He took up his discourse and said, "From Aram Balak has brought me, Moab's king from the mountains of the East, 'Come curse Jacob for me, And come, denounce Israel!' "How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? read more. "As I see him from the top of the rocks, And I look at him from the hills; Behold, a people who dwells apart, And will not be reckoned among the nations. "Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, And let my end be like his!"

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

"As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness'; but my hand shall not be against you.

He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.

Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.

When they called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came out to them.

Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

"Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

"You will laugh at violence and famine, And you will not be afraid of wild beasts.

"Were you the first man to be born, Or were you brought forth before the hills? "Do you hear the secret counsel of God, And limit wisdom to yourself?

Then Job continued his discourse and said,

And Job again took up his discourse and said,

That He may turn man aside from his conduct, And keep man from pride; He keeps back his soul from the pit, And his life from passing over into Sheol. read more. "Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with unceasing complaint in his bones; So that his life loathes bread, And his soul favorite food. "His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones which were not seen stick out. "Then his soul draws near to the pit, And his life to those who bring death. "If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a man what is right for him, Then let him be gracious to him, and say, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom'; Let his flesh become fresher than in youth, Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor; Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man. "He will sing to men and say, 'I have sinned and perverted what is right, And it is not proper for me. 'He has redeemed my soul from going to the pit, And my life shall see the light.' "Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men, To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life.

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.

To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.

For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood.

If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof,

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. read more. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold.

Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble.

Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.

Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

"Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills I was brought forth;

The proverbs of Solomon A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

The proverbs of Solomon A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

The proverbs of Solomon A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.

Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death. The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked. read more. Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined. He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.

Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. read more. Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. The rich man's wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

The rich man's wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

The rich man's wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty. The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment. read more. He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray. He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.

The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, How much more the wicked and the sinner!

A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

A lazy man does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.

The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.

The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"?

He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.

Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.

It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish.

The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the LORD will fall into it.

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.

Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

These also are sayings of the wise To show partiality in judgment is not good.

These also are sayings of the wise To show partiality in judgment is not good. He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;

He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer.

He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer. Prepare your work outside And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.

Prepare your work outside And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips.

Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips. Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,

I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.

And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction.

When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,"

"A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest," Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man.

Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man.

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

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

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; read more. For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.

Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? read more. Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.

In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.

"Son of man, what is this proverb you people have concerning the land of Israel, saying, 'The days are long and every vision fails'? "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "I will make this proverb cease so that they will no longer use it as a proverb in Israel." But tell them, "The days draw near as well as the fulfillment of every vision.

"Son of man, propound a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel,

"Son of man, propound a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel, saying, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "A great eagle with great wings, long pinions and a full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.

"What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, 'The fathers eat the sour grapes, But the children's teeth are set on edge'?

Then I said, "Ah Lord GOD! They are saying of me, 'Is he not just speaking parables?'"

"Speak a parable to the rebellious house and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Put on the pot, put it on and also pour water in it;

"Will not all of these take up a taunt-song against him, Even mockery and insinuations against him And say, 'Woe to him who increases what is not his-- For how long-- And makes himself rich with loans?'

"Will not all of these take up a taunt-song against him, Even mockery and insinuations against him And say, 'Woe to him who increases what is not his-- For how long-- And makes himself rich with loans?'

"For God said, 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,' and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.'

And He said to them, "No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'"

His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech.

as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

"THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit."

'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.