Proverbs and Wisdom

The word of God came to the people of Israel in different ways. We have already dealt
with the origin of the prophetic and historical books: they arose from the prophets’ preach-
ing and from the reflection of religious circles on the history of Israel.
However, other believers preferred to meditate on human behavior, the vicissitudes of
life, the different fortunes of those who are irresponsible and those who control their desires.
In particular, they wanted to understand God’s justice in this world.
The wisdom of people of all times has developed around these themes. We hear about
Chinese wisdom, Hindu wisdom… Yet, the wisdom of the Middle East may have come first.
There had been an abundance of wisdom writings for almost thirty centuries before Christ
both in Egypt and Mesopotamia (as we know, Palestine is between the borders of these two
countries).
Having come to culture later, the Israelites took part in this “sapiential” literature at the
time of king Solomon who had gathered the first “sages.” Their first works (such as chap-
ters 10–31 of Proverbs) owed a great deal to their Egyptian predecessors although, for the
most part, they merely used the “proverbs” or the “maxims” of popular wisdom. In turn, by
their writings, they were to help every effort in developing the instruction and moral sense
of future generations. There must have been a Temple school where young people received
their formation by learning, meditating and developing the sages’ proverbs and instruction.
The Jewish people were profoundly marked by this wisdom which shines through al-
most all the parables and “sayings” of Jesus who was formed at that school.
This literature, what the religious community has preserved and accepted, is no less the
word of God than the prophetic books. Even if, at times, this wisdom seems a bit pedestrian
and utilitarian, it does attest to many convictions of the Jewish and the Christian faiths,
namely, as human beings, we are responsible for our actions; experience is a teacher of truth
and it is the touchstone of what sages have declared; God created the world and he reveals
himself in his creation. Finally, our wisdom has its limits and beyond that, we can only put
our trust in the justice and the providence of God.
The greater part of the Book of Proverbs is very old (chaps. 10–31). The first section
(chaps. 1–9), however, is much recent, around the second century before Christ. There we
find a meditation on the Wisdom of God, from which all human wisdom proceeds. The height
of all this contemplation in divine Wisdom is found in the famous eighth chapter.
 PROVERBS 1 1016

• 1 These are proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

1 2
for you to obtain wisdom and instruction,
to penetrate words of significance,
3
to acquire well-ordered knowledge,
and become just with discernment and integrity.
4
Simple people will become clever
and the young will acquire understanding and foresight.
5
Let the wise man listen: he will add to his learning,
and the man of sound judgment will acquire skill,
6
to understand the proverbs and sayings,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
Ps
7
The beginning of knowledge is the fear of Yahweh,
111:10;
Job only fools have contempt for wisdom and discipline.
28:28

Avoid the company of evildoers Listen to me today

6:20 8
Listen, my son, to the teaching of • 20 Wisdom shouts aloud in the 8:1-10;
your father, do not ignore your mother’s streets, she raises her voice in the 9:3;
Jn 7:37
Sir 6:24; instruction: 9 for they will be your grace- marketplace; 21 at street corners she
6:29
ful crown, a precious chain around your
neck. cries; she delivers her speeches at
10
My son, if sinners try to tempt you, the city gates:
do not give in. 22
“You ignorant people, how long
11
They will invite you, “Come with us, will you continue to cling to your
let us spill blood, let us ambush the in- foolishness? How long will mockers
nocent without a second thought. 12 We revel in their mockery, and fools
will engulf them as does the netherworld
and snatch them suddenly as does have contempt for knowledge?
death. 13 We will help ourselves to many 23
Listen to my warning. I will now
riches and fill our houses with booty. pour my spirit upon you and make
14
Join forces with us; one purse will be you know my words.
shared between us!” 24
Indeed if I cry out and you re- Is 65:2;
15
My son, do not go with them, do not 65:12;
set foot along their way. 16 See how they fuse to listen, if I offer my hand and 66:4;
speed on to evil! How they hasten to spill no one cares, 25 if you ignore my ad- Jer 7:13

blood! vice and reject my warning, 26 I, in

17
What bird would fall into a trap if turn, will laugh at your disaster, I will
you set it up in its sight? 18 But these peo- sneer when terror grips you; 27 when
ple stalk themselves and set a trap for terror comes down on you like a hur-
their own lives.
19
Such is the lot of all who live by ricane, and distress and anxiety be-
plunder: plunder will rob them of their fall you.
own lives. 28
Then people will cry to me but I Jer 11:11;
Jn 7:34

• 1.1 From the beginning, people are di- Yahweh” make fidelity and obedience to his
vided into two groups. On one hand, the wise word the basis of their decisions.
which includes the intelligent, clever and re-
sponsible; on the other hand, the foolish, in- • 20. An invitation to be converted today.
cluding also those who are stupid, lying and evil. Tomorrow will be too late. Jesus will say the
The beginning of knowledge is the fear of same: Matthew 7:21 and 25:1.
Yahweh. This word “fear” does not have for Wisdom shouts aloud in the streets. Who
us the meaning it had in the Bible. It is not, in will be able to say that no one awakened him
fact, a matter of being afraid of God, but to be and showed him the way? Subhuman condi-
conscious of acting in his presence and of tions of life make a people irresponsible, but
being responsible to him. Those who “fear irresponsible people also make a subhuman
 1017 PROVERBS 3

will not respond. They will seek me standing will protect you. 12 It will guard
but will not find me, 29 because they you from evil, from people of misleading
despised knowledge and did not speech, 13 from those who have aban-
doned the ways of honesty to walk the
choose the fear of Yahweh; 30 they roads of darkness; 14 they rejoice in evil-
would not listen to any advice and doing, they revel in perversions; 15 their
they rejected all my warnings. paths are crooked and their ways devious.
31
They will harvest the fruit of 16
Wisdom keeps you from the alien
their evil ways and have their fill of woman, from the stranger with her
their own designs. 32 For the error of smooth words, 17 who deserts the partner
of her youth and forgets the covenant of
the ignorant leads to death, the idle- her God.
ness of fools brings about their ruin. 18
For her house inclines towards death, Is 14:9
33
But whoever listens to me will her paths towards the grave. 19 Those
feel secure and at ease, without fear who go to her never return, they do not
of evil.” regain the paths of life.
20
So you will walk along the way of
It is good to acquire wisdom the good, and keep to the paths of the
• 1 My son, if you heed my words and virtuous. 21 For the honest will inherit the Ps 37:9;
2 value my commands, 2 with your ear land; the people of integrity will live on it. 37:29

attentive to wisdom and your heart obe-

22
The evildoers instead will be cut off Mt 5:4
dient to understanding; 3 if you call for from the land. The wicked will be rooted
perception and raise your voice for in- out of it.
sight; 4 if you seek it as silver and search
for it more than any treasure 5 then you
1
My son,do not forget my instruction,
Mt 13:
44-46; will understand the fear of Yahweh, and
3 my commands; keep them in your
Job
28:28 you will find the knowledge of God. heart. 2 For they will bring you length of
6
For Yahweh gives wisdom and from days, years of life and peace.
his mouth come knowledge and insight.
3
Let loyalty and kindness never leave 6:21;
you; tie them around your neck, write 7:3;
7
He reserves his help for the upright and Dt 6:6-9
is a shield for those who walk in integrity; them on the tablet of your heart, 4 that
8
he guards the ways of the just and pro- you may find favor and a good name in Rom 12:
the eyes of God and people. 16-17;
tects the steps of his faithful. Lk 2:52
9
Then you will understand justice,
Put wisdom into practice
discernment and integrity—all that leads
you to happiness. • 5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart;
10
Wisdom will abide in your heart and do not rely on your own insight. 6 Let his
knowledge will comfort your inner self. presence pervade all your ways and he
11
Foresight will guide you and under- will protect your foot from the snare.

world. All are invited, however, to come out of • 3.5 The first paragraph deals with the at-
their passivity. titudes leading to wisdom: humility, being will-
They did not choose the fear of Yahweh. ing to sacrifice what God wants, not becoming
It is easy to excuse oneself: “There is no mal- discouraged when the Lord corrects us, that is
ice on my part; it is a question of negligence.” to say, when we are tested (see Heb 12:5 and
Wisdom rejects these excuses. Negligence is a Rev 3:19).
form of contempt for God. The proverbs insist on the value of advice,
discipline, correction: to live as one pleases,
• 2.1 The wisdom of God protects those according to one’s fantasies causes all sorts of
who love it against evil influences. They are no misfortune: this is a saying of Proverbs (see
longer like straw carried off by the wind, or in 5:12).
our world a number lost in the crowd, submis- Then the years of your life will be multi-
sive to the pressure of media and the attrac- plied (4:10). The teachings of wisdom assure
tions of the consumer world. They resist the you of life and well-being. It is even healthy for
call of drunkards, of frivolous women and of the body (3:8 and 4:22).
unscrupulous companions.
 PROVERBS 3 1018
7
Do not consider yourself wise, fear time; tomorrow I will give it to you!”
God, and turn away from evil. 8 This will when you can help him now.
be a medicine to your body and a relief 29
Do not plot evil against your Jer 12:6
to your bones.
9
Honor Yahweh, giving him from what neighbor who lives trustingly beside
you have, the first fruits of all your pro- you, 30 nor fight a man without cause
duce. 10 Then your barns will be filled to when he has done you no wrong.
overflowing, your vats will brim over with 31
Do not envy the man of violence or
wine. follow his example.
Heb 11
My son, do not scorn the discipline 32
For Yahweh hates the wicked
12:5-6
of Yahweh; do not ignore his correction.
Rev 3:19; 12
For Yahweh corrects those he loves, as
but guides the honest. 33 He curses
Dt 8:5
a father does his beloved son. the house of the evildoer but blesses
the home of the upright. 34 If there are Jas 4:6;
13
Happy the one who finds wis- mockers, he mocks them in turn but 1P 5:5;
Sir 3:18,
dom and gains insight. 14 For she is he shows his favor to the humble. 20
of more value than silver and more 35
The wise will possess his glory
useful than gold. 15 She is more pre- while the foolish will inherit disgrace.
cious than pearls; nothing you could
wish for would compare with her. Keep to the right path
16
With her right hand she offers you 1
Listen, my sons, to a father’s in-
length of days, with her left, riches 4 struction and pay attention so that
and glory. 17 She leads you through you may gain insight. 2 For I have given
delightful ways; all her roads are you good principles; do not discard my
teaching!
peace. 3
For when I, too, was a young boy,
Gen 2:9;
18
She is a tree of life for those who and my mother fondly looked on me as
3:22;
Jn 6:35 clasp her; those who possess her are special, 4 my father taught me and said 7:2;
to me: Treasure my words in your heart; 8:35
happy.
8:22-31
19
It is by his wisdom that Yahweh listen to my directions and you will live.
founded the earth; by his under-
5
Acquire wisdom and insight and do
not forget or reject the words of my
standing that he made firm the heav- mouth. 6 Do not abandon wisdom for she
ens. 20 By his knowledge the depths will protect you. Love her and she will be
were scooped out, and the clouds your salvation.
rained down dew. 7
The beginning of wisdom is to work
21
My son, hold on to sound judg- to acquire it. At the cost of all you pos-
ment and discretion and do not let sess, strive to gain insight. 8 Hold her
close, for she will exalt you and bring you
them out of your sight. 22 They will honor if you embrace her. 9 She will
give life to your inner self, and adorn crown you with grace and put a diadem
your neck. of splendor on your head.
23
Then you can go your way 10
Listen, my son, and take my words
safely and your foot will not stumble. to heart; then the years of your life will
be multiplied.
24
You will have no fear when you lie 11
Because I have taught you the way
down and your sleep will be peace- of wisdom and have guided you along
ful. 25 You will not fear sudden terror honest ways, 12 you will walk with ease
or the attack of evildoers. 26 For Yah- and run without falling. 13 Hold firm to dis-
weh is at your side and he guards cipline; never let her go. Guard her well
your steps from the snare. for she is your salvation.
14
Do not follow the way of the wicked
27
Do not hold back from those nor walk with evildoers. 15 Avoid them,
who ask your help, when it is in your turn your back on them and pass on.
power to do it. 28 Do not say to your 16
For they do not sleep unless they have
neighbor, “Go away! Come another done evil; they cannot rest unless they
1019 PROVERBS 5

have caused someone’s downfall. 17 Wick- 7

Now then, my son, listen to me and
edness is their bread and violence their do not forget my words: 8 Stay away from
wine. her and never approach the door of her
18
The way of the upright is like the house, 9 lest you surrender your honor to
dawn that becomes brighter until the full- strangers and your best years to cruel
ness of day. 19 The way of the wicked is men, 10 lest others benefit from your
total darkness and they do not notice goods, and your earnings go to an alien
that which will make them fall. house.
20
My son, be attentive and listen care-
11
You will complain in the end, when
fully to my words. 21 Never let them out your body and flesh are already de-
of your sight but guard them in the bot- voured and 12 you will say, “Why did I re-
tom of your heart. 22 For they are life to ject instruction and turn my back on
those who cling to them and healing for sound advice? 13 Why did I not listen to
the inner spirit. the voice of my teachers and follow their
counsel? 14 For I have come to the depths
• 23 Above all else, guard your heart, of disgrace in the midst of the whole
for therein is the source of life. 24 Keep community.”
your mouth from lies and let not deceit
come from your lips. • 15 Drink, then, from the water of
25
Keep your sight on what is ahead your own cistern, from that which
and your eyes directed straight in front of flows in your own well. 16 Do not let
you. 26 Test the ground under your feet your fountains be wasted elsewhere
and all your ways will be secure. 27 Turn nor in the public streets. 17 They are
neither to left nor to right and keep your for you alone and not for strangers.
path from evil. 18
May your fountainhead be Ecl 9:9

Beware of the adulteress blessed and may you find joy in the
1
My son, pay heed to my wisdom wife of your youth, 19 your beautiful
5 and listen to my insights; 2 remember hind and graceful gazelle! May her
my counsel and let your lips not depart breasts be your delight at all times:
from this knowledge. be always in love with her.
3
Know that the lips of the adulteress 20
My son, why be infatuated with
are sweet as honey and her words an adulteress and embrace a strange
smoother than oil, 4 but the outcome is woman? 21 For Yahweh watches the
bitter as herbs. It is as sharp as a double-
edged sword.
ways of men and he observes all
5
Her feet go down to the grave and
their paths.
her steps lead to death. 6 She pays no at-
22
The wicked will be caught in his
tention to the path of life and strays with- own evil and remain entangled in the
out knowing it. nets of his own sin. 23 He will die for

• 4.23 Above all else, guard your heart, consequences of licentiousness. It invites a
for therein is the source of life. Let us not for- man to value the intimacy of his marriage and
get that in the Bible “heart” signifies all that is after many years to be able to continue being
interior in humans: their conscience, deepest the lover of his wife: be always in love with her.
desires, own criteria. It is a call not to allow It is strange that today it is necessary to be
oneself to be carried away by activism, nor to reminded of such things in a society of abun-
shut our eyes to a particular aspect of our con- dance where infidelity is extolled as if it multi-
duct, to search among our motives where it is plied the possibilities of enjoyment and of find-
very easy for a good intention to be accompa- ing oneself. The contempt for fidelity and the
nied by others that are less noble. All are to be family is the first cause of death in a country:
put under the light of faith. children become rare and selfishness is the
law. The Bible knows that people only reach
• 5.15 Drink, then, from the water of your maturity by respecting a law and that sexual
own cistern. Let people be responsible first in liberty only brings decline to a disenchanted
their married life. This chapter deals with the heart.
 PROVERBS 5 1020

want of discipline and will drown in 23

For the commandment is a lamp and
the rising tide of his own evil. the teaching a light; correction teaches
you the way of life.
27:13; • 1 My son, if you have stood bail for 24
It will protect you from the evil wom-
Sir 8:13 6 your neighbor or guaranteed the an, the smooth talking of the stranger.
word of a stranger; 2 if you have commit-
25
Do not covet her beauty in your heart
ted yourself with your own lips, know that or let her captivate you with her looks.
you have trapped yourself with your own
26
For the prostitute deserves a piece of
words. 3 Then do this, my son: release bread but the adulteress hunts after your
yourself. If you have fallen into the hands worthy life.
of your neighbor, go speedily, kneel
27
Can you hold fire in your pocket
down and plead with him; 4 do not give without setting fire to your clothes or
sleep to your eyes or rest to your eyelids.
28
walk on hot coals without burning your
5
Break free, like a gazelle from the trap feet? 29 So it is for the man who ap-
or a bird from the hand. proaches his neighbor’s wife: all who
touch her will be punished.
The idlers and the fools 30
One does not condemn the hungry
thief who steals to fill his stomach; 31 nev-
6
You idler, go to the ant, watch her
ertheless, if he is caught, he must pay
ways and be wise. 7 She has no master,
sevenfold and give all the goods in his
no steward or overseer. 8 She secures
house. 32 How senseless is the adulterer!
food in summer and stores up provisions
Whoever commits adultery destroys
during harvest time.
himself. 33 He will reap blows and con-
9
How long, you idler, are you going to tempt and his disgrace will not be erased.
lie around? When do you intend to rise 34
Jealousy inflames the husband’s
from sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little drows- heart and when he can take revenge he
iness and your laziness creeps upon you will have no mercy. 35 He will accept noth-
24:33-34; and then, like a tramp, 11 poverty comes, ing, neither reparation nor lavish gifts.
Ecl 4:5
bringing misery like a vagabond.
12
The villain, the unjust man, goes 1
My son, keep my words and re-
about with a sneer on his lips, 13 winking 7 main faithful to my commands.
his eye, shuffling his feet and beckoning 2
Hold fast to my instruction and you will 4:4;
with his finger. 14 His heart is deceitful; he have life; treasure my teachings as the 8:35
is forever plotting evil and causing argu- apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your
ments. 15 Therefore, disaster will suddenly fingers, write them on the tablets of your
and irrevocably overtake him. heart. 4 Let wisdom be your sister and
16
There are six things Yahweh hates; knowledge your friend, 5 so that you will 2:16
seven his inner being detests: 17 the proud be saved from the adulterous woman,
look, the lying tongue, hands which spill from the stranger with her enticing
innocent blood, 18 the depraved heart, words.
feet which speed towards evil, 19 a false 6
From my window I was looking out
and lying witness and the one who sows through the lattice and 7 I saw among the
discord among people. young men, an inexperienced youth
1:8
20
My son, respect your father’s in- 8
who walked along the road near her
struction and do not reject your mother’s corner, towards the path to her house. 9 It
3:3 teaching. 21 Hold them forever in your was dusk, daylight was fading—the time
heart and hang them around your neck. of darkness and shadow. 10 And look!
22
These will guard your footsteps, protect Out comes this woman to meet him,
you when you sleep and speak to you on dressed like a prostitute, covered with a
waking. veil.

• 6.1 Here we have all kinds of advice. Verses 9-11. Being lazy about getting up:
see also 26:14.
Verses 1-5. A person who is responsible, Following this passage, there is a long dis-
however generous and obliging he may be, al- course on the consequences of adultery which
ways thinks before committing himself. is accompanied by a life of lies and slavery.
1021 PROVERBS 8
11
She is brazen and shameless, un- bags and will not return before the full
able to remain in the house. 12 Now at the moon.”
corner, now in the square, she is on the 21
She led him astray with such
lookout. 13 She throws herself at him, smooth and seductive words.
kisses him and confidently says, 14 “I 22
At once he followed her, as an ox
have to offer sacrifices and terminate my led to slaughter or a deer caught in a
vows; because of this 15 I came out to snare 23 until its liver is pierced by an Ecl 7:26
meet you. I sought and found you. 16 I arrow; as a bird springs at the snare un-
have spread on my bed quilts and fine aware that its life is at stake.
Egyptian sheets and 17 sprinkled it with 24
Now then, my sons, listen and pay
myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let attention to my words. 25 Do not be led
us abandon ourselves to pleasure and astray or lose yourself on her paths. 26 For
drink our fill of love all night, 19 for my she has brought many to their death and
husband is not at home but away on a the strongest were all her victims. 27 Her
long journey. 20 He has taken his money- house leads to hell and death.

Wisdom calls
• 1 Who calls? Is it not Wisdom?
8 Who lifts up her voice?
2
Is it not Knowledge?
She shouts from the hilltops
and waits by the crossroads;
3
in the vicinity of the city gates she speaks, 1:20-33

4
“To you, people, I call,
for my message is directed to all that live,
5
so that the ignorant may learn
and the thoughtless come to their senses.
6
Listen to me for I speak of vital things
and everything I say is true.
7
Truthful words come from my mouth
and my lips do not lend themselves to evil.
8
All my words are right,
none are twisted or deceitful.
9
The intelligent will verify their truth,
the wise perceive their sincerity.
10
Prefer my teaching to silver
and seek wisdom rather than gold,
11
because wisdom has more value than any jewel
and all that you may desire cannot equal it.

• 8.1 Wisdom speaks again in this poem. enables us to be leaders and to undertake re-
We understand that this Wisdom is the wisdom sponsible tasks. Finally success in life.
found in the books of the Bible. Biblical words Many youths and adults who are not well ed-
are the Word of God and because of that even ucated think they will always be inferior: they
when they seem naive, or “old hat” at times, do not believe they are capable of performing
they are always bearers of life (Jesus will say well either in ministry or in community devel-
that the word of God is a seed). opment. They must realize that the regular
All the benefits that will be reaped by the fre- study of the Bible will not only strengthen their
quent reading of the Bible are listed: to begin faith, but be a starting point for human wisdom
with, the fear of God, that is to say, appreci- and enabling them to guide others.
ating God above all things. Then culture that
 PROVERBS 8 1022

I, Wisdom, dwell with discretion

12

and count prudence among my friends.

13
The fear of Yahweh is rejection of evil.
I hate all pride, arrogance, wicked ways and lies,
Is 11:2
14
but I love counsel, discretion, prudence and strength.
15
Kings reign by my power,
their ministers issue just laws;
Wis 9:12
16
by me princes govern,
and the great and noble of the earth as well.
17
I love those who love me
and go to meet those who seek me.
18
Riches and honor are with me,
true well-being and upright living.
19
More precious than silver and gold
are my fruit and my yield.
20
I proceed on the path of righteousness
and make use of the ways of justice,
21
giving riches to those who love me,
and filling their cellars.

Yahweh formed me at the beginning

Sir 1:4, 9; • 22 Yahweh created me first,
24:9;
Gen 1:1 at the beginning of his works.
Jn 1:1
23
He formed me from of old,
from eternity, even before the earth.
24
The abyss did not exist when I was born,
the springs of the sea had not gushed forth,
25
the mountains were still not set in their place

• 22. Yahweh created me first, at the be- dom, the Power, the Providence of God as if
ginning of his works. Note the poetic way of they were both something of God and some-
presenting wisdom as if it were someone, as if thing different from him, like characters shar-
it were a daughter of God: I was his daily de- ing God’s mysterious life and through whom
light, forever playing in his presence; play- he is involved in human affairs.
ing throughout the world. Such figures of This is a way of preparing for the great rev-
speech contain a religious discovery of the last elation which will happen with the coming of
centuries before Christ. Jesus. God is one in three persons and from
For a very long time the Bible insisted on the beginning his eternal Son “through whom
the fact that there is only one God and that he all things were made” and who came to live
has nothing to do with the countless gods of among us was with the Father (see Jn 1:1-4;
the pagans. Now believers sense that there is Col 1:15 and Heb 1:2-3).
something missing in their knowledge of Yah- Thus Wisdom is a figure of Christ. Christians
weh. How can God be a source of life and love came to see it as an image of their mother,
if he is locked up in his solitude? Thanks to the Mary. In fact, more than any other creature,
Bible, believers know that besides being the she was present in God’s plans from the be-
Almighty and Holy God, the Lord becomes ginning and deserves to be called “Throne of
present to his people, in the Temple and the Wisdom” since she was so intimately united
Cloud, and that he reveals himself to the with the Son, the Wisdom of God.
prophets to whom he sends his Spirit. Happy are those who listen to me (v. 34).
Thus, in the last books of the Old Testa- Thus the Wisdom of God speaks to the begin-
ment, the authors speak of the Spirit, the Wis- ner taking his first steps in search of wisdom.
1023 PROVERBS 9

nor the hills, when I was born

before he made the earth or countryside,
26

or the first grains of the world’s dust.

27
I was there when he made the skies
and drew the earth’s compass on the abyss,
28
when he formed the clouds above
and when the springs of the ocean emerged;
29
when he made the sea with its limits, Job 38:8
that it might not overflow.
When he laid the foundations of the earth,
30
I was close beside him,
the designer of his works,
and I was his daily delight,
forever playing in his presence,
31
playing throughout the world Bar 3:37;
Jn 1:14
and delighting to be with humans.
32
Now then, my sons, listen to me:
happy are those who follow my ways.
33
Listen to my teaching and gain wisdom;
do not ignore it.
34
Happy are those who listen to me
and wait at my gates every day,
watching, close to my threshold.
35
Those who find me find life:
theirs is Yahweh’s blessing.
36
Those who offend me will undergo affliction;
they hate me for they love death.

Wisdom invites to her table

• 1 Wisdom has built her house Mt 22:1-4
9 set upon seven pillars;

Who is this beginner? Perhaps the one who We find two similar texts in Wisdom 7:21
enrolled in a reading course because she and Sirach 24:5.
wanted to better her situation; or one who ded-
icates his days off to taking a course in unions • 9.1 We will easily discover the image of
in order to serve better his fellow workers; or Christ in these few verses. Wisdom is the
the one who studies at night after work; or the image of the Son of God.
one who does not go to bed without having We find the invitation to the banquet in Mat-
read a biblical passage with his wife, etc. The thew 22:4. Rich and poor, sensible and foolish
wisdom you will gain comes from God himself, people, all are called to change their lives.
the source of all truth, who calls men and
women to share in his wisdom. The bread and the wine which Wisdom
This student may not reach a highly-prized gives will one day be the body and blood of
knowledge, nor will he graduate with honors Christ (see Jn 6).
in this world! It does not matter. Because he God is always present in our lives; he gives
decided to live more responsibly and to de- himself and nourishes us. We are invited to
velop his human potential, God will see him as open our hands to take what he offers. Each
one of his children and one day, will give him day, he gives us what we need to solve the
the true wisdom which is in God. problems of humanity now.
 PROVERBS 9 1024

she has slaughtered her beasts,

2

prepared her wine and laid her table.

3
Next, she sent her servants to call
from the central square of the city,
4
“Pass by here, you who are fools.”
To the senseless she says,
Is 55:1-3;
5
“Come, eat and drink
Jn 6:35
of the bread and wine I have prepared.
6
Give up your foolishness and you will live;
take the straight path of discernment.”
7
He who corrects a mocker gains in- your advantage, but if you mock you
sults; and he who reprimands an evildoer alone will be harmed.
receives abuse. 8 Do not rebuke the 13
Lady Foolishness is impetuous, a
mocker lest he hate you, but counsel the simpleton who knows nothing. 14 She sits
wise who will be grateful. 9 Give to the at the door of her house, on a throne in
wise man and he will become wiser each the central square of the city, 15 to invite
day; teach an upright man and he will in- all passersby, “Come here, whoever is ig-
crease his wisdom. norant.” 16 To the foolish she says, 17 “Sto-
10
Fear of Yahweh is the beginning of len waters are sweet and pilfered bread
wisdom and to know the Holy One brings is the tastiest.”
discernment. 11 Then I will multiply your 18
But he does not see the Shadow
days and increase your years of life. 12 If world lying there; nor realize that its guests
you are wise your wisdom will work to are heading towards the abyss of death.

SECOND PART: THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON

15:20; • 1 A wise son is his father’s joy, a 5
The prudent man reaps in summer;
17:25;
19:13
10 foolish one his mother’s heart- the one who sleeps at harvest time de-
break. serves scorn.
2
Treasures wrongfully acquired are of 6
Blessings on the head of the upright
no value but upright living saves from man! Violence silences the cry of the
death. wicked.
3
Yahweh does not let the righteous go 7
The righteous will be remembered
hungry but he denies satisfaction to the with blessings, the name of the wicked
evildoers. will rot away.
4
The lazy hand brings poverty; the 8
The wise of heart is open to instruction,
diligent hand brings wealth. the chattering fool speeds towards ruin.

• 10.1 Here is the oldest part of the Book Christian intuition that comes much later in the
of Proverbs. It is a collection of proverbs and plan of God. He is a good educator and it has
sayings attributed to king Solomon (chaps. 11– taken him centuries to give his people wisdom.
22). Then will follow proverbs from other These proverbs point to qualities suitable for
sources. See 22:17; 24:23; 25:1; 30:1 and responsible persons:
31:1.
Here, more than elsewhere, it is fitting to re- – farsighted, self-assured, capable of perse-
call that the words of the Bible are at one and vering in their behavior and not lazy;
the same time the word of God and human – being prudent and not trusting anyone (see
words. As word of God, they contain a teach- 12:23; 14:6; 14:15; 25:17);
ing that always has value. There are also – being just and able to forgive (28:2; 31:8;
human words, words of wisdom gathered by 21:26; 25:21);
an ancient people through experience in a cul- – being in control of one’s tongue (13:3);
ture different from our own. We cannot expect – being able to correct one’s children (13:1).
 1025 PROVERBS 11
9
Whoever behaves honorably will 31
Wisdom springs forth from the Ps 37:30
walk safely, but the follower of crooked mouth of the virtuous but the corrupt
ways will be punished. tongue will be torn out. 32 Goodness
10
The wink of an eye brings trouble; dwells on the lips of the upright, corrup-
but a rebuke wins peace. tion in the mouth of the wicked.
11
The mouth of the righteous is a
source of life, but violence is concealed 1
Yahweh detests a false scale but
in the mouths of evildoers. 11 a just weight pleases him.
1Cor 12
Hatred enkindles disputes, love cov- 2
Disgrace always accompanies pride;
13:7; ers over all offenses. wisdom resides with the humble.
1P 4:8 13
Wisdom is to be found on the lips of 3
Honesty illumines the path of the up-
the discerning man; the stick is for the right; but the corrupt are confounded by
fool’s back. their own evil.
14
The wise store up learning but the 4
On the day of vengeance riches will
mouth of the fool makes way for ruin. prove useless but honest living will save
15
The rich man’s fortune is his for- from death.
tress, the poverty of the poor is their un- 5
The virtuous man’s integrity smooths
doing. his way, while the wicked man falls by his
16
The virtuous man’s toil brings him own evil.
life, while the sins of the evil man destroy 6
Upright living saves the virtuous
him. while evildoers are caught in their own
17
Respect for discipline is the path of greed.
life; he who ignores correction is doomed. 7
The hope of the wicked is buried
18
Hypocritical is he who tolerates ha- with them and their trust in riches is of no
tred; he who slanders is a fool. avail.
Jas 3:8;
19
Sin will not be lacking where too 8
The upright will escape from dis-
3:2; many words are spoken; the prudent tress; a wicked man will take his place.
1:19
man controls his tongue. 9
The godless man uses his mouth to
20
The upright man’s tongue is pure destroy his neighbor but the virtuous use
silver, but the hearts of evildoers have lit- their wisdom to save themselves.
tle value. 10
The city rejoices in the good fortune
21
The lips of one righteous feed many of the upright and delights in the ruin of
people while fools die for lack of sense. the wicked.
Ps 127:1
22
The blessing of Yahweh brings rich- 11
A city is raised on the blessing of
es, no effort can replace it. the upright and destroyed by the mouth
23
The fool delights in doing evil and of the wicked.
the wise man in acquiring wisdom. 12
Whoever mocks his neighbor is a
24
The evildoer will encounter the evil fool; an intelligent person chooses si-
he dreaded whereas the upright man will lence.
receive what he looked forward to. 13
The gossip reveals secrets, but the
25
After the storm the wicked man is trustworthy man keeps a secret.
seen no more, but the upright man re- 14
Lack of guidance leads to a nation’s
mains forever. decline whereas numerous counselors
26
The lazy man is like vinegar to the bring success.
teeth and smoke to the eyes of his mas- 15
He who stands bail for a stranger
ter. harms himself; he who avoids going bail
27
Fear of Yahweh lengthens one’s life, will be safe.
but the years of the wicked will be cut 16
A gracious woman wins renown,
short. and bold men acquire riches.
28
The hope of the upright ends in hap- 17
The generous man does himself a
piness but the expectations of the wicked favor while a cruel man wounds his own
come to nothing. flesh.
29
The ways of Yahweh are a fortress 18
The pay of the wicked is an illusion;
for the upright but for evildoers only ruin. while the upright man reaps a sure re-
30
The righteous will never be dis- ward.
turbed but evildoers will not survive on 19
Upright living leads to life but the
the land. way of evil leads to death.
 PROVERBS 11 1026
20
Yahweh detests the corrupt of heart rupt of heart will be met with con-
but loves those whose life is upright. tempt.
21
Be assured that the wicked will not 9
Better to be a common man and
go unpunished, but those who are right-
eous will be saved.
have a servant than to feel oneself
22
The pretty woman without discre- great and run short of bread.
tion is like a gold ring in the snout of a
10
The upright man looks after his
pig. animals but the wicked are heart-
23
The upright desire nothing but good; less.
the desires of the wicked are in vain. 11
He who cultivates the earth will
24
Those who are generous increase have his fill of bread, while the fool
their riches; others are misers and im-
poverish themselves.
chases after illusions.
25
The warmhearted soul will prosper;
12
The desires of the wicked pro-
he who waters will himself be watered. duce evil, but the roots of the virtu-
Gen 26
He who hoards wheat is cursed by ous produce fruit.
41:56
the people; blessed is he who sells his 13
The wicked man is entangled in
seeds. his own lies, but the virtuous man
27
Yahweh rewards the one who seeks will be saved from misfortune.
good; but he who pursues evil will be
caught by it.
14
Those who meditate on wisdom
28
He who trusts in riches will stumble; will attain all that is good; each one is
while the upright will flourish like leaves. rewarded according to the works of
29
Whoever mismanages his house will his hands.
inherit only wind; the fool will end up a 15
The fool considers his way right
slave of the wise. while the wise man listens to advice.
30
The fruit of the upright is a tree of 16
The fool shows his annoyance
life while the wicked are uprooted before
their time. immediately, but the discreet man
31
If here on earth the upright get their overlooks an insult.
due, how much more the wicked and the
17
The trustworthy witness leads to
sinner! the truth, and the liar to confusion.
18
The one who speaks thought-
1
He who loves discipline, loves lessly pierces like a sword; but the
12 knowledge; foolish is he who re- words of the wise bring healing.
jects correction.
2
The good man wins the favor of Yah-
19
Truthful words endure forever
weh who condemns the one of evil but lies, for only a moment.
schemes. 20
Deceit dwells in the heart of the
3
No man is made secure by evil but schemer, happiness in those who
nothing undermines the roots of the up- pursue peace.
right. 21
No misfortune will befall the vir-
4
A good wife is her husband’s crown
while the shameless woman is like a can- tuous but the wicked will have their
cer in his bones. fill of troubles.
5
The plans of the upright are honest 22
Yahweh hates the lips of liars
and the plottings of the wicked deceitful. and loves those who speak the truth.
6
The words of the wicked are mortal 23
The discreet man conceals his
snares but the virtuous refute and elude wisdom while fools make public their
them.
nonsense.
7
The evildoers are thrown down 24
The hardworking hand will rule;
and are no more; but the house of and the lazy will have to obey.
the virtuous will never crumble. 25
Intense grief depresses the heart
8
Everyone is praised in propor- while a friendly word makes it glad.
tion to his prudence; while the cor- 26
The just man guides his neigh-
 1027 PROVERBS 14

bor while the way of the wicked leads wisdom; those who befriend fools be-
them astray. come wicked.
27
The lazy hand will have no
21
Misfortune hounds the sinner, while
the upright abound in good fortune.
game to cook: being industrious is 22
A good man’s inheritance is for his
the secret of wealth. children’s children, a sinner’s wealth will
Mt 7:13;
28
Life is to be found on the path of be kept for the virtuous.
Jn 14:6
virtue, the way of the wicked leads to 23
The tillage of the poor supplies
death. food, while others perish because of their
lack of righteousness.
1
An intelligent child listens to his 24
Unloved is the child whom the fa-
13 father’s advice, but a mocker lis- ther hates to punish; the loving father fre-
tens to no correction. quently corrects.
2
A man can taste goodness from the 25
The upright man eats his fill, while
fruit of his own mouth, but the treacher- the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
ous feed on violence.
3
He who guards his mouth preserves 1
Wisdom builds her house, foolish-
his life, the constant talker is lost. 14 ness destroys it with her own hands.
4
The lazy man hopes but his desires 2
Upright living is fear of Yahweh, but
are in vain, whereas hard workers have he who is devious in his ways scorns
their desires fulfilled. him.
5
The righteous hates lying words but 3
From the fool’s mouth comes the
the evildoer slanders and defames. rod of his pride, the wise man’s lips pro-
6
Virtue protects those of honest life; tect him.
while sin brings ruin to the wicked. 4
Where there’s no oxen, there’s no
7
One pretends to be rich but has wheat, in the oxen’s strength there’s
nothing, another, of great wealth, feigns abundant harvest.
poverty. 5
The truthful witness does not lie; the
Ecl 5:11 8
A man’s wealth lets him ransom his false witness breathes deceit.
life but the poor man has nothing with 6
The mocker searches for wisdom in
which to do so. vain; knowledge comes easily to the dis-
9
The light of the virtuous is bright, the creet man.
lamp of the godless is extinguished. 7
Keep away from the fool for you will
10
Arrogance only brings trouble; wis- find no wisdom in his words.
dom is found in those who take advice. 8
The wisdom of the discreet man lies
11
Sudden riches will decrease, he who in guarding his conduct, but the foolish-
gathers little by little will be enriched. ness of fools is full of deceit.
12
Delayed hope makes the heart lan- 9
Fools never make amends, while
guish, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. goodwill dwells among the upright.
Dt 4:40 13
The one who scorns teaching will be 10
The heart understands its own grief;
in want, those who respect the com- no stranger can share in its joy.
mandment will be rewarded. 11
The house of the wicked will be de-
14:27; 14
The wise man’s teaching is a life- stroyed, but the tent of the upright will
Sir 21:13
giving fountain for escaping the snares of stand firm.
death. 12
To one, his way appears correct, but
15
Prudent intelligence wins favor, the in the end it leads to death.
way of liars leads nowhere. 13
The heart feels pain in the midst of
16
Every prudent man acts with reflec- laughter, and joy ends in sorrow.
tion, the fool parades his stupidity. 14
The reckless man reaps the fruit of
17
A wicked messenger falls on mis- his ways; the good man will earn re-
fortune, the reliable one brings healing. ward.
18
Poverty and shame to the one who 15
The simpleton believes all he’s told,
rejects correction; honor to him who ac- the prudent man watches his step.
cepts rebuke. 16
The wise man fears and avoids evil,
19
Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul; the fool goes near and feels safe.
but fools spurn rejection of evil. 17
The angry man does foolish things,
20
Walk with the wise and you will gain the crafty man makes himself hated.
PROVERBS 14 1028
18
Foolishness is the inheritance of 2
The tongue of the wise speaks knowl-
fools, the prudent choose wisdom as edge, but the mouth of fools spreads stu-
their crown. pidity.
19
The wicked shall kneel before the 3
The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere,
good, and the godless, before the gates watching the good and the evil.
of the virtuous. 4
The pacifying tongue is a tree of life,
20
The poor man is detestable even to while the viper’s tongue destroys the
his neighbor while the rich man has heart.
many friends. 5
Paternal correction is scorned by the
21
A sinner is he who looks down on fool, but the one who listens shows dis-
his neighbor, happy is he who shows pity cretion.
to the poor. 6
Abundance resides in the house of
22
Does evil plotting not lead to ruin? the virtuous, but disgrace descends on
Do goodness and sincerity not belong to the profits of the wicked.
those devoted to good? 7
The lips of the wise sow knowledge
23
Hard work yields a profit but the whereas the fool’s thoughts are not safe.
idler brings misfortune. 8
Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the
24
Wealth is the wise man’s crown, wicked, but listens to the prayer of the
foolishness the diadem of fools. honest man.
25
A truthful witness saves lives; he 9
Yahweh abhors the conduct of the
who lies will be lost. wicked but loves him who seeks virtue.
10
Correct severely him who strays
26
There is great security in the fear from the way; whoever hates being re-
of Yahweh, his sons find refuge in him. buked will die.
27
The fear of Yahweh is a life-giv- 11
Yahweh sees into hell and the abyss;
ing fountain for escaping the snares how much more into the hearts of the
of death. sons of men!
12
The mocker does not like being rep-
28
Numerous people are a king’s rimanded; he does not go to the wise.
glory; lack of subjects ruins a prince. 13
A glad heart brightens the face, a
29
The discerning man is slow to sad one weighs down the spirit.
anger, the impatient one displays 14
A discerning heart seeks knowl-
stupidity. edge, but the mouth of fools feeds on
30
A peaceful heart is the body’s stupidity.
15
Every day is evil to the afflicted
life but the passions are a cancer in one; while the happy heart is always
the bones. feasting.
31
Oppression of the weak in- 16
Better to have little but fear the Lord Ps 37:16
sults their creator, he is honored by than to have a fortune accompanied by
those who have compassion on the anxiety.
needy.
17
Better to have vegetables where
there is love than to have a fattened ox
32
The evildoer is overthrown by with nothing but hatred.
his own evil, the upright man feels 18
The hotheaded man provokes dis-
safe up to death. putes, while the one slow to anger rec-
33
Wisdom resides in the heart of onciles differences.
the discerning; who ever sees her 19
The way of the lazy is strewn with
among fools? thorns, but the path of hard workers is a
spacious road.
34
Virtue makes a nation great; the 20
The wise child is his father’s joy, but
sinner disgraces a people. the foolish despises his mother.
35
The clever servant enjoys the 21
Foolishness appeals to the man
king’s favor but the fool has to suffer with no sense but the discerning man
his anger. goes on his way.
22
Plans fall through for lack of delib-
1
A kind answer soothes anger; while eration; a multitude of counselors en-
15 a cutting word increases wrath. sures success.
 1029 PROVERBS 16
23
Happy is he who knows how to an- but it is Yahweh who makes his foot-
swer. Welcome indeed is the apt word! steps sure.
24
To the discerning man, the way of 10
The lips of the king utter or-
life leads upward; he will be saved from
the place of darkness below. acles; he will not be mistaken when
Dt 19:14 25
Yahweh tears down the house of the he judges.
proud, but he strengthens the widow’s
11
Yahweh demands a just balance
boundaries. and scales; the weights are the work
26
Yahweh detests corrupt designs but of his hands.
words of goodness are pleasing to him.
Am 2:6; 27
He who craves dishonest gain 12
Kings who do evil are an abomina-
Is 1:23
brings trouble on his house; he who ac- tion; it is justice that supports the king-
cepts no tempting bribes will live. ship.
28
The man of upright heart thinks be- 13
He who judges according to justice
fore he speaks, the mouth of the wicked wins the king’s favor, honest men are
pours out evil. pleasing to him.
29
Yahweh stays far away from the 14
The king’s anger is a messenger of Ecl 10:4
wicked but hears the prayer of the virtu- death but the wise man knows how to
ous. appease him.
30
A kind look delights the heart, good 15
The king’s serene countenance
news revives one’s strength. means life, his favor is like the spring rain.
31
The ear which listens to helpful cor- 16
Better to have acquired wisdom
rection is found among the wise. rather than gold, discernment rather than
32
He who ignores correction despises silver.
himself, he who heeds the reprimand ac- 17
The way of the honest man is to
quires discernment. turn away from evil; he who watches his
33
The fear of Yahweh is a school of steps keeps his life safe.
wisdom; humility precedes praise. 18
Pride goes before destruction, an ar-
rogant spirit before a fall.
1
Man’s heart makes plans but
19
Better be humble among the lowly
16 it is Yahweh who answers.
than share loot with the proud.
20
He who listens to the word will find
2
Although people are satisfied happiness; blessed is he who trusts in
with all of their deeds Yahweh con- Yahweh.
siders the motives. 21
He whose heart is wise will be pro-
3
Entrust all you do to Yahweh and claimed discerning; moderate speech
your plans will be realized. brings knowledge.
22
Good sense is a life-giving fountain
4
Yahweh made everything for a to those who possess it, foolishness is the
purpose, even the evildoer for the punishment of fools.
day of punishment. 23
The wise man’s heart keeps guard
5
Yahweh hates the arrogant heart; over his mouth, making his words more
you can be sure it will not go unpun- effective.
ished.
24
Kind words are like a honeycomb:
6
With goodness and faithfulness sweet to the spirit and healthy to the
body.
you atone for your sin; with fear of 25
To one, his way seems honest, but
Yahweh you may turn away from ultimately it leads to death.
evil. 26
The worker’s appetite works to his
7
When Yahweh is pleased with a benefit; the need to eat spurs him on.
man’s conduct, he reconciles even
27
The troublemaker prepares dis- Jas 3:6

his enemies with him. grace, a scorching fire is on his lips.

28
The scoundrel stirs up trouble; his
8
Better to have little but be just critical comments split up friends.
than to have a great income without 29
A violent man deceives his neighbor
honesty. and leads him along a path that is not
9
Man’s heart seeks the right way good.
 PROVERBS 16 1030
30
He who closes his eyes and purses 18
He who is full of promises and goes
his lips to plot deceit already commits evil. bail for his neighbor has no sense.
Sir 25: 31
White hairs are a magnificent crown 19
The sinner loves disputes, the man
4-6;
Wis 4:9
for the one who has followed the path of of arrogant words hastens his own ruin.
virtue. 20
The man of double-dealing does not
32
The patient man is to be preferred find happiness, the sly tongue falls into
to the hero; better the man who masters disgrace.
himself than the conqueror of cities. 21
He who fathers a fool has acquired
33
Fate is thrown in the bag but the de- misery, there is no joy for a fool’s father.
cision depends on Yahweh. 22
A joyful heart gives health to the
body, while a sad spirit dries up the
1
Better a crust of dry bread in bones.
17 peace than the discord of a house 23
The corrupt man takes bribes to
full of feasting. pervert the course of justice.
2
A shrewd servant will replace the 24
The discerning man keeps wisdom
foolish son of the master and will share before his eyes; the fool’s eyes are on
the inheritance as one of the brothers. every corner of the world.
3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for 25
The foolish son is a worry to his fa-
gold but Yahweh is the tester of hearts. ther and distress to her who gave him
4
The evil plotter listens to the lips of birth.
liars; and the liar gives an ear to the cor- 26
It is not right to fine the upright; the
rupt tongue. noble ought not to be beaten.
5
He who mocks the poor insults their 27
The prudent of speech are wise; he
Creator, he who laughs at the deprived who keeps his temper is an educated
will not go unpunished. man.
6
The crown of the aged is their chil- 28
Then the fool, if silent, can pass as
dren’s children, the children’s glory is wise; the clever man keeps his lips sealed.
their father.
7
Noble language does not suit the 1
He who holds himself aloof fol-
fool and even less do lies suit a prince. 18 lows his own whims and is an-
8
The giver of gifts possesses a treas- noyed at others’ advice.
ure, wherever he goes he will succeed. 2
The fool does not relish reflection but
9
Whoever covers over a fault pro- only the airing of his own views.
motes friendships, but he who reveals a 3
When the wicked come, scorn also
word divides friends. comes, and offense brings shame.
10
A discerning man is more im- 4
Man’s words are like deep waters; an
pressed by a reprimand than a fool is by overflowing torrent is the fountain of wis-
a hundred lashes. dom.
11
The wicked man seeks nothing but 5
It is not good to give consideration
rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent to the wicked or to harm the virtuous
against him. when giving judgment.
12
It is better to meet with a bear de- 6
The fool’s lips cause disputes and his
prived of her cubs than with a fool in his mouth attracts blows.
foolishness. 7
The fool’s mouth is his undoing; his
13
He who repays good with evil will lips will ensnare his life.
not rid his house of evil. 8
The gossiper’s words are tasty
14
To begin legal proceedings is like mouthfuls which go right to the bottom
opening a dam; withdraw before the dis- of the stomach.
pute erupts. 9
He who dawdles at work is a brother
15
To excuse the guilty and condemn of the destroyer.
the just: both are detestable to Yahweh. 10
Yahweh’s name is a strong tower,
16
What good is money in a fool’s the virtuous rely on it and are safe.
hand? How can he buy wisdom? He has 11
The rich man’s wealth is his
no sense. fortress; he relies on it as on a high wall.
17
A friend will love you at all times, a 12
Before its downfall, the heart is
brother has been born to you for times of wrapped in pride; while humility goes be-
adversity. fore honor.
 1031 PROVERBS 20
13
To argue before listening to the ously, still less that a slave command
facts shows stupidity which leads to dis- princes.
grace. 11
A clever man is slow to anger; his
14
The spirit of man sustains him when glory lies in forgetting offenses.
ill but who will lift the one of broken 12
The angry king is like a roaring lion
spirit? but his favor is like the dew on the grass.
15
The discerning heart obtains wis- 13
The foolish son is the ruination of
dom, the ear of the wise searches out his father; the nagging wife is like a drip-
knowledge. ping gutter.
16
A present opens all doors to you 14
House and wealth are inherited from Sir 25:16
and brings you into the company of the a father but a sensible wife is a gift from
powerful. Yahweh.
17
The first to plead his case seems to 15
Laziness makes a man fall asleep,
be right, but his opponent appears and the idler will go hungry.
there is matter for trial. 16
He who keeps the commandment
18
Casting lots terminates disputes and keeps his life; he who despises it dies.
decides between the powerful. 17
He who shows compassion to the Mt 25:40
19
A brother who is helped is more poor lends to Yahweh, who will repay his
steadfast than a fortress but quarrels are good deed.
like the bars of a castle. 18
Correct your son as long as there is
20
A man is filled with what comes hope, lest you be responsible for his
from his mouth and is nourished by what death.
his lips provide. 19
The violent man leaves himself
21
The tongue has power over life and open to a fine; if you spare him he will
death, those who like speaking will eat its continue.
fruit. 20
Listen to counsel and accept cor-
22
He who finds a wife finds happiness, rection, and you will be wise in the end.
he has won Yahweh’s favor. 21
Plans abound in the human heart
23
The poor man pleads, while the rich but only Yahweh’s purpose will be real-
man responds harshly. ized.
24
Some friends only bring ruin, others 22
Goodness is attractive in a person;
are closer than a brother. better a poor man than a liar.
23
Love of Yahweh leads you to life;
1
Better the poor man who lives you will have your fill and live without
19 honestly than the fool who lies. fear.
2
It is bad for men not to reflect, and 24
The lazy man dips his hand in the
acting too quickly can lead one astray. dish but he cannot even lift it to his
3
A man spoils his chances through mouth.
his own stupidity but it is against Yahweh 25
Punish the mocker and the ignorant
that his heart rages. will be more careful; rebuke a discerning
4
Wealth multiplies friends, but the man and he will listen to reason.
poor man is deprived of his only friend. 26
He who dispossesses his father and
5
The false witness will not go unpun- evicts his mother is a shameful and de-
ished, the liar will not escape. generate son.
6
Many are the flatterers of the noble 27
My son, listen to instruction and
man, the whole world is a friend to the stop straying from the words of wisdom.
rich man. 28
An unworthy witness makes a
7
A poor man is hated by all his broth- mockery of justice; the mouth of the
ers, and even more so do his friends wicked feeds on evil.
desert him. He searches for someone to 29
Punishments were made for mock-
talk to but finds no one. ers and blows, for the backs of fools.
8
He who acquires wisdom loves him-
self, he who respects knowledge will be 1
Wine leads to vulgarity and strong
happy. 20 drink, to bravado; he who strays in
9
The false witness will not go unpun- it will never be wise.
Ecl 10: ished, the liar will perish. 2
The angry king is like a roaring lion;
6-7 10
It is not good that a fool live luxuri- whoever provokes him risks his life.
 PROVERBS 20 1032
3
It is good for man to avoid quarrels; 27
Man’s spirit is Yahweh’s lamp which Job 32:8;
Mt 6:22;
it is the fool who does not master him- searches the hidden places of the heart. 1Cor 2:11
self. 28
Goodness and loyalty keep guard Is 16:5
4
Autumn is over, yet the fool does no over the king; his throne stands due to
work; come the harvest, he searches and goodness.
finds nothing. 29
Energy is the adornment of youth,
5
Counsel is like deep water in the white hair the dignity of age.
heart, the discerning man has only to 30
Bleeding wounds purify evil, blows
draw it out. bring healing to the inner self.
6
Many are called good but where can
the trustworthy man be found?
21 ofInthe
the hands of Yahweh, the heart
1

