This Go Fish Ministries, Inc. publication is a paraphrase of the Proverbs and Psalms (Sayings and Hymns). Many Biblical versions were considered in the interpretation of this version, in which the starting point was the original King James Version. Other versions considered were the New King James Version, the Good News Bible, the Living Bible, the American Standard Version, the Revised Standard Version, along with a study of many of the original Hebrew words from the Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary. The main departure from these common versions is the use of the proper Name of God, which is now commonly understood to be Yahweh. I now quote from the Preface to The New Oxford Annotated Bible Revised Standard Version which states concerning the Name of God,

“A major departure from the practice of the American Standard Version is the rendering of the Divine Name…which used the term Jehovah; the King James Version had employed this in four places, but everywhere else, except in three cases where it was employed as part of a proper name, used the English word LORD (or in certain cases GOD) printed in capitals. . . which follows the precedent of the ancient Greek and Latin translators and the long established practice in the reading of the Hebrew Scriptures in the synagogue. While it is almost if not quite certain that the Name was originally pronounced Yahweh, this pronunciation was not indicated when the Masoretes added vowel signs to the consonantal Hebrew. To the four consonants YHWH of the Name, which had come to be regarded as too sacred to be pronounced, they attached vowel signs indicating that in its place should be read the Hebrew word Adonai meaning Lord (or Elohim meaning God). The ancient Greek translators substituted the word Kyrios (Lord) for the Name. The Vulgate likewise used the word Dominus. The form Jehovah is of late medieval origin; it is a combination of the consonants of the Divine Name and the vowels attached to it by the Masoretes but belonging to an entirely different word. The sound of the Y is represented by J and the sound of W by V, as in Latin . . . the word Jehovah does not accurately represent any form of the Name ever used in Hebrew . . . and is entirely inappropriate for the universal faith of the Christian Church.”

In light of these words and many hours of heartfelt prayer and study of the Scriptures, I have endeavored to bring back the use of the forgotten Name of God in this publication, and the use of the English word Lord has been rendered as Sovereign, or Sovereign One, in places where the use of YAHWEH was not employed. I have been tormented over whether or not this interpretation was the right thing to do, and I now believe with all my heart that I have done the perfect will of God. Nevertheless, if I have rather entered into the permissive will of God, I now plead for God’s mercy on my soul, as I have done it in ignorance rather than malice.
Another departure from the norm is the explicit use of the masculine form to denote the persons of the Godhead, noting that many of the Hebrew words implicating the Godhead are in feminine forms, in particularly Elohiym, which can denote God or Goddess. Where verses read He, Him, or His, many instances have been changed to read You, Your, or Yours, which doesn’t denote a masculine or feminine Entity, but rather an androgynous Entity. Passages in the New Testament indicate that heavenly beings are neither male nor female, and I believe we can ascertain from these passages that God is neither masculine nor feminine or possibly has both qualities. Since human beings are made in the image of our Maker, and have both masculine and feminine hormones, it is possible that God fully has both qualities and is complete in Self-existence. Since we have no way of knowing this for certain, I choose to use an androgynous descriptor of God in this text. In addition, since the word man, to some, no longer represents humanity in general as used to be the case for most people, I have changed the words man, mankind, and the like to more neutral forms, such as humanity, people, or persons, along with many of the he, him, and his, to they, them, and theirs.
Other passages which are antiquated by their words and phrasing are rendered a more modern connotation than the original text would allow for. In every case that a change was made, several alternate texts were considered along with the original languages as denoted in the Strong’s concordance and dictionary. With this in mind, I hope that this interpretation may be viewed as a help along with other translations in the great commission of Jesus Christ, my Sovereign One and Savior. I hope to someday do additional interpretations of the Scriptures, but trust that I have done and will do only that which would be in God’s perfect will. God Bless and Go Fish! Jesus said, Follow me and I’ll teach you to fish for the souls of others. Matthew 4:19.

Some examples of the text follow: (These may be edited again in the future)

I’ll declare Your Name to my friends; in the middle of the assembly I’ll praise You. Hymn 22:22
I’ll praise You forever, because You have done it, and I’ll minister to Your Name; for it’s good for Israel. Hymn 52:9
Sing to God: We’ll sing praises to Your Name and exalt You, who ride on the heavens by Your Name YAH, and celebrate before You. Hymn 68:4
And those that know Your name will put their trust in You: for You, oh Yahweh, haven’t abandoned those that seek You. Hymn 9:10
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to worship other things; Won’t You, God, find out? For You know the secrets of the heart. Yes, for Your sake we die daily, counted as but sheep for slaughter. Awake, why do You sleep, oh my God? Awake, don’t throw us off forever. Why do You hide Your face, and forget our misery and our oppression? For our souls are humbled in the dust: our bodies lay in the dirt. Awake for our help, and free us for Your mercies' sake. Hymn 44: [20-26]
119: [55]I have remembered Your name, oh Yahweh, in the night, and have kept Your word. [56]This I was able to do, because I kept Your precepts.

I’ll praise You forever, because it is You who has done it, and I’ll minister to Your name; for it’s good for Your people. Hymn 52:9

[1:1-4]These are the sayings of Solomon, the child of David and leader of Israel; So we can receive wisdom and education in order to have a good understanding; To learn the teachings of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equality; To teach the uneducated and give the young knowledge and good judgment. [5-6]A wise person will listen, and will learn; and one of understanding will pay attention to wise guidance in order to understand a saying and its meaning, the words of intelligent people, and their clever sayings.
[7]The reverence of Yahweh is the opening up of the mind to knowledge, but the untested and foolish reject knowledge and education. [8]Children, listen to the training of your parents, and don’t give up on their words: [9]They’ll bring blessings and honor to your head, and are as a medal around your neck.
[10]Children, if the sinful tempt you, don’t consent. [11-14]If they say, Come with us, let’s hunt for someone to mug, and wait for a victim; Let’s capture them, kill them, and send them to hell. We’ll find lots of valuables and fill our houses with their stuff; Join our gang and we’ll all split the takings. [15-16]Children, don’t join their gang, but avoid them: They run to evil, and quickly shed innocent blood. [17]Just like trying to catch a bird is useless, they wait for their own death unknowingly stalking their own blood. [19]Only greedy people that kill property owners for the takings act this way.
[20-22]Wisdom cries out to those in the streets: It cries out in public places, at the edge of the city limits: in the prominent places in the city, the voice of wisdom says, How long, you naive people, will you love ignorance? And ridiculers enjoy their contempt, and stupid people hate knowledge? [23]Turn at my reprimand; Watch, I’ll give of my spirit to you, revealing my words to you.
[24-26]Because I called, and you refused; I reached out, and no one paid attention; Because you’ve disregarded all my advice, and ignored my warning: I’ll laugh at your misfortune, too; I’ll mock you when you are afraid. [27-29]When great fear comes, and your destruction comes as a hurricane; when distress and grief come on you, then you’ll call on me, but I won’t answer; you’ll soon seek me, but you won’t find me: For you hated knowledge, and didn’t choose to show respect to Yahweh. [30-32]You ignored my direction and despised my correction, so you’ll suffer the consequences of your own way, and be caught in your own plans: For the unconcern of the careless will kill them, and the wealth of the foolish will destroy them. [33]But if you listen to me you will live safely, and won’t be disturbed by the fear of evil.
[2:1-5]Children, if you’ll believe my words, and keep my instructions with you, so that you listen to these wise words, and apply your heart to grasp them; Yes, if you seek after knowledge, and ask questions to help you understand; if you seek it as riches, searching for it like hidden treasures, then you’ll understand the reverence of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God. [6]For Yahweh gives wisdom: the words of God give knowledge and understanding. [7]Yahweh gives sound wisdom for godly people and helps those who walk honorably. [8-9]Yes, God keeps the ways of judgment, and preserves the way of those who believe, so you’ll understand righteousness, and judgment, and equality, and every good way.
[10-15]When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasing to your soul; good judgment will protect you and understanding will save you, in order to protect you from evil ways and from those that speak the sinful things, who abandon decent ways and walk in the ways of depravity and who revel in their evil, relishing the sinfulness of evil people; whose ways are crooked and who leave the true path: [16-18]To save you from strangers, even from strangers that use flattering words; who give up on the guidance of youth, and forget the promises of God; whose houses lean toward death, and whose sidewalks lead to the dead. [19]No one that remains living with strangers ever returns to find the path of life. [20-22]So walk in the ways of godly people, and keep the ways of the respectable, for godly people who are blameless will live and remain in the land, but the sinful will die out of the earth, and the offenders will be uprooted.
[3:1-2]Children don’t forget my words; but let your heart keep my instructions, for more productive days, and longer life, and peace. [3-4]Don’t let mercy and truth leave you. Place them around your neck like a medallion, writing them in your heart, so that you’ll find grace and good understanding in the sight of God and humanity.
[5]Trust in Yahweh with all your heart; and don’t trust your own understanding. [6]Acknowledge God in every way, and Yahweh will direct your ways.
[7]Don’t be wise in your own eyes: respect Yahweh, and depart from evil. [8]It’ll keep you strong and healthy. [9-10]Honor Yahweh with your possessions, and with the first of all your income, so you’ll be plentifully filled, bursting out at the seams.
[11-12]Children don’t despise the correction of Yahweh; don’t be tired of God’s discipline, because Yahweh loves whoever is corrected; just like the parents do to the children they enjoy.
[13-14]Happy are those that find wisdom, the ones that understand, for its yield is better than the income of riches, and the gain of great wealth. [15]It’s more precious than expensive stones, and all the things that you can desire aren’t to be compared to it. [16]Watch and see that longer days, riches, and honor will come with it. [17]The ways of wisdom are pleasant, and all its ways are peaceful. [18]It’s life to those that grab it and every one that retains it will be happy. [19]Yahweh has founded the earth with wisdom and has established the heavens with understanding. [20]By the knowledge of God, the depths of the oceans quake and the clouds rain.
[21-23]Children don’t lose sight of sound wisdom and good judgment. They are life to your soul, and grace to your body, so you can walk in your way safely, never stumbling. [24]When you lie down, you won’t be afraid: yes, you’ll lie down, and you will sleep sweetly. [25-26]Don’t be afraid of unexpected fear, nor when the misery of the sinful comes, for Yahweh will be your confidence, and will keep you from being overwhelmed.
[27]Don’t withhold good from those that it’s due, when it’s in your own power to do it. [28]Don’t say to your neighbor: Go, and come back later, and I’ll give it to you tomorrow; when you know you have it handy. [29]Don’t devise evil against your neighbors, seeing they live by you securely.
[30]Don’t argue with anyone without a good cause, if they’ve done you no real harm.
[31-32]Don’t envy those that oppress others, and don’t choose to follow their ways, for sinful people are disgraceful to Yahweh, but the secrets of God are with godly people.
[33]The curse of Yahweh is on the houses of sinful people, but the blessings of God are on the homes of godly people. [34]Surely God disdains those that ridicule others, but gives grace to the humble. [35]The wise will inherit glory, but shame will come to the foolish.
[4:1]Listen children, to the training of a parent, and pay attention to grasp my knowledge. [2]For I give you good guidelines, so don’t give up on my words. [3-4]Because I was my parents’ child, tender and only beloved in their sight, they taught me also, and said to me: Let your heart remember our words, keep our instructions, and live. [5]Get wisdom and understanding, don’t forget it, nor refuse to listen to our words. [6]Don’t give up on it, and it’ll preserve you, love it and it’ll keep you. [7]Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom and with all your might get understanding. [8]Honor it, for if you embrace it, it’ll promote you and bring you honor. [9]It’ll make your head beautiful, bringing a crown of glory to you. [10]Listen, children, and receive my sayings; and you will have many years in your life. [11]I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in the right ways. [12]When you go, your steps won’t be risky; and when you run, you won’t stumble. [13]Hold fast to instruction and don’t let it go, but keep it; for it’s your very life.
[14]Don’t follow the path of the sinful, and don’t go with evil people. [15-17]Avoid it, don’t even pass by it, turn away from it, and go far away; for they won’t sleep, unless they’ve done mischief; and they lose sleep, unless they cause someone else to fall away; for they eat the bread of evil, and drink the wine of violence. [18]But the path of godly people is as the sunlight shining, which shines more brightly towards midday. [19]The way of the sinful is as darkness, because they don’t even know what they stumble over.
[20]Children, pay attention to my words; listen to my sayings. [21-22]Don’t lose sight of them; keep them in the depths of your heart, for they are life to those that find them, and health to every part of the body.
[23]Keep your heart with focus; for out of it are the matters of life. [24]Put a disrespectful mouth away from you, and put obscene words far from you. [25]Let your eyes focus, and look straight ahead of you. [26]Consider the path your feet take, and let all your ways be established. [27]Don’t turn right or left, but remove your foot from every the sinful path.
[5:1]Children, pay attention to my wisdom, and listen to my understanding, so that you can know good judgment, and that your words will be words of knowledge.
[3-4]For the words of strangers may be as sweet as honey and their mouths may be smoother than oil, but their end is as bitter as vinegar, sharp as a two-edged knife. [5]Their feet lead them to death, their steps taking the path to hell. [6]Just in case you should wonder about the path of life, the ways of strange people are so fickle, you can’t even know them. [7]So listen to me now, children, and don’t depart from the words of my mouth. [8-9]Remove yourself far from strange people, and don’t come near the door of their houses, or you will give your honor to others, and your years to cruel people. [10]Strangers will take your wealth and all the benefits of your activities will wind up in the house of a stranger; [11]You will mourn at last, when your body and your life is consumed, saying: How I hated instruction, and my heart despised correction; [13]I haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor listened to those that warned me! [14]I am a disgrace to the eyes of everyone.
[15]Love your own spouse, and be faithful to your mate. [16]If you have children by others, your family ties will be scattered about. [17]Let them only belong to you and your spouse, and not to strangers. [18]Let your family be blessed, and celebrate with the spouse of your youth. [19]Let your mate be loving and pleasant, letting only your spouse satisfy you; and being ravished with your mate’s love always. [20]Why, children, would you want to be ravished by another, and embrace a stranger? [21]For the ways of humanity are before the eyes of Yahweh, that considers every choice they make.
[22]The sinful will be taken by their vices, and they are bound by their own sins. [23]They die without instruction, going astray in the magnitude of their recklessness.
[6:1]Children, if you guarantee the debts of your friends, if you’ve made a promise for a stranger, and you are snared by the words of your mouth, you have been taken by your own words. [3]Do this now, children, to save yourself: when you come to your friend; go, humble yourself and plead to be released from the promise you made to your friend. [4-5]Don’t close your eyes, nor go to sleep, until you deliver yourself as a deer from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
[6-8]Go to the ant and consider its ways, and be wise, which having no guide, overseer, or leader, provides its substance in the summer, and gathers its food in the harvest. [9]How long will you sleep, lazy? When will you wake up from your sleep? [10]Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, so, your poverty comes as a homeless drifter, and your need as an armed robber.
[12]the sinful and mischievous people walk with corrupt mouths. [13]They wink their eyes and speak with pacing feet, and teach with waving hands. [14-15]They devise mischief with the sinful hearts, continually starting arguments; so their misfortune will come unexpectedly and they’ll be ruined with no escape.
[16-19]Yahweh hates six things: yes, seven enrage God: A self-righteous look, a lying mouth, murdering hands, a the sinful heart that devises evil imaginations, mischievous feet that are swift in running to trouble, a false witness that speaks lies, and those that cause friction between family members.
[20]Children, keep the good things your parents say, and never give up on their words: [21]Always unite them with your heart, and place them around your neck like a medallion. [22]When you go, they’ll lead you; when you sleep, they’ll keep you; and when you awake, they’ll talk with you. [23]For their decrees and rules are a lamp and a light; and the lesson they teach is the way of life to protect you from evil strangers and their deceitful words. [25-26]Don’t desire the attractiveness of a stranger in your heart; and don’t let them tease you with their eyes, for by means of loose people, persons are brought to nothing, and the adulterers will pay with their very life. [27]Can people put fire to their bodies, and their clothes not be burned? [28]Can someone walk on hot ashes, and the feet not be burned? [29]So are those that behave adulterously; whoever touches another’s spouse won’t be found innocent. [30-31]Don’t despise thieves, if they are stealing to satisfy their hunger, but if they are caught, they must restore seven times whatever they took and will give everything they own if necessary. [32]But whoever commits adultery is stupid because they destroy their own souls. [33-35]They’ll only get injury and dishonor; and their shame won’t ever be forgotten; for jealousy is the rage of the person offended. They won’t spare you in the day of vengeance, and won’t be persuaded or rest content, even if you give them many gifts.
[7:1]Children, keep my words, and remember my instructions. [2]Keep my rules, and live; keep my words as your favorite songs. [3]Wear them as rings on your fingers; write them on the pages of your heart. [4-5]Say to wisdom, you are my family; and call understanding your kin also, so that they can keep you from falling for the flattery of strangers.
[6-10]At the window of my house I looked through the glass and saw among the young people, some without discernment, who passing through the street near the corner went to a house at dusk and again at midnight, where devious persons that were scantily dressed met them there: [11-12](It was those who are loud and stubborn, never staying home, and coming into the streets to wait at the corners.) [13-20]So they caught them, and kissed them, and with bold faces said to them, Today is our payday and we have plenty of food for a party. So we came to meet you, and now, we’ve found you. We’ve made our beds with fine linens and covers, and perfumed them with fragrances. Come on; let’s make love till morning, pacifying ourselves with our lovers. For our spouses aren’t at home, and have gone out of town, taking their money with them, and won’t be home for a few days. [21]So with their seductiveness they caused those naive people to give in, coercing them with their flattering words. [22]The young people followed after them like bulls going to the slaughter, or as criminals to the correction of jail; till they contracted sexually transmitted liver diseases; and just like a bird rushes into a trap, they don’t know that it will cost them their life.
[24]So listen to me now, children, and pay attention to my words. [25-26]Don’t let your heart turn to these ways and go astray, for they’ve wounded many: yes, many strong people have died by these ways. [27]This way quickly leads to death and hell.
[8:1]Doesn’t wisdom cry out? And understanding call out? [2-3]They stand in the top of the hills, and along the ways, crying out at the city limits, at the entrance of the city, at the opening of the doors of public places, saying: [4]I call to all people; and my voice is to the children of humanity. [5]You immature and foolish people: know wisdom and have an understanding heart. [6]Listen; for what I’ll speak will be good and excellent things. [7]My mouth will speak truth; for evil is a disgrace to me. [8]All my words are in righteousness; there’s nothing evil or obscene in them. [9]They are clear to those that understand, and right to those that would find knowledge. [10-11]Receive my instructions, and don’t seek money; seek knowledge rather than great wealth, for wisdom is better than expensive jewels and all the things that can be desired are no comparison. [12]I, wisdom, live with responsibility and discover the facts of shrewd inventiveness. [13]The reverence of Yahweh is to hate evil: I hate pride, arrogancy, evil ways, and a lying mouth. [14]Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: My understanding has strength. [15]By me, leaders reign and governments decree justice. [16]By me, those who rule in the governments, the dignitaries, and even all the judges of the earth are in power. [17]I love those that love me; and those that seek me while they are young will find me. [18]Riches and honor are with me; yes, lasting riches and righteousness. [19]My profit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue is better than great wealth. [20-21]I lead in the way of righteousness, clearly in the ways of judgment, so that I can cause those that love me to gain assets; and that I can fill their treasuries. [22]Before creation, I belonged to Yahweh. [23]I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, even before the earth was created. [24-25]When there were no seas, I existed; when there were no rivers flowing with water, I came to be even before the hills and mountains were settled. [26-27]When God had not yet made the earth, or the fields, or the smallest particle of the dust of the earth; when Yahweh prepared the heavens and set the extent of the oceans, I was there. [28-31]When God created the clouds above and strengthened the sources of the oceans; when Yahweh gave the decree to the sea, that the waters shouldn’t pass its limits; when God appointed the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Yahweh, as one brought up with God and I was a daily joy, always rejoicing before the Creator; rejoicing in the habitable part of the earth; and my joy was with the children of humanity. [32]Now listen to me, children: for I’ll bless those that keep my ways. [33]Listen to my instruction, and be wise, and don’t refuse it. [34]I’ll bless those that listen to me, those that daily watch at my gateway, and wait at my doorposts. [35]For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain the grace of Yahweh. [36]But those that sin against me wrong their own soul: all those that hate me will embrace death.
[9:1]Wisdom has built a sanctuary with seven pillars. [2]The animals are slaughtered, the wine is mingled, and the table is set. [3-4]The maids have been sent out, who cry out from the highest places of the city, Whoever is ignorant, let them turn in here. And as for those that lack understanding, they say to them, [5]Come, eat the bread of wisdom, and drink the wine it has mingled. [6]Forsake the foolish, and live; and follow the way of understanding. [7]Those that try to reprove a contemptuous person will get shamed, and those that lecture a the sinful one will be found with fault, so don’t reprove troublemakers, or they’ll only hate you, but if you lecture wise people, they’ll love you for it. [9]Give training to wise people, and they become wiser: teach godly people, and they grow in learning. [10]The reverence of Yahweh is the opening up of the mind to wisdom, and to have the knowledge of the holy is to have understanding. [11]For by this wisdom your days will prosper, and the years of your life will be increased. [12]If you are wise, you’ll be careful what you do, but if you show contempt, you alone will bear it.
[13-17]A foolish person is loud, stupid, and knows nothing, for they sit at the doors of their houses, in the prominent places of the city, to call passengers that go by on their ways, saying to them: Whoever is naive, let them turn in here, and as for those that lack understanding, they say to them, Stolen pleasures are sweet, and secret affairs are pleasant. [18]But those foolish ones don’t know that the dead are there; and that the guests of those houses are in the depths of hell.
[10:1]These are the sayings of Solomon. A wise child makes a parent glad, but a foolish one is a parent’s heartache. [2]Riches gained from evil actions will profit them nothing, but righteousness saves from death. [3]Yahweh won’t allow the soul of godly people to suffer need, but God throws away the possessions of the sinful. [4]Those that act carelessly become poor, but the hands of the diligent grow rich. [5]Those that work hard are wise, but those that sleep while there’s work to be done cause shame. [6]Blessings are on godly people, but violence is in the words of the sinful. [7]The memory of godly people is blessed, but the name of the sinful will be forgotten. [8]The wise of heart will receive instruction, but an accusing fool will collapse under pressure. [9]Those that walk uprightly walk unquestionably, but those that pervert their ways will be exposed for who they are. [10]Those that play pranks, winking their eyes in jest only cause trouble, but an accusing fool will unexpectedly fall. [11]The words of a good person refresh the lives of those around them, but violence fills the words of the sinful. [12]Hatred stirs up trouble, but love protects against all sins. [13]Wisdom is found in the words of those that have understanding, but a whipping is for the backside of those that have no understanding. [14]The wise increase their knowledge, but the words of the foolish will soon bring destruction. [15]The wealth of rich people is a stronghold, but poverty is the destruction of the poor. [16]The activities of godly people bring life, but the practices of the sinful are evil. [17]Those that keep the ways of a good up bringing walk in the way of life, but those that refuse reprimanding greatly err. [18]Those that hide hatred with lying words and character attacks are foolish. [19]In an excess of words there is sin, but those that refrain from speaking rashly are wise. [20]The mouth of godly people is as great wealth: the hearts of the sinful are worthless. [21]The words of godly people nourish many, but the foolish die for lack of wisdom. [22]The blessing of Yahweh makes rich, and no sorrow is added to it. [23]It is amusing to a fool to do mischief, but those of understanding have good judgment. [24]Whatever the sinful fear will come to pass, but the desires of godly people will be granted. [25]the sinful will be wiped out as they would by a passing hurricane, but godly people have a lasting foundation. [26]As smoke is to the eyes or bitter drink to the tongue, so are lazy people to those that hire them. [27]The reverence of Yahweh will prolong days, but the years of the sinful will be cut short. [28]The hope of godly people will be joy, but the prospects of the sinful won’t last. [29]The way of Yahweh is strength to godly people, but destruction will come to the sinful. [30]Godly people will never be displaced, but the sinful won’t ever be established in the earth. [31]The mouth of godly people is filled with words of wisdom, but the lying mouth will have no answer. [32]Godly people know what’s acceptable to say, but the words of the sinful speak nothing but prideful lies.
[11:1]Deceptive business practices are an offense to Yahweh, but fairness is pleasing. [2]When arrogance shows on a face, then shame follows, but with the humble is wisdom. [3]The integrity of godly people will be their guide, but the obsceneness of the sinful will destroy them. [4]Riches won’t profit in the day of anger, but righteousness delivers from death. [5]The goodness of the godly will direct their steps, but the sinful will fall by their own sinfulness. [6]The integrity of godly people will save them, but the sinful will be taken in their own naughtiness. [7]When sinful people die, their prospects will die with them and their hope passes away. [8]Godly people are freed out of trouble, and the sinful ones take their place. [9]The words of hypocrites destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge godly people are freed from their troubles. [10]The city rejoices when godly people do well, and when the sinful die, there’s a joyous outcry. [11]Cities are dignified through the blessings of godly people, but they are overthrown by the words of the sinful. [12]Those that lack wisdom despise their neighbor, but those of understanding hold their peace. [13]A gossip reveals private matters, but those that are faithful conceal matters that are inappropriate to speak of. [14]Where there are no counselors, the people are overcome, but with ample counselors there is wellbeing. [15]Those that act as a guarantor for strangers will pay for it, and those who don’t act as security have nothing to loose. [16]Gracious people keep their honor, and powerful people retain riches. [17]The merciful do well for their own soul, but cruel people trouble themselves. [18]The sinful do deceitful things, but the righteous will certainly be compensated. [19]As righteousness brings life, so those that pursue evil bring about their own deaths. [20]Yahweh abhors those that have the sinful hearts, but those that have righteous ways are God’s pleasure. [21]Though hand joins in hand, the sinful won’t be unpunished, but the children of godly people will have freedom. [22]As a gold ring would be in a hog's snout, so are attractive people that are without good judgment. [23]The desires of godly people are only for good, but the prospects of the sinful are for violence. [24]There are those that abundantly give, and yet increase; and there those that keep more than necessary, but it only leads to poverty. [25]The generous soul will be made plentiful, and those that restore others will be restored themselves. [26]The people will curse those that horde food, but those that sell it to them will be blessed. [27]Those that diligently seek the good obtain grace, but those that seek mischief will find it. [28]Those that trust in their riches will fall like a winter leaf, but godly people will flourish as a budding branch in spring. [29]Those that trouble their own family will inherit nothing but the wind, and for their foolishness will be subservient to more intelligent people. [30]The harvest of godly people is life-giving; for those that win souls are abundantly wise. [31]Watch and see; if godly people are rewarded on the earth, how much more the ungodly sinners will be repaid in this life as well.
[12:1]Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but those that hate to be corrected are rebellious sinners. [2]Godly people obtain the grace of Yahweh, but God will condemn those that make sinful plans against others. [3]People won’t be established by doing evil, and godly people won’t ever be uprooted. [4]Honorable mates are a blessing to their spouses, but those that make them ashamed are bitterness to their souls. [5]The thoughts of the virtuous are right, but the advice of the sinful is deceitful. [6]The words of the sinful are deadly condemnations, but the words of godly people bring life. [7]The sinful will be overthrown, and will die, but the homes of godly people will remain. [8]People will be commended according to their wisdom, but those who have perverse hearts will be hated. [9]Those that are virtually unknown but employ a servant are better than those that make pretense and have need. [10]Righteous people consider the lives of their animals, but the mercies of the sinful are nothing but cruelty. [11]Those that work hard will be satisfied with their pay, but those that follow people who make empty promises lack understanding. [12]The sinful desire the profit of evil people, but the work of godly people pays well. [13]Sinful people are trapped in the sinfulness of their own words, but godly people will overcome their troubles. [14]People will be satisfied with the good their words bring, and the reward of their hands will be given to them. [15]The ways of the foolish may be right in their own eyes, but those that listen to good counsel are truly wise. [16]A fool's anger is presently known, but a sensible person guards against the embarrassment of careless words. [17]Those that speak truth demonstrate righteousness, but a liar demonstrates deceit. [18]There are sinful people whose words pierce like a knife, but the words of wise people bring healthy emotions to everyone. [19]The words of truth will be established forever, but a lying mouth is only briefly gratified. [20]Falsehoods are in the hearts of those that imagine evil, but the counselors of peace have joy. [21]No permanent damage will happen to godly people, but the sinful will be filled with their fair share of hurt. [22]Yahweh hates liars, but those that are truthful are God’s joy. [23]A cautious person conceals knowledge until the right time to reveal it, but the heart of the foolish makes all its stupidity quickly known. [24]The hand of a diligent worker will be promoted to leadership, but lazy workers will always be dominated. [25]Sadness in the heart of people overwhelms them, but a good word makes them glad. [26]Godly people are more admirable than their neighbor, but evil ways will seduce the sinful. [27]Lazy people don’t roast what was taken in hunting, but the substance of diligent people is precious. [28]Righteousness is the way to life; and in its path there is no death.
[13:1]Intelligent children hear their parent's instructions, but the disobedient ignore the wisdom of their parent’s words. [2]People will thrive well by the good their words bring, but the souls of the sinful will thrive on violence. [3]Those that guard the words of their mouth will preserve their lives, but those that don’t know how to keep their mouths closed will destroy themselves. [4]The soul of the lazy desires everything, and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent will be made plentiful. [5]Righteous people hate lying, but sinful people are hateful, and will come to shame. [6]Righteousness keeps those that are good in the way, but evil overthrows the sinner. [7]There are those that save up their money to become rich, yet they have nothing of real value, and there are those that give so sacrificially that they become poor, yet have great riches. [8]The rich will give all they have for a ransom to save their life, but the poor have no need of concern. [9]The light of godly people burns brightly, but the fire of the sinful will be put out. [10]Only by pride comes contention, but with the well-advised is great wisdom. [11]Wealth gotten by empty pursuits will be diminished, but those that earn by working will increase their income. [12]Hope postponed makes one sick at heart, but when the desired thing comes, it brings life-giving joy. [13]Whoever despises the word of Yahweh will be destroyed, but those that respect the word of God will be rewarded. [14]The words of the wise are the way to life, to escape from deadly traps. [15]Good understanding gives grace, but the sinful will have a hard life. [16]All sensible people will argue knowledgeably, but the foolish expose their stupidity. [17]A deceitful news bearer falls into mischief, but a faithful spokesperson is a great help. [18]Poverty and shame will be to those that refuse instruction, but those that listen to correction will be honored. [19]When a goal is reached, it is sweet to the soul, but the foolish find it objectionable to depart from evil. [20]Those that walk with wise people will become smarter, but a companion of the foolish will be destroyed by lack of wisdom. [21]Evil pursues the sinful, but good will be returned to godly people. [22]Godly people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, and the wealth of the sinful will be given to more honorable people. [23]The poor make the food in their pantry last a long time, but there are those that famish by lack of judgment. [24]The parents that neglect the discipline of their children don’t really care about them, but those that love them punish them when necessary. [25]Godly people eat to the satisfying of their soul, but the belly of the sinful will hunger.
[14:1]All wise people build up their houses, but the foolish pull them down with their own hands. [2]Those that walk in their honesty respect Yahweh, but those who are obscene in their ways despise God. [3]In the words of the foolish is a sign of pride, but the words of wise people preserve them. [4]Where no animals are, the place is clean, but much prosperity comes by their presence. [5]A faithful witness won’t lie, but a false witness will speak many deceitful things. [6]A troublemaker seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easy to those of understanding. [7]Leave the presence of foolish people, when you don’t perceive in them the words of knowledge. [8]The wisdom of the sensible is to understand their way, but the stupidity of the foolish is deceitful. [9]The foolish mock at sin, but godly people show grace to the repentant. [10]Hearts know their own bitterness; but a stranger can’t intrude on their joy. [11]The houses of the sinful will be overthrown, but the home of godly people will flourish. [12]Sinful ways may seem right to people, but their end only brings death. [13]Even in laughter, some hearts are sorrowful; and in the end, their partying is hopeless. [14]The hearts of the unrepentant will be filled with their own evil ways, and godly people will be satisfied with themselves. [15]Naive people believe every word they are told, but sensible people are cautious in their ways. [16]Wise people fear and depart from evil, but the foolish rant and rave and are quite sure of themselves. [17]Those who get angry quickly act foolishly, and those who make sinful plans are hated. [18]The naive only acquire stupidity, but the sensible are rewarded with knowledge. [19]The evil will be humbled before the good, the sinful being humbled when standing in front of godly people. [20]The poor are despised even by their own neighbors, but the rich will have many friends. [21]It is a sin to despise your neighbor, but those that have mercy on the poor are happy. [22]It is an error to devise evil, but mercy and truth will come to those that plan good things. [23]Any kind of working will bring profits, but only talking about it leads to poverty. [24]The reward of wise people is their riches, but the thoughtlessness of the foolish is stupidity. [25]A true witness frees souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. [26]The faithful have strong confidence in Yahweh, and their children will have a safe place to live. [27]The reverence of Yahweh is the source of life, in which to depart from deadly traps. [28]A leader’s honor is in the number of people who give their support, but a government is destroyed by a lack of people to support them. [29]Those that are slow to anger are of great understanding, but those who are quick tempered display nothing but stupidity. [30]A sensible heart brings life to the body, but envy makes one wastes away. [31]Those that oppress the poor blame their Creator, but those that honor God have mercy on the poor. [32]The sinful are driven away in their evil, but godly people have the hope of eternal life even in their death. [33]Wisdom rests in the heart of those that have understanding, but those that stay with foolish people will be exposed as foolish themselves. [34]Righteousness brings honor to a nation, but sin is a shame to any people. [35]Wise employees will be favored by leaders, but the anger of leaders will be against those who cause shame.
[15:1]A sensitive answer calms anger, but severe words only stir it up. [2]The mouths of wise people use knowledge rightly, but the words of the foolish pour out stupidity. [3]The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere, seeing the evil and the good. [4]A clean mouth is life-giving, but obsceneness in it is an abuse of the spirit. [5]The foolish despise their parent's instruction, but those that consider a reprimand are sensible. [6]Great wealth is in the home of godly people; but with the revenue of sinful people comes much trouble. [7]The words of wise people give knowledge, but there is no knowledge in the heart of the foolish. [8]The contributions of the sinful are an insult to Yahweh, but the prayers of godly people please God. [9]The ways of the sinful are an insult to Yahweh, but God loves those that follow after righteousness. [10]Correction is dreadful to those that abandon God’s way, and those that hate correction will die. [11]If Hell and destruction are examined by Yahweh, how much more then are the hearts of people? [12]The disobedient never love those that reprove them, and they won’t go to wise people for advice. [13]A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but the sorrow of the heart shatters the spirit. [14]The hearts of those that have understanding seek knowledge, but the words of the foolish thrive on stupidity. [15]All the days of distressed people are horrible, but those that have a merry heart continually indulge on good things. [16]It is better to have little wealth with the reverence of Yahweh than to have great treasure with much difficulty. [17]It is better to have a dinner of herbs where love is, than to have a big dinner and hatred along with it. [18]Angry people stir up conflict, but those who keep calm will quiet down conflicts. [19]The way of lazy people is blocked off like a hedge of thorns, but the way of godly people is a clear path. [20]A wise child makes a glad parent, but foolish children despise their parents. [21]Foolishness is amusement to those who have no wisdom, but those of understanding walk uprightly. [22]Good intentions will be disappointed without counsel, but with wise advisors one’s purposes will come to pass. [23]Their answers bring people joy: how good is a word duly spoken! [24]To the wise the way of life is to seek heaven above so that they can escape from hell beneath. [25]Yahweh will destroy the house of the arrogant, but God will establish the boundary of the single parent. [26]The thoughts of the sinful are an insult to Yahweh, but the words of the innocent are pleasant. [27]Those that are greedy for money will trouble their own household; but those that hate bribery will live. [28]The hearts of godly people think before answering, but the words of enraged people pour out sinful things. [29]Yahweh is far away from the sinful, but God hears the prayers of godly people. [30]Joy in the eyes makes the heart celebrate, and a good word makes one healthy. [31]Those who listen to the correction of life are wise people. [32]Those that refuse training despise their own soul, but those that listen to correction receive understanding. [33]The teaching of wisdom shows respect for Yahweh; but you must humble yourself before gaining honor.
[16:1]The plans of the heart and the answers of the mouth are from Yahweh. [2]The acts of human beings may be right in their own eyes; but Yahweh tests the intentions of their spirits. [3]Commit your acts to Yahweh, and your thoughts will be established. [4]Yahweh, You have made all things for Yourself: yes, even sinful people for Judgment Day. [5]All those who have arrogant hearts are an insult to Yahweh: though hand joins in hand, they won’t go unpunished. [6]By mercy and truth sin is purged, and by the reverence of Yahweh people separate themselves from evil. [7]When a person’s ways please Yahweh, even their enemies are at peace with them. [8]It’s better to have little wealth with righteousness than great revenues without any right to it. [9]People's hearts devise their ways, but Yahweh directs all their steps. [10]The words of wise leaders make fair judgments: their mouths never speak with poor judgment. [11]Honesty in business practices comes from Yahweh: every fair business decision is directed by God. [12]It’s an insult to wise leaders to do evil: their reign is strengthened by righteousness. [13]Leaders take pleasure in righteous words; and God loves those that speak rightly. [14]The anger of leaders is like a death judgment, but a wise person will pacify it. [15]Life is in the leader’s expression; and the leader’s grace is as a cloud bringing spring rain. [16]It is so much better to get wisdom than gold and to get understanding rather than silver! [17]The highway of godly people exits from the way of evil: those that keep a good direction will save their souls. [18]Pride comes before ruin and an arrogant attitude before a downfall. [19]It is better to have humility of spirit with the humble, than to divide lots of money with the arrogant. [20]Those that handle a matter wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in Yahweh will find contentment. [21]The wise-hearted will be called sensible and others will learn from their agreeable words. [22]Understanding is a source of life to those that have it, but the learning of the foolish is nothing but stupidity. [23]The hearts of wise people teach them what words to say. [24]Pleasant words are agreeable to the soul, and bring health to the body. [25]Though sinful ways may seem right to a person, the end of it leads to death. [26]Those that work, labor for themselves; for their hunger drives them. [27]Ungodly people stir up evil, and their words are like an all-consuming flame. [28]Sinful people start trouble, and gossips divide best friends. [29]Violent people entice their neighbors, and lead them into ways that aren’t good. [30]They imagine sinful things, and use their words to bring the evil to pass. [31]Silver hair is a crown of glory, if it comes by the way of righteousness. [32]Those that are even-tempered are better than the powerful; and those that rule their own spirit than those who can take a whole city hostage. [33]Though the dice is thrown by chance, the disposition of its face is guided by Yahweh.
[17:1]Better is a scrap of food and peace with it, than a house full of provisions with conflict. [2]A wise caretaker will manage a child that causes shame, and will have part of the inheritance among the children. [3]Silver and gold are refined by heat, but Yahweh purifies the heart. [4]A sinner listens to false words; and a liar listens to naughtiness. [5]Whoever ridicules the poor blames their Creator, and those who are pleased about other’s calamities won’t go unpunished. [6]Grandchildren are the honor of elderly people; and parents are the glory of their children. [7]A great speech doesn’t suit a fool any more than lying words do a leader. [8]A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of the one that has it: wherever it turns up, it prospers. [9]Those that overlook a sin seek love; but those that gossip about it separate very best friends. [10]A single correction enters more into a wise person than an hundred whippings into a stupid person. [11]Evil people seek only rebellion, so an unmerciful spokesperson with bad news will be sent to them. [12]Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a stupid fool. [13]Whoever returns evil for good, evil will remain in their house. [14]The beginning of trouble is like when one releases water out of a dam: so shut off hateful words before they gush out. [15]Those that justify sinful people and those that condemn the innocent, both of them are insults to Yahweh. [16]Why will a fool pay any amount of money to get an education, yet learn nothing from it? [17]A friend loves unconditionally, while families are born for adversity. [18]People with no understanding shake hands, and put up collateral for their friends debts. [19]Those that love sin also love conflict, and those that build high gates invite a break-in. [20]Those who have sinful hearts find no good, and those who have obscene mouths get themselves into mischief. [21]Those that bring along foolish people do it to their own sorrow, and the parents of a foolish child have no joy. [22]A merry heart is good for your health like medicine, but continual depression is like a slow death. [23]Wicked people give bribes in order to obstruct justice. [24]Wisdom is the aim of those that have understanding; but the foolish person’s eyes wander freely. [25]Foolish children are a grief to their parents, and a bitterness to those that bore them. [26]To punish fair people isn’t good, nor to fine officers for their fairness. [27]Those that have knowledge are careful with their words, and those of understanding are peaceful. [28]Even foolish people that hold their peace are thought to be intelligent, and those that hold their tongues are believed to be people of understanding.
18:1]Those that have set themselves apart search for and obstinately exclaim all their wisdom because of their own aspirations. [2]Those foolish ones have no joy in understanding anything but their own heart. [3]When sinful people come, then contempt also comes, and with their shame comes a reprimand. [4]The words of a person's mouth are as dangerous as deep waters, but the wellspring of wisdom is like a flowing creek. [5]It isn’t good to accept the word of a sinful person, in order to judge godly people and overthrow them. [6]A foolish person’s words bring contention, and their mouths call for a whipping. [7]The words of foolish mouths are the destruction and the trap of their own soul. [8]The words of a gossip are as wounds, and cause ulcers to form in the innermost parts of the belly. [9]Those, that are lazy in their work, are akin to those that waste much. [10]The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: godly people will run into it for safety. [11]The rich people's wealth is their strong city; they are as a high wall in their own conceit. [12]The hearts of people are haughty before their destruction; but humility must come before honor. [13]Those that answer a matter before they fully hear it, are stupid and it only brings shame to them. [14]The strength of the spirit will sustain a person in illness; but a wounded spirit can sustain no one. [15]The hearts of sensible people grasp knowledge and the ears of wise people listen for knowledge. [16]A person who brings a gift will gain entrance into the presence of great people. [17]Those that take up their own cause first seem just; but their neighbor will come and investigate them thoroughly. [18]The flip of a coin causes contentions to cease, and decides between the mighty. [19]A family member offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a mansion. [20]A person’s belly will be satisfied by the substance of their own words; with the increase of their words they are filled. [21]Death and life are in the power of one’s words, and those that love the words of their own mouth will get the results of them. [22]Whoever finds a spouse finds a good thing, and obtains the grace of Yahweh. [23]The poor makes appeal; but the rich answers roughly. [24]People that want to have friends must show themselves friendly, and God is a friend that sticks closer than blood kin.
[19:1]Better are the poor that walk in their integrity, than those who are obscene in their words, and act foolishly. [2]It isn’t good for a soul to be without knowledge; and those who act hastily will sin. [3]The stupidity of people perverts their ways, and their hearts fight against Yahweh. [4]Wealth makes many friends; but the poor are separated even from their neighbors. [5]A false witness that speaks lies won’t go unpunished, nor escape. [6]Many will entreat the grace of a leader, and everyone is a friend to those that give gifts. [7]If all the family of the poor hates them: how much more will their friends leave them? Even though they persistently call them, they’ll not be acknowledged by them. [8]Those that receive wisdom love their own soul: those that keep their understanding will find good. [9]A false witness won’t be unpunished, and those that speak lies will eventually die and come to judgment. [10]Delight isn’t fitting for the foolish; much less for an employee to succeed to a position over an employer. [11]The good judgment of people holds back their anger; and it’s their glory to forgive a sin against them. [12]The leader’s anger is as the loud roaring of a lion; but their grace is as refreshing as the dew on the grass. [13]Foolish children are the misfortune of their parents, and the contentions of a spouse are like a continually dripping faucet. [14]A house and riches are the inheritance of parents and a sensible spouse is from Yahweh. [15]Laziness brings a deep sleep; and an idle person will suffer hunger. [16]Those that keep the commandments of Yahweh keep their own soul; but those that despise them will die. [17]Those that give to the poor lend to Yahweh; and that which they have given, God will repay again. [18]Chasten your children while there is still hope, and don’t let yourself spare them because of their tears. [19]People of great anger will suffer punishment, but if you save them from the consequences, you will have to do it again and again. [20]Listen to counsel, and receive instruction, that you can be wise in the end of your days. [21]There are many plans in a person's heart; nevertheless the counsel of Yahweh will stand. [22]People desire kindness, and a poor person has more kindness than a liar. [23]The reverence of Yahweh leads to life, and those that have it will remain satisfied and won’t be visited with evil. [24]Content people pat their bellies, and won’t so much as bring their hand to their mouth again. [25]Punish a troublemaker, and the youthful will beware: reprove those that have understanding and they’ll gain knowledge. [26]Those that misuse and abuse their parents, chasing them away, are the children that cause shame and bring blame on them. [27]Children, stop listening to false training that causes you to err from the words of knowledge. [28]An ungodly witness mocks judgment, and the words of sinful people thrive on sin. [29]Judgment is prepared for troublemakers and whippings for the backsides of the foolish.
[20:1]Wine mocks people and strong drinks make them rage. Whoever is deceived by alcohol is unwise. [2]A fearsome leader is as a roaring lion: whoever provokes one to anger sins against their own soul. [3]It’s an honor for people to end quarrelling, but every fool will have the last word. [4]Lazy people won’t work because of the cold; so they’ll beg on payday, and get nothing. [5]Counsel in the heart of a person is like water in a deep well; but those of understanding will draw it out. [6]Most people will proclaim every one their own goodness, but who can find a faithful person? [7]People who are fair walk in their integrity and their children will be blessed after them. [8]A leader that sits in the seat of judgment makes evil flee with a look of the eyes. [9]Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am innocent from my sin? [10]Unequal pay and the sinful business practices are both an insult to Yahweh. [11]Even children are known by their actions, whether their activities are innocent and right or not. [12]Yahweh makes ears to hear and eyes to see. [13]Don’t love sleep, or you’ll come to poverty; open your eyes and you’ll be satisfied with your provisions. [14]This is no deal, this is no deal, the buyers say, but when they leave, they brag that it was a real bargain. [15]There is gold, and many rubies, but the words of knowledge are like precious jewels. [16]Take the shirt off the back of those that guarantee a debt for a stranger: take a payment from them for strangers. [17]The bread of deceit is sweet to people; but later their mouths will be filled with grit. [18]All purposes are established by counsel: so only challenge with good advice. [19]Those that gossip reveal private matters: so don’t mix with those that use flattery. [20]Whoever curses their parents, their light will be put out in obscure darkness. [21]An inheritance can be gotten hastily at the beginning; but it won’t be blessed in the end. [22]Don’t say, I’ll get even for the evil done to me; but wait on Yahweh to save you. [23]Unequal pay is an insult to Yahweh; and the sinful business practices aren’t good. [24]A person's direction is of Yahweh; so how can they then understand their own way? [25]It’s a trap to those that partake of that which is holy, and only after making a promise, enquire about it. [26]A wise leader makes the sinful flee, and destroys them. [27]The spirit of a person is the light of Yahweh, which searches the innermost soul. [28]Mercy and truth preserves leaders, and their seats are upheld by mercy. [29]Strength is the glory of young people, and the loveliness of the elderly people is the grey head. [30]As the bruises of an injury disperses a wound: so firm discipline cleanses the inmost soul.
[21:1]The leader’s heart is in the hand of Yahweh, just like the water of the rivers: it turns according to the will of God. [2]A person’s ways may be right in their own eyes, but Yahweh considers their heart. [3]Doing justice and having good judgment is more acceptable to Yahweh than making offerings. [4]A superior look, and an arrogant heart, and the activities of sinners, are all sinful. [5]The thoughts of the careful develop abundantly; but those that are hasty will lack what they need. [6]Treasures gotten by a lying mouth are useless to those who are insecure and only seek their own death. [7]The thefts of the sinful will destroy them; because they refuse to recognize right from wrong. [8]The ways of people are sinful and shocking, but the acts of the innocent are right. [9]It’s better to remain in a corner of the attic, than with an angry person in a fine house. [10]The soul of the sinful hopes for evil to happen to their neighbor and they have no grace for them. [11]When the troublemaker is punished, the youthful are made wiser, and when sensible people are instructed, they receive knowledge. [12]Righteous people wisely consider the household of the sinful: because God overthrows them for their evil. [13]Whoever does not listen to the cry of the poor, will also cry, and won’t be heard. [14]A surprise gift pacifies strong anger as a bribe in the pocket appeases vengeance. [15]It’s a pleasure to fair people to judge rightly, but destruction will come to those who practice sin. [16]Those that wander from true knowledge will live as the dead. [17]Those that love pleasure, wine, and rich foods will be poor and not rich. [18]The sinful will take the punishment for honorable and godly people. [19]It’s better to remain in the wilderness, than with a divisive and angry person. [20]There are coveted treasures in the homes of wise people; but foolish people spend all their money on useless pleasures. [21]Those that seek after righteousness and mercy find life, justice, and honor. [22]A wise person overwhelms the confidence of a strong person. [23]Whoever guards the words of their mouth keeps their soul from trouble. [24]Those that act in prideful anger are arrogant troublemakers. [25-26]Lazy people refuse to work and their needs overwhelm them, while they greedily crave things all day long. But godly people give generously without sparing. [27]The offerings of the sinful are an insult to God: so much the more, when they bring it with deception. [28]Though a false witness dies, the people that heard the matter will continue to tell it. [29]Sinful people have uncompromising faces, but godly people change their ways when convinced of a wrong. [30]There’s no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Yahweh. [31]Soldiers are prepared for the day of battle, but their safety is of Yahweh.
[22:1]Choose a good name rather than great riches, and loving grace rather than silver and gold. [2]The rich and poor gather together because Yahweh is the Creator of them all. [3]Sensible people foresee evil and leave, but the naive go on and are caught in their ignorance. [4]Riches, honor, and life come by humility and the reverence of Yahweh. [5]The way of the sinful is full of obstructions: those that keep their souls will not be stopped by obstacles. [6]Train your children in the way they should go, and when they are older, they won’t depart from it. [7]The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is indebted to the lender. [8]Those that sow sin will reap futility, and the strength of their anger will not succeed. [9]Those that have a generous eye will be blessed; for they give of their own bread to the poor. [10]Throw out the troublemaker, and contention will go out as well; yes, fighting and blame will end. [11]The leader will befriend those that love a heart of innocence for their graceful words. [12]The eyes of Yahweh preserve the knowledgeable, and defeat the lies of the sinner. [13]Lazy people say, There’s danger outside; I’ll be slain in the streets. [14]The mouths of strangers are like a deep grave in which those Yahweh despises will fall in. [15]Foolishness is fixed in the hearts of children; but a whipping will drive it far from them. [16]Those that oppress the poor to increase their own riches, and those that bribe the rich, will surely come to poverty. [17]Listen to me and hear the words of a wise person, and apply your heart to my knowledge. [18]It’s a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they’ll be restated by your own words. [19]I have made them known to you today, so that your trust can be in Yahweh. [20-21]Have I not written great things to you with counsel and knowledge, so that I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth and that you might answer with the words of truth to those that ask of you? [22-23]Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor; nor oppress the suffering in the city, because Yahweh will plead their case, and ruin the one that destroys them. [24-25]Make no friendship with angry people; never go along with irate people or you will learn their ways, and ensnare your soul. [26]Don’t be one of those that shake hands and makes guarantees for debts. [27]If you have nothing to pay, they’ll take away your own bed from under you. [28]Don’t remove the boundary lines, which your parents have set. [29]See those diligent in their business? They’ll stand before leaders and many of their superiors.
[23:1-2]When you sit to eat with a superior, consider diligently what’s before you and put a knife to your throat, if you are one given to appetite. [3]Don’t be desirous of their dainties: for they are deceitful. [4]Don’t work to get rich, but put an end to your own judgment. [5]Don’t set your eyes on that which you don’t have, for riches certainly make themselves wings and fly away as an eagle toward heaven. [6]Don’t eat the food of those that have evil in their eyes, nor desire their elegant foods: [7]For as they think in their heart, so they are: Eat and drink, they say to you; but their hearts aren’t with you. [8]The morsel which you have eaten you’ll vomit up, and you’ll lose your sweet words. [9]Don’t speak to foolish people: for they’ll despise the wisdom of your words. [10]Don’t remove the old boundary lines; and don’t break into the property of the single parent’s child: [11]For their Redeemer is mighty and will plead their case against you. [12]Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. [13]Don’t withhold firm discipline from your children: for if you whip them with a switch, they won’t die. [14]If you whip them with the switch, you will save their soul from hell. [15]Children, if your heart is wise, my heart will celebrate. [16]Yes, my control will relax and I’ll be cheerful, when your words speak good things. [17]Don’t let your heart envy the sinful, but respect Yahweh always. [18]For surely there’s an end to evil things; and your expectation won’t be a disappointment. [19]Listen, children, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way of Yahweh. [20-21]Don’t be found among drunks or among riotous gluttons, because the drunkard and the glutton will both come to poverty and drowsiness will cover them with rags. [22]Listen to your parents that created you, and don’t despise them when they are old. [23]Obtain the truth, and don’t reject it; keep wisdom, instruction, and understanding, also. [24]The parents of godly people will greatly celebrate, and those that have wise children will enjoy them. [25]Your parents that created you will be glad and celebrate. [26]Children, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. [27-28]For adulterers are like a deep ditch; and strangers are like a narrow grave, all waiting for innocent victims, and increasing the sinful among the people. [29-30]Those that drink wine and seek mixed drinks have misery and sorrow, are contentious, and babble unintelligibly! They have wounds with no explanation and bloodshot eyes! [31-32]So don’t stare at red wine when it swirls and sparkles in the glass, because in the end it poisons like a viper, and hurts like a snakebite. [33]Your eyes will see strangers, and your mouth will speak obscene things. [34]You’ll be as those that sink in the depths of the sea, like those that have gone to sleep in the crow’s nest of a ship. [35]They’ve injured me, you’ll say, and I wasn’t dizzy; they’ve beaten me, and I didn’t feel it: when will I awake so I can have another drink.
[24:1-2]Don’t be envious against evil people, nor desire to be with them, because their heart studies destruction and they talk with mischievous words. [3-4]A home is built through wisdom; and it is established by understanding and by knowledge the rooms will all be filled with pleasing and precious riches. [5-6]Wise people are strong; yes, those with knowledge increase their strength, because they challenge only with good advice, and with many counselors they are safe. [7]Wisdom is too extraordinary for a fool: they don’t dare open their mouth in public. [8]Those that devise ways to do evil will be called mischievous persons. [9]Stupid thoughts are sinful, and troublemakers are an insult to everyone. [10]You have little strength if you faint in the day of adversity. [11-12]If you abstain from saving those that are about to kill themselves, and those that are about to die; saying, You see, we didn’t know it; doesn’t Yahweh that searches the heart consider it? And won’t the God that keeps your soul know it and render to every person according to their own acts? [13-14]Children, the knowledge of wisdom will be sweet to your soul as eating honey or a honeycomb for it’s sweet taste, and when you’ve found it, there’ll be a sweet reward, and your expectations won’t be disappointed. [15-16]Sinners don’t stalk outside the homes of godly people; don’t destroy their resting place, because even if good persons fall seven times, they’ll rise up again, while the sinful will wallow in their mischief. [17-18]Don’t celebrate when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart be glad whenever they stumble, or Yahweh will see it, and be displeased, turning anger away from them. [19-20]Don’t trouble yourself because of evil people, nor be envious of the sinful, because there’ll be no reward for them and their lives will be snuffed out like a candle. [21-22]Children, respect Yahweh! Honor leaders and don’t mess with those that are unpredictable, for their misfortune will come unexpectedly; and who knows what will ruin them? [23]This is also said by intelligent people: It isn’t good to show favoritism to people that are being judged. [24-25]Those that say that sinful people are righteous will be cursed, and nations will abhor them, but they’ll be pleased and bless those that punish them. [26]People will kiss the mouths of those that give a good answer. [27]Put your outside work in order first, getting the land ready; then later prepare your home. [28]Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause; and don’t deceive them with your words. [29]Don’t say, I’ll get even for what they have done to me and I’ll do just what they did. [30]I went by the property of a lazy person and by the estate of one of no understanding; [31]It was all grown over with weeds, with thorns covering the exterior of it, and the fence was broken down. [32]When I saw and considered it well, I looked on it, learning a lesson. [33-34]A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of hands to rest: so your poverty comes as a homeless drifter; and your need as an armed robber.
[25:1]These are also sayings of Solomon, which the people of Hezekiah, the leader of Judah copied out. [2]It’s the glory of God to conceal things, but the honor of leaders is to understand a matter. [3]The hearts of leaders are as unsearchable as the heaven is for height, and as the earth is for depth. [4]Melt the dross from the silver, and it will become finer. [5]Take sinful people away from the presence of leaders, and their reign will be established in righteousness. [6]Don’t push yourself into the presence of leaders, and don’t put yourself in the place of great people. [7]It’s better that it be said to you, Come up here; than that you should be put lower in the presence of the leader that you have just seen. [8]Don’t argue too hastily, or you won’t know what to do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame. [9-10]Debate your case with your neighbors themselves; and don’t gossip about it to another one, because those that hear it may put you to shame, and your infamy won’t ever be lived down. [11]A word truly spoken is like apples of gold in bowls of silver. [12]As an earring with a pendant of fine gold, so is a wise reprimand on a respectful ear. [13]As the cold snow is at harvest time, so are faithful messengers to those that send them because they refresh their soul. [14]Whoever boasts themselves of an untrue talent are like the clouds and wind without any rain. [15]A leader is persuaded by much persistence, and a gentle word breaks the will of them. [16]If you find honey, then eat as much as is necessary for you, or else you will be too full and throw it up. [17]Leave your neighbor’s house before they are tired of you, and despise you. [18]People that lie against their neighbors are like a sledge hammer, a knife, and a sharp arrow. [19]Confidence in the unfaithful in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, or a foot out of joint. [20]Like those that take away a person’s coat in cold weather, and as vinegar fizzes on baking soda, so are those that sing songs to a heavy heart. [21-22]If your enemies are hungry give them food to eat, and if they are thirsty give them water to drink; because when you do, you’ll make them despise you with a burning envy, but you will be rewarded by Yahweh. [23]Like the north wind drives rain away: an angry countenance will repel a back-talking mouth. [24]It’s better to remain in the corner of the attic, than with a contrary person in a fine house. [25]As cold water is to a thirsty soul, so is good news from far away. [26]A righteous person giving in to the sinful is as disturbed water, and a contaminated creek. [27]As it isn’t good for someone to eat too much honey, there is no honor for person seeking their own glory. [28]Those that have no self-control are like an unprotected city without boundaries.
[26:1]As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so respect is not fitting for a fool. [2]As the migrating bird, as the soaring swallow, so a curse won’t come without cause. [3]A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the ass, and a switch is for the backside of stupid people. [4]Don’t answer a fool to match their stupidity, or you’ll also become like them. [5]Give an answer to a fool to match their stupidity, or they’ll become conceited. [6]Those that send a message by the hand of a foolish person cut off their own means and destruction soon follows. [7]The legs of the lame are unequal: so is a report in the words of a foolish person. [8]As those that tie a stone into a slingshot, so are those that give honor to a fool. [9]As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a story in the words of the foolish. [10]The great God that formed all things repays fools and the sinful, both. [11]As dogs eat their own vomit, so the foolish return to their stupidity. [12]Do you see all those know-it-alls? There’s more hope of a fool than of them. [13-14]The lazy say, Trouble’s coming; there’s danger in the streets; and as the door flips on its hinges, so do lazy people in their bed. [15]The lazy pat their hand on their belly; but it’s too much trouble for them to take another bite. [16]The lazy think they’re smarter than seven reasonable people. [17]Those that pass by the conflicts of others and interfere are like one that devils a dog. [18-19]As a crazy person that throws deadly firebombs, so is a person that deceives their neighbors, and says, I’m just joking! [20-21]Where there is no wood, the fire goes out: so trouble dies down where there’s no gossip, but as coals added to burning coals, and wood added to fire; so is a divisive person that starts arguments. [22]The words of a gossip are like ulcers in the belly. [23]Insistent words with a misleading heart are like a piece of broken ceramic glazed with silver dross. [24-25]Those that hate others are critical with their words and are deceitfully cruel, and when they speak reasonably, don’t believe them: for there are seven more scandals in their hearts. [26]Those that cover hatred with deceit will expose their evil to everyone. [27]Whoever murders someone will only dig a grave for themselves, and those that place a tombstone, it’ll fall back on them. [28]A lying mouth attacks those it hates, and a flattering mouth will sabotage them.
[27:1]Don’t boast about tomorrow; because you never know what a day may bring. [2]Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth; allow a stranger to praise you and not your own words. [3]A fool's anger is heavier than stone or wet sand. [4] Rage is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but no one is able to stand before envy! [5]Open rejection is better than secret love. [6]The wounds of a friend are faithful; but an enemy’s kiss is deceitful. [7]A full person can't bear sweets; but anything is sweet to a hungry person. [8]As birds that stray from their nest, so are those that run away from home. [9]As fragrant oils and perfume make the heart joyful, so the cheerful counsel of a person's friend is sweet. [10]Don’t abandon your own friend or your parent's friend, nor go into your family's home in the day of your misfortune: for a close neighbor is better than a distant family member. [11]Children, be wise, and make me happy, so that I can reply to everybody that criticizes me. [12]If you are sensible people, you’ll foresee trouble and get out of the way; but if you are naïve, you will keep on going, and get only what you deserve. [13]Take the shirt off the back of those that bail out strangers, and hold it for security from those that guarantee the debts of strangers. [14]Those that loudly applaud their friends early in the morning will be cursed by them. [15-16]A divisive person is very much like the constant dripping of a very rainy day: It’s as useless to try to stop them as to try to stop the wind from blowing, or to catch oil in your hand. [17]As metal sharpens metal; so are those that sharpen the attitudes of their friends. [18]Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit: so those that work well for their employer will be honored. [19]As a face’s reflection in the water, so the heart reflects the person. [20]The eyes of a person are never satisfied just like Hell and destruction are never full. [21]As silver and gold are refined; so people are purified by the praise they receive. [22]Though you whip a fool mercilessly, you can’t beat their stupidity out of them. [23-24]Be careful to know the state of your property, and look well to your assets, because riches aren’t forever and don’t endure to every generation. [25-27]But as sure as spring and summer bring in the harvest, if you budget a small amount for your clothing and a larger sum for your property, you’ll have money enough for your food and for the upkeep of your family.
[28:1]Immoral people run when no one is chasing them, but godly people are as bold as lions. [2]Too many leaders make a nation rebel, but those of understanding and knowledge preserve it. [3]A poor person that oppresses the poor is like a pouring rain which destroys food crops. [4]Those that give up on the word of Yahweh approve the sinful, but those that keep the word challenge them about their wrongs. [5]Evil people have no judgment, but people who seek Yahweh understand everything. [6]Poor people that walk with integrity are better than perverse rich people. [7]Whoever keeps the word are wise children, but those that are friends of riotous people shame their parents. [8]Those that get richer by lending for interest and gaining unearned income will collect it only for others who will sympathize with the poor. [9]Those that don’t listen to the word of God, even their prayers are an insult. [10]Whoever causes godly people to go astray in an evil way, will fall into their own trap, but godly people will find good things. [11]Rich people think they know it all; but poor people who are intelligent question them thoroughly. [12]When godly people rejoice, there’s a great celebration, but when the sinful secretly rise to power, the people disappear. [13]Those that hide their sins won’t prosper, but whoever confesses and turns from them will have mercy. [14]Those that always respect Yahweh are happy, but those that ignore the word of God will get into trouble. [15]As a roaring lion, and a raging bear; so are sinful leaders over poor people. [16]The leader that oppresses the people lacks understanding, but those that aren’t greedy will prolong their days. [17]People that violently murder any person will run from judgment till they die; let no one help them. [18]Whoever acts well will be saved, but those who behave in hateful ways will fall quickly. [19]Those that work hard will have plenty of food, but those that follow after worthless people will have poverty enough. [20]Faithful people will thrive with blessings, but those that want to get rich quickly aren’t innocent. [21]The favoritism of people is not good: for a small favor those people will go bad. [22]Those who want to get rich quickly have evil eyes, and never consider that poverty will come on them. [23]Those that correct a person after a wrong will find more favor than those that flatter them. [24]Whoever says it’s no sin to steal from their parents are companions of destruction. [25]Those that have an arrogant heart stir up conflict, but those that put their trust in Yahweh will be richly rewarded. [26]Those that trust in their own hearts are foolish, but whoever walks wisely will be rescued. [27]Those that give to the poor won’t lack, but those that ignore them will have many a curse. [28]When the sinful rise to power, people go into hiding, but when they die, godly people step up.
[29:1]Stubborn people, who have been corrected often, will be unexpectedly destroyed having no escape. [2]When godly people are in power, the people celebrate, but when the sinful rule, the people mourn. [3]Whoever loves wisdom causes their parents to celebrate, but those that keep company with loose people waste their living. [4]By good judgment leaders establish the land, but those that take bribes make it fall. [5]People that flatter their neighbor set a trap for them. [6]Evil persons will be trapped by their own sin, but godly people will sing and celebrate. [7]Godly people consider the case of the poor, but the sinful don’t want to know it. [8]Rebellious people disturb a city, but wise people calm their own anger. [9]If a wise person argues with a foolish person there’s no peace, whether they rage or laugh. [10]Cruel people hate the good, but fair people seek out the good. [11]Foolish people speak their mind before hearing the whole story, but wise people listen and think before answering. [12]If a leader listens to lies, their staff members will be sinful as well. [13]Yahweh gives light to the eyes of both the poor and the deceitful. [14]The reign of leaders that faithfully judge the poor will be established forever. [15]Firmness and correction give good judgment, but undisciplined children bring shame on their parents. [16]When the sinful increase, sin multiplies, but godly people will live to see their downfall. [17]Correct your children and they’ll let you rest; yes, they’ll give joy to your soul. [18]Where there’s no vision for the future, people will waste away and die, but those that keep their eyes on the word of God are happy. [19]An employee won’t be corrected by words only, because they refuse to change their ways even when they understand. [20]There’s more hope of a fool than of those that speak rashly. [21]Those that carefully bring up their trainee as a young person will treat them like family in the end. [22]An angry person stirs up trouble, and a furious person thrives on sin. [23]People's pride will bring them low, but honor will uphold the depressed in spirit. [24]Whoever is an accessory to the crimes of a thief is their own worst enemy: when they hear deceitfulness, they don’t expose it for what it is. [25]A person’s fear dominates them, but whoever puts their trust in Yahweh will be safe. [26]Many seek the leader’s grace; but every person's judgment comes from Yahweh. [27]Sinful people are an insult to fair-minded people, and those who live in a righteous way are an offense to the sinful.
[30:1]The words of Agur the child of Jakeh, the preaching that the people spoke to Ithiel and Ucal, [2]Surely I am more wild than anyone, and haven’t the brain of a human being. [3]I learned no wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. [4]Who has gone up into heaven, or come down from it? Who has caught up the wind in their hands? Who has bound the waters in their covers? Who has established all the boundaries of the earth? What’s God’s name, and what’s the Firstborn’s name, if you can tell? [5]All the words of God are pure; You defend those that put their trust in You. [6]Don’t change the meaning of the words of God, or you may be corrected and found to be a liar. [7-9]Don’t deny me these two things that I ask of You before I die: Take away from me arrogance and lies, and don’t give me poverty or riches, but provide my food daily, because if I am full, I might deny You, and say, Who is Yahweh? But if I am poor, I might steal, and misuse the name of my God. [10]Don’t accuse an employee to their employer, or they’ll curse you, and you may be found the guilty one. [11]This generation curses their parents, and doesn’t bless them. [12]This generation is guiltless in their own eyes and yet isn’t washed from the filthiness of their sins. [13]This generation’s eyes are raised in arrogance! [14]This generation has knife-sharp teeth that consume the poor from the earth, and the needy from among the people. [15-16]The leech has two children, crying, Give, give. Three things are never satisfied, yes, four things will not be uncorrupted: The grave; and the barren womb; the thirsty earth; and an unquenchable fire. [17]The eye that disrespects a parent, and hates to obey them, the ravens of the valley will peck it out, and the young eagles will eat it. [18-19]There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I can’t even comprehend: The way an eagle soars through the air; the way a serpent slithers on a rock; the way a ship stays afloat in the middle of the sea; and the way a man loves a woman. [20]The way of adulterous people is to eat and wipe their mouths, saying, We have done no evil. [21-23]The earth is disturbed by three things, four things it cannot bear: For an employee to be in control, for fools to be full of food, for married people to be unlovable, and for employees that are due to inherit their employer’s business. [24-28]There are four things which are small on the earth, but are very wise: The ants, which aren’t a strong species, yet prepare their provisions in the summer; The mountain badgers that are quite feeble, yet make their homes in the cracks between rocks; The locusts, which have no leader, yet all fly in swarms; And the spider that makes a web even in the mansions of royalty. [29-31]There are three things that walk grandly, yes, four look splendid as they go: A lion, which is strongest among beasts, and doesn’t turn away for anything; A greyhound; a ram also; and a leader, who no one dares to rebel against. [32-33]If you’ve foolishly lifted up yourself in pride, or if you’ve thought evil things, put your hand on your mouth, for as surely as churning milk makes butter, and a broken nose bleeds: so stirring up anger only brings trouble on yourself.
[31:1]These are the words of king Lemuel, the preaching that his mother taught him. [2-3]Oh, Child! Child of my womb! The child of my vows! Don’t waste your strength on many lovers, nor give your ways to those things that destroy leaders. [4-5]Child; it isn’t for leaders to drink wine; nor for their descendents to drink strong alcohol, or they might drink, and forget the law, and their judgments misrepresent the distressed. [6]Only give strong drinks to those that are about to die, and wine to those that have heavy hearts. [7]Let them drink, and forget their poverty, not remembering their misery. [8]Stand up for those that cannot stand up for themselves, in the case of all those who are about to die. [9]Speak for them and justly judge the cases of the poor and needy.
[10]Who can find worthy persons, who are more valuable than riches? [11]Their spouses’ hearts safely trust in them, having no need to worry. [12]They’ll treat them well and not dreadfully all days of their life. [13]They seek material goods and work willingly with their hands. [14]They are like a merchant who gets food from far away places. [15]They rise while it’s still dark, and give it to their households and some to their employees as well. [16]Considering a piece of property, they buy it and tend it with the work of their hands. [17]They keep fit and strengthen their arms. [18]They know what they produce is good and hardly even turn out the lights at night. [19]They work with their hands, skillfully using their equipment. [20]They give to the poor and reach out to the needy. [21-22]They aren’t afraid of the cold for their household: for they are all well clothed, having fine coats and quality clothing. [23]Their spouses are well known when they sit among leaders of the city. [24]They supply fine merchandise, and bring it to the merchants to sell. [25]They are strong and honorable; and will celebrate for years to come. [26]They speak with wisdom and the words of kindness. [27]They look to the ways of their household well, and are never lazy. [28]Their children will rise up and call them blessed; and their spouses will also praise them. [29]Many people have done virtuously, but these excel them all. [30]Favor is deceitful, and attractiveness has no real value, but people that respect Yahweh will be praised. [31]Give them the rewards of their hard work; and let their own acts be publicly honored.