Wisdom is knowledge applied.

These also are the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah the king of Judah transcribed:

It is the glory of God to keep a matter secret, and the glory of kings is to search through a matter.

As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Remove the dross from the silver, and it will emerge completely refined.

Remove the wicked one from the king’s presence, and his throne will be firmly established in righteousness.

Do not honor yourself before the king, and do not take a place among the prominent, for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than to humiliate you in the presence of a noble.

Do not rush into a legal dispute, for what will you do later if your neighbor humiliates you?

Plead your case with your neighbor, but do not reveal what you were told confidentially,

so that the one listening will not put you to shame and you spread a bad report that cannot be recalled.

Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to the receptive ear.

Just like the coldness of snow on the day of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who sent him, for he refreshes his master.

Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is a man who boasts about a gift never given.

By patience a commander is won over, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

If you find honey, eat only what you need, for if you take too much, you may vomit it up.

Rarely set foot in your neighbor’s house, so that he does not get tired of you and hate you.

Like a war club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man bearing false witness against his neighbor.

Like a broken tooth or an unsteady foot is confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble.

Like one who removes a garment on a cold day and like vinegar poured on soda is the one who sings songs to a gloomy heart.

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will be heaping burning coals on his head, and Jehovah will reward you.

The north wind brings a downpour, and a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.

Better to dwell on a corner of the roof than in the same house with a quarrelsome wife.

Like cold water on a tired soul is a good report from a distant land.

Like a muddied spring and a ruined well is a righteous person who gives in to a wicked one.

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

As a city broken through, without a wall, is the man who cannot control his temper.

#proverbs #biblereading #spirituality

Discuss...

We are not meant to crave the king’s delicacies, but to crave understanding.

When you sit down to eat with a king, Carefully consider what is before you.

Put a knife to your throat If you have a large appetite.

Do not crave his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.

Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth. Stop and show understanding.

When you cast your eyes on it, it is not there, For it will surely sprout wings like an eagle and fly off into the sky.

Do not eat the food of a stingy person; Do not crave his delicacies, For he is like one keeping accounts. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but he does not mean it.

You will vomit up the morsels you have eaten And will have wasted your compliments.

Do not speak in the ears of the stupid one, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Do not move an ancient boundary marker Or encroach on the field of the fatherless.

For their Defender is strong; He will take up their cause against you.

Apply your heart to discipline And your ear to the sayings of knowledge.

Do not hold back discipline from a boy. If you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

With the rod you should strike him, In order to save him from the Grave.

My son, if your heart becomes wise, Then my own heart will rejoice.

My innermost being will find joy When your lips speak what is right.

Let your heart not envy sinners, But be in the fear of Jehovah all day long.

For then you will have a future And your hope will not be cut off.

Listen, my son, and become wise, And direct your heart in the right way.

Do not be among those who drink too much wine, Among those who gorge themselves on meat, For a drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.

Listen to your father who caused your birth, And do not despise your mother just because she has grown old.

Buy truth and never sell it, Also wisdom and discipline and understanding.

The father of a righteous one will surely be joyful; Whoever fathers a wise son will rejoice in him.

Your father and your mother will rejoice, And she who gave birth to you will be joyful.

My son, do give your heart to me, And may your eyes take pleasure in my ways.

For a prostitute is a deep pit, And an immoral woman is a narrow well.

She lies in wait like a robber; She increases the number of unfaithful men.

Who has woe? Who has uneasiness? Who has quarrels? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bleary eyes?

Those lingering long over wine; Those searching out mixed wine.

Do not look at the wine’s red color As it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly, For in the end it bites like a serpent, And it secretes poison like a viper.

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

And you will be like one lying down in the middle of the sea, Like one lying at the top of a ship’s mast.

You will say: “They have struck me, but I did not feel it. They beat me, but I did not know it. When will I wake up? I need another drink.”

#proverbs #bible #reading #wisdom

Listen or suffer the consequence.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; to be respected is better than silver and gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common: Jehovah made them both.

The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, but the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.

The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches and glory and life.

Thorns and traps are in the crooked man’s path, but whoever values his life keeps far away from them.

Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

The rich one rules the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

Whoever sows unrighteousness will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will come to its end.

The generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Drive away the scornful man, and contention will disappear; disputes and insults will cease.

The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.

The eyes of Jehovah safeguard knowledge, but He overturns the words of the treacherous.

The lazy one says: “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the middle of the public square!”

The mouth of wayward women is a deep pit. The one condemned by Jehovah will fall into it.

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

The one defrauding the poor to increase his wealth and the one giving gifts to the rich will end up in poverty.

Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, in order to apply your heart to my knowledge, for it is pleasant to keep them deep within you, so that all of them may constantly be on your lips.

For your confidence to be in Jehovah, I am giving you knowledge today.

Have I not already written you, imparting advice and knowledge, to teach you true and reliable words, so that you can return with an accurate report to the one who sent you?

Do not rob the poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the lowly man in the city gate, for Jehovah himself will plead their cause, and he will take the life of those who defraud them.

Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man or get involved with one disposed to rage, so that you never learn his ways and ensnare yourself.

Do not be among those who shake hands in a pledge, who put up security for loans. If you have nothing to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you!

Do not move an ancient boundary marker that your forefathers put in place.

Have you seen a man skillful at his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before common men.

#biblereading #proverbs #reflection #essay #memoir #journal #osxs #100daystooffset #writing

Discuss...

A heart is the source of all life

A king’s heart is like streams of water in Jehovah’s hand. He directs it wherever He pleases.

All of a man’s ways seem right to him, but Jehovah examines the hearts.

To do what is right and just is more pleasing to Jehovah than a sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart— the lamp that guides the wicked is sin.

The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.

Gaining treasures by a lying tongue is like a vanishing mist, a deadly snare.

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to act with justice.

The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the activity of the pure man is upright.

Better to dwell on a corner of the roof than in the same house with a quarrelsome wife.

The wicked man craves what is bad; he shows no favor toward his neighbor.

When a ridiculer is punished, the inexperienced become wiser, and when a wise person receives insight, he gains knowledge.

The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked one; He overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

Whoever stops up his ear to the cry of the lowly one will himself call and not be answered.

A secret gift subdues anger, and a hidden bribe, fierce rage.

It is a joy for the righteous one to act with justice, but it is something terrible to those who practice evil.

The man who strays from the way of insight will rest in the company of those powerless in death.

The one who loves having a good time will come to poverty; the one who loves wine and oil will not grow rich.

The wicked one is a ransom for the righteous one, and the treacherous one will be taken in place of the upright.

Better to dwell in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome and irritable wife.

Precious treasure and oil are found in the house of the wise, but the stupid man will squander what he has.

Whoever pursues righteousness and loyal love will find life, righteousness, and glory.

A wise man can scale the city of the mighty and undermine the strength in which they trust.

The one guarding his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

A presumptuous, arrogant braggart is what you call the man who acts with reckless presumptuousness.

What the lazy man craves will put him to death, for his hands refuse to work.

All day long he greedily craves, but the righteous one gives, holding nothing back.

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable. How much more when he offers it with evil intent!

A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens will testify with success.

The wicked man puts on a bold face, but it is the upright one whose course is sure.

There is no wisdom, nor discernment, nor counsel in opposition to Jehovah.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but salvation belongs to Jehovah.

#biblereading #proverbs #spokenword

A man's heart is as deep waters

Wine is a ridiculer, alcohol is unruly; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes his anger risks his own life.

It is honorable for a man to refrain from a dispute, but every fool will become embroiled in it.

The lazy one does not plow in winter, so he will be begging during the harvest when he has nothing.

The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, but the discerning man draws them out.

Many men proclaim their loyal love, but who can find a faithful man?

The righteous one is walking in his integrity. Happy are his children who come after him.

When the king sits on the throne to judge, he sifts out all evil with his eyes.

Who can say: “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure from my sin”?

Dishonest weights and false measures— both are detestable to Jehovah.

Even a child is known by his actions, whether his behavior is pure and right.

The hearing ear and the seeing eye— Jehovah has made both of them.

Do not love sleep, or you will come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.

“It is no good, it is no good!” says the buyer; then he goes away and boasts about himself.

There is gold, also much coral, but the lips of knowledge are something precious.

Take a man’s garment if he has given security for a stranger; seize the pledge from him if he did so for a foreign woman.

Bread gained by deceit tastes good to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

By consultation, plans will succeed, and by skillful direction wage your war.

A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk; do not associate with one who loves to gossip.

Whoever curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished when darkness comes.

An inheritance obtained first by greed will not be a blessing in the end.

Do not say: “I will pay back evil!” Hope in Jehovah, and he will save you.

Dishonest weights are detestable to Jehovah, and deceptive scales are not good.

A man’s footsteps are directed by Jehovah; how can a man understand his own way?

It is a snare for a man to cry out rashly, “Holy!” and only later to give consideration to what he vowed.

