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1 These are the proverbs of King Shua-ólmoh (Solomon) of Yaosharúl (Israel), son of Dáoud (David):
He wrote them to teach his people how to live - how to act in every predicament, for he wanted them to be knowledgeable and just, as well as fair in everything they did. 'I want to make the simple-minded wise!' he said. 'I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. I want those already wise to become the wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.' How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust as well as reverentially fear YÁOHU UL! Only fools refuse to be taught. Hearken to your father and mother. What you learn from them will bring you much benefit; it will gain you many honors. If young toughs tell you, 'Come and join us' - turn your back on them! 'We'll hide and rob and kill,' they say. 'Upright or bad, we'll treat them all alike. And the loot we'll get! All kinds of stuff! Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split with you in equal shares.' Don't do it, son! Keep far away from men like that, for crime is their way of life, and murder is their specialty. When a bird detects a trap being set, it keeps away, but not these men; they trap themselves! They lay a booby trap for their own lives. Such is the fate of all who live by violence and murder. They will die a violent death. Wisdom shouts along the roads for a hearing. She calls out to the crowds along the Main Road, and to the judges in their courts, and to everyone in all the land; 'You simpletons!' she cries. 'How long will you go on being fools? How long will you scoff at wisdom and fight the facts? Come here and hearken to me! I'll pour out the Spirit of wisdom upon you, and make you wise. 'I have called you so often but still you won't come. I have pleaded, but all in vain. For you have spurned my counsel and reproof. Some day you'll be in trouble, and I'll laugh! Mock me, will you? - I'll mock you! When a tempest of terror surrounds you, and when you are engulfed by anguish and distress, then I will not answer your cry for support. It will be too late though you search for me ever so eagerly. For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust YÁOHU UL, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have preferred. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Idiots! But all who hearken to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid.
2 Every young man who hearkens to me and obeys my teachings will be given wisdom and fine sense. Yes, if you want better insight as well as discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you, and knowledge of YÁOHU UL Himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for YÁOHU UL and of relying upon Him. For YÁOHU UL grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and comprehension. He grants fine sense to the upright - His holy ones. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to differentiate between right and wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very core of your being, filling your life with delight. You will be given the sense to keep away from evil men who want you to be their partners in crime - men who turn from YÁOHU UL's ways to walk down dark and evil paths, and have much fun in doing wrong, for they thoroughly endelight their sins. Everything they do is crooked and wrong. Only wisdom from YÁOHU UL can save a man from the flattery of prostitutes; these girls have abandoned their husbands and flouted the laws of YÁOHU UL. Their houses lie along the road to death and hell. The men who enter them are doomed. None of these men will ever be the same again. On the contrary, you must always follow the steps of the upright, and remain on the right path, for only upright men endelight life to the full; evil men lose the fine things they might have had, and they themselves shall be ruined.
3 My son, never forget the things I've taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my teachings. Never tire of loyalty and kindness. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart. If you want favor with YÁOHU UL and man, and a reputation for sound judgment and common sense, then trust YÁOHU UL completely; don't ever trust even yourself. In everything you do, put YÁOHU UL first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Don't be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust as well as reverentially fear YÁOHU UL, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality. Honor YÁOHU UL by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines. Young man, do not resent it when YÁOHU UL disciplines and corrects you, for His punishment is proof of His love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so YÁOHU UL corrects you. The man who knows right from wrong and has sound judgment and common sense is happier than the man who is immensely rich! For such wisdom is far more valuable than expensive jewels. Nothing else compares with it. Wisdom gives:
A long, blessed life Wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit; delightful is the man who continually eat from it. YÁOHU UL's wisdom founded the earth; His knowledge established all the universe and space. The deep fountains of the earth were broken open by His knowledge, and the skies poured down rain. Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense. Don't let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy, and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. With them on guard, you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for YÁOHU UL is with you; He protects you! Don't withhold repayment of your debts. Don't say 'some other time,' if you can pay now. Don't plot against your neighbor, for he trusts you. Don't get into needless fights. Don't envy violent men. Don't copy their ways. For such men are an abomination to YÁOHU UL, but He gives His friendship to the upright. The curse of YÁOHU UL is on the wicked, but His favor is on the upright. YÁOHU UL mocks at mockers, but supports the humble. The wise are promoted to honor, but fools are promoted to shame!
4 Young men, hearken to me as you would to your father. Hearken, and grow wise, for I speak the truth - don't turn away. For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. He told me never to forget his words. 'If you follow them,' he said, 'you will have a long and delightful life. Learn to be wise,' he said, 'and develop sound judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.' Cling to wisdom - she will protect you. Love her - she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and sound judgment. If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you. Hold her fast and she will lead you to great honor; she will place a beautiful crown upon your head. My son, hearken to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, wealthy life. I would have you learn this great fact: that a life of doing right is the wisest life there is. If you live that kind of life, you'll not limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my teachings; don't forget them, for they will lead you to real living. Don't do as the wicked do. Avoid their haunts - turn away, go somewhere else, for evil men can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day. They can't rest unless they cause someone to stumble and fall. They eat and drink wickedness and violence! But the upright man walks along in the ever-brightening light of YÁOHU UL's favor, the dawn gives way to morning splendor, while the evil man gropes and stumbles in the dark. Hear, son of mine, to what I say. Hearken carefully. Keep these thoughts ever in mind; let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they will mean real life for you, and radiant health. Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life. Spurn the careless kiss of a prostitute. Keep away far from her. Look directly ahead of you; don't even turn your head to gaze. Watch your step. Stick to the path and be safe. Don't depart from the way; pull back your foot from danger.
5 Hearken to me, my son! I know what I am saying; Hear! Watch yourself, lest you be indiscreet and betray some vital information. For the lips of a prostitute are as sweet as honey, and smooth flattery is her trade secret. But afterwards only a bitter conscience is left to you, sharp as a double-edged sword. She leads you down to death and hell. For she does not know the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail, and doesn't even realize where it leads. Young men, hearken to me, and never forget what I'm about to say: Run from her! Don't go near her house, lest you fall to her temptation and lose your honor, and give the remainder of your life to the cruel and merciless; or unknown men will obtain your wealth, and you become a slave of foreigners. And afterwards you will groan in anguish and in shame, when a sexually-transmitted disease consumes your body, and you say, 'Oh, if only I had hearkened! If only I had not demanded my own way! Oh, why wouldn't I take advice? Why was I so stupid? For now I must suffer public embarrassment.' Drink from your own well, my son - be faithful and true to your wife. Why should you beget children with women of the road? Why share your children with those outside your home? Be delightful, yes, rejoice in the wife of your youth. Let her breasts as well as he gentle embrace satisfy you. Let her love alone fill you with delight. Why delight yourself with prostitutes, embracing what isn't yours? For YÁOHU UL is closely watching you, and He weighs carefully everything you do. The wicked man is doomed by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He shall die because he will not heed to the truth; he has let himself be led away into incredible stupidity.
6 Son, if you endorse a note for someone you hardly know, guaranteeing his debt, you are in serious trouble. You may have trapped yourself by your agreement. Quick! Get out of it if you possibly can! Swallow your pride; don't let embarrassment stop you in the way. Go and beg to have your name erased. Don't put it off. Do it now. Don't rest until you do. If you can get out of this trap, you have saved yourself like a deer that escapes from a hunter, or a bird from the net. Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! For though they have no leader to make them work, yet they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you - all you do is sleep. When will you wake up? 'Let me sleep a little longer!' Sure, just a little more! And as you sleep, poverty creeps upon you like a robber and ruins you; shartages, lack attack you like armed criminals. Let me describe for you a worthless and a wicked man; first, he is a continual liar; he signals his true motives to his friends with eyes and feet and fingers. He is always devising up new schemes to swindle people. He stirs up trouble everywhere. But he will be ruined unexpectedly, broken beyond hope of healing. For there are six things YÁOHU UL hates - no, seven:
Haughtiness Young man, obey your father and your mother. Take to heart all of their advice; keep in mind everything they tell you. Every day and all night long their advice will lead you and save you from harm; when you wake up in the morning, let their teachings guide you into the new day. For their advice is a beam of light directed into the dark corners of your mind to warn you of danger and to give you a wealthy life. Their counsel will keep you far away from prostitutes with all their flatteries, and unfaithful wives of other men. Don't lust for her beauty. Don't let their cuteness seduce you. For a prostitute will bring a man to poverty, and an adulteress may cost him his very life. Can a man hold fire against his chest and not be burned? Can he walk on hot coals and not burn his feet? So it is with the man who commits adultery with another's wife. He shall not go unpunished for this sin. Excuses might even be found for a thief, if he steals when he is dying of hunger! But even so, he is fined seven times as much as he looted, though it may mean selling everything in his house to pay it back. But the man who commits adultery is really an utter fool, for he ruins his own soul. Wounds and continual shame are his lot, for the woman's husband will be furious in his jealousy, and he will have no mercy on you in his day of vengeance. You won't be able to buy him off no matter what you offer.
7 Follow my advice, my son; always keep it in mind and stick to it. Obey me and live! Guard my word as your most-valuable possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart. Love wisdom like a lover; make her a beloved member of your family. Let her hold you back from affairs with other women - from hearkening to their flattery. I was looking out the window of my house one day, and saw a simple-minded lad, a young man lacking common sense, walking at twilight down the road to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute. She approached him, saucy and pert, and dressed seductively. She was the brash, coarse type, seen often along the thoroughfares and markets, soliciting at every corner for men to be her lovers. She put her arms around him and kissed him, and with a saucy look she said: 'I was just coming to look for you and here you are! Come home with me and I'll fix you a wonderful dinner, and after that - well, my bed is spread with lovely, colored sheets of finest linen imported from Egypt, perfumed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come on, let's take our fill of love until morning, for my husband is away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him, and won't return for several days.' So she seduced him with her pretty speech, and with her coaxing and her wheedling, until he yielded to her. He couldn't resist her flattery. He followed her as an ox going to the butcher, or as a stag that is trapped, waiting to be killed an arrow through its heart. He was as a bird flying into a snare, not knowing the tragic fate awaiting it there. Hearken to me, young men, and not only hear but obey; don't let your desires get out of hand; don't let yourself think about her. Don't go near her; keep away from where she walks, lest she tempt you and seduce you. For she has been the ruin of multitudes - a vast horde of men have been her victims. If you want to find the road to hell, look for her house.
8 Can't you hear the voice of wisdom? She is up on her feet at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house. Hearken to what she says: 'Hearken, men!' she calls. 'How foolish and naive you are! Let me give you comprehension. O foolish ones, let me show you common sense! Hearken to me! For I have important information for you. 'Everything I say is right and true, for I hate lies and every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and fine. There is nothing evil in it. My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind - if it is only open! My teachings are far more valuable than silver or gold.' For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and sound judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and comprehension. If anyone respects and fears YÁOHU UL, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption and deceit of every kind. 'I, Wisdom, give sound advice and common sense. Because of my power, kings reign in might, and rulers make just laws. I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. Unending riches, honor, justice and righteousness are mine to give out. 'My gifts are better than the purest gold or fine silver! My paths are those of justice and right. Those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries. 'YÁOHU UL formed me in the beginning, before He created anything else. From ages past, I am. I existed before the earth began. I lived before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters onto the earth; before the mountains and the hills were made. Yes, I was born before YÁOHU UL made the earth and fields, and the first handfuls of soil. 'I was there when He established the heavens and formed the great springs in the depths of the oceans. I was there when He set the limits of the seas and gave them His commands not to spread beyond their boundaries. 'I was there when He made the blueprint for the earth and oceans. I was the craftsman at His side. I was His continual delight, rejoicing always in His presence. And how delightful I was with what He created - His wide world and all His family of mankind! And so, young men, hearken to me, for how delightful are all who follow my teaching. 'Hearken to my counsel - oh, don't refuse it - and be wise. Happy is the man who is so eager to be with me that he watches for me daily at my gates, or waits for me outside my home! 'For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from YÁOHU UL. But the one who misses me has injured himself irreparably. Those who refuse me show that they love death.'
9 Wisdom has built a palace supported on seven pillars, and has prepared a great banquet, and mixed wines, and sent out her maidens inviting all to come. She calls from the busiest intersections in the city, 'Come here, you simple ones without sound judgment; come to wisdom's banquet and drink the wines that I have mixed. Leave behind your stupidity and begin to live; learn how to be wise.' If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to support him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach a wise man, and he will be the wiser; teach an upright man, and he will learn more. For the reverence and holy fear of YÁOHU UL are basic to all wisdom. Knowing YÁOHU UL results in every other kind of knowledge. 'I, Wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.' Wisdom is its own reward, and if you scorn her, you hurt only yourself. A prostitute is loud and brash, and never has enough of lust and shame. She sits at the door of her house or on her feet at the road corners of the city, whispering to men going by, and to those minding their own business. 'Come home with me,' she urges the fools. 'Stolen melons are the sweetest; stolen apples taste the best!' But they don't realize that her former guests are now citizens of hell.
10 Happy is the man with a level-headed son; sad the mother of a rebel. Ill-acquired gain brings no enduring delight; right living does. YÁOHU UL will not let an upright man die of hunger, nor will He let the wicked man's riches continue forever. Lazy men are soon poor; hard workers get rich. A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity. The upright man is covered with benefits from head to foot, but an evil man inwardly curses his lot in life. We all have delightful memories of upright men gone to their reward, but the names of wicked men reek obnoxiously after them. The wise men is delightful to be taught, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face. An upright man has a firm footing, but a crook will slip and fall. Winking at sin leads to sorrow; bold reproof leads to peace. There is living truth in what an upright man says, but the mouth of the evil man is filled with curses. Hatred inflames old quarrels, but love overlooks insults. Men with common sense are admired as advisers; those without it are beaten as servants. A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to sorrow and trouble. The rich man's wealth is his only might. The poor man's poverty is his only curse. The upright man's earning advance the cause of uprightness. The evil man squanders his on sin. Anyone willing to be corrected is on the pathway to life. Anyone refusing has missed his chance. To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool. Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow! When an upright man speaks, he is worth hearkening to, but the words of fools are a dime a dozen. An upright man gives sound advice, but a rebel is ruined by lack of common sense. YÁOHU UL's benefits is our greatest wealth. All our work adds nothing to it! A fool's fun is being bad; a wise man's fun is being wise! The wicked man's fears will all come true, and so will the upright man's hopes. Calamity hits like a tornado and the wicked are whirled away. But the upright man has a firm anchor. A lazy fellow is a pain to his employers - like smoke in their eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge. Reverence for YÁOHU UL adds hours to each day; so how can the wicked expect a long, wealthy life? The hope of upright men is delight all through eternity; the hopes of evil men are all in vain. YÁOHU UL protects the upright but ruins the wicked. The upright shall never lose YÁOHU UL's benefits, but the wicked shall lose everything. The upright man gives wise advice, but the liar's counsel is shunned. The upright speak what is supportive; the wicked speak rebellion.
11 YÁOHU UL hates cheating and delights in honesty. Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise. An upright man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is ruined by his dishonesty. Your riches won't support you on Judgment Day; only uprightness counts at that time. Upright people are directed by their honesty; the wicked shall fall beneath their load of sins. The upright man's uprightness delivers him; the evil man's treachery is his ruin. When an evil man dies, his hopes all perish, for they are based upon this earthly life. YÁOHU UL rescues upright men from danger while letting the wicked fall into it. Evil words ruin. Skills from YÁOHU UL rebuilds. The whole city celebrates an upright man's success - and also the wicked man's death. The noble influence of upright citizens causes a city to prosper, but the moral decay of the wicked drives it to decadence. To quarrel with a neighbor is stupid; a man with fine sense holds his tongue. A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a dependable man tries to quiet them. Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with wise advisers there is safety. Be sure you know a person well before you vouch for his credit! Better refuse than suffer later. Honor goes to kind and benevolent women, mere money to cruel men. Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is ruined when you are cruel. The evil man gets rich for the moment, but the upright man's reward lasts forever. The upright man finds life; the evil man, death. YÁOHU UL hates the stubborn but delights in those who are upright. You can be very sure the evil man will not go unpunished forever. And you can also be very sure YÁOHU UL will rescue the children of the upright. A beautiful woman lacking discretion and modesty is like a fine gold ring in a pig's snout. The upright man can look forward to delight, while the wicked can expect only wrath. It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the generous man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself. People curse the man who holds his grain for higher prices, but they favor the man who sells it to them in their time of need. If you search for virtue you will find YÁOHU UL's favor, if you search for evil you will find His curse. Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in YÁOHU UL and flourish as a tree! The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left. He shall be the servant of a wiser man. Upright men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise. Even the upright shall be rewarded here on earth; how much more the wicked.
12 To learn, you must want to be taught. To refuse reproof is stupid. YÁOHU UL rewards upright men and condemns the wicked. Wickedness never brings real success; only the upright have that. A worthy wife is her husband's delight and crown; the other kind corrodes his energy and ruins everything he does. An upright man's mind is filled with honest thoughts; an evil man's mind is crammed with lies. The wicked accuse; the upright defend. The wicked shall perish; the upright shall remain. Everyone admires a man with a fine sense, but a man with a warped mind is despised. It is better to get your hands dirty - and eat, than to be too proud to work - and die of hunger. An upright man is concerned for the welfare of his animals, but even the kindness of wicked men is cruel. Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time. Crooks are jealous of each other's loot, while upright men long to support each other. Lies will get any men into trouble, but honesty is its own defense. Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many benefits to him. A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man hearkens to others. A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man remains unaffected even when insulted. An upright man is known by his truthfulness; a false man by deception as well as lies. Some people like to make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise reinvigorate and cure. Truth endures the test of time; lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; delight fills hearts that are planning for what is right! No real harm befalls the upright, but there is continual trouble for the wicked. YÁOHU UL delights in those who keep their promises, and abhors those who don't. A wise man doesn't display his knowledge, but a fool displays his stupidity. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed. Hearts filled with anxieties are very heavy but a word of encouragement does wonders! The upright man asks advice from friends; the wicked plunge ahead - and fall. A lazy man won't even dress the game he gets while hunting, but the diligent man makes beneficial use of everything he finds. The path of the upright leads to life. So why fear death?
13 A wise youth accepts his father's rebuke; a young mocker doesn't. The upright man wins his case by careful argument; the evil-minded only wants to fight. Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering. An upright man hates lies; wicked men lies continually and come to shame. A man's uprightness supports him all through life, while evil men are being ruined by their wickedness. Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth! Being kidnapped and held for ransom never worries the poor man! The upright man's life is full of light. The sinner's road is dark and gloomy. Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice and become wise. Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows. Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and delight. Despise YÁOHU UL's Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed. The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead. A man with fine sense is appreciated. A treacherous man must walk a rocky road. A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn't, and even brags about it! An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. If you refuse criticism you will end in poverty and shame; if you accept positive criticism, you are on the road to fame. It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong. Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil. Curses chase sinners, while benefits chase the upright! When an upright man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is reserved for the upright. A poor man's farm may have fertile soil, but injustice robs him of its riches. If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don't love him; for if you love him you will be prompt to punish him. The upright man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat!
14 A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears it by her own efforts. To do right honors YÁOHU UL; to sin is to despise Him. A rebel's foolish talk should deflate his own pride! But the wise man's speech is respected. An empty stable remains clean - but there is no income from an empty stable. A truthful witness never lies; a false witness always lies. A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense. If you are looking for advice, keep away from fools. The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won't face facts. The common bond of rebels is their guilt. The common bond of upright men is kindness one to another. Only the person involved can know his own bitterness or delight - no one else can really share it. The work of the wicked will perish; the work of the upright will flourish. Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death. Laughter cannot mask a heavy heart. When the laughter ends, the grief remains. The backslider gets bored with himself; the upright man's life is full of exhilaration. Only a fool believes everything he's told! A prudent man knows the need for proof. A wise man is careful and avoids danger; a fool plunges ahead with overconfidence. A shart-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient. The simpleton is crowned with foolishness; the wise man is crowned with knowledge. Evil men shall bow before the upright. Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many 'friends.' But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who support them. Those who plot evil shall wander away and be lost, but those who plan what is right shall be granted mercy and quietness. Work brings profit; talk brings poverty! Wise men are praised for their wisdom; fools are despised for their stupidity. A witness who tells the truth saves upright men from being sentenced to death, but a false witness is a traitor. Reverence for YÁOHU UL gives a man deep power; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for YÁOHU UL is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death. A growing population is a leader's glory; a dwindling nations is his doom. A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes. A relaxed attitude lengthens a man's life; jealousy rots it away. Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting YÁOHU UL Who made them. To support the poor is to honor YÁOHU UL. The upright have a refuge when they die, but the wicked are crushed by their sins. Wisdom is enshrined in the hearts of men of common sense, but it must shout loudly before fools will pay attention. Rectitude exalts a nation, but sin is a shame to any people. A leader rejoices in subordinates who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
15 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. A wise mentor makes learning a delight; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness. YÁOHU UL is observing everywhere and keeps His eye on both the evil and the upright. Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement. Only a fool despises his father's advice; a wise son thinks on every admonition. There is treasure in being upright, but trouble dogs the wicked. Only the upright can give sound advice. Rebels can't. YÁOHU UL hates the gifts of the wicked, but delights in the prayers of His people. YÁOHU UL despises the deeds of the wicked, but loves those who try to be upright. If they stop trying, YÁOHU UL will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die. The depths of hell are open to YÁOHU UL's knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind! A mocker keeps away from wise men because he hates to be scolded. A delightful face means a delightful heart; a sad face means a breaking heart. A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash. When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right. Better a little with reverence for YÁOHU UL, than great treasure and trouble with it. It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate. A quick-tempered man begins fights; an even-tempered man tries to stop them. A lazy fellow experiences trouble all through life; the upright man's path is easy! A sensible son brings delight to his father. A rebellious son brings sorrow to his mother. If a man endelights foolishness, something is wrong! The sensible remain on the pathways of what is right. Plans go wrong with too few advisers; many advisers bring success. Everyone endelights giving correct advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time! The road of the upright leads upward, leaving hell behind. YÁOHU UL ruins the property of the proud but cares for widows. YÁOHU UL hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words. Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings delight. An upright man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without even a thought. YÁOHU UL is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the upright. Pleasant sights as well as fine reports give delight and health. If you profit from positive criticism you will be elected to the wise men's hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own beneficial interests. Humility and reverence for YÁOHU UL will make you both wise and honored.
16 We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in YÁOHU UL's hands. We can always 'prove' that we are correct, but is YÁOHU UL convinced? Commit your work to YÁOHU UL, then it will succeed. YÁOHU UL has made everything for His own purposes - even the wicked, for punishment. Pride disgusts YÁOHU UL. Take my word for it - proud men shall be punished. Iniquity is recompensed by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverential fear of YÁOHU UL. When a man is trying to please YÁOHU UL, YÁOHU UL makes even his worst enemies to be at peace with him. A little, gained honestly, is better than great wealth acquired through dishonest means. We should make plans - relying upon YÁOHU UL to direct us. YÁOHU UL will support the leader (king) to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes. YÁOHU UL demands fairness in every business deal. He established this principle. It is a horrible thing for a leader to do evil! His right to rule depends upon his being fair and just. The leader rejoices when his people are truthful and fair. The anger of the authority is a messenger of death and a wise man will appease it. Many favors are showered on those who please the leader (authority). How much better is wisdom than gold, and comprehension than silver! The path of the upright leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe. Pride goes before ruin, and haughtiness before a fall. Better poor and humble than proud and rich. YÁOHU UL rewards those who obey Him; delightful the man who puts his trust in YÁOHU UL. The wise man is known by his common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best. Wisdom is a fountain of life to those keeping it, but a fool's burden is his stupidity. From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech. Kind words are like honey - endelightable and healthful. Before every man there lies a wise and pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death. Hunger is fine - if it makes you work to satisfy it! Idle hands are the devil's workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. An evil man sows conflicts; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company - and leads others into sin. The wicked man gazes into space with pursed lips, deep in thought, planning his evil deeds. White hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the upright. It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army. We cast the lots - but it is YÁOHU UL Who controls the outcome.
17 A dry crust consumed in peace is better than steak every day along with argument and conflict. A wise slave will rule his boss's wicked sons and share their inherited property. Silver and gold are purified by fire, but YÁOHU UL purifies hearts. The wicked endelight fellowship with others who are wicked; liars endelight liars. Mocking the poor is mocking YÁOHU UL Who made them. He will punish those who rejoice at others' calamities. An old man's grandchildren are his crowning glory. A child's glory is his father. Truth from a rebel or lies from a leader (king) are both unexpected. A bribe works like magic. Whoever uses it will prosper! Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them separates the best of friends. A rebuke to a man of common sense is more effective than a hundred lashes on the back of a rebel. The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished. It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in his stupidity. If you repay evil for kindness, a curse is upon your home. It is hard to stop a quarrel once it begins, so never let it begin. YÁOHU UL despises those who say that bad is right, and right is bad. It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for the truth. A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to support in time of need. It is poor judgment to countersign another's note, to become responsible for his debts. Sinners love to fight; bragging is looking for trouble. An evil man is suspicious of everyone and tumbles into continual trouble. It's no fun to be a rebel's father. A cheerful heart does fine like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick. It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justice. Wisdom is the main pursuit of sensible men, but a fool's goals are at the ends of the earth! A rebellious son is a grief to his father and a bitter blow to his mother. How unjust it is to penalize the upright for being noble! And to punish nobles for being honest! The man of few words and determined mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.
18 The selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way. A rebel doesn't care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell. Sin brings shame. A wise man's words express deep flows of thought. It is wrong for a judge to favor the wicked and condemn the innocent. A fool gets into continual fights. His mouth is his ruin! His words endanger him. What dainty morsels rumors are. They are eaten with much relish! A lazy man is brother to the destroyer. The Shúam (Name) of YÁOHU UL is a mighty fortress. The upright run to it and are safe. The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer! Pride ends in ruin; humility ends in honor. What a shame - yes, how stupid! - to decide before knowing the facts! A man's courage can cause his broken body to endure, but when courage dies, what hope is left? The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them. A gift does wonders; it will bring you before men of importance! Any report sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record correctly. Lots are cast to end arguments and to resolve disputes between powerful opponents. It is more difficult to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars. Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a delectable meal! Those who love to talk will suffer the consequences. Men have died for saying the wrong thing! The man who finds a wife finds a fine thing; she is a reward to him from YÁOHU UL. The poor man pleads and the rich man answers with insults. There are 'friends' who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19 Better be poor and truthful than rich and dishonest. It is dangerous and sinful to rush into the unknown. A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on YÁOHU UL! A wealthy man has many 'friends'; the poor man has none left. Punish false witnesses. Track down liars. Many beg favors from a man who is generous; everyone is his friend! A poor man's own brothers turn away from him in embarrassment; how much more his friends! He calls after them, but they are gone. He who loves wisdom loves his own beneficial interest and will be a success. A false witness shall be punished and a liar shall be caught. It doesn't seem right for a fool to succeed or for a slave to rule over princes! A wise man controls his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his advantage. The leader's (authority's) anger is as dangerous as a lion's. But his approval is as refreshing as the dew on grass. A rebellious son is a calamity to his father, and a nagging wife annoys like a continual dripping. A father can give his sons homes and riches, but only YÁOHU UL can give them kind wives. A lazy man sleeps soundly - and he goes hungry! Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them means death. When you support the poor you are lending to YÁOHU UL - and He pays gratifying interest upon your loan! Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin his life. A shart-tempered man must bear his own penalty; you can't do much to support him. If you try once you must try a dozen times! Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life. Man proposes, but YÁOHU UL disposes. Kindness makes a man attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest. Reverence for YÁOHU UL gives life, delight and protection from harm. Some men are so lazy they won't even feed themselves! Punish the mocker and others will learn from his example. Reprove a wise man and he will be the wiser. A son who maltreats his father or mother is a public disgrace. Stop hearkening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right! A worthless witness cares nothing for truth - he endelights his wickedness too much. Mockers and rebels shall be severely punished.
20 Wine gives false courage; hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it overpower them, making them reel drunkenly down the road! The authority's fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. It is an honor for a man to keep out of a fight. Only fools are eager to keep on quarreling. If you won't plow in the cold, you won't eat at the harvest. Though correct advice lies deep within a counselor's heart, the wise man will draw it out. Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling the truth? It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father. A leader (king) acting as a judge weighs all the evidence carefully, discerning the true from the false. Who can ever say, 'I have cleansed my heart; I am sinless'? YÁOHU UL despises every kind of cheating. The character of even a child can be known by the way he behaves - whether what he does is pure and right. If you have excellent eyesight with excellent hearing, thank YÁOHU UL Who gave them to you. If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Remain awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat! 'Utterly worthless!' says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards, he brags about his bargain! Fine sense is far more valuable than gold or valuable jewels. It is risky to make loans to people you hardly know. Some men endelight cheating, but the cake they buy with such ill-acquired gain will turn to gravel in their mouths. Don't go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don't go to war until they agree. Don't tell your secrets to a gossip; unless you want them broadcast to the world. YÁOHU UL puts out the light of the man who curses his father or mother. Quick wealth is not beneficial in the end. Don't repay evil for evil. Wait for YÁOHU UL to handle the matter. YÁOHU UL loathes all kinds of cheating and dishonesty. Since YÁOHU UL is directing our steps, why try to comprehend everything that happens along the way? It is foolish and rash to make a promise to YÁOHU UL before counting the cost. A wise leader (king or authority) stamps out crime by severe punishment. A man's conscience is YÁOHU UL's searchlight exposing his hidden motives. If a leader (king or person in authority) is kind, honest as well as just, his kingdom remains secure. The glory of young men is their physical prowess; of old men, their experience. Punishment that hurts chases evil from the heart.
21 Just as water is directed into irrigation ditches, so YÁOHU UL guides the leader's thoughts. He turns them wherever He wants to. We can justify our every action, but YÁOHU UL looks at our inner motives. YÁOHU UL is more pleased when we are just as well as fair than when we give Him gifts. Pride, lust as well as evil actions are all sin. Continual patient plodding brings prosperity; while hasty speculation ultimately leads poverty. Dishonest gain will never last, so why take the risk? Because the wicked are unfair, their violence backfires and ruins them. A man is known by his actions. An evil man lives an evil life, an upright man lives an upright life. It is better to live in the corner of an attic than with a crabby woman in a lovely home. An evil man loves to harm others; being a kind neighbor is out of his line. The wise man learns by hearing; the simpleton can learn only by seeing scorners punished. YÁOHU UL, the Upright One, knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked, and will bring the wicked to judgment. He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need. An angry man is silenced by giving him a gift! An upright man loves justice, but it is a calamity to evildoers. The man who departs from common sense will end up dead! A man who loves pleasure becomes poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches! The wicked will finally lose; the upright will finally win. Better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining woman. The wise man saves for the future, but the stupid man spends whatever he gets. The man who tries to be upright, loving and kind finds life, uprightness and honor. The wise man conquers the powerful man and levels his defenses. Keep your mouth closed and you'll remain out of trouble. Mockers are proud, haughty and arrogant. The lazy man longs for many things but his hands refuse to work. He is greedy to get, while the upright love to give! YÁOHU UL loathes the gifts of evil men, especially if they are trying to bribe Him! No one believes a liar, but everyone respects the words of an honest man. An evil man is stubborn, but an upright man will always objectively evaluate the facts. No one, regardless of how shrewd or well-advised he is, can win against YÁOHU UL. Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from YÁOHU UL.
22 If you must select, prefer a fine name rather than great riches, for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor are alike before YÁOHU UL Who made them all. A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the stupid goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and respect for YÁOHU UL leads a man to riches, honor and long life. The rebel walks on a thorny, treacherous road; the man who values his soul will keep away. Teach a child to select the right path, and when he grows older, he will remain upon it. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. The unjust tyrant will reap ruin and his reign of terror shall end. Happy is the generous man, the one who feeds the poor. Throw out the mocker, and you will be rid of tension, fighting and quarrels. He who values favors and truth is the authority's (king's) friend. YÁOHU UL preserves the upright but ruins the plans of the wicked. The lazy man is full of excuses. 'I can't go to work!' he says. 'If I go outside I might meet a lion along the road and be killed!' A prostitute is a dangerous trap; those cursed of YÁOHU UL are caught in it. A young child's heart is filled with rebellion, but severe punishment will drive it out of him. He who gains by oppressing the poor or by bribing the rich shall end in poverty. Hearken to this wise advice; follow it closely, for it will do you well, and you can relay it on to others: Depend fully upon YÁOHU UL. In the past, haven't I been right? Then believe what I am telling you now, and share it with others. Don't rob the poor and sick! For YÁOHU UL is their Defender. If you injure them, He will punish you. Keep away from angry, shart-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Unless you have the spare cash on hand, don't countersign a note. Why risk everything you own? They'll even take your bed! Do not move the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing! Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and be before leaders (authorities and kings).
23 When having a dinner with a rich man, be on your guard and don't stuff yourself, though it all tastes so well; for he is merely trying to bribe you, and no benefit is going to come of his invitation. Don't weary yourself trying to get rich! Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had wings of a bird! Don't associate with evil men; don't long for their favors and gifts. Their kindness is a trick; they want to use you as their pawn. The delectable food they serve will turn sour in your stomach and you will vomit it, and have to take back your words of gratefulness for their 'kindness.' Don't waste your breath on a rebel! He will despise the wisest advice. Don't steal the land of defenseless orphans by moving their ancient boundary marks, for their Redeemer is powerful; He Himself will accuse you. Don't refuse to accept positive criticism; get all the support you can. Don't fail to correct your children; discipline won't hurt them! They won't die if you use a flexible stick on them! Punishment will keep them out of hell. My son, how I will rejoice if you become a man of common sense. Yes, my heart will thrill to your thoughtful, wise words. Don't envy evil men but continue to reverence YÁOHU UL all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet! O my son, be wise and remain in YÁOHU UL's paths; don't carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty! And remember that too much sleep clothes a man with rags. Hearken to your father's advice and don't despise an old mother's experience. Get the facts at any price, and hold on tightly to all the sound sense you can get. The father of an upright man has cause for delight - what pleasure a wise son is! So give your parent delight! O my son, trust my advice - keep away from prostitutes. For a prostitute is a deep and narrow grave. Like a robber, she waits for her victims as one after another become unfaithful to their wives. Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new concoctions. Don't let the sparkle and the smooth taste of potent wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a snake. You will see hallucinations and have delirium tremens, and you will say stupid, silly words that would embarrass you no end when sober. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And afterwards you will say, 'I didn't even know it when they beat me up.... Let's go and have another drink!'
24 Don't envy wicked men; don't even endelight their company. For they spend their days plotting violence and cheating. Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes mighty through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of facts. A wise man is mightier than a powerful man. Wisdom is mightier than physical prowess. Don't go to war without wise guidance; there is safety in many advisers. Wisdom is too much for a rebel. He'll not be selected to be an adviser! To plan evil is as wrong as actually doing it. The rebel's schemes are sinful, and the mocker is the scourge of all mankind. You are a poor specimen if you can't endure the pressure of adversity. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't remain idly back and let them die. Don't try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For YÁOHU UL, Who knows all hearts, knows yours, and He knows you knew! And He will reward everyone according to his deeds. My son, honey whets the appetite and so does wisdom! When you endelight becoming wise, there is hope for you! A bright future lies ahead! O evil man, leave the upright man alone, and quit trying to cheat him out of his rights. Don't you know that this upright man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again? But one calamity is enough to lay you low. Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no delight when he falls - for YÁOHU UL may be displeased with you and stop punishing him! Don't envy the wicked. Don't covet his riches. For the evil man has no future, his light will be snuffed out. My son, watch your step before YÁOHU UL and the authority, and don't associate with radicals. For you will go down with them to quick ruin, and who knows where it all will end? It is wrong to sentence the poor, and let the rich go free. He who says to the wicked, 'You are innocent,' shall be cursed by many people of many nations; but benefits shall be showered on those who rebuke sin fearlessly. It is an honor to receive a frank reply. Develop your business first before building your house. Don't testify spitefully against an innocent neighbor. Why lie about him? Don't say, 'Now I can pay him back for all his meanness to me!' I walked by the field of some lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns, and covered with weeds; and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson:
'A little more sleep,
25 These proverbs of Shua-ólmoh (Solomon) were discovered and copied by the aides of King Kozóq-YÁOHU (Hezekiah) of YAOHÚ-dah (Judah): It is YÁOHU UL's privilege to conceal matters, and the leader's privilege to discover and invent. You cannot comprehend the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the authority's mind! When you remove dross from silver, you have fine silver ready for the silversmith. When you remove corrupt men from the leader's court, his government will be just as well as fair. Don't demand an audience with the leader as though you were some powerful prince. It is better to wait for an invitation rather than to be sent back to the end of the line, publicly humiliated! Don't be hotheaded and rush to court! You may begin something you can't finish and go down before your neighbor in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with him privately. Don't tell anyone else, lest he accuse you of slander and you can't withdraw what you said. Timely advice is as lovely as gold apples in a silver basket. It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism. A faithful employee is as refreshing as a cold day in the hot summertime. One who doesn't give the gift he promised is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain. Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones. Do you like honey? Don't eat too much of it, or it will make you sick! Don't visit your neighbor too often, or you will outwear your welcome! Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or piercing him with a sharp arrow. Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot. Being delightful-go-jolly around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as robbing him of his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds. If your enemy is hungry, give him food! If thirsty, give him something to drink! This will make him feel ashamed of himself, and YÁOHU UL will reward you! As surely as a wind from the north brings cold, just as surely a retort causes anger! It is better to live in a corner of an attic than in a beautiful home with a cranky, quarrelsome woman. Fine news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. If an upright man compromises with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Just as it is harmful to eat too much honey, so also it is bad for men to think about all the honors they deserve! A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.
26 Honor doesn't go with fools any more than snow with summertime or rain with harvest time! The curse causeless shall not come. Its intended victim will be no more harmed by it than by a sparrow or swallow flitting through the sky. Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a rebel with a rod to his back! When arguing with a rebel, don't use foolish arguments as he does, or you will become as foolish as he is! Deflate his conceit with silly replies! To trust a rebel to convey a message is as foolish as cutting off your feet and drinking poison! In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg. Honoring a rebel will backfire like a rock tied to a slingshot. A rebel will misapply a lesson so that its point will no more be felt than a thorn in the hand of a drunkard. The boss may get better work from an untrained apprentice than from a skilled rebel! As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. There is one thing worse than a fool, and that is a man who is conceited. The lazy man won't go out and work. 'There might be a lion outside!' he says. He sticks to his bed like a door to its hinges! He is too tired even to lift his food from his dish to his mouth! Yet in his own opinion he is smarter than seven wise men. Yanking a dog's ears is no more stupid than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business. A man who is caught lying to his neighbor and says, 'I was just joking,' is like a madman throwing around firebrands, arrows and death! Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops. A quarrelsome man begins fights as easily as a match sets fire to paper. Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish. Pretty words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot. A man with hate in his heart may sound pleasant enough, but don't believe him; for he is cursing you in his heart. Though he pretends to be so kind, his hatred will finally come to light for all to see. The man who sets a trap for others will get caught in it himself. Roll a boulder down on someone, and it will roll back and crush you. Flattery is a form of hatred and wounds cruelly.
27 Don't brag about your plans for tomorrow - wait and see what happens. Don't praise yourself; let others do it! A rebel's disappointments are heavier than sand and rocks. Jealousy is more dangerous and cruel than anger. Open rebuke is better than hidden love. Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy! Even honey seems tasteless to a man who is full; but if he is hungry, he'll eat anything! A man who wanders away from home is like a bird that departs from its nest. Friendly pieces of advice are as pleasant as perfume. Never abandon a friend - either yours or your father's. Then you won't need to go to a far-away relative for support in your time of need. My son, how delightful I will be if you turn out to be sensible! It will be a public honor to me. A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The stupid never looks, and suffers the consequences. The world's poorest credit risk is the man who agrees to pay the debts of someone he hardly knows. If you shout a pleasant greeting to a friend too early in the morning, he will count it as a curse! A continual dripping on a rainy day and a cranky woman are much alike! You can no more stop her complaints than you can stop the wind or hold onto anything with oil-slick hands. A friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron grinds iron. A workman may eat from the orchard he tends; anyone should be rewarded who protects another's interests. A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he prefers. Ambition and death are alike in this: neither is ever satisfied. The purity of silver and gold can be tried in a heated melting vessel, but a man is evaluated by his reaction to men's praise. You can't separate a rebel from his stupidity though you crush him to powder. Riches can disappear quickly. And the authority's crown (right to rule) doesn't remain in his family forever - so watch your business affairs closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds; then there will be lamb's wool enough for clothing, and goat's milk enough for food for all your household after the hay is reaped, and the new crop appears, and the mountain grasses are gathered in.
28 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them! But the upright are bold as lions! When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability. When a poor man oppresses those even poorer, he is like an unexpected flood sweeping away their last hope. To complain about the law is to praise wickedness. To obey the law is to fight evil. Evil men don't comprehend the importance of justice, but those who follow YÁOHU UL are much concerned about it. Better to be poor and truthful than rich and dishonest. Young men who are wise obey the law; a son who is a member of a criminal gang is a shame to his father. Income from exploiting the poor will end up in the hands of someone who pities them. YÁOHU UL doesn't hearken to the prayers of those who flout the law. A curse on those who lead the upright to error. But anyone who encourages the upright to do well shall be given a worthwhile reward. Rich men are conceited, but their real poverty is evident to the poor. When the upright are successful, everyone is delightful. When the wicked succeed, everyone is sad. A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Blessed is the man who reveres YÁOHU UL, but the man who doesn't care is headed for serious trouble. A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a lion or bear attacking them. Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a leader will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes. A murderer's conscience will drive him into hell. Don't stop him! Upright men will be rescued from harm, but cheaters will be destroyed. Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty. The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward. But the man who wants to get rich quick will also quickly fail. Giving preferred treatment to rich people is a clear case of selling one's soul for a piece of bread. Trying to get rich quick is evil and leads to poverty. In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. A man who robs his parents and says, 'What's wrong with that?' is no better than a murderer. Greed causes fighting; fully relying upon YÁOHU UL leads to prosperity. A man is stupid to trust himself! But those who use YÁOHU UL's wisdom are safe. If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty. When the wicked prosper, upright men go away; when the wicked meet their ruin, upright men return.
29 The man who is often reproved but refuses to accept criticism will unexpectedly and quickly be broken and never have another chance. With upright men in authority, the people exult; but with the wicked in power, they groan. A wise son makes his father delightful, but a lad who hangs around with prostitutes disgraces him. A just king (leader) gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes ruins it. Flattery is a trap; evil men are caught in it, but upright men keep away and sing for delight. The upright man knows the poor man's rights; the wicked don't care. Fools begin fights everywhere while wise men try to keep peace. There's no use arguing with a fool. He only rages and scoffs, and tempers flare. The upright pray for those who long to kill them. A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and calms it. A wicked ruler will have wicked aides on his staff. Rich and poor are alike in this: each depends on YÁOHU UL for light. An authority (leader or king) who is fair to the poor shall have a long reign. Scolding and spanking a child supports him to learn. Left alone by himself, he brings shame to his mother. When rulers are wicked, their people are too; but upright men will live to see the tyrant's downfall. Discipline your son and he will give you delight and peace of mind. Where there is ignorance of YÁOHU UL, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep His laws. Sometimes mere words are not enough - discipline is needed. For the words may not be heeded. There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper. Pamper a servant from childhood, and he will expect you to treat him as a son! A hot-tempered man begins fights and gets into all kinds of trouble. Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor. A man who assists a thief must really hate himself! For he knows the consequence but does it anyway. Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust fully in YÁOHU UL means safety. Do you want justice? Don't fawn on the judge, but ask YÁOHU UL for it! The upright hate the wickedness of the bad. The wicked hate the noble character traits of the upright.
30 These are the messages of Agur, son of Yaokéh addressed to Othiúl and Ucál: I am tired out, O YÁOHU UL, and ready to die. I am too stupid even to call myself a human being! I cannot comprehend man, let alone YÁOHU UL. Who else but YÁOHU UL goes back and forth to heaven? Who else holds the wind in his fists, and wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who but YÁOHU UL has created the world? What is His Shúam (Name) and what is the Shúam (Name) of His Son, tell me if you know? Every word of YÁOHU UL proves true. He defends all who come to Him for protection. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. O YÁOHU UL, I beg two favors from You before I die: First, support me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me simply enough to satisfy my needs! For if I grow rich, I may become content without YÁOHU UL. And if I am too poor, I may steal, and thus insult YÁOHU UL's holy Shúam. Never falsely accuse a man to his employer, lest he curse you for your sin. There are those who curse their father and mother, and feel themselves faultless despite their many sins. They are proud, beyond description, arrogant, insolent. They devour the poor with teeth as sharp as knives! There are two things never satisfied, like a leech forever craving for more: no, three things! No, four!
Hell A man who mocks his father and despises his mother shall have his eye plucked out by ravens and eaten by vultures. There are three things too wonderful for me to comprehend - no, four!
How an eagle glides in the sky. There is another thing too: how a prostitute can sin and then say, 'What's wrong with that?' There are three things that make the earth tremble - no, four it cannot endure:
A slave who becomes a king. There are four things that are small but unusually wise: Ant: they aren't powerful, but keep up food for the winter. There are three dignified monarchs in the earth - no, four: The lion, king of the animals. He won't turn aside for anyone.
The peacock. If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, don't brag about it - cover your mouth with your hand in shame. As the churning of cream yields butter, and a blow to the nose causes bleeding, so anger causes quarrels.
31 These are the wise sayings of King Lemu-Úl of Massa, taught to him at his mother's knee: O my son, whom I have dedicated to YÁOHU UL, do not spend your time with women - the glamorous pathway to ruin. And it is not for leaders, O Lemu-Úl, to drink wine and whiskey. For if they drink they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death, and wine is for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and misery. You should defend those who cannot support themselves. Yes, speak up for the poor and destitute, and see that they get justice. If you can find a truly noble wife, she is worth more than valuable gems! Her husband can trust fully in her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. She will not hinder him, but support him all her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She buys imported foods, brought by ship from far-away ports. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day's work for her servant girls. She goes out to inspect a field, and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. She is vigorous; a hard worker, and watches for best buys. She works far into the night! She sews for the poor, and generously supports those in need. She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for them all. She also makes coverings for her bed; her own clothing is beautifully made - a purple gown of pure linen. Her husband is well known, for he takes his seat among civic leaders in the council chamber. She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants. She is a woman of vigor and dignity, and has no fear of old age. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy. Her children rise up and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: 'There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!' Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who reverentially fears YÁOHU UL shall be greatly praised. Praise her for the many excellent deeds she does. These kind, noble deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance. Proverbs of King Shua-ólmoh, Holy Scriptures Given to you in true love and deep humility, OL SHÚAM (in the Name of) YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, am-nám!
