Is the Muslim deity the Judeo-Christian God? by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2013, all rights reserved. Chapter 1 If we look at the numbers of people, one of the main religions is Islam. People who have Islam as their religion are called Muslims. The religion of the Muslims is Islam. At their Friday prayers, they pray to Allah. Is Allah the same as the Judeo-Christian God? The Jews and the Christians don’t call their God Allah. Let’s focus for just a moment on the smaller question: Do Jews and Christians have the same God? Uh, well, sort of. Christians worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as do the Jews. But where Jews and Christians differ, the Jews are still waiting for the promised Messiah, or Savior, while the Christians accept Jesus as that Messiah and Savior. There is, of course, a small percentage of Jews who are also Christians. I met a man who called himself a Messianic Jew, because he accepts Jesus as the Messiah. I met the Zarr family at the church I grew up in. They were Christian Jews. There’s an organization called, “Jews for Jesus.” I spoke with a Jews for Jesus man in downtown Los Angeles. He was passing out literature in front of Macy’s Plaza at seventh and Flower streets. He told me about the “dumbing down” of the Hebrew language by Jewish leaders in fear of getting in trouble with God. No, the way to avoid trouble with God is to fear God and keep his commandments. The Jews, who are waiting for the Messiah to come, will find a counterfeit Messiah who is The Antichrist, also called The Beast. He will make a pact with the Jews, but after a while they’ll see that he’s not their Messiah. (Book of Revelation) I bought a computer from a store owned by a Muslim man, Mohammed, in the Los Angeles area. The store was closed on Friday afternoons for Friday prayers. Mohammed was pretty savvy about computers. I met Ibrahim, a Muslim man, in Houston, TX. He was a neighbor. He and I played some games of chess. He was a fairly strong chess player, and won about half of the games. He worked from time to time in the maritime industry on civilian ships. In talking with Ibrahim, I learned that Muslims don’t know that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. I mean, he flat-out told me that Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God. But Ibrahim was mistaken. Jesus said he’s the Son of God. After he was betrayed and arrested, Jesus was brought before the Jewish High Priest, who asked Jesus if he was the Son of God. Jesus said, “I am.” (Mrk 14:61,62) Another time, talking with his disciples, Jesus asked them, “Whom do men say that I am?” They answered that some said he was one of the old prophets, or John the Baptist raised back up from the dead. Jesus answered, “But whom do you say that I am?” Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood hasn’t revealed it to you, but my Father in heaven.” (Matt chapter 16) So then, why didn’t Ibrahim know that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God? Because he doesn’t read the Bible. They read the Koran (or, Quran). The Muslims say that Jesus is one of their prophets. They are right that Jesus is a prophet, but he is much more than a prophet. But if you know that someone is a prophet, don’t you want to find out all that that prophet has to say to you, as the messenger from God that he is? But if you want to learn all that Jesus said, you have to read the Bible because Ibrahim, by reading the Koran, didn’t know that Jesus said he’s the Son of God. How many other of the words of Jesus are there that that Ibrahim doesn't know about because of not reading the Bible? In Hosea 4:6, God says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." What you don't know can cut your life short. What they don't know can send people to hell. Another man tried to tell me that Islam was the religion of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. That is incorrect. Islam started up in about the seventh century A.D. Ishmael lived thousands of years prior to that. But some of the descendants of Ishmael are probably Muslims. Abraham remarried after the death of Sarah. His second wife, Keturah, bore him six sons. (Book of Genesis) So, many Muslims can legitimately claim to be descendants of Abraham. But being a biological descendant of Abraham doesn’t get you into heaven. Chapter 2 Jesus said, “You must be born again.” (John chapter 3) You get born again when you hear that your sins can be forgiven by faith in Jesus, you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 10:9,10) The thing about Abraham that pleased God was Abraham’s faith. Paul, the Apostle, says we Christians are grafted into Israel. We are followers of the faith of Abraham. (Romans chapter 11) But Paul also teaches that the Jews are not seeking salvation by faith. (Romans chapter 9) What about the Muslims? They say that Jesus was a good man, and a prophet, but not the Son of God. I said to Ibrahim, “You folks contradict yourselves when you say that. Jesus said he’s the Son of God. So, if you’re right, and Jesus is not the Son of God, then he’s not a good man, but a liar; not a prophet, but a false prophet.” In the religion of Islam, Allah doesn’t have a son, Jesus. But the Christians know that Jesus is the Son of God. So, if there’s a god that doesn’t have Jesus as his son, such as Allah, then that god is not the same as the Judeo-Christian God. It is Bible doctrine that God is a triune God. God is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God’s Holy Spirit (or, Holy Ghost, or, Comforter). (Matthew chapter 28) However, there are Christians, referred to as “Jesus Only” Christians, who think that the different members of God are all just different forms of Jesus. That’s quite wrong. When God the Father sent his son Jesus down to earth from heaven, God the Father stayed behind in heaven. Jesus, while he was on earth, prayed, “Our Father, who is in heaven…” While Jesus was on earth, he prayed to God the Father in Heaven. Two different persons, the Father, and the Son. Nor are God the Father and his son Jesus equals, because Jesus said, “My Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) Since the Father is greater, Jesus is not equal with God the Father. But here’s another way to know that Allah is not the Judeo-Christian God. God said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” But Muslims avenge themselves when they believe they’ve been done wrong. (Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19) I don’t want to talk about dirty things, but it was on TV about a Muslim family that thought they’d been done wrong by another Muslim family. That second family, in the interest of making peace, was willing to send an emissary to apologize. They were told to send a female member of their family. So, a female member of the family was sent, and when she arrived, she was gang-raped, in vengeance. But Christians couldn’t do that because, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) And then too, Christians can’t rape, because that would be fornication, which is sin. And also, what was done was a violation of Jesus’ command to, “Do to others as you would have them to do to you.” (The Golden Rule). (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) They wouldn’t have wanted that done to one of their female family members, so then it’s wrong to do it to someone else’s female family member, and wrong to take vengeance. We have a saying in Americana, “What goes around comes around.” The Bible says it this way, “What you plant, you’ll harvest.” (Galatians 6:7) This issue of vengeance shows that the Muslim God is not the same as the Christian God, together with the fact that the Muslim God doesn’t have a son, Jesus, like the Christian God does. There was a pretty good write up about Islam in the book, “Silent no more,” by Rod Parsley. Seems like that book came out in about 2005. Here is another difference between Islam and Christianity. Some of the potential Muslim martyrs have been promised that as Muslim martyrs, they will be rewarded with seventy two virgins to be their wives in heaven. But Jesus said that in heaven, there’s no marrying nor giving in marriage. A man doesn’t have a wife in heaven. A woman doesn’t have a husband in heaven. Couples who were husband and wife on earth will no longer be husband and wife in heaven. (Matt 22:30) Also the Bible says, “No murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” Muslim martyrs murder people to become Muslim martyrs. That doesn’t get you to heaven. (1 John 3:15) Major Hasan, at Fort Hood Texas, when he got orders that he didn’t like, decided that the solution to his problem was to become a Muslim martyr, because doesn’t being a Muslim martyr guarantee that you’ll go to heaven and get those seventy two virgins? So, Hasan got his guns and started shooting people. Sooner or later, someone would shoot him. But things didn’t turn out the way Hasan had hoped. When Hasan was shot, it didn’t kill him, it only paralyzed him. The shoe bomber wanted to be a Muslim Martyr, but his bomb wouldn’t explode. But those people were laboring under a misconception. It may be a teaching of Islam that Muslim Martyrs go to heaven, but God says in the Bible that “no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15) Eternal life means going to heaven. So now, there’s a choice. Are you going to bet your soul on the teachings of Islam, or on the teachings of Jesus, as found in the Bible? (“What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Jesus) And if, when you die, you miss out on heaven, then you do go to a fiery hell, according to the teachings of Jesus. (Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) But let me give you a tip, having been with Jesus for close to seven decades, I know that you won’t find better than Jesus, and his teachings found in the Bible. So the Muslim deity is not the same as the Judeo-Christian God, and the teachings of Islam are quite different from those of Judaism and Christianity. The Lord bless you. Frederick Hoehn ___Proverbs chapter 1 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity, 4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels, 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, listen to the instruction of your father, and don't forsake the law of your mother, 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace to your head, and chains around your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, don't say yes. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk secretly for the innocent without a reason, 12 Let's swallow them up alive like the grave, and whole, like those that go down into the pit, 13 We'll find all precious substance, we'll fill our houses with spoil, 14 Throw in with us, let's all have one money bag," 15 My son, don't walk in the way with them, refrain your foot from their path, 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay in ambush for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain, who take away the lives of the owners of those possessions. 20 Wisdom shouts outside, she shouts her voice in the streets, 21 She shouts in the main place of concourse, in the openings of the gates, in the city she speaks her words, and says, 22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23 Turn when I reprove, see, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known my words to you. 24 Because I've called, and you refused, I've stretched out my hand, and no man paid attention, 25 But you've viewed all my advice as nothing, and didn't want any of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity, I will make fun of it when your fear comes, 27 When your fear comes like desolation, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you. 28 Then they'll call on me, but I won't answer, they'll seek me early, but they won't find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge, and didn't choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They didn't want any of my advice, they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore they'll eat of the fruit of their own ways, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall kill them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." ___Proverbs chapter 2 1 My son, if you'll receive my words, and hide my commandments with you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding, 3 Yes, if you call after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her like for silver, and search for her like for hidden treasures, 5 Then you'll understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom, out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. 7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous, he is a buckler to those who walk uprightly. 8 He keeps the paths of justice, and preserves the way of his saints. 9 Then you'll understand righteousness, and justice, and equity, yes every good path. 10 When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you, 12 To give you deliverance from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks perverse things, 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of the wicked, 15 Whose ways are crooked, and perverse in their paths, 16 To deliver you from the strange woman, from the stranger who flatters with her words, 17 Who forsakes the guide of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house inclines to death, and her paths to the dead. 19 No one that goes to her escapes, nor do they take hold of the paths of life. 20 So that you'll walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall live in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be uprooted from it. ___Proverbs chapter 3 1 My son, don't forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 For they shall add length of days to you, and long life, and peace. 3 Don't let mercy and truth forsake you, tie them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 That's how you'll find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean to your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he'll direct your paths. 7 Don't be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord, and go away from evil. 8 It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase, 10 Then your barns shall be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, don't despise the punishment of the Lord, and don't be weary of his correction, 12 For whom the Lord loves, he corrects, like a father corrects the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain of it than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her, and happy is everyone that retains her. 19 By wisdom, the Lord has founded the earth, by understanding he has established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, don't let them depart from your eyes, keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 So they'll be life to your soul, and grace to your neck. 23 Then you'll walk in your way safely, and your foot won't stumble. 24 When you lie down, you won't be afraid, yes, you'll lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. 25 Don't be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the desolation of the wicked when it comes. 26 For the Lord shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being taken. 27 Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it's in the power of your hand to do it. 28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back later, and tomorrow I will give, when you already have it." 29 Don't devise evil against your neighbor, since he lives securely near you. 30 Don't strive with a man without a reason, if he's done you no harm. 31 Don't envy the oppressor, and don't choose any of his ways. 32 For the perverse person is a dirty thing to the Lord, but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling place of the just. 34 Surely he scorns the scorners, but he gives grace to the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the repayment for fools. ___Proverbs chapter 4 1 Hear the instruction of a father, you children, and pay attention to getting understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, don't forsake my law. 3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said to me, "Let your heart retain my words, keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding, don't forget it, and don't decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Don't forsake her, and she'll preserve you; love her, and she'll keep you. 7 Wisdom is the main thing, therefore get wisdom, and with all your getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she'll promote you, she'll bring you to honor when you embrace her. 9 She'll put an ornament of grace on your head, she'll deliver to you a crown of glory. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life shall be many. 11 I've taught you in the way of wisdom, I've led you in right paths. 12 When you go, your steps won't be restricted, and when you run, you won't stumble. 13 Grab tight hold of instruction, don't let her go, keep her, for she is your life. 14 Don't enter into the path of the wicked, and don't go in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, don't go near it, turn from it, and go away. 16 For they don't sleep unless they've done mischief, and they're deprived of sleep unless they cause someone to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is like the shining light, that shines more and more until the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness, they don't know what they're stumbling at. 20 My son, pay attention to my words, incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Don't let them depart from your eyes, keep them in your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put a perverse mouth away from you, and put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and let your eyelids look straight before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left, remove your foot from evil. ___Proverbs chapter 5 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and submit your ear to my understanding, 2 So that you'll pay attention to discretion, and so your lips will keep knowledge. 3 For the lips of a strange woman drip like a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil, 4 But her end is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold on hell. 6 So that you won't ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, so you can't know them. 7 Hear me now therefore, O you children, and don't depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove your way far from her, and don't go near the door of her house, 9 So that you don't give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel, 10 So that strangers aren't filled with your wealth, and your labors be in the house of a stranger, 11 And you mourn at the end, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 12 And say, "Look how I've hated instruction, and how my heart despised correction, 13 And haven't obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! 14 I was almost in all evil among the congregation and assembly." 15 Drink waters out of your own cistern, and running waters out of your own well. 16 Let your fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only your own, and not shared with strangers. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 Let her be like the loving deer and pleasant roe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times, and always be ravished with her love. 20 And why will you be ravished, my son, with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of man are in front of the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his goings. 22 His own sins shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be tied with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction, and in the greatness of his foolishness he'll go astray. ___Proverbs chapter 6 1 My son, if you're a loan co-signer for your friend, if you've shaken hands with a stranger, 2 You're trapped by the words of your mouth, you're ensnared by the words of your mouth. 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, when you've come into the hand of your friend, go, humble yourself, and make your friend sure. 4 Don't give sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a roe from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise, 7 Who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provides her food in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you get up out of your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 11 So your poverty shall come like someone that travels, and your want like an armed man. 12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth. 13 He winks with his eyes, he speaks with his feet, he teaches with his fingers, 14 Perverseness is in his heart, he devises mischief all the time, he plants discord. 15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly, suddenly he shall be broken with no remedy. 16 The Lord hates these six things, yes, seven are a dirty thing to him, 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaks lies, and he that plants discord among brothers. 20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and don't forsake the law of your mother, 21 Tie them continually on your heart, and tie them around your neck. 22 When you go, it shall lead you, when you sleep, it shall keep you, and when you awaken, it shall talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Don't lust for her beauty in your heart, and don't let her take you with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can someone go on hot coals, and his feet not get burned? 29 So he that goes in to his neighbor's wife, whoever touches her shall not be innocent. 30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry, 31 But if he's found, he shall restore sevenfold, he shall give all the possessions in his house. 32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, he that does it destroys his own soul. 33 He shall get a wound and dishonor, and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man, therefore he won't give any slack in the day of vengeance. 35 He won't regard any ransom, nor will he rest content, though you give many gifts. ___Proverbs chapter 7 1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with you. 2 Keep my commandments and live, and my law like the apple of your eye. 3 Tie them on your fingers, write them on the table of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, "You're my sister, and call understanding your kinswoman," 5 So that they'll keep you from the strange woman, from the stranger who flatters with her words. 6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7 And saw among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man without understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner, and he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night, 10 And see, a woman dressed like a prostitute met him, and subtle of heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn, her feet don't remain in her house, 12 Now she is outside, now in the streets, and lies in wait at every corner.) 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with a naughty face said to him, 14 "I have peace offerings with me, I've paid my vows today. 15 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I've found you. 16 I've decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen from Egypt. 17 I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning, let us solace ourselves with loves. 19 For the owner of the house is not at home, he has gone on a long journey, 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed." 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goes after her immediately, like an ox goes to the slaughter, or like a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 'Til a dart strikes through his liver, like a bird hurries to the trap, and doesn't know that it is for his life. 24 Listen to me now therefore, O you children, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. 25 Don't let your heart decline to her ways, don't go astray in her paths. 26 For she has thrown down many wounded, yes, many strong men have been killed by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the rooms of death. ___Proverbs chapter 8 1 Doesn't wisdom cry? And understanding cause her voice to be heard? 2 She stands on the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3 She shouts at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4 "To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man. 5 O you simple, understand wisdom, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is a dirty thing to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him that has understanding, and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that can be desired are not to be compared to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of clever inventions. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, I hate pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth. 14 Advice is mine, and sound wisdom, I am understanding, I have strength. 15 Kings rule by me, and princes decree justice. 16 Princes rule by me, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, yes, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, among the paths of justice, 21 So that I can cause those that love me to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasuries. 22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought out, when there were no fountains abundant with water. 25 I was brought out before the mountains were settled, before the hills, 26 While he hadn't yet made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there, when he set a circle on the face of the depth, 28 When he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was by him, like someone brought up with him, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sons of men. 32 Now therefore listen to me, O you children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and don't refuse it. 34 Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor from the Lord. 36 But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul; all who hate me love death." ___Proverbs chapter 9 1 Wisdom has built her house, she has carved out her seven pillars, 2 She has killed her beasts, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, she cries in the highest places of the city, 4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here, as for him that is short of understanding," she says to him, 5 "Come and eat of my bread, and drink of the wine that I've mixed. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live, and go in the way of understanding." 