Proverbs 10

 

Proverbs 10

 

King James Version (KJV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

　

 

Proverbs 10

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 The proverbs of Shlomo:

A wise son is a joy to his father,
but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

2 No good comes from ill-gotten wealth,
but righteousness rescues from death.
3 Adonai does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 Idle hands bring poverty;
diligent hands bring wealth.
5 A sensible person gathers in summer,
but he who sleeps during harvest is an embarrassment.

6 Blessings are for the head of the righteous,
but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.
7 The memory of the righteous will be for a blessing,
but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
8 Wise-hearted people take orders,
but a babbling fool will have trouble.

9 He who walks purely walks securely,
but he who walks in crooked ways will be found out.

10 He who winks his eye [instead of rebuking] causes pain,
yet a babbling fool will have trouble.

11 The speech of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.

12 Hate stirs up disputes,
but love covers all kinds of transgressions.

13 On the lips of the intelligent is found wisdom,
but a stick is in store for the back of a fool.
14 Wise people hide their knowledge,
but when a fool speaks, ruin is imminent.

15 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

16 The activity of the righteous is for life;
the income of the wicked is for sin.

17 He who observes discipline is on the way to life;
but he who ignores correction is making a mistake.

18 He who covers up hate has lips that lie,
and anyone who slanders is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not lacking;
so he who controls his speech is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver,
but the mind of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.

22 The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich,
and he doesn’t mix sorrow with it.

23 To a fool, vileness is like a game,
as is wisdom to a person of discernment.

24 What a fool dreads will overtake him,
but the righteous will be given his desire.
25 When the storm has passed, the wicked are gone;
but the righteous are firmly established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes
is a lazy person to his employer.

27 The fear of Adonai adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 What the righteous hope for will end in joy;
what the wicked expect will come to nothing.
29 The way of Adonai is a stronghold to the upright
but ruin to those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be moved,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is wanted,
but the mouth of the wicked [knows] deceit.

　

Verses  1- 20

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Here, Solomon’s proverbs are teaching, yet again, that wisdom and righteousness will prevail. We are wise to learn from him… God did grant him the most wisdom that He had ever given anyone!

From wisdom and knowledge, we have an abundance of gifts. We never seem to realize how Blessed that we are. We have learned so very much: our grandparents would have never imagined typing into a  machine and someone thousands of miles away, reading  their words in nanoseconds!

Yet, for all of our intellingent conversations…. we still lack the knowledge to guard our tongue!!! 

One  small word…. and in this day and age, one small typo…. can  linger in the air, and online, indefintely. As I  write these words, I  pray  that my studies, and my own preception of what I read…. Lord, let it  be a Light to someone. Let it be a Blessing.

I am human: I have met some people who chose not to like me. So have you, I am sure.

I have been accused of some things that I did not do… so have you, probably.

In this study, I  only pray that you read my words for what they are: my  thoughts and my prayers, as I re read the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 9

 

Proverbs 9

 

King James Version (KJV)

1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

 

Proverbs 9

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Wisdom has built herself a house;
she has carved her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her food, spiced her wine,
and she has set her table.
3 She has sent out her young girls [with invitations];
she calls from the heights of the city,
4 “Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!”
To someone weak-willed she says,
5 “Come and eat my food!
Drink the wine I have mixed!
6 Don’t stay unsure of yourself, but live!
Walk in the way of understanding!”
7 “He who corrects a scoffer only gets insulted;
reproving a wicked man becomes his blemish.
8 If you reprove a scoffer, he will hate you;
if you reprove a wise man, he will love you.
9 Give to a wise man, and he grows still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will learn still more.
10 The fear of Adonai is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of holy ones is understanding.
11 For with me, your days will be increased;
years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom helps you;
but if you scoff, you bear the consequences alone.”

13 The foolish woman is coarse;
she doesn’t think, and she doesn’t know a thing.
14 She sits at the door of her house
or on a seat at the heights of the city,
15 calling to those who pass by,
to those going straight along their ways,
16 “Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!”
To someone weak-willed she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he doesn’t realize
that the dead are there,
and that those who accept her invitation
are in the depths of Sh’ol.

　

To divide any of these verses would be a mistake. Here, we plainly see  the  vast differences in  being wise, or foolish. The choice is ours.

Very simply, very plainly.

The wise one prepares, and has made all of the arrnagements. In following that choice, we all can see the dinner that has been prepared. The table is set: the drinks are poured. Walk with wisdom, and eat your fill!

Sadly, the foolish make no preparations, nor set a banquet. Steal your drink and eat whatever you may find. So many seem to chhose that path of no resistance.

It’s difficult to prepare a table, and set a banquet fit for a King! It’s not easy making sure that all the invitations have been mailed, and thst no guest leaves hungry.Much less, have a guest who doesn’t have a good time! Any hostess can you…. it’s not easy.

Comparing wisdom to a banquet of sorts may be childish, but, it’s as plain a reference as you will ever see. Finding wisdom is  very similar to dicovering a banquet of delights! You are free to eat all that you want, and, best of all… you are not required to clean up afterward!! You can stay and partake of the dining pleasures as long as you want!! The company is delightful, the conversation stimulating!

Who doesn’t like a good party?  Our Lord has sent out the invitations…… won’t you join Him?

The first step is replying to His R.S.V.P.

All you have to do is say, Yes, Lord, I will.

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8

King James Version (KJV)

1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Proverbs 8

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Wisdom is calling!
Understanding is raising her voice!
2 On the heights along the road,
where the paths meet, she is standing;
3 by the gates leading into the city,
at the entrances, she cries aloud:

4 “People, I am calling you,
raising my voice to all mankind.
5 You who don’t direct your lives,
understand caution;
as for you, you fools,
get some common sense!

6 “Listen! I will say worthwhile things;
when I speak, my words are right.
7 My mouth says what is true,
because my lips detest evil.
8 All the words from my mouth are righteous;
nothing false or crooked is in them.
9 They are all clear to those who understand
and straightforward to those who gain knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, rather than silver;
knowledge, rather than the finest gold.
11 For wisdom is better than pearls;
nothing you want can compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, live together with caution;
I attain knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Adonai is hatred of evil.
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil ways and duplicitous speech.
14 Good advice is mine, and common sense;
I am insight, power is mine.
15 By me kings reign,
and princes make just laws.
16 By me princes govern,
nobles too, and all the earth’s rulers.
17 I love those who love me;
and those who seek me will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, fine gold,
my produce better than the finest silver.
20 I follow the course of righteousness
along the paths of justice,
21 to endow with wealth those who love me
and fill their treasuries.
22 “Adonai made me as the beginning of his way,
the first of his ancient works.
23 I was appointed before the world,
before the start, before the earth’s beginnings.
24 When I was brought forth, there were no ocean depths,
no springs brimming with water.
25 I was brought forth before the hills,
before the mountains had settled in place;
26 he had not yet made the earth, the fields,
or even the earth’s first grains of dust.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there.
When he drew the horizon’s circle on the deep,
28 when he set the skies above in place,
when the fountains of the deep poured forth,
29 when he prescribed boundaries for the sea,
so that its water would not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 I was with him as someone he could trust.
For me, every day was pure delight,
as I played in his presence all the time,.
31 playing everywhere on his earth,
and delighting to be with humankind.

32 “Therefore, children, listen to me:
happy are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and grow wise;
do not refuse it.
34 How happy the person who listens to me,
who watches daily at my gates
and waits outside my doors.
35 For he who finds me finds life
and obtains the favor of Adonai.
36 But he who misses me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.”

Verses 1-11

1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

In this day of such  easy accessible  knowledge: how is it that we remain so ignorant?  We are so wise in the ways of the world… so wise in whatever media we subscribe to. So wise, yet so very ignorant.

Our lack of knowledge in what our  Lord has tried so hard to make us understand is worse than pathetic.We claim to be such scholars, and yet, how many of us understand what He has said?  How many of us even try?

Out of His mouth is nothing but Truth: yet our ears remain deaf to it. He has told us that if we would but understand: His Truth is plain. We attemot to make is so difficult, when even a child can understand it.If we have knowledge: His Teachings, we have everything. There isn’t enough money in the world to buy His Truth: yet, it’s free for the taking. We are the ones who have to take it: to accept it. He has given it freely… we have to reach out and take it.He isn’t going to put it in our arms, our hearts, if we don’t want it. Knowledge is a treasured gift…. how can we refuse it?

Verses 12-22

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

These verses define wisdom in ways that I never could. The value of  wisdom is indeed hard won at times, but, nevertheless: its’ value is priceless. It has won wars and kingsdoms…. without wisdom, nothing of value would ever be achieved!

Think about it: is there even one thing that has ever been done without it?  Never. You may be the strongest man, or woman, in the race…. but if do not have the wisdom to run, you will fail. You may imagine the strongest bridge: or the world’s best medicine… but without the wisdom to bring it to pass…..it is as nothing.

You can tell someone that you love them, all day. If you do not have the wisdom to hold them, or to show that love….they may never believe you.

Our Lord knew…. before Time itself… He knew how desperately we would need His love. To be shown that Love.

Verses 23-36

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Before all of everything that we know today: before the very Earth…. God had wisdom. You can see it everywhere you look. From the leaves on every tree, to every blade of grass….

From the rain that falls from the heavens, to the oceans and all that they hold, to every cricket that might drive us crazy.. there we see His Wisdom.

From the nerves in your body to the hair on your head…. His Wisdom prevails.

All He is asking is that we seek Him… thirst for His Words… His Teachings. In those, we learn of  Him. We learn Who He is. We learn how very much that He loves us.

By our  own ignorance: we fail Him everyday. Only in searching for His Truths, will we ever find Him. It isn’t that difficult….. read it for yourself! He has given you the wisdom to do that.

In His Wisdom: we find Life Everlasting. We find Him.

Proverbs 7

 

Proverbs 7

 

King James Version (KJV)

1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

　

 

Proverbs 7

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1  My son, keep my words,
store up my commands with you.
2 Obey my commands, and live;
guard my teaching like the pupil of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister”;
call understanding your kinswoman;
5 so that they can keep you from unknown women,
from loose women with their seductive talk.

6 For I was at the window of my house,
glancing out through the lattice,
7 when I saw among the young men there,
among those who don’t think for themselves,
a young fellow devoid of all sense.
8 He crosses the street near her corner
and continues on toward her house.
9 Dusk turns into evening,
and finally night, dark and black.
10 Then a woman approaches him,
dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
11 She’s the coarse, impulsive type,
whose feet don’t stay at home;
12 rather, she stalks the streets and squares,
lurking at every streetcorner.

13 She grabs him, gives him a kiss,
and, brazen-faced, she says to him,
14 “I had to offer peace sacrifices,
and I fulfilled my vows today.
15 This is why I came out to meet you,
to look for you; now I’ve found you.
16 I’ve spread quilts on my couch
made of colored Egyptian linen.
17 I’ve perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come on, let’s make love till morning;
we’ll enjoy making love.
19 My husband isn’t at home,
he’s gone on a long trip;
20 he took a bag of money with him
and won’t be back till the moon is full.”

21 With all her sweet talk she convinces him,
enticing him with her seductive words.
22 At once he follows her
like an ox on its way to be slaughtered;
like a fool to be punished in the stocks;
23 or like a bird rushing into a trap,
not knowing its life is at stake
till an arrow pierces its liver.

24 So now, children, listen to me;
pay attention to what I am saying.
25 Don’t let your heart turn to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.
26 For many are those she has struck down dead,
numerous those she has killed.
27 Her house is the way to Sh’ol;
it leads down to the halls of death.

　

Verses 1-5

1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

  So many times, we are  cautioned to heed the Words of our Teacher. Not just to hear, but to adhere oursleves to them. To bind them to our souls, even. By knowing His Teachings, we learn how to live. We learn how to grow.                     

By not following after the latest temptation, we  keep His Words close to our heart. We refuse to follow  blindly down the road of deception and lies. My dad used to tell me that the more that I know: the more that I am responsible for. He ingrained that so deeply into my soul, I will never forget it. Sometimes, I think I  wish that I didn’t know as much. Not that I claim to be super intelligent:  sometimes I simply don’t wish for all of the responsbility that knowlege might bring. But, yet, to hunger after Him: I must thirst for His knowledge.

　

Verses 6-27

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

As the wayward youth that is led astray: so often are we. Whatever might tempt us, and the list is myraid, given how many humans reside on earth…… that could become our spiritual downfall. Not only spiritual, but, physical, emotional: the list becomes endless.

If we can remain strong,a nd abide in His Word… in  His Teachings… that alone is what will save us from ourselves. For we are all weak.. we are all human. Humanity is  very frail at times.It is much to easy to walk down that path that seems right. It is much too easy to take that one drink…. to take that one thing that doesn’t belong to you.

Then, the second drink… the second thing is even easier…..will it ever stop? Only if you take that first step. Back to Him. Back to the Teacher. Back to the One Who created you.

Back to the One Who  Loves you more than you can ever imagine.

Proverbs 6

 

Proverbs 6

 

King James Version

1My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

 

Proverbs 6

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1My son, if you have put up security for your friend,
if you committed yourself on behalf of another;
2 you have been snared by the words of your mouth,
caught by the words of your own mouth.
3 Do this now, my son, and extricate yourself,
since you put yourself in your friend’s power:
go, humble yourself, and pester your friend;
4 give your eyes no sleep,
give your eyelids no rest;
5 break free, like a gazelle from the [hunter’s] trap,
like a bird from the grip of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you lazybones!
Consider its ways, and be wise.
7 It has no chief, overseer or ruler;
8 yet it provides its food in summer
and gathers its supplies at harvest-time.
9 Lazybones! How long will you lie there in bed?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer,
just fold my hands for a little more sleep” —
11 and poverty comes marching in on you,
scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.

12 A scoundrel, a vicious man,
lives by crooked speech,
13 winking his eyes, shuffling his feet,
pointing with his fingers.
14 With deceit in his heart,
he is always plotting evil and sowing discord.
15 Therefore disaster suddenly overcomes him;
unexpectedly, he is broken beyond repair.

16 There are six things Adonai hates,
seven which he detests:
17 a haughty look, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet swift in running to do evil,
19 a false witness who lies with every breath,
and him who sows strife among brothers.

20 My son, obey your father’s command,
and don’t abandon your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart,
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you wake up, they will talk with you.
23 For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light,
and reproofs that discipline are the way to life.

24 They keep you from an evil woman,
from a loose woman’s seductive tongue.
25 Don’t let your heart lust after her beauty
or allow her glance to captivate you.
26 The price of a whore is a loaf of bread,
but the adulteress is hunting for a precious life.
27 Can a man carry fire inside his shirt
without burning his clothes?
28 Can a man walk [barefoot] on hot coals
without scorching his feet?
29 So is he who has sex with his neighbor’s wife;
anyone touching her will be punished.
30 A thief is not despised if he steals
only to satisfy his appetite when hungry;
31 but even he, if caught, must pay back sevenfold;
he may have to give up all the wealth that he owns.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense;
he who does it destroys himself.
33 He will get nothing but blows and contempt,
and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy drives a man into a rage;
he will show no mercy when he takes revenge;
35 he will not accept compensation;
he’ll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.

　

Verses 1-11

1My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

  So many times, when I was a child, I heard my father tell me:  a man’s word is his bond. If you shake a man’s hand: your word  has been given. Keeping that word: that bond, is as important as your honor. If you give you word, you are bound by that very honor, to keep your word.

  Insomuch as you give your word for a friend: it means the same.You are bound by your own integrity. It is up to you to make sure that your friend is bound by his/her words. If it means that your integrity will be questioned:  your friend’s integrity must match your own. I learned that as a child: I did my best to  impart that to my own children. When our word has been given: it is up to us to see that debt, whatever it may be, is fulfilled.No one but us.

   How often have I heard to watch the ant….see the load that it carries? Much bigger than it’s own size. I learned that, God would never, ever, give us more than we can bear.

If He knows the number of the hairs on our head, He knows how much an ant can carry.

So much more, does He know how much we can carry through our lives.

  I was taught that staying busy made for a much more productive life: idle hands were as an idle mind. That I would only have whatever I was willing to work for. Just as we are taught here that a busy ant in summer will  have food in the winter.  Our needs will not be met while we sit idly: praying that while we sleep, our answers will come. It just has never worked that way for me.

Verses 12-19

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

 

How many of us have known someone like the verses describe above?  I hate to admit is, but, I have known several. It seems as if all they

ever want in this life is to cause discord.

   I have never understood that thought process, and I pray I never do. It is such a wasted life, to live that way. I have never seen any one of those people act as through they were ever  happy. How could they ever want to live that way, when there is so much more  that God has for us?

  He has never promised us a  garden of roses: they all carry thorns, anyway. He did promise us that He would be with us, through every storm that life ever gave us.I’d rather have  that assurance than to be living a life full of deceit and discord.

  Of all the things that are listed as as abomination to the Lord: I  pray that  none of us

have any of those traits in excess. I would like to think that we have none of them. Sadly, we are all too human. One day at a time, we learn to be more like Him. Less of us: more of Him.

Verses 20-29

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

   As a child, we learn from our parents. We are expected to make mistakes along the way. As an adult: hopefully, we have learned from those mistakes. Hopefully, we have learned that wisdom imparted to us by our parents.

  That very wisdom will carry us through our lives. It will keep us from that temptation. Whatever it may be. We should realize that temptation will lead us down a path we do not want to follow. It will only lead to our own destruction. We cannot claim innocence when we go willingly down that path. We lose our innocence  when we follow temptation. It is never worth it.

  Hold fast to the wisdom that you have learned.

It is the one thing that will be with you until the end. For as long as we have a sound mind: we have our widsom. Do not let temptation take that away.

Verses 30-35

30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

  Most of us will feel pity for the homeless, hungry thief. Even though, as it states here, if he is caught: he will be punished. Stealing is still against the law, even if you’re hungry.

  Even though we live in a different time than when this was actually written: the Truth still remains. How many times do we look at a couple that commits adultery, and point our fingers?

   “It’s his fault: it’s her fault. They should know better.”

  We all should know better. That being said,

adultery covers more than cheating on your partner.

   It also  covers  cheating on God. Have you thought about that? He  loves us, and has prepared a place for us, as His Bride.When we choose to follow temptation…… we are committing adultery. We are cheating on Him.

  As much as I would never dream of cheating on my husband: never, ever let me cheat on my Father. The one that we cheat on ….. it’s a hurt worse than I would ever wish on anyone. Yes, I’ve been there. I never, ever want to make my husband  feel that way. I want to make my Lord feel that way…. even less.

  It would never be worth it.

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5 

King James Version (KJV)

1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb,                          and her mouth is smoother than oil:

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable,                that thou canst not know them.

7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,  nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.

18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe;  let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,  and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,             and he pondereth all his goings.

22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself,  and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness                      of his folly he shall go astray.

Proverbs 5 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding; 2 so that you will preserve discretion and your lips keep watch over knowledge.

3 For the lips of a woman who is a stranger drop honey,               her mouth is smoother than oil;                                 4 but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,                                                        sharp as a double-edged sword.                                                               5 Her feet go down to death, her steps lead straight to Sh’ol; 6 she doesn’t walk the level path of life — her course wanders all over, but she doesn’t know it.                        7 So now, children, listen to me; don’t turn away from what I am saying: 8 distance your way from her, stay far from the door of her house; 9 so that you won’t give your vigor to others                         and your years to someone who is cruel,                 10 so strangers won’t be filled with your strength and what you worked for go to a foreign house. 11 Then, when your flesh and bones have shrunk,                  at the end of your life, you would moan,                                                      12 “How I hated discipline! My whole being despised reproof, 13 I ignored what my teachers said, I didn’t listen to my instructors. 14 I took part in almost every kind of evil, and the whole community knew it.”

15 Drink the water from your own cistern, fresh water from your own well. 16 Let what your springs produce be dispersed outside, streams of water flowing in the streets;                                               17 but let them be for you alone and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain, the wife of your youth, be blessed; find joy in her — 19 a lovely deer, a graceful fawn; let her breasts satisfy you at all times, always be infatuated with her love.                 20 My son, why be infatuated with an unknown woman? Why embrace the body of a loose woman?                         21 For Adonai is watching a man’s ways; he surveys all his paths. 22 A wicked person’s own crimes will trap him, he will be held fast by the ropes of his sin. 23 He will die from lack of discipline; the magnitude of his folly will make him totter and fall.

Verses 1-7:

 1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:                                                                                                 :

2 That thou mayest regard discretion, 

and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth

is smoother than oil:

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death; 

her steps take hold on hell.6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, 

her ways are moveable, 

that thou canst not know them.

7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

Oh, that we would actually attend to the  hard won wisdom of our elders:  even so much more, our Father!

But, no, we are enticed away from that wisdom, by “her”…. 

whoever, or whatever, we choose to let “her” be.

Fast income, better homes, better cars, more…. stuff. 

We think we know much more than our elders can 

possibly teach us. Why can’t we realize… 

they’ve been down this path before us??? They had the 

same temptations that we face. Their lives may have been in a simpler time,

 but, they faced temptation just as we all do. 

If we would only listen, and attend, to their  hard won wisdom! 

Temptation is a very cruel mistress. 

Just when you think it has been satisfied: it raises its enticing head yet again. 

We are swept away again…will it ever end?

  Only when we realize that  the end  is very bitter:

 that  temptation is just that. It is never satisfied.

Not ever.We may spend most of our lives falling for its’ lies. 

The  empty promises of a brighter future.

 Promises that will never be kept: the only Promise Keeper that

 we can rely on is our Father!!!! 

 We need to hear His  Words now: not later….. 

we would be so much wiser to attend to His Words in our youth

. As we age, we would age gracefully in knowing Him!!! 

 In knowing that every promise that He ever made: He ALWAYS  keeps them!!

 Remember that song we sang in Sunday School?

 The one about His Promises being ours? That has not changed!

Verses 8-17

8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, 

and thy years unto the cruel:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; 

and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

12 And say, How have I hated instruction,

 and my heart despised reproof;

13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, 

nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern,

and running waters out of thine own well.

16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, 

and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.

    Let us not waste our time following down the path  of  temptation. 

Let us not waste our youth  on that path of destruction.

Giving our very souls,at times, to that  enchantress of our  destinies. 

The ones who take over our thoughts, our lives, and even our homes.

Do you think our  Creator is happy with our choices? 

That we ignore our teachings, and follow blindly down that path?

Our time is so much better spent, seeking His Wisdom… 

that we might, instead, be fruitful in our lives!! 

That we might be Blessed by Him, and see that evidence in our lives!

 He has so much better for us!

Verses 18-25

18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; 

let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, 

and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, 

and he pondereth all his goings.

22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, 

and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

23 He shall die without instruction;

 and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

We all must stay true to the teachings of our  Father: 

temptation is but a strange bedfellow that none if us need.

Our Father knows our needs before we even ask:

 why waste our lives seeking that we do not need? 

Our sins will indeed be known in the end, the Lord knows them even now.

 Let not our children say that we were slaves to our follies!!!! 

Let us all be the teachers of our hard won wisdom,

 that our children may learn from us.

 Even as we learn from our Lord. 

May our hearts always  yearn to know Him more.