To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation,
And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].

It is foolish to spread a net
where any bird can see it,

Then you will understand righteousness and justice [in every circumstance]
And integrity and every good path.

For the devious are repulsive to the Lord;
But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:

suddenly to follow her - as it were an ox to the slaughter, and like as it were a fool that laugheth when he goeth to the stocks to be punished -

“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness (right standing with God).

“I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

Treasures of wickedness and ill-gotten gains do not profit,
But righteousness and moral integrity in daily life rescues from death.

He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing],
But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].

When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.

Balances of deceit are an abomination to Jehovah, And a perfect weight is His delight.

The righteousness of the upright will rescue them,
But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
But he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying].

They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.

The words of the wicked [are] an ambush of blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.

In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death [but immortality—eternal life].

Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless,
But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner.

Riches are an ornament unto the wise; but the ignorance of fools is very foolishness.

Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.

The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord,
But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character].

Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words are pure.

Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income [gained] with injustice.

It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly,
For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).

The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness.

He who is slow to be angry is better than a man of war, and he who has control over his spirit than he who takes a town.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger,
And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].

House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah.

Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good.

The horse is prepared for the day of war and salvation is to Jehovah.

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

My son, give ear and be wise, so shall thine heart prosper in the way.

Give ear to your father whose child you are, and do not keep honour from your mother when she is old.

Have no envy for evil men, or any desire to be with them:

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.

Fervent lips and a wicked heart are an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.