Proverbs 25-29
New Catholic Bible
Proverbs of Solomon from the Collection of the Men of Hezekiah[a]
These are some other proverbs of Solomon that were transcribed by the men of King Hezekiah of Judah:
Chapter 25
These are some other proverbs of Solomon that were transcribed by the men of King Hezekiah of Judah:
God, the King, and the People[b]
2 To keep something secret is the glory of God,
but to have it searched out is the glory of kings.
3 Like the heavens in height and the earth in depth,
the heart of a king is unfathomable.[c]
4 If you remove the dross from silver,
it emerges completely purified.
5 If you remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
his throne will be founded on righteousness.
6 [d]Do not push yourself forward in the king’s presence
or take a place where the great assemble.
7 For it is better to be told, “Come up closer,”
than to be humiliated in the presence of the prince.
Observations and Recommendations[e]
8 What your eyes have witnessed,
do not hastily testify to at the trial;
for what will you do at the end
when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor
but do not disclose another’s secret,
10 for fear your listener will reproach you
and your reputation will be irretrievably damaged.[f]
11 Like apples of gold inlaid with silver
are words that are aptly spoken.
12 Like a gold ring or a necklace of fine gold
is a wise man’s rebuke to an attentive ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who dispatch him;
he revives the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain[g]
is the one who boasts of gifts that are never given.
15 A ruler may be won over by patience,
and a gentle tongue can break bones.
16 If you find honey, eat only enough to satisfy you,
for if you consume too much, you will vomit it up.
17 Do not enter too frequently into your neighbor’s house
lest he become tired of you and begin to hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a keen arrow
is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
19 Like a decaying tooth or a lame foot
is trust in a faithless man on the day of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away clothing on a cold day,
like one who dresses a wound with vinegar,
is one who sings songs to a grieving heart.[h]
21 [i]If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat;
if he is thirsty, offer him something to drink.
22 By doing so you will heap fiery coals upon his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue causes angry looks.
24 It is better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a spacious house with a nagging wife.[j]
25 Like cold water to a thirsty throat
is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddy spring or a polluted well
is a righteous man who trembles before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
neither is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
28 Like a city that has been breached and made defenseless
is the man devoid of self-control.
Chapter 26
How To Deal with the Foolish[k]
1 Like snow in the summer or rain during the harvest,[l]
honor does not befit a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a swallow in flight,
an undeserved curse will never reach home.
3 Use a whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey,
and a stick for the back of fools.[m]
4 [n]Do not reply to a fool in the terms of his folly
or you yourself may become a fool like him.
5 Reply to a fool in the terms of his folly
or he will consider himself wise.
6 Like cutting off one’s foot or submitting to violence
is sending a message by a fool.
7 Like the legs of a lame man dangling helplessly
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone into a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thorn branch brandished by a drunkard
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds all who pass by
is one who hires a fool or a drunkard.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,[o]
so a fool reverts to his folly.
12 Do you know someone who regards himself as wise?[p]
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
A Portrait of Idlers[q]
13 The idler says, “There is a lion in the road,
a lion in the middle of the street.”[r]
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so does the idler on his bed.
15 One who is lazy will dip his hand into the dish,
but he is too lazy to lift it to his mouth.[s]
16 The idler considers himself to be more wise
than seven men who can offer a sensible reply.
How Human Relations Are Perverted[t]
17 Like one who lifts up a stray dog by the ears
is he who meddles in another person’s quarrel.
18 Like a madman shooting at random
his deadly firebrands and arrows,
19 so is the one who deceives his neighbor
and then says, “I was only joking.”
20 When there is no wood, the fire goes out,
and when there is no talebearer, quarreling ceases.
21 Like coal for burning embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels
that corrode one’s inner being.
23 Like glaze that is spread on earthenware
are smooth lips and a spiteful heart.
24 With his lips an enemy may speak fair words,
but deep within he harbors treachery.
25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,
for seven abominations[u] lurk in his heart.
26 A man may cloak his hatred with guile,
but his wickedness will be exposed later in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,[v]
and the stone comes back on the one who rolls it.
28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth causes devastation.
Chapter 27
Dictums about Every Circumstance[w]
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you can never be certain what today may bring.[x]
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
let it come from the lips of someone else and not your own.
3 Stone is heavy and sand is a dead weight,
but heavier than both is a fool’s provocation.
4 Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming,
but who can withstand jealousy?
5 Better is an open rebuke
than concealed love.[y]
6 The blows given by a friend[z] are well meant,
but the kisses of an enemy are filled with deceit.
7 One whose appetite is sated refuses honey,
but to the man who is hungry even bitter food tastes sweet.
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest
is anyone who is far away from home.
9 Perfume and incense gladden the heart,
and friendship’s sweetness comforts the soul.[aa]
10 Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your father,
and do not run to your brother’s house when troubles befall you;
far better is a friend nearby
than a brother who is far away.
11 Acquire wisdom, my son, and gladden my heart,
so that I may rebut anyone who insults me.
12 The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter,
while the simple[ab] continue forward and pay the penalty.
13 Take the garment of anyone who becomes surety for a stranger;
demand a pledge for persons unknown[ac] to you.
14 If someone blesses his neighbor at dawn with a loud voice,
it will be reckoned to him as a curse.[ad]
15 A constant dripping on a rainy day
is much like a nagging wife;[ae]
16 one might as well try to restrain the wind as to control her,
or to pick up oil with one’s fingers.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree eats its fruit,
and whoever looks after his master will be honored.
19 Just as water reflects one’s face,
so does one human heart reflect another.[af]
20 The netherworld and the abyss[ag] are never satisfied;
the same is true of human eyes.
21 As silver is tested by a crucible and gold by a furnace,
so too is a man tested by the praise he is given.
22 You may use a pestle to pound a fool into a mortar,
but his folly will never be driven out of him.
Take Good Care of Your Herds[ah]
23 Be aware at all times of the condition of your flocks
and take good care of your herds.
24 For riches do not last forever,
nor will a crown endure from age to age.
25 When the grass is gone and the aftergrowth appears
and the green growth of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide for your clothing,
and the goats will give you the price of a field;
27 there will be enough goats’ milk[ai]
to feed you and your household
and to provide sustenance for your servant girls.
Chapter 28
Two Types of Men[aj]
1 The wicked flee even though no one is pursuing them,
but the righteous are as confident as young lions.
2 When a land is in revolt, it has many leaders,[ak]
but it will enjoy security under a prudent leader.
3 A needy man[al] who oppresses the poor
is like a drenching rain that destroys the crops.
4 Those who forsake the law[am] praise the wicked man,
but those who observe the law are in constant opposition to him.
5 Evildoers simply cannot comprehend justice,
but those who seek the Lord[an] understand it completely.
6 It is far better to be poor and beyond reproach
than to become rich through dishonest means.
7 A wise son obeys the law,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest[ao]
amasses it for another who will be generous to the poor.
9 When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,
even his prayer is detestable.[ap]
10 Whoever tempts the upright into following evil ways
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 The rich man may believe he is wise,
but the poor man with discernment will see through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is a great celebration,
but when the wicked prevail, the people go into hiding.
13 No one who conceals his transgressions will prosper,
but one who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy.[aq]
14 Blessed is the man who guards himself against temptation,[ar]
but anyone who hardens his heart will be overtaken by evil.
15 Like a roaring lion or a bear on the prowl
is a wicked man who governs a powerless people.
16 A ruler who lacks sense will oppress his subjects,
but one who detests ill-gotten gain will have a long life.
17 Someone guilty of murder will be a fugitive till death;
no one should attempt to stop him.
18 Anyone who leads a blameless life will be safe,
but whoever follows a crooked path will fall into the pit.
19 One who tills his land will not lack for food,
but he who chases fantasies[as] will live in poverty.
20 One who is trustworthy will abound with blessings,[at]
but no one who seeks to get rich quickly will go unpunished.
21 To show partiality[au] is never good;
a man may do wrong even for a morsel of bread.
22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich,
never considering that want may eventually afflict him.[av]
23 Whoever rebukes another[aw] will in the end win more thanks
than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Anyone who robs his father or mother
and denies that he has sinned
is no better than a marauding bandit.
25 A greedy person provokes quarrels,
but whoever trusts in the Lord will have success.
26 Anyone who trusts in his own wits is a fool,
but he whose guide is wisdom[ax] will come through safely.
27 No one who gives to the poor will suffer want,
but one who closes his eyes to them will get many a curse.[ay]
28 When the wicked gain power, people go into hiding,
but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase in number.
Chapter 29
1 One who remains stubborn despite frequent reproof
will suddenly be crushed beyond hope of repair.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,
but they groan when the wicked ascend to power.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a patron of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By ruling justly a king gives stability to his country,
but one who takes bribes causes its downfall.
5 Anyone who flatters his neighbor
is spreading a net to trip him up.
6 An evildoer is ensnared by his own sin,
but an upright man goes forward happily.
7 A righteous man has concern for the condition of the poor,
but an evildoer shows no interest in this matter.
8 Scoffers can set a city aflame,[az]
but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man argues with a fool,
he will get nowhere whether he rages or laughs.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless,[ba]
but the upright show concern for him.
11 A fool gives free rein to his anger,
but a wise man bides his time and calms it.
12 If a ruler listens to the testimony of liars,
all of his officials will adopt evil ways.
13 A poor man and an oppressor have this in common:
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.[bb]
14 If a king zealously defends the rights of the poor,
his throne will stand firm forever.
15 The rod of correction[bc] bestows wisdom,
but an unreprimanded youth will bring shame on his mother.
16 When the wicked are in power, sins increase,
but the righteous will witness their downfall.
17 If you correct your son,[bd] he will give you peace of mind
and bring delight to your soul.
18 Without prophecy the people become uncontrollable,
but blessed are those who keep the law.[be]
19 Mere words do not suffice to control a servant;
even though he understands, he will not obey you.
20 Do you see someone who is too eager to speak?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If you pamper a slave from his childhood,
in the end he will prove ungrateful.[bf]
22 A bad-tempered man provokes quarrels,
and a hothead commits a host of offenses.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
but lowly souls will rise to honor.
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy,
for he hears the curse[bg] but refuses to answer.
25 The fear of others will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler,
but it is the Lord who administers justice.
27 A sinful man is abhorrent to the upright,
and one who leads a holy life is hated by the wicked.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:1 The kingdom of the North disappeared in 721 B.C. with the fall of Samaria; only the southern kingdom, the Kingdom of Judah remained. Hezekiah was the first to preside over the latter’s destiny after the great catastrophe in the North. He left behind him the memory of a founder and organizer (2 Ki 18–20; 2 Chr 29–32). One of his undertakings was to assemble at Jerusalem the writings that Israel already possessed, those of the North as well as those of the South. With the help of the scribes, who were the educated people of the time, he organized a kind of national library. At that time some proverbs were collected as they stood; these, no doubt, form the main block in this part of the Book. Later on, scribes transcribing and commenting on this collection must have added further sayings. Together with chapters 10–22, to which it is related by content and style, this collection is the oldest part of the present Book of Proverbs. In general, the sayings remain without order; once or twice, however, the authors have tried to group together some proverbs that are concerned with the same theme. Accordingly, we will suggest simply a few points that merit attention.
- Proverbs 25:2 Since the prince is held in great esteem by his subjects, above all he is expected to be just.
- Proverbs 25:3 The heart of a king is unfathomable: i.e., it cannot be understood—like the four things in Prov 30:18-19—yet God has control over a king’s heart (see Prov 21:1).
- Proverbs 25:6 Jesus spoke of a similar situation and called for humility (see Lk 14:10).
- Proverbs 25:8 In these varied sayings, one will find many considerations about human relations: trials, the true word, fidelity. There is also a less current idea that recommends going to the aid of enemies (vv. 21-22), which is cited by Paul in Rom 12:20 to inculcate love of enemies; the coals may signify the remorse that leads to repentance.
- Proverbs 25:10 Your reputation will be irretrievably damaged: an honorable name is more precious than great wealth (see note on Prov 22:1).
- Proverbs 25:14 Clouds . . . that bring no rain: this image is applied by the New Testament to those who bear no fruit (see Jude 12).
- Proverbs 25:20 The bitterness of suffering is increased because of a neighbor’s insensitivity.
- Proverbs 25:21 These two verses are quoted by Paul (see Rom 12:20) as expressing a way to overcome evil with good (see also Prov 20:22).
- Proverbs 25:24 We have already seen this pessimistic saying in Prov 21:9.
- Proverbs 26:1 Opposed to wisdom is folly, which is not mere thoughtlessness but rather stupidity that is synonymous with wickedness, vicious fickleness or instability, and the refusal to consider God, humans, and the order of things. Such folly is, in the eyes of the ancients, congenital and without remedy. Hence, the Book of Proverbs never seeks to convert the foolish or senseless; its purpose is to caution the naive and the simple against such behavior. This is a point of pride, however, for the greatest folly is to believe oneself to be a sage (Prov 3:7).
- Proverbs 26:1 Rain during the harvest: rain rarely occurs in Palestine during the harvest, i.e., June through September.
- Proverbs 26:3 A stick for the back of fools: see Prov 14:3; 19:29.
- Proverbs 26:4 These are two deliberately contradictory sayings, signifying: do not pay attention to the words of a fool or else make him realize his folly, depending on the case.
- Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit: cited in 2 Pet 2:22 in regard to false teachers.
- Proverbs 26:12 Someone who regards himself as wise: this description is applied to the idler in verses 5, 16 and to the rich in Prov 28:11.
- Proverbs 26:13 The popular proverbs use sarcasm in their biting caricatures of idlers. The Book of Proverbs has collected numerous sayings about this subject (see note on Prov 6:6) and here others have been appended.
- Proverbs 26:13 See note on Prov 22:13.
- Proverbs 26:15 This verse is almost identical to Prov 19:24.
- Proverbs 26:17 Once anger has allowed it to come to the fore, when will the demon of divisiveness, falsehood, and calumny come to a halt? As fine psychologists, the ancients had noticed how such tendencies deaden the human heart in the manner of a bad ineradicable herb.
- Proverbs 26:25 Seven abominations: i.e., “many.”
- Proverbs 26:27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it: see Pss 7:16-17; 35:8; 141:10; see also Prov 1:18; 28:10; 29:6; Est 2:23; 7:10; Eccl 10:8-9; Sir 27:25f.
- Proverbs 27:1 Among these simple but striking proverbs, several evoke the cost of friendship (vv. 6-10), one in verse 13 places people on guard against surety for foreigners (see Prov 6:1-5; 20:16), and one in verse 15 brings together the pessimistic proposal about a nagging wife (see Prov 19:13).
- Proverbs 27:1 See Prov 16:9; Mt 6:34; Jas 4:13-16; see also Isa 56:12 and the words of the rich fool in Lk 12:19-20.
- Proverbs 27:5 A true friend brings out not only his friend’s virtues but also his vices, thus rendering a great service to his friend.
- Proverbs 27:6 The blows given by a friend: these are termed a “kindness” in Ps 141:5. Kisses of an enemy: see Mt 26:49.
- Proverbs 27:9 Friendship’s sweetness comforts the soul: see Prov 16:21, 24.
- Proverbs 27:12 The simple: see note on Prov 1:4.
- Proverbs 27:13 See Prov 20:16 and note. Persons unknown: Vulgate reading; the Hebrew has: “a foreign woman.”
- Proverbs 27:14 Premature praise can become an affliction (see Ps 12:3).
- Proverbs 27:15 See note on Prov 19:13.
- Proverbs 27:19 The Greek has: “As no two faces are ever alike, / unlike also are the hearts of men.”
- Proverbs 27:20 The netherworld and the abyss: see note on Job 26:6; see also Prov 15:11. Are never satisfied: see Isa 5:14. The same is true of human eyes: see Eccl 4:8.
- Proverbs 27:23 For the wisdom of the countryside, it is an art and a duty, both of prudence and humanity, to make one’s goods bear fruit.
- Proverbs 27:27 Goats’ milk: the milk of both goats and cows was drunk (see Deut 32:13-14; Isa 7:21-22).
