Study Desk

Behold, for so shall the man be blessed and divinely favored Who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience].

Those who make idols are like them [absolutely worthless—spiritually blind, deaf, and powerless]; So is everyone who trusts in and relies on them.

"Bring my soul out of prison (adversity), So that I may give thanks and praise Your name; The righteous will surround me [in triumph], For You will look after me."

Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is [so vast and profound as to be] unsearchable [incomprehensible to man].

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; Greed takes away the lives of its possessors.

So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

So you will walk in the way of good men [that is, those of personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character], And keep to the paths of the righteous.

So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, And pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment.

So that she does not think [seriously] about the path of life; Her ways are aimless and unstable; you cannot know where her path leads.

So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely] And your need [will come] like an armed man [making you helpless].

So is the one who goes in to his neighbor's wife; Whoever touches her will not be found innocent or go unpunished.

My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you].

So she caught him and kissed him And with a brazen and impudent face she said to him:

"So I came out to meet you [that you might share with me the feast of my offering], Diligently I sought your face and I have found you.

When He set for the sea its boundary So that the waters would not transgress [the boundaries set by] His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth—

The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty].