Study Desk

Take away the dross from the silver,And there comes out a vessel for the smith;

For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of a noble,Whom your eyes have seen.

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvestIs a faithful envoy to those who send him,For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Have you found honey? Eat only enough for you,Lest you have more than your fill and vomit it.

For you will heap burning coals on his head,And Yahweh will repay you.

Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,So glory is not fitting for a fool.

A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,And a rod for the back of fools.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him.

When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him,For there are seven abominations in his heart.

Do not boast about tomorrow,For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Take his garment when he becomes a guarantor for a stranger;And for a foreign woman seize it as a pledge.

He who guards the fig tree will eat its fruit,And he who keeps watch for his master will be honored.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,And each is tested by the mouth that praises him.

For wealth is not forever,Neither is a crown from generation to generation.

The lambs will be for your clothing,And the goats will bring the price of a field,

And there will be enough goats' milk for your food,For the food of your household,And sustenance for your maidens.

He who increases his wealth by interest and usuryGathers it for him who is gracious to the lowly.

To show partiality is not good,Even for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

A man who flatters his neighborIs spreading a net for his steps.

A slave will not be corrected by words alone;For though he understands, there will be no answer.