Read the Bible — American Standard Version · Proverbs

Proverbs 16

1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The preparations H4633 (מַעֲרָךְ) — an arrangement, i.e. (figuratively) mental disposition
  • of 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
  • in man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
  • and the answer H4617 (מַעֲנֶה) — a reply (favorable or contradictory)
  • of the tongue H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…
  • from Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • All the ways H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • of 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)
  • clean H2134 (זַךְ) — clear
  • in his own eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
  • But Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • weigheth H8505 (תָּכַן) — to balance, i.e. measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
  • the spirits H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…

3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Commit H1556 (גָּלַל) — to roll (literally or figuratively)
  • thy works H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
  • unto Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • and thy thoughts H4284 (מַחֲשָׁבָה) — a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
  • shall be established H3559 (כּוּן) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, a…

4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • hath made H6466 (פָּעַל) — to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
  • for himself H4617 (מַעֲנֶה) — a reply (favorable or contradictory)
  • yea, even the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
  • for the day H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
  • of evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • proud H1362 (גָּבָהּ) — lofty (literally or figuratively)
  • in 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
  • an abomination H8441 (תּוֹעֵבַה) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
  • to Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • hand 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…
  • in hand 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…
  • he shall not be unpunished H5352 (נָקָה) — to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e. extirpated

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • By mercy H2617 (חֶסֶד) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
  • and truth H571 (אֶמֶת) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
  • iniquity H5771 (עָוֺן) — perversity, i.e. (moral) evil
  • is purged H3722 (כָּפַר) — to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel
  • and by the fear H3374 (יִרְאָה) — fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
  • of Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • depart H5493 (סוּר) — to turn off (literally or figuratively)
  • from evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

7 When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • When 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)
  • ways H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • please H7521 (רָצָה) — to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
  • Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • he maketh even his enemies H341 (אֹיֵב) — hating; an adversary
  • to be at peace 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…

8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Better 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…
  • a little H4592 (מְעַט) — a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
  • with righteousness H6666 (צְדָקָה) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
  • than great H7230 (רֹב) — abundance (in any respect)
  • revenues H8393 (תְּבוּאָה) — income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively)
  • without right H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A man’s H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
  • 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
  • deviseth H2803 (חָשַׁב) — properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); h…
  • his way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • But Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • directeth H3559 (כּוּן) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, a…
  • his steps H6806 (צַעַד) — a pace or regular step

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A divine sentence H7081 (קֶסֶם) — a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle
  • in the lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • of the king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
  • 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…
  • transgresseth H4603 (מָעַל) — properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. treacherously
  • not in 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…

11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A just H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…
  • weight H6425 (פֶּלֶס) — a balance
  • and balance H3976 (מֹאזֵן) — (only in the dual) a pair of scales
  • Yhwh’s H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • all the weights H68 (אֶבֶן) — a stone
  • of the bag H3599 (כִּיס) — a cup; also a bag for money or weights
  • his work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • an abomination H8441 (תּוֹעֵבַה) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
  • to kings H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
  • to commit H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
  • wickedness H7562 (רֶשַׁע) — a wrong (especially moral)
  • for the throne H3678 (כִּסֵּא) — properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied)
  • is established H3559 (כּוּן) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, a…
  • by righteousness H6666 (צְדָקָה) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Psalms 101:5 · Proverbs 14:35 · Proverbs 22:11
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Righteous H6664 (צֶדֶק) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
  • lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • the delight H7522 (רָצוֹן) — delight (especially as shown)
  • of kings H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
  • and they love H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
  • him that speaketh H1696 (דָבַר) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
  • right H3477 (יָשָׁר) — straight (literally or figuratively)

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The wrath H2534 (חֵמָה) — heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
  • of a king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
  • messengers H4397 (מַלְאָךְ) — a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
  • of death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
  • but a wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • 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)
  • will pacify H3722 (כָּפַר) — to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel

15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • In the light H216 (אוֹר) — illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
  • of the king’s H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
  • countenance H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • 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),…
  • and his favour H7522 (רָצוֹן) — delight (especially as shown)
  • as a cloud H5645 (עָב) — properly, an envelope, i.e. darkness (or density, 2 Chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
  • of the latter rain H4456 (מַלְקוֹשׁ) — the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • How much better 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…
  • to get H7069 (קָנָה) — to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
  • wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
  • than gold 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…
  • and to get H7069 (קָנָה) — to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
  • understanding H998 (בִּינָה) — understanding
  • rather to be chosen H977 (בָּחַר) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select
  • than silver H3701 (כֶּסֶף) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The highway H4546 (מְסִלָּה) — a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
  • of the upright H3477 (יָשָׁר) — straight (literally or figuratively)
  • to depart H5493 (סוּר) — to turn off (literally or figuratively)
  • from evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • he that keepeth H5341 (נָצַר) — to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
  • his way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • preserveth H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
  • 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)

18 Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Pride H1347 (גָּאוֹן) — the same as 1346
  • before H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • destruction H7667 (שֶׁבֶר) — a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
  • and an haughty H1363 (גֹּבַהּ) — elation, grandeur, arrogance
  • spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
  • a fall H3783 (כִּשָּׁלוֹן) — properly, a tottering, i.e. ruin

19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Better 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…
  • of an humble H8217 (שָׁפָל) — depressed, literally or figuratively
  • spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
  • with the lowly H6041 (עָנִי) — depressed, in mind or circumstances
  • with the lowly H6035 (עָנָו) — depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
  • than to divide H2505 (חָלַק) — to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate
  • the spoil H7998 (שָׁלָל) — booty
  • with the proud H1343 (גֵּאֶה) — lofty; figuratively, arrogant

20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that handleth a matter H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
  • wisely H7919 (שָׂכַל) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
  • shall find H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
  • 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…
  • and whoso trusteth H982 (בָּטַח) — properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as 2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
  • in Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • happy H835 (אֶשֶׁר) — happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • in 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
  • shall be called H7121 (קָרָא) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
  • prudent H995 (בִּין) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand
  • and the sweetness H4986 (מֶתֶק) — figuratively, pleasantness (of discourse)
  • of the lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • increaseth H3254 (יָסַף) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
  • learning H3948 (לֶקַח) — properly, something received, i.e. (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inveiglement

22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Understanding H7922 (שֶׂכֶל) — intelligence; by implication, success
  • a wellspring 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),…
  • unto him that hath H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
  • it: but the instruction H4148 (מוּסָר) — properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
  • of fools H191 (אֱוִיל) — (figuratively) silly
  • folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • 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
  • of the wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • teacheth H7919 (שָׂכַל) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
  • 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…
  • and addeth H3254 (יָסַף) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
  • learning H3948 (לֶקַח) — properly, something received, i.e. (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inveiglement
  • to his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Pleasant H5278 (נֹעַם) — agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace
  • words H561 (אֵמֶר) — something said
  • an honeycomb H1706 (דְּבַשׁ) — honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
  • an honeycomb H6688 (צוּף) — comb of honey (from dripping)
  • sweet H4966 (מָתוֹק) — sweet
  • 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)
  • and health H4832 (מַרְפֵּא) — properly, curative, i.e. literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
  • to the bones H6106 (עֶצֶם) — a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame

25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

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)
  • a way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • that seemeth right H3477 (יָשָׁר) — straight (literally or figuratively)
  • unto H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • 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)
  • but the end H319 (אַחֲרִית) — the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
  • the ways H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • of death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He 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)
  • that laboureth H6001 (עָמֵל) — toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful
  • laboureth H5998 (עָמַל) — to toil, i.e. work severely and with irksomeness
  • for himself; for 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…
  • craveth H404 (אָכַף) — to urge

27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • An ungodly H1100 (בְּלִיַּעַל) — without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
  • 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)
  • diggeth up H3738 (כָּרָה) — properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
  • evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • and in his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • as a burning H6867 (צָרֶבֶת) — conflagration (of fire or disease)
  • fire H784 (אֵשׁ) — fire (literally or figuratively)

28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A perverse H8419 (תַּהְפֻּכָה) — a perversity or fraud
  • 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)
  • soweth H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
  • strife H4066 (מָדוֹן) — a contest or quarrel
  • and a whisperer H5372 (נִרְגָּן) — a slanderer
  • separateth H6504 (פָּרַד) — to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself)
  • chief friends H441 (אַלּוּף) — familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock (as being tame; applied, although masculine, to a cow); and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A violent H2555 (חָמָס) — violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
  • 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)
  • enticeth H6601 (פָּתָה) — to open, i.e. be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way) delude
  • his neighbour H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
  • and leadeth H3212 (יָלַךְ) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
  • him into the way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • not 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…

30 He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He shutteth H6095 (עָצָה) — properly, to fasten (or make firm), i.e. to close (the eyes)
  • his eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
  • to devise H2803 (חָשַׁב) — properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); h…
  • perverse things H8419 (תַּהְפֻּכָה) — a perversity or fraud
  • moving H7169 (קָרַץ) — to pinch, i.e. (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a vessel from…
  • his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • he bringeth H3615 (כָּלָה) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
  • evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • to pass H3615 (כָּלָה) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The hoary head H7872 (שֵׂיבָה) — old age
  • a crown H5850 (עֲטָרָה) — a crown
  • of glory H8597 (תִּפְאָרָה) — ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
  • it be found H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
  • in the way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • of righteousness H6666 (צְדָקָה) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • slow H750 (אָרֵךְ) — long
  • to anger H639 (אַף) — properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
  • better 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…
  • than the mighty H1368 (גִּבּוֹר) — powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
  • and he that ruleth H4910 (מָשַׁל) — to rule
  • his spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
  • than he that taketh H3920 (לָכַד) — to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
  • a city H5892 (עִיר) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The lot H1486 (גּוֹרָל) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
  • is cast H2904 (טוּל) — to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
  • into the lap H2436 (חֵיק) — the bosom (literally or figuratively)
  • but the whole disposing H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…
  • of Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God