Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying, "Balak, the king of Moab, brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, 'Come, pronounce a curse on Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.' How can I curse one whom God has not cursed, or how can I denounce one whom the Lord has not denounced? read more. For from the top of the rocks I see them; from the hills I watch them. Indeed, a nation that lives alone, and it 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 the end of my life be like theirs."

This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.

It's like the old proverb says: 'From evil people evil proceeds.' But my hand will not be against you.

He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.

When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions.

They summoned the king, so Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace supervisor, accompanied by Shebna the scribe and Joah son of Asaph, the secretary, went out to meet them.

He wholeheartedly and successfully reinstituted service in God's temple and obedience to the law, in order to follow his God.

He wholeheartedly and successfully reinstituted service in God's temple and obedience to the law, in order to follow his God.

"Therefore, blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

You will laugh at destruction and famine and need not be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

"Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills? Do you listen in on God's secret council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

And Job took up his discourse again:

Then Job continued his speech:

to turn a person from his sin, and to cover a person's pride. He spares a person's life from corruption, his very life from crossing over the river. read more. Or a person is chastened by pain on his bed, and with the continual strife of his bones, so that his life loathes food, and his soul rejects appetizing fare. His flesh wastes away from sight, and his bones, which were not seen, are easily visible. He draws near to the place of corruption, and his life to the messengers of death. If there is an angel beside him, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what constitutes his uprightness; and if God is gracious to him and says, 'Spare him from going down to the place of corruption, I have found a ransom for him,' then his flesh is restored like a youth's; he returns to the days of his youthful vigor. He entreats God, and God delights in him, he sees God's face with rejoicing, and God restores to him his righteousness. That person sings to others, saying: 'I have sinned and falsified what is right, but I was not punished according to what I deserved. He redeemed my life from going down to the place of corruption, and my life sees the light!' "Indeed, God does all these things, twice, three times, in his dealings with a person, to turn back his life from the place of corruption, that he may be enlightened with the light of life.

I will learn a song that imparts wisdom; I will then sing my insightful song to the accompaniment of a harp.

I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past.

The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles.

To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles.

for they are eager to inflict harm, and they hasten to shed blood.

if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure,

Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.

My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.

My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. read more. For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold.

Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble.

Do not envy a violent man, and do not choose to imitate any of his ways;

Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers, yet he shows favor to the humble.

before the mountains were set in place -- before the hills -- I was born,

The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.

The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.

The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother. Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger. The Lord satisfies the appetite of the righteous, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. read more. The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy. The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot. The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin. The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out. The one who winks his eye causes trouble, and the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin. The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined. read more. Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.

Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction. The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.

The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.

The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty. The reward which the righteous receive is life; the recompense which the wicked receive is judgment. read more. The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray. The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool. When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise. What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value. The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.

The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers.

Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.

The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent.

Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished, but the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment.

Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished, but the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment.

If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the wicked sinner!

No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved.

The lazy person does not roast his prey, but personal possessions are precious to the diligent.

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.

The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever shows favor to the needy honors him.

A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother.

The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.

The Lord abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will not go unpunished.

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.

The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator; whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.

As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.

The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.

A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.

A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

The king's terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.

Who can say, "I have kept my heart clean; I am pure from my sin"?

The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.

All of a person's ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked woman.

The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will end.

The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my instruction.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time.

Do not envy evil people, do not desire to be with them;

Although a righteous person may fall seven times, he gets up again, but the wicked will be brought down by calamity.

Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of wicked people,

These sayings also are from the wise: To show partiality in judgment is terrible:

These sayings also are from the wise: To show partiality in judgment is terrible: The one who says to the guilty, "You are innocent," peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him.

The one who says to the guilty, "You are innocent," peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him. But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty, and a pleasing blessing will come on them.

But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty, and a pleasing blessing will come on them. Like a kiss on the lips is the one who gives an honest answer.

Like a kiss on the lips is the one who gives an honest answer. Establish your work outside and get your fields ready; afterward build your house.

Establish your work outside and get your fields ready; afterward build your house. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your words.

Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your words. Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will pay him back according to what he has done."

Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will pay him back according to what he has done." I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom. I saw that thorns had grown up all over it, the ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down.

I saw that thorns had grown up all over it, the ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it; I received instruction from what I saw:

When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it; I received instruction from what I saw: "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax,

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax, and your poverty will come like a bandit, and your need like an armed robber."

and your poverty will come like a bandit, and your need like an armed robber."

These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:

These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:

As the heaven is high and the earth is deep so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy 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 coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool 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 someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, read more. Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs.

"Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel, 'The days pass slowly, and every vision fails'? Therefore tell them, 'This is what the sovereign Lord says: I hereby end this proverb; they will not recite it in Israel any longer.' But say to them, 'The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled.

"Son of man, offer a riddle, and tell a parable to the house of Israel.

"Son of man, offer a riddle, and tell a parable to the house of Israel. Say to them: 'This is what the sovereign Lord says: "'A great eagle with broad wings, long feathers, with full plumage which was multi-hued, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar.

"What do you mean by quoting this proverb concerning the land of Israel, "'The fathers eat sour grapes And the children's teeth become numb?'

Then I said, "O sovereign Lord! They are saying of me, 'Does he not simply speak in eloquent figures of speech?'"

Recite a proverb to this rebellious house and say to them, 'This is what the sovereign Lord says: "'Set on the pot, set it on, pour water in it too;

"But all these nations will someday taunt him and ridicule him with proverbial sayings: 'The one who accumulates what does not belong to him is as good as dead (How long will this go on?) -- he who gets rich by extortion!'

"But all these nations will someday taunt him and ridicule him with proverbial sayings: 'The one who accumulates what does not belong to him is as good as dead (How long will this go on?) -- he who gets rich by extortion!'

For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Whoever insults his father or mother must be put to death.'

Jesus said to them, "No doubt you will quote to me the proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself!' and say, 'What we have heard that you did in Capernaum, do here in your hometown too.'"

His disciples said, "Look, now you are speaking plainly and not in obscure figures of speech!

just as it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one,

"Their feet are swift to shed blood,

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.

Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,

So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: "If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat."

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? "My son, do not scorn the Lord's discipline or give up when he corrects you. "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts."

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble."

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit."

All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent!