From the Greek Septuagint text as was used by First Century Christians

NOTE: The Proverbs as poetry? We had never noticed the Proverbs written in poetic form in other Bibles, but after translating the first five Chapters, we recognized a natural cadence indicating that it was originally written this way. So, while few changes were required, we have decided to continue with this original format, which has required some slight alterations in the wording due to language differences, but we are making every attempt to preserve the true meanings.
Why is this important? Because following the rules of Hebrew poetry indicates the accuracy of the text we are using, and it tends to magnify possible errors, since they don’t fit into the poetry.
Why do these texts read so differently from what is found in other Bibles? Because they are based on the Greek Septuagint text, which comes from more ancient manuscripts than the available Hebrew texts. However, recognize that the meanings of many of the texts vary widely between Septuagint versions, Hebrew text versions, and from Bible to Bible. In fact, the authenticity of Chapters 24-29 is in doubt because they don't appear at all in some Bibles. So we suggest that whenever the meanings of texts seem unclear, or the following connected words don’t seem to match, that you check the reading of the verses in several other Bibles and you reject the wording of any that don’t appear to make any sense.

Chapter 1

¹ These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, who reigned in Israel.

² To get to be wise and learn, you must understand intelligent words. ³ [You must see how] words can be shifted and turned, and used to unlock problems that puzzle. You need to understand true justice, and how to make straight judgments, ⁴ so all your decisions are guileless and wise, while you perceive and reflect like a child.

⁵ For those who will listen, the wise will get wiser, and receive intelligent guidance. ⁶ You’ll understand dark illustrations… the sayings of the wise and enigmas.

⁷ Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah; all who follow that rule, will be understanding and good, since reverence for God is the start of perception. But the disrespectful treat wisdom and learning with contempt.

⁸ Hear, O son, the laws of your father, and don’t reject the rules of your mother. ⁹ Then a crown of favor you’ll receive for your head, and a gold chain for your neck.

¹⁰ O son; Don’t let the disrespectful lead you astray, and don’t go along with their ways. ¹¹ For they could offer you comforting words, saying, ‘Come with us and let us [shed] blood! For we’ll deal unfairly with those who are righteous, then hide their bodies in the ground. ¹² Like the grave we’ll swallow them down still alive, and remove their memory from the earth. ¹³ Then all their valuable things we will take, and fill all our houses with loot. ¹⁴ So, come with us now and join in, and we’ll each get a big bag of money!’

¹⁵ Don’t ever follow their ways… turn your feet from their paths! ¹⁶ For their feet are running to do what is evil, and they’re quick about shedding much blood. ¹⁷ For, haven’t they wrongfully spread out their traps, as though they’re catching feathered creatures? ¹⁸ They’re murderers who make evil things treasures. ¹⁹ These are the ways of the unrighteousness, and in their lack of respect [for our God], they’re taking away their own lives.

²⁰ But the praises of wisdom are sung in the streets, and celebrated in squares and open places. ²¹ She shouts aloud from the tops of the walls, and at the gates of the city she courageously says: ²² ‘As long as the honest have justice, they will never be shamed; but the insolence of fools who crave [what’s not theirs], and those who do not fear [God], are those who are lacking good sense, ²³ and for discipline they’ll have an accounting.’

{Look!} I’m willing now to let go, of some of the sayings of my breath, and I’ll use my words in order to teach you.

²⁴ I called, but you failed to obey; I explained it all, but you paid no attention. ²⁵ For, you have annulled all my council, and you paid no attention to my scolding. ²⁶ So, when you’re destroyed I will laugh, and I’ll shout in joy when you’re brought to ruin. ²⁷ When troublesome times come upon you, and in a blast you’re quickly undone… whenever you’re oppressed and assaulted, ²⁸ and you feel the need to cry out to me, I will not listen to you. For when evil men search they don’t find me, ²⁹ because they’ve detested what’s wise, and didn’t prefer the fear of Jehovah. ³⁰ They choose not to listen to my council, and sneer whenever I scold them. ³¹ So, they’ll have to eat their own fruitage, and be filled with their own disrespect. ³² And because they have wronged the simple, soon they will also be slaughtered.

Yes, after they’re tried they’ll be destroyed. ³³ But those who listen will camp, in tranquility and hope, and without any fear of evil.

Chapter 2

¹ O son; If you’ll listen to the things that I’m saying, you should take these things and hide them within you. ² Your ears should obey these wise sayings, and devote your heart to understanding, then pass them along to your sons.

³ Now, if you call out for wisdom, and speak to be understood, ⁴ and if you search for perception, as for silver or treasure, ⁵ you’ll come to know the fear of Jehovah, and you’ll find the knowledge of God. ⁶ Because, wisdom comes from Jehovah, and knowledge and understanding are found in His presence.

⁷ For those who walk straight He has treasured salvation, and He’ll shield them in all of their ways. ⁸ He guards the ways of the right things they do, and protects all those who show Him respect. ⁹ [If you do all of this], you’ll know justice and judgment, and you’ll set yourself on a course to do good.

¹⁰ Now, if you decide to make wisdom your goal; if your soul finds it good to search for perception; ¹¹ if you choose to pay attention to good council, and if you’ll watch out and do holy things, ¹² from evil ways this will save you, and from [the wiles] of men who tell lies. ¹³ They’re the ones who’ve abandoned straight paths, and walk in the ways of darkness. ¹⁴ For, badness is what makes them happy, and on perverse things they rejoice. ¹⁵ All of their pathways are crooked, and all of their tracks are curved. ¹⁶ Away from straight paths such men will lead you… from righteous plans they’ll drive you away.

O son; don’t let bad council mislead you, ¹⁷ but [follow] the things you were taught while still young, and never forget God’s Sacred Agreement.

⁸ There are women who’ve put death near their houses, and the things that they do lead to the grave. ¹⁹ For, those who go close will never return, nor will they return to straight paths, for they’ve strayed from the road of long life.

²⁰ But smooth are the roads that the righteous have found, for the meek will inherit the earth, and the honest will be those left behind. ²¹ Then the upright will camp in the land, and those who’ll remain are the holy. ²² But the ways of the disrespectful will be gone from the land, and those who break laws will be banished.

Chapter 3

¹ O son; Never forget the laws [that I’ve spoken], and keep the things that I’ve said in your heart, ² for this will add length to your life… you will live [many] years, and peace will also be added.

³ May charity and faith never fail you. If around your neck you will tie them, and write them on the tablet of your heart, ⁴ you will then find [God’s] favor.

Before Jehovah and men, always plan to do good things. ⁵ With your whole heart put trust in your God, and on your own wisdom never rely.

⁶ Keep sight of [wisdom] in all of your ways, so she cuts straight paths before you.

⁷ In your own skills never trust; fear God and turn from all that is bad, ⁸ then there’ll be healing for your body, and care will be shown to your bones.

⁹ Show honor to Jehovah… work hard at duing what’s good. Offer Him your righteousness as your first fruits, ¹⁰ then with grain your storerooms will be filled, and wine will gush from your vats.

¹¹ O son; Never take lightly the instructions of Jehovah, or give up when you’re being disciplined, ¹² for Jehovah loves those who He corrects, and whips all those who He welcomes as sons.

¹³ The man who finds wisdom is blest, as is the mortal with intelligent understanding. ¹⁴ For she’s a better trade than silver or gold… ¹⁵ she has more value than all that’s expensive, for nothing of value is worth more than she. ¹⁶ In her right hand is long life and existence, and in her left hand are wealth and glory. Out of her mouth comes forth justice, as well as mercy and law, which she wears on her tongue. ¹⁷ All of her ways are goodness, and all of her paths lead to peace. ¹⁸ She’s a tree of life to all who grab hold, and those leaning on her as they do on Jehovah, are those who will get away safely.

¹⁹ In wisdom God founded the earth, and with intelligence He readied the heavens. ²⁰ In His perception abysses were torn, and from the clouds flowed the dew. ²¹ But son; Don’t let my council slip by you; pay attention and learn to gain insight, ²² so the man that you are will continue to live, and [God’s] favor will be tied round your neck. For, to your flesh this will bring a great healing, and comfort to all of your bones; ²³ peace will follow in all of your ways, and your feet will never be stumbled.

²⁴ When you sit down, it’ll be without fear; and when you lie down, your sleep will bring pleasure. ²⁵ No terrible thing will you fear, nor will the disrespectful push you aside, ²⁶ for Jehovah will watch all your ways, and make your feet straight so you will not stumble.

²⁷ Do not avoid those who’re in need, when you have the help they require in your hands. ²⁸ Don’t say, ‘Come back some other time… I’ll give you [what you need] tomorrow.’ Give good things that you have when you have them, so you’ll never see the birth of bad things.

²⁹ Never plot to do bad to a friend, or those with whom you travel, or those who are trusting in you. ³⁰ And don’t quarrel without any reason, so people don’t plan to get even.

³¹ Adopt not the evil of those you look down on, nor be jealous of the bad things they do. ³² Because lawbreakers are unclean to Jehovah, with them the righteous should never sit.

³³ The houses of the disrespectful are cursed by Jehovah, but the homes of the righteous are blest. ³⁴ Jehovah opposes those who are proud, and shows favor to those who are humble. ³⁵ Those who are wise will inherit all glory, but the disrespectful glorify their dishonor.

Chapter 4

¹ Hear, O children, the instructions of a father! Listen, so you can gain insight! ² I’m going to give you a gift, so my instructions do not abandon!

³ I was once also the son of a father, one who was loved by his mother, ⁴ and by them both I was taught. [They said]: ‘Keep our words in your heart! Keep the Commandments… do not forget! ⁵ Acquire wisdom and search for understanding! Do not forget them, and don’t ignore the words from our mouths, nor turn aside from the things that we’re saying. ⁶ Stick with this way… don’t ever leave it. Love it with passion and you’ll be kept [safe].’

⁷ All things start out with wisdom… with all you acquire, gain wisdom! And among all the things you possess, make sure you acquire understanding! ⁸ Build her a fort and she’ll lift you high. Hold her in esteem so she can protect you, then she’ll place a crown on your head… ⁹ a luxurious crown that will shield you.

¹⁰ Hear, O son, and receive all my words, for they’ll multiply the years of your life, and many ways of life you will know. ¹¹ I’m teaching you ways of wisdom… I’m piling upon you tracks that are straight, ¹² so the ways that you go won’t hem you in, or ever be a block to your footsteps; thus when you must run you won’t tire.

¹³ Grab hold of all my instructions, and do not ever release them! Keep hold of them for yourself and your life!

¹⁴ Don’t follow in the ways of the disrespectful, and never be jealous of the ways of lawbreakers. ¹⁵ Don’t ever go to places where they camp… ¹⁶ alter your course and divert, because they won’t sleep unless they’ve done evil. Since they can’t sleep they don’t go to bed, ¹⁷ because they feed on the grain of irreverence, and on the wine of lawlessness they are drunk.

¹⁸ For the ways of the righteous are light, because they shine and give light until day! ¹⁹ But the ways of the irreverent are dark, and they don’t realize how often they stumble.

²⁰ O son; Pay attention to the things that I’m saying, and listen to my words with your ears! ²¹ So that your wells may never fail you, keep them inside your heart, ²² because they give life to all those who find them, and they bring healing to the flesh.

²³ With all the things that you guard, pay close attention to your heart, for that’s the source of your life. ²⁴ From your mouth remove all that is crooked, and keep unrighteous lips far away. ²⁵ Let your eyes always look straight ahead, and your eyelids nod in approval of the just. ²⁶ Make straight tracks for your feet, and straighten out all of your ways. ²⁷ Don’t turn aside to the right or the left… just turn your feet from all that is bad. For, God knows the ways that are right, but those who pervert them He puts on His left. He will make all your tracks straight, and lead you in ways that are peaceful.

Chapter 5

¹ O son; Please pay attention to my wisdom, and lend your ears to my words, so you can come to a good understanding, ² for to you I’ll entrust the perceptions of my lips.

Pay no attention to vile women! ³ For, the lips of a whore drip with honey, and it fattens the throat for a while; ⁴ but then you’ll find it more bitter than bile, and much sharper than a double-edged sword. ⁵ For, foolish are the feet of those dealing with her, because they lead to death and the grave, and her tracks aren’t easily understood. ⁶ Her ways are not those that lead to life, and the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.

⁷ Now, O son, please hear me! Do not ignore what I’m saying! ⁸ From her stay far away… don’t approach the doors of her house, ⁹ so you don’t pass your life onto others, and share your vigor with those lacking mercy. ¹⁰ Don’t fill up strangers with your strength… your power shouldn’t enter the house of a stranger. ¹¹ For, you’ll feel sorry when your flesh falls away, ¹² and you’ll say ‘How I hated to be told… O how discipline [bothered] my heart! ¹³ So, I didn’t hear the one who was giving correction… my ears didn’t hear the one who was teaching. ¹⁴ Little by little I fell into evil, there among the congregation.’

¹⁵ O son; Drink water from your own jars, and from the flow of your wells! ¹⁶ Let the waters of your springs overflow… carry your own water into the city squares! ¹⁷ Let it be yours and with strangers don’t share it… ¹⁸ let your spring be just yours, and find your joy in the wife of your youth… ¹⁹ your friendly hind and favored filly. Let her share conversation with you; hold her high and always keep her close, for the accommodations of this friendship will mean a great deal.

²⁰ Don’t spend time with strange women, and never embrace one that’s not yours, ²¹ for the eyes of God watch the ways of a man, and they keep track of the things that he does. ²² Unlawful acts are a snare to all men, and your own sins are the chains that will bind you. ²³ Those who haven’t learned this will come to their end, and then they will lose all that they own… in their own foolishness they will perish.

