Study Desk

Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.

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.

Like a club and a sword and a piercing arrow Is a man who testifies falsely against his neighbor (acquaintance).

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

Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring Is a righteous man who yields and compromises his integrity before the wicked.

Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].

Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.

Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly, Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].

He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet (sabotages himself) and drinks the violence [it brings on himself as a consequence].

Like a dog that returns to his vomit Is a fool who repeats his foolishness.

Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

As the door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it].

The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer.

Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten] Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.

So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend) And then says, "Was I not joking?"

He who hates, disguises it with his lips, But he stores up deceit in his heart.

When he speaks graciously and kindly [to conceal his malice], do not trust him, For seven abominations are in his heart.

Though his hatred covers itself with guile and deceit, His malevolence will be revealed openly before the assembly.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].