn false wages. Whoever gives water will get water. Whoever trusts in riches will fall.3

KJVYLTNotes
1A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.Balances of deceit `are' an abomination to Jehovah, And a perfect weight `is' His delight.
2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.Pride hath come, and shame cometh, And with the lowly `is' wisdom.
3The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.The integrity of the upright leadeth them, And the perverseness of the treacherous destroyeth them.
4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.Wealth profiteth not in a day of wrath, And righteousness delivereth from death.
5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.The righteousness of the perfect maketh right his way, And by his wickedness doth the wicked fall.
6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.The righteousness of the upright delivereth them, And in mischief the treacherous are captured.
7When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.In the death of a wicked man, hope perisheth, And the expectation of the iniquitous hath been lost.
8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.The righteous from distress is drawn out, And the wicked goeth in instead of him.
9An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out.
10When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.In the good of the righteous a city exulteth, And in the destruction of the wicked `is' singing.
11By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.By the blessing of the upright is a city exalted, And by the mouth of the wicked thrown down.
12He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.Whoso is despising his neighbour lacketh heart, And a man of understanding keepeth silence.
13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.A busybody is revealing secret counsel, And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.
14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.Without counsels do a people fall, And deliverance `is' in a multitude of counsellors.
15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.Evil `one' suffereth when he hath been surety `for' a stranger, And whoso is hating suretyship is confident.
16A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.A gracious woman retaineth honour, And terrible `men' retain riches.
17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.A kind man is rewarding his own soul, And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.
18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.The wicked is getting a lying wage, And whoso is sowing righteousness -- a true reward.
19As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.Rightly `is' righteousness for life, And whoso is pursuing evil -- for his own death.
20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.An abomination to Jehovah `are' the perverse of heart, And the perfect of the way `are' His delight.
21Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.Hand to hand, the wicked is not acquitted, And the seed of the righteous hath escaped.
22As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.A ring of gold in the nose of a sow -- A fair woman and stubborn of behaviour.
23The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.The desire of the righteous `is' only good, The hope of the wicked `is' transgression.
24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.There is who is scattering, and yet is increased, And who is keeping back from uprightness, only to want.
25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.A liberal soul is made fat, And whoso is watering, he also is watered.
26He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.Whoso is withholding corn, the people execrate him, And a blessing `is' for the head of him who is selling.
27He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.Whoso is earnestly seeking good Seeketh a pleasing thing, And whoso is seeking evil -- it meeteth him.
28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Whoso is confident in his wealth he falleth, And as a leaf, the righteous flourish.
29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.Whoso is troubling his own house inheriteth wind, And a servant `is' the fool to the wise of heart.
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.The fruit of the righteous `is' a tree of life, And whoso is taking souls `is' wise.
31Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.Lo, the righteous in the earth is recompensed, Surely also the wicked and the sinner!

Proverbs 12 (28 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Whoso is loving instruction, is loving knowledge, And whoso is hating reproof `is' brutish.
2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.The good bringeth forth favour from Jehovah, And the man of wicked devices He condemneth.
3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.A man is not established by wickedness, And the root of the righteous is not moved.
4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.A virtuous woman `is' a crown to her husband, And as rottenness in his bones `is' one causing shame.
5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.The thoughts of the righteous `are' justice, The counsels of the wicked -- deceit.
6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.The words of the wicked `are': `Lay wait for blood,' And the mouth of the upright delivereth them.
7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.Overthrow the wicked, and they are not, And the house of the righteous standeth.
8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.According to his wisdom is a man praised, And the perverted of heart becometh despised.
9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.Better `is' the lightly esteemed who hath a servant, Than the self-honoured who lacketh bread.
10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.The righteous knoweth the life of his beast, And the mercies of the wicked `are' cruel.
11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied `with' bread, And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart,
12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.The wicked hath desired the net of evil doers, And the root of the righteous giveth.
13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.In transgression of the lips `is' the snare of the wicked, And the righteous goeth out from distress.
14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.From the fruit of the mouth `is' one satisfied `with' good, And the deed of man's hands returneth to him.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.The way of a fool `is' right in his own eyes, And whoso is hearkening to counsel `is' wise.
16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.The fool -- in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.
17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness -- deceit.
18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.
19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment -- a tongue of falsehood.
20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.Deceit `is' in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace `is' joy.
21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.No iniquity is desired by the righteous, And the wicked have been full of evil.
22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.An abomination to Jehovah `are' lying lips, And stedfast doers `are' his delight.
23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.
24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.The hand of the diligent ruleth, And slothfulness becometh tributary.
25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.Sorrow in the heart of a man boweth down, And a good word maketh him glad.
26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.The slothful roasteth not his hunting, And the wealth of a diligent man is precious.
28In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.In the path of righteousness `is' life, And in the way of `that' path `is' no death!

