Becker Bible Teacher Resources

The wise and the foolish contrasted

1 A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.

3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

5 A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

6 Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.

8 The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

11 Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.

16 Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly.

17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

22 A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

23 Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.

24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. (Proverbs 13:1-25 AV)

The wise and the foolish contrasted

1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4 Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.

10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.

15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.

16 A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

17 [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful [witness] speaketh lies.

26 In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

29 [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart [is] the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.

35 The king's favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame. (Proverbs 14:1-35 AV)

The wise and the foolish contrasted

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

9 The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.

16 Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!

24 The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility. (Proverbs 15:1-33

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4 The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.

12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

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

14 The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

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

18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.

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

22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire. 28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good. 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

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

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD. (Proverbs 16:1-33 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife.

2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

3 The fining pot [is] for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

6 Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers.

7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

8 A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends.

10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

16 Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?

17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son [is] a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity.

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:1-28 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:1-24 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth.

3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them with] words, [yet] they [are] wanting [to him].

8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression.

12 The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

13 A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

14 House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.

15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21 [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22 The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24 A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

26 He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.

28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. (Proverbs 19:1-29 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

2 The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.

3 [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

7 The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.

8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

10 Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

14 [It is] naught, [it is] naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.

16 Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17 Bread of deceit [is] sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18 [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

19 He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21 An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

23 Divers weights [are] an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance [is] not good.

24 Man's goings [are] of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

25 [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

27 The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

29 The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the gray head.

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so [do] stripes the inward parts of the belly. (Proverbs 20:1-30 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

8 The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.

9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12 The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

17 He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24 Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way.

30 [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. (Proverbs 21:1-31 AV)

Moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts

1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

3 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the king [shall be] his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]. (Proverbs 22:1-29 AV)