7
The upright man who works honestly king is like running water; he
will make his sons happy after him. directs it wherever he wishes.
8
The king who sits in judgment dis- 2
To the eyes of man all his ways are 16:2;
covers evil at a single glance. honest but it is Yahweh who weighs the Lk 16:15

Job 4:17 9
Who can say, “I have purified my heart.
heart, I am cleansed from sin?” 3
To do what is upright and just
10
The crooked measure and scales— pleases Yahweh more than sacrifice.
these are the things that Yahweh detests. 4
Haughty looks, proud heart, the light
11
The child reveals himself in his of the wicked is sin.
deeds: whether his actions are honest 5
The plans of a hardworking man re-
and upright. sult in earnings; poverty is for those who
4:11 12
The ear that hears, the eye that act too hastily.
sees, Yahweh has made them both. 6
To make a fortune by means of de-
13
Do not love sleep lest you become ceit is like running after the wind; the end
poor; keep your eyes open and you will is death.
have your fill of bread. 7
The violence of the wicked carries
14
“No good, no good,” says the buyer them away because they refuse to prac-
but off he goes congratulating himself. tice justice.
15
Although you have gold and abun- 8
The way of the criminal is devious;
dance of pearls, the most valuable but honest are the ways of the innocent
adornment is lips which speak wisely. man.
16
Get rid of his clothes because he 9
Better the corner of a barn to live
has stood bail for a stranger; arrest him in than a house shared with a raging
for the profit of those unknown! woman.
17
Stolen bread tastes good but later 10
The soul of the wicked desires noth-
on your mouth is full of sand. ing but evil; not even his friend is treated
18
Plans take shape, thanks to advice; with compassion.
do battle, then, with wise strategies. 11
When the mocker is punished the
19
The gossiper reveals secrets; have ignorant man grows wise; when the wise
nothing to do with chatterers. man is instructed he grows in knowledge.
20
Whoever curses his father and 12
The Just One watches the house of
mother will see his lamp extinguished in the evildoer and hurls the wicked into
the midst of darkness. misfortune.
21
Advantage hastily gained in the be- 13
He who is deaf to the poor man’s
ginning will not be blessed in the long run. cry will not be heard when he himself
22
Never say, “I will take revenge.” calls out.
Trust in Yahweh; he will save you. 14
A discreet gift pacifies anger, a bribe
23
Yahweh detests false weights; it diverts violent rage.
does no good to have false scales. 15
Upright men are glad when justice
24
Yahweh directs a man’s steps, who reigns but evildoers tremble.
can know where his way leads? 16
He who departs from the ways of
Dt 23:22 25
It is dangerous to make hasty prom- prudence will sleep in the assembly of
ises to Yahweh and only then reflect on the Shades.
them. 17
Pleasure-lovers remain poor, he
26
A king throws evildoers to the wind who loves wine and perfume will never
and runs the thresher over them. grow rich.
 1033 PROVERBS 23
18
The wicked man will pay for the vir- 9
The warmhearted man will be
tuous and the treacherous man, for the blessed since he shares his bread with
honest. the poor.
19
Better to live in a deserted place 10
Throw out the mocker and the dis-
than with a raging and abusive woman. pute will cease, fighting and insults will
20
There is oil and precious treasure in end.
the wise man’s house, things which the 11
He who loves purity of heart and Mt 5:8
fool squanders. speaks sensibly will find a friend in the
21
He who seeks justice and mercy will king.
gain life, prosperity and honor. 12
Yahweh’s look protects the wise
Ecl 9: 22
The wise man conquers a city of man and discredits the words of the liar.
13-15 warriors and tears down the walls they 13
The lazy man says, “There is a lion
trust in. outside, he will kill me in the street.”
23
He who keeps guard over his mouth 14
The adulterous woman’s mouth is a
and tongue saves himself from anguish. deep pit, he whom Yahweh wishes to
24
“Mocker” is the name of the arro- punish will fall into it.
gant and haughty, he in whom pride 15
The heart of the child is naturally
abounds. foolish, the beating of instruction will
25
The idler’s desires lead him to death cure it.
because his hands refuse to work. 26 He 16
When you oppress the poor, you
covets all day long while the upright man make them grow; when you give to the
gives without stinting. rich, you waste everything.
27
Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the
wicked, above all when they offer it for The proverbs of the wise
an unjust cause. 17
Give ear, listen to the words of the
28
The lying witness will perish but he wise and apply yourself to understanding
who listens wisely will be given time to them, 18 because it will be your delight to
speak. keep them deep within you, to have
29
The wicked man tries to appear firm them always ready on your lips.
and stable while the honest man con- 19
I wish now to teach you, so that you
firms his way. will place your trust in Yahweh. 20 Have I
30
No wisdom, prudence or advice can not written for you thirty chapters of ad-
withstand the look of Yahweh. vice and knowledge 21 so that you may
Ps 20:8
31
The horse is equipped for the day of recognize the truth and be able to answer
battle but it is Yahweh who gives the vic- rightly him who sent you?
tory. 22
Do not take from the poor man just
because he is poor or condemn the one
1
A good name is better than great in misfortune, 23 because Yahweh will in-
22 wealth; fame is preferable to silver tercede for them and will carry off the life
or gold. of their oppressors.
Wis 6:7
2
Rich and poor have something in 24
Do not befriend the angry man or be
common, Yahweh has made them all. a companion to the one of rage, 25 for fear
3
The discreet man foresees disgrace you adopt their ways and lose your life in
and hides, the ignorant keep going at their midst.
their own expense. 26
Do not be one of those who under-
4
The reward of humility is fear of Yah- take a commitment and act as guarantor
weh, wealth, honor and life. of debts; 27 if you cannot pay, they will
5
The path of the wicked is paved with take from you the very bed in which you
thorns and traps, he who loves his life will sleep.
keep his distance. 28
Do not move the ancient boundaries 15:25
Sir 6:18
6
Teach a child the way he should go, established by your ancestors.
he will not stray from it while he lives. 29
You see a clever man at work? He
7
The rich man lords it over the poor, will enter the service of kings; he will not
the borrower is the moneylender’s slave. stay in the service of people of no renown.
8
Whoever sows injustice reaps disas-
ter; the power of the wicked will be bro- 1
If you sit at a table with a great
ken. 23 man, beware of what is in front of
PROVERBS 23 1034

you; 2 if your appetite is too great, put a 29

For whom are the cries and la-
knife to your throat. 3 Do not greedily de- ments? For whom the complaints and
sire his fine food for it is deceptive nour- sighs? For whom the blows without rea-
ishment. son? For whom the eyes which see dou-
4
Do not wear yourself out trying to be ble?
rich, do not dwell on it. 5 Set your eyes on 30
For those who abandon themselves
wealth and it no longer exists; it sprouts to wine and go in search of the well-
wings and flies into the sky like an eagle. blended wine. 31 Do not consider the
6
Do not eat with the wicked man or wine: how red it is and how sparkling the
be greedy for his choice food. 7 All is ap- glass! How smoothly it flows!
pearance, for he plots in his heart. “Eat 32
In the end, it bites like a snake and
and drink,” he says but he is not to be stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see
trusted. 8 You will spit it out as soon as it strange things and you will end up
is tasted and your words of praise will be speaking nonsense. 34 You will be like a
wasted. man asleep on the high seas or at the
9
Do not speak with a fool; he will not rudder: “They hit me but I am not hurt.
be able to appreciate your remarks. 35
They beat me but I feel nothing. When
10
Do not move the ancient boundaries will I wake up? I will go in search of
or take possession of the orphan’s land more.”
because his Avenger is powerful; 11 he
will take sides against you. 1
Do not envy the wicked or desire
12
Apply your heart to instruction and 24 their company, 2 for their hearts
your ears to words of wisdom. dream only of violence and their lips
13
Do not hold back from correcting a speak nothing but evil.
youth; the rod will not kill him. 14 With 3
With wisdom a house is built. 4 It is
several strokes, you save him from strengthened by prudence. Its granaries
death. are filled by knowledge with all that is
15
My son, if your heart is wise, then good, precious and desirable.
my own heart is glad, 16 and my whole 5
The wise man is powerful; the one of
being will rejoice when you speak the knowledge adds to his strength. 6 Be- Lk 14:31
truth. cause of this, he goes into battle with
17
Do not envy sinners but, each day, wise plans, since success depends on
fear Yahweh; then you will have a future many advisers.
and 18 your hope will not be in vain. 7
Wisdom is beyond the reach of the
19
Listen, my son, and you will be wise fool; let him not open his mouth in the
and you will make your heart go straight assembly.
on its way. 8
The plotter of evil is called an un-
20
Do not be one of those who get scrupulous mastermind.
drunk with wine or who stuff themselves 9
The fool dreams only of sin, the
with meat, 21 since the drunkard and the mocker deserves only contempt.
glutton impoverish themselves and the 10
If you lose heart when misfortune
sleepyhead is clothed in rags. comes, miserable is your strength.
22
Listen to your father who begot you; 11
Rescue those who are being carried
do not despise your mother in her old age. away to die; save those who are being
23
Acquire truth and never sell it; gain dragged away to torture. 12 Afterwards Dn 13;
wisdom, discipline and discernment. you will say, “We did not know.” But he Jer
17:10
24
Happy the father of a virtuous man! who weighs the heart, does he not un-
How he will rejoice, 25 he who fathers a derstand? He who watches over the soul
wise man! May your father and mother is aware and he will give to each one ac-
rejoice and may she who bore you be cording to his deeds.
glad. 13
Eat honey, my son, because it is
26
My son, give me your heart, that good; the honeycomb is sweet to the
your eyes may delight in my ways. 27 You taste. 14 So also will wisdom be to your
should know that the prostitute is a deep soul. If you find it, you have a future and
abyss and the unknown woman a narrow your hope will not be in vain.
well. 28 Like a thief she lies in wait and she 15
Evildoer, do not spy on the house of
increases the sinners among men. the virtuous man, do not disturb his
 1035 PROVERBS 25

home. 16 Because even though the virtu- 6

Do not boast before the king or put
ous man falls seven times, he gets up yourself among the great. 7 It would be Lk 14:
again, while the wicked sink in their ad- 7-14
better to be invited, “Come up here,”
versity. than to be humiliated after having seen
17
Do not rejoice if your enemy falls or the prince.
let your heart be glad if he stumbles, 8
Do not be too hasty in accusing your
Dt 32:35 18
lest Yahweh see and be displeased and neighbor for what would happen to you
his anger be turned on you. should he confound you?
19
Do not be incensed by the wicked 9
Defend your case against your
or envious of the ungodly, 20 since there neighbor but do not reveal the secret of
is no future in evil and the lamp of the another, 10 lest he overhear it and despise
wicked will be extinguished. you and your reputation be lost.
21
Fear Yahweh and the king, my son; 11
An opportune word is like golden
make no deals with agitators, 22 for disas- apples encased in silver. 12 A gold ring or
ter will befall them without warning and an ornament of fine gold, such is the wise
who knows when their ruin will come? man’s rebuke to a responsive person.
Other proverbs of the wise
13
The trustworthy messenger is like
the coolness of snow at harvest time, to
23
It is not good for judges to show him who sends him: he revives the soul
partiality. People curse and nations hate of his master.
him 24 who says to the wicked man, “You
are just.” 25 But those who punish the evil- 14
Clouds and wind but no rain,
doer can boast; blessing and happiness such is the one who promises but
will be theirs. does not fulfill.
26
An honest answer is like a kiss on
the lips.
15
With a little patience you will
27
Finish your work out-of-doors and persuade the judge; a soft tongue
plan your work in the fields; afterwards, can break bones.
you can think of building your house. 16
If you find honey, eat enough
28
Do not lightly bear witness against but not too much, lest you bring it up
your neighbor lest you lie. again.
29
Do not say, “I will do to him what he
did to me; I will repay him for his deeds.”
17
Go rarely to your neighbor’s
30
I passed by the lazy man’s field, house lest he tire of you and grow to
near the vineyard of the senseless man. hate you.
31
Everywhere it was full of weeds; this- 18
A mace, a sword, a keen arrow:
tles covered the ground and the such is the one who lies about his
stonewall was fallen apart. 32 Seeing all neighbor.
this, I reflected and drew this lesson from
what I saw. 33 A little sleep, a little drowsi-
19
A decaying tooth, a lame foot,
ness and 34 your laziness creeps upon you such is the trust put in the ungodly
and then, like a tramp, poverty comes, on the day of trouble.
bringing misery like a vagabond. 20
Singing songs to a grieving per-
Solomon’s proverbs
son is like taking off your cloak in
frosty weather or pouring vinegar
1
These are also Proverbs of Solo-
25 mon, recorded in the time of Heze- into a wound.
kiah, king of Judah.
21
If your enemy is hungry give
2
The glory of God is in hiding secrets him something to eat, if thirsty,
and the glory of the king, in revealing something to drink; 22 thus you pile Rom
them. 3 As high as the skies, as deep as 12:20
up red-hot coals on his head and
the earth, such is the heart of kings. Yahweh will reward you.
4
Remove the impurity from silver and
it will become a vessel in the hands of the
23
As the north wind brings the
silversmith. 5 Remove the wicked from rain, so the gossiping tongue leaves
the king’s presence and he will affirm his angry faces.
power through justice. 24
Better the corner of a barn to
 PROVERBS 25 1036

live in than a house shared with a 20

For lack of wood, the fire goes out;
whimsical woman. for want of a gossiper, the quarrel dies
25
Good news from a distant coun- down.
21
Charcoal on hot coals, wood on a
try is like cool water to a dry throat. fire, and a quarrelsome man for stirring
26
A churning river or a polluted up disputes.
spring is like the virtuous man who 22
The words of the gossiper are deli-
trembles before the evildoer. cious mouthfuls which go right down to
27
It is not good to eat too much the bottom of the stomach. 23 Like silver
honey and even less good to be on earthenware, so are smooth lips with
a corrupt heart.
greedy for honors. 24
The one who hates, disguises his
28
The man who cannot contain words and keeps his treachery inside; 25
his anger is like an open city, without do not trust his sweet language for seven
defenses. evils fill his heart. 26 But although he con-
ceals his hatred like a hypocrite, his evil
1
Honors do not suit the fool any will be revealed in the assembly.
26 more than snow in summer and 27
He who digs a pit falls in it and the
rain at harvest. rock he rolls away falls back on him.
2
The sparrow escapes, the swallow 28
The liar hates his victims, the flat-
flies off, so the motiveless curse will have tering mouth brings destruction.
no effect.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the 1
Do not feel confident about to- Jas 4:13
donkey, a stick for the backs of fools. 27 morrow since you do not know
4
Do not answer the stupidity of fools how today will end.
lest you become like them. 2
Let another praise you but not your
5
Answer the stupidity of the fool lest own mouth; a stranger but not your own
he consider himself intelligent. lips.
6
He who sends messages by a fool is 3
Heavy the stone and weighty the
cutting his own feet. sand but the fool’s anger outweighs both.
7
Like the unsteady legs of a lame 4
Wrath is cruel and anger, impulsive
man, such is a proverb in the mouth of but who can withstand jealousy?
fools. 5
Better an honest rebuke than false
8
Honoring a fool is like tying a stone affection.
in a sling. 6
Worthy of trust is the friend who
9
Like a thorn branch in a drunkard’s speaks honestly; the enemy is he who
hands, such is a proverb in the mouth of multiplies caresses.
fools. 7
The full mouth looks down on honey,
10
Like an archer wounding all the hungry one finds any bitter thing
passers-by, so is he who employs a fool. sweet.
2P 2:22 11
The fool reverts to his stupidity just 8
Like a bird far from its nest, so is the
as a dog returns to his vomit. one who wanders from his own place.
12
See that man who thinks himself 9
Oil and perfume gladden the heart;
wise? There is more hope for a fool! so too does the sweetness of friendship
13
“There’s a lion in the street,” the comfort the soul.
lazy man says, “a lion in the square.” 10
Never desert your friend or your fa-
14
The door turns on its hinges and the ther’s friend; do not hasten to your
lazy man, on his bed. 15 The idler dips his brother’s house when troubles strike: bet-
hand in the dish but is too tired to lift it to ter a friend nearby than a brother far
his mouth. 16 The idler considers himself away.
wiser than many people who answer 11
Learn to be wise, my son, and make
tactfully. me happy so that I can reply to those
17
Interfering in the disputes of others who insult me.
is like grabbing a passing dog by the tail. 12
The discerning man foresees dan-
18
As a madman hurls flaming, deadly ger and takes cover, but fools keep
arrows, 19 so does the one who lies to his going, to their own loss.
friend and then says, “It was just a joke.” 13
Get rid of his clothes since he has
 1037 PROVERBS 28

gone surety for a stranger, seize him for 8

He who adds to his wealth by usury
the benefit of those unknown. and greed amasses it for another who
14
If he, at dawn, blesses his neighbor has compassion on the poor.
in a loud voice, it shall be interpreted as 9
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the Law,
a curse. even his prayer is contaminated by sin.
15
The constant dripping of a gutter on 10
He who leads the virtuous astray
a rainy day and a nagging woman have will fall into his own trap. The upright will
something in common. 16 Stopping her is inherit happiness.
like stopping the wind and grasping oil in 11
The rich man thinks himself wise
one’s hand. while the poor but sensible man knows
17
Iron is sharpened with iron, contact how to show him up.
with a neighbor sharpens a man’s wit. 12
When the virtuous triumph, there is
18
He who tends the fig tree eats its great feasting, but when the wicked dom-
fruit, he who looks after his master will inate, everybody hides.
be honored. 13
Whoever conceals his faults will not 1Jn 1:9
19
As the face is reflected in water, so prosper, but he who confesses and re-
man finds himself in his own heart. nounces them will be shown mercy.
20
Death and hell are never satisfied; 14
Happy the one who always lives in
so, also, the eyes of men. the fear of God; he who hardens his heart
21
A crucible for silver, a furnace for will fall on disaster.
gold; you will know a man by his reputa- 15
A roaring lion, a hungry bear, such
tion. is the bad leader of a poor people.
22
Even though you grind the fool in a 16
The ruler lacking intelligence multi-
mortar, you will not rid him of his stupid- plies oppression; but he who abhors
ity. greed will endure.
23
Know well the state of your herd and 17
The man wanted for murder will be
tend to your flock 24 because wealth does on the run until death. Let him go!
not last forever and riches are not 18
He who goes his way honestly will
handed down from generation to gener- be saved, he who vacillates between two
ation. 25 Once the pasture is mowed and ways will fall in one of them.
the aftergrowth appears and the hay is 19
He who tends his land will have an
gathered in from the hills, 26 you should abundance of bread, while he who
have lambs to clothe you and goats to chases illusions will have his fill of mis-
pay for your fields, 27 sufficient goats’ ery.
milk to feed you, to sustain your house- 20
The trustworthy man will be heaped
hold and provide for your serving girls. with blessings, but he who is preoccu-
pied with getting rich will not be guiltless.
1
The wicked man runs away even 21
It is not good to show partiality but
28 when no one is after him but the a man will do wrong for a mouthful of
virtuous man feels as safe as a lion. bread.
2
A country, for its sins, has many 22
The greedy-eyed man is on the
rulers; but with one wise ruler there is lookout for wealth not knowing that mis-
stability. fortune will befall him.
3
The evildoer oppressing the poor is 23
He who reproves another will even-
like destructive floods which leave no tually enjoy more favor than the flatterer.
food. 24
He who steals from his father and
4
Those who foresake the Law ap- mother saying, “It’s not a sin,” is just like
plaud evil; those faithful to the Law fight a criminal.
evil. 25
The greedy man brings about trou-
Wis 3:9 5
The wicked have no understanding ble; but he who trusts in Yahweh will be
of justice but those who seek Yahweh un- filled with good things.
derstand all. 26
He who trusts in himself is just like
6
Better the poor but honest life than a fool; while he who walks wisely will be
devious living, with riches. saved.
7
A clever man keeps the Law, while 27
He who gives to the poor will not be
he who associates with scoundrels brings in need; but he who turns a blind eye to
shame to his father. them will have his fill of disgrace.
 PROVERBS 28 1038
28
When the wicked triumph, every- 21
If you spoil your slave from child-
body hides; but when they perish, the vir- hood, he will end up a rebel.
tuous multiply. 22
The hot-tempered man provokes
disputes, his anger multiplies his sins.
1
He who resists correction will be 23
A man’s pride results in his humili- Mt 23:12
29 broken suddenly and without rem- ation, but he who humbles himself will
edy. achieve honors.
2
When the virtuous rule, the people 24
He who shares with the thief harms
are happy, but they groan when the himself; even you who kept silent when
wicked are in power. you should have denounced him.
Sir 9:6; 3
He who loves wisdom makes his fa- 25
To be afraid of people is a trap; but
Lk 15:13 ther happy, but whoever maintains pros- whoever trusts in Yahweh will be safe.
titutes will lose his wealth. 26
Many seek a ruler’s favor but each
4
Through justice a king makes his one’s fate comes from God.
country prosper; but the extortioner 27
The upright man detests the wicked
brings it to ruin. and the evildoer hates the honest man.
5
The one who flatters his neighbor
Sayings of Agur
lays a snare at his feet.
6
In the wicked man’s sins lies a snare
1
The sayings of Agur, Son of Jakeh,
for himself, while the upright man runs
30 of Massa.
on rejoicing.
2
He says, “My God, my God, I am
7
The virtuous man is concerned worn-out and weary. Too stupid to be
about the problems of the poor; the evil- human, I am devoid of intelligence; 3 I
doer, however, understands nothing. have not acquired wisdom or grasped the
8
Mockers create disturbances in the knowledge of the Holy One.”
city but the wise turn troubles away.
4
Who has ascended the heavens and Job
descended? Who has gathered the wind 38:39;
9
When the wise man argues with the Sir 1:2
fool, whether he is annoyed or joking, he in his hands? Who has encircled the wa-
will get nowhere. ters with his cloak? Who has established
the limits of the earth? What is his name
10
The violent hate the blameless man
or the name of his son?
but the virtuous seek out his presence.
Do you know?
11
The fool gives free rein to his rage; 5
Every word of God is true, he is a
while the wise man restrains it. shield in whom man can find refuge.
12
When a ruler listens to false reports, 6
Add nothing to his words lest he rebuke
all his ministers will be scoundrels. you and take you for a liar.
13
The poor man and usurer have 7
O God, two things I beg of you, do
something in common: both receive the not deny me them before I die. 8 Keep
light of day from God. lying and falsehood far away from me,
14
The king who judges the poor with give me neither poverty nor riches. Give
justice will affirm his throne forever. me just as much food as I need lest, 9 sat-
15
Both the stick and rebuke bring wis- isfied, I deny you and say, “Who is Yah-
dom, while the spoilt child brings shame weh?” Or else, out of necessity, I steal
to his mother. and profane the name of my God.
16
When the wicked rule, sin abounds, 10
Do not accuse a slave to his mas-
but the virtuous shall witness their down- ter’s face lest he curse you and you have
fall. to pay.
17
Correct your son and he will bring 11
What a people are those who curse
you rest; you will be happy in him. their father and do not bless their mother,
18
Where prophets are lacking, the 12
who consider themselves pure but their
people get out of hand; happy is he who sins have not been cleansed! 13 They
obeys the Law. have a haughty look and disdainful eye;
19
A slave is not corrected by words; 14
their teeth are like daggers and their
even if he understands he will take no no- fangs, like blades to devour the weak of
tice. the land and the poor of the people.
20
You see a man dying to speak? 15
The leech has two daughters, “Give
There is more hope for a fool. me!” and “Give me!”
1039 PROVERBS 31
16
There are three insatiable things 32
If you have been foolish enough to
and four which never say, “Enough”: the get angry and afterwards regret it, cover
grave, the sterile womb, the earth long- your mouth with your hand. 33 Since by
ing for water and the fire which never churning the milk butter is produced, by
cries, “Enough.” squeezing the nose blood flows, and by
17
The eye which challenges a father stirring up anger arguments arise.
and despises his aging mother, will be
gouged out by the ravens of the valley The sayings of Lemuel
and devoured by the eagles. The sayings of Lemuel, king of
1

18
There are three things which I can- 31 Massa, taught him by his mother.
not comprehend and four which I do not 2
No, my son! Son of my womb, no!
understand: 19 the way of the eagle No, my most beloved son!
through the sky, the way of the snake on 3
Do not waste your strength on wom- Dt 17:17
the rock, the way of the ship on high seas en, or your life on those who destroy kings.
and the way of the human being within 4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for
the mother. kings to drink wine or for rulers to love
20
What can I say of the adulterous wo- strong drink. 5 Lest in drinking they for-
man? She eats, and having wiped her get what they have decreed and override
mouth, she says, “I have done nothing the cause of the helpless.
wrong.” 6
Give strong drink to the one about to
21
Three things make the earth trem- die and wine to the heart full of bitter-
ble; there are four which it cannot with- ness: 7 so that he may drink and forget
stand: 22 the slave who becomes king, the his misfortune and remember his pain no
fool stuffed with bread, 23 the unbearable more. 8 Speak on behalf of the dumb and
woman who marries and the maid who defend the cause of all who are destitute.
inherits from her mistress. 9
Open your mouth, pronounce just
24
There are four tiny creatures on the sentences, defend the needy and the
earth that are among the wisest of the poor.
wise: 25 the ants that are without strength,
but in summer make sure of their sup- The perfect wife
plies; 26 the rock-rabbits that are without • 10 The woman of character, where Sir 26
vigor, but make their home in the rocks;
27
the locusts that have no king, but move is she to be found? She is more pre-
forward in organized groups; 28 the lizard cious than any jewel.
which can be caught by hand, but lives 11
Her husband has complete con-
in the palaces of kings. fidence in her; she will be of great
29
Three things have a stately step and benefit to him.
four have a noble bearing: 30 the lion, the 12
She brings him only good and
bravest of animals, that retreats before
nothing; 31 the cock that struts proudly not evil, all the days of her life.
among the hens; the he-goat that leads his
13
She has obtained wool and flax,
flock, and the king at the head of his army. and works them with skillful hands.

• 31.10 Mother’s Day was established re- in all that makes for a happy home and allows
cently to celebrate the women who spend their persons who believe in life, to be formed and
lives in the hidden tasks of the home, and who, capable of serving the world.
through their sacrifices and love, build the best The author lists the numerous activities of
of our world. This poem concluding the book women: happiness on earth depends on very
of Proverbs expresses a similar viewpoint. little: care is needed, and fidelity to tasks, also
It is not by chance that this poem concludes something not often insisted upon.
the book of Proverbs. Wisdom in Israel was not In Israel, men dominated. Women worked
intellectual reflection far removed from real life more than men. While the men would talk “at
with slight interest in discovering reasons for the gate” of their village, women looked after
living. Wisdom, first of all was knowing how to the house and the orchard and raised the chil-
organize one’s life, just as Solomon said. And, dren. This poem urges all husbands to praise
actually women often have a predominant role their wives and be grateful to them.
PROVERBS 31 1040
14
She is like the merchant ships he sits in council with the elders of
which bring provisions from afar. the people.
15
She gets up while it is still dark, 24
She weaves linen cloth and sells
feeds her household and allots tasks it; she supplies the merchants with
to the servants. sashes.
16
If she sets her heart on a field, 25
She is strong and dignified and
she buys it and plants a vineyard looks with confidence to the future.
with her own hands. 26
She speaks wisely and her
17
She is full of energy and her words are kind.
arms show her strength. 27
She keeps an eye on the con-
18
She knows her work is success- duct of her household and is never
ful and, at night, her light remains idle.
unextinguished. 28
Her sons rise up and call her
19
She puts her hand to the distaff blessed, her husband sings her
and her fingers hold the spindle. praises:
20
She reaches out her hand to the 29
“Many women have done won-
helpless and gives to the poor. ders but you surpass them all.”
21
When snow comes, she has no 30
Charm is deceptive and beauty
fears for her household since they useless; the woman who is wise is
are all doubly clothed. the one to praise.
22
She makes her own quilts and 31
May she enjoy the fruits of her
her clothes are purple and fine linen. labor and may all praise her for her
23
Her husband is well-respected; works.