We swallow them as Sheol -- alive, And whole -- as those going down to the pit,

Even to lay up for the upright substance, A shield for those walking uprightly.

A tree of life she is to those laying hold on her, And whoso is retaining her is happy.

For life they are to those finding them, And to all their flesh healing.

All of them are plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.

I love those loving me, And those seeking me earnestly do find me.

To call to those passing by the way, Who are going straight on their paths.

As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So is the slothful to those sending him.

Deceit is in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace is joy.

Even of his neighbour is the poor hated, And those loving the rich are many.

Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth are to those devising good,

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

The making of treasures by a lying tongue, Is a vanity driven away of those seeking death.

To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.

Be not thou among those striking hands, Among sureties for burdens.

Those tarrying by the wine, Those going in to search out mixed wine.

If from delivering those taken to death, And those slipping to the slaughter -- thou keepest back.

And to those reproving it is pleasant, And on them cometh a good blessing.

As a vessel of snow in a day of harvest, So is a faithful ambassador to those sending him, And the soul of his masters he refresheth.

Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.

Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.

Every saying of God is tried, A shield He is to those trusting in Him.