Category: Proverbs

This chapter continues the wise sayings of Solomon, with a theme contrasting the rewards of the righteous and the wicked. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness….

This chapter begins ‘the proverbs of Solomon’, a series of sayings that offer great wisdom and challenges for reflection. “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of…

This chapter reminds us of the “ways of Wisdom” and “ways of Folly”. “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. …reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and…

This chapter continues to show Wisdom’s (personified) perspective, pleading with those around her, testifying to her credentials as parts of God’s character. “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. Before…

This chapter again warns us against the ‘adulteress’. “With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; And now, O sons, listen to me,…

This chapter contains more practical guidelines and warnings against evil / adultery. “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise…

This chapter is a warning against adultery and straying from the path which God has blessed. “Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the…

In this chapter Solomon continues to plead with his audience to get wisdom, and gain understanding, treasuring it, and be protected by it. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. My son,…

This chapter continues Solomon’s preface on wisdom, pleading with the reader to embrace his knowledge and experience of it. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes;…

This chapter continues to describe the benefits of wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness. “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God….