Chapter 6

¹ O son; If you guarantee a loan for your friend, in the hands of the enemy you’ve put yourself. ² Because a man’s lips are his own snares, and he’s captured by the words that come from his mouth.

³ O son; follow my instructions and you’ll save yourself; for on account of that friend, into evil hands you will fall. Don’t ever make yourself weak, because even your friend you’ll provoke… he for whom you guaranteed the loan! ⁴ So, don’t allow your eyes to sleep, ⁵ or your eyelids to slumber, before you escape like a doe from a noose, and as wild fowl from a snare.

⁶ O lazy one; You should be like the ant, and be zealous when you see what he does. Yes, you should become very much like him… but you should also be wiser! ⁷ For, he doesn’t own his own farm, and he has no one to urge him on, nor is he under a master. ⁸ But during the summer he gathers much food, as he prepares for a feast in the harvest.

⁹ O lazy one; How long must you just lay there… when will you awaken from your sleep? ¹⁰ You sit down for a while, to sleep for a while, and then you slumber for a while, with your hands and arms on your chest. ¹¹ So poverty overtakes you like a mugger, and lack overtakes you like a runner.

¹² A man (a fool and lawbreaker), will travel in ways that are bad. ¹³ He beckons with his eyes, makes signs with his feet, and teaches with the motions of his fingers. ¹⁴ He plans to do bad, since his heart is perverted, and someone like this brings disturbance to a city; ¹⁵ but because of this his death will come quickly. In irretrievable destruction he’ll be cut off, ¹⁶ because he rejoices over things that God hates. He’s destroyed because his life is unclean… ¹⁷ because his eyes are insulting… because he has an unrighteous tongue… because his hands have shed righteous blood… ¹⁸ because his heart conspires to do evil, and because he has feet that run to do bad.

¹⁹ By lying, an unrighteous witness lights fires, and between brothers he creates many lawsuits.

²⁰ O son; guard the laws of your father, and don’t cast aside the rules of your mother! ²¹ Keep them fastened tight to your life… tie them around your neck with a cord! ²² Bring them along wherever you walk, and make sure they are always nearby. When you go to sleep let them guard you, and let them remind you when you arise. ²³ For, the commands of the Law are a lamp and a light; they are a whole way of life; they are correction and instruction to guard you, ²⁴ from any woman who is married, and the distractions that come from strange tongues.

²⁵ O son; Don’t let the desire for beauty entice you. Don’t allow your own eyes to ever [trap] you. Don’t be caught [by the flutter] of her eyes, ²⁶ for less than bread is the value of a whore, and a woman of men ensnares precious lives.

²⁷ Can a man light a fire on his chest, without also burning his clothes? ²⁸ Or can anyone walk on live coals, without it consuming his feet? ²⁹ So, when you [have sex with] a woman that’s married, this is the same thing that happens, for none who touch her are found free of guilt.

³⁰ It isn’t surprising when someone’s caught stealing, for a man will steal to fill a hungry soul. ³¹ But when he’s caught, seven times he’ll repay; and he gives all he owns to be saved. ³² But by the lack of good sense, an adulterer is reaping destruction… ³³ he suffers both grief and dishonor, and his scorn is remembered through the age. ³⁴ Because of the jealous rage of her husband, he won’t be spared in the day that he’s judged. ³⁵ And because of the hatred of her husband, he won’t be able to bargain a ransom, nor will many gifts buy his freedom.

Chapter 7

¹ O son; Keep my words and commandments. Hide them inside of yourself! ² Have deep respect for Jehovah, and He will make you grow stronger. In addition to Him, fear no other! Keep my commands and you’ll live [a long] life. Like the pupil of your eye keep my words… ³ wrap them around all your fingers, and inscribe them in the depths of your heart. ⁴ Make wisdom become your own sister, and take intelligence as your friend, ⁵ so that, away from strange women she keeps you, as well as from those who are wicked; then good things will be said about you.

⁶ She leans from her window in the house on the square, ⁷ and whenever she views foolish offspring (a young man lacking good sense), ⁸ passing the corner near the paths to her house, ⁹ she speaks from the darkness of the evening, when all are at rest in the dimness of night. ¹⁰ She meets with him and she looks like a whore, and the young man’s heart starts to flutter. ¹¹ She’s so enticing and carnal, but don’t stay your feet near her [door].

¹² At times, she strays outside of her house, and sometimes she stands on the corner of the square. ¹³ Then she reaches out and she fondles, and with an impudent face she might say: ¹⁴ ‘A sacrifice of peace I must offer, and today I must render my vows; ¹⁵ so, that’s why I have met up with you. I noticed your face [as you were passing by], so I came over here just to find you.

¹⁶ ‘Now, while I was sewing I laid out my bed, which was spread with sheets [made in] Egypt. ¹⁷ I sprinkled my bed with saffron, and spread cinnamon around in my house. ¹⁸ Come and enjoy my friendship ‘til dawn… come, and we’ll wrap up in passion! ¹⁹ For my husband’s not around in the house; he has gone away on a journey. ²⁰ He carried a bundle of silver in his hands, and after some days he’ll return.’

²¹ She leads him astray and acts like a friend, while tying around him a noose. By the words from her lips, she reels him in, ²² so then he follows along. He’s easily led like an ox to the slaughter; like a dog that’s led with a chain, or a stag that’s shot in the liver with a bow. ²³ So he hurries like fowl to a snare, not seeing that he’s running for his life.

²⁴ Now, hear and pay attention to the sayings of my mouth! ²⁵ Don’t turn aside to her ways in your heart, and don’t be misled by her wiles. ²⁶ How many she has stabbed and then thrown away, and innumerable are those whom she’s murdered. ²⁷ Her house is the road to the grave, and it leads to the storerooms of death.

Chapter 8

¹ You should shout aloud about wisdom, so intelligence will also obey you! ² For, she is higher than all others, and she stands in the midst of all roads. ³ She’s the home of the mighty, and in their doorways she sings: ⁴ ‘I bring comfort to you, O men, and I sing aloud to your sons. ⁵ All you without guile should learn to be shrewd, and in their hearts the unlearned should put it.

⁶ ‘Listen to me, because I am speaking of serious things, and from my lips comes the truth. ⁷ My throat will contemplate truth, since those with lying lips I have hated. ⁸ Righteous are the sayings that come from my mouth; nothing in them is crooked or bad. ⁹ All those who discern should stand face to face, with those who are giving them knowledge.

¹⁰ ‘Go get instruction, not silver! Put knowledge above proven gold! ¹¹ Wisdom is better than precious gems, and nothing esteemed is worth more than her.

¹² ‘Wisdom encamps with counsel and knowledge, and I’ve been asked to reflect. ¹³ The fear of Jehovah detests all injustice, and insolence, pride, and ways of the evil… He hates the perversions of men who are bad.

¹⁴ ‘Council and safety are mine! Intelligence and strength are mine also! ¹⁵ For, by me kings start their reigns, and the mighty ones write about justice. ¹⁶ Mighty men become sovereigns by me… through me they rule the whole earth. ¹⁷ Those fond of me are those who are loved, and those who seek me find favor. ¹⁸ By me wealth and glory exist, as well as much land and justice.

¹⁹ ‘The blest will gather my fruit, before even gold and precious gems, for better than choice silver is the reward I provide. ²⁰ I walk in the ways of the righteous, and I return in the pathways of reason. ²¹ I provide for all those who love me, and I fill their treasuries with good things.

²² ‘If I should proclaim what happens each day, I’ll also count the things of the ages. I was created by Jehovah as the head of His ways, and to perform all His works. ²³ It was in the beginning (before this age) that He made me… before He decreed the making of earth. ²⁴ It was before He made the abysses, and before the springs gushed with water. ²⁵ It was before the mountains were seated, and before the hills that He generated me.

²⁶ ‘Jehovah made regions and places to live, to the ends of habitation under heaven. ²⁷ And when He was preparing the heavens, it was I who presented them to Him. Then, when He placed His throne on the winds, ²⁸ and moved the clouds above with His strength; and when He made the springs under heaven, ²⁹ and set limits to the waters of the seas (so they couldn’t pass by [their beds]), and when He made strong the foundations of earth, I was there standing beside Him.

³⁰ ‘By Him all things worked together, and He found joy in them all. Each day that I stood there before Him, I too was happy all the time. ³¹ He was pleased when He finished man’s habitation, and with the sons of men He was pleased.

³² Now hear me O son; for blest are those who are guarding my ways! ³³ Listen to wisdom and you will be wise… do not ever seal it up! Blest is the man who listens to me, and the man who guards all my ways… ³⁴ he who’s awake at my entrance each day, and paying attention there at my doorposts! ³⁵ For what I send out are the goings of life, and in them the will of the Lord is prepared.

³⁶ But those who are sinning against me, show no respect for their lives, since all those who hate me are lovers of death.

Chapter 9

¹ Wisdom has built a house for herself, and atop seven columns she has propped it. ² She has slain the sacrifices required for her; she has mixed up wine in a jar; and she has readied her table. ³ Then she sends out her servants to call [all the guests], with a high proclamation that says: ⁴ ‘All you fools, turn here toward me!’

⁵ Then she says to those lacking good sense: ‘Come here and eat my bread; drink the wine that I’ve mixed for you! ⁶ Stop being foolish and become smarter, and then you will live a long time! When it comes to knowledge and understanding, [now’s the time to] get them straightened out!’

⁷ He who corrects men that are evil, upon himself brings dishonor. For, when he scolds the irreverent, he is really laughing at himself. ⁸ Never scold men that are evil, so they don’t start to detest you! Reprove a wise man and he’ll love you. ⁹ Give him some help and he will be wiser… explain things to someone who’s righteous, and he will proceed to gain more.

¹⁰ The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah, and the counsel of the holy gives understanding. Knowledge of the Law is good to consider, ¹¹ for if you learn it you’ll live a long time… many years of life will be added to you.

¹² O son; If you wish to be wise, you will be wise to yourself. But if bad you turn out to be, then upon yourself you’ll bring bad things.

¹³ A bold and foolish woman lacking food, is one with no knowledge of shame. ¹⁴ She sits at the door of her house on a chair, to make herself seen in the squares. ¹⁵ She calls out to those passing by on the street, and those going straight on their ways, saying, ¹⁶ ‘Whoever of you is the most foolish, turn aside and come here to me. I’ll arouse the stupid by saying, ¹⁷ You’ll touch secret bread loaves in pleasure, and steal sweet water to drink!’

¹⁸ What they don’t know is that earthly men, by her will all be destroyed… they’re perched on the edge of the grave.

Chapter 10

¹ A wise son gladdens a father, but a son that is foolish distresses a mother.

² Treasures never benefit the lawless, but they’ll rescue the righteousness from death.

³ Jehovah won’t leave the righteous go hungry, but the life of the impious He’ll overturn.

⁴ Poverty makes a man humble, but hands that work hard will enrich him.

A son who’s corrected will be wiser, and the foolish he’ll treat as his servant.

⁵ An intelligent son will be saved, from [working] in sweltering heat; but wind will destroy all the harvest, of a son who is a lawbreaker.

⁶ Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous, but He brings mourning to disrespectful mouths.

⁷ The righteous are remembered and commended, but the name of the irreverent will be gone.

⁸ A wise heart does as it’s told, but back-talking lips will be stumbled.

⁹ For those who comply, things will go easy, but resistance will not be forgotten.

¹⁰ The eye that winks at bad things, creates much distress for other men; but he that openly scolds, is truly the one making peace.

¹¹ The mouths of the righteous are springs of life, but a mouth that curses leads to destruction.

¹² Hatred is what causes fights, but those who won’t fight create friendships.

¹³ The one whose lips bring forth wisdom, is beating the heartless with a stick.

¹⁴ The wise hide their perceptions, but the mouth that speaks rashly approaches destruction.

¹⁵ The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

¹⁶ The deeds of the righteous bring life, but the fruit of the irreverent brings sins.

¹⁷ The way of life is to follow instructions, for without instructions you will stray.

¹⁸ The lips of the righteous cover hatred, but those who shout insults are foolish.

¹⁹ A sin can’t be covered with many words, so it’s wise if your lips just say little.

²⁰ A righteous tongue is like purified silver, but the heart of the irreverent is worthless.

²¹ The lips of the righteous have knowledge of high things, but fools die in their lack of understanding.

²² Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous; He enriches and creates no distress in their hearts.

²³ The fool will laugh when he’s doing evil, but wisdom makes a man act smarter.

²⁴ By destruction the impious are carried away, but the righteous will receive the things they desire.

²⁵ A blast is coming to destroy the impious, but the righteous will turn and escape in the age.

²⁶ As green grapes are bad for the teeth, and smoke is bad for the eyes, that’s how lawlessness is to those who’re affected.

²⁷ The fear of Jehovah adds days to your life, but the years of the irreverent will be shortened.

²⁸ Happiness stays with the righteous, but the hopes of the irreverent meet with destruction.

²⁹ The fear of Jehovah is like a holy fort, but destruction comes to those who do evil.

³⁰ The righteous will live through the ages, but the impious won’t live on the earth.

³¹ From the mouth of the righteous drips wisdom, but the tongue of the unrighteous brings ruin.

³² From the lips of the righteous drips caring, but from the mouth of the disrespectful comes rejection.

Chapter 11

¹ [Market] scales that are rigged, are a disgusting thing to Jehovah; right weights are all He approves.

