The Doxology: A Affirmation of God's Greatness!

Let this affirmation be the beginning, and end, of every prayer and praise:

For thine Oh Lord (Oh God) is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, Forever. Amen!

The Kingdom, it's Glory, and Power, belong to God! Forever. It Is So!

Doxology: is a expression of praise to God.

The Book of Proverbs 31 Day Challenge! (Join us in reading and applying the Word of God). God will release a new discipline into our lives!

Proverbs 1:1-33
{Proverbs 1:1} The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, {given} {2} to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts, {3} to acquire the discipline of wise behavior— righteousness and justice and fairness— {4} to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young— {5} a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction— {6} to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles. {7} The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. {8} My son, listen to your father's discipline, and do not neglect your mother's teachings, {9} because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a {golden} chain around your neck. {10} My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along. {11} If they say, “Come with us. Let's set an ambush to kill someone. Let's hide to ambush innocent people for fun. {12} We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit. {13} We'll find all kinds of valuable possessions. We'll fill our homes with stolen goods. {14} Join us. We'll split the loot equally.” {15} My son, do not follow them in their way. Do not even set foot on their path, {16} because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood. {17} It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird. {18} But these people set an ambush for their own murder. They go into hiding only to lose their lives. {19} This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain. Greed takes away his life. {20} Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice. {21} At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. At the entrances to the city she speaks her words, {22} “How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? {23} “Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you. {24} “I called, and you refused to listen. I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention. {25} You ignored all my advice. You did not want me to warn you. {26} I will laugh at your calamity. I will make fun of you when panic strikes you, {27} when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you. {28} “They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me, {29} because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. {30} They refused my advice. They despised my every warning. {31} They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes. {32} “Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference. {33} But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster.”


Proverbs 2:1-22
{Proverbs 2:1} My son, if you take my words {to heart} and treasure my commands within you, {2} if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding, {3} if indeed you call out for insight, if you ask aloud for understanding, {4} if you search for wisdom as if it were money and hunt for it as if it were hidden treasure, {5} then you will understand the fear of the Lord and you will find the knowledge of God. {6} The Lord gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. {7} He has reserved priceless wisdom for decent people. He is a shield for those who walk in integrity {8} in order to guard those on paths of justice and to watch over the way of his godly ones. {9} Then you will understand what is right and just and fair— every good course {in life}. {10} Wisdom will come into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. {11} Foresight will protect you. Understanding will guard you. {12} {Wisdom will} save you from the way of evil, from the person who speaks devious things, {13} from those who abandon the paths of righteousness to walk the ways of darkness, {14} from those who enjoy doing evil, from those who find joy in the deviousness of evil. {15} Their paths are crooked. Their ways are devious. {16} {Wisdom will} also save you from an adulterous woman, from a loose woman with her smooth talk, {17} who leaves {her husband,} the closest friend of her youth, and forgets her marriage vows to her God. {18} Her house sinks down to death. Her ways lead to the souls of the dead. {19} None who have sex with her come back. Nor do they ever reach the paths of life. {20} So walk in the way of good people and stay on the paths of righteous people. {21} Decent people will live in the land. People of integrity will remain in it. {22} But wicked people will be cut off from the land and treacherous people will be torn from it.


Proverbs 3:1-35
{Proverbs 3:1} My son, do not forget my teachings, and keep my commands in mind, {2} because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace. {3} Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. {4} Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity. {5} Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. {6} In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth. {7} Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. {8} {Then} your body will be healed, and your bones will have nourishment. {9} Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. {10} Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine. {11} Do not reject the discipline of the Lord, my son, and do not resent his warning, {12} because the Lord warns the one he loves, even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased. {13} Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who obtains understanding. {14} The profit {gained} from {wisdom} is greater than the profit {gained} from silver. Its yield is better than fine gold. {15} {Wisdom} is more precious than jewels, and all your desires cannot equal it. {16} Long life is in {wisdom's} right hand. In {wisdom's} left hand are riches and honor. {17} {Wisdom's} ways are pleasant ways, and all its paths lead to peace. {18} {Wisdom} is a tree of life for those who take firm hold of it. Those who cling to it are blessed. {19} By Wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth. By understanding he established the heavens. {20} By his knowledge the deep waters were divided, and the skies dropped dew. {21} My son, do not lose sight of these things. Use priceless wisdom and foresight. {22} Then they will mean life for you, and they will grace your neck. {23} Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot. {24} When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet. {25} Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes. {26} The Lord will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught. {27} Do not hold back anything good from those who are entitled to it when you have the power to do so. {28} When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor, “Go away! Come back tomorrow. I'll give you something then.” {29} Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing. {30} Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you. {31} Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways. {32} The devious person is disgusting to the Lord. The Lord's intimate advice is with decent people. {33} The Lord curses the house of wicked people, but he blesses the home of righteous people. {34} When he mocks the mockers, he is gracious to humble people. {35} Wise people will inherit honor, but fools will bear disgrace.

Proverbs 4:1-27
{Proverbs 4:1} Sons, listen to {your} father's discipline, and pay attention in order to gain understanding. {2} After all, I have taught you well. Do not abandon my teachings. {3} When I was a boy {learning} from my father, when I was a tender and only child of my mother, {4} they used to teach me and say to me, “Cling to my words wholeheartedly. Obey my commands so that you may live. {5} Acquire wisdom. Acquire understanding. Do not forget. Do not turn away from the words that I have spoken. {6} Do not abandon wisdom, and it will watch over you. Love wisdom, and it will protect you. {7} The beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom. Acquire understanding with all that you have. {8} Cherish wisdom. It will raise you up. It will bring you honor when you embrace it. {9} It will give you a graceful garland for your head. It will hand you a beautiful crown.” {10} My son, listen and accept my words, and they will multiply the years of your life. {11} I have taught you the way of wisdom. I have guided you along decent paths. {12} When you walk, your stride will not be hampered. Even if you run, you will not stumble. {13} Cling to discipline. Do not relax your grip on it. Keep it because it is your life. {14} Do not stray onto the path of wicked people. Do not walk in the way of evil people. {15} Avoid it. Do not walk near it. Turn away from it, and keep on walking. {16} Wicked people cannot sleep unless they do wrong, and they are robbed of their sleep unless they make someone stumble. {17} They eat food obtained through wrongdoing and drink wine obtained through violence. {18} But the path of righteous people is like the light of dawn that becomes brighter and brighter until it reaches midday. {19} The way of wicked people is like deep darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble. {20} My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say. {21} Do not lose sight of these things. Keep them deep within your heart {22} because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body. {23} Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. {24} Remove dishonesty from your mouth. Put deceptive speech far away from your lips. {25} Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you. {26} Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure. {27} Do not lean to the right or to the left. Walk away from evil.

Proverbs 5:1-23
{Proverbs 5:1} My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Open your ears to my understanding {2} so that you may act with foresight and speak with insight. {3} The lips of an adulterous woman drip with honey. Her kiss is smoother than oil, {4} but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, as sharp as a two-edged sword. {5} Her feet descend to death. Her steps lead straight to hell. {6} She doesn't even think about the path of life. Her steps wander, and she doesn't realize it. {7} But now, sons, listen to me, and do not turn away from what I say to you. {8} Stay far away from her. Do not even go near her door. {9} Either you will surrender your reputation to others and {the rest of} your years to some cruel person, {10} or strangers will benefit from your strength and you will have to work hard in a pagan's house. {11} Then you will groan when your end comes, when your body and flesh are consumed. You will say, {12} “Oh, how I hated discipline! How my heart despised correction! {13} I didn't listen to what my teachers said to me, nor did I keep my ear open to my instructors. {14} I almost reached total ruin in the assembly and in the congregation.” {15} Drink water out of your own cistern and running water from your own well. {16} Why should water flow out of your spring? Why should your streams flow into the streets? {17} They should be yours alone, so do not share them with strangers. {18} Let your own fountain be blessed, and enjoy the girl you married when you were young, {19} a loving doe and a graceful deer. Always let her breasts satisfy you. Always be intoxicated with her love. {20} Why should you, my son, be intoxicated with an adulterous woman and fondle a loose woman's breast? {21} Each person's ways are clearly seen by the Lord, and he surveys all his actions. {22} A wicked person will be trapped by his own wrongs, and he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin. {23} He will die for his lack of discipline and stumble around because of his great stupidity.

Proverbs 6:1-35
{Proverbs 6:1} My son, if you guarantee a loan for your neighbor or pledge yourself for a stranger with a handshake, {2} you are trapped by the words of your own mouth, caught by your own promise. {3} Do the following things, my son, so that you may free yourself, because you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Humble yourself, and pester your neighbor. {4} Don't let your eyes rest or your eyelids close. {5} Free yourself like a gazelle from the hand of a hunter and like a bird from the hand of a hunter. {6} Consider the ant, you lazy bum. Watch its ways, and become wise. {7} Although it has no overseer, officer, or ruler, {8} in summertime it stores its food supply. At harvest time it gathers its food. {9} How long will you lie there, you lazy bum? When will you get up from your sleep? {10} “Just a little sleep, just a little slumber, just a little nap.” {11} Then your poverty will come {to you} like a drifter, and your need will come {to you} like a bandit. {12} A good-for-nothing scoundrel is a person who has a dishonest mouth. {13} He winks his eye, makes a signal with his foot, {and} points with his fingers. {14} He devises evil all the time with a twisted mind. He spreads conflict. {15} That is why disaster will come on him suddenly. In a moment he will be crushed beyond recovery. {16} There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to him: {17} arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, {18} a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, {19} a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives. {20} My son, obey the command of your father, and do not disregard the teachings of your mother. {21} Fasten them on your heart forever. Hang them around your neck. {22} When you walk around, they will lead you. When you lie down, they will watch over you. When you wake up, they will talk to you {23} because the command is a lamp, the teachings are a light, and the warnings from discipline are the path of life {24} to keep you from an evil woman and from the smooth talk of a loose woman. {25} Do not desire her beauty in your heart. Do not let her catch you with her eyes. {26} A prostitute's price is {only} a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts for {your} life itself. {27} Can a man carry fire in his lap without burning his clothes? {28} Can anyone walk on red-hot coals without burning his feet? {29} So it is with a man who has sex with his neighbor's wife. None who touch her will escape punishment. {30} People do not despise a thief who is hungry when he steals to satisfy his appetite, {31} but when he is caught, he has to repay it seven times. He must give up all the possessions in his house. {32} Whoever commits adultery with a woman has no sense. Whoever does this destroys himself. {33} An adulterous man will find disease and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be blotted out, {34} because jealousy arouses a husband's fury. The husband will show no mercy when he takes revenge. {35} No amount of money will change his mind. The largest bribe will not satisfy him.

Proverbs 7:1-27
{Proverbs 7:1} My son, pay attention to my words. Treasure my commands that are within you. {2} Obey my commands so that you may live. Follow my teachings just as you protect the pupil of your eye. {3} Tie them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. {4} Say to wisdom, “You are my sister.” Give the name “my relative” to understanding {5} in order to guard yourself from an adulterous woman, from a loose woman with her smooth talk. {6} From a window in my house I looked through my screen. {7} I was looking at gullible people when I saw a young man without much sense among youths. {8} He was crossing a street near her corner and walking toward her house {9} in the twilight, in the evening, in the dark hours of the night. {10} A woman with an ulterior motive meets him. She is dressed as a prostitute. {11} She is loud and rebellious. Her feet will not stay at home. {12} One moment she is out on the street, the next she is at the curb, on the prowl at every corner. {13} She grabs him and kisses him and brazenly says to him, {14} “I have some sacrificial meat. Today I kept my vows. {15} That's why I came to meet you. Eagerly, I looked for you, and I've found you. {16} I've made my bed, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. {17} I've sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. {18} Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy making love, {19} because my husband's not home. He has gone on a long trip. {20} He took lots of money with him. He won't be home for a couple of weeks.” {21} With all her seductive charms, she persuades him. With her smooth lips, she makes him give in. {22} He immediately follows her like a steer on its way to be slaughtered, like a ram hobbling into captivity {23} until an arrow pierces his heart, like a bird darting into a trap. He does not realize that it will cost him his life. {24} Now, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words from my mouth. {25} Do not let your heart be turned to her ways. Do not wander onto her paths, {26} because she has brought down many victims, and she has killed all too many. {27} Her home is the way to hell and leads to the darkest vaults of death.

Proverbs 8:1-36
{Proverbs 8:1} Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise its voice? {2} {Wisdom} takes its stand on high ground, by the wayside where the roads meet, {3} near the gates to the city. At the entrance {wisdom} sings its song, {4} “I am calling to all of you, and my appeal is to all people. {5} You gullible people, learn how to be sensible. You fools, get a heart that has understanding. {6} Listen! I am speaking about noble things, and my lips will say what is right. {7} My mouth expresses the truth, and wickedness is disgusting to my lips. {8} Everything I say is fair, and there is nothing twisted or crooked in it. {9} All of it is clear to a person who has understanding and right to those who have acquired knowledge. {10} Take my discipline, not silver, and my knowledge rather than fine gold, {11} because wisdom is better than jewels. Nothing you desire can equal it. {12} “I, Wisdom, live with insight, and I acquire knowledge and foresight. {13} To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech. {14} Advice and priceless wisdom are mine. I, Understanding, have strength. {15} Through me kings reign, and rulers decree fair laws. {16} Through me princes rule, so do nobles and all fair judges. {17} I love those who love me. Those eagerly looking for me will find me. {18} I have riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness. {19} What I produce is better than gold, pure gold. What I yield is better than fine silver. {20} I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice, {21} to give an inheritance to those who love me and to fill their treasuries. {22} “The Lord already possessed me long ago, when his way began, before any of his works. {23} I was appointed from everlasting from the first, before the earth began. {24} I was born before there were oceans, before there were springs filled with water. {25} I was born before the mountains were settled in their places and before the hills, {26} when he had not yet made land or fields or the first dust of the world. {27} “When he set up the heavens, I was there. When he traced the horizon on the surface of the ocean, {28} when he established the skies above, when he determined the currents in the ocean, {29} when he set a limit for the sea so the waters would not overstep his command, when he traced the foundations of the earth, {30} I was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy day after day, I rejoiced in front of him all the time, {31} found joy in his inhabited world, and delighted in the human race. {32} “Now, sons, listen to me. Blessed are those who follow my ways. {33} Listen to discipline, and become wise. Do not leave my ways. {34} Blessed is the person who listens to me, watches at my door day after day, and waits by my doorposts. {35} Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. {36} Whoever sins against me harms himself. All those who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 9:1-18
{Proverbs 9:1} Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. {2} She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has set her table. {3} She has sent out her servant girls. She calls from the highest places in the city, {4} “Whoever is gullible turn in here!” She says to a person without sense, {5} “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. {6} Stop being gullible and live. Start traveling the road to understanding.” {7} Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt. {8} Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you. {9} Give {advice} to a wise person, and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will learn more. {10} The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. {11} You will live longer because of me, and years will be added to your life. {12} If you are wise, your wisdom will help you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible. {13} The woman Stupidity is loud, gullible, and ignorant. {14} She sits at the doorway of her house. She is enthroned on the high ground of the city {15} and calls to those who pass by, those minding their own business, {16} “Whoever is gullible turn in here!” She says to a person without sense, {17} “Stolen waters are sweet, and food eaten in secret is tasty.” {18} But he does not know that the souls of the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Proverbs 10:1-32
{Proverbs 10:1} The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. {2} Treasures gained dishonestly profit no one, but righteousness rescues from death. {3} The Lord will not allow a righteous person to starve, but he intentionally ignores the desires of a wicked person. {4} Lazy hands bring poverty, but hard-working hands bring riches. {5} Whoever gathers in the summer is a wise son. Whoever sleeps at harvest time brings shame. {6} Blessings cover the head of a righteous person, but violence covers the mouths of wicked people. {7} The name of a righteous person remains blessed, but the names of wicked people will rot away. {8} The one who is truly wise accepts commands, but the one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst. {9} Whoever lives honestly will live securely, but whoever lives dishonestly will be found out. {10} Whoever winks with his eye causes heartache. The one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst. {11} The mouth of a righteous person is a fountain of life, but the mouths of wicked people conceal violence. {12} Hate starts quarrels, but love covers every wrong. {13} Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of one without sense. {14} Those who are wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a stubborn fool invites ruin. {15} The rich person's wealth is {his} strong city. Poverty ruins the poor. {16} A righteous person's reward is life. A wicked person's harvest is sin. {17} Whoever practices discipline is on the way to life, but whoever ignores a warning strays. {18} Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips. Whoever spreads slander is a fool. {19} Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise. {20} The tongue of a righteous person is pure silver. The hearts of wicked people are worthless. {21} The lips of a righteous person feed many, but stubborn fools die because they have no sense. {22} It is the Lord's blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it. {23} Like the laughter of a fool when he carries out an evil plan, so is wisdom to a person who has understanding. {24} That which wicked people dread happens to them, but {the Lord} grants the desire of righteous people. {25} When the storm has passed, the wicked person has vanished, but the righteous person has an everlasting foundation. {26} Like vinegar to the teeth, like smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy person to those who send him {on a mission}. {27} The fear of the Lord lengthens {the number of} days, but the years of wicked people are shortened. {28} The hope of righteous people {leads to} joy, but the eager waiting of wicked people comes to nothing. {29} The way of the Lord is a fortress for an innocent person but a ruin to those who are troublemakers. {30} A righteous person will never be moved, but wicked people will not continue to live in the land. {31} The mouth of a righteous person increases wisdom, but a devious tongue will be cut off. {32} The lips of a righteous person announce good will, but the mouths of wicked people are devious.


Proverbs 11:1-31
{Proverbs 11:1} The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty. {2} Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise. {3} A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty. {4} Your riches won’t help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then. {5} Good people are directed by their honesty; the wicked shall fall beneath their load of sins. {6} The good man’s goodness delivers him; the evil man’s treachery is his undoing. {7} When an evil man dies, his hopes all perish, for they are based upon this earthly life. {8} God rescues good men from danger while letting the wicked fall into it. {9} Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds. {10} The whole city celebrates a good man’s success—and also the godless man’s death. {11} The good influence of godly citizens causes a city to prosper, but the moral decay of the wicked drives it downhill. {12} To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish; a man with good sense holds his tongue. {13} A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them. {14} Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with good counselors there is safety. {15} Be sure you know a person well before you vouch for his credit! Better refuse than suffer later. {16} Honor goes to kind and gracious women, mere money to cruel men. {17} Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel. {18} The evil man gets rich for the moment, but the good man’s reward lasts forever. {19} The good man finds life; the evil man, death. {20} The Lord hates the stubborn but delights in those who are good. {21} You can be very sure the evil man will not go unpunished forever. And you can also be very sure God will rescue the children of the godly. {22} A beautiful woman lacking discretion and modesty is like a fine gold ring in a pig’s snout. {23} The good man can look forward to happiness, while the wicked can expect only wrath. {24} It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. {25} Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself. {26} People curse the man who holds his grain for higher prices, but they bless the man who sells it to them in their time of need. {27} If you search for good, you will find God’s favor; if you search for evil, you will find his curse. {28} Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree! {29} The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left. He shall be the servant of a wiser man. {30} Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise. {31} Even the godly shall be rewarded here on earth; how much more the wicked!


Proverbs 12:1-28
{Proverbs 12:1} To learn, you must want to be taught. To refuse reproof is stupid. {2} The Lord blesses good men and condemns the wicked. {3} Wickedness never brings real success; only the godly have that. {4} A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; the other kind corrodes his strength and tears down everything he does. {5} A good man’s mind is filled with honest thoughts; an evil man’s mind is crammed with lies. {6} The wicked accuse; the godly defend. {7} The wicked shall perish; the godly shall stand. {8} Everyone admires a man with good sense, but a man with a warped mind is despised. {9} It is better to get your hands dirty—and eat, than to be too proud to work—and starve. {10} A good man is concerned for the welfare of his animals, but even the kindness of godless men is cruel. {11} Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time. {12} Crooks are jealous of each other’s loot, while good men long to help each other. {13} Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense. {14} Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him. {15} A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others. {16} A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted. {17} A good man is known by his truthfulness; a false man by deceit and lies. {18} Some people like to make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise soothe and heal. {19} Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. {20} Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; joy fills hearts that are planning for good! {21} No real harm befalls the good, but there is constant trouble for the wicked. {22} God delights in those who keep their promises and abhors those who don’t. {23} A wise man doesn’t display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness. {24} Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed. {25} Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders! {26} The good man asks advice from friends; the wicked plunge ahead—and fall. {27} A lazy man won’t even dress the game he gets while hunting, but the diligent man makes good use of everything he finds. {28} The path of the godly leads to life. So why fear death?

Proverbs 13:1-25
{Proverbs 13:1} A wise youth accepts his father’s rebuke; a young mocker doesn’t. {2} The good man wins his case by careful argument; the evil-minded only wants to fight. {3} Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything. {4} Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering. {5} A good man hates lies; wicked men lie constantly and come to shame. {6} A man’s goodness helps him all through life, while evil men are being destroyed by their wickedness. {7} Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth! {8} Being kidnapped and held for ransom never worries the poor man! {9} The good man’s life is full of light. The sinner’s road is dark and gloomy. {10} Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice, and become wise. {11} Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows. {12} Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy. {13} Despise God’s Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed. {14} The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead. {15} A man with good sense is appreciated. A treacherous man must walk a rocky road. {16} A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it! {17} An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. {18} If you refuse criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you are on the road to fame. {19} It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong. {20} Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil. {21} Curses chase sinners, while blessings chase the righteous! {22} When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is stored up for the godly. {23} A poor man’s farm may have good soil, but injustice robs him of its riches. {24} If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don’t love him; for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him. {25} The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat.

Proverbs 14:1-35
{Proverbs 14:1} A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down by her own efforts. {2} To do right honors God; to sin is to despise him. {3} A rebel’s foolish talk should prick his own pride! But the wise man’s speech is respected. {4} An empty stable stays clean—but there is no income from an empty stable. {5} A truthful witness never lies; a false witness always lies. {6} A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense. {7} If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools. {8} The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts. {9} The common bond of rebels is their guilt. The common bond of godly people is good will. {10} Only the person involved can know his own bitterness or joy—no one else can really share it. {11} The work of the wicked will perish; the work of the godly will flourish. {12} Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death. {13} Laughter cannot mask a heavy heart. When the laughter ends, the grief remains. {14} The backslider gets bored with himself; the godly man’s life is exciting. {15} Only a simpleton believes everything he’s told! A prudent man understands the need for proof. {16} A wise man is cautious and avoids danger; a fool plunges ahead with great confidence. {17} A short-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient. {18} The simpleton is crowned with folly; the wise man is crowned with knowledge. {19} Evil men shall bow before the godly. {20} Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many "friends." But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who help them. {21} {22} Those who plot evil shall wander away and be lost, but those who plan good shall be granted mercy and quietness. {23} Work brings profit; talk brings poverty! {24} Wise men are praised for their wisdom; fools are despised for their folly. {25} A witness who tells the truth saves good men from being sentenced to death, but a false witness is a traitor. {26} Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. {27} Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death. {28} A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom. {29} A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes. {30} A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away. {31} Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God. {32} The godly have a refuge when they die, but the wicked are crushed by their sins. {33} Wisdom is enshrined in the hearts of men of common sense, but it must shout loudly before fools will hear it. {34} Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. {35} A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.

Proverbs 15:1-33
{Proverbs 15:1} A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. {2} A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness. {3} The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps his eye on both the evil and the good. {4} Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement. {5} Only a fool despises his father’s advice; a wise son considers each suggestion. {6} There is treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked. {7} Only the good can give good advice. Rebels can’t. {8} The Lord hates the gifts of the wicked but delights in the prayers of his people. {9} The Lord despises the deeds of the wicked but loves those who try to be good. {10} If they stop trying, the Lord will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die. {11} The depths of hell are open to God’s knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind! {12} A mocker stays away from wise men because he hates to be scolded. {13} A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart. {14} A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash. {15} When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right! {16} Better a little with reverence for God than great treasure and trouble with it. {17} It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate. {18} A quick-tempered man starts fights; a cool-tempered man tries to stop them. {19} A lazy fellow has trouble all through life; the good man’s path is easy! {20} A sensible son gladdens his father. A rebellious son saddens his mother. {21} If a man enjoys folly, something is wrong! The sensible stay on the pathways of right. {22} Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success. {23} Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time! {24} The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind. {25} The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows. {26} The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words. {27} Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness. {28} A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought. {29} The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. {30} Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health. {31} If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests. {32} {33} Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.

Proverbs 16:1-33
{Proverbs 16:1} We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands. {2} We can always "prove" that we are right, but is the Lord convinced? {3} Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. {4} The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked, for punishment. {5} Pride disgusts the Lord. Take my word for it —proud men shall be punished. {6} Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverence for God. {7} When a man is trying to please God, God makes even his worst enemies to be at peace with him. {8} A little gained honestly is better than great wealth gotten by dishonest means. {9} We should make plans—counting on God to direct us. {10} God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes. {11} The Lord demands fairness in every business deal. He established this principle. {12} It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness. {13} The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair. {14} The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. {15} Many favors are showered on those who please the king. {16} How much better is wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver! {17} The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe. {18} Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall. {19} Better poor and humble than proud and rich. {20} God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord. {21} The wise man is known by his common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best. {22} Wisdom is a fountain of life to those possessing it, but a fool’s burden is his folly. {23} From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech. {24} Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful. {25} Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death. {26} Hunger is good—if it makes you work to satisfy it! {27} Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. {28} An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. {29} Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin. {30} The wicked man stares into space with pursed lips, deep in thought, planning his evil deeds. {31} White hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly. {32} It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army. {33} We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision.

Proverbs 17:1-27
{Proverbs 17:1} A dry crust eaten in peace is better than steak every day along with argument and strife. {2} A wise slave will rule his master’s wicked sons and share their estate. {3} Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts. {4} The wicked enjoy fellowship with others who are wicked; liars enjoy liars. {5} Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. He will punish those who rejoice at others’ misfortunes. {6} An old man’s grandchildren are his crowning glory. A child’s glory is his father. {7} Truth from a rebel or lies from a king are both unexpected. {8} A bribe works like magic. Whoever uses it will prosper! {9} Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends. {10} A rebuke to a man of common sense is more effective than a hundred lashes on the back of a rebel. {11} The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished. {12} It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in his folly. {13} If you repay evil for good, a curse is upon your home. {14} It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts, so don’t let it begin. {15} The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad. {16} It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth. {17} A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. {18} It is poor judgment to countersign another’s note, to become responsible for his debts. {19} Sinners love to fight; boasting is looking for trouble. {20} An evil man is suspicious of everyone and tumbles into constant trouble. {21} It’s no fun to be a rebel’s father. {22} A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick. {23} It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justice. {24} Wisdom is the main pursuit of sensible men, but a fool’s goals are at the ends of the earth! {25} A rebellious son is a grief to his father and a bitter blow to his mother. {26} How shortsighted to fine the godly for being good! And to punish nobles for being honest! {27} The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.

Proverbs 18:1-24
{Proverbs 18:1} The selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way. {2} A rebel doesn’t care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell. {3} Sin brings disgrace. {4} A wise man’s words express deep streams of thought. {5} It is wrong for a judge to favor the wicked and condemn the innocent. {6} A fool gets into constant fights. His mouth is his undoing! His words endanger him. {7} {8} What dainty morsels rumors are. They are eaten with great relish! {9} A lazy man is brother to the saboteur. {10} The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe. {11} The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer! {12} Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor. {13} What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts! {14} A man’s courage can sustain his broken body, but when courage dies, what hope is left? {15} The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them. {16} A gift does wonders; it will bring you before men of importance! {17} Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight. {18} A coin toss ends arguments and settles disputes between powerful opponents. {19} It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars. {20} Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal! {21} Those who love to talk will suffer the consequences. Men have died for saying the wrong thing! {22} The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord. {23} The poor man pleads, and the rich man answers with insults. {24} There are "friends" who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19:1-29
{Proverbs 19:1} Better be poor and honest than rich and dishonest. {2} It is dangerous and sinful to rush into the unknown. {3} A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on the Lord! {4} A wealthy man has many "friends"; the poor man has none left. {5} Punish false witnesses. Track down liars. {6} Many beg favors from a man who is generous; everyone is his friend! {7} A poor man’s own brothers turn away from him in embarrassment; how much more his friends! He calls after them, but they are gone. {8} He who loves wisdom loves his own best interest and will be a success. {9} A false witness shall be punished, and a liar shall be caught. {10} It doesn’t seem right for a fool to succeed or for a slave to rule over princes! {11} A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit. {12} The king’s anger is as dangerous as a lion’s. But his approval is as refreshing as the dew on grass. {13} A rebellious son is a calamity to his father, and a nagging wife annoys like constant dripping. {14} A father can give his sons homes and riches, but only the Lord can give them understanding wives. {15} A lazy man sleeps soundly—and he goes hungry! {16} Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them means death. {17} When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and he pays wonderful interest on your loan! {18} Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don’t you will ruin his life. {19} A short-tempered man must bear his own penalty; you can’t do much to help him. If you try once you must try a dozen times! {20} Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life. {21} Man proposes, but God disposes. {22} Kindness makes a man attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest. {23} Reverence for God gives life, happiness, and protection from harm. {24} Some men are so lazy they won’t even feed themselves! {25} Punish a mocker and others will learn from his example. Reprove a wise man, and he will be the wiser. {26} A son who mistreats his father or mother is a public disgrace. {27} Stop listening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right. {28} A worthless witness cares nothing for truth—he enjoys his sinning too much. {29} Mockers and rebels shall be severely punished.

Proverbs 20:1-30
{Proverbs 20:1} Wine gives false courage; hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it master them, making them reel drunkenly down the street! {2} The king’s fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. {3} It is an honor for a man to stay out of a fight. Only fools insist on quarreling. {4} If you won’t plow in the cold, you won’t eat at the harvest. {5} Though good advice lies deep within a counselor’s heart, the wise man will draw it out. {6} Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling the truth? {7} It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father. {8} A king sitting as judge weighs all the evidence carefully, distinguishing the true from false. {9} Who can ever say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am sinless"? {10} The Lord despises every kind of cheating. {11} The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts—whether what he does is pure and right. {12} If you have good eyesight and good hearing, thank God who gave them to you. {13} If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat! {14} "Utterly worthless!" says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards he brags about his bargain! {15} Good sense is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels. {16} It is risky to make loans to strangers! {17} Some men enjoy cheating, but the cake they buy with such ill-gotten gain will turn to gravel in their mouths. {18} Don’t go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don’t go to war until they agree. {19} Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world. {20} God puts out the light of the man who curses his father or mother. {21} Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end. {22} Don’t repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. {23} The Lord loathes all cheating and dishonesty. {24} Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? {25} It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost. {26} A wise king stamps out crime by severe punishment. {27} A man’s conscience is the Lord’s searchlight exposing his hidden motives. {28} If a king is kind, honest, and fair, his kingdom stands secure. {29} The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience. {30} Punishment that hurts chases evil from the heart.

Proverbs 21:1-31
{Proverbs 21:1} Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the king’s thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to. {2} We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives. {3} God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts. {4} Pride, lust, and evil actions are all sin. {5} Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty. {6} Dishonest gain will never last, so why take the risk? {7} Because the wicked are unfair, their violence boomerangs and destroys them. {8} A man is known by his actions. An evil man lives an evil life; a good man lives a godly life. {9} It is better to live in the corner of an attic than with a crabby woman in a lovely home. {10} An evil man loves to harm others; being a good neighbor is out of his line. {11} The wise man learns by listening; the simpleton can learn only by seeing scorners punished. {12} God, the Righteous One, knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked and will bring the wicked to judgment. {13} He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need. {14} An angry man is silenced by giving him a gift! {15} A good man loves justice, but it is a calamity to evil-doers. {16} The man who strays away from common sense will end up dead! {17} A man who loves pleasure becomes poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches! {18} The wicked will finally lose; the righteous will finally win. {19} Better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining woman. {20} The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. {21} The man who tries to be good, loving, and kind finds life, righteousness, and honor. {22} The wise man conquers the strong man and levels his defenses. {23} Keep your mouth closed and you’ll stay out of trouble. {24} Mockers are proud, haughty, and arrogant. {25} The lazy man longs for many things, but his hands refuse to work. He is greedy to get, while the godly love to give! {26} {27} God loathes the gifts of evil men, especially if they are trying to bribe him! {28} No one believes a liar, but everyone respects the words of an honest man. {29} An evil man is stubborn, but a godly man will reconsider. {30} No one, regardless of how shrewd or well-advised he is, can stand against the Lord. {31} Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from God.


Proverbs 22:1-29
{Proverbs 22:1} If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold. {2} The rich and the poor are alike before the Lord who made them all. {3} A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. {4} True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor, and long life. {5} The rebel walks a thorny, treacherous road; the man who values his soul will stay away. {6} Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it. {7} Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. {8} The unjust tyrant will reap disaster, and his reign of terror shall end. {9} Happy is the generous man, the one who feeds the poor. {10} Throw out the mocker, and you will be rid of tension, fighting, and quarrels. {11} He who values grace and truth is the king’s friend. {12} The Lord preserves the upright but ruins the plans of the wicked. {13} The lazy man is full of excuses. "I can’t go to work!" he says. "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!" {14} A prostitute is a dangerous trap; those cursed of God are caught in it. {15} A youngster’s heart is filled with rebellion, but punishment will drive it out of him. {16} He who gains by oppressing the poor or by bribing the rich shall end in poverty. {17} Listen to this wise advice; follow it closely, for it will do you good, and you can pass it on to others: Trust in the Lord. {18} {19} {20} In the past, haven’t I been right? Then believe what I am telling you now and share it with others. {21} {22} Don’t rob the poor and sick! For the Lord is their defender. If you injure them, he will punish you. {23} {24} Keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. {25} {26} Unless you have the extra cash on hand, don’t countersign a note. Why risk everything you own? They’ll even take your bed! {27} {28} Do not move the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing. {29} Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings!

Proverbs 23:1-35
{Proverbs 23:1} When dining with a rich man, be on your guard {2} and don’t stuff yourself, though it all tastes so good; for he is trying to bribe you, and no good is going to come of his invitation. {3} {4} Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird! {5} {6} Don’t associate with evil men; don’t long for their favors and gifts. {7} Their kindness is a trick; they want to use you as their pawn. {8} The delicious food they serve will turn sour in your stomach, and you will vomit it and have to take back your words of appreciation for their "kindness." {9} Don’t waste your breath on a rebel. He will despise the wisest advice. {10} Don’t steal the land of defenseless orphans by moving their ancient boundary marks, for their Redeemer is strong; he himself will accuse you. {11} {12} Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can. {13} Don’t fail to correct your children; discipline won’t hurt them! They won’t die if you use a stick on them! Punishment will keep them out of hell. {14} {15} My son, how I will rejoice if you become a man of common sense. Yes, my heart will thrill to your thoughtful, wise words. {16} {17} Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet! {18} {19} O my son, be wise and stay in God’s paths; {20} don’t carouse with drunkards and gluttons, {21} for they are on their way to poverty. And remember that too much sleep clothes a man with rags. {22} Listen to your father’s advice and don’t despise an old mother’s experience. {23} Get the facts at any price, and hold on tightly to all the good sense you can get. {24} The father of a godly man has cause for joy—what pleasure a wise son is! So give your parents joy! {25} {26} O my son, trust my advice—stay away from prostitutes. {27} For a prostitute is a deep and narrow grave. {28} Like a robber, she waits for her victims as one after another become unfaithful to their wives. {29} Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? {30} It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures. {31} Don’t let the sparkle and the smooth taste of strong wine deceive you. {32} For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like an adder. {33} You will see hallucinations and have delirium tremens, and you will say foolish, silly things that would embarrass you no end when sober. {34} You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. {35} And afterwards you will say, "I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.... Let’s go and have another drink!"


Proverbs 24:1-34
{Proverbs 24:1} Don’t envy godless men; don’t even enjoy their company. {2} For they spend their days plotting violence and cheating. {3} Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. {4} {5} A wise man is mightier than a strong man. Wisdom is mightier than strength. {6} Don’t go to war without wise guidance; there is safety in many counselors. {7} Wisdom is too much for a rebel. He’ll not be chosen as a counselor! {8} To plan evil is as wrong as doing it. {9} The rebel’s schemes are sinful, and the mocker is the scourge of all mankind. {10} You are a poor specimen if you can’t stand the pressure of adversity. {11} Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. {12} Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God, who knows all hearts, knows yours, and he knows you knew! And he will reward everyone according to his deeds. {13} My son, honey whets the appetite and so does wisdom! When you enjoy becoming wise, there is hope for you! A bright future lies ahead! {14} {15} O evil man, leave the upright man alone and quit trying to cheat him out of his rights. {16} Don’t you know that this good man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again? But one calamity is enough to lay you low. {17} Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls— {18} for the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him! {19} Don’t envy the wicked. Don’t covet his riches. For the evil man has no future; his light will be snuffed out. {20} {21} My son, watch your step before the Lord and the king, and don’t associate with radicals. For you will go down with them to sudden disaster, and who knows where it all will end? {22} {23} It is wrong to sentence the poor and let the rich go free. {24} He who says to the wicked, "You are innocent," shall be cursed by many people of many nations; {25} but blessings shall be showered on those who rebuke sin fearlessly. {26} It is an honor to receive a frank reply. {27} Develop your business first before building your house. {28} Don’t testify spitefully against an innocent neighbor. Why lie about him? Don’t say, "Now I can pay him back for all his meanness to me!" {29} {30} I walked by the field of a certain lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns; it was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. {31} {32} Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson: {33} "A little extra sleep, A little more slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest" {34} means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber and violently like a bandit.

Proverbs 25:1-28
{Proverbs 25:1} These proverbs of Solomon were discovered and copied by the aides of King Hezekiah of Judah: {2} It is God’s privilege to conceal things, and the king’s privilege to discover and invent. {3} You cannot understand the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind! {4} When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith. When you remove corrupt men from the king’s court, his reign will be just and fair. {5} {6} Don’t demand an audience with the king as though you were some powerful prince. {7} It is better to wait for an invitation rather than to be sent back to the end of the line, publicly disgraced! {8} Don’t be hot-headed and rush to court! You may start something you can’t finish {9} and go down before your neighbor in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with him privately. {10} Don’t tell anyone else, lest he accuse you of slander and you can’t withdraw what you said. {11} Timely advice is as lovely as gold apples in a silver basket. {12} It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism. {13} A faithful employee is as refreshing as a cool day in the hot summertime. {14} One who doesn’t give the gift he promised is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain. {15} Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones. {16} Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much of it, or it will make you sick! {17} Don’t visit your neighbor too often, or you will outwear your welcome! {18} Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow. {19} Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot. {20} Being happy-go-lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in his wounds. {21} If your enemy is hungry, give him food! If he is thirsty, give him something to drink! This will make him feel ashamed of himself, and God will reward you. {22} {23} As surely as a wind from the north brings cold, just as surely a retort causes anger! {24} It is better to live in a corner of an attic than in a beautiful home with a cranky, quarrelsome woman. {25} Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. {26} If a godly man compromises with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. {27} Just as it is harmful to eat too much honey, so also it is bad for men to think about all the honors they deserve! {28} A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.

Proverbs 26:1-28
{Proverbs 26:1} Honor doesn’t go with fools any more than snow with summertime or rain with harvesttime! {2} An undeserved curse has no effect. Its intended victim will be no more harmed by it than by a sparrow or swallow flitting through the sky. {3} Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a rebel with a rod to his back! {4} When arguing with a rebel, don’t use foolish arguments as he does, or you will become as foolish as he is! {5} Prick his conceit with silly replies! {6} To trust a rebel to convey a message is as foolish as cutting off your feet and drinking poison! {7} In the mouth of a fool a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg. {8} Honoring a rebel will backfire like a stone tied to a slingshot! {9} A rebel will misapply an illustration so that its point will no more be felt than a thorn in the hand of a drunkard. {10} The master may get better work from an untrained apprentice than from a skilled rebel! {11} As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. {12} There is one thing worse than a fool, and that is a man who is conceited. {13} The lazy man won’t go out and work. "There might be a lion outside!" he says. {14} He sticks to his bed like a door to its hinges! {15} He is too tired even to lift his food from his dish to his mouth! {16} Yet in his own opinion he is smarter than seven wise men. {17} Yanking a dog’s ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn’t any of your business. {18} A man who is caught lying to his neighbor and says, "I was just fooling," is like a madman throwing around firebrands, arrows, and death! {19} {20} Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops. {21} A quarrelsome man starts fights as easily as a match sets fire to paper. {22} Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish. {23} Pretty words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot. {24} A man with hate in his heart may sound pleasant enough, but don’t believe him; for he is cursing you in his heart. {25} Though he pretends to be so kind, {26} his hatred will finally come to light for all to see. {27} The man who sets a trap for others will get caught in it himself. Roll a boulder down on someone, and it will roll back and crush you.
{28} Flattery is a form of hatred and wounds cruelly.

Proverbs 27:1-27
{Proverbs 27:1} Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow—wait and see what happens. {2} Don’t praise yourself; let others do it! {3} A rebel’s frustrations are heavier than sand and rocks. {4} Jealousy is more dangerous and cruel than anger. {5} Open rebuke is better than hidden love! {6} Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy! {7} Even honey seems tasteless to a man who is full; but if he is hungry, he’ll eat anything! {8} A man who strays from home is like a bird that wanders from its nest. {9} Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume. {10} Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. Then you won’t need to go to a distant relative for help in your time of need. {11} My son, how happy I will be if you turn out to be sensible! It will be a public honor to me. {12} A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences. {13} The world’s poorest credit risk is the man who agrees to pay a stranger’s debts. {14} If you shout a pleasant greeting to a friend too early in the morning, he will count it as a curse! {15} A constant dripping on a rainy day and a cranky woman are much alike! {16} You can no more stop her complaints than you can stop the wind or hold onto anything with oil-slick hands. {17} A friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron strikes iron. {18} A workman may eat from the orchard he tends; anyone should be rewarded who protects another’s interests. {19} A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses. {20} Ambition and death are alike in this: neither is ever satisfied. {21} The purity of silver and gold can be tested in a crucible, but a man is tested by his reaction to men’s praise. {22} You can’t separate a rebel from his foolishness though you crush him to powder. {23} Riches can disappear fast. And the king’s crown doesn’t stay in his family forever— {24} so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds; {25} then there will be lambs’ wool enough for clothing {26} and goats’ milk enough for food for all your household {27} after the hay is harvested, and the new crop appears, and the mountain grasses are gathered in.

