Study Desk

The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death.

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; But the hearts of [shortsighted] fools are not so.

He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass.

He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.

The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].

Do not love [excessive] sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes [so that you can do your work] and you will be satisfied with bread.

Plans are established by counsel; So make war [only] with wise guidance.

So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD, I have taught these things to you today, even to you.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, "Eat and drink," Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].

Know that [skillful and godly] wisdom is [so very good] for your life and soul; If you find wisdom, then there will be a future and a reward, And your hope and expectation will not be cut off.

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable.

Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to those who send him; For he refreshes the life of his masters.

For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, And the LORD will reward you.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a distant land.

Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a [shortsighted] fool.

Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, So the curse without cause does not come and alight [on the undeserving].

Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who cannot learn from its wisdom].

Like one who [absurdly] binds a stone in a sling [making it impossible to throw], So is he who [absurdly] gives honor to a fool.