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame for himself, and he that reprimands a wicked man gets himself a blot. 8 Don't reprove a scorner, so he won't hate you, reprimand a wise man, and he'll love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser, teach a just man, and he'll increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me, your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased. 12 If you're wise, you'll be wise not just for yourself, but if you're a scorner, you'll have to carry that alone. 13 A foolish woman is clamorous, she is simple and knows nothing. 14 For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 To call travelers who go right on their ways, 16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here, and as for him that lacks understanding," she says to him, 17 "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he doesn't know that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell. ___Proverbs chapter 10 1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2 There is no profit in treasures of wickedness, but righteousness yields deliverance from death. 3 The Lord won't allow the soul of the righteous to starve, but he throws away the goods of the wicked. 4 He that deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes him rich. 5 He that gathers in summer is a wise son, but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7 The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a prating fool shall fall. 9 He that walks uprightly walks surely, but he that perverts his ways shall be known. 10 He that winks with the eye causes sorrow, but a prating fool shall fall. 11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. 13 Wisdom is found in the lips of him that has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labor of the righteous tends to life, the fruit of the wicked to sin. 17 He is in the way of life that keeps instruction, but he that refuses reproof errs. 18 He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that speaks a slander, is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words there's no lack of sin, but he that restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the honest man is like choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for want of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes people rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 It's fun for a fool to do mischief, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 The fear of the wicked shall come on him, but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passes, so the wicked is no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 26 Like vinegar to the teeth, and like smoke to the eyes, that's how the sluggard is to those who send him. 27 The fear of the Lord gives long life, but the number of years of the wicked shall be decreased. 28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall die. 29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright, but destruction shall be to the workers of sin. 30 The righteous shall never be removed, but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the honest man speaks wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity. ___Proverbs chapter 11 1 A false balance is dirty thing to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. 2 Shame comes along, too, when pride comes, but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches don't profit in the day of anger, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish, and the hope of unjust men perishes. 8 The righteous gets deliverance out of trouble, and the wicked comes instead of him. 9 A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but the honest man shall be delivered through knowledge. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked die, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding is silent. 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter. 14 Where no advice is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 15 He that is collateral for a stranger shall be hurt for it, and he that hates co-signing of loans is sure. 16 A gracious woman retains honor, and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that plants righteousness there'll be a sure reward. 19 Like righteousness tends to life, so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 20 Those who are of a perverse heart are dirty thing to the Lord, but those who are upright in their way are his delight. 21 Though hand joins with hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous shall get deliverance. 22 Like a jewel of gold in a pigs snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is anger. 24 There are those who scatter and yet increase, and there are those who withhold more than what's right, but it tends to poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that waters shall also be watered himself. 26 He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him, but blessing shall be on the head of him that sells it. 27 He that diligently seeks good procures favor, but he that seeks mischief, it shall come to him. 28 He that trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish like a branch. 29 He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be servant to the wise hearted. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that wins souls is wise. 31 See, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner. ___Proverbs chapter 12 1 If you love instruction, you love knowledge, but he that hates reproof is brutish. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices. 3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that makes ashamed is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the advice of the wicked is deceit. 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in ambush for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not, but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 9 He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honors himself, and doesn't have enough bread. 10 A righteous man pays attention to the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that follows vain people is void of understanding. 12 The wicked desires the net of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked are trapped by the transgression of their lips, but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the wages of a man's hands shall be rendered to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that listens to advice is wise. 16 A fool's anger is presently known, but a prudent man conceals shame. 17 He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit. 18 There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health. 19 The lips of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil, but joy shall be for the counselors of peace. 21 No evil shall happen to the just, but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips are a dirty thing to the Lord, but those who deal truly are his delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule, but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop, but a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor, but the way of the wicked seduces them. 27 The slothful man doesn't roast what he took in hunting, but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway of it there is no death. ___Proverbs chapter 13 1 A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scorner won't listen to reprimand. 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3 He that keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 4 The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is repulsive, and comes to shame. 6 Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing, there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. 8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches, but the poor won't listen to reprimand. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10 Contention comes only by pride, but with the well advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathers by labor shall increase. 12 Deferred hope makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoever despises the word shall be destroyed, but he that fears the commandment shall be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the traps of death. 15 Good understanding gives favor, but the way of transgressors is hard. 16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a fool lays open his foolishness. 17 A wicked messenger falls into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health. 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction, but he that regards reproof shall be honored. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is a dirty thing to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor, but there is that is destroyed for lack of judgment. 24 He that spares his rod hates his son, but he that loves him punishes him at times. 25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked shall want. ___Proverbs chapter 14 1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2 He that walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he that is perverse in his ways despises him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness won't lie, but a false witness will tell lies. 6 A scorner seeks wisdom and doesn't find it, but knowledge is easy to him that has understanding. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive that the lips of knowledge aren't in him. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit. 9 Fools mock at sin, but among the righteous there is favor. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger doesn't intermeddle with its joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent man looks well to his goings. 16 A wise man fears, and departs from evil, but the fool rages, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry deals foolishly, and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor are hated even by their own neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 He that despises his neighbor sins, but he that has mercy on the poor is happy. 22 Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to those who devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit, but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is foolishness. 25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the traps of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king's honor, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. 29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalts foolishness. 30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy is the rottenness of the bones. 31 He that oppresses the poor reproaches his maker, but he that honors him has mercy on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous has hope in his death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding, but what is among fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any country. 35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his anger is against him that causes shame. ___Proverbs chapter 15 1 A soft answer turns away anger, but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge right, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, seeing the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he that pays attention to reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the foolish doesn't. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is a dirty thing to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is a dirty thing to the Lord, but he loves him that pursues righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way, and he that hates reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord, how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner doesn't love someone that reproves him, nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful facial expression, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is, than an ox raised in the stall and hatred with it. 18 A angry man stirs up strife, but he that is slow to anger appeases strife. 19 The way of the slothful man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Foolishness is joy to him that has no wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without advice purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life is above to the wise, so he'll depart from hell beneath. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but he'll establish the border of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are a dirty thing to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant words. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house, but he that hates gifts shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones fat. 31 The ear that hears the reproof of life lives among the wise. 32 He that refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he that hears reproof gets understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and humility goes before honor. ___Proverbs chapter 16 1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, are from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established. 4 The Lord has made all things for himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Everyone that is proud in heart is a dirty thing to the Lord, though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth sin is purged, and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 9 A man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king, his mouth doesn't transgress in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the Lord's, all the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is a dirty thing to kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaks right. 14 The anger of a king is like a contract with a hit-man, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's facial expression is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil, he that keeps his way preserves his soul. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord is happy. 21 The wise of heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it, but the instruction of fools is foolishness. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it are the ways of death. 26 He that labors does so for himself, for his mouth craves it from him. 27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and in his lips there is like a burning fire. 28 A perverse man plants strife, and a whisperer separates main friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good. 30 He shuts his eyes to devise perverse things, moving his lips he makes evil happen. 31 The gray head is a crown of glory, if it's found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city. 33 The straws can be drawn, but the whole disposing of it is from the Lord. ___Proverbs chapter 17 1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with strife. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers. 3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts. 4 Those who do wickedly pay attention to false lips, and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his maker, and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech is not appropriate for a fool, much less lying lips for prince. 8 A gift is like a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it, wherever it turns, it prospers. 9 He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that repeats a matter separates very friends. 10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than a hundred stripes of the whip into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his foolishness. 13 Whoever repays evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like when someone releases water, therefore leave off with contention before you mess with it. 15 He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, both of them are a dirty thing to the Lord. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, since he has no heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He loves transgression that loves strife, and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20 He that has a perverse heart finds no good, and he that has a perverse tongue falls into mischief. 21 He that fathers a fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. 23 A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is before him that has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her that bore him. 26 Also, to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 27 He that has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he remains silent, is counted wise, and he that shuts his lips is esteemed to be a man of understanding. ___Proverbs chapter 18 1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and mixes with all wisdom. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart can get what it wants. 3 When the wicked comes, then contempt also comes, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 9 He also that is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a great waster. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own conceit. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, and humility goes before honor. 13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is foolishness and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man will carry his illness, but who can carry a wounded spirit? 15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17 He that is first in his own cause seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him. 18 Drawing straws causes contentions to stop, and divides between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, and he shall be filled with the increase of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it. 22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor uses persuasion, but the rich answers roughly. 24 A man that has friends must show himself to be friendly, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. ___Proverbs chapter 19 1 Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 Also, if the soul is without knowledge, it is not good, and he that hurries with his feet is sinning. 3 The foolishness of man perverts his way, and his heart frets against the Lord. 4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. 6 Many will seek the favor of the prince, and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him, how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursues them with words, yet they go away from him. 8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul, he that keeps understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall be destroyed. 10 Delight is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers, and a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Slothfulness throws into a deep sleep, and an idle soul shall endure hunger. 16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul, but he that despises his ways shall die. 17 He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given. 18 Punish your son while there is hope, and don't let your soul spare for his crying. 19 A man of great anger shall suffer punishment, for if you deliver him, yet you must do it again. 20 Listen to advice, and receive instruction, so you'll be wise at the end. 21 There are many devices in a man's heart, but the advice of the Lord shall stand. 22 The desire of a man is his kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the Lord tends to life, and he that has it shall live satisfied, he won't be visited with evil. 24 A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Strike a scorner, and the simple will beware, and reprove someone who has understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 26 He that wastes his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach. 27 Stop, my son, from hearing the instruction that causes you to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorns judgment, and the mouth of the wicked devours sin. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the backs of fools. ___Proverbs chapter 20 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise. 2 The fear of a king is like the roaring of a lion, whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul. 3 It is an honor for a man to stop from fighting, but every fool will be meddling. 4 The sluggard will not plow because of the cold, therefore he'll beg in harvest, and have nothing. 5 Advice in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will tell you how good they are, but who can find a faithful man? 7 The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. 8 A king that sits in the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I've made my heart clean, I'm pure from my sin? 10 Fraudulent weights, and fraudulent measures, are both dirty things to the Lord. 11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether what he does is pure, and whether it's right. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them. 13 Don't love sleep so you don't become poor, open your eyes, and you'll be satisfied with bread. 14 "It is nothing, it is nothing," says the buyer, but when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a security deposit from him for a strange woman. 17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by advice, and with good advice make war. 19 He that goes around as a talebearer reveals secrets, therefore don't meddle with him that flatters with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. 21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning, but the end of it won't be blessed. 22 Don't say, "I'll repay evil," but wait on the Lord, and he'll save you. 23 Fraudulent weights are a dirty thing to the Lord, and a fraudulent weighing scale is not good. 24 Man's goings are of the Lord, how can a man then understand his own way? 25 It is a snare to the man who devours what is holy, and after vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king scatters the wicked, and brings the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by mercy. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is the gray head. 30 The blueness of a wound cleanses away evil, so stokes of the whip cleanse the inward parts of the belly. ___Proverbs chapter 21 1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water, he turns it wherever he wants. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord ponders the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 A high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness, but of everyone that is hasty only to being in want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed back and forth by those who seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of man is perverse and strange, but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil, his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple are made wise, and when the wise are instructed, they receive knowledge. 12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked, but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever plugs his ears at the cry of the poor, he shall also cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a reward in the bosom pacifies strong anger. 15 It is joy to the just to do justice, but destruction shall be to the workers of sin. 16 The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man, he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man spends it up. 21 He that pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man climbs the city of the mighty, and throws down the strength of the confidence of it. 23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud anger. 25 The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all the day long, but the righteous gives and doesn't spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is a dirty thing, how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish, but the man that hears speaks faithfully. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he directs his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor advice against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but safety is from the Lord. ___Proverbs chapter 22 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together, the Lord is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life. 5 Thorns and traps are in the way of the perverse person, he that keeps his soul shall be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he won't depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 He that plants sin shall harvest vanity, and the rod of his anger shall fail. 9 He that has an abundant eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. 10 Throw out the scorner, and contention shall go out, yes, strife and reproach shall stop. 11 He that loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthrows the words of the transgressor. 13 The slothful man says, there is a lion outside, I shall be killed in the streets. 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit, he that is hated by the Lord shall fall into it. 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 16 He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely become needy. 17 Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them inside you; by that means they'll be fitted in your lips. 19 So that your trust will be in the Lord, I have made known to you this day, even to you. 20 Haven't I written to you excellent things in advice and knowledge, 21 So that I would make you know the certainty of the words of truth, so that you would answer the words of truth to those who send to you? 22 Don't rob the poor because he is poor, and don't oppress the afflicted in the gate, 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and will spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man you shall not go, 25 So you don't learn his ways and entrap your soul. 26 Don't be one of those who strike hands, or of those who are sureties for debts. 27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? 28 Don't remove the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before men of low degree. ___Proverbs chapter 23 1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you, 2 And if you're a man given to appetite, put a knife to your throat. 3 Don't be desirous of his dainties, for they are deceitful food. 4 Don't labor to be rich, stop from your own wisdom. 5 Will you set your eyes on what doesn't exist? For riches certainly make themselves wings, they fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 6 Don't eat the bread of him that has an evil eye, nor desire his dainty foods, 7 For he is like he thinks in his heart, "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 You'll vomit out the morsel that you've eaten, and lose your sweet words. 9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Don't remove the old landmark, and don't enter into the fields of the fatherless, 11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their case against you. 12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Don't withhold correction from the child, for if you beat him with the rod, he won't die. 14 You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16 Yes, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things. 17 Don't let your heart envy sinners, but be in the fear of the Lord all day long. 18 For surely there is an end, and your expectation won't be destroyed. 19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way. 20 Don't be among winos, among riotous eaters of flesh, 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, and don't despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and don't sell it, also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice, and he that fathers a wise child shall have joy from him. 25 Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bore you shall rejoice. 26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a whore is a deep ditch, and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lies in wait like for a prey, and increases the transgressors among men. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has unnecessary wounds? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who spend a lot of time at the wine, those who go to seek mixed wine. 31 Don't look at the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it moves itself aright. 32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a snake. 33 Your eyes shall see strange women, and your heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you'll be like someone that lies down in the middle of the ocean, or like he that lies down at the top of a mast. 35 "They've struck me," you'll say, "and I wasn't sick, they've beaten me, and I didn't feel it, when will I wake up? I'll seek it yet again." ___Proverbs chapter 24 1 Don't be envious against evil men, and don't desire to be with them. 2 For their hearts study destruction, and their lips talk about mischief. 3 A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding, 4 And the rooms shall be filled with all precious and pleasant riches by knowledge. 5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. 6 For you shall fight your war with wise advice, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool, he doesn't open his mouth in the gate. 8 He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin, and the scorner is a dirty thing to men. 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 If you won't provide deliverance to those who are drawn to death, and those that are ready to be killed, 12 If you say, "See, we didn't know it," doesn't he that ponders the heart consider it? And he that keeps your soul, doesn't he know it? And won't he give to every man according to his works? 13 My son, eat honey, because it's good, and the honeycomb, that is sweet to your taste, 14 The knowledge of wisdom shall be like that to your soul, when you've found it, then there'll be a reward, and your expectation won't be destroyed. 15 Don't lay wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous, don't spoil his resting place, 16 For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again, but the wicked shall fall into mischief. 17 Don't rejoice when your enemy falls, and don't let your heart be glad when he stumbles, 18 So that the Lord doesn't see it, and it doesn't displease him, and he turns away his anger from him. 19 Don't fret because of evil men, and don't envy the wicked, 20 For there's no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be extinguished. 21 My son, fear the Lord and the king, and don't meddle with those who are given to change, 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin of them both? 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that says "You are righteous" to the wicked, the people shall curse him, nations shall hate him, 25 But delight shall be for those who reprimand him, and a good blessing shall come on them. 26 Every man shall kiss the lips of him that gives a right answer. 27 Prepare your work outside, and make it fit for yourself in the field, and afterward build your house. 28 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without a good reason, and don't deceive with your lips. 29 Don't say, "I'll do to him like he has done to me, I'll repay the man according to what he has done." 30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man who had no understanding, 31 And see, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, and the stone wall of it was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it well, I looked at it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 34 So shall your poverty come like someone who travels, and your want like an armed man. ___Proverbs chapter 25 1 These are also proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and a container for the refiner shall be produced. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Don't put yourself in the presence of the king, and don't stand in the place of great men, 7 For it's better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen. 8 Don't go out in a hurry to argue, so it won't happen that at the end, you don't know what to do, when your neighbor has put you to shame. 9 Debate your cause with your neighbor himself, and don't reveal a secret to another, 10 So that he that hears it doesn't put you to shame, and your infamy won't go away. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on an obedient ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 A prince is persuaded by long patience, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. 16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, so you're not filled with it, and vomit it. 17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house, so he's not weary of you, and so hates you. 18 A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 20 Like he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on niter, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he's thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 For you'll heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord shall reward you. 23 The north wind drives away rain, so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 24 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 25 Like cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is like a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 27 It is not good to eat much honey, so for men to search their own glory is not glory. 28 He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. ___Proverbs chapter 26 1 Like snow in summer, and like rain in harvest, so honor is not appropriate for a fool. 2 Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so the curse shall not come without a reason. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that you're not also like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that he's not wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 Like he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool. 9 Like a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors. 11 Like a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his foolishness. 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The slothful man says, there is a lion on the road, a lion is in the streets. 14 Like the door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful on his bed. 15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom, it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can give a reason. 17 He that passes by, and meddles with strife not belonging to him, is like someone who takes a dog by the ears. 18 Like an insane man who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and says, "Am I not just kidding?" 20 The fire goes out where there's no wood, so where there's no talebearer, the trouble stops. 21 Like coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a piece of broken pottery covered with silver dross. 24 He that hates pretends with his lips, and stores up deceit inside himself, 25 When he speaks fair, don't believe him, for there are seven dirty things in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the whole congregation. 27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it, and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin. ___Proverbs chapter 27 1 Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day can bring forth. 2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand heavy, but a fool's anger is heavier than them both. 4 Anger is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open reprimand is better than secret love. 6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul hates a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man that wanders from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume make the heart rejoice, so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty advice. 