Proverbs

Dangerous Promises 

Lord teach me the value and meaning of a promise. Remind me that when I become surety for my friend, if I have shaken my hands in pledge for a stranger, I am snared by the words of my mouth. I am taken by the words of my mouth. Lord, reveal to me if I have done so and help me to deliver myself for I may have come into the hands of my friend. Teach me then to be able to humble myself and plead with my friend and give no sleep to my eyes nor slumber to my eyelids. Show me how I can deliver myself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 

The Folly of Indolence

Lord thank you for the giving us the ant, as she shows us her ways and teach us wisdom. The ant has no captain, overseer or ruler yet provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food for harvest. Lord teach me to be like the ant. Wake me up so I may rise from my sleep. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep - So shall my poverty come on me like a prowler, and my need like an armed man.

The Wicked Man 

Lord, have mercy on me and help me to not be like a worthless person, a wicked man, who walks with a perverse mouth, he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers. Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually and he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly. Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. These six things the Lord hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies and One who sows discord among brethren. Lord may You find me worthy and have mercy on me and teach me and guide me in Your ways. 

Beware of Adultery 

Lord, help me to keep my father’s command, and not to forsake the law of my mother. Binding them continually upon my heart and tying them around my neck. So that when I roam they may lead me, when I sleep they may keep me and when I am awake they will speak with me. For the commandment is a lamp and the law a light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, to keep me from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. Lord help me not to lust after her beauty in my heart nor let her allure me with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes to his neighbour’s wife, whoever touches her shall not be innocent. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house. Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, he who does so destroy his own soul. Wounds and dishonour he will get and his reproach will not be wiped away. For jealousy is a husband’s fury therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. Lord please help me never to fall in this trap. Lord please have mercy on me.