Study Desk

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life.

A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked.

If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son.

He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing.

Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know!

Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.

There is a kind of man who curses his father And does not bless his mother.

There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, Yet is not washed from his filthiness.

There is a kind—oh how lofty are his eyes! And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.

There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men.

The strutting rooster, the male goat also, And a king when his army is with him.

The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: