PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 7)

1. My son, keep my words,
And treasure my commands within you.

2. Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.

3. Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your nearest kin,

5. That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.

6. For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,

7. And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,

8. Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house

9. In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.

10. And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

11. She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.

12. At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.

13. So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:

14. “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.

15. So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.

16. I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.

17. I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.

19. For my husband 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 on the appointed day.”

21. With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.

22. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23. Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.

24. Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;

26. For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.

27. Her house is the way to hell,
Descending to the chambers of death

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 6)

1. My son, if you become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

2. You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth.

3. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
For you have come into the hand of your friend:
Go and humble yourself;
Plead with your friend.

4. Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.

5. Deliver yourself like a gazelle 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. Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,

8. Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.

9. How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?

10. A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep—

11. So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

12. A worthless person, a wicked man,
Walks with a perverse mouth;

13. He winks with his eyes,
He shuffles his feet,
He points with his fingers;

14. Perversity is in his heart,
He devises evil continually,
He sows discord.

15. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly;
Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.

16. These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17. A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,

18. A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19. A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

20. My son, keep your father’s command,
And do not forsake the law of your mother.

21. Bind them continually upon your heart;
Tie them around your neck.

22. When you roam, they will lead you;
When you sleep, they will keep you;
And when you awake, they will speak with you.

23. For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law a light;
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

24. To keep you from the evil woman,
From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

25. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

26. For by means of a harlot
A man is reduced to a crust of bread;
And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.

27. Can a man take fire to his bosom,
And his clothes not be burned?

28. Can one walk on hot coals,
And his feet not be seared?

29. So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.

30. People do not despise a thief
If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.

31. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold;
He may have to give up all the substance of his house.

32. Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding;
He who does so destroys his own soul.

33. Wounds and dishonor he will get,
And his reproach will not be wiped away.

34. For jealousy is a husband’s fury;
Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35. He will accept no recompense,
Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 5)

1. My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
Lend your ear to my understanding,

2. That you may preserve discretion,
And your lips may keep knowledge.

3. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil;

4. But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.

5. Her feet go down to death,
Her steps lay hold of hell.

6. Lest you ponder her path of life—
Her ways are unstable;
You do not know them.

7. Therefore hear me now, my children,
And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

8. Remove your way far from her,
And do not go near the door of her house,

9. Lest you give your honor to others,
And your years to the cruel one;

10. Lest aliens be filled with your wealth,
And your labors go to the house of a foreigner;

11. And you mourn at last,
When your flesh and your body are consumed,

12. And say:
“How I have hated instruction,
And my heart despised correction!

13. I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!

14. I was on the verge of total ruin,
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

15. Drink water from your own cistern,
And running water from your own well.

16. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?

17. Let them be only your own,
And not for strangers with you.

18. Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice with the wife of your youth.

19. As a loving deer and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
And always be enraptured with her love.

20. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman,
And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

21. For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He ponders all his paths.

22. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,
And he is caught in the cords of his sin.

23. He shall die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 4)

1. Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;

2. For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.

3. When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,

4. He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.

5. Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.

7. Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.

8. Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

9. She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

10. Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.

11. I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.

12. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.

13. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.

14. Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.

15. Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.

16. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone 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 sun, That shines
ever brighter unto the perfect day.

19. The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.

20. My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.

21. Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of 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 spring the issues of life.

24. Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.

25. Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.

26. Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.

27. Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 3)

1. My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;

2. For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

3. Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,

4. And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

6. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

8. It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

9. Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10. So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11. My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;

12. For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

13. Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;

14. For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.

15. She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

16. Length of days is in her right hand,
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 take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

19. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;

20. By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.

21. My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22. So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.

23. Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.

24. When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

25. Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;

26. For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

27. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

28. Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.

29. Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.

30. Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.

31. Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;

32. For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.

33. The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.

34. Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.

35. The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 2)

1. My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,

2. So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;

3. Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

4. If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5. Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.

6. For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

7. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

8. He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.

9. Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

10. When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

11. Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,

12. To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,

13. From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;

14. Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;

15. Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;

16. To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,

17. Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.

18. For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead;

19. None who go to her return,
Nor do they regain the paths of life—

20. So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.

21. For the upright will dwell in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;

22. But the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 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, judgment, and equity;

4. To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—

5. A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6. To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8. My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

10. My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.

11. If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14. Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.

17. Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;

18. But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

20. Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.

21. She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:

22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.

23. Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

24. Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25. Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,

26. I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

27. When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

28. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

29. Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,

30. They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.

31. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(PROVERBS 31)

1. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

2. What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?

3. Do not 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 intoxicating drink;

5. Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

6. Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

7. Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

8. Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.

9. Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10. Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.

15. She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

16. She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17. She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

20. She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22. She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25. Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”

30. Charm is
deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who
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.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(PROVERBS 31)

1. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

2. What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?

3. Do not 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 intoxicating drink;

5. Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

6. Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

7. Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

8. Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.

9. Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10. Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.

15. She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

16. She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17. She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

20. She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22. She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25. Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”

30. Charm is
deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who
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.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 30)

1. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 . Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And do not have the understanding of a man.

3. I neither learned wisdom
Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.

4. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
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 know?

5. Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6. Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

7. Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):

8. Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;

9. Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the LORD?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

10. Do not malign a servant to his master,
Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

11. There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.

12. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

13. There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.

14. There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.

15. The leech has two daughters—
Give and Give!

There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, “Enough!”:

16. The grave,
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, “Enough!”

17. The eye that
mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.

18. There are three things which. are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:

19. The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.

20. This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wickedness.”

21. For three things the earth is perturbed,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up:

22. For a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,

23. A hateful woman
when she is married,
And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

24. There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:

25. The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;

26. The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they
make their homes in the crags;

27. The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;

28. The spider
skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.

29. There are three things which are majestic in pace,
Yes, four which are stately in walk:

30. A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;

31 A greyhound,
A male goat also,
And a king whose troops
are with him.

32. If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.

33. For as the churning of milk produces butter,
And wringing the nose produces blood,So the
forcing of wrath produces strife.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 30)

1. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 . Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And do not have the understanding of a man.

3. I neither learned wisdom
Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.

4. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
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 know?

5. Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6. Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

7. Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):

8. Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;

9. Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the LORD?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

10. Do not malign a servant to his master,
Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

11. There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.

12. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

13. There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.

14. There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.

15. The leech has two daughters—
Give and Give!

There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, “Enough!”:

16. The grave,
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, “Enough!”

17. The eye that
mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.

18. There are three things which. are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:

19. The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.

20. This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wickedness.”

21. For three things the earth is perturbed,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up:

22. For a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,

23. A hateful woman
when she is married,
And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

24. There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:

25. The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;

26. The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they
make their homes in the crags;

27. The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;

28. The spider
skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.

29. There are three things which are majestic in pace,
Yes, four which are stately in walk:

30. A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;

31 A greyhound,
A male goat also,
And a king whose troops
are with him.

32. If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.

33. For as the churning of milk produces butter,
And wringing the nose produces blood,So the
forcing of wrath produces strife.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 29)

1. He who is often rebuked, and
hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

3. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

4. The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

5. A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.

6. By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7. The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such
knowledge.

8. Scoffers set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.

9. If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

10. The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his well-being.

11. A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.

12. If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become
wicked.

13. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14. The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

15. The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.

17. Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

18. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.

19. A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
For though he understands, he will not respond.

20. Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21. He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.

22. An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

23. A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

24. Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

25. The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

26. Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD.

27. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 29)

1. He who is often rebuked, and
hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

3. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

4. The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

5. A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.

6. By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7. The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such
knowledge.

8. Scoffers set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.

9. If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

10. The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his well-being.

11. A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.

12. If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become
wicked.

13. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14. The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

15. The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.

17. Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

18. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.

19. A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
For though he understands, he will not respond.

20. Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21. He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.

22. An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

23. A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

24. Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

25. The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

26. Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD.

27. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 28)

1. The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2. Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and
knowledge
Right will be prolonged.

3. A poor man who oppresses the poor
Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them.

5. Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the LORD understand all.

6. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7. Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8. One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9. One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.

10. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.

11. The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12. When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory;
But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13. He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14. Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15. Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

16. A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17. A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
Let no one help him.

18. Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19. He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

20. A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21. To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22. A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

23. He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24. Whoever robs his father or his mother,
And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same is
companion to a destroyer.

25. He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who
trusts in the LORD will be prospered.

26. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,But whoever
walks wisely will be delivered.

27. He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28. When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 28)

1. The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2. Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and
knowledge
Right will be prolonged.

3. A poor man who oppresses the poor
Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them.

5. Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the LORD understand all.

6. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7. Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8. One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9. One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.

10. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.

11. The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12. When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory;
But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13. He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14. Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15. Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

16. A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17. A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
Let no one help him.

18. Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19. He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

20. A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21. To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22. A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

23. He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24. Whoever robs his father or his mother,
And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same is
companion to a destroyer.

25. He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who
trusts in the LORD will be prospered.

26. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,But whoever
walks wisely will be delivered.

27. He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28. When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 27)

1. Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may 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 sand is weighty,
But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.

4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
But who is able to stand before jealousy?

5. Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.

6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,
But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest
Is a man who wanders from his place.

9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
That I may answer him who reproaches me.

12A prudent man
foresees evil and hides himself;.
The simple pass on and are punished.

13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.

15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;

16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

17. As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his master will be honored.

19. As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.

20. Hell and Destruction are never full;
So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him.

22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;

24. For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

26. The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;

27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 27)

1. Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may 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 sand is weighty,
But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.

4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
But who is able to stand before jealousy?

5. Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.

6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,
But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest
Is a man who wanders from his place.

9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
That I may answer him who reproaches me.

12A prudent man
foresees evil and hides himself;.
The simple pass on and are punished.

13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.

15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;

16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

17. As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his master will be honored.

19. As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.

20. Hell and Destruction are never full;
So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him.

22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;

24. For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

26. The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;

27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 26)

1. As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

2. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

3. A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.

4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

5. Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10. The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his
wages.

11. As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13. The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion is in the streets!”

14. As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.

15. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;
It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”

20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

23. Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;

25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 26)

1. As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

2. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

3. A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.

4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

5. Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10. The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his
wages.

11. As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13. The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion is in the streets!”

14. As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.

15. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;
It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”

20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

23. Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;

25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 25)

1. These also are
proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4. Take away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith
for jewelry.

5. Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.

6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;

7. For it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

8. Do not go hastily to court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?

9. Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;

10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And your reputation be ruined.

11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.

12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like clouds and wind without rain.

15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

16. Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

23. The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25. As cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a far country.

26. A righteous man
who falters before the wicked
Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.

27. It is not good to eat much honey;
So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 25)

1. These also are
proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4. Take away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith
for jewelry.

5. Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.

6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;

7. For it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

8. Do not go hastily to court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?

9. Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;

10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And your reputation be ruined.

11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.

12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like clouds and wind without rain.

15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

16. Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

23. The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25. As cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a far country.

26. A righteous man
who falters before the wicked
Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.

27. It is not good to eat much honey;
So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

( Proverbs 24)

1. Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;

2. For their heart devises violence,
And their lips talk of troublemaking.

3. Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;

4. By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

5. A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool;
He does not open his mouth in the gate.

8. He who plots to do evil
Will be called a schemer.

9. The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

10. If you faint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small.

11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those
stumbling to the slaughter.

12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

13. My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;

14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.

15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man,
against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not plunder his resting place;

16. For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not
Let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.

19. Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;

20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21. My son, fear the LORD and the king;
Do not associate with those given to change;

22. For their calamity will rise suddenly,
And who knows the ruin those two can bring?

23.These things
also belong to the wise:

It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.

25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.

26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27. Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.

28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
For would you deceive with your lips?

29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”

30. I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.

32. When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:

33. A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;

34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

( Proverbs 24)

1. Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;

2. For their heart devises violence,
And their lips talk of troublemaking.

3. Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;

4. By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

5. A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool;
He does not open his mouth in the gate.

8. He who plots to do evil
Will be called a schemer.

9. The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

10. If you faint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small.

11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those
stumbling to the slaughter.

12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

13. My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;

14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.

15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man,
against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not plunder his resting place;

16. For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not
Let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.

19. Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;

20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21. My son, fear the LORD and the king;
Do not associate with those given to change;

22. For their calamity will rise suddenly,
And who knows the ruin those two can bring?

23.These things
also belong to the wise:

It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.

25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.

26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27. Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.

28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
For would you deceive with your lips?

29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”

30. I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.

32. When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:

33. A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;

34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 23)

1. When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;

2. And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.

3. Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.

4. Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!

5. Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6. Do not eat the bread of a miser,
Nor desire his delicacies;

7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.

8. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,
And waste your pleasant words.

9. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10. Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11. For their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.

12. Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.

13. Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14. You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.

15. My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16. Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18. For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.

19. Hear, my son, and be wise;
And guide your heart in the way.

20. Do not mix with winebibbers,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

21. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22. Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

25. Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.

26. My son, give me your heart,
And let your eyes observe my ways.

27. For a harlot is a deep pit,
And a seductress is a narrow well.

28. She also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among men.

29. Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?

30. Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31. Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;

32. At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.

33. Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.

34. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

35. “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 23)

1. When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;

2. And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.

3. Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.

4. Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!

5. Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6. Do not eat the bread of a miser,
Nor desire his delicacies;

7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.

8. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,
And waste your pleasant words.

9. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10. Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11. For their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.

12. Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.

13. Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14. You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.

15. My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16. Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18. For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.

19. Hear, my son, and be wise;
And guide your heart in the way.

20. Do not mix with winebibbers,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

21. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22. Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

25. Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.

26. My son, give me your heart,
And let your eyes observe my ways.

27. For a harlot is a deep pit,
And a seductress is a narrow well.

28. She also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among men.

29. Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?

30. Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31. Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;

32. At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.

33. Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.

34. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

35. “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”