1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- son H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- his father’s H1 (אָב) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
- instruction H4148 (מוּסָר) — properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
- but a scorner H3887 (לוּץ) — properly, to make mouths at, i.e. to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
- heareth H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
- not rebuke H1606 (גְּעָרָה) — a chiding
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- shall eat H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- by the fruit H6529 (פְּרִי) — fruit (literally or figuratively)
- mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- but the soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- of the transgressors H898 (בָּגַד) — to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
- violence H2555 (חָמָס) — violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
3 He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that keepeth H5341 (נָצַר) — to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
- his mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- keepeth H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
- his life H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- he that openeth wide H6589 (פָּשַׂק) — to dispart (the feet or lips), i.e. become licentious
- his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
- shall have destruction H4288 (מְחִתָּה) — properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- of the sluggard H6102 (עָצֵל) — indolent
- desireth H183 (אָוָה) — to wish for
- nothing: but the soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- of the diligent H2742 (חֲרוּץ) — properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figu…
- shall be made fat H1878 (דָּשֵׁן) — to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)
5 A righteous man hateth lying; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- hateth H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
- lying H8267 (שֶׁקֶר) — an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
- lying H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- but a wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- is loathsome H887 (בָּאַשׁ) — to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally
- and cometh to shame H2659 (חָפֵר) — to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
6 Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Righteousness H6666 (צְדָקָה) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
- keepeth H5341 (נָצַר) — to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
- upright H8537 (תֹּם) — completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
- in the way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
- but wickedness H7564 (רִשְׁעָה) — wrong (especially moral)
- overthroweth H5557 (סָלַף) — properly, to wrench, i.e. (figuratively) to subvert
- the sinner H2403 (חַטָּאָה) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- There is H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- that maketh himself rich H6238 (עָשַׁר) — properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
- that maketh himself poor H7326 (רוּשׁ) — to be destitute
- yet H3605 (כֹּל) — properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
- great H7227 (רַב) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
- riches H1952 (הוֹן) — wealth; by implication, enough
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The ransom H3724 (כֹּפֶר) — properly, a cover, i.e. (literally) a village (as covered in); (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating), and the henna plant (as used for dyeing); figurativ…
- of a man’s H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- life H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- his riches H6239 (עֹשֶׁר) — wealth
- but the poor H7326 (רוּשׁ) — to be destitute
- heareth H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
- not rebuke H1606 (גְּעָרָה) — a chiding
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The light H216 (אוֹר) — illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
- of the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- rejoiceth H8055 (שָׂמַח) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
- but the lamp H5216 (נִיר) — a lamp (i.e. the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
- of the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- shall be put out H1846 (דָּעַךְ) — to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire or be dried up
10 By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Only by pride H2087 (זָדוֹן) — arrogance
- cometh H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- contention H4683 (מַצָּה) — a quarrel
- but with the well advised H3289 (יָעַץ) — to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Wealth H1952 (הוֹן) — wealth; by implication, enough
- by vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- shall be diminished H4591 (מָעַט) — properly, to pare off, i.e. lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
- but he that gathereth H6908 (קָבַץ) — to grasp, i.e. collect
- by labour H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- shall increase H7235 (רָבָה) — to increase (in whatever respect)
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Hope H8431 (תּוֹחֶלֶת) — expectation
- deferred H4900 (מָשַׁךְ) — to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
- maketh the heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- sick H2470 (חָלָה) — properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick; also to stroke (in flattering), entreat
- the desire H8378 (תַּאֲוָה) — a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
- cometh H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- a tree H6086 (עֵץ) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
- of life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
13 Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whoso despiseth H936 (בּוּז) — to disrespect
- the word H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- shall be destroyed H2254 (חָבַל) — to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e. to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of parturition)
- but he that feareth H3373 (יָרֵא) — fearing; morally, reverent
- the commandment H4687 (מִצְוָה) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)
- shall be rewarded H7999 (שָׁלַם) — to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in variou…
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The law H8451 (תּוֹרָה) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch
- of the wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- a fountain H4726 (מָקוֹר) — properly, something dug, i.e. a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda); figurativel…
- of life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- to depart H5493 (סוּר) — to turn off (literally or figuratively)
- from the snares H4170 (מוֹקֵשׁ) — a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
- of death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
15 Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- understanding H7922 (שֶׂכֶל) — intelligence; by implication, success
- giveth H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- favour H2580 (חֵן) — graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
- but the way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
- of transgressors H898 (בָּגַד) — to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
- hard H386 (אֵיתָן) — permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain
16 Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth his folly.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Every prudent H6175 (עָרוּם) — cunning (usually in a bad sense)
- dealeth H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- with knowledge H1847 (דַּעַת) — knowledge
- but a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- layeth open H6566 (פָּרַשׂ) — to break apart, disperse, etc.
- folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness
17 A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- messenger H4397 (מַלְאָךְ) — a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
- falleth H5307 (נָפַל) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
- into mischief H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- but a faithful H529 (אֵמוּן) — established, i.e. (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness
- ambassador H6735 (צִיר) — a hinge (as pressed in turning); also a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure); also a herald or errand-doer (as constrained by the principal)
- health H4832 (מַרְפֵּא) — properly, curative, i.e. literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Poverty H7389 (רֵישׁ) — poverty
- and shame H7036 (קָלוֹן) — disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda
- him that refuseth H6544 (פָּרַע) — to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
- instruction H4148 (מוּסָר) — properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
- but he that regardeth H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
- reproof H8433 (תּוֹכֵחָה) — chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence)
- shall be honoured H3513 (כָּבַד) — to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same two senses…
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The desire H8378 (תַּאֲוָה) — a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
- accomplished H1961 (הָיָה) — to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
- is sweet H6149 (עָרֵב) — to be agreeable
- to the soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- abomination H8441 (תּוֹעֵבַה) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
- to fools H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- to depart H5493 (סוּר) — to turn off (literally or figuratively)
- from evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
20 Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that walketh H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- with wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- shall be wise H2449 (חָכַם) — to be wise (in mind, word or act)
- but a companion H7462 (רָעָה) — to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)
- of fools H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- shall be destroyed H7321 (רוּעַ) — to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy)
21 Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- pursueth H7291 (רָדַף) — to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
- sinners H2400 (חַטָּא) — a criminal, or one accounted guilty
- but to the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- shall be repayed H7999 (שָׁלַם) — to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in variou…
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- leaveth an inheritance H5157 (נָחַל) — to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
- to his children’s H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- children H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- and the wealth H2428 (חַיִל) — probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
- of the sinner H2398 (חָטָא) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
- laid up H6845 (צָפַן) — to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
- for the just H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Much H7230 (רֹב) — abundance (in any respect)
- food H400 (אֹכֶל) — food
- the tillage H5215 (נִיר) — properly, plowing, i.e. (concretely) freshly plowed land
- of the poor H7326 (רוּשׁ) — to be destitute
- of the poor H7218 (רֹאשׁ) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
- but there is H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- destroyed H5595 (סָפָה) — properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e. to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e. to scatter, remove, or ruin; intrans…
- for want H3808 (לֹא) — not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
- of judgment H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that spareth H2820 (חָשַׂךְ) — to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
- his rod H7626 (שֵׁבֶט) — a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
- hateth H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
- his son H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- but he that loveth H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
- him chasteneth H4148 (מוּסָר) — properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
- him betimes H7836 (שָׁחַר) — properly, to dawn, i.e. (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking)
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- eateth H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- to the satisfying H7648 (שֹׂבַע) — satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)
- of his soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
- but the belly H990 (בֶּטֶן) — the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
- of the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- shall want H2637 (חָסֵר) — to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen