Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 236
224
IMMERSE
•
POETS
16:27–17:10
Scoundrels create trouble;
their words are a destructive blaze.
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.
Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.
With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
We may throw the dice,
but the Lord determines how they fall.
Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
liars pay close attention to slander.
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children.
Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
A bribe is like a lucky charm;
whoever gives one will prosper!
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.
A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