A wise king sifts out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.

The breath of a man is the lamp of Jehovah, searching through his innermost being.

Loyal love and faithfulness safeguard the king; by loyal love he sustains his throne.

The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Bruises and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse one’s innermost being.

#biblereading #proverbs #spokenword

Wisdom from above

Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace than a house full of feasting along with quarreling.

A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully; he will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but Jehovah is the examiner of hearts.

A wicked man pays attention to hurtful speech, and a deceptive man listens to a malicious tongue.

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, and whoever rejoices over another’s disaster will not go unpunished.

Grandsons are a crown to the aged, and fathers are the glory of their sons.

Upright speech does not befit a fool. How much less does false speech befit a ruler!

A gift is like a precious stone to its owner; everywhere he turns, it brings him success.

Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, but the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.

A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding than striking a stupid person a hundred times.

A bad man seeks only rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him.

Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness.

If anyone repays bad for good, bad will not depart from his house.

Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave.

Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one— both of them are detestable to Jehovah.

What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom when he has no heart for acquiring it?

A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress.

A man lacking good sense shakes hands and agrees to put up security in the presence of his neighbor.

The one who loves conflict loves transgression. Anyone who makes his entryway high invites a crash.

The one who is crooked at heart will not find success, and the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin.

The one who fathers a stupid child will experience grief; and the father of a senseless child has no joy.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.

A wicked man will take a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.

Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth.

A stupid son brings grief to his father and heartache to the one who gave birth to him.

To punish the righteous one is not good, and to flog honorable people goes against what is right.

A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning man will remain calm.

Even a fool who keeps silent will be considered wise, and the one who seals his lips, discerning.

#biblereading #proverbs #wisdom

Discuss...

A man prepares the thoughts of his heart, But the answer he gives is from Jehovah.

All of a man’s ways seem right to him, But Jehovah examines the motives.

Commit to Jehovah whatever you do, And your plans will succeed.

Jehovah has made everything work for his purpose, Even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Everyone proud in heart is detestable to Jehovah. Be assured that he will not go unpunished.

By loyal love and faithfulness, error is atoned for, And by fearing Jehovah one turns away from bad.

When Jehovah is pleased with a man’s ways, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Better is a little with righteousness Than a large income without justice.

A man may plot out his course in his heart, But it is Jehovah who directs his steps.

Inspired decision should be on the lips of a king; He must never betray justice.

Honest balances and scales are from Jehovah; All the weights in the bag are his doing.

Wicked practices are detestable to kings, For the throne is firmly established by righteousness.

Righteous speech is a pleasure to kings. They love someone who speaks honestly.

The king’s rage is like a messenger of death, But the wise man appeases it.

In the light of the king’s face there is life; His favor is like a cloud of rain in spring.

How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is to be chosen over silver.

The highway of the upright avoids what is bad. Whoever safeguards his way preserves his life.

Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Better to be humble among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty.

The one who shows insight in a matter will find success, And happy is the one trusting in Jehovah.

The wise in heart will be called understanding, And the one kind in speech adds persuasiveness.

Insight is a fountain of life to those possessing it, But fools are disciplined by their own foolishness.

The heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight And adds persuasiveness to his speech.

Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

The appetite of a laborer makes him work hard For his hunger urges him on.

A worthless man digs up what is bad; His speech is like a scorching fire.

A troublemaker causes dissension, And a slanderer separates close friends.

A violent man entices his neighbor And leads him in the wrong way.

He winks his eye as he schemes harm. He pinches his lips together as he carries out mischief.

Gray hair is a crown of beauty When it is found in the way of righteousness.

The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, And the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city.

The lot is cast into the lap, But every decision by it is from Jehovah.

#biblereading #proverbs

The way of the wise is a quiet strength, rooted in reverence, blooming in restraint.

A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge, but the mouth of the stupid blurts out foolishness. The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, watching both the bad and the good.

A calm tongue is a tree of life, but twisted speech causes despair. A fool disrespects his father’s discipline, but a shrewd person accepts correction. In the house of the righteous one there is abundant treasure, but the produce of the wicked one brings him trouble.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of the stupid one. The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah, but the prayer of the upright is a pleasure to Him. Jehovah detests the way of the wicked one, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.

Discipline seems bad to one forsaking the way, but whoever hates reproof will die. The Grave and the place of destruction are in full view of Jehovah—how much more so the hearts of men! The scoffer does not love the one correcting him; he will not consult the wise.

A joyful heart makes for a cheerful countenance, but heartache crushes the spirit. The understanding heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of the stupid feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Better is a little in the fear of Jehovah than great wealth along with anxiety. Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened bull where there is hatred. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.

The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a level highway. A wise son makes his father rejoice, but a stupid man despises his mother. Foolishness is a joy to one lacking good sense, but the man of discernment walks straight ahead.

Plans fail when there is no consultation, but there is accomplishment through many advisers. A man rejoices in giving the right answer, and a word spoken at the right time—how good it is! The path of life leads upward to one with insight, to turn him away from the Grave below.

Jehovah will tear down the house of the haughty, but He will preserve the boundary of the widow. Jehovah detests the schemes of the wicked one, but pleasant sayings are pure to Him. The one making dishonest profit brings trouble on his own household, but the one hating bribes will keep living.

The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out bad things. Jehovah is far away from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Bright eyes make the heart rejoice; a good report invigorates the bones.

The one who listens to life-giving reproof is at home among the wise. Anyone refusing discipline despises his life, but whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding. The fear of Jehovah is a training in wisdom, and before glory there is humility.

#biblereading #proverbs #audiobook

The truly wise woman builds up her house, But the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

The one walking in his uprightness fears Jehovah, But the one whose ways are devious despises Him.

The rod of haughtiness is in the mouth of the fool, But the lips of the wise will protect them.

Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, But the power of a bull yields an abundant harvest.

A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness lies with every breath.

The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding.

Stay away from the foolish man, For you will not find knowledge on his lips.

By wisdom the shrewd man understands the way he is going, But the stupid are deceived by their foolishness.

Fools make fun of guilt, But among the upright, there is a willingness to reconcile.

The heart knows its own bitterness, And no outsider can share in its joy.

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

Even in laughter the heart may feel pain, And rejoicing may end in grief.

The one wayward at heart will reap the results of his ways, But the good man reaps the reward of his dealings.

The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd one ponders each step.

The wise one is cautious and turns away from evil, But the stupid one is reckless and overconfident.

The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated.

The naive will inherit foolishness, But the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.

Bad people will have to bow down before the good, And the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous.

The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person.

The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy.

Will not those who plot mischief go astray? But those intent on doing good will receive loyal love and faithfulness.

There is benefit in every kind of hard work, But mere talk leads to want.

The crown of the wise is their wealth; But the foolishness of the stupid is only foolishness.

A true witness saves lives, But a deceitful one lies with every breath.

There is strong confidence in the fear of Jehovah, And it will be a refuge for his children.

The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

A multitude of people are a king’s majesty, But a ruler without subjects is ruined.

The one who is slow to anger has great discernment, But the impatient one displays his foolishness.

A calm heart gives life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones.

The one who defrauds the lowly one insults his Maker, But whoever shows compassion to the poor glorifies Him.

The wicked one will be brought down by his own evil, But the righteous one will find refuge in his integrity.

Wisdom rests quietly in the heart of an understanding person, But among the stupid it must make itself known.

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is disgraceful to a people.

The king finds pleasure in a servant who acts with insight, But his fury is against the one who acts shamefully.

#biblereading #proverbs

Discuss...

Do not be fooled by the lamp of the wicked.

A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but the scoffer does not listen to a rebuke.

From the fruitage of his speech a man will eat what is good, but the very desire of the treacherous is for violence.

The one guarding his mouth protects his life, but the one opening his lips wide will come to ruin.

The lazy person has his cravings, yet he has nothing, but the diligent one will be fully satisfied.

The righteous one hates lies, but the actions of the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Righteousness protects the one whose way is innocent, but wickedness brings down the sinner.

There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; there is another who pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Riches are the ransom for a man’s life, but the poor are not even threatened.

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

Presumptuousness leads only to strife, but wisdom belongs to those who seek advice.

Wealth quickly gained will dwindle, but the wealth of the one who gathers it little by little will increase.

Expectation postponed makes the heart sick, but a desire realized is a tree of life.

Whoever despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects the commandment will be rewarded.

The teaching of the wise one is a source of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.

Keen insight wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is harsh.

The shrewd person acts with knowledge, but the fool exposes his own foolishness.

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Whoever neglects discipline comes to poverty and disgrace, but the one accepting correction will be glorified.

Desire when realized is sweet to a person, but the stupid hate to turn away from bad.

The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.

Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

The good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth will be stored up for the righteous one.

The plowed field of the poor yields much food, but it may be swept away by injustice.

Whoever holds back his rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.

The righteous one eats and satisfies his appetite, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

#biblereading #proverbs