New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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1 Do not change from a friend into an enemy,
for a bad name brings shame and disgrace,
and this is the mark of duplicity.
2 Never be roused by violent passions;
they will tear you apart like a bull, note
3 they will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit,
and leave you a withered tree.
4 Evil passion ruins the man who harbours it,
to the delight of his gloating enemies.
5 Pleasant words win many friends,
and an affable manner makes acquaintance easy.
6 Accept a greeting from everyone,
but advice from only one in a thousand.
7 When you make a friend, begin by testing him,
and be in no hurry to trust him.
8 Some friends are loyal when it suits them
but desert you in time of trouble.
9 Some friends turn into enemies
and shame you by making the quarrel public.
10 Another sits at your table,
but is nowhere to be found in time of trouble;
-- --
The ways of wisdom
11 when you are prosperous, he will be your second self
and make free with your servants,
12 but if you come down in the world, he will turn against you
and you will not see him again.
13 Hold your enemies at a distance,
and keep a wary eye on your friends.
14 A faithful friend is a secure shelter;
whoever finds one has found a treasure.
15 A faithful friend is beyond price;
his worth is more than money can buy.
16 A faithful friend is an elixir of life,
found only by those who fear the Lord.
17 The man who fears the Lord keeps his friendships in repair,
for he treats his neighbour as himself.
18 My son, seek wisdom's discipline while you are young,
and when your hair is white, you will find her still.
19 Come to her like a farmer ploughing and sowing;
then wait for her plentiful harvest.
If you cultivate her, you will labour for a little while,
but soon you will be eating her crops.
20 How harsh she seems to the undisciplined!
The fool cannot abide her;
21 like a stone she is a burden that tests his strength,
but he is quick to toss her aside.
22 Wisdom well deserves her name,
for she is not accessible to many.
23 Listen, my son, accept my judgement;
do not reject my advice.
24 Put your feet in wisdom's fetters
and your neck into her into her collar.
25 Stoop to carry her on your shoulders
and do not chafe at her bonds.
26 Come to her whole-heartedly,
and keep to her ways with all your might.
27 Follow her track, and she will make herself known to you;
once you have grasped her, never let her go.
-- --
The ways of wisdom
28 In the end you will find the relief she offers;
she will transform herself into joy for you.
29 Her fetters will become your strong defence
and her collar a gorgeous robe.
30 Her yoke note is a golden ornament
and her bonds a purple cord.
31 You shall put her on like a gorgeous robe
and wear her like a splendid crown.
32 If it is your wish, my son, you can be trained;
if you give your mind to it, you can become clever;
33 if you enjoy listening, you will learn;
if you are attentive, you will grow wise.
34 When you stand among your elders,
decide who is wise and join him.
35 Listen gladly to every godly argument
and see that no wise proverb escapes you.
36 If you discover a wise man, rise early to visit him;
let your feet wear out his doorstep.
37 Ponder the decrees of the Lord
and study his commandments at all times.
He will strengthen your mind
and grant your desire for wisdom.
New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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