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Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 31:10–31 Proverbs 31:10–31 (Listen) The Woman Who Fears the Lord 10   1 An excellent wife who can find?     She is far more precious than jewels. 11   The heart of her husband trusts in her,     and he will have no lack of gain. 12   She does him good, and not harm,     all the days of her life. 13   She seeks wool and flax,     and works with willing hands. 14   She is like the ships of the merchant;     she brings her food from afar. 15   She rises while it is yet night     and provides food for her household     and portions for her maidens. 16   She considers a field and buys it;     with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17   She dresses herself2 with strength     and makes her arms strong. 18   She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.     Her lamp does not go out at night. 19   She puts her hands to the distaff,     and her hands hold the spindle. 20   She opens her hand to the poor     and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21   She is not afraid of snow for her household,     for all her household are clothed in scarlet.3 22   She makes bed coverings for herself;     her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23   Her husband is known in the gates     when he sits among the elders of the land. 24   She makes linen garments and sells them;     she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25   Strength and dignity are her clothing,     and she laughs at the time to come. 26   She opens her mouth with wisdom,     and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27   She looks well to the ways of her household     and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28   Her children rise up and call her blessed;     her husband also, and he praises her: 29   “Many women have done excellently,     but you surpass them all.” 30   Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,     but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31   Give her of the fruit of her hands,     and let her works praise her in the gates. Footnotes [1] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet [2] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins [3] 31:21 Or in double thickness (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Deuteronomy 29–30:10 Deuteronomy 29–30:10 (Listen) The Covenant Renewed in Moab 29 1 These are the words of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb. 2 2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. 4 But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. 5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. 6 You have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the LORD your God. 7 And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. 8 We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. 9 Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper3 in all that you do. 10 “You are standing today, all of you, before the LORD your God: the heads of your tribes,4 your elders, and your officers, all the men of Israel, 11 your

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 30–31:9 Proverbs 30–31:9 (Listen) The Words of Agur 30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.1   The man declares, I am weary, O God;     I am weary, O God, and worn out.2 2   Surely I am too stupid to be a man.     I have not the understanding of a man. 3   I have not learned wisdom,     nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. 4   Who has ascended to heaven and come down?     Who has gathered the wind in his fists?   Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?     Who has established all the ends of the earth?   What is his name, and what is his son’s name?     Surely you know! 5   Every word of God proves true;     he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6   Do not add to his words,     lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. 7   Two things I ask of you;     deny them not to me before I die: 8   Remove far from me falsehood and lying;     give me neither poverty nor riches;     feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9   lest I be full and deny you     and say, “Who is the LORD?”   or lest I be poor and steal     and profane the name of my God. 10   Do not slander a servant to his master,     lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. 11   There are those3 who curse their fathers     and do not bless their mothers. 12   There are those who are clean in their own eyes     but are not washed of their filth. 13   There are those—how lofty are their eyes,     how high their eyelids lift! 14   There are those whose teeth are swords,     whose fangs are knives,   to devour the poor from off the earth,     the needy from among mankind. 15   The leech has two daughters:     Give and Give.4   Three things are never satisfied;     four never say, “Enough”: 16   Sheol, the barren womb,     the land never satisfied with water,     and the fire that never says, “Enough.” 17   The eye that mocks a father     and scorns to obey a mother   will be picked out by the ravens of the valley     and eaten by the vultures. 18   Three things are too wonderful for me;     four I do not understand: 19   the way of an eagle in the sky,     the way of a serpent on a rock,   the way of a ship on the high seas,     and the way of a man with a virgin. 20   This is the way of an adulteress:     she eats and wipes her mouth     and says, “I have done no wrong.” 21   Under three things the earth trembles;     under four it cannot bear up: 22   a slave when he becomes king,     and a fool when he is filled with food; 23   an unloved woman when she gets a husband,     and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress. 24   Four things on earth are small,     but they are exceedingly wise: 25   the ants are a people not strong,     yet they provide their food in the summer; 26   the rock badgers are a people not mighty,     yet they make their homes in the cliffs; 27   the locusts have no king,     yet all of them march in rank; 28   the lizard you can take in your hands,     yet it is in kings’ palaces. 29   Three things are stately in their tread;     four are stately in their stride: 30   the lion, which is mightiest among beasts     and does not turn back before any; 31   the strutting rooster,5 the he-goat,     and a king whose army is with him.6 32   If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,     or if you have been devising evil,     put your hand on your mouth. 33   For pressing milk produces curds,     pressing the nose produces blood,     and pressing anger produces strife. The Words of King Lemuel 31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taugh

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 29 Proverbs 29 (Listen) 29   He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,     will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,     but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3   He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,     but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4   By justice a king builds up the land,     but he who exacts gifts1 tears it down. 5   A man who flatters his neighbor     spreads a net for his feet. 6   An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,     but a righteous man sings and rejoices. 7   A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;     a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. 8   Scoffers set a city aflame,     but the wise turn away wrath. 9   If a wise man has an argument with a fool,     the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. 10   Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless     and seek the life of the upright.2 11   A fool gives full vent to his spirit,     but a wise man quietly holds it back. 12   If a ruler listens to falsehood,     all his officials will be wicked. 13   The poor man and the oppressor meet together;     the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14   If a king faithfully judges the poor,     his throne will be established forever. 15   The rod and reproof give wisdom,     but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16   When the wicked increase, transgression increases,     but the righteous will look upon their downfall. 17   Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;     he will give delight to your heart. 18   Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,3     but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19   By mere words a servant is not disciplined,     for though he understands, he will not respond. 20   Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?     There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21   Whoever pampers his servant from childhood     will in the end find him his heir.4 22   A man of wrath stirs up strife,     and one given to anger causes much transgression. 23   One’s pride will bring him low,     but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. 24   The partner of a thief hates his own life;     he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. 25   The fear of man lays a snare,     but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. 26   Many seek the face of a ruler,     but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice. 27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,     but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. Footnotes [1] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily [2] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul [3] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged [4] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Deuteronomy 28:1–14 Deuteronomy 28:1–14 (Listen) Blessings for Obedience 28 “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. 3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. 5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 7 “The LORD w

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 27–28 Proverbs 27–28 (Listen) 27   Do not boast about tomorrow,     for you do not know what a day may bring. 2   Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;     a stranger, and not your own lips. 3   A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,     but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. 4   Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,     but who can stand before jealousy? 5   Better is open rebuke     than hidden love. 6   Faithful are the wounds of a friend;     profuse are the kisses of an enemy. 7   One who is full loathes honey,     but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet. 8   Like a bird that strays from its nest     is a man who strays from his home. 9   Oil and perfume make the heart glad,     and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.1 10   Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,     and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.   Better is a neighbor who is near     than a brother who is far away. 11   Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,     that I may answer him who reproaches me. 12   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,     but the simple go on and suffer for it. 13   Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,     and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.2 14   Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,     rising early in the morning,     will be counted as cursing. 15   A continual dripping on a rainy day     and a quarrelsome wife are alike; 16   to restrain her is to restrain the wind     or to grasp3 oil in one’s right hand. 17   Iron sharpens iron,     and one man sharpens another.4 18   Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,     and he who guards his master will be honored. 19   As in water face reflects face,     so the heart of man reflects the man. 20   Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,     and never satisfied are the eyes of man. 21   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,     and a man is tested by his praise. 22   Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle     along with crushed grain,     yet his folly will not depart from him. 23   Know well the condition of your flocks,     and give attention to your herds, 24   for riches do not last forever;     and does a crown endure to all generations? 25   When the grass is gone and the new growth appears     and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, 26   the lambs will provide your clothing,     and the goats the price of a field. 27   There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,     for the food of your household     and maintenance for your girls. 28   The wicked flee when no one pursues,     but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2   When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,     but with a man of understanding and knowledge,     its stability will long continue. 3   A poor man who oppresses the poor     is a beating rain that leaves no food. 4   Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,     but those who keep the law strive against them. 5   Evil men do not understand justice,     but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. 6   Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity     than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. 7   The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,     but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8   Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit5     gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 9   If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,     even his prayer is an abomination. 10   Whoever misleads the upright

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 25–26 Proverbs 25–26 (Listen) More Proverbs of Solomon 25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied. 2   It is the glory of God to conceal things,     but the glory of kings is to search things out. 3   As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,     so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4   Take away the dross from the silver,     and the smith has material for a vessel; 5   take away the wicked from the presence of the king,     and his throne will be established in righteousness. 6   Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence     or stand in the place of the great, 7   for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”     than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.   What your eyes have seen 8     do not hastily bring into court,1   for2 what will you do in the end,     when your neighbor puts you to shame? 9   Argue your case with your neighbor himself,     and do not reveal another’s secret, 10   lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,     and your ill repute have no end. 11   A word fitly spoken     is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12   Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold     is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 13   Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest     is a faithful messenger to those who send him;     he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14   Like clouds and wind without rain     is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. 15   With patience a ruler may be persuaded,     and a soft tongue will break a bone. 16   If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,     lest you have your fill of it and vomit it. 17   Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,     lest he have his fill of you and hate you. 18   A man who bears false witness against his neighbor     is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. 19   Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble     is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. 20   Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart     is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,     and like vinegar on soda. 21   If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,     and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22   for you will heap burning coals on his head,     and the LORD will reward you. 23   The north wind brings forth rain,     and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. 24   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop     than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 25   Like cold water to a thirsty soul,     so is good news from a far country. 26   Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain     is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. 27   It is not good to eat much honey,     nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.3 28   A man without self-control     is like a city broken into and left without walls. 26   Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,     so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2   Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,     a curse that is causeless does not alight. 3   A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,     and a rod for the back of fools. 4   Answer not a fool according to his folly,     lest you be like him yourself. 5   Answer a fool according to his folly,     lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6   Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool     cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7   Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless,     is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8   Like one who binds the stone in the sling     is one who gives honor to a fool. 9   Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 23–24 Proverbs 23–24 (Listen) 23   When you sit down to eat with a ruler,     observe carefully what1 is before you, 2   and put a knife to your throat     if you are given to appetite. 3   Do not desire his delicacies,     for they are deceptive food. 4   Do not toil to acquire wealth;     be discerning enough to desist. 5   When your eyes light on it, it is gone,     for suddenly it sprouts wings,     flying like an eagle toward heaven. 6   Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;2     do not desire his delicacies, 7   for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.3     “Eat and drink!” he says to you,     but his heart is not with you. 8   You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,     and waste your pleasant words. 9   Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,     for he will despise the good sense of your words. 10   Do not move an ancient landmark     or enter the fields of the fatherless, 11   for their Redeemer is strong;     he will plead their cause against you. 12   Apply your heart to instruction     and your ear to words of knowledge. 13   Do not withhold discipline from a child;     if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14   If you strike him with the rod,     you will save his soul from Sheol. 15   My son, if your heart is wise,     my heart too will be glad. 16   My inmost being4 will exult     when your lips speak what is right. 17   Let not your heart envy sinners,     but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. 18   Surely there is a future,     and your hope will not be cut off. 19   Hear, my son, and be wise,     and direct your heart in the way. 20   Be not among drunkards5     or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21   for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,     and slumber will clothe them with rags. 22   Listen to your father who gave you life,     and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23   Buy truth, and do not sell it;     buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. 24   The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;     he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. 25   Let your father and mother be glad;     let her who bore you rejoice. 26   My son, give me your heart,     and let your eyes observe6 my ways. 27   For a prostitute is a deep pit;     an adulteress7 is a narrow well. 28   She lies in wait like a robber     and increases the traitors among mankind. 29   Who has woe? Who has sorrow?     Who has strife? Who has complaining?   Who has wounds without cause?     Who has redness of eyes? 30   Those who tarry long over wine;     those who go to try mixed wine. 31   Do not look at wine when it is red,     when it sparkles in the cup     and goes down smoothly. 32   In the end it bites like a serpent     and stings like an adder. 33   Your eyes will see strange things,     and your heart utter perverse things. 34   You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,     like one who lies on the top of a mast.8 35   “They struck me,” you will say,9 “but I was not hurt;     they beat me, but I did not feel it.   When shall I awake?     I must have another drink.” 24   Be not envious of evil men,     nor desire to be with them, 2   for their hearts devise violence,     and their lips talk of trouble. 3   By wisdom a house is built,     and by understanding it is established; 4   by knowledge the rooms are filled     with all precious and pleasant riches. 5   A wise man is full of strength,     and a man of knowledge enhances his might, 6   for by wise guidance you can wage your wa

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 21–22 Proverbs 21–22 (Listen) 21   The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;     he turns it wherever he will. 2   Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,     but the LORD weighs the heart. 3   To do righteousness and justice     is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4   Haughty eyes and a proud heart,     the lamp1 of the wicked, are sin. 5   The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,     but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 6   The getting of treasures by a lying tongue     is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.2 7   The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,     because they refuse to do what is just. 8   The way of the guilty is crooked,     but the conduct of the pure is upright. 9   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop     than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 10   The soul of the wicked desires evil;     his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11   When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;     when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12   The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;     he throws the wicked down to ruin. 13   Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor     will himself call out and not be answered. 14   A gift in secret averts anger,     and a concealed bribe,3 strong wrath. 15   When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous     but terror to evildoers. 16   One who wanders from the way of good sense     will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17   Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;     he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18   The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,     and the traitor for the upright. 19   It is better to live in a desert land     than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. 20   Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,     but a foolish man devours it. 21   Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness     will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22   A wise man scales the city of the mighty     and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23   Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue     keeps himself out of trouble. 24   “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man     who acts with arrogant pride. 25   The desire of the sluggard kills him,     for his hands refuse to labor. 26   All day long he craves and craves,     but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;     how much more when he brings it with evil intent. 28   A false witness will perish,     but the word of a man who hears will endure. 29   A wicked man puts on a bold face,     but the upright gives thought to4 his ways. 30   No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel     can avail against the LORD. 31   The horse is made ready for the day of battle,     but the victory belongs to the LORD. 22   A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,     and favor is better than silver or gold. 2   The rich and the poor meet together;     the LORD is the Maker of them all. 3   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,     but the simple go on and suffer for it. 4   The reward for humility and fear of the LORD     is riches and honor and life.5 5   Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;     whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. 6   Train up a child in the way he should go;     even when he is old he will not depart from it. 7   The rich rules over the poor,     and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 8   Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,     and the rod of his fury will

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 19–20 Proverbs 19–20 (Listen) 19   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity     than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. 2   Desire1 without knowledge is not good,     and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. 3   When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,     his heart rages against the LORD. 4   Wealth brings many new friends,     but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5   A false witness will not go unpunished,     and he who breathes out lies will not escape. 6   Many seek the favor of a generous man,2     and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7   All a poor man’s brothers hate him;     how much more do his friends go far from him!   He pursues them with words, but does not have them.3 8   Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;     he who keeps understanding will discover good. 9   A false witness will not go unpunished,     and he who breathes out lies will perish. 10   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,     much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11   Good sense makes one slow to anger,     and it is his glory to overlook an offense. 12   A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,     but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13   A foolish son is ruin to his father,     and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. 14   House and wealth are inherited from fathers,     but a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,     and an idle person will suffer hunger. 16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;     he who despises his ways will die. 17   Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,     and he will repay him for his deed. 18   Discipline your son, for there is hope;     do not set your heart on putting him to death. 19   A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,     for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. 20   Listen to advice and accept instruction,     that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21   Many are the plans in the mind of a man,     but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. 22   What is desired in a man is steadfast love,     and a poor man is better than a liar. 23   The fear of the LORD leads to life,     and whoever has it rests satisfied;     he will not be visited by harm. 24   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish     and will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;     reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26   He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother     is a son who brings shame and reproach. 27   Cease to hear instruction, my son,     and you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28   A worthless witness mocks at justice,     and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,     and beating for the backs of fools. 20   Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,     and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.4 2   The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;     whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. 3   It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,     but every fool will be quarreling. 4   The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;     he will seek at harvest and have nothing. 5   The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,     but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6   Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,     but a faithful man who can find? 7   The righteous who walks in his integrity—     blessed are his children after him! 8   A king who sits on the throne of ju

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 17–18 Proverbs 17–18 (Listen) 17   Better is a dry morsel with quiet     than a house full of feasting1 with strife. 2   A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully     and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,     and the LORD tests hearts. 4   An evildoer listens to wicked lips,     and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5   Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;     he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6   Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,     and the glory of children is their fathers. 7   Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;     still less is false speech to a prince. 8   A bribe is like a magic2 stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;     wherever he turns he prospers. 9   Whoever covers an offense seeks love,     but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10   A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding     than a hundred blows into a fool. 11   An evil man seeks only rebellion,     and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12   Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs     rather than a fool in his folly. 13   If anyone returns evil for good,     evil will not depart from his house. 14   The beginning of strife is like letting out water,     so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 15   He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous     are both alike an abomination to the LORD. 16   Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom     when he has no sense? 17   A friend loves at all times,     and a brother is born for adversity. 18   One who lacks sense gives a pledge     and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19   Whoever loves transgression loves strife;     he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20   A man of crooked heart does not discover good,     and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 21   He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,     and the father of a fool has no joy. 22   A joyful heart is good medicine,     but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23   The wicked accepts a bribe in secret3     to pervert the ways of justice. 24   The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,     but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25   A foolish son is a grief to his father     and bitterness to her who bore him. 26   To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,     nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27   Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,     and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28   Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;     when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. 18   Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;     he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2   A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,     but only in expressing his opinion. 3   When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,     and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4   The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;     the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5   It is not good to be partial to4 the wicked     or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6   A fool’s lips walk into a fight,     and his mouth invites a beating. 7   A fool’s mouth is his ruin,     and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;     they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9   Whoever is slack in his work     is a brother to him who destroys. 10   The name of the LORD is a strong tower;     the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11  

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 15–16 Proverbs 15–16 (Listen) 15   A soft answer turns away wrath,     but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2   The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,     but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3   The eyes of the LORD are in every place,     keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4   A gentle1 tongue is a tree of life,     but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5   A fool despises his father’s instruction,     but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6   In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,     but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7   The lips of the wise spread knowledge;     not so the hearts of fools.2 8   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,     but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. 9   The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,     but he loves him who pursues righteousness. 10   There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;     whoever hates reproof will die. 11   Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD;     how much more the hearts of the children of man! 12   A scoffer does not like to be reproved;     he will not go to the wise. 13   A glad heart makes a cheerful face,     but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14   The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,     but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15   All the days of the afflicted are evil,     but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. 16   Better is a little with the fear of the LORD     than great treasure and trouble with it. 17   Better is a dinner of herbs where love is     than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18   A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,     but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19   The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,     but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20   A wise son makes a glad father,     but a foolish man despises his mother. 21   Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,     but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22   Without counsel plans fail,     but with many advisers they succeed. 23   To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,     and a word in season, how good it is! 24   The path of life leads upward for the prudent,     that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25   The LORD tears down the house of the proud     but maintains the widow’s boundaries. 26   The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,     but gracious words are pure. 27   Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,     but he who hates bribes will live. 28   The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,     but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29   The LORD is far from the wicked,     but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30   The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,     and good news refreshes3 the bones. 31   The ear that listens to life-giving reproof     will dwell among the wise. 32   Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,     but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33   The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,     and humility comes before honor. 16   The plans of the heart belong to man,     but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2   All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,     but the LORD weighs the spirit.4 3   Commit your work to the LORD,     and your plans will be established. 4   The LORD has made everything for its purpose,     even the wicked for the day of trouble. 5   Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;     be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6   By steadfast love

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 13–14 Proverbs 13–14 (Listen) 13   A wise son hears his father’s instruction,     but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2   From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,     but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. 3   Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;     he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 4   The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,     while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. 5   The righteous hates falsehood,     but the wicked brings shame1 and disgrace. 6   Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,     but sin overthrows the wicked. 7   One pretends to be rich,2 yet has nothing;     another pretends to be poor,3 yet has great wealth. 8   The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,     but a poor man hears no threat. 9   The light of the righteous rejoices,     but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10   By insolence comes nothing but strife,     but with those who take advice is wisdom. 11   Wealth gained hastily4 will dwindle,     but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. 12   Hope deferred makes the heart sick,     but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13   Whoever despises the word5 brings destruction on himself,     but he who reveres the commandment6 will be rewarded. 14   The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,     that one may turn away from the snares of death. 15   Good sense wins favor,     but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.7 16   Every prudent man acts with knowledge,     but a fool flaunts his folly. 17   A wicked messenger falls into trouble,     but a faithful envoy brings healing. 18   Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,     but whoever heeds reproof is honored. 19   A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,     but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. 20   Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,     but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 21   Disaster8 pursues sinners,     but the righteous are rewarded with good. 22   A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,     but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. 23   The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,     but it is swept away through injustice. 24   Whoever spares the rod hates his son,     but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.9 25   The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,     but the belly of the wicked suffers want. 14   The wisest of women builds her house,     but folly with her own hands tears it down. 2   Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD,     but he who is devious in his ways despises him. 3   By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,10     but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4   Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,     but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. 5   A faithful witness does not lie,     but a false witness breathes out lies. 6   A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,     but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. 7   Leave the presence of a fool,     for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 8   The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,     but the folly of fools is deceiving. 9   Fools mock at the guilt offering,     but the upright enjoy acceptance.11 10   The heart knows its own bitterness,     and no stranger shares its joy. 11   The house of the wicked will be destroyed,     but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12   There is a way that seems right to a man,     but its end is the way to death.12 13   Even in laughter the heart may ache,     and the end of jo

Psalms and Wisdom: Proverbs 11–12 Proverbs 11–12 (Listen) 11   A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,     but a just weight is his delight. 2   When pride comes, then comes disgrace,     but with the humble is wisdom. 3   The integrity of the upright guides them,     but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. 4   Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,     but righteousness delivers from death. 5   The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,     but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. 6   The righteousness of the upright delivers them,     but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. 7   When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,     and the expectation of wealth1 perishes too. 8   The righteous is delivered from trouble,     and the wicked walks into it instead. 9   With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,     but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. 10   When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,     and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. 11   By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,     but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. 12   Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,     but a man of understanding remains silent. 13   Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,     but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. 14   Where there is no guidance, a people falls,     but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. 15   Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,     but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. 16   A gracious woman gets honor,     and violent men get riches. 17   A man who is kind benefits himself,     but a cruel man hurts himself. 18   The wicked earns deceptive wages,     but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. 19   Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,     but he who pursues evil will die. 20   Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD,     but those of blameless ways are his delight. 21   Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,     but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. 22   Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout     is a beautiful woman without discretion. 23   The desire of the righteous ends only in good,     the expectation of the wicked in wrath. 24   One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;     another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25   Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,     and one who waters will himself be watered. 26   The people curse him who holds back grain,     but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. 27   Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,2     but evil comes to him who searches for it. 28   Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,     but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. 29   Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,     and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30   The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,     and whoever captures souls is wise. 31   If the righteous is repaid on earth,     how much more the wicked and the sinner! 12   Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,     but he who hates reproof is stupid. 2   A good man obtains favor from the LORD,     but a man of evil devices he condemns. 3   No one is established by wickedness,     but the root of the righteous will never be moved. 4   An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,     but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5   The thoughts of the righteous are just;     the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6   The words of