Study Desk

Don't envy evil men^(a) or desire to be with them,^(b)

for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble.^(c)

A house is built by wisdom,^(d) and it is established by understanding;

by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

A wise warrior is better than a strong one,^[a] and a man of knowledge than one of strength;^[b](e)

for you should wage war with sound guidance— victory comes with many counselors.^(f)

Wisdom is inaccessible to^[c] a fool;^(g) he does not open his mouth at the gate.^(h)

The one who plots evil⁽ⁱ⁾ will be called a schemer.

A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to people.

If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.

Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter.^(j)

If you say, "But we didn't know about this," won't He who weighs hearts^(k) consider it? Won't He who protects your life^(l) know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?^(m)

Eat honey,⁽ⁿ⁾ my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;^(o)

realize that wisdom is the same for you.^(p) If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.^(q)

Wicked man, don't set an ambush, at the camp of the righteous man;^(r) don't destroy his dwelling.

Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up,^(s) but the wicked will stumble into ruin.^(t)

Don't gloat when your enemy falls, and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,^(u)

or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn His wrath away from him.

Don't be agitated by evildoers, and don't envy the wicked.^(v)

For the evil have no future;^(w) the lamp of the wicked will be put out.^(x)

My son, fear the Lord , as well as the king,^(y) and don't associate with rebels,^[d]

for destruction from them will come suddenly; who knows what distress these two can bring?

These sayings also belong to the wise:^(z) It is not good to show partiality in judgment.^(aa)

Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"^(ab)— people will curse him,^(ac) and tribes will denounce him;

but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.

He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.

Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;^(ad) afterward, build your house.

Don't testify against your neighbor without cause.^(ae) Don't deceive with your lips.

Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me; I'll repay the man for what he has done."^(af)

I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.

Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground,^(ag) and the stone wall was ruined.

I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:

a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.^(ah)