The Berean Pursuit
Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,
honor does not befit a fool.
Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Like cutting off one's own feet or drinking violence
is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
Like lame legs hanging limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Like binding a stone into a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Like an archer who wounds at random
is he who hires a fool or passerby.
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The slacker says, "A lion is in the road!
A fierce lion roams the public square!"
As a door turns on its hinges,
so the slacker turns on his bed.
The slacker buries his hand in the dish;
it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
The slacker is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who answer discreetly.
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears
is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Like a madman shooting firebrands
and deadly arrows,
so is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"
Without wood, a fire goes out;
without gossip, a conflict ceases.
Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels
that go down into the inmost being.
Like glaze covering an earthen vessel
are burning lips and a wicked heart.
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech,
but he lays up deceit in his heart.
When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
He who digs a pit will fall into it,
and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth-
a stranger, and not your own lips.
A stone is heavy and sand is a burden,
but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood,
but who can withstand jealousy?
Better an open rebuke
than love that is concealed.
The wounds of a friend are faithful,
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The soul that is full loathes honey,
but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who wanders from his home.
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
Do not forsake your friend or your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house
in the day of your calamity;
better a neighbor nearby
than a brother far away.
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart,
so that I can answer him who taunts me.
The prudent see danger and take cover;
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be counted to him as a curse.
A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a contentious woman are alike-
restraining her is like holding back the wind
or grasping oil with one's right hand.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who looks after his master will be honored.
As water reflects the face,
so the heart reflects the true man.
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;
so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,
but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle,
yet his folly will not depart from him.
Be sure to know the state of your flocks,
and pay close attention to your herds;
for riches are not forever,
nor does a crown endure to every generation.
When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grain from the hills is gathered,
the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you-
food for your household
and nourishment for your maidservants.
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
A land in rebellion has many rulers,
but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law resist them.
Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity
than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
A discerning son keeps the law,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury
lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,
even his prayer is detestable.
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will inherit what is good.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,
but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;
let no one support him.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,
but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
To show partiality is not good,
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
A stingy man hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty awaits him.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor
than one who flatters with his tongue.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, "It is not wrong,"
is a companion to the man who destroys.
A greedy man stirs up strife,
but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,
but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous flourish.