Study Desk

Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.

"Because I called and you refused [to answer], I stretched out my hand and no one has paid attention [to my offer];

Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect],

Therefore [the crushing weight of] his disaster will come suddenly upon him; Instantly he will be broken, and there will be no healing or remedy [because he has no heart for God].

"Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden]; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

The [arrogant] fool's anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult.

The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey, But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox.

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom], But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

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

The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net], Because they refuse to act with justice.

The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable]; He who is cursed by the LORD [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it.

Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held],

My son, eat honey, because it is good, And the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.

Do not get upset because of evildoers, Or be envious of the wicked,

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].

The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him.

To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity], But the upright are concerned for his life.

Whatever my eyes looked at with desire I did not refuse them. I did not withhold from my heart any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my reward for all my labor.