Proverbs 13 (25 verses) - The righteous hate lies. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Whoever heeds reproof is honoured. Whoever spares the rod hates his son.3

KJVYLTNotes
1A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.A wise son -- the instruction of a father, And a scorner -- he hath not heard rebuke.
2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.From the fruit of the mouth a man eateth good, And the soul of the treacherous -- violence.
3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.Whoso is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, Whoso is opening wide his lips -- ruin to him!
4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.The soul of the slothful is desiring, and hath not. And the soul of the diligent is made fat.
5A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.A false word the righteous hateth, And the wicked causeth abhorrence, and is confounded.
6Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.Righteousness keepeth him who is perfect in the way, And wickedness overthroweth a sin offering.
7There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.There is who is making himself rich, and hath nothing, Who is making himself poor, and wealth `is' abundant.
8The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.The ransom of a man's life `are' his riches, And the poor hath not heard rebuke.
9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.The light of the righteous rejoiceth, And the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.A vain man through pride causeth debate, And with the counselled `is' wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.Wealth from vanity becometh little, And whoso is gathering by the hand becometh great.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.Hope prolonged is making the heart sick, And a tree of life `is' the coming desire.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.Whoso is despising the Word is destroyed for it, And whoso is fearing the Command is repayed.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.The law of the wise `is' a fountain of life, To turn aside from snares of death.
15Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.Good understanding giveth grace, And the way of the treacherous `is' hard.
16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.Every prudent one dealeth with knowledge, And a fool spreadeth out folly.
17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.A wicked messenger falleth into evil, And a faithful ambassador is healing.
18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.Whoso is refusing instruction -- poverty and shame, And whoso is observing reproof is honoured.
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, And an abomination to fools `is': Turn from evil.
20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Whoso is walking with wise men is wise, And a companion of fools suffereth evil.
21Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.Evil pursueth sinners, And good recompenseth the righteous.
22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.A good man causeth sons' sons to inherit, And laid up for the righteous `is' the sinner's wealth.
23Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.Abundance of food -- the tillage of the poor, And substance is consumed without judgment.
24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.Whoso is sparing his rod is hating his son, And whoso is loving him hath hastened him chastisement.
25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.The righteous is eating to the satiety of his soul, And the belly of the wicked lacketh!

Proverbs 14 (35 verses) - The talk of fools is a rod for their backs. Even in laughter the heart may ache. Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker.3

KJVYLTNotes
1Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.Every wise woman hath builded her house, And the foolish with her hands breaketh it down.
2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.Whoso is walking in his uprightness is fearing Jehovah, And the perverted `in' his ways is despising Him.
3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.In the mouth of a fool `is' a rod of pride, And the lips of the wise preserve them.
4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.Without oxen a stall `is' clean, And great `is' the increase by the power of the ox.
5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.A faithful witness lieth not, And a false witness breatheth out lies.
6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.A scorner hath sought wisdom, and it is not, And knowledge to the intelligent `is' easy.
7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.Go from before a foolish man, Or thou hast not known the lips of knowledge.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.The wisdom of the prudent `is' to understand his way, And the folly of fools `is' deceit.
9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.Fools mock at a guilt-offering, And among the upright -- a pleasing thing.
10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.The heart knoweth its own bitterness, And with its joy a stranger doth not intermeddle.
11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.The house of the wicked is destroyed, And the tent of the upright flourisheth.
12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.There is a way -- right before a man, And its latter end `are' ways of death.
13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.Even in laughter is the heart pained, And the latter end of joy `is' affliction.
14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.From his ways is the backslider in heart filled, And a good man -- from his fruits.
15The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.The simple giveth credence to everything, And the prudent attendeth to his step.
16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.The wise is fearing and turning from evil, And a fool is transgressing and is confident.
17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.Whoso is short of temper doth folly, And a man of wicked devices is hated.
18The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.The simple have inherited folly, And the prudent are crowned `with' knowledge.
19The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.The evil have bowed down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.Even of his neighbour is the poor hated, And those loving the rich `are' many.
21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.Whoso is despising his neighbour sinneth, Whoso is favouring the humble, O his happiness.
22Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth `are' to those devising good,
23In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.In all labour there is advantage, And a thing of the lips `is' only to want.
24The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.The crown of the wise is their wealth, The folly of fools `is' folly.
25A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.A true witness is delivering souls, And a deceitful one breatheth out lies.
26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.In the fear of Jehovah `is' strong confidence, And to His sons there is a refuge.
27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.The fear of Jehovah `is' a fountain of life, To turn aside from snares of death.
28In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.In the multitude of a people `is' the honour of a king, And in lack of people the ruin of a prince.
29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Whoso is slow to anger `is' of great understanding, And whoso is short in temper is exalting folly.
30A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.A healed heart `is' life to the flesh, And rottenness to the bones `is' envy.
31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker, And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy.
32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.In his wickedness is the wicked driven away, And trustful in his death `is' the righteous.
33Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.In the heart of the intelligent wisdom doth rest. And in the midst of fools it is known.
34Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.Righteousness exalteth a nation, And the goodliness of peoples `is' a sin-offering.
35The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.The favour of a king `is' to a wise servant, And an object of his wrath is one causing shame!

Proverbs 15 (33 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.

Proverbs 15:1: See Instruct with Great Patience: How Christians Should Preach and Debate, According to the Bible

Proverbs 15:1 is referenced on Scriptural Debating Style: Christians and Muslims Must be Patient and Courteous: 1. Christianity: With Patience, Gentleness and Respect

Proverbs 15:3: Is Omniscience Possible? Does God Know Everything?: 1. Is God All-Knowing in the Bible and Qur'an?

Proverbs 15:3 comments: Is Omniscience Possible? Does God Know Everything?: 4.1. Christianity: Times in the Bible When God Doesn't Know All, and Tests People to Find Things Out

Proverbs 15:3 is referenced on Can God Lie? Is God Always Truthful in the Christian Bible?: 1. Verses from the Bible in More Detail

2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.A healed tongue `is' a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.`In' the house of the righteous `is' abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools `is' not right.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.The sacrifice of the wicked `is' an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright `is' His delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.An abomination to Jehovah `is' the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.Chastisement `is' grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.
11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?Sheol and destruction `are' before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of men.
12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.All the days of the afflicted `are' evil, And gladness of heart `is' a perpetual banquet.
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.Better `is' a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.
17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.Better `is' an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.The way of the slothful `is' as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.
20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth `his' going.
22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.Without counsel `is' the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.
23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Joy `is' to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!
24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.A path of life `is' on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.
25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.The house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.An abomination to Jehovah `are' thoughts of wickedness, And pure `are' sayings of pleasantness.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.
29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Far `is' Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.Whoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof Is getting understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.The fear of Jehovah `is' the instruction of wisdom, And before honour `is' humility!

Proverbs 16 (33 verses) - A man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Kings detest evil. Pride goes before destruction. Wisdom is a fountain of life.3

KJVYLTNotes
1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.Of man `are' arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked `worketh' for a day of evil.
5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.An abomination to Jehovah `is' every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou aside from evil.
7When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.Better `is' a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.
10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.An oath `is' on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
11A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.A just beam and balances `are' Jehovah's, His work `are' all the stones of the bag.
12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.An abomination to kings `is' doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.The delight of kings `are' righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.The fury of a king `is' messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
15In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.In the light of a king's face `is' life, And his good-will `is' as a cloud of the latter rain.
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.A highway of the upright `is', `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Before destruction `is' pride, And before stumbling -- a haughty spirit.'
19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.A fountain of life `is' understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Sayings of pleasantness `are' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.There is a way right before a man, And its latter end -- ways of death.
26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused `him' to bend over it.
27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips -- as a burning fire.
28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.A crown of beauty `are' grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.Better `is' the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah `is' all its judgment!

Proverbs 17 (28 verses) - A wise servant will rule over a shameful son. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. Even a fool seems wise if he keeps silent.3

KJVYLTNotes
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.Better `is' a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.
2A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.
3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.A refining pot `is' for silver, and a furnace for gold, And the trier of hearts `is' Jehovah.
4A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.
5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.
6Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.Sons' sons `are' the crown of old men, And the glory of sons `are' their fathers.
7Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.
8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.A stone of grace `is' the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.
10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And -- not a fool in his folly.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.The beginning of contention `is' a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.Whoso is justifying the wicked, And condemning the righteous, Even both of these `are' an abomination to Jehovah.
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?Why `is' this -- a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?
17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.Whoso is loving transgression is loving debate, Whoso is making high his entrance is seeking destruction.
20He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
24Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.The face of the intelligent `is' to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool -- at the end of the earth.
25A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.A provocation to his father `is' a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.
26Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.
27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper `is' a man of understanding.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!

Proverbs 18 (24 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.For `an object of' desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.
3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.
4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.Deep waters `are' the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom `is' a flowing brook.
5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.Acceptance of the face of the wicked `is' not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.
7A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.The mouth of a fool `is' ruin to him, And his lips `are' the snare of his soul.
8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.The words of a tale-bearer `are' as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down `to' the inner parts of the heart.
9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he `is' to a destroyer.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.A tower of strength `is' the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.The wealth of the rich `is' the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour `is' humility.
13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.
17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.Righteous `is' the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.
20A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, `From the' increase of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Death and life `are' in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.`Whoso' hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.`With' supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.
24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.A man with friends `is' to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!

Proverbs 19 (29 verses) - Wealth makes friends. A false witness will not go unpunished. A good wife is from the LORD. Whoever helps the poor lends to the LORD.3

KJVYLTNotes
1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.Better `is' the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse `in' his lips, who `is' a fool.
2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.Also, without knowledge the soul `is' not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.
3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.Wealth addeth many friends, And the poor from his neighbour is separated.
5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.
6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.
7All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words -- they are not!
8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.
9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.A false witness is not acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth.
10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, And his glory `is' to pass over transgression.
12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.The wrath of a king `is' a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.
13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.A calamity to his father `is' a foolish son, And the contentions of a wife `are' a continual dropping.
14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.House and wealth `are' the inheritance of fathers, And from Jehovah `is' an understanding wife.
15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.
16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.
17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Whoso is lending `to' Jehovah is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.
18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.
19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.A man of great wrath is bearing punishment, For, if thou dost deliver, yet again thou dost add.
20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.
21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Many `are' the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.
22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.The desirableness of a man `is' his kindness, And better `is' the poor than a liar.
23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.The fear of Jehovah `is' to life, And satisfied he remaineth -- he is not charged with evil.
24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.The slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.
25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.Whoso is spoiling a father causeth a mother to flee, A son causing shame, and bringing confusion.
27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.Cease, my son, to hear instruction -- To err from sayings of knowledge.
28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.
29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.Judgments have been prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools!

Proverbs 20 (30 verses) - Wine is a mocker, beer a brawler. Even a child is known by his deeds. The LORD hates false weights. It is a snare to make rash vows.3

KJVYLTNotes
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.Wine `is' a scorner -- strong drink `is' noisy, And any going astray in it is not wise.
2The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.The fear of a king `is' a growl as of a young lion, He who is causing him to be wroth is wronging his soul.
3It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth.
4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.
5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.Counsel in the heart of a man `is' deep water, And a man of understanding draweth it up.
6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?A multitude of men proclaim each his kindness, And a man of stedfastness who doth find?
7The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.The righteous is walking habitually in his integrity, O the happiness of his sons after him!
8A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.A king sitting on a throne of judgment, Is scattering with his eyes all evil,
9Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?Who saith, `I have purified my heart, I have been cleansed from my sin?'
10Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah, Even both of them `are' an abomination to Jehovah.
11Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.Even by his actions a youth maketh himself known, Whether his work be pure or upright.
12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.A hearing ear, and a seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
13Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.Love not sleep, lest thou become poor, Open thine eyes -- be satisfied `with' bread.
14It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.`Bad, bad,' saith the buyer, And going his way then he boasteth himself.
15There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, `are' lips of knowledge.
16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Take his garment when a stranger hath been surety, And for strangers pledge it.
17Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.Sweet to a man `is' the bread of falsehood, And afterwards is his mouth filled `with' gravel.
18Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.Purposes by counsel thou dost establish, And with plans make thou war.
19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.A revealer of secret counsels is the busybody, And for a deceiver `with' his lips make not thyself surety.
20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother, Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness.
21An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.
22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.Do not say, `I recompense evil,' Wait for Jehovah, and He delivereth thee.
23Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.An abomination to Jehovah `are' a stone and a stone, And balances of deceit `are' not good.
24Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?From Jehovah `are' the steps of a man, And man -- how understandeth he his way?
25It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.A snare to a man `is' he hath swallowed a holy thing, And after vows to make inquiry.
26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.A wise king is scattering the wicked, And turneth back on them the wheel.
27The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.The breath of man `is' a lamp of Jehovah, Searching all the inner parts of the heart.
28Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.Kindness and truth keep a king, And he hath supported by kindness his throne.
29The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.The beauty of young men is their strength, And the honour of old men is grey hairs.
30The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.The bandages of a wound thou removest with the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart!

Proverbs 21 (31 verses) - To do justice is better than sacrifice. Better to live on the roof than with a quarrelsome wife. No plans can avail against the LORD.3

KJVYLTNotes
1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Rivulets of waters `is' the heart of a king in the hand of Jehovah, Wherever He pleaseth He inclineth it.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.Every way of a man `is' right in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering hearts.
3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice.
4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked `is' sin.
5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.The purposes of the diligent `are' only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want.
6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.The making of treasures by a lying tongue, `Is' a vanity driven away of those seeking death.
7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.The spoil of the wicked catcheth them, Because they have refused to do judgment.
8The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.Froward `is' the way of a man who is vile, And the pure -- upright `is' his work.
9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than `with' a woman of contentions and a house of company.
10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.The soul of the wicked hath desired evil, Not gracious in his eyes is his neighbour.
11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.
14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.
15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.To do justice `is' joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.
16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, In an assembly of Rephaim resteth.
17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.Whoso `is' loving mirth `is' a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.
18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.The wicked `is' an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.
19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than `with' a woman of contentions and anger.
20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.A treasure to be desired, and oil, `Is' in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.
24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.Proud, haughty, scorner `is' his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.
25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.The desire of the slothful slayeth him, For his hands have refused to work.
26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?The sacrifice of the wicked `is' abomination, Much more when in wickedness he bringeth it.
28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.
29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.A wicked man hath hardened by his face, And the upright -- he prepareth his way.
30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel, over-against Jehovah.
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance `is' of Jehovah!

Proverbs 22 (29 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.A name is chosen rather than much wealth, Than silver and than gold -- good grace.

Proverbs 22:4 is referenced on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God

For more on Proverbs 22:4 see Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament

2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.Rich and poor have met together, The Maker of them all `is' Jehovah.
3A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.The prudent hath seen the evil, and is hidden, And the simple have passed on, and are punished.
4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.The end of humility `is' the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life.
5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.Thorns -- snares `are' in the way of the perverse, Whoso is keeping his soul is far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.
7The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.The rich over the poor ruleth, And a servant `is' the borrower to the lender.
8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.Whoso is sowing perverseness reapeth sorrow, And the rod of his anger weareth out.
9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.The good of eye -- he is blessed, For he hath given of his bread to the poor.
10Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.Cast out a scorner -- and contention goeth out, And strife and shame cease.
11He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.Whoso is loving cleanness of heart, Grace `are' his lips, a king `is' his friend.
12The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.The eyes of Jehovah have kept knowledge, And He overthroweth the words of the treacherous.
13The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.The slothful hath said, `A lion `is' without, In the midst of the broad places I am slain.'
14The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.A deep pit `is' the mouth of strange women, The abhorred of Jehovah falleth there.
15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, The rod of chastisement putteth it far from him.
16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.He is oppressing the poor to multiply to him, He is giving to the rich -- only to want.
17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.Incline thine ear, and hear words of the wise, And thy heart set to my knowledge,
18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.For they are pleasant when thou dost keep them in thy heart, They are prepared together for thy lips.
19That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I caused thee to know to-day, even thou.
20Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,Have I not written to thee three times With counsels and knowledge?
21That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.
22Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:Rob not the poor because he `is' poor, And bruise not the afflicted in the gate.
23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.For Jehovah pleadeth their cause, And hath spoiled the soul of their spoilers.
24Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:Shew not thyself friendly with an angry man, And with a man of fury go not in,
25Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.Lest thou learn his paths, And have received a snare to thy soul.
26Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.Be not thou among those striking hands, Among sureties `for' burdens.
27If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?If thou hast nothing to pay, Why doth he take thy bed from under thee?
28Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.Remove not a border of olden times, That thy fathers have made.
29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.Hast thou seen a man speedy in his business? Before kings he doth station himself, He stations not himself before obscure men!

Proverbs 23 (35 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Thou considerest diligently that which `is' before thee,
2And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.And thou hast put a knife to thy throat, If thou `art' a man of appetite.
3Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it `is' lying food.
4Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not.
5Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.For wealth maketh to itself wings, As an eagle it flieth to the heavens.
6Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:Eat not the bread of an evil eye, And have no desire to his dainties,
7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.For as he hath thought in his soul, so `is' he, `Eat and drink,' saith he to thee, And his heart `is' not with thee.
8The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.Thy morsel thou hast eaten thou dost vomit up, And hast marred thy words that `are' sweet.
9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.In the ears of a fool speak not, For he treadeth on the wisdom of thy words.
10Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:Remove not a border of olden times, And into fields of the fatherless enter not,
11For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.For their Redeemer `is' strong, He doth plead their cause with thee.
12Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.Bring in to instruction thy heart, And thine ear to sayings of knowledge.
13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.Withhold not from a youth chastisement, When thou smitest him with a rod he dieth not.
14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.Thou with a rod smitest him, And his soul from Sheol thou deliverest.
15My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.My son, if thy heart hath been wise, My heart rejoiceth, even mine,
16Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.And my reins exult when thy lips speak uprightly.
17Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.Let not thy heart be envious at sinners, But -- in the fear of Jehovah all the day.
18For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.For, is there a posterity? Then thy hope is not cut off.
19Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And make happy in the way thy heart,
20Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:Be not thou among quaffers of wine, Among gluttonous ones of flesh,
21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.For the quaffer and glutton become poor, And drowsiness clotheth with rags.
22Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.Hearken to thy father, who begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she hath become old.
23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Truth buy, and sell not, Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,
24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.The father of the righteous rejoiceth greatly, The begetter of the wise rejoiceth in him.
25Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.Rejoice doth thy father and thy mother, Yea, she that bare thee is joyful.
26My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.Give, my son, thy heart to me, And let thine eyes watch my ways.
27For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.For a harlot `is' a deep ditch, And a strange woman `is' a strait pit.
28She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.She also, as catching prey, lieth in wait, And the treacherous among men she increaseth.
29Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?Who hath wo? who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? who hath plaint? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?
30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.Those tarrying by the wine, Those going in to search out mixed wine.
31Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.See not wine when it showeth itself red, When it giveth in the cup its colour, It goeth up and down through the upright.
32At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.Its latter end -- as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth.
33Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.Thine eyes see strange women, And thy heart speaketh perverse things.
34Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.And thou hast been as one lying down in the heart of the sea, And as one lying down on the top of a mast.
35They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.`They smote me, I have not been sick, They beat me, I have not known. When I awake -- I seek it yet again!'

Proverbs 24 (34 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.Be not envious of evil men, And desire not to be with them.

Proverbs 24:21 is mentioned on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God

Proverbs 24:21 appears on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament

2For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.For destruction doth their heart meditate, And perverseness do their lips speak.
3Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:By wisdom is a house builded, And by understanding it establisheth itself.
4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.And by knowledge the inner parts are filled, `With' all precious and pleasant wealth.
5A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.Mighty `is' the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,
6For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.For by plans thou makest for thyself war, And deliverance `is' in a multitude of counsellors.
7Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.Wisdom `is' high for a fool, In the gate he openeth not his mouth.
8He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.Whoso is devising to do evil, Him they call a master of wicked thoughts.
9The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.The thought of folly `is' sin, And an abomination to man `is' a scorner.
10If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.Thou hast shewed thyself weak in a day of adversity, Straitened is thy power,
11If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;If `from' delivering those taken to death, And those slipping to the slaughter -- thou keepest back.
12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?When thou sayest, `Lo, we knew not this.' Is not the Ponderer of hearts He who understandeth? And the Keeper of thy soul He who knoweth? And He hath rendered to man according to his work.
13My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:Eat my son, honey that `is' good, And the honeycomb -- sweet to thy palate.
14So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.So `is' the knowledge of wisdom to thy soul, If thou hast found that there is a posterity And thy hope is not cut off.
15Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:Lay not wait, O wicked one, At the habitation of the righteous. Do not spoil his resting-place.
16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.For seven `times' doth the righteous fall and rise, And the wicked stumble in evil.
17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:In the falling of thine enemy rejoice not, And in his stumbling let not thy heart be joyful,
18Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.Lest Jehovah see, and `it be' evil in His eyes, And He hath turned from off him His anger.
19Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:Fret not thyself at evil doers, Be not envious at the wicked,
20For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.For there is not a posterity to the evil, The lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:Fear Jehovah, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself,
22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?For suddenly doth their calamity rise, And the ruin of them both -- who knoweth!
23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.These also are for the wise: -- To discern faces in judgment is not good.
24He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:Whoso is saying to the wicked, `Thou `art' righteous,' Peoples execrate him -- nations abhor him.
25But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.And to those reproving it is pleasant, And on them cometh a good blessing.
26Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.Lips he kisseth who is returning straightforward words.
27Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.Prepare in an out-place thy work, And make it ready in the field -- go afterwards, Then thou hast built thy house.
28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.Be not a witness for nought against thy neighbour, Or thou hast enticed with thy lips.
29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.Say not, `As he did to me, so I do to him, I render to each according to his work.'
30I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;Near the field of a slothful man I passed by, And near the vineyard of a man lacking heart.
31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.And lo, it hath gone up -- all of it -- thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down.
32Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.And I see -- I -- I do set my heart, I have seen -- I have received instruction,
33Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:A little sleep -- a little slumber -- A little folding of the hands to lie down.
34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.And thy poverty hath come `as' a traveller, And thy want as an armed man!

Proverbs 25 (28 verses) - Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. To seek one's own glory is not glory.3

KJVYLTNotes
1These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.Also these are Proverbs of Solomon, that men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed: --
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.The honour of God `is' to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.
3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings -- `are' unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.Take away dross from silver, And a vessel for the refiner goeth forth,
5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.Take away the wicked before a king, And established in righteousness is his throne.
6Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:Honour not thyself before a king, And in the place of the great stand not.
7For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.For better `that' he hath said to thee, `Come thou up hither,' Than `that' he humble thee before a noble, Whom thine eyes have seen.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.Go not forth to strive, haste, turn, What dost thou in its latter end, When thy neighbour causeth thee to blush?
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:Thy cause plead with thy neighbour, And the secret counsel of another reveal not,
10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.Apples of gold in imagery of silver, `Is' the word spoken at its fit times.
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, `Is' the wise reprover to an attentive ear.
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.As a vessel of snow in a day of harvest, `So is' a faithful ambassador to those sending him, And the soul of his masters he refresheth.
14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.Clouds and wind, and rain there is none, `Is' a man boasting himself in a false gift.
15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.By long-suffering is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh a bone.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.Honey thou hast found -- eat thy sufficiency, Lest thou be satiated `with' it, and hast vomited it.
17Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house, Lest he be satiated `with' thee, and have hated thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, `Is' the man testifying against his neighbour a false testimony.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, `Is' the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity.
20As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.Whoso is taking away a garment in a cold day, `Is as' vinegar on nitre, And a singer of songs on a sad heart.
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.
22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.For coals thou art putting on his head, And Jehovah giveth recompense to thee.
23The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue -- indignant faces.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.Better to sit on a corner of a roof, Than `with' a woman of contentions, and a house of company.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.`As' cold waters for a weary soul, So `is' a good report from a far country.
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.A spring troubled, and a fountain corrupt, `Is' the righteous falling before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.The eating of much honey is not good, Nor a searching out of one's own honour -- honour.
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.A city broken down without walls, `Is' a man without restraint over his spirit!

Proverbs 26 (28 verses) - As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Without gossip a quarrel dies down. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.3

KJVYLTNotes
1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour `is' not comely for a fool.
2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.As a bird by wandering, as a swallow by flying, So reviling without cause doth not come.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.A whip is for a horse, a bridle for an ass, And a rod for the back of fools.
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.He is cutting off feet, he is drinking injury, Who is sending things by the hand of a fool.
7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.Weak have been the two legs of the lame, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.As one who is binding a stone in a sling, So `is' he who is giving honour to a fool.
9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.A thorn hath gone up into the hand of a drunkard, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
10The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.Great `is' the Former of all, And He is rewarding a fool, And is rewarding transgressors.
11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.As a dog hath returned to its vomit, A fool is repeating his folly.
12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Thou hast seen a man wise in his own eyes, More hope of a fool than of him!
13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.The slothful hath said, `A lion `is' in the way, A lion `is' in the broad places.'
14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.The door turneth round on its hinge, And the slothful on his bed.
15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.The slothful hath hid his hand in a dish, He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.Wiser `is' the slothful in his own eyes, Than seven `men' returning a reason.
17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.Laying hold on the ears of a dog, `Is' a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.
18As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,As `one' pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, `Am not I playing?'
20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.Without wood is fire going out, And without a tale-bearer, contention ceaseth,
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.The words of a tale-bearer `are' as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down `to' the inner parts of the heart.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.Silver of dross spread over potsherd, `Are' burning lips and an evil heart.
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;By his lips doth a hater dissemble, And in his heart he placeth deceit,
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.When his voice is gracious trust not in him, For seven abominations `are' in his heart.
26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.Hatred is covered by deceit, Revealed is its wickedness in an assembly.
27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And the roller of a stone, to him it turneth.
28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.A lying tongue hateth its bruised ones, And a flattering mouth worketh an overthrow!

Proverbs 27 (27 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.Boast not thyself of to-morrow, For thou knowest not what a day bringeth forth.
2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth, A stranger, and not thine own lips.
3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.A stone `is' heavy, and the sand `is' heavy, And the anger of a fool Is heavier than they both.
4Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?Fury `is' fierce, and anger `is' overflowing, And who standeth before jealousy?
5Open rebuke is better than secret love.Better `is' open reproof than hidden love.
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.Faithful are the wounds of a lover, And abundant the kisses of an enemy.
7The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.A satiated soul treadeth down a honeycomb, And `to' a hungry soul every bitter thing `is' sweet.
8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.As a bird wandering from her nest, So `is' a man wandering from his place.
9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, And the sweetness of one's friend -- from counsel of the soul.
10Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.Thine own friend, and the friend of thy father, forsake not, And the house of thy brother enter not In a day of thy calamity, Better `is' a near neighbour than a brother afar off.
11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.
12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.The prudent hath seen the evil, he is hidden, The simple have passed on, they are punished.
13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Take his garment, when a stranger hath been surety, And for a strange woman pledge it.
14He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.Whoso is saluting his friend with a loud voice, In the morning rising early, A light thing it is reckoned to him.
15A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.A continual dropping in a day of rain, And a woman of contentions are alike,
16Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.Whoso is hiding her hath hidden the wind, And the ointment of his right hand calleth out.
17Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.Iron by iron is sharpened, And a man sharpens the face of his friend.
18Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.The keeper of a fig-tree eateth its fruit, And the preserver of his master is honoured.
19As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.As `in' water the face `is' to face, So the heart of man to man.
20Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.Sheol and destruction are not satisfied, And the eyes of man are not satisfied.
21As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.A refining pot `is' for silver, and a furnace for gold, And a man according to his praise.
22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.If thou dost beat the foolish in a mortar, Among washed things -- with a pestle, His folly turneth not aside from off him.
23Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.Know well the face of thy flock, Set thy heart to the droves,
24For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?For riches `are' not to the age, Nor a crown to generation and generation.
25The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.Revealed was the hay, and seen the tender grass, And gathered the herbs of mountains.
26The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.Lambs `are' for thy clothing, And the price of the field `are' he-goats,
27And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.And a sufficiency of goats' milk `is' for thy bread, For bread to thy house, and life to thy damsels!

Proverbs 28 (28 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.By the transgression of a land many `are' its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.
3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.A man -- poor and oppressing the weak, `Is' a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.
5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.Better `is' the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth cause his father to blush.
8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer `is' an abomination.
10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall, And the perfect do inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.
12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.In the exulting of the righteous the glory `is' abundant, And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart falleth into evil.
15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.A growling lion, and a ranging bear, `Is' the wicked ruler over a poor people.
16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.
17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.Whoso is walking uprightly is saved, And the perverted of ways falleth at once.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.Whoso is tilling his ground is satisfied `with' bread, And whoso is pursuing vanity, Is filled `with' poverty.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not acquitted.
21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.
22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.Troubled for wealth `is' the man `with' an evil eye, And he knoweth not that want doth meet him.
23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.Whoso is reproving a man afterwards findeth grace, More than a flatterer with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.Whoso is robbing his father, or his mother, And is saying, `It is not transgression,' A companion he is to a destroyer.
25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah is made fat.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied curses.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the righteous multiply!

Proverbs 29 (27 verses)

KJVYLTNotes
1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth.
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.In the transgression of the evil `is' a snare, And the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not knowledge.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.Men of scorning ensnare a city, And the wise turn back anger.
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.Men of blood hate the perfect, And the upright seek his soul.
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers `are' wicked.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.Chastise thy son, and he giveth thee comfort, Yea, he giveth delights to thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.Whoso is bringing up his servant delicately, from youth, `At' his latter end also he is continuator.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.An angry man stirreth up contention, And a furious man is multiplying transgression.
23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.Whoso is sharing with a thief is hating his own soul, Execration he heareth, and telleth not.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Fear of man causeth a snare, And the confident in Jehovah is set on high.
26Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.Many are seeking the face of a ruler, And from Jehovah `is' the judgment of each.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.An abomination to the righteous `is' the perverse man, And an abomination to the wicked `is' the upright in the way!

Proverbs 30 (33 verses) - Every word of God is pure. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Four things are never satisfied: Sheol, a barren womb, earth and fire.3

KJVYLTNotes
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,Words of a Gatherer, son of an obedient one, the declaration, an affirmation of the man: -- I have wearied myself `for' God, I have wearied myself `for' God, and am consumed.
2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.For I am more brutish than any one, And have not the understanding of a man.
3I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.Nor have I learned wisdom, Yet the knowledge of Holy Ones I know.
4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?Who went up to heaven, and cometh down? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound waters in a garment? Who established all ends of the earth? What `is' His name? and what His son's name? Surely thou knowest!
5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.Every saying of God `is' tried, A shield He `is' to those trusting in Him.
6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.Add not to His words, lest He reason with thee, And thou hast been found false.
7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:Two things I have asked from Thee, Withhold not from me before I die.
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:Vanity and a lying word put far from me, Poverty or wealth give not to me, Cause me to eat the bread of my portion,
9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.Lest I become satiated, and have denied, And have said, `Who `is' Jehovah?' And lest I be poor, and have stolen, And have laid hold of the name of my God.
10Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.Accuse not a servant unto his lord, Lest he disesteem thee, and thou be found guilty.
11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.A generation `is', that lightly esteemeth their father, And their mother doth not bless.
12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.A generation -- pure in their own eyes, But from their own filth not washed.
13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.A generation -- how high are their eyes, Yea, their eyelids are lifted up.
14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.A generation -- swords `are' their teeth, And knives -- their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from `among' men.
15The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:To the leech `are' two daughters, `Give, give, Lo, three things are not satisfied, Four have not said `Sufficiency;'
16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.Sheol, and a restrained womb, Earth -- it `is' not satisfied `with' water, And fire -- it hath not said, `Sufficiency,'
17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.An eye that mocketh at a father, And despiseth to obey a mother, Dig it out do ravens of the valley, And eat it do young eagles.
18There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:Three things have been too wonderful for me, Yea, four that I have not known:
19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.The way of the eagle in the heavens, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the heart of the sea, And the way of a man in youth.
20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.So -- the way of an adulterous woman, She hath eaten and hath wiped her mouth, And hath said, `I have not done iniquity.'
21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:For three things hath earth been troubled, And for four -- it is not able to bear:
22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;For a servant when he reigneth, And a fool when he is satisfied with bread,
23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.For a hated one when she ruleth, And a maid-servant when she succeedeth her mistress.
24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:Four `are' little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise:
25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;The ants `are' a people not strong, And they prepare in summer their food,
26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;Conies `are' a people not strong, And they place in a rock their house,
27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out -- each one shouting,
28The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.A spider with two hands taketh hold, And is in the palaces of a king.
29There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:Three there are going well, Yea, four are good in going:
30A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;An old lion -- mighty among beasts, That turneth not back from the face of any,
31A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.A girt one of the loins, or a he-goat, And a king -- no rising up with him.
32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil -- hand to mouth!
33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.For the churning of milk bringeth out butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth out blood, And the forcing of anger bringeth out strife!

Proverbs 31 (31 verses) - Speak up for the speechless. Who can find an excellent wife? She buys a field, she makes garments, she watches over her household.3

KJVYLTNotes
1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:

Proverbs 31:31 is mentioned on Masturbation, Relationships, Honesty: 2. Harmful Taboos and Inhibitions

2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?`What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.Lest he drink, and forget the decree, And change the judgment of any of the sons of affliction.
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.He drinketh, and forgetteth his poverty, And his misery he remembereth not again.
8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.Open thy mouth for the dumb, For the right of all sons of change.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.Open thy mouth, judge righteously, Both the cause of the poor and needy!'
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.A woman of worth who doth find? Yea, far above rubies `is' her price.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.The heart of her husband hath trusted in her, And spoil he lacketh not.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.She hath done him good, and not evil, All days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.She hath sought wool and flax, And with delight she worketh `with' her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.She hath considered a field, and taketh it, From the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.She hath perceived when her merchandise `is' good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed `with' scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple `are' her clothing.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.Strength and honour `are' her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness `is' on her tongue.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.She `is' watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy, Her husband, and he praiseth her,
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.`Many `are' the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.The grace `is' false, and the beauty `is' vain, A woman fearing Jehovah, she may boast herself.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands, And her works do praise her in the gates!