Do not envy wicked ... men or desire their company ... ;
for their hearts devise violence , and their lips declare trouble.
By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established ;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
A wise man (is) strong , and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
Only with sound guidance should you wage war , and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.
Wisdom (is) too high for a fool ; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.
He who plots evil will be called a schemer ....
A foolish scheme is sin , and a mocker is detestable to men.
If you faint in the day of distress , how small (is) your strength !
Rescue those being led away to death , and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter ....
If you say , “ Behold , we did not know about this , ” does not He who weighs hearts consider it ? Does not the One who guards your life know ? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds ?
Eat honey , my son , for it is good , and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
Know therefore that wisdom (is sweet) to your soul. If you find it , there is a future (for you) , and your hope will never be cut off.
Do not lie in wait , O wicked (man) , near the dwelling of the righteous ; do not destroy his resting place.
For though a righteous (man) may fall seven times , he still gets up ; but the wicked stumble in bad (times).
Do not gloat when your enemy falls , and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles ,
or the LORD will see and disapprove ... , and turn His wrath away from him.
Do not fret over evildoers , and do not be envious of the wicked.
For the evil (man) has no future ; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
My son , fear the LORD and the king , and do not associate with the rebellious -.
For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin (they) can bring ?
These also are sayings of the wise : To show partiality ... in judgment is not good.
Whoever tells the guilty , “ You are innocent ”— peoples will curse him , and nations will denounce him ;
but it will go well with those who convict the guilty , and rich blessing will come upon them.
An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field after that , you may build your house.
Do not testify ... against your neighbor without cause , and do not deceive with your lips.
Do not say , “ I will do ... as he has done I will repay the man according to his work. ”
I went past the field of a slacker ... and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
- Thorns had grown up everywhere , thistles had covered the ground , and the stone wall was broken down.
I observed and took (it) to heart ; I looked and received instruction :
A little sleep , a little slumber , a little folding of the hands to rest ,
and poverty will come (upon you) like a robber , and need like a bandit ....