We believe that, by the free favor and mercy of YÁOHU UL, the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA' is now teaching all of you, leading you into all truth, reminding you of the words of Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA, is revealing Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA now to each one of you, and that YÁOHU UL is always watching over His Words to perform them. We also believe that the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA' is the One Who is giving life and powerful oiling to YÁOHU UL's words, and He's now convicting your hearts as regards sin, uprightness and judgment, and we now bind all of you to quick and full submission to Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, now and forever, ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, and we all declare, am-nám! Remember, every knee must bow to Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA and every tongue confess that YAOHÚSHUA is the Ruler of all, to the glory of YÁOHU UL, the Most High! And whatever we bind on earth is bound in the celestial heights right now! 'For this purpose the Son of YÁOHU UL was revealed, to bring to an end the works of the wicked one!' - 1 John 3:8, Holy Scriptures. And we now loose you from all the powers of ha-satan and all his religious wicked spirits, evil spirits of confusion, all lying spirits, and all seducing spirits and we stop, rebuke and renounce all their wicked influences, deceptions, power and control over your whole person and we now set you free from all the powers of all evil spirits right now! We also now bind you to full and quick submission to Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY now and for always! Whatever we loose on earth is loosed in heaven, and whatever we bind on earth is bound in heaven! Ol Shúam (in the Name of) YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, and we all agree, am-nám! Remember, it was Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA Who died for your sins, and not religion. Religion is not the Savior. YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY is the Savior Who is willing and able to support, deliver, cure and save you! For the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world; on the contrary, they are so powerful, through YÁOHU UL, to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of YÁOHU UL, and we now take captive every thought to make it submissive to Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA. And we now overcome ha-satan by the 'DAM' (blood) of Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY and by the words of our testimony, and since we resist ha-satan, we win! Thanks be to YÁOHU UL GABOR (the Valiant Warrior) Who always sees to it that we triumph in Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, and truly we are greater than conquerors! And we do not allow ha-satan to steal in any manner the words of YÁOHU UL sown in your hearts now and forever! Ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, am-nám! Now that you believe in His Shúam (Name) and accept Him as the true Messiah, say, speak, I repeat, you say and speak this prayer right now, from your heart:
YAOHU UL, Who dwells in shamulyáo (celestial heights), I now believe that You are the real Maker of all, my Creator Eternal; I believe that You are the true Holy One of Israel, no one else; You are the UL of Abruham, YAOHUtz-kaq (Isaac) and YAOHU-caf (Jacob); I acknowledge that I have sinned against You, and I do now forgive all those who have offended me in the past; I truly repent before You. Please forgive me of all my sins and cleanse me now, by the 'DAM' (blood) of Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, Who, I believe, died in my behalf, as my own individual replacement; I now make YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY as my only individual Molkhiúl (Ruler) and 'Mee-hoo-shua-yao' (Savior); I believe that He died to pay for all my sins, was buried, became alive again, went to be with YÁOHU UL, and will soon return to rule as the King of kings; I believe with perfect faith in the coming return of Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY; It is written: 'Everyone who calls upon the Shúam (Name) of YÁOHU UL shall be saved,' and I believe in the resurrection of the upright to eternal rewards, and the damnation of the wicked to eternal perdition; Please give me now the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA' to indwell me as Your newly-born child in Your eternal Kingdom of uprightness, delight, holiness, light and peace; And please also immerse me in the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA' now so I may freely receive His gifts for empowerment in my new life as a Yaohúshuahee (faithful believer); I believe that I now receive the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA' into my heart, as my life Ruler, Governor and Maoro-éh (Teacher), as I do also believe that I now receive Your mercy, forgiveness and cleansing and the empowerment gifts of and immersion in the 'RUKHA-YAOHÚSHUA'; I praise, glorify, worship and thank You for the free gift of redemption and salvation; I pray all this, ol Shúam (in the Name of) YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, am-nám!
Now you are free, you are cured, you are delivered and you are whole! Now, glorify YÁOHU UL with me, let us exalt His Shúam (Name) together! Now begin your new life with YÁOHU ABÚ (Father) by telling others about His LOVE and His Shúam (Name) and begin loving and aiding your neighbors! 'You shall love YÁOHU your Ulhím with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind; and you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself!' These are the greatest mitzvot or commandments! So begin loving YÁOHU Ulhím and your neighbors now! Ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, am-nám!
If you don't have a copy of the 'Biblia Hebraica' or the Holy Scriptures, better get one soonest and begin reading the Word! For your spiritual growth. Just make the necessary corrections as you read, now that you know the truth. Remember, you have to keep on learning the Word or the Holy Scriptures so you'll discover more truths that are essential to upright, abundant and in wellness, sound living! Begin reading the Holy Writ now! And when you pray daily, call on YÁOHU UL, and always close your prayer using the Name of Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, because He said that we should ask from YÁOHU UL using the Messiah's Shúam (Name). We ask over Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY's signature! Guaranteed genuine results, grants, answers and benefits! Don't try it, believe and do it now! If you, or someone else you know, need any kind of support, spiritually or materially, feel free to call us or write us, or if you have any more question. We are here to serve and we care for you because YÁOHU Ulhím loves you! And Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY has redeemed you! You are in the narrow way, after all, when you receive and make Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY as your King and Savior! If you want to receive free copies of bilingual Hebrew Holy Scriptures, New Covenant portion, all in Hebrew, with translations in German, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, French, Dutch, Romanian, Spanish and other major foreign languages, including English of course, do contact us soonest and we will send them to you, wherever you are, free! You don't have to pay anything. It's our personal service to Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA to introduce Him and His Word to multitudes, whatever vernaculars they use. Freely we have received from YÁOHU ABÚ, freely we give out, as the Holy Scriptures command. In our other free literature which you may request for:
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Truly, Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA is the truth that sets you free from all lies, deceptions and curses of the enemy! He is the Light of life! He protects you from the mark of the beast, the anti-messiah. The enemy came to kill, to steal and to destroy; Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA came to give you life and life more enriched! You have now joined, not another religion, but the Person of the authentic Messiah, Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, Who sets people free from all bondages, lies and deceptions of the enemy! YAOHÚSHUA is now your Deliverer, Redeemer, Healer, Ruler, Protector, Defender, Provider and Chief Shepherd of your souls. Into the hands of YÁOHU UL we entrust you and whole person as well as your spiritual growth and walk, now and forever, ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, and we all declare, am-nám! Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA said: 'Don't imagine that I came to bring peace on earth! No, rather, a sword! I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's worst enemies will be right in his own home! 'If you love your father and mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine, or if you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. 'If you refuse to take up your stake and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for Me, you will save it!' - Matthew 10:34-39, Holy Scriptures. May YÁOHU UL Yaoshuayáo and Shúamor bless you and keep you; May YÁOHU UL Khanyao-ám make His face shine upon you and be always benevolent to you; May YÁOHU UL Shua-oléym turn His face towards you and give you peace! Ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY and we all declare, am-nám! Olkém shua-oléym....
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'There is no other name under heaven given to humanity for salvation, except the Name: YAOHÚSHUA!' - Acts 4:12. No other name, no other name, no other name, no other name, except: YAOHÚSHUA! This is not a copyrighted material. You may copy, quote or reproduce this in whole or in part, as long as Molkhiúl YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY is glorified and magnified, that's reason for us all to rejoice! The greatest favor you can give your loved ones is to bring them back to their Creator, YÁOHU UL, and the Messiah YAOHÚSHUA! This is the greatest heritage you can give them, more valuable than riches or worldly education. Give them the Word that was made flesh, Whom they have pierced, and died for all of humanity's redemption, and soon-coming King and Judge of all! YAOHÚSHUA is His one and only Name. There is no other name! Magnify and glorify YÁOHU UL with me, let us exalt His Shúam (Name) together! Oh, YÁOHU, YÁOHU, how excellent is Your Shúam (Name) in all the earth!
All this is brought to you, in true love and deep humility, ol Shúam YAOHÚSHUA hol-MEHUSHKHÁY, and we all declare, am-nám! Every knee must bow at this Name:
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