² Where there are insults there’s also dishonor, but the mouths of the humble speak wisely.

³ The righteous leave no regrets when they die, but in ridicule the irreverent are destroyed.

⁴ The perfection of the righteous will guide them, but the Godless will be plundered by failure… in the day of [God’s] rage their possessions will fail, but the righteous will be rescued from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the pure makes their ways straight, but disrespect makes the unrighteous fail.

⁶ The righteousness of a good man will save him, but the thoughtlessness of lawbreakers leads to their capture.

⁷ When a righteous man comes to his end, his hope is never destroyed. But the bragging of those who don’t respect [God], will soon lead to destruction.

⁸ The righteous will be saved from a trap, then by the irreverent they’ll be replaced.

⁹ The mouths of the irreverent are snares to their comrades, but the understanding of the righteous brings blessings.

¹⁰ By the good of righteous men a city is born; and when the irreverent are destroyed, they should all leap for joy. ¹¹ For, by the praises of the upright a city is raised, but the mouths of the impious cut it down.

¹² A man with no sense sneers at his comrades, but an intelligent man leads them to rest.

¹³ A double-tongued man reveals plans, but the trustworthy keep matters hidden.

¹⁴ Those with no guidance will fall just like leaves, but salvation is found [by seeking] much counsel.

¹⁵ The wicked act badly among righteous men, and the sounds of their safety they hate.

¹⁶ A praiseworthy wife is her husband’s glory, but she who hates what is righteous, [is one who] brings him dishonor.

The lazy will be lacking in wealth, but those who work hard will be rich.

¹⁷ A merciful man will be a good person, but those without mercy bring ruin to themselves.

¹⁸ The impious will do whatever is wrong, but the seed of the righteous are their true wages.

¹⁹ A righteous son will gain life, but the irreverent will bring their own deaths.

²⁰ Those with twisted ways are disgusting to Jehovah, but He approves of those who are perfect.

²¹ He who unrighteously lays hand on another, will never go unpunished for his evil; but he who sows justice is assured a reward.

²² As a gold ring in the snout of a pig, is a pretty wife with a mind that is evil.

²³ The desire of the righteous is for things that are good, but the hopes of the disrespectful will perish.

²⁴ There are those who’ll plant seeds and gather more, and there are those who will also gather less.

²⁵ All the sincere will be blest, but a man inclined to rage is indecent.

²⁶ The man who hoards grain may leave it to the nations, but the head of he who shares it will be blest.

²⁷ He who plans to do good wants blessings, but those seeking evil are captured by the good.

²⁸ He who trusts in his wealth will fall, but he who helps the righteous will endure.

²⁹ He who doesn’t care for those in his home, will just inherit the wind… to the intelligent he’ll be just a slave and a fool.

³⁰ A tree of life is the fruitage of justice, but unexpectedly the lives of the lawless will be lost.

³¹ If the righteous will be saved [by the skin of their teeth], what hope is there for the impious and sinners?

Chapter 12

¹ Those who love to be taught will love understanding, but those hating correction are fools.

² Those who find the favor of Jehovah, are those who’ve received what is best; but those who are lawless receive condemnation.

³ A man who breaks laws will never stand firm, while the righteous will not be uprooted.

⁴ A woman with courage is her husband’s crown, but a wife that is bad eats him away, like a worm that is boring through wood.

⁵ True judgments are the ways of the righteous, but treacherous are the ways of the impious.

⁶ The impious lie in wait to shed blood, but the mouth of the upright saves [lives].

⁷ When the irreverent are overturned they’ll disappear, while the homes of the righteous remain.

⁸ The mouths of the discerning are praised by all men, but those dull of heart are sneered at.

⁹ It’s best for the dishonored to be servants, than to be proud and go lacking bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man pities the lives of his cattle, but the compassions of the impious have no mercy.

¹¹ He who works his ground will eat bread, but those pursuing vain things are lacking good sense.

There are those who drink wine as their pastime, but they leave their honor behind them.

¹² The desires of the impious are evil, but the roots of those who show respect, will be strongly entrenched.

¹³ By the sins of his lips a sinner is snared, but from them the righteous flee far away.

¹⁴ From the fruits of his mouth a man’s life receives good things, and he’ll be repaid for the things his lips say.

¹⁵ The ways of fools are the ways that they’ve chosen, but the wise will listen to advice.

¹⁶ A fool bares his rage before all, but those with perception will hide their dishonor.

¹⁷ The righteous show trust by telling the truth, but an unrighteous witness will lie.

¹⁸ There are some who speak as though stabbing with swords, but the tongues of the wise bring healing.

¹⁹ Lips that are true will testify straight, but the unrighteous are quick [to tell lies].

²⁰ Those planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts, but those proposing peace will be joyful.

²¹ Nothing unjust brings pleasure to the righteous, but the disrespectful [find pleasure] in evil.

²² Lying lips are disgusting to Jehovah, but He accepts the trustworthy.

²³ A man with discernment is a throne of perception, but the hearts of fools meet with curses.

²⁴ The hands of [God’s] chosen will easily win, while those who are lying are plundered.

²⁵ Frightful words disturb hearts of men, but a message that’s good makes them joyful.

²⁶ A friend is one who suggests what is right, but sinners promote evil and impious ways.

²⁷ A deceitful man won’t get what he hopes for, but the pure [in heart] will be wealthy.

²⁸ The ways of the righteous lead to life, while the ways of the resentful lead to death.

Chapter 13

¹ A wise son will obey [the words of] his father, but a son who won’t listen will meet with destruction.

² From the fruit of righteousness the good ones will eat, but the lives of the lawless will meet with destruction.

³ He who guards the things that he says, is watching out for his life. But he who lets his lips go, brings terror upon his own self.

⁴ Though idle men have their desires, it’s hardworking hands that get all things done.

⁵ The righteous hate untrue words, and since this brings shame to irreverent men, they should watch what they say.

⁶ Righteousness guards the ways of the guileless, but the disgusting ways of irreverence breeds sin.

⁷ There are those who seek wealth that get nothing, and those putting themselves low that are rich.

⁸ A man will ransom his life to be rich, but the poor don’t want such intimidation.

⁹ The righteous will always have light, while the light of the irreverent will be extinguished.

¹⁰ Those who practice evil will [shout] insults, but the wise will argue with only themselves.

¹¹ Stolen things will soon lose their value, but things gathered righteously keep growing.

The righteous will feel pity and lend, ¹² for a tree of life is the desire to do good things.

It’s better to give aid to a heart, than to just promise and give them [false] hopes.

¹³ Those hating to [obey] will be hated, but those who do as they’re told are rewarded.

Nothing good will happen for a son who deceives, but a servant who acts wisely will prosper.

¹⁴ [God’s] Law is a well of life to the wise, and those who don’t consider it will die in a snare.

¹⁵ Understanding what’s good brings [God’s] favor; knowing and considering [His] Law is what’s good; and the ways of those hating it end in destruction.

¹⁶ A wise man acts on the things he has learned, but the fool continues in his evil ways.

¹⁷ A king who’s too hasty will fall into trouble, but a wise councilor can save him.

¹⁸ Poverty and dishonor are removed by instruction, and those following correction will be praised.

¹⁹ The desires of the irreverent bring delight to their lives, but ignorance is what they accomplish.

²⁰ He who travels with the wise will be wise, but he who travels with fools will be known [as a fool].

²¹ Sinners will do the things that are evil, but the righteous [will search] for things that are good.

²² A good man will inherit the sons of his sons, and the wealth of the impious is reserved for the righteous.

²³ The righteous will spend many years in their wealth, but the unrighteous will suddenly perish.

²⁴ He who doesn’t care, won’t spank [his son]; but he who loves, will carefully correct him.

²⁵ The righteous will eat and fill up their lives, as the lives of the disrespectful go lacking.

Chapter 14

¹ W ise women build up their homes, but the foolish tear theirs down with their own hands.

² Those on straight paths fear Jehovah, but those with crooked ways [really] hate Him.

³ From the mouths of fools comes the [slap] of an insult, but the lips of the wise hold it back.

⁴ Where there are no cattle the stables are clean; but in one that is prospering, the strength of the ox is apparent.

⁵ A trustworthy witness won’t lie, but a lying witness will do other wrong things.

⁶ The bad who seek wisdom will not find it, but for the discerning it is easy.

⁷ All things are wrong that a foolish man says, but the lips of the wise are weapons of good sense.

⁸ From their wisdom the capable know where they’re headed, but the thoughtlessness of fools will mislead them.

⁹ The homes of the lawless [always] need cleaning, but the homes of the righteous are worthy.

¹⁰ In a sensitive man’s heart there’s much distress, but one who is happy isn’t bothered by insults.

¹¹ The homes of the impious will be destroyed, but the tents of the reflecting will still stand.

¹² There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end in the depths of the grave.

¹³ Those with bold heart are filled with their ways, but a good man is filled with his thoughts.

^{14 –}

¹⁵ A gullible man believes every word, but the wise [take time] to consider.

¹⁶ In fear a wise man turns from what’s bad, but a fool gives in and breaks laws.

¹⁷ A man prone to rage will act without thinking, but the wise will endure many things.

¹⁸ A fool will share in doing what’s bad, but the capable keep their good senses.

¹⁹ The evil slip in among those who are good, and the irreverent watch the doors of the righteous.

²⁰ Friends dislike friends who are poor, but friends of the rich are many.

²¹ He who dishonors the needy has sinned, but the one showing mercy to the poor will be blest.

²² Those who stray contrive evil schemes, but the good contrive mercy and truth.

Those doing bad have no mercy or trust, but those doing good are generous and trusting.

²³ For those who are caring there’s more than enough, but the uncaring who seek pleasure will go lacking.

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wealth, and evil is the pastime of fools.

²⁵ A trustworthy witness snatches lives from the bad, but a man who’s deceitful will lie.

²⁶ In the fear of Jehovah, man’s strength is his hope, and he’ll leave an inheritance for his children.

²⁷ The rules of Jehovah are like life-giving springs, for they lead men away from the snares that bring death.

²⁸ The glory of a king is a prosperous nation, but a nation in want will brings him destruction.

²⁹ An intelligent man will give freely, but a faint-hearted man will be foolish.

³⁰ A practical man is a healer of hearts, but a sensitive man is a moth to the bones.

³¹ The man who’s extorting the needy, is one who provokes He who made him; but the men that He holds in high esteem, are those who show mercy to the poor.

³² For their evil the irreverent will be shunned, but the righteous are those viewed as holy.

³³ In the heart of a good man rests wisdom, but in the heart of a fool it cannot be found.

³⁴ Justice builds up a nation, but sinners make it diminish.

³⁵ A councilor who is wise is [a joy to] the king, for by his versatility he’ll remove all dishonor.

Chapter 15

¹ Anger will destroy the intelligent, for harsh words will make a man angry. But an answer that’s mild turns back rage.

² The tongues of the wise bring forth knowledge, but the mouths of fools just speak evil.

³ The eyes of Jehovah see all, and He watches both the good and the bad.

⁴ A tree of life is the tongue that does healing, and the one who can hold it is filled with [God’s] Breath.

⁵ A fool sneers at the instructions of his father, but he who keeps his commandments is [wiser].

Where there’s much justice [the people] are strong; their irreverent will be rooted from the land and destroyed.

⁶ The homes of the righteous will last, but the fruits of the impious will be destroyed.

⁷ The lips of the wise are bound by good sense, but the hearts of fools can’t be trusted.

⁸ Sacrifices of the irreverent are disgusting to Jehovah, but He accepts the vows of those who walk straight.

⁹ The ways of the irreverent are disgusting to Jehovah, but He loves those who do what is righteous.

¹⁰ Those heeding the instructions of the guileless, are those who will follow straight paths; while those who are hating correction, will come to their end in disgrace.

¹¹The Lord warned about destruction and the grave, so why isn’t this in the hearts of all men?

¹² The ignorant don’t love those who give correction, and they don’t wish to be with those who are wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes a face shine, but with a heart in distress the eyes will look downcast.

¹⁴ An upright heart will seek understanding, but an ignorant heart knows just evil.

¹⁵ Evil eyes enjoy seeing bad things, but the [eyes] of the good [search for] peace.

¹⁶ It’s better to have little and the fear of Jehovah, than to have great treasures and no fear [of Him].

¹⁷ It’s better to eat vegetables in a place where there’s love, than to dine on calves where there’s hatred.

¹⁸ A man of rage is ready to fight, but with an apology he can be soothed.

The lenient man prevents lawsuits, but the irreverent would rather create them.

¹⁹ The roads of the lazy lead toward the thorns, but the industrious are on a busy highway.

²⁰ A father is happy with a son who is wise, but a son who’s foolish sneers at his mother.

²¹ The paths of the unthinking don’t make any sense, but the ways of the intelligent lead straight ahead.

²² From the hearts of advisors there’s much to be [learned], ²³ but a man who is bad won’t [take their advice], nor will he learn anything useful, for what’s good to him is mundane.

²⁴ The thoughts of the discerning lead to life, and they’ll turn a man back from the grave.

²⁵ Jehovah will tear down the homes of the proud, but He supports the property of widows.

²⁶ The ways of the unrighteous are disgusting to Jehovah, but He respects the requests of the pure.

²⁷ The one taking bribes brings ruin on himself, but he who hates them will be saved.

Mercy and faith clear away sins, and the fear of Jehovah turns people from bad.

²⁸ The hearts of the righteous think about faith, while the mouths of the irreverent speak of evil.

The ways of the righteous are acceptable to Jehovah, and by them even enemies become friends.

²⁹ From the irreverent God will stay far away, but He hears the vows of the righteous.

It’s better to be fair and gain little, than to get much through injustice.

³⁰ An eye that sees good brings joy to the heart, and good news puts fat on the bones.

³¹ He who listens to the corrections of life, will find himself lodging among wise ones.

³² Those rejecting instruction don’t care for themselves, but those heeding correction love life.

³³ The fear of Jehovah is instruction and wisdom, and heeding it is the sum of all glory… and the humble will be led to this glory.

Chapter 16

¹ May hearts of men consider what’s righteous, so God can set their feet on straight paths.

² The deeds of the humble are apparent to God, but on a [dark] day the irreverent will be destroyed.

^{3, 4, –}

⁵ To God proud hearts are unclean, and He will never forgive, the man who lays hold of another unjustly.

⁶ Goodness starts with doing what’s right… ⁷ it’s greater than offering sacrifices to God.

⁸ Those seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justice… those who righteously seek Him find peace.

⁹ The heart of a man sets his direction, but it’s Jehovah who sets the course for his feet.

¹⁰ Though a curse may be on the lips of a king, his mouth must not err in his judgments.

¹¹ A scale that’s properly centered, is something that’s righteous with God, for His ways require honest weights.

¹² The evil are disgusting to the king, for the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.

¹³ Righteous lips are acceptable to the king, and Jehovah loves all that is straight.

¹⁴ The rage of a king is a messenger of death, but a man who’s wise can appease him.

¹⁵ The sons of a king are the light of his life, and those he approves are like [afternoon] rain.

¹⁶ Sources of wisdom are better than gold, and intelligent sources are better than silver.

¹⁷ The road to life turns from what’s bad, so righteousness leads to long life.

Those willing to learn are counted as good, and those accepting correction will be wiser.

The one guarding his ways is protecting his life; for he who loves life will watch what [he says].

¹⁸ Insolence leads to destruction; evil thinking leads to a downfall.

¹⁹ It’s better to be meek and have little, than to share spoils with the haughty.

²⁰ The discerning are inventers of good things, and those yielding to God are the most blest.

²¹ The vile may call to the wise and discerning, but those with sweet words are the ones they will hear.

²² Understanding is life to all those who seek it, but the instruction of fools is just bad.

²³ From their own mouths, the hearts of the wise ones will learn; and from their own lips they’ll gain knowledge.

²⁴ Good words are like combs filled with honey; their sweetness is healing to the soul.

²⁵ There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end on the road to the grave.

²⁶ A man who works hard is working for himself, and this leads him away from destitution; but the [lazy] wear destitution on their mouths.

²⁷ The foolish search for things that are bad, and upon their own lips they heap fire.

²⁸ A man who is crooked spreads evil… with treachery he lights the fires of evil; and in this he drives friends apart.

²⁹ A lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test, and leads them in ways that are bad. ³⁰ His eyes are fixed as he plans to do wrong, and he confirms what’s bad with his lips. Such a man is a furnace of evil.

³¹ Old age is a crown of which to boast, when it’s found in ways that are righteous.

³² It’s better to be forgiving than strong, and intelligence is better than owning much land, but holding one’s temper is better than taking a city.

³³ [What is bad] falls into unrighteous laps, but all that is good comes from [God].

Chapter 17

¹ A scrap of food that’s eaten in peace, is better than a house filled with feasting and fights.

² Over foolish masters smart slaves will win out, and they’ll divide what they take with their brothers.

³ As silver and gold are refined in a furnace, that’s how Jehovah tries hearts.

⁴ A bad man obeys the tongues of lawbreakers, and the unrighteous will heed lying lips.

⁵ He who ridicules the poor, is provoking the One who made him.

Those who rejoice at another’s destruction, will not themselves be forgiven, but those showing compassion will be shown mercy.

⁶ Grandchildren are the crowns of the aged, and in their children their fathers will boast.

The things [God] arranged can be trusted, but unbelievers won’t know how [He] did it.

⁷ Trustworthy lips aren’t enough for a fool, nor will lying lips please the righteous.

⁸ Instruction’s a good wage to all who would use it, for wherever it’s used they will prosper.

⁹ Those covering offenses are looking for love, but the unforgiving leave family and friends.

¹⁰ Intimidation breaks the hearts of the wise, but a fool who is whipped never learns.

¹¹ Evil men search for ways to dispute, but a merciless angel Jehovah sends against them.

¹² An intelligent man will be anxious [over right], but fools will argue about evil.

¹³ He who repays bad things for good, will never see evil removed from his house.

¹⁴ When a ruler backs up righteous words, it leads to few divisions and fights.

¹⁵ The righteous judge the unjust, as disgusting and unclean before God.

¹⁶ What value has wealth before fools, for those without heart will never be wise.

He who builds a tall house seeks its downfall, and the crooked will fall into evil.

¹⁷ Use your time to gain friends, for in times of distress they’ll be brothers… it’s for such favor that they have been born!

¹⁸ A foolish man claps and shakes hands, then [co-signs] a loan for a friend.

¹⁹ The one fond of sinning brings strife, and those with hard hearts won’t meet up with good.

²⁰ A tongue that twists words leads to evil, and the heart of a fool brings grief to its owner.

²¹ A father isn’t happy with an ignorant son, but he who is smart brings joy to his mother.

²² A heart that is happy leads to good health, but the distress of a man dries out his bones.

²³ The unrighteous seek gifts dropped into their laps, in order to pervert what is just.

²⁴ Faces of the discerning look wise, but the eyes of fools look distant.

²⁵ A foolish son angers his father, and brings grief to the [mother] that bore him.

²⁶ It is wrong to penalize a man who is righteous, and unholy to plot against a just ruler.

²⁷ He who holds back harsh words shows his insight, and a man who gives in shows his wisdom.

²⁸ When an unthinking man asks a question, he’s often thought of as wise; and when a man refuses to argue, he’ll be thought of as smart.

Chapter 18

¹ A man with excuses is rejected by his friends, and he’ll always be spoken of poorly.

² The one lacking good sense has no use for wisdom, for by foolishness he wants to be led.

³ When they reach the depths of their evils, the irreverent simply don’t notice, that they are dishonored and scorned.

⁴ A word that touches the heart, is like very deep water… as a river and a spring of life it has flowed.

⁵ [Showing favor] to the impious isn’t good, and denying justice to the righteous is unholy.

⁶ The lips of the fool lead him to evil, and the boldness of his mouth calls him to death.

⁷ The mouth of a fool will destroy him, for his lips are snares to his life.

⁸ Fear comes easy to the lazy, and the lives of the unmanly will go hungry.

⁹ A man who won’t work for himself, is brother to the one who brings himself ruin.

¹⁰ In the Name Jehovah there is might… the righteous run toward it and they are uplifted.

¹¹ The wealth of the rich is a fortified town, and its glory casts a long shadow.

¹² Before his ruin a man’s heart is proud, and just before glory it is humbled.

¹³ When a man gives an answer before hearing a matter, this is foolish and it brings him much scorn.

¹⁴ A man can endure a [long] illness, but who can endure a worried spirit?

¹⁵ The hearts of the intelligent gain perception, and the ears of the wise search for insight.

¹⁶ A gift from a man brings him [friendship], and he will sit beside rulers.

¹⁷ The righteous examine themselves before speaking, for they know they’ll be reproved by those who disagree.

¹⁸ Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.

¹⁹ A brother who is helped by his brothers, is like a high city with fortified walls, and is stronger that a well-built castle.

²⁰ From the fruits of his mouth a man fills his belly… from the fruits of his lips he’ll be filled.

²¹ Both life and death are in the handle of the tongue, and those who fail to restrain it, will [end up] eating its fruitage.

²² He who’s found a good wife, has done himself a great favor… joy from Jehovah he’s received.

He who divorces a good woman, is one who throws good things away, but one who keeps an adulteress, is a foolish and irreverent man.

²³ Those in need make requests, but the rich respond very harshly.

²⁴ A man should seek many friendships, for there are friends who’ll stick closer than brothers.

Chapter 19

^{1, 2, –}

³ The foolishness of a man lays waste to his ways, but in his heart he’ll blame it on God.

⁴ Wealth will bring many friends, but friends will abandon the poor.

⁵ A lying witness will not go unpunished, and the one accusing falsely won’t escape.

⁶ Many seek the favor of the king, and all who bring gifts are his friends.

⁷ Those who hate a brother when he’s poor, will never be good at making friends.

Insight is good for those who will seek it, and an intelligent man will soon find it.

The evil are good at doing bad, and he who aggravates won’t be saved.

⁸ He [who learns] has love for himself, for those seeking intelligence will find good things.

⁹ A lying witness will not go unpunished, and he who kindles evil will perish by it.

¹⁰ Luxury is no advantage to the fool, and it’s wrong for a servant who’s been given power, to use it in ways that are haughty.

¹¹ A merciful man is forgiving, and he triumphs over those who have erred.

¹² Intimidation from a king is like the [roar] of a lion, but making him happy is like dew on the grass.

¹³ A foolish son is a shame to his father, and impure are vows paid with the wage of a whore.

¹⁴ Fathers may leave homes and possessions to their sons, but a sensible wife comes from [God].

¹⁵ Dread holds back a cowardly man, and the lives of the idle go hungry.

¹⁶ Those keeping the Commandments are protecting their lives, but those hating their ways will soon perish.

¹⁷ God lends to those who show mercy to the poor, and He’ll repay them according to their gifts.

¹⁸ Correction builds confidence in a son, but you’ll not make his life better with insults.

¹⁹ An evil-minded man will often be punished, and if he [kills] he must pay with his life.

²⁰ Hear, O son, the instruction of your father, so you’ll be wise to the last of your days.

²¹ There are many choices in the heart of a man, but counsel from Jehovah lasts through the ages.

²² Charity is the fruitage of a man, but it’s better to be righteous and poor, than to be rich and a liar.

²³ Fearing Jehovah brings life to a man, but he who has no such fear, will lodge in places where knowledge isn’t found.

²⁴ In folded arms the unrighteous hide their hands, so they can’t bring [good things] to their mouths.

²⁵ When a foolish man is whipped for his mischief, the simple man will be shrewder; but an intelligent man will understand, and then he will make the corrections.

²⁶ He who dishonors his father, and pushes his mother away, will be reviled and disgraced.

²⁷ A son who disobeys the instructions of his father, will focus on the evil that he hears spoken.

²⁸ He who [co-signs] a loan, is like a child that is foolish, for he is insulting the Law, and the mouths of the irreverent will swallow him down.

²⁹ Whips are prepared for those with no restraint, and for the backs of the foolish.

Chapter 20

¹ Wine and strong drink can make you drunk, and fools will get wrapped in such things.

² The intimidation of a king is as a lion’s rage, and those who provoke him sin against their lives.

³ It’s glory for a man to turn from shouting insults, but a fool stays involved in such matters.

⁴ If you scold the lazy it won’t shame him… such a man will borrow grain in the harvest.

⁵ Instruction is deep water within a man’s heart, from which the intelligent will draw.

⁶ A respected man has much value, and a merciful man is very precious, but a faithful man is hard to find.

⁷ The one who’s unspotted in his justice, will leave a blessing for his children.

⁸ When a just king sits on a throne, he won’t abide evil in his presence.

⁹ Who can boast that he has a pure heart, and openly say that he’s clean from all sins?

¹⁰ An untrue weight, whether large or small, is something unclean to Jehovah. And both the weights and the one who made them, ¹¹ will be bound hand and foot for what he has done.

A young man who’s [a friend] to the holy, will surely find his ways straight.

¹² The ear can hear and the eye can see, and they’re both the works of Jehovah.

¹³ Do not love speaking bad about others, so that you won’t be lifted away; rather, open your eyes wide and be filled up with bread!

¹⁴ The [bartering one] says ‘It’s bad, it’s bad,’ but after he leaves he’ll brag about it.

¹⁵ There [are treasures] of gold and precious gems, but understanding lips have more value.

¹⁶ If you should offer all your clothes, as security for the loan of a stranger, may the stranger then claim them.

¹⁷ The bread of deceit may seem good to a man, but he’ll find his mouth filled with gravel.

¹⁸ Make plans with discussion and counsel, and then with guidance go to war.

¹⁹ Double-tongued is he who reveals a plan among others, for his lips shouldn’t speak of things not his own.

²⁰ He who speaks badly to a father or mother, will have his torch extinguished thereafter, and the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.

²¹ Whenever a thing is easily gained, in the end it will not be valued.

²² Don’t say ‘I’ll get even with my enemy;’ just wait on Jehovah and He’ll give you help.

²³ Two different weights are disgusting to Jehovah, and a balance that’s off isn’t good before Him.

²⁴ The steps of a man are made straight by Jehovah, for how can a mortal know the right ways to go?

²⁵ It’s a snare to devote something as holy too quickly, for after you vow you might change your mind.

²⁶ A wise king [rejects] the disrespectful, and he’ll have them put on the wheel.

²⁷ The spirit of men is the light of Jehovah, which He uses to see what’s inside them.

²⁸ Mercy and truth safeguard a king, for they’ll bring justice to his throne.

²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength, and the glory of old men is their gray hair.

³⁰ The bad will know bruises and broken [bones], and plagues will come to their bellies.

Chapter 21

¹ The heart of a king is a wave [in the sea], when it is in the hand of our God. Wherever He wishes He nods, and that’s the way he will go.

² All men think themselves righteous, but Jehovah is the One who weighs hearts.

³ Telling the truth and doing what’s right, is more pleasing to God than blood sacrifices.

⁴ A high-minded man is insolent and bold; the lamp of the impious is their sin.

⁵ The hard-working think about [gaining] more, but those who are hasty will end up with less.

⁶ He who seeks treasures by lying, is a man who’s pursuing in vain, for in the snare of death he’ll be caught.

⁷ The ruin of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest, for they prefer not to do righteous things.

⁸ To those who are crooked God sends crooked ways, for His works are always straight and pure.

⁹ It’s better to live on the corner of a roof, than to live in a house whitewashed with injustice, or to live in a house that’s unclean.

¹⁰ The disrespectful man prefers what is bad, so he’ll never see mercy from another.

¹¹ When you discipline a man for his lack of restraint, you make the guileless more clever, and by his insight the wise man will learn.

¹² Impious hearts are viewed by the righteous, who treat their evil ways as having no value.

¹³ The one who closes his ears to the weak, will call out and no one will listen.

¹⁴ A gift that is given in private, will soothe [a person who’s angry], but where there’s no gift the rage may remain.

¹⁵ It brings joy when the righteous get justice, but the evil make even what’s holy unclean.

¹⁶ A man who travels in righteous ways, will rest among the gatherings of the great ones.

¹⁷ A man who loves pleasure will have little, and those fond wine and oil will never be rich.

¹⁸ To the righteous the wicked are rubbish, and the same is true of those breaking laws.

¹⁹ It’s better to live in the desert, than with a wife who prefers to talk and fight, and one who is prone to be angry.

²⁰ Treasure rests in the mouths of the wise, but it’s swallowed by those who are foolish.

²¹ Those who seek charity and justice, will also find glory and life.

²² The wise build around them a fortified city, but the forts of the disrespectful are destroyed.

²³ He who keeps watch on his mouth and his tongue, is removing problems from his life.

²⁴ A bold, self-willed, and presumptuous man, is one who’s considered a plague; for all men resent those without law.

²⁵ Lazy desires are what kill a man, for his hands will resolve to do nothing.

²⁶ A disrespectful man lusts for evil all day, but the righteous man will show mercy, and there is no end to his pity.

²⁷ Sacrifices of those without reverence, are viewed as disgusting by Jehovah, for even what they bring isn’t according to Law.

²⁸ A witness who lies deserves death, but a servant of [God] will watch what he says.

²⁹ Irreverent men like to stand in the forefront, but their ways are understood by the upright.

³⁰ There is no wisdom or courage, and no advice from the godless.

³¹ Though a horse is prepared for the day of the battle, [true] help comes from Jehovah.

Chapter 22

¹ A good name is preferred over great wealth, and good favor is better than silver and gold.

² The rich and poor should meet with each other, for both were made by Jehovah.

³ When a clever man sees the bad being punished, he then makes corrections in himself; but this is lost on the fools who pass by.

⁴ The fear of Jehovah is the father of wisdom, as well as wealth, glory, and life.

⁵ Thistles and snares line ways of the crooked, but those guarding their lives are distanced from them.

⁶ Raise a child [in good] ways, and when he grows old he won’t leave them.

⁷ The rich have control of the poor; they are masters to those who borrow from them.

He who sows evil will harvest what’s bad; he’ll reap the calamity of the bad things he’s done.

⁸ God loves a man who cheerfully gives, and overlooks the foolish things he’s done.

⁹ He who shows mercy to the poor, will also be fed from the bread he contributes.

The giver of gifts buys victory and honor, but life is removed from those who withhold them.

¹⁰ If you throw mischief-makers out of the gathering, their unpleasantness also goes with them. For, all are dishonored when such sit among you.

¹¹ Jehovah loves hearts that are holy; those with pure ways He accepts.

¹² The eyes of Jehovah keep guard on good sense, and He treats lawbreakers like [garbage].

¹³ The lazy make many excuses; they say, ‘There’s a lion in the streets, and I will be killed in the square.’

¹⁴ The mouths of the lawless are cesspools, which those hated by Jehovah will fall into.

¹⁵ Foolishness delights the hearts of the young, but instruction and spankings will drive it far away.

¹⁶ The one extorting the needy, brings much evil to himself. For to the rich he will give it away.

¹⁷ Set your ears on the words of the wise, and listen to the things that I’m saying! Store them inside your heart so you’ll know! ¹⁸ For, because they are good, if you’ll put them into your heart, they’ll also bring joy to your lips.

¹⁹ Put your hope in Jehovah, and He will show you His ways. ²⁰ Write them down for yourself three times, as instruction and [to gain] knowledge.

²¹ I’m teaching you words that are true, so listen and you will gain knowledge. Then you can reply with words that are true, when people ask things of you.

²² Don’t push away the needy and poor, and don’t dishonor the weak at your gates, ²³ for it’s Jehovah who argues their cause, so you’ll save your life from reprisal.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a man inclined to great rage, nor lodge with a man prone to anger, ²⁵ so you don’t learn of his ways, and bring a noose to your life.

²⁶ Don’t shame your face by securing a loan, for if you find that you can’t repay it, they’ll take the bed from under your back.

²⁸ Don’t move the [land] markers of the ages, which have been placed by your fathers.

²⁹ An observant man who is sharp in his ways, will also stand beside kings… he won’t stand beside the dull witted.

Chapter 23

¹ If you are invited to dine with a ruler, pay close attention to all things around you. ² And pay close attention to your hands… have them prepared at such [times]. And although you may be very hungry, ³ don’t be too fond of his food, for that will not save your life. ⁴ And should you find yourself in great need, don’t reach out to those who are rich. Use insight and stay at a distance. ⁵ For, though you keep watching they won’t appear, because they have the wings of an eagle, so they can [escape] to their homes.

⁶ Do not dine with an envious man, nor have desire for his food; ⁷ eat and drink as though swallowing a hair. And don’t bring him into your house for a meal, ⁸ for he will just vomit upon it, and lay waste to the good things you’ve prepared.

⁹ Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, so he doesn’t sneer at your wisdom.

¹⁰ Don’t move the boundaries of the ages, and never take the possessions of orphans; for Jehovah is the One who’s paid their ransom; ¹¹ Yes He is strong and He’ll argue their case.

¹² Open you hearts to great learning, and prepare your ears for sensible words!

¹³ You shouldn’t avoid correcting a child, for if you spank him he surely won’t die. ¹⁴ And if you give him a spanking, from death you’ll rescue his soul.

¹⁵ O son; If you teach your heart to be wise, you’ll also make my heart glad. ¹⁶ Then we’ll spend time sharing words from our lips… if [your words] prove to be straight.

¹⁷ Don’t let your heart be jealous of sinners… be in the fear of Jehovah all day! ¹⁸ For, if these things you should choose to obey, there will be others descending from you, and you’ll receive all the things that you hope for.

¹⁹ Hear me O son and be wise; straighten the thoughts in your heart! ²⁰ Don’t be one who drinks too much wine, nor one who reclines with the meat in the markets! ²¹ For, drunks and whoremongers will be poor… the nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.

²² Hear me O son, for I am your father, and don’t disrespect your aged mother. ²³ With all you gain [search for] truth! And these also do not reject: wisdom, instruction, and understanding!

²⁴ A righteous father is one who provides, and a son who is wise brings joy to his life. ²⁵ So, bring joy to your father and mother; may the one who bore you rejoice!

²⁶ Lend me your heart and your eyes. O son, pay attention to my ways!

²⁷ The house of a [whore] is a keg with a hole; it’s a well that is narrow and strange, ²⁸ and [those who enter] will perish, for those breaking the Law are destroyed.

²⁹ For whom are there problems and woes? For whom are there many disputes? For whom is there intrigue and rancor? Who is destroyed for no reason? Who’s the one with dark eyes? ³⁰ Isn’t it those who linger with wine… those who prowl looking for parties? Don’t be a man who gets drunk on wine! Don’t hang out with [unrighteous] men, nor walk around [with the bad]! ³¹ If you search for [the contents of] cups, you’ll end up as bare as a pestle… ³² stretched out like one who’s been struck by a snake… as one poisoned by the bite of a horned viper.

³³ When your eyes behold a strange woman, and your mouth starts to speak perverse things; ³⁴ when you lie down it’ll be in the heart of the sea… as a sailor who’s covered by a swell. ³⁵ (And you’ll say), ‘They beat me, but I felt no pain; they mocked me, but I didn’t know it. How long will it be ‘til it’s dawn, so I can do it once more?’

Chapter 24

¹ O son; never be jealous of evil men, nor ever desire to be with them. ² For, their hearts just think about lies, and misery is what their lips speak.

³ Wisdom has built a house for himself, and it was erected with skill. ⁴ Its storerooms are filled with good sense… things of value, goodness, and wealth.

⁵ It’s better to be wise than a strong [man], and smart than owning much land.

⁶ In [times of] war it’s good to seek guidance, for from the hearts of counselors comes aid.

⁷ Wisdom and insight are good, and they’re found within the gates of the wise.

⁸ The wise won’t turn from the Law of Jehovah, and they consider all things in their meetings. ⁹ But those who won’t learn meet with death, ⁹ for the fool will die in his sins.

¹⁰ With what’s unclean do not get involved, for when the evil day of affliction arrives, you will come to your end.

¹¹ Rescue those being led to their deaths, and ransom those about to be slain! ¹² Do not say ‘I don’t know them,’ for the Lord knows the hearts of all men; yes He put breath in them all, so He’s aware of all things, and He pays each one back for the things he has done.

¹³ O son; Eating honey from the comb is delightful, for it brings sweetness to your throat! ¹⁴ And that’s how wisdom should be in your life, for if you find it your death will be good, and you’ll never lose sight of your hope.

¹⁵ Don’t lead the irreverent to the pastures of the righteous, nor be deceived [when they feed you a meal]. ¹⁶ For though the righteous may fall seven times, they will stand up again, but the irreverent will be plagued for their evil.

¹⁷ Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and after his fall he can’t rise. ¹⁸ For, Jehovah will see this and He’ll not be pleased, and upon you He’ll bring His rage.

¹⁹ Do not rejoice over those who do bad, nor be jealous of sinners! ²⁰ For the wicked won’t be left with descendants, and the torch of the irreverent will be extinguished.

²¹ Fear God, O son, as well as the king… never resist their persuasion! ²² For sudden destruction they both can bring, upon all those who show no respect… yes, who can know how either will punish?

²³ I’m saying this to you and to the wise: ‘Feeling awe for a person you judge isn’t good.’ ²⁴ For, he who calls the irreverent just, will be cursed among all the people, and detested among all the nations. ²⁵ But he who reproves will appear to be better, and upon such a one will come praises. ²⁶ For, lips will kiss righteous answers.

²⁷ Prepare to leave the things you are doing, and make preparations for your fields; then come after me and we’ll work on your house!

²⁸ Don’t be a witness who lies about others, nor should you open your lips very wide. ²⁹ Don’t say: ‘I’ll do to him as he did to me… I’ll get even with he who who has wronged me!’

³⁰ A foolish man is much like a farm, and one lacking good sense as a vineyard. ³¹ For if you just leave them alone, they will become overgrown; their stone fences will fail and soon be torn down.

³² I once decided to make a change; I planned to just [sit back] and learn. ³³ Then I started to doze and fell fast asleep, with my hands folded over my chest. ³⁴ Now, if you also choose to do this, poverty will soon overtake you, and lack will chase you down like a sprinter.

Chapter 25

¹ These are the [proverbs] of Solomon that were recorded by friends of HezekiJah, the king of Judea.

² The glory of God covers over a matter, but the glory of a king deems all things important.

³ Heaven is high and the earth is below, but [who can know] the heart of a king?

⁴ If you beat out unrefined silver, it will be totally [pure].

⁵ Slay the impious [surrounding] the king, and you’ll make his throne one of justice.

⁶ Do not be boastful in the presence of the king, nor in places where the mighty ones gather.

⁷ It’s better if [a king] says ‘Come stand before me,’ than to humble you in the presence of the mighty.

Tell the king only those things, which you have seen with your eyes.

⁸ Don’t be too quick to get into a fight, for you might wish you’d changed your mind in the end.

Whenever you’re scolded by a friend, ⁹ withdraw and don’t be angry with him. ¹⁰ For if your friend’s scolding leads to hatred and fights, it will be the same as his death. But favor and friendship are free, so pay attention to yourself, and give him no reason to scold you… act in a way to reconcile!

¹¹ As a golden apple in a pendant of rubies, is the value of words that are wise. ¹² As an earring of gold with a setting of ruby, such are wise words to ears that will hear.

¹³ As the falling of snow in the heat of the harvest, is the value of a messenger who is trusted, for he benefits the lives of all those he contacts.

¹⁴ As winds, clouds, and rain are apparent, so are the boasts of those claiming false gifts.

¹⁵ Success comes to kings who are patient, and an answer that’s mild will break bones.

¹⁶ When you find honey eat just what’s enough, lest you become filled and vomit it out.

¹⁷ Be sparing in the way you [visit] your friends, so they do not tire and come to detest you.

¹⁸ Like clubs, and swords, and pointed arrows, is a man who slanders a friend.

¹⁹ For their evil the lawless will be destroyed, in the bad day that’s [coming].

²⁰ As vinegar on a [cut] brings [pain], so is a heart in distress to its body. Like a moth in [wool] clothes and a worm inside wood, that’s how distress [eats] at a man’s heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, then feed him, and if he’s thirsty, give him a drink! ²² By doing this you pile coals on his head, and Jehovah will repay the good things you’ve done.

²³ As a wind from the north will bring clouds, an impudent tongue brings aggravation.

²⁴ It’s better to live on the corner of a roof, than to live in a house with a wife who nags.

²⁵ As cold water is enjoyed by a person who’s thirsty, so is good news that comes from afar.

²⁶ As unbecoming as plugging a spring, and thereby wasting the water, is the fall of the righteous before the irreverent.

²⁷ As eating too much honey isn’t good, honorable words can bring too much praise.

²⁸ As a city without walls lies unprotected, so is the man who won’t listen to council.

Chapter 26

¹ As snow in the summer and rain in the harvest, it’s wrong for a fool to be honored.

² As sparrows and birds spread [their wings but don’t] fly, a [curse] for no reason won’t come to fruition.

³ As a whip to a horse and a spur to a burro, a rod comes to nations of the lawless.

⁴ Don’t answer a fool in his same foolish way, so you aren’t considered to be like him. ⁵ But give a reply showing how he is foolish, so he will not think himself wise.

⁶ He who sends a foolish message, heaps scorn upon his own ways.

⁷ Remove from fools their reasons [to speak], and take their proverbs from their mouths. ⁸ For, as one who ties a stone to a sling, is he who gives glory to fools.

⁹ As thorns will grow in the hands of a drunk, slavery grows in the hands of fools.

¹⁰ As storms may create much damage, the flesh of fools is destroyed, by the things that bring them pleasure.

¹¹ Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool returns to the evil he’s done, and he commits the very same sins.

¹² I’ve seen men who thought themselves wise, but they were no more than fools.

¹³ When the lazy is sent out [to work] he will say, ‘There are lions in the road and murderers in the square.’

¹⁴ The lazy one rolls in his bed, like a door that’s swinging on hinges.

¹⁵ When the lazy one hides his hands in [his robe], he’s unable to bring them up to his mouth.

¹⁶ The lazy one thinks himself wiser, when something he says appears to come true.

¹⁷ As one who grabs hold of the tail of a dog, is he who argues the case of a stranger.

¹⁸ As those [who cure others] also need healing, those [giving instructions] will stumble.

¹⁹ When a man is caught seeking friends [as his prey], he’ll claim that he was just pretending.

²⁰ When there’s plenty of wood a fire will grow, but when there’s no reason to disagree, there is no cause for a battle. ²¹ But as a grate [filled with] coals and wood for a fire, a man who shouts insults is seeking a fight.

²² The words of those who are bad may sound soft, but they beat the insides of the bowels.

²³ Silver that comes from treacherous acts, is like a fine pot that is cracked.

Comforting [words] will bring comfort, to a heart in distress.

²⁴ An enemy who is crying will agree to whatever, as he makes evil plans in his heart.

²⁵ When an enemy calls you with a loud voice, don’t pay him any attention, for in his heart are seven kinds of evil.

²⁶ Treacherous are those who are hiding their hate, but their sins can be shown up in court.

²⁷ He who’s digging a pit for his neighbor, will be the one who falls in it; and he who’s rolling a boulder, will roll it back on himself.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates the truth, and an open mouth creates a commotion.

Chapter 27

¹ Don’t boast about things that you’ll do tomorrow, for [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.

² Let friends give you praise, not your own mouth… let strangers [do it], not your own lips.

³ Rocks and sand are heavy to bear, but the rage of a fool is greater than both.

⁴ Rage has no mercy and anger is sharp, but before zeal no one can stand.

⁵ It is better to offer correction, than to [speak] flattering words. ⁶ For, the wounds of a friend are more to be trusted, than an enemy’s kisses.

⁷ He who is full will laugh at honeycombs, but to he who is starving the bitter tastes sweet.

⁸ As a bird that flies from its nest, is a man who strays from his home.

⁹ Perfume, incense, and wine, will all make the heart happy, but things that go wrong will shatter a soul.

¹⁰ Don’t leave a friend or a friend of your father, and don’t do wrong to the house of your brother. For a friend who is near is better, than a brother who lives far away.

¹¹ Become wise, my son, and make my heart glad… do not shout hateful words!

¹² When the clever see evil they go and hide, but a fool passing by will be caught up in it.

¹³ Take the clothes from he who shouts insults, and he who lays waste to the goods of a stranger.

¹⁴ Shouting praises of a friend too early in the morning, is the same as one who shouts curses.

¹⁵ As a house leaking rain on winter days, a nagging wife drives a man from his home.

¹⁶ Wind from the north blows hard, so it’s fittingly called the north wind.

¹⁷ As iron is sharpened by iron, a man can sharpen the face of a friend.

¹⁸ The man who is planting a fig tree, is the one who will eat its fruit; and he who guards [the life of] his master, is one who’ll be held in high esteem.

¹⁹ As faces are unlike other faces, men’s hearts are also quite different.

²⁰ As the grave and destruction never get filled, the eyes of a man are never satisfied. But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to Jehovah, as are the ignorant who don’t mind their tongues.

²¹ As gold and silver are refined in a fire, a man is refined by the corrections of others.

²² You can dishonor a fool with a whip in a crowd, but you can’t drive his foolishness away.

²³ Know the condition of the lives of your flock, and keep your herd in your heart.

²⁴ A man’s might and strength won’t last through the age, nor from generation to generation can he retain them.

²⁵ If you tend the green that grows in the field, you will take its cuttings for food. You’ll gather the hay from the hills, ²⁶ and then you’ll have wool for your clothes. So, hold the fields in high esteem, so you can own many lambs.

²⁷ O son; The many proverbs that I’ve given, will all bring you a long life, and they’ll also bring life to your servants.

Chapter 28

¹ The godless run when no one is chasing, but as secure as lions are the righteous.

² From the sins of the irreverent come lawsuits, but a man who is clever can avoid them.

³ An energetic man who does ungodly things, can damage the poor like a bad storm.

⁴ Those leaving the Law will praise what is godless, but to those loving the Law it’s a wall.

⁵ The evil don’t understand the meaning of fairness, but those seeking Jehovah fully comprehend it.

⁶ It’s better to be poor and walking in truth, than to be rich and a liar.

⁷ A discerning son is keeping the Law, but one driven by lust dishonors his father.

⁸ Those who gain wealth by charging interest, will [pay it] to he who shows compassion for the poor.

⁹ [God] hates the prayers of the man, who turns his ears from hearing the Law.

¹⁰ He who leads the righteous toward bad, will also fall into corruption. The honest will claim all his good things, and he will not enter among them.

¹¹ A rich man thinks himself wise, but an intelligent man will condemn him, even if he is needy.

¹² When the righteous triumph there’s glory, but when the wicked succeed men will hide.

¹³ He who excuses his ungodly things, will never prosper in his ways. But he who admits and corrects will be loved.

¹⁴ Blest is the man who worships in awe, but those with hard hearts will fall into evil.

¹⁵ As a hungry lion or a wolf that is thirsty, is the one who rules a destitute nation.

¹⁶ A king who doesn’t tax is great at extortion, but those hating injustice will live a long time.

¹⁷ The man who stands good for a loan, is the same as a man accused of murder; for he will be sent into exile, and there he will find no safety.

¹⁸ He who travels right ways will be helped, but those on crooked roads will get tangled.

¹⁹ He who works his own land will eat bread, but the one seeking an easy life will be poor.

²⁰ A trustworthy man will be praised over much, but the evil will not go unpunished.

²¹ Those without respect for the righteous are evil, and for a scrap of food I’d sell such a man.

²² Evil eyes are in a hurry to get rich, but they don’t know that poverty awaits them.

²³ Those offering correction will be loved, more so than those with flattering tongues.

²⁴ He who throws out his father and mother, assumes he’s not guilty of sin; but he’s truly a partner of those who [hate God].

²⁵ The judgment of a man without faith is [damnation], but those yielding to Jehovah are shown care.

²⁶ A fool will yield to a rash heart, but he who is wise will be saved.

²⁷ Those giving to the poor will never be in want, but he who turns his eyes won’t find satisfaction.

²⁸ When the godless rule the righteous will moan, but when they’re destroyed the righteous will prosper.

Chapter 29

¹ It’s better to be a man accepting correction, than to be one who’s [too proud]. For upon him there will come sudden fire, from which there will be no healing.

² When the righteous are honored the people rejoice, but when the irreverent rule people moan.

³ He who loves wisdom gladdens his father, but the one who loves whores destroys wealth.

⁴ A righteous king creates states, but the lawless tear them back down.

⁵ He who sets a snare for a friend, puts it around his own feet.

⁶ A snare is set for men who will sin, which brings joy and gladness to the righteous.

⁷ The righteous give justice to the poor, but the irreverent have no comprehension, so to the poor they’re poor judges.

⁸ Mischievous men will burn down a city, but the wise can turn back their rage.

⁹ A wise man will judge many nations, but the one paying no heed provokes them to rage, with his ridicule and lack of respect.

¹⁰ Partners in blood hate the holy and upright, and they keep seeking their lives.

¹¹ A fool will show all his rage, but those who are wise hold it in.

¹² A king who listens to unrighteous matters, makes the lawless ones joyful.

¹³ When a lender and debtor meet together, Jehovah observes their agreement.

¹⁴ When a king judges the poor in truth, he establishes good reports for his throne.

¹⁵ Spankings and scoldings give wisdom, but a child left on his own brings shame to his parents.

¹⁶ When the godless are many, there will also be many who sin. But when such ones finally fall, the righteous [will learn] to have fear.

¹⁷ Correct your son and he’ll bring you rest… he’ll be a decoration to your life.

¹⁸ For a lawbreaking nation there’s no one to save them, but those keeping the laws will be blest.

¹⁹ A stubborn servant cannot be corrected with words; even if he understands he will not obey.

²⁰ Whenever you see a man hasty in his words, know that he shares the hope of a fool.

²¹ He who is raised in a life that is wasted, will be a servant to somebody else, and he’ll grieve for himself in the end.

²² A man who’s enraged seeks reasons to fight, and a man prone to anger digs for sins.

²³ Insolence is what debases a man, but meekness brings glory from God.

²⁴ He who shares with a thief, is one who hates his own life. And if he should hear public cursing, he would never report it.

²⁵ Those who bring fear and shame will be tripped, but those who yield to God will be glad.

Disrespect is what stumbles a man, but he who yields to his Lord will be saved.

²⁶ Many come to stand before leaders, but true justice comes from Jehovah.

²⁷ To the wicked the righteous are disgusting, and to the lawless those walking straight ways [are fools].

Chapter 30

The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh.

¹ Thus says this man to those trusting in God, ‘I’m through, ² for I’m the most foolish of men, and the intelligence of man isn’t in me. ³ Yet God has taught me much wisdom, and the holiest knowledge I know.’

⁴ Who has ascended to heaven and returned? Who has gathered the winds to His chest? Who has bundled the waters in His robe? Who has laid hold of the ends of the earth? What is the Name He’s been given, and what names do you know that He’s given His children?

⁵ All words of God are truly pure, and He’s a shield to those who venerate Him. ⁶ Don’t add to His words for He’ll discipline you, then a liar you will become.

⁷ Two things I am asking of Him… O please don’t remove Your favor ‘til I die:

· ⁸ Take away my vain foolish words, and don’t give me poverty or wealth. Give me just the things that I need, so I can remain self-sufficient.

· ⁹ And don’t let me be in need so I’d steal, and profane the Name of my God.

¹⁰ Never return a [slave] to his master, so he won’t have reason to curse or destroy you.

¹¹ A bad child is one who curses his father, and won’t speak in praise of his mother.

¹² A bad child is one who judges himself, and refuses to clean up his ways.

¹³ A bad child is one that is [proud], and holds himself high in his eyelids.

¹⁴ A bad child has teeth that serve as swords, and molars that are like pruning knives, which he uses to consume the weak of the land, and remove those in need among men.

¹⁵ To the leech was [born] three dearly-loved daughters, but these three weren’t enough to fulfill her. So she had a fourth, since she couldn’t say ‘That’s enough!’ ¹⁶ For the desires of a woman and the grave are never filled, as the ground is never filled up with water. Neither fire nor water ever say ‘It’s enough!’

¹⁷ May the eyes of those who ridicule a father, and dishonor their mother in her old age, be removed by crows in ravines, and devoured by the young of vultures.

¹⁸ Three things I cannot comprehend, and there’s a fourth that I do not know: ¹⁹ the tracks of the flight of an eagle; the ways of a snake on a rock; the path of a ship as it travels the sea; and the ways of a man in his youth.

²⁰ When an adulterous woman is still washing herself, she’ll claim that she’s done no wrong.

²¹ These three things shake the ground, and the fourth it’s unable to bear:

• ²² When someone’s servant becomes king
• When a fool is filled up with food
• ²³ When a handmaid is thrown out by her lady
• When a hateful woman gets a good man.

²⁴ There are four lesser things on the earth, and these are wiser than the wise:

• ²⁵ The ants that are weak who spend summers storing food
• ²⁶ Rabbits that form a weak nation, but make their houses in rocks
• ²⁷ The locust, for though they live all alone, they march in order when given the command
• ²⁸ And the lizard with sticky hands, though it’s easily caught, still lives in the castles of kings.

²⁹ There are three things that continue to prosper, and a fourth that is best overlooked:

• ³⁰ The cub of a lion, though not stronger than others, it won’t turn away and fears no other beast
• ³¹ A rooster that walks confidently among all the hens
• A male goat who takes the lead of his flock
• And a king who speaks publicly before his nation.

³² When you lose your joy and raise fists to fight, you are already dishonored.

³³ If you do milking you will have butter; if you squeeze your nose it will bleed; and if you keep on talking there’ll be arguments and fights.

Chapter 31

The words of King LemuEl.

¹ These words [that I’ve written] were spoken by God… through a king came an answer Divine.

He was once asked by his mother, ² ‘What, O child, what should I tell you? Which saying of God should I speak to my firstborn? What, O child of my belly? What, O child of my vows?

³ ‘Don’t [waste] your money on women, nor your abilities or mind upon pleasure. Think it all over and follow [my] council, and [do not] drink [too much] wine!

⁴ ‘The mighty are easy to anger, so never offer them wine, ⁵ lest as they’re drinking they forget wisdom, for when they’re weak they’ll make wrong decisions. ⁶ Give liquor to those in distress; offer wine to those who are grieving, ⁷ so they can forget their poor condition, and remember their misery no more.

⁸ ‘O son; Open your mouth with the words of God, and offer fair judgment to all. ⁹ Open your mouth and righteously judge; stand up for the needy and weak!

¹⁰ ‘Who can find an industrious wife, for more than precious gems is her value. ¹¹ Her husband’s heart should courageously guard her, for he’ll never be lacking good treasures.

¹² ‘She uses her strength to help her man; she wastes not her life doing bad. ¹³ She works with her hands spinning linen and wool, ¹⁴ and acts like a ship that trades far away… that’s how she gathers her wealth.

¹⁵ ‘She gets up while it’s still night, along with her female attendants, to ready the food for her household. ¹⁶ She may see a farm and then buy it… from the fruits of her hands she gains [more] possessions.

¹⁷ ‘She wraps her waist to make it stronger, and readies her arms to do work. ¹⁸ She’s tasted and found work to be good, and her lamp burns throughout the night.

¹⁹ ‘She stretches [her arms] toward things advantageous, as she applies her hands to the spindle. ²⁰ She opens her hands to the needy, and stretches her arms toward the poor.

²¹ ‘She thinks not of using her husband’s things, whenever he’s gone for a while, and all who are hers will have enough clothes.

²² ‘A double coat of goat’s hair, she has made for her husband; and from the bolt-ends of linen and purple, she also made one for herself. ²³ So, her husband is admired when he sits at the gate, and meets with the aged of the land.

²⁴ ‘She takes fine linen to make loincloths, for all [her] CanaAnite [slaves]. ²⁵ She’s [proud] of her strength and her beauty, and is happy throughout her last days.

²⁶ ‘She opens her mouth to speak wisdom and Law, and charity rests on her tongue. ²⁷ Her pastimes are things that shelter her home, and the grain of laziness she doesn’t eat.

²⁸ ‘She raises her children so they will grow rich, and her husband offers her praises. ²⁹ Her many daughters will also be rich, by doing the things that she’s [taught them].

‘But you are still the first [in her eyes]… above all the rest she holds you.

³⁰ ‘Beauty and allurement are false, so that isn’t what you should look for. Find a woman who is praised and discerning; one who is known for her fear of Jehovah. ³¹ Take from her the fruit of her lips, and her husband will be praised at the gates.’

Notes

Soul

The Greek word psyche (as in psychology) has been translated many ways, including soul, life, etc. However, psyche actually means something that breathes. It is used in the Bible to describe both breathing animals and breathing humans. So by definition, a soul cannot leave the body, because a soul is what the living body (whether human or animal) is (see Genesis 2:7).

In ancient Greece, philosophers eventually added another meaning to psyche: The inner person (as opposed to the person that others see and come to know). And with time, the pagan religion of Greece started to teach that this inner person is its own entity and can never die (is immortal). Over the centuries, this pagan Greek doctrine thereafter crept into the Christian religions. Please see the link Soul for more history of the word.

However, such Greek philosophical thought never influenced Jesus and his Apostles. So, they consistently used psyche to indicate a living person or animal. Therefore, the later teaching that the soul is immortal stands in direct conflict with Jesus’ promise of a resurrection, because, if a person is immortal (can never die) he/she can never be resurrected (brought back to life).

In addition, the teaching of the immortality of the human soul is totally without support from the Bible. For the word immortal(ity) (Gr: athanasia or undying) is only mentioned in the Bible in two places, and it isn’t used with or applied to the word soul in either case. Both of these scriptures show that immortality is only given by God as a reward for righteousness. And as Ezekiel 18:4 says, ‘The person (gr. psyche or ‘soul’) that is sinning will die (gr. apothaneitai).’

Of course, there are places in the Bible where the word soul means more than just a living, fleshly body. For example, God is recorded to have spoken of ‘My Soul’ in several places. Obviously, God is much more than just a ‘soul’ as most people think of that term, and He surely wasn’t talking about His having a human body. So we must conclude that what He was referring to is His life.

Then there are Jesus’ words found at Matthew 10:28, which read, ‘Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the person (psyche or soul). Rather, be afraid of him who can destroy both the person (soul) and the body in the garbage dump.’ Here, Jesus is using the word psyche (soul) to refer to the value of life that remains with God until the resurrection. And he obviously isn’t referring the soul as immortal in this instance, because he says God will destroy (gr. apolesai) the [unrighteous] soul or person.

Unfortunately, no single word can be used to translate psyche in every possible Bible application, so various terms are used herein, depending on the circumstances, but always in an attempt to harmonize with the meaning.

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Bless or Praise?

This is a tough one, and we won’t say that our position on the translation of this word can’t be changed. The Greek word that we are struggling with is eulogetos. The first part of the word eu, is Greek for good. The last part of the word, logetos, means words (or expressions). So, a literal translation of eulogetos is good words. And our question is: Is this all that a blessing amounts to?

Yes, we know that this word has been translated as bless, blest, and blessing in other Bibles. So why rock the boat? Because these translators have simply found too many errors in many commonly-accepted renderings. And here, for example, if eulogetos is properly translated as blessing each time (which carries the English nuance, ‘causing good things to happen’), then, how can humans ‘bless God?’ We do know that we can praise God, however.

Eulogetos is the word that we derive the English word eulogy from… that is, the kind words that are said of the deceased at a funeral. Such words are never said as a blessing, (it’s a bit late for that); they are said in praise of the deceased individual. However, there are definitely places where eulogetos can’t be translated as praise or praising.

So, perhaps the real meaning is (or is at least is similar to) praise. And when praises come from God, this means blessings to humans.

This isn’t the same word that we have rendered as blest in other portions of this translation (for an example, see Matthew 5:5). The word in question there is makarios, which is rendered as happy in certain other Bibles. However, we believe that blest is the proper way to translate that Greek word.

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The Heavens or Sky, the Earth or the Land?

In both the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (OT) and the Christian Era Scriptures (NT), we find all the realm of creation divided into three entities; the heavens (or sky), the earth (the land or ground), and the seas (the waters). Now, in contemporary English, we understand that there is a difference between the heavens and the sky, the earth and the land (or ground), and the seas and waters. However, in both Hebrew and Greek, these fine distinctions that we accept because of our modern technology, can’t be found. So, Genesis 1:1 could literally be translated as, ‘In the beginning, God created the sky and the ground.’

This is accurate, because it was the view of man from the earth. There was the land that he stood on, the sky above him, and the waters or seas over there. There was no technical understanding of the earth as a planet, because men didn’t view the earth as we do today, as a ball in space… it just wasn’t necessary at the time! However, because of these distinctions that we understand so well today, translators must choose the proper words to provide the right nuances in English, in order for readers to grasp the proper meaning of each text.

This is why you’ll find the Greek word ourano translated as both heaven(s) and sky herein, depending on the context. You’ll also find the Greek words ge and ges translated as earth, ground, or land, depending on the context. So, the symbolic words at 2 Peter 3:5, 6, for example, are translated herein as, ‘The thing that they don’t want to understand is this: That the ancient earth and sky were out of the water, but (in obedience to God’s instructions) they stood together between the waters.’ (For an example of the problems created by the wrong use of the words ge and ges, see the linked document Isaiah 24 - Is It Speaking of Armageddon?).

Notice that the ‘earth and sky’ were located ‘between the water.’ So, although other Bibles translated this verse as speaking of the ‘heavens and earth,’ the reference is to the portion of the heavens that are close to the earth… to the sky. Likewise, at Matthew 5:5, where Jesus spoke of the ‘meek’ as inheriting ‘the earth; since he was talking about people receiving an ‘allotment’ on the earth,’ we have chosen to translate ges as earth, not land or ground. However, the words land and ground are equally correct.

And finally, when it comes to the seas (gr. thalassa), there are already distinctions as to different types of waters in the Greek text. For instance, seas are called thalassa and rivers are called potamos (or ‘flowing’). However, notice (in Revelation 20: 13) how the resurrection of the dead is divided between those who died on land and those who were lost in the water, ‘The sea gave up its dead, death and the grave gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.’

We again find all three of these realms of creation brought together symbolically at Revelation 21:1, where it says, ‘Then I saw a new earth and sky, because the previous earth and sky had disappeared, as did the sea.’

Also, in the case of where EliJah was taken in a celestial chariot, most people think he was taken to (as their Bibles put it) ‘heaven,’ where he went to live with God. This isn’t true, because King JehoRam later received a letter from Elijah (see 2 Chronicles 21:12). So, God had apparently used the celestial chariot to take him into the sky (the proper translation here), where he was then taken to another place here on the earth. For more information on this, see the linked document, The Hereafter.

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Hades: Hell or the Grave?

The Greek word Hades (they pronounced it hah-des) has been translated both as Hell (which is thought of as a place of torture) and as the Grave in other Bible versions (such as the King James). Since one word can’t mean two very different things, which translation is correct?

Hades (like the English word Hell) actually means the place of the dead. However, as pagan Greek philosophy started to develop and creep into Christianity, the later-day Greek view of Hades (a place of torture) was applied to it. Was this a correct application?

An insight into how the ancient Hebrews and the early Christians understood the word can be gained by looking at how it was applied in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (the ‘Old Testament’ Bible of Jesus’ day). There, the Hebrew word Sheol is translated into Greek as Hades in every instance; yet in each case, these are obvious references to the grave (the place of the dead), not to a place of conscious torture (see Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10).

Another revealing application of the word Hades is found at Revelation the 20:13. It says there, ‘The sea (gr. he thalassa) gave up its dead, death and the grave (gr. thanatos kai ho hades) gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.’

So, notice that those who die at sea are differentiated from those who are buried in graves (Hades) and in other places (thanatos). Therefore, Hades is better translated as grave.

In the book of Job, another word that is used once in the Christian-era Scriptures and often translated as Hell, is found in two places. That Greek word is Tartarus, which refers to the place where evil gods or angels are sent. For more information, see the linked document, Is There a Burning Hell?

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Blest or Happy?

There is quite a debate as to whether the Greek word makarios found in many places throughout the Bible should be translated blessed or happy.

Notice that we have chosen to translate it as blest, which is an older spelling of the word blessed, to get rid the affected pronunciation that was likely introduced by early preachers (bless-ed).

According to Zodhiates’ Complete Word Study Dictionary, the word should never translated as happy, because happy is derived from the words happen, happening, or happenstance (luck). His reasoning (which we agree with) is that, when someone suffers for the sake of righteous principles, his/her reward isn’t just happiness (which can come from any source of good luck or fortune), but rather, it is a joy that comes from gaining a better relationship with God.

In other words, there is no exact word in English to use here, but blest seems to be a closer alternative than happy.

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Zeal

At Psalm 37:8 we read, ‘Stop being angry and abandon your rage. Don’t allow zeal to make you act wicked’ (yes, we know, the word should be wickedly, but this is poetic license). However, those words could also be translated as, ‘Do not allow jealously to cause you to act wickedly,’ because the Greek word zelos can either be translated as zealous or as jealous, depending on the circumstances, for both words mean the same thing. Yet, the two words imply different things in English.

Zeal is usually thought of as something good… something that all Christians should have, as in zeal for God and righteousness. And jealously is thought of as something bad… as wanting something that belongs to someone else. Yet, God may be spoken of as being jealous over His Name and His position as God, so jealously isn’t always a bad thing. And we can have zeal for things that are ours and we are proud of (which is not bad), and be jealous of things that belong to others (which is bad). So, the same Greek word (zelos) may be correctly translated as zeal in one place, and as jealously in another, depending on the context.

Then, is it proper for a man to be jealous of his wife, or for a wife to be jealous of her husband? No, we should never be jealous of each other, but for each other. We shouldn’t want what the other has, but we should have a burning zeal for each other. So, if one has good reason to worry about losing the love of the other, that is zeal. However, if such concern is baseless, that is wicked suspicion, not jealously.

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Age, Eternal, Perpetual, Everlasting, Immortal, or Forever?

Two words imply infinite states in the Bible; one is the Greek word athanasia (undying), which is only found in two places, 1 Corinthians 15:53, where it mentions resurrected ones as clothing themselves with immortality, and at 1 Timothy 6:16, where Paul speaks of Jesus as having received it. The other Greek word is aidios, which is used at Romans 1:20 to describe God’s Power and Might as eternal, and at Jude 6 when speaking of the perpetual state of gloomy darkness that rebellious angels have been confined to.

However, the Greek word aionos (pronounced ai-on-oss), which is used throughout the Bible and is often translated as forever and everlasting, is what the English word eon is derived from. It means an indefinite period, and there is no exact English word to translate it. The best equivalents are age(s) or era(s).

Where the plural form of the word (aionion) is used, it refers to a long time… at least multiple generations. However, where the singular form is used (aionos), this appears to mean a much shorter period, such as a lifetime, generation, or era. And where the term ages of the ages is used (such as at Ephesians 3:21), which is usually said in reference to The God, we would assume that this truly means forever.

