Study Desk

A just balance and [honest] scales are the LORD'S; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].

In the light of the king's face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.

The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul).

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on.

A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.

A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], And leads him in a way that is not good.

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 is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Whoever mocks the poor taunts his Maker, And he who rejoices at [another's] disaster will not go unpunished.

Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.

Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.

He who loves transgression loves strife and is quarrelsome; He who [proudly] raises his gate seeks destruction [because of his arrogant pride].

He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

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.

A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father And bitterness to her who gave birth to him.

He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.