- Proverbs 28:1 The proverbs succeed each other without any connection among them. There is little new in these chapters for those who have already perused the great collection of Solomon, i.e., chapters 1–22. Perhaps the continuous reading of these disparate verses brings out more clearly the opposition between wisdom and folly, justice and evil. There is no middle ground between these two lines of life, these two modes of thought, these two ways of feeling. Whether pauper or prince, everyone belongs to one or the other. Indeed, human beings make their choice each day in their private and in their social behavior, in their education and in their duties. Wisdom is an option for authenticity, a profound comprehension of life. Since the remote time when these proverbs were fashioned, the cultural climate has changed. Yet it is still true that our age of conflict and self-indulgent desires has need of a wisdom, a rectitude, a supplement for one’s soul without which there is no respect for self, for others, and for God! These ancient texts do not give us a letter to be observed; rather they invite us to discover for ourselves a meaning to life and put it into practice.
- Proverbs 28:2 When a nation is corrupt, its leaders have no permanency, revolts spring up, and various personages appear who scheme to win the crown at any cost.
- Proverbs 28:3 A needy man: another translation is “a ruler” (or “tyrant”). Who oppresses the poor: see Prov 14:31. Drenching rain: a similar phrase is used to indicate a destructive army (Isa 28:2), while a gentler rain is used to indicate a righteous king (Ps 72:6-7).
- Proverbs 28:4 The law: it can refer to the teachings of wisdom (Prov 3:1; 7:2) or the law of Moses (Ps 119:53).
- Proverbs 28:5 Those who seek the Lord: i.e., those who fear him (see note on Prov 1:7). Understand it completely: they “understand equity and justice / as well as righteousness—every good path” (Prov 2:9).
- Proverbs 28:8 Exorbitant interest: was forbidden (see Ex 22:24; Lev 25:35-37; Deut 23:20-21; Ezek 22:12). Amasses it for another: see Prov 13:22. Generous to the poor: see Prov 14:31.
- Proverbs 28:9 Prayers offered without good faith are detestable—like the sacrifice of the wicked (see Prov 15:8; see also Prov 3:32; Ps 66:18; Isa 1:15; 59:1-2).
- Proverbs 28:13 Sin weighs heavily on those who do not own up to it (see Prov 3:7-8; Ps 32:3), but those who acknowledge their sin find mercy, forgiveness, and joy (see Ps 32:5, 10-11).
- Proverbs 28:14 Guards himself against temptation: i.e., fears the Lord (see note on Prov 1:7; see also Prov 23:17).
- Proverbs 28:19 Chases fantasies: hatches plots to gain ill-gotten goods (see also Prov 12:11).
- Proverbs 28:20 Will abound with blessings: i.e., God’s blessings (see Prov 3:13-18; 10:6; Gen 49:25-26; Deut 33:13-16).
- Proverbs 28:21 Partiality: see note on Prov 18:5. May do wrong . . . bread: may refer to taking a bribe in the form of bread (see Ezek 13:19).
- Proverbs 28:22 Get-rich-quick schemes often lead to ruin; only the man who is generous will prosper (see note on Prov 11:24).
- Proverbs 28:23 Rebukes another: see Prov 15:31; 25:12. Flatters with his tongue: see Prov 16:13; 26:28; 29:5.
- Proverbs 28:26 He whose guide is wisdom: i.e., he who trusts in the Lord (see Prov 3:5; 29:25).
- Proverbs 28:27 Generosity to the poor brings blessings (see Prov 11:24 and note; 14:21; 19:17).
- Proverbs 29:8 Scoffers can set a city aflame: see note on Prov 1:22; see also Prov 6:14; 11:11; 26:21.
- Proverbs 29:10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless: and they hatch plots against him (see Prov 1:11-16).
- Proverbs 29:13 The Lord gives light to the eyes of both: i.e., gives life, just as he makes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust (see Mt 5:45).
- Proverbs 29:15 Rod of correction: see note on Prov 13:24.
- Proverbs 29:17 Correct your son: teach him and train him (see Prov 13:24; 22:6).
- Proverbs 29:18 The Prophet was not only God’s spokesperson but also the people’s teacher and guide, leading them to keep the divine law. Blessed are those who keep the law: see note on Prov 31:28.
- Proverbs 29:21 Vulgate reading; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
- Proverbs 29:24 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. Curse: i.e., the curse leveled at an unidentified criminal or at a witness who fails to come forward (see Lev 5:1; Jdg 17:2).
