Study Desk

That which is desirable in a man is his loyalty and unfailing love, But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar.

The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish, But will not even bring it to his mouth again.

He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man?

The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs— How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].

A [discerning] king who sits on the throne of judgment Sifts all evil [like chaff] with his eyes [and cannot be easily fooled].

Even a boy is known and distinguished by his acts, Whether his conduct is pure and right.

"It is [almost] worthless, it is [almost] worthless," says the buyer [as he negotiates the price]; But when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].

Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel [just as sin may be sweet at first, but later its consequences bring despair].

Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp [of life] will be extinguished in time of darkness.

Man's steps are ordered and ordained by the LORD. How then can a man [fully] understand his way?

The spirit (conscience) of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching and examining all the innermost parts of his being.

Loyalty and mercy, truth and faithfulness, protect the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.

Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives].

The way of the guilty is [exceedingly] crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

The soul of the wicked desires evil [like an addictive substance]; His neighbor finds no compassion in his eyes.

Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor Will cry out himself and not be answered.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue Guards himself from troubles.

"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride.