Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. | First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. |
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. | Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. |
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Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. | Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. |
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. | Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. | Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. |
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. | Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. | Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. |
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. | He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. |
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. | He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. |
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. | Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. |