31The sayings of King Lemuel-an oracle his mother taught him: 2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, 3do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel- not for kings to drink wine, not fo...
30The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh-an oracle : This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: 2I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. 3I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. 4Who has gone up...
29A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy. 2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion o...
28The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. 3A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain...
27Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. 3Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. 4A...
26Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. 3A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4...
25These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. 3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are u...
24Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; 2for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. 3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4through knowledge its rooms are filled with r...
23When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. 4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show...
22A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer...
21The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord ; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. 2All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4Ha...
20Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life. 3It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 4A sluggar...
19Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. 2It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. 3A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord . 4Wealth bring...
18An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. 2A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. 3When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace. 4The words of a man's...
17Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. 2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the...
