It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. | Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. |
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. | People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. |
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. | The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. |
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. | Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. |
There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold. | Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! |
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. | Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. |
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. | True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. |
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. | Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. |
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. | Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. |
Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. | Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. |
Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. | In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. |
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine. | My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! |
The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. | The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. |
So you shall know wisdom to be to your soul. If you have found it, then there will be a reward: Your hope will not be cut off. | In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. |
Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint. | A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. |
Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother. | Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. |
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. | A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. |
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. | As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. |
Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. | As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. |
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. | God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. | People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. | Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. |
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. | Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. |
Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. | Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. |
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