Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead),
Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death];

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.

Does not wisdom call,
And understanding lift up her voice?

The blessing of the Lord brings [true] riches,
And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God].

He who is steadfast in righteousness attains life,
But he who pursues evil attains his own death.

The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

The ransom for a man’s life is his wealth,
But the poor man does not even have to listen to a rebuke or threats [from the envious].

The king’s favor and good will are toward a servant who acts wisely and discreetly,
But his anger and wrath are toward him who acts shamefully.

Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],
Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.

He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.

He who is careless in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.

He who assaults his father and chases away his mother
Is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives;
So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].

Even a boy is known and distinguished by his acts,
Whether his conduct is pure and right.

He craves all the day long [and does no work],
But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has].

If you [claim ignorance and] say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs and examines the hearts and their motives?
And does He not know it who guards your life and keeps your soul?
And will He not repay [you and] every man according to his works?

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

The north wind brings forth rain;
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying,
So the curse without cause does not come and alight [on the undeserving].

As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it].

Oil and perfume make the heart glad;
So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.

For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life.