Discretion will watch over you,
Understanding and discernment will guard you,

To keep you from the immoral woman;
From the seductress with her flattering words,

The way of the wicked is like [deep] darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks common sense and sound judgment and an understanding [of moral principles];
He who would destroy his soul does it.

He will not accept any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment];
Nor will he be satisfied though you offer him many gifts (bribes).

In the twilight, in the evening;
In the black and dark night.

“From everlasting I was established and ordained,
From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed].

“When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there;
When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep,

“For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life
And obtains favor and grace from the Lord.

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says,

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks understanding (common sense), she says,

Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.

Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself,
But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good,
And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord.

A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefully and brings disgrace [to the family]
And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers.

Whoever mocks the poor taunts his Maker,
And he who rejoices at [another’s] disaster will not go unpunished.

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

The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,
And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.

Luxury is not fitting for a fool;
Much less for a slave to rule over princes.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler;
And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

Whoever curses his father or his mother,
His lamp [of life] will be extinguished in time of darkness.

A wise king sifts out the wicked [from among the good]
And drives the [threshing] wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain].

Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor
Will cry out himself and not be answered.

The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.

The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and the one who has it,
But He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns,
And nettles were covering its surface,
And its stone wall was broken down.

Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a man who boasts falsely of gifts [he does not give].

Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected]
Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].

Whoever digs a pit [for another man’s feet] will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone [up a hill to do mischief], it will come back on him.

Whoever attempts to restrain her [criticism] might as well try to stop the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored.

He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son,
But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself].

He who leads the upright astray on an evil path
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

He who robs his father or his mother
And says, “This is no sin,”
Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys.

A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful,
But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission].

The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe.

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].