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

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him];
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients],
When it is in your power to do it.

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

For they are life to those who find them,
And healing and health to all their flesh.

Or you will give your honor to others,
And your years to the cruel one,

“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor have I inclined my ear to those who instructed me.

“They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind],
And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.

“I love those who love me;
And those who seek me early and diligently will find me.

That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth and true riches,
And that I may fill their treasuries.

“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,
For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways.

Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:

The tongue of the righteous is like precious silver (greatly valued);
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.

The hope of the righteous [those of honorable character and integrity] is joy,
But the expectation of the wicked [those who oppose God and ignore His wisdom] comes to nothing.

The mouth of the righteous flows with [skillful and godly] wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame,
But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more;
And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor,
But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice.

Do they not go astray who devise evil and wander from the way of righteousness?
But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,
But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.

Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue
Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death.

To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?

For the Lord will plead their case
And take the life of those who rob them.

Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances],
Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts.

Those who linger long over wine,
Those who go to taste mixed wine.

Rescue those who are being taken away to death,
And those who stagger to the slaughter, Oh hold them back [from their doom]!

My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],

But to those [honorable judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.

Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
For he refreshes the life of his masters.

A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.

Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver];
He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.

Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines],
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless;