Catholic Public Domain Version

1 Does not wisdom call out, and prudence bestow her voice?

2 At the summits and the tops of exalted places, standing above the ways, in the midst of the paths,

3 beside the gates of the city, at the very doors, she speaks, saying:

4 “O men, to you I call out, and my voice is to the sons of men.

5 O little ones, understand discernment. And you who are unwise, turn your souls.

6 Listen, for I will speak about great things, and my lips will be opened, so as to foretell what is right.

7 My throat shall practice truth, and my lips shall detest the impious.

8 All my words are just. There is no depravity in them, and no perversity.

9 They are upright to those who understand, and equitable to those who discover knowledge.

10 Accept my discipline, and not money. Choose the doctrine that is greater than gold.

11 For wisdom is better than all that is most precious, and everything that is desirable cannot compare to her.

12 I, wisdom, dwell in counsel, and I am inside learned thoughts.

13 The fear of the Lord hates evil. I detest arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.

14 Counsel is mine, and equity. Prudence is mine. Strength is mine.

15 Through me, kings reign and legislators decree just conditions.

16 Through me, princes rule and the powerful decree justice.

17 I love those who love me. And those who stand watch for me until morning shall discover me.

18 With me, are wealth and glory, superb riches and justice.

19 For my fruit is better than gold and precious stones, and my progeny better than choice silver.

20 I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

21 so that I may enrich those who love me, and thus complete their treasures.

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made anything, from the beginning.

23 I was ordained from eternity, and out of antiquity, before the earth was formed.

24 The abyss did not yet exist, and I was already conceived; neither had the fountains of waters yet erupted.

25 The mountains, with their great mass, had not yet been established. Before the hills, I was brought forth.

26 Still he had not made the earth, and the rivers, and the poles of the globe of the earth.

27 I was already present: when he prepared the heavens; when, with a certain law and a circuit, he fortified the abyss;

28 when he made firm the sky above, and set free the fountains of waters;

29 when he encompassed the sea within its limits, and laid down a law for the waters, lest they transgress their limits; when he weighed the foundations of the earth.

30 I was with him in composing all things. And I was delighted, throughout every day, by playing in his sight at all times,

31 playing in globe of the earth. And my delight was to be with the sons of men.

32 Therefore, sons, hear me now. Blessed are those who preserve my ways.

33 Listen to discipline, and become wise, and do not be willing to cast it aside.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, and who stands watch at my gates everyday, and who observes at the posts of my doors.

35 He who finds me, finds life, and he will draw salvation from the Lord.

36 But he who sins against me will wound his own soul. All who hate me love death.”

1 Wisdom has built a house for herself. She has hewn seven columns.

2 She has immolated her victims. She has mixed her wine and set forth her table.

3 She has sent her maids to call out to the tower and to the fortified walls of the city,

4 “If anyone is little, let him come to me.” And to the unwise, she has said:

5 “Approach. Eat my bread, and drink the wine that I have mixed for you.

6 Leave behind childishness. And live and walk by the ways of prudence.”

7 Whoever teaches a mocker causes injury to himself. And whoever argues with the impious produces a blemish on himself.

8 Do not be willing to argue with a mocker, lest he hate you. Dispute with the wise, and he will love you.

9 Present an opportunity to the wise, and wisdom shall be added to him. Teach the just, and he will hurry to receive it.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of holiness is prudence.

11 For by me, your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you.

12 If you would be wise, you will be so for yourself. But if you would be one who ridicules, you alone shall carry the evil.

13 A foolish and loud woman, who is full of enticements and who knows nothing at all,

14 sat at the entrance of her house on a seat, in a high place of the city,

15 so as to call to those who were passing by the way and continuing on their journey:

16 “Whoever is little, let him turn aside to me.” And to the frenzied, she said,

17 “Stolen waters are more soothing, and secret bread is more pleasant.”

18 And he did not know that giants are there, and that her companions are in the depths of Hell.

1 A wise son gladdens the father. Yet truly, a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2 Treasures of impiety will profit nothing. Truly, justice shall liberate from death.

3 The Lord will not afflict with famine the soul of the just, and he will overthrow the treacheries of the impious.

4 The neglectful hand has wrought destitution. But the hand of the steadfast prepares riches. He who advances by lies, this one feeds on the wind. For he is the same as one who runs after flying birds.

5 He who gathers the harvest is a wise son. But he who snores in warm weather is a son of confusion.

6 The blessing of the Lord is on the head of the just. But iniquity covers the mouth of the impious.

7 The remembrance of the just is with praises. And the name of the impious shall decay.

8 The wise of heart accept precepts. The foolish are cut down by the lips.

9 He who walks in simplicity walks in confidence. But he who corrupts his ways shall be discovered.

10 He who winks with the eye gives sorrow. And the foolish in lips shall be beaten.

11 The mouth of the just is a vein of life. And the mouth of the impious covers iniquity.

12 Hatred rises up from disputes. And charity covers all offenses.

13 In the lips of the wise, wisdom is discovered. And a rod is for the back of one who lacks heart.

14 The wise store away knowledge. But the mouth of the foolish is a neighbor to confusion.

15 The substance of the rich is the city of his strength. The fear of the poor is their destitution.

16 The work of the just is unto life. But the fruit of the impious is unto sin.

17 The way of life is for those who observe discipline. But whoever abandons correction wanders astray.

18 Lying lips conceal hatred; whoever brings forth contempt is unwise.

19 In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.

20 The tongue of the just is choice silver. But the heart of the impious is exchanged for nothing.

21 The lips of the just instruct many. But those who are unlearned shall die in destitution of heart.

22 The blessing of the Lord causes riches. Affliction will not be a companion to them.

23 The foolish work wickedness as if in jest. But wisdom is prudence to a man.

24 What the impious fear will overwhelm them. The just shall be given their desire.

25 Like a passing tempest, so the impious one will be no more. But the just one is like an everlasting foundation.

26 Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is a lazy one to those who sent him.

27 The fear of the Lord adds days. And the years of the impious will be shortened.

28 The expectation of the just is rejoicing. But the hope of the impious will perish.

29 The strength of the simple is the way of the Lord, and it is fear to those who work evil.

30 The just in eternity shall not be moved. But the impious will not live upon the earth.

31 The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom. The tongue of the depraved will perish.

32 The lips of the just consider what is acceptable. And the mouth of the impious considers perversities.

1 A deceitful scale is an abomination with the Lord, and a fair weighing is his will.

2 Wherever arrogance may be, there too is insult. But wherever humility is, there too is wisdom.

3 The simplicity of the just shall direct them, and the rebellion of the perverse will devastate them.

4 Wealth will not profit in the day of vengeance. But justice shall liberate from death.

5 The justice of the simple shall direct his way. And the impious will fall in his impiety.

6 The justice of the upright shall free them. And the iniquitous will be seized by their own treachery.

7 When the impious man is dead, there will no longer be any hope. And the expectation of the anxious will perish.

8 The just one is freed from anguish. And the impious one will be handed over instead of him.

9 The pretender deceives his friend by mouth. But the just shall be freed by knowledge.

10 In the good of the just, the city shall exult. And in the perdition of the impious, there shall be praise.

11 By the blessing of the just, the city shall be exalted. And by the mouth of the impious, it will be subverted.

12 Whoever despises his friend is destitute in heart. But the prudent man will remain silent.

13 Whoever walks dishonestly reveals secrets. But whoever is of a faithful soul conceals what is confided by a friend.

14 Where there is no governor, the people shall fall. But where there is much counsel, well-being shall be.

15 He will be afflicted with evil, who provides a guarantee for an outsider. But whoever is wary of traps shall be secure.

16 A gracious woman shall discover glory. And the robust will have wealth.

17 A merciful man benefits his own soul. But whoever is cruel casts out even his close relatives.

18 The impious does work with inconstancy. But for the sower of justice, there is the reward of faithfulness.

19 Clemency prepares life. And the pursuit of evils prepares death.

20 A depraved heart is abominable to the Lord. And his will is with those who walk in simplicity.

21 Hand in hand, the evil shall not be innocent. But the offspring of the just shall be saved.

22 A beautiful and senseless woman is like a gold ring in the snout of a swine.

23 The desire of the just is entirely good. The anticipation of the impious is fury.

24 Some distribute their own goods, and they become wealthier. Others seize what is not their own, and they are always in need.

25 The soul that blesses shall be made fat. And whoever inebriates will likewise be inebriated himself.

26 Whoever hides away grain shall be cursed among the people. But a blessing is upon the head of those who sell it.

27 He does well to rise early, who seeks what is good. But whoever is a seeker of evils shall be oppressed by them.

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall. But the just shall spring up like a green leaf.

29 Whoever troubles his own house will possess the winds. And whoever is foolish will serve the wise.

30 The fruit of the just one is the tree of life. And whoever receives souls is wise.

31 If the just are repaid upon the earth, how much more the impious and the sinner!

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. But whoever hates correction is unwise.

2 Whoever is good shall draw grace from the Lord. But whoever trusts in his own thoughts acts impiously.

3 Man will not be made strong from impiety. And the root of the just shall not be moved.

4 A diligent woman is a crown to her husband. And she who acts with confusion as to which things are worthy is decay to his bones.

5 The thoughts of the just are judgments. And the counsels of the impious are dishonest.

6 The words of the impious lie in wait for blood. The mouth of the just shall free them.

7 Turn from the impious, and they will not be. But the house of the just shall stand firm.

8 A man will be known by his doctrine. But whoever is vain and heartless will suffer contempt.

9 Better is a pauper who has what he needs, than someone glorious and in need of bread.

10 The just one knows the lives of his beasts. But the inner most parts of the impious are cruel.

11 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever continually pursues leisure is most foolish. Whoever is soothed by lingering over wine leaves behind contempt in his strongholds.

12 The desire of the impious is the fortification of what is most wicked. But the root of the just shall prosper.

13 For the sins of the lips draw ruin to the evil. But the just shall escape from distress.

14 By the fruit of his own mouth, each one shall be filled with good things, and according to the works of his own hands, it will be distributed to him.

15 The way of the foolish is right in his own eyes. But whoever is wise listens to counsels.

16 The senseless immediately reveals his anger. But whoever ignores injuries is clever.

17 He is a sign of justice, who speaks what he knows. But whoever deceives is a dishonest witness.

18 He who makes promises is also jabbed, as if with a sword, in conscience. But the tongue of the wise is reasonable.

19 The lips of truth shall be steadfast forever. But a hasty witness readies a lying tongue.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evils. But gladness follows those who take up counsels of peace.

21 Whatever may befall the just, it will not discourage him. But the impious will be filled with disasters.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. But whoever acts faithfully pleases him.

23 A resourceful man conceals knowledge. And the heart of the unwise provokes foolishness.

24 The hand of the strong will rule. But anyone who is neglectful will pay tribute.

25 Grief in the heart of a man humbles him. And with a good word he shall be made glad.

26 He who ignores a loss for the sake of a friend is just. But the way of the impious will deceive them.

27 The dishonest will not discover gain. But the substance of a man will be like precious gold.

28 In the path of justice, there is life. But the devious way leads to death.

1 A wise son is the doctrine of his father. But he who ridicules does not listen when he is reproved.

2 From the fruit of his own month, a man shall be satisfied with good things. But the soul of betrayers is iniquity.

3 Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.

4 The lazy one is willing and then not willing. But the soul of he who labors shall be made fat.

5 The just shall detest a lying word. But the impious confound and will be confounded.

6 Justice guards the way of the innocent. But impiety undermines the sinner.

7 One is like the rich, though he has nothing. And another is like the poor, though he has many riches.

8 The redemption of a man’s life is his riches. But he who is poor cannot tolerate correction.

9 The light of the just enriches. But the lamp of the impious will be extinguished.

10 Among the arrogant, there are always conflicts. But those who do everything with counsel are ruled by wisdom.

11 Substance obtained in haste will be diminished. But what is collected by hand, little by little, shall be multiplied.

12 Hope, when it is delayed, afflicts the soul. The arrival of the desired is a tree of life.

13 Whoever denounces something obligates himself for the future. But whoever fears a lesson shall turn away in peace. Deceitful souls wander into sins. The just are merciful and compassionate.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, so that he may turn aside from the ruin of death.

15 Good doctrine bestows grace. In the way of the contemptuous, there is a chasm.

16 The discerning do everything with counsel. But whoever is senseless discloses his stupidity.

17 The messenger of the impious will fall into evil. But a faithful ambassador shall prosper.

18 Destitution and disgrace are for those who abandon discipline. But whoever agrees with a reproof shall be glorified.

19 The desired, when perfected, shall delight the soul. The foolish detest those who flee from evils.

20 Whoever keeps step with the wise shall be wise. A friend of the foolish will become like them.

21 Evil pursues sinners. And good things shall be distributed to the just.

22 The good leave behind heirs: children and grandchildren. And the substance of the sinner is preserved for the just.

23 Much nourishment is in the fallow land of the fathers. But for others, it is gathered without judgment.

24 He who spares the rod hates his son. But he who loves him urgently instructs him.

25 The just eats and fills his soul. But the belly of the impious is never satisfied.

1 A wise woman builds up her household. But a foolish one will pull down with her own hands what has been built up.

2 One who walks on a virtuous journey, and who fears God, is despised by him who advances along a disreputable way.

3 In the mouth of the foolish, there is a rod of arrogance. But the lips of the wise guard them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty. But where there are many crops, there the strength of the ox is manifest.

5 A faithful witness will not lie. But a deceitful witness offers a lie.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and does not find it. The doctrine of the prudent is accessible.

7 Go against a foolish man, and he does not acknowledge lips of prudence.

8 The wisdom of a discerning man is to understand his way. And the imprudence of the foolish is to be wandering astray.

9 The foolish will speak mockingly of sin. But grace lingers among the just.

10 The heart that knows the bitterness of its own soul, in its gladness the outsider shall not meddle.

11 The house of the impious will be wiped away. Yet truly, the tabernacles of the just shall spring forth.

12 There is a way which seems just to a man, but its conclusion leads to death.

13 Laughter shall be mingled with sorrow, and mourning occupies the limits of joy.

14 The foolish will be filled up by his own ways. And the good man shall be above him.

15 The innocent trust every word. The astute one considers his own steps. Nothing good will be for the deceitful son. But the wise servant shall act prosperously and his way will be set in order.

16 The wise fear, and so turn away from evil. The foolish leap ahead with confidence.

17 The impatient will work foolishness. And a resourceful man is hated.

18 The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge.

19 The evil will fall down before the good. And the impious will fall down before the gates of the just.

20 The pauper will be hated, even by his own neighbor. Yet truly, the friends of the wealthy are many.

21 Whoever despises his neighbor, sins. But whoever pities the poor shall be blessed. Whoever trusts in the Lord loves mercy.

22 They wander astray who work evil. But mercy and truth prepare good things.

23 In every work, there shall be abundance. But where there are many words, there is often need.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth. The senselessness of the foolish is imprudence.

25 A faithful witness frees souls. And the chameleon utters lies.

26 In the fear of the Lord is the faithfulness of strength, and there shall be hope for his sons.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so as to turn aside from the ruin of death.

28 In a multitude of people, there is dignity for the king. And in a paucity of people, there is disgrace for the prince.

29 Whoever is patient is governed by much prudence. But whoever is impatient exalts his foolishness.

30 The well-being of the heart is life for the flesh. But envy is decay for the bones.

31 Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.

32 The impious will be expelled in his malice. But the just finds hope even in his own death.

33 In the heart of the prudent, wisdom finds rest. And so shall he instruct all the uneducated.

34 Justice elevates a nation. But sin makes the peoples miserable.

35 An intelligent minister is acceptable to the king. Whoever is useless shall bear his wrath.

1 A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.

3 In every place, the eyes of the Lord consider good and evil.

4 A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.

5 A fool laughs at the discipline of his father. But whoever preserves rebukes will become astute. In abundant justice, there is very great virtue. But the intentions of the impious will be eradicated.

6 The house of the just has very great strength. And in the fruits of the impious, there is disorder.

7 The lips of the wise shall disseminate knowledge. The heart of the foolish will be dissimilar.

8 The sacrifices of the impious are abominable to the Lord. The vows of the just are appeasing.

9 The way of the impious is an abomination to the Lord. Whoever pursues justice is loved by him.

10 Doctrine is evil to those who abandon the way of life. Whoever hates correction shall die.

11 Hell and perdition are in the sight of the Lord. How much more the hearts of the sons of men!

12 He who corrupts himself does not love the one who afflicts him, nor will he step toward the wise.

13 A rejoicing heart gladdens the face. But by the grief of the soul, the spirit is cast down.

14 The heart of the wise seeks doctrine. And the mouth of the foolish feeds on ignorance.

15 All the days of the poor are evil. A secure mind is like a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and dissatisfaction.

17 It is better to be called to vegetables with charity, than to a fatted calf with hatred.

18 A short-tempered man provokes conflicts. Whoever is patient tempers those who are stirred up.

19 The way of the slothful is like a hedge of thorns. The way of the just is without offense.

20 A wise son gladdens the father. But the foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order.

22 Intentions dissipate where there is no counsel. Yet truly, they are confirmed where there are many counselors.

23 A man rejoices in the verdict of his own mouth. And a word at the right time is best.

24 The path of life is for the wise above, so that he may turn away from the end of Hell.

25 The Lord will demolish the house of the arrogant. And He will make firm the borders of the widow.

26 Evil intentions are an abomination to the Lord. And pure conversation, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by him.

27 Whoever pursues avarice disturbs his own house. But whoever hates bribes shall live. Through mercy and faith, sins are purged. But through the fear of the Lord, each one turns aside from evil.

28 The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.

29 The Lord is distant from the impious. And he will heed the prayers of the just.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the soul. A good reputation fattens the bones.

31 The ear that listens to the reproofs of life shall abide in the midst of the wise.

32 Whoever rejects discipline despises his own soul. But whoever agrees to correction is a possessor of the heart.

33 The fear of the Lord is the discipline of wisdom. And humility precedes glory.

1 It is for man to prepare the soul, and for the Lord to govern the tongue.

2 All the ways of a man are open to his eyes; the Lord is the one who weighs spirits.

3 Open your works to the Lord, and your intentions will be set in order.

4 The Lord has wrought all things because of himself. Likewise the impious is for the evil day.

5 All the arrogant are an abomination to the Lord. Even if hand will be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice. And this is more acceptable with God than to immolate sacrifices.

6 By mercy and truth, iniquity is redeemed. And by the fear of the Lord, one turns away from evil.

7 When the ways of man will please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace.

8 Better is a little with justice, than many fruits with iniquity.

9 The heart of man disposes his way. But it is for Lord to direct his steps.

10 Foreknowledge is in the lips of the king. His mouth shall not err in judgment.

11 Weights and scales are judgments of the Lord. And all the stones in the bag are his work.

12 Those who act impiously are abominable to the king. For the throne is made firm by justice.

13 Just lips are the will of kings. He who speaks honestly shall be loved.

14 The indignation of a king is a herald of death. And the wise man will appease it.

15 In the cheerfulness of the king’s countenance, there is life. And his clemency is like belated rain.

16 Possess wisdom, for it is better than gold. And acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver.

17 The path of the just turns away from evils. He who guards his soul preserves his way.

18 Arrogance precedes destruction. And the spirit is exalted before a fall.

19 It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the arrogant.

20 The learned in word shall find good things. And whoever hopes in the Lord is blessed.

21 Whoever is wise in heart shall be called prudent. And whoever is sweet in eloquence shall attain to what is greater.

22 Learning is a fountain of life to one who possesses it. The doctrine of the foolish is senseless.

23 The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth and add grace to his lips.

24 Careful words are a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and healthful to the bones.

25 There is a way which seems right to a man, and its end result leads to death.

26 The soul of the laborer labors for himself, because his mouth has driven him to it.

27 The impious man digs up evil, and in his lips is a burning fire.

28 A perverse man stirs up lawsuits. And one who is verbose divides leaders.

29 A man of iniquity entices his friend, and he leads him along a way that is not good.

30 Whoever, with astonished eyes, thinks up depravities, biting his lips, accomplishes evil.

31 Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice.

32 A patient man is better than a strong one. And whoever rules his soul is better than one who assaults cities.

33 Lots are cast into the lap, but they are tempered by the Lord.

1 A dry morsel with gladness is better than a house full of sacrifices along with conflict.

2 A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and he will divide the inheritance among brothers.

3 Just as silver is tested by fire, and gold is tested in the furnace, so also does the Lord test hearts.

4 The evil obey an unjust tongue. And the false are submissive to lying lips.

5 Whoever despises the poor rebukes his Maker. And whoever rejoices in the ruin of another will not go unpunished.

6 Sons of sons are the crown of old age. And the glory of sons is their fathers.

7 Well-chosen words are not fitting for the foolish, nor are lying lips fitting for a leader.

8 The expectation of those who stand ready is a most pleasing jewel. Whichever way he turns himself, he understands prudently.

9 Whoever conceals an offense seeks friendships. Whoever repeats the words of another separates allies.

10 A correction benefits more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.

11 The evil one continually seeks conflicts. But a cruel Angel shall be sent against him.

12 It is more expedient to meet a bear robbed of her young, than the foolish trusting in his own folly.

13 Whoever repays evil for good, evil shall not withdraw from his house.

14 Whoever releases the water is the head of the conflict. And just before he suffers contempt, he abandons judgment.

15 Those who justify the impious, and those who condemn the just, both are abominable with God.

16 What does it profit the foolish to have riches, when he is not able to buy wisdom? Whoever makes his house high seeks ruin. And whoever shuns learning shall fall into evils.

17 Whoever is a friend loves at all times. And a brother is proved by distress.

18 A foolish man will clap his hands, when he makes a pledge for his friend.

19 Whoever dwells on discord loves disputes. And whoever exalts his door seeks ruin.

20 Whoever is of a perverse heart shall not find good. And whoever turns his tongue shall fall into evil.

21 A foolish one is born into his own disgrace. But his father will not rejoice in one who is senseless.

22 A joyful soul makes a lifetime flourish. A gloomy spirit dries out the bones.

23 The impious receives gifts from the bosom, so that he may pervert the paths of judgment.

24 Prudence shines from the face of the wise. The eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is the anger of the father and the grief of the mother who conceived him.

26 It is not good to inflict damage on the just, nor to strike the leader who judges uprightly.

27 Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit.

28 If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.