Study Desk

For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others].

For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.

Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others' finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others' debts.

For you will put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite.

Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food [offered to you with questionable motives].

When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies to the heavens.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, "Eat and drink," Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].

Do not speak in the ears of a fool, For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.

For their Redeemer is strong and mighty; He will plead their case against you.

For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And the drowsiness [of overindulgence] will clothe one with rags.

For a prostitute is a deep pit, And an immoral woman is a narrow well.

She lurks and lies in wait like a robber [who waits for prey], And she increases the faithless among men.

For their minds plot violence, And their lips talk of trouble [for the innocent].

For by wise guidance you can wage your war, And in an abundance of [wise] counselors there is victory and safety.

Wisdom is too exalted for a [hardened, arrogant] fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate [where the city's rulers sit in judgment].

Know that [skillful and godly] wisdom is [so very good] for your life and soul; If you find wisdom, then there will be a future and a reward, And your hope and expectation will not be cut off.

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse.

For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

For their tragedy will rise suddenly, And who knows the punishment that both [the LORD and the king] will bring on the rebellious?

Prepare your work outside And get it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward build your house and establish a home.