Proverbs 28:1-28
{Proverbs 28:1} The wicked flee when no one is chasing them! But the godly are bold as lions! {2} When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability. {3} When a poor man oppresses those even poorer, he is like an unexpected flood sweeping away their last hope. {4} To complain about the law is to praise wickedness. To obey the law is to fight evil. {5} Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it. {6} Better to be poor and honest than rich and a cheater. {7} Young men who are wise obey the law; a son who is a member of a lawless gang is a shame to his father. {8} Income from exploiting the poor will end up in the hands of someone who pities them. {9} God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who flout the law. {10} A curse on those who lead astray the godly. But men who encourage the upright to do good shall be given a worthwhile reward. {11} Rich men are conceited, but their real poverty is evident to the poor. {12} When the godly are successful, everyone is glad. When the wicked succeed, everyone is sad. {13} A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. {14} Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble. {15} A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a lion or bear attacking them. {16} Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes. {17} A murderer’s conscience will drive him into hell. Don’t stop him! {18} Good men will be rescued from harm, but cheaters will be destroyed. {19} Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty. {20} The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward. But the man who wants to get rich quick will quickly fail. {21} Giving preferred treatment to rich people is a clear case of selling one’s soul for a piece of bread. {22} Trying to get rich quick is evil and leads to poverty. {23} In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. {24} A man who robs his parents and says, "What’s wrong with that?" is no better than a murderer. {25} Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity. {26} A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe. {27} If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty. {28} When the wicked prosper, good men go away; when the wicked meet disaster, good men return.

Proverbs 29:1-27
{Proverbs 29:1} The man who is often reproved but refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken and never have another chance. {2} With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan. {3} A wise son makes his father happy, but a lad who hangs around with prostitutes disgraces him. {4} A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. {5} Flattery is a trap; evil men are caught in it, but good men stay away and sing for joy. {6} {7} The good man knows the poor man’s rights; the godless don’t care. {8} Fools start fights everywhere while wise men try to keep peace. {9} There’s no use arguing with a fool. He only rages and scoffs, and tempers flare. {10} The godly pray for those who long to kill them. {11} A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it. {12} A wicked ruler will have wicked aides on his staff. {13} Rich and poor are alike in this: each depends on God for light. {14} A king who is fair to the poor shall have a long reign. {15} Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother. {16} When rulers are wicked, their people are too; but good men will live to see the tyrant’s downfall. {17} Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind. {18} Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws. {19} Sometimes mere words are not enough—discipline is needed. For the words may not be heeded. {20} There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper. {21} Pamper a servant from childhood, and he will expect you to treat him as a son! {22} A hot-tempered man starts fights and gets into all kinds of trouble. {23} Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor. {24} A man who assists a thief must really hate himself! For he knows the consequence but does it anyway. {25} Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety. {26} Do you want justice? Don’t fawn on the judge, but ask the Lord for it! {27} The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.

Proverbs 30:1-33
{Proverbs 30:1} These are the messages of Agur, son of Jakeh, addressed to Ithiel and Ucal: {2} I am tired out, O God, and ready to die. I am too stupid even to call myself a human being! {3} I cannot understand man, let alone God. {4} Who else but God goes back and forth to heaven? Who else holds the wind in his fists and wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who but God has created the world? If there is any other, what is his name—and his Son’s name—if you know it? {5} Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection. {6} Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar. {7} O God, I beg two favors from you before I die: {8} First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs! {9} For if I grow rich, I may become content without God. And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. {10} Never falsely accuse a man to his employer, lest he curse you for your sin. {11} There are those who curse their father and mother and feel themselves faultless despite their many sins. {12} {13} They are proud beyond description, arrogant, disdainful. They devour the poor with teeth as sharp as knives! {14} {15} There are two things never satisfied, like a leech forever craving more: no, three things! no, four! Hell, The barren womb, A barren desert, Fire. {16} {17} A man who mocks his father and despises his mother shall have his eye plucked out by ravens and eaten by vultures. {18} There are three things too wonderful for me to understand—no, four! {19} How an eagle glides through the sky. How a serpent crawls upon a rock. How a ship finds its way across the heaving ocean. The growth of love between a man and a girl. {20} There is another thing too: how a prostitute can sin and then say, "What’s wrong with that?" {21} There are three things that make the earth tremble—no, four it cannot stand: {22} A slave who becomes a king. A rebel who prospers. {23} A bitter woman when she finally marries. A servant girl who marries her mistress’ husband. {24} There are four things that are small but unusually wise: {25} Ants: they aren’t strong, but store up food for the winter. {26} Cliff badgers: delicate little animals who protect themselves by living among the rocks. {27} The locusts: though they have no leader, they stay together in swarms. {28} The lizards: they are easy to catch and kill, yet are found even in king’s palaces! {29} There are three stately monarchs in the earth—no, four: {30} The lion, king of the animals. He won’t turn aside for anyone. {31} The peacock. The male goat. A king as he leads his army. {32} If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, don’t brag about it—cover your mouth with your hand in shame. {33} As the churning of cream yields butter, and a blow to the nose causes bleeding, so anger causes quarrels.


Proverbs 31:1-31
{Proverbs 31:1} These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel of Massa, taught to him at his mother’s knee: {2} O my son, whom I have dedicated to the Lord, {3} do not spend your time with women—the royal pathway to destruction. {4} And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to drink wine and whiskey. {5} For if they drink they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. {6} Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and misery. {7} {8} You should defend those who cannot help themselves. {9} Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. {10} If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! {11} Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. {12} She will not hinder him but help him all her life. {13} She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. {14} She buys imported foods brought by ship from distant ports. {15} She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plans the day’s work for her servant girls. {16} She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. {17} She is energetic, a hard worker, {18} and watches for bargains. She works far into the night! {19} She sews for the poor and generously helps those in need. {20} {21} She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them. {22} She also upholsters with finest tapestry; her own clothing is beautifully made—a purple gown of pure linen. {23} Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders. {24} She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants. {25} She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age. {26} When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. {27} She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy. {28} Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: {29} "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!" {30} Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. {31} Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.