HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 948
P RO VERBS 2 3
Sayings of the Wise
17 Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in
your heart
and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings* for you,
filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those
who sent you.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
or exploit the needy in court.
For the Lord is their defender.
He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,
or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.
Don’t agree to guarantee another
person’s debt
or put up security for someone else.
If you can’t pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from
under you.
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving
the ancient boundary markers
set up by previous generations.
Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.
23
2
3
While dining with a ruler,
pay attention to what is put
before you.
If you are a big eater,
put a knife to your throat;
don’t desire all the delicacies,
for he might be trying to trick you.
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10
11
12
Commit yourself to instruction;
listen carefully to words of knowledge.
13
Don’t fail to discipline your children.
The rod of punishment won’t kill them.
Physical discipline
may well save them from death.*
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
4
5
6
7
8
9
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.
Be wise enough to know when to quit.
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle.
Don’t eat with people who are stingy;
don’t desire their delicacies.
They are always thinking about how much
it costs.*
“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t
mean it.
You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,
and your compliments will be wasted.
Don’t waste your breath on fools,
for they will despise the wisest advice.
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the
ancient boundary markers;
don’t take the land of defenseless
orphans.
For their Redeemer* is strong;
he himself will bring their charges
against you.
27
28
29
My child,* if your heart is wise,
my own heart will rejoice!
Everything in me will celebrate
when you speak what is right.
Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course.
Do not carouse with drunkards
or feast with gluttons,
for they are on their way to poverty,
and too much sleep clothes them
in rags.
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when
she is old.
Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good
judgment.
The father of godly children has cause
for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who
are wise.*
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.
O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following
my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
a promiscuous woman is as dangerous
as falling into a narrow well.
She hides and waits like a robber,
eager to make more men unfaithful.
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always
complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has
bloodshot eyes?
22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is
uncertain. 23:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
23:11 Or redeemer. 23:14 Hebrew from Sheol. 23:15 Hebrew
My son; also in 23:19. 23:24 Hebrew to have a wise son.