Categoria: Proverbs

This final chapter of Proverbs starts with sayings of King Lemuel followed by an epilogue in honour of a noble woman. Lemuel recalls his mother’s teachings against sexual immorality (“do not spend your strength on women”) and against excessive drinking (“not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave beer). Remember to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and the needy”.

Then comes the final epilogue saying that a wife with a noble character is worth far more than rubies… she brings her husband good all the days of his life… she gets up early and gets the food for the family… she has the autonomy to purchase land and plant vineyards… she cares for the poor… she clothes the family well in the winter… she speaks with wisdom… her children bless their mother and her husband praises her… charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!”

Proverbs 30 contains the sayings of Agur son of Jakeh. Agur starts recognizing his ignorance and insufficiency before God whereas “every word of God is flawless”. He then goes on to pray that God “give me neither poverty or riches but give me only my daily bread”. He goes on to decry those who curse their fathers and don’t bless their mothers… those who are pure in their own eyes… and those that devour the poor from the earth… sad, he says, is he that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother. Agur goes on admiring the way of an eagle flying, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea and the way of a man with a girl. He also considers small creatures (ants, conies, locusts and lizards) who are very small but very wise and then stately creatures (lion, cockerel, he-goat and king) which should be respected for their stately bearing. 

Proverbs 29 brings to a close the long sequence of Solomon’s wisdom sayings saying: a man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy… when the righteous thrive the people rejoice but when the wicked rule the                         people groan… an evil man is snared by his own sin… the rod of correction imparts wisdom but a child left to itself disgraces his mother… fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Proverbs 28 expresses further wisdom sayings… The righteous are as bold as a lion… evil men don’t understand justice… if anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable… he who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy… like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people… a tyrannical ruler lacks judgement… he who trusts in himself is a fool… he who gives to the poor will lack nothing. 

Proverbs 27 says: Don’t boast about tomorrow because you don’t know what it will be like… let another praise you… stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both… the kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend… like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home… don’t forsake your friend or your father’s friend… if a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning it will be taken as a curse… the crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives… riches don’t endure for ever.

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honour is not fitting for a fool. This is how Solomon’s wisdom sayings start in Proverbs 26. They continue: Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest… like cutting off one’s feet is the sending of a message with a fool… as a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly… as a door turns on its hinges so a sluggard turns on his bed… like one who seizes a dog by its ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own… without wood a fire goes out and without gossip a quarrel dies down. 

The chapters of Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue now: As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable… a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver… like an ear-ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise-man’s rebuke to a listening ear… like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him… if you find honey, eat just enough or else you will vomit… like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble… give your enemy food and drink so as to heap coals of fire on his head…like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land… like a city with broken down walls is a man who lacks self-control.

 Proverbs 24 continues Solomon’s wisdom sayings: Do not envy wicked men… eat honey, my son, for it is good… though a righteous man falls 7 times, he rises again… don’t  gloat when your enemy falls… the evil man has no future hope… to show partiality in judging is not good… an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips… finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Proverbs 23 contains yet more of Solomon’s wisdom sayings: Do not wear yourself out to get rich… do not eat the food of a stingy man because he is always thinking about the cost… punish a child with the rod and save his soul from death… don’t envy sinners… don’t join those who drink or eat too much… don’t despise your mother when she is old… buy the truth and don’t sell it… a wayward wife is a narrow well… don’t gaze at wine when it is red because in the end it bites like a snake…. drinking too much makes you as confused as someone tossed about on the high seas!

Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue to be displayed in Proverbs 22: A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold… rich and poor have one thing in common; the Lord is their maker… train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it… the sluggard says there is a lion outside!… do not exploit the poor… do not make friends with a hot-tempered man or you may end up like him.

Progressing with Solomon’s pithy sayings Proverbs 21 says: all a man’s ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart… better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife!… if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered… better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife… in the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has… there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord… the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Proverbs 20 brings further sayings of Solomon’s wisdom: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise… the righteous man leads a blameless life… who can say, I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?… even a child is known by his actions… a gossip betrays confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much!… if a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness… the lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being… the glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old. 

Proverbs 19 contains yet more of Solomon’s wisdom sayings: it is not good to heave zeal without knowledge… many curry favour with a ruler… he who cherishes understanding prospers… it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury – how much worse for a slave to rule over princes… a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping… houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord… he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord… what a man desires is unfailing love… flog a mocker and the simple will learn prudence.

Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue in Proverbs 18: A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions… the words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts… one who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys… the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe… don’t answer before listening… a man’s spirit sustains him in sickness… a gift opens the way for the giver… the tongue has the power of life and death… he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue now saying: Better a dry crust with peace and quiet that a house full of feasting with strife… better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly… if a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house… a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity… a cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones… even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent!

Proverbs 16 continues the wisdom sayings of Solomon. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed… through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for… when a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him… better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice… how much better to get wisdom than gold… pride comes before a fall… pleasant words are a honeycomb… there is a way which seems right unto man but in the end it leads to death… grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life.

More of Solomon’s sayings are in chapter 15: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger… the eyes of the Lord are everywhere… the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life… a happy heart makes the face cheerful… better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil… better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred… a hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel… how good is a timely word… the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.

Here is the continuation of Solomon’s pithy wisdom sayings starting with: The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down… stay away from a foolish man… fools mock at making amends for sin… there is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end it leads to death… a simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps… a fool is hotheaded and reckless… a quick-tempered man does foolish things… all hard work brings a profit… he who fears the Lord has a secure fortress… the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life… a heart at peace gives life to the body… he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker… righteousness exalts a nation.

Proverbs 13 is another chapter of Solomon’s wisdom sayings starting with: a wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke… he who guards his lips guards his soul… the righteous hate what is false… the light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out… dishonest money dwindles away… the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life… a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul… he who walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm… spare the rod and spoil the child.

This chapter has further random words of wisdom from Solomon: He who hates correction is stupid!… the Lord condemns a crafty man… a wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones… men with warped minds are despised… better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food… a righteous man cares for the needs of his animal… the way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice… reckless words pierce like a sword… the Lord detests lying lips… an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.