Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1 A wise son is the doctrine of his father. But he who ridicules does not listen when he is reproved.

2 From the fruit of his own month, a man shall be satisfied with good things. But the soul of betrayers is iniquity.

3 Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.

4 The lazy one is willing and then not willing. But the soul of he who labors shall be made fat.

5 The just shall detest a lying word. But the impious confound and will be confounded.

6 Justice guards the way of the innocent. But impiety undermines the sinner.

7 One is like the rich, though he has nothing. And another is like the poor, though he has many riches.

8 The redemption of a man’s life is his riches. But he who is poor cannot tolerate correction.

9 The light of the just enriches. But the lamp of the impious will be extinguished.

10 Among the arrogant, there are always conflicts. But those who do everything with counsel are ruled by wisdom.

11 Substance obtained in haste will be diminished. But what is collected by hand, little by little, shall be multiplied.

12 Hope, when it is delayed, afflicts the soul. The arrival of the desired is a tree of life.

13 Whoever denounces something obligates himself for the future. But whoever fears a lesson shall turn away in peace. Deceitful souls wander into sins. The just are merciful and compassionate.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, so that he may turn aside from the ruin of death.

15 Good doctrine bestows grace. In the way of the contemptuous, there is a chasm.

16 The discerning do everything with counsel. But whoever is senseless discloses his stupidity.

17 The messenger of the impious will fall into evil. But a faithful ambassador shall prosper.

18 Destitution and disgrace are for those who abandon discipline. But whoever agrees with a reproof shall be glorified.

19 The desired, when perfected, shall delight the soul. The foolish detest those who flee from evils.

20 Whoever keeps step with the wise shall be wise. A friend of the foolish will become like them.

21 Evil pursues sinners. And good things shall be distributed to the just.

22 The good leave behind heirs: children and grandchildren. And the substance of the sinner is preserved for the just.

23 Much nourishment is in the fallow land of the fathers. But for others, it is gathered without judgment.

24 He who spares the rod hates his son. But he who loves him urgently instructs him.

25 The just eats and fills his soul. But the belly of the impious is never satisfied.

1 A wise woman builds up her household. But a foolish one will pull down with her own hands what has been built up.

2 One who walks on a virtuous journey, and who fears God, is despised by him who advances along a disreputable way.

3 In the mouth of the foolish, there is a rod of arrogance. But the lips of the wise guard them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty. But where there are many crops, there the strength of the ox is manifest.

5 A faithful witness will not lie. But a deceitful witness offers a lie.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and does not find it. The doctrine of the prudent is accessible.

7 Go against a foolish man, and he does not acknowledge lips of prudence.

8 The wisdom of a discerning man is to understand his way. And the imprudence of the foolish is to be wandering astray.

9 The foolish will speak mockingly of sin. But grace lingers among the just.

10 The heart that knows the bitterness of its own soul, in its gladness the outsider shall not meddle.

11 The house of the impious will be wiped away. Yet truly, the tabernacles of the just shall spring forth.

12 There is a way which seems just to a man, but its conclusion leads to death.

13 Laughter shall be mingled with sorrow, and mourning occupies the limits of joy.

14 The foolish will be filled up by his own ways. And the good man shall be above him.

15 The innocent trust every word. The astute one considers his own steps. Nothing good will be for the deceitful son. But the wise servant shall act prosperously and his way will be set in order.

16 The wise fear, and so turn away from evil. The foolish leap ahead with confidence.

17 The impatient will work foolishness. And a resourceful man is hated.

18 The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge.

19 The evil will fall down before the good. And the impious will fall down before the gates of the just.

20 The pauper will be hated, even by his own neighbor. Yet truly, the friends of the wealthy are many.

21 Whoever despises his neighbor, sins. But whoever pities the poor shall be blessed. Whoever trusts in the Lord loves mercy.

22 They wander astray who work evil. But mercy and truth prepare good things.

23 In every work, there shall be abundance. But where there are many words, there is often need.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth. The senselessness of the foolish is imprudence.

25 A faithful witness frees souls. And the chameleon utters lies.

26 In the fear of the Lord is the faithfulness of strength, and there shall be hope for his sons.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so as to turn aside from the ruin of death.

