1 Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Boast H1984 (הָלַל) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to ce…
- not thyself of to morrow H4279 (מָחָר) — properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
- for thou knowest H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- not what a 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…
- may bring forth H3205 (יָלַד) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Let another man H2114 (זוּר) — to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
- praise H1984 (הָלַל) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to ce…
- thee, and not thine own 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…
- a stranger H5237 (נׇכְרִי) — strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
- and not thine own lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A stone H68 (אֶבֶן) — a stone
- heavy H3514 (כֹּבֶד) — weight, multitude, vehemence
- and the sand H2344 (חוֹל) — sand (as round or whirling particles)
- weighty H5192 (נֵטֶל) — a burden
- but a fool’s H191 (אֱוִיל) — (figuratively) silly
- wrath H3708 (כַּעַס) — vexation
- heavier H3515 (כָּבֵד) — heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
- than them both H8147 (שְׁנַיִם) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Wrath H2534 (חֵמָה) — heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
- cruel H395 (אַכְזְרִיּוּת) — fierceness
- and anger H639 (אַף) — properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
- outrageous H7858 (שֶׁטֶף) — a deluge (literally or figuratively)
- able to stand H5975 (עָמַד) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
- 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…
- envy H7068 (קִנְאָה) — jealousy or envy
5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Open H1540 (גָּלָה) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
- rebuke H8433 (תּוֹכֵחָה) — chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence)
- 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 secret H5641 (סָתַר) — to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
- love H160 (אַהֲבָה)
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Faithful H539 (אָמַן) — properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet…
- the wounds H6482 (פֶּצַע) — a wound
- of a friend H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
- but the kisses H5390 (נְשִׁיקָה) — a kiss
- of an enemy H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
- deceitful H6280 (עָתַר) — to be (causatively, make) abundant
7 The full soul loatheth a honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The full H7649 (שָׂבֵעַ) — satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)
- 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)
- loatheth H947 (בּוּס) — to trample (literally or figuratively)
- an honeycomb H5317 (נֹפֶת) — a dripping i.e. of honey (from the comb)
- but to the hungry H7457 (רָעֵב) — hungry (more or less intensely)
- every bitter thing H4751 (מַר) — bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
- is sweet H4966 (מָתוֹק) — sweet
8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As a bird H6833 (צִפּוֹר) — a little bird (as hopping)
- that wandereth H5074 (נָדַד) — properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
- from her nest H7064 (קֵן) — a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
- 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)
- from his place H4725 (מָקוֹם) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
9 Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend that cometh of hearty counsel.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Ointment H8081 (שֶׁמֶן) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
- and perfume H7004 (קְטֹרֶת) — a fumigation
- rejoice H8055 (שָׂמַח) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
- 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
- the sweetness H4986 (מֶתֶק) — figuratively, pleasantness (of discourse)
- of a man’s friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
- by hearty 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)
- counsel H6098 (עֵצָה) — advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; And go not to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Thine own friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
- and thy father’s H1 (אָב) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
- friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
- forsake H5800 (עָזַב) — to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.
- not; neither go H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- into thy brother’s H251 (אָח) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like 1])
- house H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- in 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 thy calamity H343 (אֵיד) — oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
- 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 neighbour H7934 (שָׁכֵן) — a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
- near H7138 (קָרוֹב) — near (in place, kindred or time)
- than a brother H251 (אָח) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like 1])
- far off H7350 (רָחוֹק) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- My 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,…
- be wise H2449 (חָכַם) — to be wise (in mind, word or act)
- and make my 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
- glad H8055 (שָׂמַח) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
- that I may answer H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- that I may answer H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- him that reproacheth H2778 (חָרַף) — to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend th…
12 A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A prudent H6175 (עָרוּם) — cunning (usually in a bad sense)
- foreseeth H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- the evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- hideth H5641 (סָתַר) — to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
- the simple H6612 (פְּתִי) — silly (i.e. seducible)
- pass on H5674 (עָבַר) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation…
- are punished H6064 (עָנַשׁ) — properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine
13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for a foreign woman.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Take H3947 (לָקַח) — to take (in the widest variety of applications)
- his garment H899 (בֶּגֶד) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage
- that is surety H6148 (עָרַב) — to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
- for a stranger H2114 (זוּר) — to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
- and take a pledge 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)
- of him for a strange woman H5237 (נׇכְרִי) — strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that blesseth H1288 (בָּרַךְ) — to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason)
- his friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
- with a loud H1419 (גָּדוֹל) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
- voice H6963 (קוֹל) — a voice or sound
- rising early H7925 (שָׁכַם) — literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e. to start early in the morning
- in the morning H1242 (בֹּקֶר) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
- it shall be counted 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…
- a curse H7045 (קְלָלָה) — vilification
15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A continual H2956 (טָרַד) — to drive on; figuratively, to follow close
- dropping H1812 (דֶּלֶף) — a dripping
- in a very rainy H5464 (סַגְרִיד) — a pouring rain
- 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…
- and a contentious H4066 (מָדוֹן) — a contest or quarrel
- and a contentious H4079 (מִדְיָן)
- woman H802 (אִשָּׁה) — a woman
- are alike H7737 (שָׁוָה) — properly, to level, i.e. equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e. counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, etc.)
16 He that would restrain her restraineth the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whosoever hideth H6845 (צָפַן) — to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
- her hideth H6845 (צָפַן) — to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
- the wind 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…
- and the oil H8081 (שֶׁמֶן) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
- in his right hand H3225 (יָמִין) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
- slippeth H7121 (קָרָא) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
17 Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Iron H1270 (בַּרְזֶל) — iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
- sharpeneth H2300 (חָדַד) — to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe
- so 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)
- the 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…
- of his friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
18 Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; And he that regardeth his master shall be honored.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whoso keepeth H5341 (נָצַר) — to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
- the fig tree H8384 (תְּאֵן) — the fig (tree or fruit)
- shall eat H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- the fruit H6529 (פְּרִי) — fruit (literally or figuratively)
- thereof: so he that waiteth H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
- on his master H113 (אָדוֹן) — sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine)
- 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 As in water face answereth to face, So the heart of man to man.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As in water H4325 (מַיִם) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
- face 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…
- to face 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…
- so 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 man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- to man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; And the eyes of man are never satisfied.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Hell H7585 (שְׁאוֹל) — hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
- and destruction H10 (אֲבַדֹּה) — a perishing
- and destruction H11 (אֲבַדּוֹן) — abstract, a perishing; concrete, Hades
- are never H3808 (לֹא) — not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
- full H7646 (שָׂבַע) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
- so the eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
- of man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- are never satisfied H7646 (שָׂבַע) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
21 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; And a man is tried by his praise.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- the fining pot H4715 (מִצְרֵף) — a crucible
- for silver H3701 (כֶּסֶף) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
- and the furnace H3564 (כּוּר) — a pot or furnace (as if excavated)
- for gold H2091 (זָהָב) — gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky
- 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)
- to H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- his praise H4110 (מַהֲלָל) — fame
22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Though thou shouldest bray H3806 (כָּתַשׁ) — to butt or pound
- a fool H191 (אֱוִיל) — (figuratively) silly
- in a mortar H4388 (מַכְתֵּשׁ) — a mortar; by analogy, a socket (of a tooth)
- among H8432 (תָּוֶךְ) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre
- wheat H7383 (רִיפָה) — (only plural), grits (as pounded)
- with a pestle H5940 (עֱלִי) — a pestle (as lifted)
- will not his foolishness H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness
- depart H5493 (סוּר) — to turn off (literally or figuratively)
23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Be thou diligent H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- to know H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- the state 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…
- of thy flocks H6629 (צֹאן) — a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
- look H7896 (שִׁית) — to place (in a very wide application)
- well H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- to thy herds H5739 (עֵדֶר) — an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals)
24 For riches are not for ever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For riches H2633 (חֹסֶן) — wealth
- not for ever H5769 (עוֹלָם) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially…
- and doth the crown H5145 (נֶזֶר) — properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chaplet (especia…
- to every H1755 (דּוֹר) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling
- generation H1755 (דּוֹר) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling
25 The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The hay H2682 (חָצִיר) — grass; also a leek (collectively)
- appeareth H1540 (גָּלָה) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
- and the tender grass H1877 (דֶּשֶׁא) — a sprout; by analogy, grass
- sheweth H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- itself, and herbs H6212 (עֶשֶׂב) — grass (or any tender shoot)
- of the mountains H2022 (הַר) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
- are gathered H622 (אָסַף) — to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
26 The lambs are for thy clothing, And the goats are the price of the field;Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The lambs H3532 (כֶּבֶשׂ) — a ram (just old enough to butt)
- for thy clothing H3830 (לְבוּשׁ) — a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
- and the goats H6260 (עַתּוּד) — prepared, i.e. full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
- the price H4242 (מְחִיר) — price, payment, wages
- of the field H7704 (שָׂדֶה) — a field (as flat)
27 And there will be goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, And maintenance for thy maidens.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- goats’ H5795 (עֵז) — a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
- milk H2461 (חָלָב) — milk (as the richness of kine)
- enough H1767 (דַּי) — enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
- for thy food H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- for the food H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- of thy household H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- the maintenance 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),…
- for thy maidens H5291 (נַעֲרָה) — a girl (from infancy to adolescence)