1 Do not be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 Their minds meditate on evil, and their lips talk about trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built. It is established by understanding.
4 Knowledge fills the rooms with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is strong. A man of knowledge increases strength.
6 You wage war with the help of wise guidance. There is victory in a multitude of counselors.
7 Wisdom is too exalted lofty for a fool. He does not open his mouth at the gate.
8 He who devises plans to do evil is called a troublemaker.
9 The thought of foolishness is sin. The mocker is an abomination to men.
10 If you fail in time of trouble your strength is small.
11 If you do not deliver those who are condemned to death,
12 You may say: »We did not know this,« but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you and knows. He will reward each man according to his deeds.
13 My son, eat honey because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.
14 The knowledge of wisdom is sweet to you. When you find the knowledge of wisdom there is a reward. Your hope will not fail.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous. Do not destroy his resting place.
16 A righteous man falls seven times and rises up again. but the wicked will fall by evil.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. Do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.
18 Jehovah will see it and be displeased and turn his anger away from him.
19 Do not worry about evil people. Do not envy the wicked!
20 There is no reward for the evil man! The candle of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, respect Jehovah and the king. Do not associate with those who want to change things.
22 Their calamity will rise suddenly! Who knows the ruin from both of them?
23 These sayings belong to the wise. It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 The people curse and the nations abhor the man who says to the wicked, »You are righteous.«
25 Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them.
26 He kisses the lips that give the right answer.
27 Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field. After that build your house.
28 Do not witness against your neighbor without cause. Do not deceive with you lips.
29 Do not say: »I will do to him as he has done to me. I will render to the man according to his work.«
30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding.
31 It was all grown over with thorns and nettles, and the wall of stone was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well. I looked on it, and received instruction:
33 »Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.«
34 Your poverty will come like a robber and your want like an armed man.