Light of the world

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 

By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,  that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

 

John1 ; 2Samuel 22; Psalm 119

Till we journey in the new year,

who we belong to and depend on

 But you will name your walls salvation and your gates, praise.

The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your splendour.
Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over.
Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch I planted, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.
The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation.
I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time.

Yahweh who we belong to and depend on

In God alone

 

I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock.
My refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him.
God is our refuge.

Psalm 62

Here is your God!

 

Here is your God!

See, the Lord God comes with strength, and His power establishes His rule.
His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him. He protects His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them in the fold of His garment.
He gently leads those that are nursing. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand?
Who has gathered the dust of the earth in a measure or weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in the scales?
Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or who gave Him His counsel?

 

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding.
He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.
Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength;

they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.

 

Isiah 40

What a privilege

 Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1

Purposed for His Kingdom

 

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

 

Our Father purposed each and every single one of us were before we were. Our lives are not by chance, our Father created us with a purpose unique to the time we are born.  Our Lord commissions us all when we choose to be His followers. One of the greatest joys of our faith is finding out how the Lord has purposed you. Take time to find out.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

Jeremiah 1 ; Romans 12

Who is like our God?

You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?

Let us never the great things our Lord has done and continues to do for us even in this time of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.

Cast all your anxieties

 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

 

Psalm 37; Matthew 6; 1 Peter 5

creation and scripture declare

 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

 

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

 

Psalm 119; Romans 1

Our living everlasting Hope

 

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Isaiah 42; Hebrews 2

Never forget who He is and the gain that is for our lives

 Bless the LORD, O My Soul

​ Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

 

As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Faith nurtured

 

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Joshua 1, Romans 12, Romans 10

The assurance of faith

Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Our refuge

 John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Extravagantly pursued

 Extravagantly Pursued. Lavishly loved and provided for.

 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us,

 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

 “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

 

 We began our journey through the psalms at the beginning of the pandemic. Yesterday we finished our journey through the proverbs. I chose the wisdom books because I felt they would give us the encouragement we needed to deal with death at our doors and I hope they have.

Today I want to remind us that our Father has been with us and continues to be with us and walk with us. Yes some of us contracted the virus and some of us lost loved ones but we have never been alone and I hope our journey brought you encouragement.

 

I cannot decide where to go to next but I strongly felt that we need to be reminded of the GIFT that is our Lord and all the gifts our Father bestows upon us. At the same time with church attendance low and us encouraged not to gather and the gathering having changed so much I am wondering if we have not stopped pursuing our Father. My prayer is that we will also be extravagant and lavishly pursue and love Him.

 

1 John 3 and 4;  John 3 and 17

A picture of one who walks in wisdom surrendered to the Lord (Prov 31)

 The Woman Who Fears the Lord

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Only the Lord is Majestic and Wise (Prov 30)

 The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.

Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man.
I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son's name?
Surely you know!
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.

If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.
For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

wisdom and justice (Prov 29)

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
A man who flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.
An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour.

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord (Prov26-28)

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbours deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way  will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

wise character (Prov 25)

 

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
A man who bears false witness against his neighbour is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Be wise and diligent (Prov 24)

 

​ Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer.
The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?

Be not a witness against your neighbour without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,  a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Loving kindness and wisdom of the Father (Prov 23)

 

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die

My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.

On a break see you Monday 28 June

Incline your ear to Wisdom (Prov 22)

 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honour and life.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

 

Our Lord knows the condition of our hearts (Prov 21)

 

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour and a snare of death.

One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honour.
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Trust in the Lord and dont be lazy (Proverbs 20)

It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarrelling.
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?
The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!
Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?
Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.

A man's steps are from the Lord; 

Fear of the Lord leads to life (Prov 19)

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.
Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
Many seek the favour of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.
A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarrelling is a continual dripping of rain.
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.
Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

Our Lord (wisdom) provides safety for us (Proverbs 18)

 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonour comes disgrace.
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour.
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarrelling is like the bars of a castle.
From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord.
The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Wisdom refines our hearts (Prov 17)

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts..
Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.
If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbour.
Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Wisdom is to be treasured its benefits superior by far (Prov 16 Part 2)

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.
A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
A man of violence entices his neighbour and leads him in a way that is not good.
Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

 

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

 

Wisdom is to be treasured, its benefits superior by far (Prov 16 Part 1)

 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favour is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Wisdom teaches us to honour the Father (Prov 15)

 

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honour.

Wisdom shapes our characters (Prov 14)

 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
A man of quick temper acts foolish.

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

The Fathers wisdom grants us favour (Prov 13)

Wisdom against falsehood

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
The ransom of a man's life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat.
The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
By insolence comes nothing but strife,  but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
Good sense wins favour, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honoured.
A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

The wisdom of discipline and honesty (Prov 12)

 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

A good man obtains favour from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.
Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence  but a false witness utters deceit.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labour.
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

Living in wisdom (Proverbs 11)

 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.
The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbour, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
Whoever belittles his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
A gracious woman gets honour, and violent men get riches.
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favour, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

The words of a wiseman Part 2 (Prov 10)

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

The sayings of a wise man Part1 (Proverbs 10)

 The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.

The way of wisdom (Prov 9)

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The Way of Folly The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The wisdom of choosing wisdom (Proverbs 8)

 The Blessings of Wisdom

​Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.

 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honour are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,    when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favour from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Let us be wise in our choices (Prov 6)

 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress..

People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.
He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

Be wise and forsake adultery (Proverbs 5)

 Warning Against Adultery

​ My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.

And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.
I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.”
Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.
The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.