Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. | An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels. |
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. | Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, For the rights of all the unfortunate. |
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Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. | Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy. |
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. | Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. |
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. |
Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. | Turn to my rebuke, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. |
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. | He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. |
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. | Guarding the paths of justice, And He watches over the way of His godly ones. |
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. | Then you will discern righteousness, justice, And integrity, and every good path. |
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. | My son, do not forget my teaching, But have your heart comply with my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. |
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. | Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and a good reputation In the sight of God and man. |
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. | 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 your paths straight. |
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. | Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. |
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. | Honor the Lord from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce. |
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. | My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His rebuke, For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, Just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. |
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. | Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, And one who obtains understanding. |
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. | Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. |
Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly. | Do not envy a violent person, And do not choose any of his ways. For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; But He is intimate with the upright. |
Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. | Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. |
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. | The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your possessions, acquire understanding. |
My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. | Listen, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. |
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. | I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. |
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. | My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. They are not to escape from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. |
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. | Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. |