28 In a multitude of people, there is dignity for the king. And in a paucity of people, there is disgrace for the prince.

29 Whoever is patient is governed by much prudence. But whoever is impatient exalts his foolishness.

30 The well-being of the heart is life for the flesh. But envy is decay for the bones.

31 Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.

32 The impious will be expelled in his malice. But the just finds hope even in his own death.

33 In the heart of the prudent, wisdom finds rest. And so shall he instruct all the uneducated.

34 Justice elevates a nation. But sin makes the peoples miserable.

35 An intelligent minister is acceptable to the king. Whoever is useless shall bear his wrath.

1 A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.

3 In every place, the eyes of the Lord consider good and evil.

4 A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.

5 A fool laughs at the discipline of his father. But whoever preserves rebukes will become astute. In abundant justice, there is very great virtue. But the intentions of the impious will be eradicated.

6 The house of the just has very great strength. And in the fruits of the impious, there is disorder.

7 The lips of the wise shall disseminate knowledge. The heart of the foolish will be dissimilar.

8 The sacrifices of the impious are abominable to the Lord. The vows of the just are appeasing.

9 The way of the impious is an abomination to the Lord. Whoever pursues justice is loved by him.

10 Doctrine is evil to those who abandon the way of life. Whoever hates correction shall die.

11 Hell and perdition are in the sight of the Lord. How much more the hearts of the sons of men!

12 He who corrupts himself does not love the one who afflicts him, nor will he step toward the wise.

13 A rejoicing heart gladdens the face. But by the grief of the soul, the spirit is cast down.

14 The heart of the wise seeks doctrine. And the mouth of the foolish feeds on ignorance.

15 All the days of the poor are evil. A secure mind is like a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and dissatisfaction.

17 It is better to be called to vegetables with charity, than to a fatted calf with hatred.

18 A short-tempered man provokes conflicts. Whoever is patient tempers those who are stirred up.

19 The way of the slothful is like a hedge of thorns. The way of the just is without offense.

20 A wise son gladdens the father. But the foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order.

22 Intentions dissipate where there is no counsel. Yet truly, they are confirmed where there are many counselors.

23 A man rejoices in the verdict of his own mouth. And a word at the right time is best.

24 The path of life is for the wise above, so that he may turn away from the end of Hell.

25 The Lord will demolish the house of the arrogant. And He will make firm the borders of the widow.

26 Evil intentions are an abomination to the Lord. And pure conversation, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by him.

27 Whoever pursues avarice disturbs his own house. But whoever hates bribes shall live. Through mercy and faith, sins are purged. But through the fear of the Lord, each one turns aside from evil.

28 The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.

29 The Lord is distant from the impious. And he will heed the prayers of the just.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the soul. A good reputation fattens the bones.

31 The ear that listens to the reproofs of life shall abide in the midst of the wise.

32 Whoever rejects discipline despises his own soul. But whoever agrees to correction is a possessor of the heart.

33 The fear of the Lord is the discipline of wisdom. And humility precedes glory.

1 It is for man to prepare the soul, and for the Lord to govern the tongue.

2 All the ways of a man are open to his eyes; the Lord is the one who weighs spirits.

3 Open your works to the Lord, and your intentions will be set in order.

4 The Lord has wrought all things because of himself. Likewise the impious is for the evil day.

5 All the arrogant are an abomination to the Lord. Even if hand will be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice. And this is more acceptable with God than to immolate sacrifices.

6 By mercy and truth, iniquity is redeemed. And by the fear of the Lord, one turns away from evil.

7 When the ways of man will please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace.

8 Better is a little with justice, than many fruits with iniquity.

9 The heart of man disposes his way. But it is for Lord to direct his steps.

10 Foreknowledge is in the lips of the king. His mouth shall not err in judgment.

11 Weights and scales are judgments of the Lord. And all the stones in the bag are his work.

12 Those who act impiously are abominable to the king. For the throne is made firm by justice.

13 Just lips are the will of kings. He who speaks honestly shall be loved.

14 The indignation of a king is a herald of death. And the wise man will appease it.

15 In the cheerfulness of the king’s countenance, there is life. And his clemency is like belated rain.

16 Possess wisdom, for it is better than gold. And acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver.

17 The path of the just turns away from evils. He who guards his soul preserves his way.

18 Arrogance precedes destruction. And the spirit is exalted before a fall.

19 It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the arrogant.

20 The learned in word shall find good things. And whoever hopes in the Lord is blessed.

21 Whoever is wise in heart shall be called prudent. And whoever is sweet in eloquence shall attain to what is greater.

22 Learning is a fountain of life to one who possesses it. The doctrine of the foolish is senseless.

23 The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth and add grace to his lips.

24 Careful words are a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and healthful to the bones.

25 There is a way which seems right to a man, and its end result leads to death.

26 The soul of the laborer labors for himself, because his mouth has driven him to it.

27 The impious man digs up evil, and in his lips is a burning fire.

28 A perverse man stirs up lawsuits. And one who is verbose divides leaders.

29 A man of iniquity entices his friend, and he leads him along a way that is not good.

30 Whoever, with astonished eyes, thinks up depravities, biting his lips, accomplishes evil.

31 Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice.

32 A patient man is better than a strong one. And whoever rules his soul is better than one who assaults cities.

33 Lots are cast into the lap, but they are tempered by the Lord.

1 A dry morsel with gladness is better than a house full of sacrifices along with conflict.

2 A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and he will divide the inheritance among brothers.

3 Just as silver is tested by fire, and gold is tested in the furnace, so also does the Lord test hearts.

4 The evil obey an unjust tongue. And the false are submissive to lying lips.

5 Whoever despises the poor rebukes his Maker. And whoever rejoices in the ruin of another will not go unpunished.

6 Sons of sons are the crown of old age. And the glory of sons is their fathers.

7 Well-chosen words are not fitting for the foolish, nor are lying lips fitting for a leader.

8 The expectation of those who stand ready is a most pleasing jewel. Whichever way he turns himself, he understands prudently.

9 Whoever conceals an offense seeks friendships. Whoever repeats the words of another separates allies.

10 A correction benefits more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.

11 The evil one continually seeks conflicts. But a cruel Angel shall be sent against him.

12 It is more expedient to meet a bear robbed of her young, than the foolish trusting in his own folly.

13 Whoever repays evil for good, evil shall not withdraw from his house.

14 Whoever releases the water is the head of the conflict. And just before he suffers contempt, he abandons judgment.

15 Those who justify the impious, and those who condemn the just, both are abominable with God.

16 What does it profit the foolish to have riches, when he is not able to buy wisdom? Whoever makes his house high seeks ruin. And whoever shuns learning shall fall into evils.

17 Whoever is a friend loves at all times. And a brother is proved by distress.

18 A foolish man will clap his hands, when he makes a pledge for his friend.

19 Whoever dwells on discord loves disputes. And whoever exalts his door seeks ruin.

20 Whoever is of a perverse heart shall not find good. And whoever turns his tongue shall fall into evil.

21 A foolish one is born into his own disgrace. But his father will not rejoice in one who is senseless.

22 A joyful soul makes a lifetime flourish. A gloomy spirit dries out the bones.

23 The impious receives gifts from the bosom, so that he may pervert the paths of judgment.

24 Prudence shines from the face of the wise. The eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is the anger of the father and the grief of the mother who conceived him.

26 It is not good to inflict damage on the just, nor to strike the leader who judges uprightly.

27 Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit.

28 If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.

1 Whoever has a will to withdraw from a friend, seeks occasions; he shall be reproached at all times.

2 The foolish do not accept words of prudence, unless you say what is already turning in his heart.

3 The impious, when he has arrived within the depths of sin, thinks little of it. But ill repute and disgrace follow him.

4 Words from the mouth of a man are deep waters. And the fountain of wisdom is a torrent overflowing.

5 It is not good to accept the character of the impious, so as to turn away from true judgment.

6 The lips of the foolish meddle in disputes. And his mouth provokes conflicts.

7 The mouth of the foolish is his destruction, and his own lips are the ruin of his soul.

8 The words of the double-tongued seem simple. And they reach even to the interior of the gut. Fear casts down the lazy, but the souls of the effeminate shall go hungry.

9 Whoever is dissolute and slack in his work is the brother of him who wastes his own works.

10 The name of the Lord is very strong tower. The just one rushes to it, and he shall be exalted.

11 The substance of the wealthy is the city of his strength, and it is like a strong wall encircling him.

12 The heart of a man is exalted before it is crushed and humbled before it is glorified.

13 Whoever responds before he listens, demonstrates himself to be foolish and deserving of confusion.

14 The spirit of a man sustains his weakness. Yet who can sustain a spirit that is easily angered?

15 A prudent heart shall possess knowledge. And the ear of the wise seeks doctrine.

16 A man’s gift expands his way and makes space for him before leaders.

17 The just is the first accuser of himself; his friend arrives and shall investigate him.

18 Casting a lot suppresses contentions and passes judgment, even among the powerful.

19 A brother who is helped by a brother is like a reinforced city, and judgments are like the bars of cities.

20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be filled. And the harvest of his own lips shall satisfy him.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Whoever values it shall eat from its fruits.

22 He who has found a good wife has found goodness, and he shall draw contentment from the Lord. He who expels a good wife expels goodness. But he who holds on to an adulteress is foolish and impious.

23 The poor will speak with supplications. And the rich will express themselves roughly.

24 A man amiable to society shall be more friendly than a brother.

1 Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.

2 Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.

3 The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.

4 Riches adds many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.

5 A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts.

7 The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.

8 But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.

9 A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish.

10 Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.

11 The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.

12 Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass.

13 A foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking.

14 A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.

15 Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.

16 Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.

17 Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.

18 Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.

19 Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.

20 Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.

21 There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.

22 An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.

23 The fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster.

24 The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth.

25 When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.

26 Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.

27 Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.

28 An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish.

1 It is a luxurious thing, wine, and inebriation is tumultuous. Anyone who is delighted by this will not be wise.

2 Just like the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king. Whoever provokes him sins in his own soul.

3 Honor is for the man who separates himself from contentions. But all the foolish meddle in altercations.

4 Because of the cold, the lazy one was not willing to plough. Therefore, in the summer, he will beg, and it will not be given to him.

5 Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep waters. But a wise man will draw it out.

6 Many men are called merciful. But who will find a faithful man?

7 The just who walks in his simplicity shall leave behind him blessed sons.

8 The king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his gaze.

9 Who is able to say: “My heart is clean. I am pure from sin?”

10 Diverse weights, diverse measures: both are abominable with God.

11 A child may be understood by his interests: whether his works may be clean and upright.

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye: the Lord has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep, lest deprivation oppress you. Open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.

14 “It is bad, it is bad,” says every buyer; and when he has withdrawn, then he will boast.

15 There is gold, and there are a multitude of jewels. But lips of knowledge are a precious vessel.

16 Take away the vestments of him who stands up to vouch for a stranger, and take a pledge from him instead of from outsiders.

17 The bread of lies is sweet to a man. But afterwards, his mouth will be filled with pebbles.

18 Plans are strengthened by counsels. And wars are to be handled by governments.

19 Do not become involved with him who reveals mysteries, and who walks deceitfully, and who enlarges his lips.

20 Whoever curses his father and mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the midst of darkness.

21 When an inheritance is obtained hastily in the beginning, in the end it will be without a blessing.

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Wait for the Lord, and he will free you.

23 Diverse weights are an abomination with the Lord. A deceitful balance is not good.

24 The steps of men are directed by the Lord. But who is the man able to understand his own way?

25 It is ruin for a man to devour what is holy, or, after making vows, to retract them.

26 A wise king scatters the impious and bends an archway over them.

27 The spirit of a man is a lamp to the Lord, which investigates all the secrets of the inner self.

28 Mercy and truth guard the king, and his throne is strengthened by clemency.

29 The joy of youths is their strength. And the dignity of old men is their grey hairs.

30 The bruise of a wound, as well as scourges, shall wipe away evils in the more secret places of the inner self.

1 Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills.

2 Every way of a man seems right to himself. But the Lord weighs hearts.

3 To do mercy and judgment is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifices.

4 To lift up the eyes is to enlarge the heart. The lamp of the impious is sin.

5 The intentions of the robust continually bring forth abundance. But all the lazy are continually in need.

6 Whoever gathers treasures by a lying tongue is vain and heartless. And he will stumble into the snares of death.

7 The robberies of the impious will drag them down, because they were not willing to do judgment.

8 The perverse way of a man is foreign. But whoever is pure: his work is upright.

9 It is better to sit in a corner of the attic, than with a contentious woman and in a shared house.

10 The soul of the impious desires evil; he will not take pity on his neighbor.

11 When the pestilent is punished, a little one will become wiser. And if he pursues what is wise, he will receive knowledge.

12 The just thinks carefully about the house of the impious, so that he may draw the impious away from evil.

13 Whoever blocks his ears to the outcry of the poor shall also cry out himself, and he will not be heeded.

14 A surprise gift extinguishes anger. And a gift concealed in the bosom extinguishes the greatest indignation.

15 It is gladness for the just to do judgment; and it is dread for those who work iniquity.

16 A man who wanders astray from the way of doctrine will linger in the company of the giants.

17 Whoever loves a feast will be in deprivation. Whoever loves wine and fatness will not be enriched.

18 The impious is given over instead of the just, and the iniquitous is given over in place of the upright.

19 It is better to live in a deserted land, than with a quarrelsome and emotional woman.

20 There is desirable treasure, as well as oil, in the habitations of the just. And the imprudent man will waste it.

21 Whoever follows justice and mercy shall discover life, justice, and glory.

22 The wise has ascended the city of the strong, and he has torn down the bulwark of its confidence.

23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.

24 A proud and arrogant one is also called ignorant, if he, in anger, acts according to pride.

25 Desires kill the lazy, for his hands are not willing to work at all.

26 He covets and desires all day long. But whoever is just shall distribute and shall not cease.

27 The sacrifices of the impious are abominable, because they are offered out of wickedness.

28 A lying witness will perish. An obedient man shall speak of victory.

29 The impious man insolently hardens his face. But whoever is upright corrects his own way.

30 There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel, which is against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle. But the Lord bestows salvation.

1 A good name is better than many riches. And good esteem is above silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor have met one another. The Lord is the maker of them both.

3 The clever saw evil and hid himself. The innocent continued on and was afflicted with damage.

4 The end of moderation is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life.

5 Weapons and swords are on the way of the perverse. But he who guards his own soul withdraws far from them.

6 The proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor. And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Whoever sows iniquity will reap evils, and by the rod of his own wrath he will be consumed.

9 Whoever is inclined to mercy shall be blessed, for from his bread he has given to the poor. Whoever gives gifts will acquire victory and honor. But he carries away the soul of the receiver.

10 Cast out the one who ridicules, and conflict will go out with him, and accusations and insults will cease.

11 Whoever loves cleanness of heart, because of the grace of his lips, will have the king as his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord watch over knowledge. And the words of the iniquitous are supplanted.

13 The lazy one says: “There is a lion outside. I might be slain in the midst of the streets.”

14 The mouth of a foreign woman is a deep pit; the Lord was angry with him who will fall into it.

15 Foolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to flee.

16 Whoever slanders the poor, so as to augment his own riches, will give it away to one who is richer, and will be in need.

17 Incline your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Then apply your heart to my doctrine.

18 It shall be beautiful to you, if you preserve it in your inner self, and it shall overflow from your lips,

19 so that your confidence may be in the Lord. Therefore, I also have revealed it to you this day.

20 Behold, I have written it for you in three ways, and with meditations and knowledge,

21 so that I might reveal to you, firmly and with words of truth, in order to respond about these things to those who sent you.

22 Do not act with violence toward the pauper because he is poor. And do not weary the needy at the gate.

23 For the Lord will judge his case, and he will pierce those who have pierced his soul.

24 Do not be willing to be a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a furious man,

25 lest perhaps you learn his ways, and take up a stumbling block to your soul.

26 Do not be willing to be with those who certify with their hands, and who offer themselves as a guarantee against debts.

27 For if you do not have the means to restore, what reason should there be for him to take the covering from your bed?

28 Do not cross beyond the ancient limits that your fathers have set.

29 Have you seen a man swift in his work? He shall stand in the sight of kings, and not before those who are disreputable.