No good comes from ill–gotten wealth, but righteousness rescues from death.

ADONAI does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Idle hands bring poverty; diligent hands bring wealth.

A sensible person gathers in summer, but he who sleeps during harvest is an embarrassment.

Blessings are for the head of the righteous, but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.

The memory of the righteous will be for a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

Wise–hearted people take orders, but a babbling fool will have trouble.

He who walks purely walks securely, but he who walks in crooked ways will be found out.

He who winks his eye (instead of rebuking) causes pain, yet a babbling fool will have trouble.

The speech of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.

Hate stirs up disputes, but love covers all kinds of transgressions.

On the lips of the intelligent is found wisdom, but a stick is in store for the back of a fool.

Wise people hide their knowledge, but when a fool speaks, ruin is imminent.

The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

The activity of the righteous is for life; the income of the wicked is for sin.

He who observes discipline is on the way to life; but he who ignores correction is making a mistake.

He who covers up hate has lips that lie, and anyone who slanders is a fool.

When words are many, sin is not lacking; so he who controls his speech is wise.

The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver, but the mind of the wicked is worth little.

The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.

The blessing of ADONAI is what makes people rich, and he doesn’t mix sorrow with it.

To a fool, vileness is like a game, as is wisdom to a person of discernment. What a fool dreads will overtake him, but the righteous will be given his desire.

When the storm has passed, the wicked are gone; but the righteous are firmly established forever.

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes is a lazy person to his employer.

The fear of ADONAI adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

What the righteous hope for will end in joy; what the wicked expect will come to nothing.

The way of ADONAI is a stronghold to the upright but ruin to those who do evil.

The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

The lips of the righteous know what is wanted, but the mouth of the wicked (knows) deceit.

First comes pride, then disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the duplicity of the treacherous destroys them.

On the day of wrath, wealth doesn’t help; but righteousness rescues from death.

The righteousness of the innocent levels their way, but the wickedness of the wicked makes them fall.

The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues.

When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; what he hopes for from evil comes to nothing.

The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked comes to take his place.

With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is joy.

By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up; but the words of the wicked tear it down.

He who belittles another lacks good sense, whereas a person of discernment stays silent.

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Without clever tactics an army is defeated, and victory comes from much planning.

He who guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer, but refusing to underwrite is safe.

A gracious woman obtains honor; aggressive men obtain wealth.

A man who is kind does himself good, but the cruel does harm to himself.

The profits of the wicked are illusory; but those who sow righteousness gain a true reward.

Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuer of evil goes to his own death.

The crooked–hearted are an abomination to ADONAI, but those sincere in their ways are his delight.

Depend on it: the evil will not go unpunished; but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig is a beautiful woman who lacks good sense.

The righteous desire only good, but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.

Some give freely and still get richer, while others are stingy but grow still poorer.

The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.

The people will curse him who withholds grain; but if he sells it, blessings will be on his head.

He who strives for good obtains favor, but he who searches for evil––it comes to him!

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.

Those who trouble their families inherit the wind, and the fool becomes slave to the wise.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.

If the righteous are paid what they deserve here on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

A good man obtains ADONAI’ s favor, but the schemer his condemnation.

No one is made secure by wickedness, but the roots of the righteous will never be moved.

A capable wife is a crown for her husband, but a shameful one is like rot in his bones.

The plans of the righteous are just, but the schemes of the wicked are deceitful.

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Once the wicked are down, it’s the end of them; but the house of the upright endures.

A person wins praise in keeping with his common sense, but a person with a warped mind is treated with contempt.

Better to be despised and have a servant than to boast of one’s status but have nothing to eat.

A righteous man takes care of his animal, but the wicked? Even his compassion is cruel.

He who farms his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows futilities has no sense.

The wicked covet the loot of evil men, but the root of the righteous gives forth of itself.

The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech, but the righteous finds a way out of trouble.

One can be filled with good as the result of one’s words, and one gets the reward one’s deeds deserve.

Fools suppose their way is straight, but the wise pay attention to advice.

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.

He who tells the truth furthers justice, but a false witness furthers deceit.

Idle talk can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise can heal.

Truthful words will stand forever, lying speech but a moment.

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but for those advising peace there is joy.

No harm can come to the righteous, but the wicked are overwhelmed with disaster.

Lying lips are an abomination to ADONAI, but those who deal faithfully are his delight.

A cautious person conceals knowledge, but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.

The diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but a kind word cheers him up.

The righteous guides his friend’s way rightly, but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.

A lazy man doesn’t roast what he hunted; but when a man is diligent, his wealth is precious.

In the road of righteousness is life; no death is in its pathway.

A (good) man enjoys good as a result of what he says, but the essence of the treacherous is violence.

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but one who talks too much comes to ruin.

The lazy person wants but doesn’t have; the diligent get their desires filled.

A righteous person hates lying, but the wicked is vile and disgraceful.

Righteousness protects him whose way is honest, but wickedness brings down the sinner.

There are those with nothing who pretend they are rich, also those with great wealth who pretend they are poor.

The rich man may have to ransom his life, but a poor man gets no threats.

The light of the righteous (shines) joyfully, but the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

Insolence produces only strife, but wisdom is found with those who take advice.

Wealth gotten by worthless means dwindles away, but he who amasses it by hard work will increase it.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

He who despises a word will suffer for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.

The teaching of a wise man is a fountain of life, enabling one to avoid deadly traps.

Good common sense produces grace, but the way of the treacherous is rough.

Every cautious person acts with knowledge, but a fool parades his folly.

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

Poverty and shame are for him who won’t be taught, but he who heeds reproof will be honored.

Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning away from evil is abhorrent to fools.

He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer.

Evil pursues sinners, but prosperity will reward the righteous.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

The fields of the poor may yield much food, but some are swept away because of injustice.

He who fails to use a stick hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

The righteous person eats his fill, but the belly of the wicked is empty.

A person with upright conduct fears ADONAI, but a person who is devious scorns him.

From the mouth of a fool sprouts pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean; but much is produced by the strength of an ox.

An honest witness will not lie, but a false witness lies with every breath.

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge comes easily to someone with discernment.

Keep clear of a fool, for you won’t hear a sensible word from him.

The wisdom of the cautious makes him know where he is going, but the folly of fools misleads them.

Guilt offerings make a mockery of fools; but among the upright there is good will.

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger can share its joy.

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

There can be a way which seems right to a person, but at its end are the ways of death.

Even in laughter the heart can be sad, and joy may end in sorrow.

A backslider is filled up with his own ways, but a good person gets satisfaction from himself.

One who doesn’t think believes every word, but the cautious understands his steps.

A wise person fears and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and overconfident.

He who is quick–tempered does stupid things, and one who does vile things is hated.

Thoughtless people inherit folly, but the cautious are crowned with knowledge.

The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

The poor are disliked even by their peers, but the rich have many friends.

He who despises his fellow sins, but he who shows compassion to the humble is happy.

Won’t those who plot evil go astray? But grace and truth are for those who plan good.

In all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty.

The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is just that––folly.

A truthful witness saves lives, but a liar misdirects (judgment).

In the fear of ADONAI is powerful security; for his children there will be a place of refuge.

The fear of ADONAI is a fountain of life enabling one to avoid deadly traps.

A king’s glory lies in having many subjects; if the prince’s people are few, it is his ruin.

Being slow to anger goes with great understanding, being quick–tempered makes folly still worse.

A tranquil mind gives health to the body, but envy rots the bones.

The oppressor of the poor insults his maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

The wicked are brought down by their wrongdoing, but the righteous can be confident even at death.

Wisdom is at rest in a person with discernment, but in fools it has to call attention to itself.

Righteousness makes a nation great, but sin degrades any people.

A king shows favor to a servant with good sense, but his wrath strikes one who shames (him).

All a man’s ways are pure in his own view, but ADONAI weighs the spirit.

If you entrust all you do to ADONAI, your plans will achieve success.

ADONAI made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of disaster.

ADONAI detests all those with proud hearts; be assured that they will not go unpunished.

Grace and truth atone for iniquity, and people turn from evil through fear of ADONAI.

When a man’s ways please ADONAI, he makes even the man’s enemies be at peace with him.

Better a little with righteousness than a huge income with injustice.

A person may plan his path, but ADONAI directs his steps.

Divine inspiration is on the lips of the king, so his mouth must be faithful when he judges.

The balance and scales of justice have their origin in ADONAI; all the weights in the bag are his doing.

It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness.

The king should delight in righteous lips, and he should love someone who speaks what is right.

The king’s anger is a herald of death, and one who is wise will appease it.

When the king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like the clouds that bring spring rain.

How much better than gold it is to gain wisdom! Yes, rather than money, choose to gain understanding.

Avoiding evil is the highway of the upright; he who watches his step preserves his life.

Pride goes before destruction, and arrogance before failure.

Better to be humble among the poor than share the spoil with the proud.

He who has skill in a matter will succeed; he who trusts in ADONAI will be happy.

A wise–hearted person is said to have discernment, and sweetness of speech adds to learning.

Common sense is a fountain of life to one who has it, whereas fools are punished by their own folly.

The wise man’s heart teaches his mouth, and to his lips it adds learning.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healing for the body.

There can be a way which seems right to a person, but at its end are the ways of death.

A working man’s appetite acts on his behalf, because his hunger presses him on.

A worthless person digs up evil (gossip) ––it is like scorching fire on his lips.

A deceitful person stirs up strife, and a slanderer can separate even close friends.

A violent man lures his neighbor astray and leads him into evil ways.

One who winks knowingly is planning deceit; one who pinches his lips together has already done wrong.

White hair is a crown of honor obtained by righteous living.

He who controls his temper is better than a war hero, he who rules his spirit better than he who captures a city.

One can cast lots into one’s lap, but the decision comes from ADONAI.

The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.

The eyes of ADONAI are everywhere, watching the evil and the good.

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but when it twists things, it breaks the spirit.

A fool despises his father’s discipline, but he who heeds warnings is prudent.

The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

ADONAI detests the sacrifices of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the upright.

ADONAI detests the way of the wicked but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.

Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way, and whoever can’t stand correction will die.

Sh’ol and Abaddon lie open to ADONAI; so how much more people’s hearts!

A scorner does not like being corrected; he won’t go to the wise (for advice).

A glad heart makes a face happy, but heartache breaks the spirit.

The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

For the poor, every day is hard; but the good–hearted have a perpetual feast.

Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry.

Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall–fattened ox with hate.

Hot–tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.

The lazy person’s way seems overgrown by thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

A wise son is a joy to his father, and only a fool despises his mother.

Folly appeals to one who lacks sense, but a person of discernment goes straight ahead.

Without deliberation, plans go wrong; but with many advisers, they succeed.

People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is!

For the prudent, the path of life goes upward; thus he avoids Sh’ol below.

ADONAI will pull down the houses of the proud, but preserves intact the widow’s boundaries.

ADONAI detests plans to do evil, but kind words are pure.

The greedy for gain brings trouble to his home, but he who hates bribes will live.

The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the mouth of the wicked spews out evil stuff.

ADONAI is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayer of the righteous.

A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart, and good news invigorates the bones.

He who heeds life–giving correction will be at home in the company of the wise.

He who spurns discipline detests himself, but he who listens to correction grows in understanding.

The discipline of wisdom is fear of ADONAI, so before being honored, a person must be humble.

“He who corrects a scoffer only gets insulted; reproving a wicked man becomes his blemish. If you reprove a scoffer, he will hate you; if you reprove a wise man, he will love you.

Give to a wise man, and he grows still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will learn still more.

The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of holy ones is understanding. For with me, your days will be increased; years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, your wisdom helps you; but if you scoff, you bear the consequences alone.”

The foolish woman is coarse; she doesn’t think, and she doesn’t know a thing. She sits at the door of her house or on a seat at the heights of the city, calling to those who pass by, to those going straight along their ways, “Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!” To someone weak–willed she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he doesn’t realize that the dead are there, and that those who accept her invitation are in the depths of Sh’ol.

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister”; call understanding your kinswoman; so that they can keep you from unknown women, from loose women with their seductive talk.

For I was at the window of my house, glancing out through the lattice, when I saw among the young men there, among those who don’t think for themselves, a young fellow devoid of all sense.

He crosses the street near her corner and continues on toward her house. Dusk turns into evening, and finally night, dark and black.

Then a woman approaches him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She’s the coarse, impulsive type, whose feet don’t stay at home; rather, she stalks the streets and squares, lurking at every streetcorner.

She grabs him, gives him a kiss, and, brazen–faced, she says to him, “I had to offer peace sacrifices, and I fulfilled my vows today. This is why I came out to meet you, to look for you; now I’ve found you.

I’ve spread quilts on my couch made of colored Egyptian linen. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

Come on, let’s make love till morning; we’ll enjoy making love. My husband isn’t at home, he’s gone on a long trip; he took a bag of money with him and won’t be back till the moon is full.” With all her sweet talk she convinces him, enticing him with her seductive words.

At once he follows her like an ox on its way to be slaughtered; like a fool to be punished in the stocks; or like a bird rushing into a trap, not knowing its life is at stake till an arrow pierces its liver.

So now, children, listen to me; pay attention to what I am saying. Don’t let your heart turn to her ways; don’t stray onto her paths. For many are those she has struck down dead, numerous those she has killed. Her house is the way to Sh’ol; it leads down to the halls of death.

Do this now, my son, and extricate yourself, since you put yourself in your friend’s power: go, humble yourself, and pester your friend; give your eyes no sleep, give your eyelids no rest; break free, like a gazelle from the (hunter’s) trap, like a bird from the grip of the fowler.

Go to the ant, you lazybones! Consider its ways, and be wise. It has no chief, overseer or ruler; yet it provides its food in summer and gathers its supplies at harvest–time.

Lazybones! How long will you lie there in bed? When will you get up from your sleep? “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer, just fold my hands for a little more sleep”––and poverty comes marching in on you, scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.

A scoundrel, a vicious man, lives by crooked speech, winking his eyes, shuffling his feet, pointing with his fingers. With deceit in his heart, he is always plotting evil and sowing discord. Therefore disaster suddenly overcomes him; unexpectedly, he is broken beyond repair.

There are six things ADONAI hates, seven which he detests:

1. a haughty look,
2. a lying tongue,
3. hands that shed innocent blood,
4. a heart that plots wicked schemes,
5. feet swift in running to do evil,
6. a false witness who lies with every breath,
7. and him who sows strife among brothers.

My son, obey your father’s command, and don’t abandon your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart, tie them around your neck.

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you wake up, they will talk with you.

For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to life. They keep you from an evil woman, from a loose woman’s seductive tongue.

Don’t let your heart lust after her beauty or allow her glance to captivate you. The price of a whore is a loaf of bread, but the adulteress is hunting for a precious life. Can a man carry fire inside his shirt without burning his clothes? Can a man walk (barefoot) on hot coals without scorching his feet? So is he who has sex with his neighbor’s wife; anyone touching her will be punished.

A thief is not despised if he steals only to satisfy his appetite when hungry; but even he, if caught, must pay back sevenfold; he may have to give up all the wealth that he owns.

He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get nothing but blows and contempt, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.

For jealousy drives a man into a rage; he will show no mercy when he takes revenge; he will not accept compensation; he’ll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.