Study Desk

Let them be for yourself only, not for other men with you.

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he puts all his goings in the scales.

He will come to his end for need of teaching; he is so foolish that he will go wandering from the right way.

My son, if you have made yourself responsible for your neighbour, or given your word for another,

Make yourself free, like the roe from the hand of the archer, and the bird from him who puts a net for her.

A good-for-nothing man is an evil-doer; he goes on his way causing trouble with false words;

For this cause his downfall will be sudden; quickly he will be broken, and there will be no help for him.

For the rule is a light, and the teaching a shining light; and the guiding words of training are the way of life.

For a loose woman is looking for a cake of bread, but another man's wife goes after one's very life.

For bitter is the wrath of an angry husband; in the day of punishment he will have no mercy.

I have a feast of peace-offerings, for today my oaths have been effected.

So I came out in the hope of meeting you, looking for you with care, and now I have you.

For the master of the house is away on a long journey:

For those wounded and made low by her are great in number; and all those who have come to their death through her are a great army.

Give ear, for my words are true, and my lips are open to give out what is upright.

For good faith goes out of my mouth, and false lips are disgusting to me.

For wisdom is better than jewels, and all things which may be desired are nothing in comparison with her.

Those who have given me their love are loved by me, and those who make search for me with care will get me.

So that I may give my lovers wealth for their heritage, making their store-houses full.

Give ear to me then, my sons: for happy are those who keep my ways.