Proverbs

1 Don’t be envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

1 υἱέ, μὴ ζηλώσῃς κακοὺς ἄνδρας μηδὲ ἐπιθυμήσῃς εἶναι μετ’ αὐτῶν·	1 υἱέ, μὴ ζηλώσῃς κακοὺς ἄνδρας μηδὲ ἐπιθυμήσῃς εἶναι μετ’ αὐτῶν·
1 My son, don’t envy bad men, nor desire to be with them.	1 My son, don’t envy bad men, nor desire to be with them.

2 For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

2 ψεύδη γὰρ μελετᾷ ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν, καὶ πόνους τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν λαλεῖ.	2 ψευδῆ γὰρ μελετᾷ ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν, καὶ πόνους τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν λαλεῖ.
2 For their heart think about falsehoods, and their lips speak misery.	2 For their heart think about falsehoods, and their lips speak misery.

3 Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established.

3 μετὰ σοφίας οἰκοδομεῖται οἶκος καὶ μετὰ συνέσεως ἀνορθοῦται·	3 μετὰ σοφίας οἰκοδομεῖται οἶκος καὶ μετὰ συνέσεως ἀνορθοῦται.
3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.	3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

4 μετὰ αἰσθήσεως ἐμπίμπλαται ταμίεια ἐκ παντὸς πλούτου τιμίου καὶ καλοῦ.	4 μετὰ αἰσθήσεως ἐμπίπλανται ταμιεῖα ἐκ παντὸς πλούτου τιμίου καὶ καλοῦ.
4 By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.	4 By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.

5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.

5 κρείσσων σοφὸς ἰσχυροῦ καὶ ἀνὴρ φρόνησιν ἔχων γεωργίου μεγάλου·	5 κρείσσων σοφὸς ἰσχυροῦ καὶ ἀνὴρ φρόνησιν ἔχων γεωργίου μεγάλου.
5 A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large farm.	5 A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large farm.

6 For by wise counsel you shall make your war; and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

6 μετὰ κυβερνήσεως γίνεται πόλεμος, βοήθεια δὲ μετὰ καρδίας βουλευτικῆς.	6 μετὰ κυβερνήσεως γίνεται πόλεμος, βοήθεια δὲ μετὰ καρδίας βουλευτικῆς.
6 War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counsellor.	6 War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counsellor.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.

7 σοφία καὶ ἔννοια ἀγαθὴ ἐν πύλαις σοφῶν· σοφοὶ οὐκ ἐκκλίνουσιν ἐκ στόματος κυρίου,	7 σοφία καὶ ἔννοια ἀγαθὴ ἐν πύλαις σοφῶν· σοφοὶ οὐκ ἐκκλίνουσιν ἐκ στόματος Κυρίου,
7 Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,	7 Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,

8 He who devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

8 ἀλλὰ λογίζονται ἐν συνεδρίοις. ἀπαιδεύτοις συναντᾷ θάνατος,	8 ἀλλὰ λογίζονται ἐν συνεδρίοις. ἀπαιδεύτοις συναντᾷ θάνατος,
8 but deliberate in council. Death befalls uninstructed men.	8 but deliberate in council. Death befalls uninstructed men.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin; and the scorner is an abomination to men.

9 ἀποθνῄσκει δὲ ἄφρων ἐν ἁμαρτίαις· ἀκαθαρσία δὲ ἀνδρὶ λοιμῷ	9 ἀποθνήσκει δὲ ἄφρων ἐν ἁμαρτίαις. ἀκαθαρσία δὲ ἀνδρὶ λοιμῷ
9 The fools also dies in sins; and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man.	9 The fools also dies in sins; and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man.

10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

10 ἐμμολυνθήσεται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακῇ καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ θλίψεως, ἕως ἄν ἐκλίπῃ.	10 ἐμμολυνθήσεται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακῇ καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ θλίψεως, ἕως ἄν ἐκλίπῃ.
10 He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.	10 He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.

11 If you refuse to deliver those who are drawn to death, and those who are ready to be slain;

11 ῥῦσαι ἀγομένους εἰς θάνατον καὶ ἐκπρίου κτεινομένους μὴ φείσῃ·	11 ῥῦσαι ἀγομένους εἰς θάνατον καὶ ἐκπρίου κτεινομένους, μὴ φείσῃ·
11 Deliver those who are led away to death, and redeem those who are appointed to be slain; don’t spare your help.	11 Deliver those who are led away to death, and redeem those who are appointed to be slain; don’t spare your help.

12 If you say, Behold, we didn’t know it; doesn’t he who examines the heart consider it? And he who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?

12 ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃς, οὐκ οἶδα τοῦτον, γίνωσκε ὅτι κύριος καρδίας πάντων γινώσκει, καὶ ὁ πλάσας πνοὴν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς οἶδεν πάντα, ὃς ἀποδίδωσιν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ.	12 ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃς, οὐκ οἶδα τοῦτον, γίνωσκε ὅτι Κύριος καρδίας πάντων γινώσκει, καὶ ὁ πλάσας πνοὴν πᾶσιν, αὐτὸς οἶδε πάντας, ὃς ἀποδίδωσιν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ.
12 But if you should say, I don’t know this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he who formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.	12 But if you should say, I don’t know this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he who formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.

13 My son, eat honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.

13 φάγε μέλι, υἱέ, ἀγαθὸν γὰρ κηρίον, ἵνα γλυκανθῇ σου ὁ φάρυγξ·	13 φάγε μέλι, υἱέ, ἀγαθὸν γὰρ κηρίον, ἵνα γλυκανθῇ σου ὁ φάρυγξ·
13 My son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your throat may be sweetened.	13 My son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your throat may be sweetened.

14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul: when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not be cut off.

14 οὕτως αἰσθήσῃ σοφίαν τῇ σῇ ψυχῇ· ἐὰν γὰρ εὕρῃς, ἔσται καλὴ ἡ τελευτή σου, καὶ ἐλπίς σὲ οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψει.	14 οὕτως αἰσθήσῃ σοφίαν τῇ σῇ ψυχῇ· ἐὰν γὰρ εὕρῃς, ἔσται καλὴ ἡ τελευτή σου, καὶ ἐλπίς σε οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψει.
14 Thus you shall perceive wisdom in your soul; for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you.	14 Thus you shall perceive wisdom in your soul; for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you.

15 Don’t lay wait, Oh wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; don’t spoil his resting place.

15 μὴ προσαγάγῃς ἀσεβῆ νομῇ δικαίων μηδὲ ἀπατηθῇς χορτασίᾳ κοιλίας·	15 μὴ προσαγάγῃς ἀσεβῆ νομῇ δικαίων μηδὲ ἀπατηθῇς χορτασίᾳ κοιλίας·
15 Don’t bring an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.	15 Don’t bring an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.

16 For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

16 ἑπτάκι γὰρ πεσεῖται ὁ δίκαιος καὶ ἀναστήσεται, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ἀσθενήσουσιν ἐν κακοῖς.	16 ἑπτάκις γὰρ πεσεῖται δίκαιος καὶ ἀναστήσεται, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ἀσθενήσουσιν ἐν κακοῖς.
16 For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise again; but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.	16 For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise again; but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.

17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles.

17 ἐὰν πέσῃ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, μὴ ἐπιχαρῇς αὐτῷ, ἐν δὲ τῷ ὑποσκελίσματι αὐτοῦ μὴ ἐπαίρου·	17 ἐὰν πέσῃ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, μὴ ἐπιχαρῇς αὐτῷ, ἐν δὲ τῷ ὑποσκελίσματι αὐτοῦ μὴ ἐπαίρου·
17 If your enemy should fall, don’t rejoice over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.	17 If your enemy should fall, don’t rejoice over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.

18 Lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

18 ὅτι ὄψεται κύριος, καὶ οὐκ ἀρέσει αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀποστρέψει τὸν θυμὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ.	18 ὅτι ὄψεται Κύριος καὶ οὐκ ἀρέσει αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀποστρέψει τὸν θυμὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ.
18 For the Lord will see it, and it won’t please him, and he will turn away his wrath from him.	18 For the Lord will see it, and it won’t please him, and he will turn away his wrath from him.

19 Don’t fret yourself because of evil men, neither be envious at the wicked;

19 μὴ χαῖρε ἐπὶ κακοποιοῖς μηδὲ ζήλου ἁμαρτωλούς·	19 μὴ χαῖρε ἐπὶ κακοποιοῖς, μηδὲ ζήλου ἁμαρτωλούς·
19 Don’t rejoice in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners.	19 Don’t rejoice in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners.

20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

20 οὐ γὰρ μὴ γένηται ἔκγονα πονηρῶν, λαμπτὴρ δὲ ἀσεβῶν σβεσθήσεται.	20 οὐ γὰρ μὴ γένηται ἔκγονα πονηρῷ, λαμπτὴρ δὲ ἀσεβῶν σβεσθήσεται.
20 For the evil man shall have no posterity; and the light of the wicked shall be put out.	20 For the evil man shall have no posterity; and the light of the wicked shall be put out.

21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king; and meddle not with those who are given to change.

21 φοβοῦ τὸν θεόν, υἱέ, καὶ βασιλέα καὶ μηθετέρῳ αὐτῶν ἀπειθήσῃς·	21 φοβοῦ τὸν Θεόν, υἱέ, καὶ βασιλέα καὶ μηθετέρῳ αὐτῶν ἀπειθήσῃς·
21 My son, fear God and the king; and don’t disobey either of them.	21 My son, fear God and the king; and don’t disobey either of them.

22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?

22 ἐξαίφνης γὰρ τείσονται τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς, τὰς δὲ τιμωρίας ἀμφοτέρων τίς γνώσεται;	22 ἐξαίφνης γὰρ τίσονται τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς, τὰς δὲ τιμωρίας ἀμφοτέρων τίς γνώσεται;
22 For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance inflicted by both?	22 For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance inflicted by both?

22a N/A

22a λόγον φυλασσόμενος υἱὸς ἀπωλείας ἐκτὸς ἔσται, δεχόμενος δὲ ἐδέξατο αὐτόν.	22a λόγον φυλασσόμενος υἱὸς ἀπωλείας ἐκτὸς ἔσται, δεχόμενος δὲ ἐδέξατο αὐτόν.
22a A son who keeps the commandment shall escape destruction; for such a one has fully received it.	22a A son who keeps the commandment shall escape destruction; for such a one has fully received it.

22b N/A

22b μηδὲν ψεῦδος ἀπὸ γλώσσης βασιλεῖ λεγέσθω, καὶ οὐδὲν ψεῦδος ἀπὸ γλώσσης αὐτοῦ οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃ.	22b μηδὲν ψεῦδος ἀπὸ γλώσσης βασιλεῖ λεγέσθω, καὶ οὐδὲν ψεῦδος ἀπὸ γλώσσης αὐτοῦ οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃ.
22b Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yes, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue.	22b Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yes, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue.

22c N/A

22c μάχαιρα γλῶσσα βασιλέως καὶ οὐ σαρκίνη, ὃς δ’ ἄν παραδοθῇ, συντριβήσεται·	22c μάχαιρα γλῶσσα βασιλέως καὶ οὐ σαρκίνη, ὃς δ’ ἄν παραδοθῇ, συντριβήσεται·
22c The king’s tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed.	22c The king’s tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed.

22d N/A

22d ἐὰν γὰρ ὀξυνθῇ ὁ θυμὸς αὐτοῦ, σὺν νεύροις ἀνθρώπους ἀναλίσκει	22d ἐὰν γὰρ ὀξυνθῇ ὁ θυμὸς αὐτοῦ, σὺν νεύροις ἀνθρώπους ἀναλίσκει,
22d for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords,	22d for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords,

22e N/A

22e καὶ ὀστᾶ ἀνθρώπων κατατρώγει καὶ συγκαίει ὥσπερ φλὸξ ὥστε ἄβρωτα εἶναι νεοσσοῖς ἀετῶν.	22e καὶ ὀστᾶ ἀνθρώπων κατατρώγει, καὶ συγκαίει ὥσπερ φλόξ, ὥστε ἄβρωτα εἶναι νεοσσοῖς ἀετῶν.
22e and devours men’s bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles.	22e and devours men’s bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles.

22f N/A

22f τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους, υἱέ, φοβήθητι καὶ δεξάμενος αὐτοὺς μετανόει·	22f Τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους, υἱέ, φοβήθητι, καὶ δεξάμενος αὐτοὺς μετανόει·
22f My son, reverence my words, and receive them, and repent.	22f My son, reverence my words, and receive them, and repent.

23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

23 ταῦτα δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν τοῖς σοφοῖς ἐπιγινώσκειν· αἰδεῖσθαι πρόσωπον ἐν κρίσει οὐ καλόν·	23 ταῦτα δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν τοῖς σοφοῖς ἐπιγινώσκειν· αἰδεῖσθαι πρόσωπον ἐν κρίσει οὐ καλόν.
23 And this thing I say to you who are wise for you to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.	23 And this thing I say to you who are wise for you to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 He who says to the wicked, You are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him.

24 ὁ εἰπὼν τὸν ἀσεβῆ, δίκαιός ἐστιν, ἐπικατάρατος λαοῖς ἔσται καὶ μισητὸς εἰς ἔθνη·	24 ὁ εἰπὼν τὸν ἀσεβῆ· δίκαιός ἐστιν, ἐπικατάρατος λαοῖς ἔσται καὶ μισητὸς εἰς ἔθνη·
24 He who says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.	24 He who says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.

25 But to those who rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come on them.

25 οἱ δὲ ἐλέγχοντες βελτίους φανοῦνται, ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς δὲ ἥξει εὐλογία ἀγαθή·	25 οἱ δὲ ἐλέγχοντες βελτίους φανοῦνται, ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς δὲ ἥξει εὐλογία·
25 But they who reprove him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come on them;	25 But they who reprove him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come on them;

26 Every man shall kiss his lips who gives a right answer.

26 χείλη δὲ φιλήσουσιν ἀποκρινόμενα λόγους ἀγαθούς.	26 χείλη δὲ φιλήσουσιν ἀποκρινόμενα λόγους ἀγαθούς.
26 and men will kiss lips that answer well.	26 and men will kiss lips that answer well.

27 Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.

27 ἑτοίμαζε εἰς τὴν ἔξοδον τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ παρασκευάζου εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν καὶ πορεύου κατόπισθέν μου καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσεις τὸν οἶκόν σου.	27 ἑτοίμαζε εἰς τὴν ἔξοδον τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ παρασκευάζου εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν καὶ πορεύου κατόπισθέν μου καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσεις τὸν οἶκον σου.
27 Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house.	27 Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house.

28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbour without cause; and don’t deceive with your lips.

28 μὴ ἴσθι ψευδὴς μάρτυς ἐπὶ σὸν πολίτην μηδὲ πλατύνου σοῖς χείλεσιν·	28 μή ἴσθι ψευδὴς μάρτυς ἐπὶ σὸν πολίτην, μηδὲ πλατύνου σοῖς χείλεσι.
28 Don’t be a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.	28 Don’t be a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.

29 Don’t say, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

29 μὴ εἴπῃς, ὃν τρόπον ἐχρήσατό μοι χρήσομαι αὐτῷ, τείσομαι δὲ αὐτὸν ἅ με ἠδίκησεν.	29 μὴ εἴπῃς· ὃν τρόπον ἐχρήσατό μοι, χρήσομαι αὐτῷ, τίσομαι δὲ αὐτὸν ἅ με ἠδίκησεν.
29 Don’t say, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that in which he has injured me.	29 Don’t say, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that in which he has injured me.

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

30 ὥσπερ γεώργιον ἀνὴρ ἄφρων, καὶ ὥσπερ ἀμπελὼν ἄνθρωπος ἐνδεὴς φρενῶν·	30 ὥσπερ γεώργιον ἀνὴρ ἄφρων, καὶ ὥσπερ ἀμπελὼν ἄνθρωπος ἐνδεὴς φρενῶν·
30 A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.	30 A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.

31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, and the stone wall of it was broken down.

31 ἐὰν ἀφῇς αὐτόν, χερσωθήσεται καὶ χορτομανήσει ὅλος καὶ γίνεται ἐκλελειμμένος, οἱ δὲ φραγμοὶ τῶν λίθων αὐτοῦ κατασκάπτονται.	31 ἐὰν ἀφῇς αὐτόν, χερσωθήσεται καὶ χορτομανήσει ὅλος καὶ γίνεται ἐκλελειμμένος, οἱ δὲ φραγμοὶ τῶν λίθων αὐτοῦ κατασκάπτονται.
31 If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.	31 If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked on it, and received instruction.

32 ὕστερον ἐγὼ μετενόησα, ἐπέβλεψα τοῦ ἐκλέξασθαι παιδείαν.	32 ὕστερον ἐγὼ μετενόησα, ἐπέβλεψα τοῦ ἐκλέξασθαι παιδείαν,
32 Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.	32 Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.

33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.

33 ὀλίγον νυστάζω, ὀλίγον δὲ καθυπνῶ, ὀλίγον δὲ ἐναγκαλίζομαι χερσὶν στήθη·	33 ὀλίγον νυστάζω, ὀλίγον δὲ καθυπνῶ, ὀλίγον δὲ ἐναγκαλίζομαι χερσὶ στήθη·
33 The sluggard says, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my breast.	33 The sluggard says, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my breast.

34 So shall your poverty come as one who prowls; and your want as an armed man.

34 ἐὰν δὲ τοῦτο ποιῇς, ἥξει προπορευομένη ἡ πενία σου καὶ ἡ ἔνδειά σου ὥσπερ ἀγαθὸς δρομεύς.	34 ἐὰν δὲ τοῦτο ποιῇς, ἥξει προπορευομένη ἡ πενία σου καὶ ἡ ἔνδειά σου ὥσπερ ἀγαθὸς δρομεύς.
34 But if you do this, your poverty will come speedily; and your want like a swift courier.	34 But if you do this, your poverty will come speedily; and your want like a swift courier.