It is noteworthy that aionos is the word that is used in the Greek Septuagint in place of the Hebrew word ohlam, which is also translated as forever and time indefinite in popular versions of the Ancient Scriptures of Israel. So, this one word (aionos) is translated as forever, everlasting, eternal, system of things, time indefinite, [end of] the world, long ago, from of old, etc. Obviously, something is very wrong here, because the word can’t mean a period having a definite end in one place and infinity in another.

Take for example, the unique way that aionos is used in the question that Jesus’ Apostles asked him, which is found at Matthew 24:3: ‘Tell us; When will these things happen… what will be the signs when you are to arrive and this age will come to its conclusion?’ You can see that the word aionos obviously doesn’t mean forever, everlasting, or eternal in this case, nor did it mean world or system of things. It simply meant the age or, the time before the end would come. And for them, that meant the age when God’s Temple at Jerusalem would be destroyed, because that’s what Jesus had just told them.

The word aionos (which we have translated as age here) is also translated as world (KJ) and as system of things (NW) in other Bibles. However, if the Apostles had meant any of those words, they would have used the Greek word cosmos (world or system of things), not aionos.

The ancient Hebrews viewed everything (and rightly so) as having a beginning and an end. For that reason, you will only find three places in the Bible where words are used that imply no end, and none that imply no beginning. An interesting possible insight on the reason for this can be found at Hebrews 1:10-12, which says: ‘Long ago, O Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and your hands made the heavens. They will destroy themselves, but you will remain. They will grow old just like clothes do. Then, as [you would do to] a robe, you will wrap them up and repair them like clothes. Yes, you are the one, and your years will never expire.’

So, notice; The Bible shows that even our universe will eventually end and need to be ‘wrapped up and repaired,’ which agrees with the conclusions of modern science.

The problem with most Bible translations is that; when they encounter the word aionos in all its different tenses, they interpret it according to accepted doctrine, not according to the way that Jesus and his disciples used it. So, the common renderings forever, eternal, and everlasting are used even when the word is in its singular forms (aioni, aiona, aionos, aionion, aionian, aionios, aioniou), and this totally distorts the meaning of the text.

Take for example, the scripture at John 5:24, where Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; He who hears what I say and believes in the One that sent me, will have life in this age… he won’t have to be judged, for he has crossed over from death to life!’

Most Bibles translate Jesus as saying that those who believe in the One who sent him will have everlasting life (or the equivalent). However, the words that Jesus used there were, zoe aionos (life age – singular), not zoe aionion (life ages – plural).

Notice how Jesus explained the meaning of these words with his next statement, ‘He won’t have to be judged, for has crossed over from death to life.’

So, what Jesus was saying here, wasn’t that they would have everlasting life, but that they in their current lifetime would be considered among the living, not among the dead (see Revelation 20:12).

This doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t live forever… it’s just that Jesus wasn’t really saying that. What we find (from consideration of the evidence found in the bulk of Jesus’ words about life) is that he never taught the hope of ‘life eternal,’ ‘everlasting life,’ or ‘immortality,’ in those specific words. However, the concept is still there. What he taught was that righteous people will receive ‘life in the age,’ or be considered worthy of (possibly everlasting) life by God during their current lifetimes… that their names would be written in ‘the scroll of life,’ and that they would not have to be judged, but will have already ‘crossed over from death to life,’ as Jesus said at John 5:24.

Yes, we know that this is a difficult concept to understand, but it’s what Jesus actually said.

For more information, select the linked documents, The Hereafter and Does the Bible Promise Everlasting Life?

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Messengers

Most Bible translations render the Greek word aggelos (pronounced ahn-gel-ose – with a hard g) as angel wherever it is found. However, aggelos is just the Greek word for messenger. True, in most cases where the Bible speaks of angels, it is referring to spirit messengers from God. However, this may not be the meaning in every instance, and always translating it as angel may distort what was said in certain instances.

For example, consider the words at Acts 12:15, where Peter had just been released from prison and had appeared at the door of some faithful Christians. In Greek, the latter part of this verse reads, ‘oi de elegon Ho aggelos estin autou’ and is often translated as, ‘They began to say, It is his angel.’

This rendering doesn’t sound reasonable, for it would have been unusual for Christians to assume that an angel from God (who looked like Peter) was standing and knocking at their door. Rather, the rendering we have used herein makes more sense, ‘So they said, It’s his messenger.’

Another good example of why aggelos shouldn’t always be translated as angel can be found at Genesis 32:3, which reads in Greek, ‘Apasteile de Iakob aggelous emprosthen autou pros Hesau ton adelphon autou’ or, ‘Sent of Jacob angels ahead of him toward Esau the brother of him.’ Here Jacob was obviously sending human messengers to his brother, not heavenly ones (angels).

And consider the words at Numbers 20:14, where we read that Moses sent messengers (gr. aggelous – messengers, plural) from Cades to the king of Edom.’ Then in verse 16, it says that ‘Jehovah … heard our voice and sent His messenger (gr. aggelon – messenger, singular) who brought us out of Egypt.’

Obviously, although the same word (with only conjugated variations) is used to speak of two different types of messengers here… those who are human and those who were sent from heaven by God. As the result, most Bibles translate the first instance as messengers, but the second as angel. We have not chosen to make this distinction, and we have rendered the word as messenger or messengers in each instance, because this proper translation of the word provides readers a better look at what position these heavenly sons of God held. For, angel isn’t a heavenly rank, it’s a duty.

Also, consider the words of Haggai 1:13, where we read: ‘Then the Messenger (or angel) of Jehovah, Haggai, one of the messengers (or angels) of Jehovah, said to the people: Jehovah says, I am with you!’

Yet, Haggai was just a man, not a spirit.

Translating aggelos as messenger (when it truly means an ‘angel’) helps to provide readers a better, deeper understanding of the actual role that such spiritual sons of God play in His dealings with mankind. And it helps us to understand why the Bible never speaks of female or baby angels.

Breath

The Greek word pneuma (as in pneumonia, a breathing disease) means breath or wind – the movement of air. In other Bible translations, this word is often translated as spirit or ghost, as in Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. However, spirit is just a shortened form of the Latin word spiritu, which just means breath in Latin. And ghost conveys another meaning altogether.

The most common use of the word pneuma in the Bible is to imply an unseen force (such as breath or wind). And the problem with translating it as spirit or ghost is that many people have started believing that the unseen force that is called [God’s] Holy Breath herein, is another God-like person and part of a Divine ‘Trinity.’ This can’t be true, because the only scripture that can be used to support this theory (that is, where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Breath’ are spoken of together) is found at Matthew 28:19, which appears to be spurious (See the Note in Matthew). All other scriptures that are used to prove the Trinity theory fail to mention the Holy Breath as part of that group. And the King James wording of 1 John 5:7 (which was used for years to attempt to prove the Trinity) is also spurious (something that was added to the Bible). So, there are no actual Bible references that mention God’s Holy Breath along with the Father and the Son.

Therefore, to prevent confusion, the Greek word pneuma is frequently translated as breath herein. However, there are exceptions, as in instances where the Bible refers to demons as ‘spirits.’ Translating pneuma as breath in these cases, although correct, might just be confusing. There are also places where we have left pneuma translated as spirit, when the word implies a person's tendency (or spirit). And, since the nuance implied by the word spirit in the English language (an unseen power) is correct, we recently changed back to translating pneuma as spirit in several places, when referring to God’s Holy Spirit. However, recognize that pneuma is often best defined by calling it [God’s] Holy Breath. For an example, see the Note Worshiping God In Spirit and Truth.

Another important use of the word pneuma is in the phrase, ‘Breath of Life.’ This phrase appears to mean more than just breathing, for it seems to refer to the entire mechanics of life itself. It’s the unseen force of life for all creatures… it’s what makes each cell alive. However, nowhere does the Bible describe the ‘pneuma’ as immortal, nor is it the same as the soul (a breathing thing), so it can (figuratively) ‘return to God’ at death,’ because all hope of future life depends on God and His promise of a resurrection.

Note in particular how the term Breath is used at Job 27:3, where Job spoke of God’s Breath or Spirit. For there he asked, ‘Does the Breath of the Divine One remain in my nose?’ As you can see from his application of this word, pneuma obviously referred to God’s Breath, not to a person or to an unseen force. He was talking about that which comes from God and which caused him (Job) to breathe… the Breath of Life.

It is interesting that at Genesis 6:3 God says, ‘I won’t allow My Breath to stay with these men through the age, for they are fleshly.’ In Greek that reads, ‘Ou me katameine to pneuma mou en tois anthropois toutoiseis ton aiona, dia ai einai autous sarka,’ or, ‘Not not should stay the Breath Mine with these men the age through, their being flesh.’

While the words Breath Mine (pneuma mou) here can refer to God’s Holy Breath, it seems more likely that He is referring to the breath of life that He gave to Adam. So it appears as though; what God was saying here is that the breath of life (of the people of that age) would be removed prematurely. However, since God referred to it as ‘My Breath,’ there may be a link implied between God’s Holy Breath and the breath of life.
For more information, see the linked document, ‘The Powers of God’s Holy Spirit.’

However, when Jesus died (as the words recorded at John 19:30 say), ‘he hung his head and gave up the breath’ (gr. kai klinas ten kephalen paredoken to pneuma, or, and inclined his head giving/up the breath). In this case, the obvious reference is to ‘the breath of life,’ or that force which gave him life as a human.

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Crowns, Turbans, and Diadems

In the Bible, we read of two different types of royal headgear that was worn by Kings… crowns (gr. stephanos) and turbans (gr. diademas). Which did the kings of Israel, such as David and Solomon, wear?

A study of history shows that most kings wore some sort of hat on official occasions, which varied by time and by country. The gold headpiece that was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, for example, was not referred to as either a crown nor a turban. But in the Middle East, the common headgear for kings was usually a turban that was set with gold and jewels. And this custom remained true, for the most part, throughout history, because crowns were generally thought of by the faithful as representing the rays of the sun (an idol). However, golden crowns were used by pagan kings in many places throughout the world, as their sign of appointment by God.

The first mention of a crown being worn by a king of Israel is found at 1 Samuel 12:30, where King David took the gold crown from the head of the Ammonite king of RabBath, named Malchom, and placed it on his own head. However, it doesn’t appear as though this was the custom of kings of Israel thereafter, for the placing of Malchom’s crown on his head seems to represent David’s victory, not his envy of the Pagan king’s headgear. And the fact that all Israelite men wore turbans can be seen in the depictions of Israelites in war scenes from Assyria that are currently on display at the British Museum.

If you study uses of the word crown in the Bible, you’ll see that most instances are talking about the top portion of the head, not a hat. However, there are notable exceptions to this.

At Revelation 12:3, the dragon is shown as having seven heads and ten horns, and ‘on its heads were seven royal turbans.’ We have translated this verse as saying that they were ‘turbans,’ because the Greek word used there was diadema, or through wraps, indicating that he was seen wearing turbans (although many religious depictions incorrectly show him wearing crowns).

However, there appear to be good uses in the Bible for the word crown as a symbol of athletic victory, not necessarily of kingship. Take for example, the following occurrences:

‘A crown that rots away. However, we receive one that doesn’t rot.’

‘He will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to all those who love him.’

‘You will walk away with the enduring crown of glory.’

‘But be faithful to death and I’ll give you the crown of life.’

So, if it is true that the crown is more a sign of victory (a garland) in the Bible than of kingship, this gives us a better understanding of verses such as the following:

‘A crown of twelve stars.’

‘He had a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.’

Spank or Beat With a Rod?

We have translated the words at Proverbs 13:24 as saying, ‘He who doesn’t care, won’t spank [his son]; but he who loves, will carefully correct him.’

Now, we realize that the words which were actually said, were: ‘ος φειδεται της βακτηριας μισει τον υιον αυτου ο δε αγαπων επιμελως παιδευει,’ or, ‘the/one sparing the rod dislikes the son his, but the loving/one carefully corrects.’ Why have we made this change?

Well, the word rod (or staff) in English implies a large, hard object that can be used to maim or cause injury, while the meaning of the text obviously implies something more like a switch or a stick that can be used for a spanking. Yet, even this mild action is found to be offensive among many modern peoples, and some would choose to have Solomon say, ‘He who doesn’t correct his son doesn’t care for his son,’ but that’s not what Solomon said. Yes, careful correction is also what Solomon spoke of, but the text shows that he was speaking of well-thought-out discipline, which may require a spanking.

That such corporal punishment is meant can be found by reading a similar verse, Proverbs 23:13, which says, ‘You should not avoid correcting a child, for if you spank him (hit him with a rod or staff) he surely won’t die.’

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Lottery or Lot

To many, the thought of choosing by lot (possibly by rolling dice) or using some other form of lottery sounds immoral and quite like gambling. However, in the Bible, that was the correct way to select the person who would receive a particular position or reward. In fact, the word for inherit (kleronomesousi), means to receive by lot or lottery.

The reason why this method was used by the ancient faithful was to allow God a hand in the decision, rather than trusting in the viewpoints of men. And the indication is that this method of choosing did in fact result in the manifestation of God’s hand. For example, consider how John the Baptist’s father (ZechariJah) was chosen by lot to serve in the Holy Place at the exact time for him to be told by a messenger of God about the upcoming birth of his son and of his son’s responsibility concerning the Messiah (Luke 1:8, 9).

Also, consider the fact that Matthias was chosen by lottery to replace unfaithful Judas as one of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

The good sense of letting things be decided by apparent chance can be found in the wise words of Solomon at Proverbs 18:18, where he said, ‘Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.’

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