10 Don't forsake your own friend and your father's friend, and don't go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity, for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, so I can answer him that reproaches me. 12 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a security deposit from him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, that betrays itself. 17 Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the facial expression of his friend. 18 Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit of it, so he that waits on his master shall be honored. 19 Like in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full, so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 Like the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise. 22 Though you bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet his foolishness won't depart from him. 23 Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks, and look well to your herds. 24 For riches are not forever, and does the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And you'll have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens. ___Proverbs chapter 28 1 The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes of it, but by a man of understanding and knowledge the condition of it shall be prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men don't understand judgment, but those who seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he's rich. 7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father. 8 He that by interest on loans and unjust gain increases his wealth, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be a dirty thing. 10 Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit, but the upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor that has understanding searches him out. 12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that always fears, but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 Like a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days. 17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit, let no man stop him. 18 Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved, but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 19 He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall have abundance of blessings, but he that's in a hurry to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good, because for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hurries to be rich has an evil eye, and doesn't consider that poverty shall come on him. 23 He that reprimands a man shall afterward find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, it is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he that puts his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. 26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely, he shall have deliverance. 27 He that gives to the poor shall not lack, but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase. ___Proverbs chapter 29 1 He that being frequently reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and with no remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoever loves wisdom rejoices his father, but he that keeps company with prostitutes spends his substance. 4 By justice, the king establishes the land, but he that takes bribes overthrows it. 5 A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a trap, but the righteous sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked don't consider it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a trap, but wise men turn away anger. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rages or laughs, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul. 11 A fool speaks all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in 'til afterward. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together, the Lord illuminates the eyes of both of them. 14 The throne of the king that faithfully judges the poor shall be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases, but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he'll give you rest, yes, he'll give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no vision the people perish, but he that keeps the law is happy. 19 A servant won't be corrected by words, for though he understands he won't answer. 20 Do you see a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He that delicately raises his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man is abundant in transgression. 23 A man's pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own soul, he hears cursing, and doesn't betray it. 25 The fear of man brings a trap, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but every man's judgment comes from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is a dirty thing to the just, and he that is upright in the way is a dirty thing to the wicked. ___Proverbs chapter 30 1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the prophecy, the man spoke to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and don't have the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who has ascended up into heaven, or gone down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell? 5 Every word of God is pure, he is a shield to those who put their trust in him. 6 Don't add to his words, so he doesn't reprove you, and you are found to be a liar. 7 I've required two things from you, don't deny them to me before I die, 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies, give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me, 9 So that I'm not full, and deny you, and say, who is the Lord? Or so that I'm not poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. 10 Don't accuse a servant to his master, so he doesn't curse you, and you are found guilty. 11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn't bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not washed from its filthiness. 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation, whose teeth are like swords, and their jaw teeth like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 The horse leach has two daughters, crying, "Give, give." There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four things don't say, "It is enough," 16 The grave, and the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water, and the fire that doesn't say, "It is enough." 17 The eye that mocks at its father, and despises to obey its mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. 18 There are three things that are too wonderful for me, yes, four that I don't know, 19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the ocean, and the way of a man with a young woman. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman, she eats, and wipes her mouth, and says, "I've done no wickedness." 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four that it can't bear, 22 For a servant when he rules, and a fool when he is filled with food, 23 For an odious woman when she is married, and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. 24 There are four things that are little on the earth, but they are very wise, 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer, 26 The conies are just a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks, 27 The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in swarms, 28 The spider takes hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. 29 There are three things that go well, yes, four are attractive in going, 30 A lion that is strongest among beasts, and doesn't turn away from any, 31 A greyhound, a he goat also, and a king, against whom there is no rising up. 32 If you've done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you've thought evil, lay your hand on your mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood, so the forcing of anger brings forth strife. ___Proverbs chapter 31 1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows? 3 Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink, 5 So that they don't drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him that is ready to die, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships, she brings her food from far. 15 She arises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considers a field, and buys it, with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She clothes her midsection with strength, and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, her candle doesn't go out at night. 19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretches out her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with red cloth. 22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry, her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen, and sells it, and delivers girdles to the merchant. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she'll be rejoicing in the future. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is in her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children get up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all. 30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.