STRENGTH IN STEERING CLEAR

Now therefore, listen to me, my children;  Pay attention to the words of my mouth:  Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,  Do not stray into her paths;  For she has cast down many wounded,  And all who were slain by her were strong men.  Her house is the way...

TREASURE HIS COMMANDS

My son, keep my words,  And treasure my commands within you.  Keep my commands and live,  And my law as the apple of your eye.  Bind them on your fingers;  Write them on the tablet of your heart.  Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”  And call understanding your...

ANOTHER WARNING AGAINST THE ADULTERESS

My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. For...

GO TO THE ANT

Go to the ant, you sluggard;     consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander,     no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer     and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard?     When will you get up from your...

FOOLS IN DEBT

My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your...

LOVE THAT SATISFIES

Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of...