LESSON 22 DAILY READINGS: Monday: 10:1-14 Tuesday: 10:15-32 Wednesday: 12:13-28 Thursday: 15:1-15 Friday: 18:1-12 Saturday: 18:13-24 Sunday: 21:6-23 THE TONGUE MEMORY VERSE: James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. INTRODUCTION: All will agree that the most overworked and misemployed member of the human body is the tongue. What man or woman is there that has not felt the awesome power of the tongue either as the target of some piercing comment or as the perpetrator (One who perpetrates; esp., one who commits an offense or crime.) of an ill-advised remark? By the same token, many have experienced the strengthening and soothing power of a "word in season. Words spoken are final. Once they have left the mouth, they cannot be recalled. Their healing or hurting powers are in force immediately. With such power at our disposal, it is well that we consider the Biblical teachings on the tongue. LESSON NOTES: Lying Lips: Three of the seven items listed as hateful and abominable to the Lord concern the lips directly (Prov. 6:16-19). A lying tongue, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren all use the lips and tongue for their destruction. What violence can be done by the mouth! Reputations can be ruined, names sullied (to mar the purity or luster of; defile), men unjustly accused, irreparable (incapable of being rectified, remedied, or made good) divisions rendered among those who should dwell in unity, all by the words we speak. 6:16-19 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 耶和華所恨惡的有六樣, 連他心所憎惡的共有七樣 : 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 就是高傲的眼, 撒謊的舌, 流無辜人血的手, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 圖謀惡計的心, 飛跑行惡的腳, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 吐謊言的假見證, 並弟兄中布散紛爭的人 All of us have experienced the speaking which is like the "piercings of a sword" (Prov. 12:18). Though conviction may seize us immediately as we realize the impact of what we said, it is too late. Hasty and thoughtless speaking are the marks of a fool and lead to destruction (Prov. 10:14,19; 18:6,7,13). 12:18 10:14,19 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 說話浮躁的, 如刀刺人 ; 智慧人的舌頭卻為醫人的良藥 14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 智慧人積存知識 ; 愚妄人的口速致敗壞 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 多言多語難免有過 ; 禁止嘴唇是有智慧 (refrain: to hold oneself back 忍住, 戒除, 抑制, 節制 ) 1
18:6,7,13 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 愚昧人張嘴啟爭端, 開口招鞭打 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 愚昧人的口自取敗壞 ; 他的嘴是他生命的網羅 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 未曾聽完先回答的, 便是他的愚昧和羞辱 The tongue is the agent of hypocrisy. Many things can be said to create the proper illusion and impression to fool others. We can hide our hatred for another with lying lips (10:18). We can utter a slander behind a person's back and speak kindly to their face. We hasten to broadcast and be the "talebearers" of the mistakes of others and thus cause wounds which go down "into the innermost parts of the belly" (18:8). Deceit is practiced by the tongue (12:17). Treasures can be gotten by a lying tongue (21:6), but the wicked will be snared by the transgression of his lips (12:13). 10:18 18:8 12:17 21:6 12:13 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 隱藏怨恨的, 有說謊的嘴 ; 口出讒謗的, 是愚妄的人 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 傳舌人的言語如同美食, 深入人的心腹 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 說出真話的, 顯明公義 ; 作假見證的, 顯出詭詐 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 用詭詐之舌求財的, 就是自己取死 ; 所得之財乃是吹來吹去的浮雲 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 惡人嘴中的過錯是自己的網羅 ; 但義人必脫離患難 A Wholesome Tongue: As a fool's tongue can do severe damage, so a "wholesome tongue" can bring life. The tongue of the wise is health (12:18) and a "tree of life" (15:4). Several items make for a wholesome tongue. Truthfulness (12:19), praises to God, words of righteousness are some of the more obvious. Others take the form of a "good word" which makes a downcast heart glad (12:25). A word of encouragement or faith spoken at the right moment can strengthen a soul in God. 12:18 15:4 12:19 12:25 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 說話浮躁的, 如刀刺人 ; 智慧人的舌頭卻為醫人的良藥 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein (within) is a breach in the spirit. 溫良的舌是生命樹 ; 乖謬的嘴使人心碎 (wholesome: Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary: 健全的 ) The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 口吐真言, 永遠堅立 ; 舌說謊話, 只存片時 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop(bend down): but a good word maketh it glad. 人心憂慮, 屈而不伸 ; 一句良言, 使心歡樂 A wholesome tongue is a controlled tongue, one that is temperate 溫和的, 有節制的, 適度的 and just and does not react quickly to a given emotion. For example, a moment of strife can be escalated into a serious disagreement by "grievous words which stir up anger," whereas a "soft answer" which is tempered and has been thoughtfully prepared will turn away wrath (15:1). 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (Causing grief, pain, or anguish:) words stir up anger. 回答柔和, 使怒消退 ; 言語暴戾, 觸動怒氣 The lips of the wise will dispense knowledge and feed man (10:21; 15:7). Testimonies of God's goodness and blessing, exhortations to the reward of trusting and serving God will bring life to many. Individual souls and the kingdom of God in general suffer great loss when we refrain from using our lips to praise and honor Him. Such a wholesome use of the tongue prevents unwholesome attitudes from growing in the soul. The good fruit of the mouth brings inward blessing and satisfaction (12:14; see also 18:20). He that keeps his mouth and tongue will also keep his soul from trouble (21:23). 10:21; 15:7 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 義人的口教養多人 ; 愚昧人因無知而死亡 15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 2
12:14; 18:20 21:23 智慧人的嘴播揚知識 ; 愚昧人的心並不如此 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 人因口所結的果子, 必飽得美福 ; 人手所做的, 必為自己的報應 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 人口中所結的果子, 必充滿肚腹 ; 他嘴所出的, 必使他飽足 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 謹守口與舌的, 就保守自己免受災難 THE LESSONS: The first requirement for having a wholesome tongue is a wholesome heart. The mouth speaks that which the heart stores up (Matt. 12:34). It is the mouth of a righteous man which is a well of life (10:11), and the tongue of the just which is as choice silver (10:20, 31, 32). The mouth only speaks that with which the mind and heart are filled. A fool will feed on foolishness (15:14) and ever speaks like a fool, while the wise man will feed on the things of God and be so full of God that from his innermost being rivers of living water will flow (see Prov. 18:4 and John 7:38). Matthew 12:34 10:11 10:20, 31, 32 15:14 18:4 John 7:38 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 毒蛇的種類! 你們既是惡人, 怎能說出好話來呢? 因為心裡所充滿的, 口裡就說出來 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 義人的口是生命的泉源 ; 強暴蒙蔽惡人的口 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 義人的舌乃似高銀 ; 惡人的心所值無幾 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 義人的口滋生智慧 ; 乖謬的舌必被割斷 (forward: stubbornly disobedient or contrary) 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. 義人的嘴能令人喜悅 ; 惡人的口說乖謬的話 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 聰明人心求知識 ; 愚昧人口吃愚昧 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 人口中的言語如同深水 ; 智慧的泉源好像湧流的河水 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 信我的人就如經上所說 : 從他腹中要流出活水的江河來 Even in the believer's life, there is much foolishness which issues from his mouth. This is an indication of his weakness and lack of sanctification. The tongue is an unruly member which requires a supernatural force to bring it under submission (James 3:8). Perfection is attained by full mastery of the tongue (v. 2). That which controls the tongue can also bridle the whole body. It is no accident that when the Lord poured out His Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, He showed His power to tame and control that member of the body which no man can tame. James 3:8 James 3:2 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 惟獨舌頭沒有人能制伏, 是不止息的惡物, 滿了害死人的毒氣 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3
原來我們在許多事上都有過失 ; 若有人在話語上沒有過失, 他就是完全人, 也能勒住自己的全身 Much is said in the Bible about the tongue. Just in the readings associated with this lesson there are over thirty references to the tongue, the mouth, the lips, etc. It takes only about an hour to list them. Such an exercise would be a worthwhile endeavor. With death and life in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21), it behooves (to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage) us to learn all we can about its proper and God-pleasing use. Wise and foolish men are known by the words they speak. No Christian should be satisfied until the words of his mouth and the meditations of his heart are acceptable in God's sight. Don't be discouraged over past repeated failures to control this member. It is only with His help and grace that total success will be reached. His grace is sufficient in this area also. With His help and grace our words can be acceptable unto Him. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 生死在舌頭的權下, 喜愛他的, 必吃他所結的果子 4
Just in the readings associated with this lesson there are over thirty references to the tongue, the mouth, the lips, etc. 1. 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 福祉臨到義人的頭 ; 強暴蒙蔽惡人的口 2. 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. 心中智慧的, 必受命令 ; 口裡愚妄的, 必致傾倒 Prate: to talk excessively and pointlessly; babble: to utter in empty or foolish talk 嘮叨地講, 閒聊 ; 瞎說 3. 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. 以眼傳神的, 使人憂患 ; 口裡愚妄的, 必致傾倒 4. 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 義人的口是生命的泉源 ; 強暴蒙蔽惡人的口 5. 10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 明哲人嘴裡有智慧 ; 無知人背上受刑杖 6. 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 智慧人積存知識 ; 愚妄人的口速致敗壞 7. 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 隱藏怨恨的, 有說謊的嘴 ; 口出讒謗的, 是愚妄的人 8. 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 多言多語難免有過 ; 禁止嘴唇是有智慧 refrain: to hold oneself back 忍住, 戒除, 抑制, 節制 9. 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 義人的舌乃似高銀 ; 惡人的心所值無幾 10. 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 義人的口教養多人 ; 愚昧人因無知而死亡 11. 10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 義人的口滋生智慧 ; 乖謬的舌必被割斷 12. 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. 義人的嘴能令人喜悅 ; 惡人的口說乖謬的話 13. 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 惡人嘴中的過錯是自己的網羅 ; 但義人必脫離患難 14. 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 人因口所結的果子, 必飽得美福 ; 人手所做的, 必為自己的報應 15. 12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 說出真話的, 顯明公義 ; 作假見證的, 顯出詭詐 16. 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 說話浮躁的, 如刀刺人 ; 智慧人的舌頭卻為醫人的良藥 17. 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 5
口吐真言, 永遠堅立 ; 舌說謊話, 只存片時 18. 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 說謊言的嘴為耶和華所憎惡 ; 行事誠實的, 為他所喜悅 19. 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop(bend down): but a good word maketh it glad. 人心憂慮, 屈而不伸 ; 一句良言, 使心歡樂 20. 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (Causing grief, pain, or anguish:) words stir up anger. 回答柔和, 使怒消退 ; 言語暴戾, 觸動怒氣 21. 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright (in the correct or proper way): but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 智慧人的舌善發知識 ; 愚昧人的口吐出愚昧 22. 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein (within) is a breach in the spirit. 溫良的舌是生命樹 ; 乖謬的嘴使人心碎 (wholesome: Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary: 健全的 ) 23. 15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 智慧人的嘴播揚知識 ; 愚昧人的心並不如此 24. 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 惡人獻祭, 為耶和華所憎惡 ; 正直人祈禱, 為他所喜悅 25. 15:12 A scorner( 輕蔑, 嘲笑, 藐視, 奚落 ) loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 褻慢人不愛受責備 ; 他也不就近智慧人 26. 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 聰明人心求知識 ; 愚昧人口吃愚昧 27. 18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy( 恥辱 ) reproach. 惡人來, 藐視隨來 ; 羞恥到, 辱罵同到 (above reproach; beyond reproach 無可指責, 完美無缺 ) 28. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 人口中的言語如同深水 ; 智慧的泉源好像湧流的河水 29. 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 愚昧人張嘴啟爭端, 開口招鞭打 30. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 愚昧人的口自取敗壞 ; 他的嘴是他生命的網羅 31. 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 傳舌人的言語如同美食, 深入人的心腹 32. 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 未曾聽完先回答的, 便是他的愚昧和羞辱 33. 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 先訴情由的, 似乎有理 ; 但鄰舍來到, 就察出實情 6
34. 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 人口中所結的果子, 必充滿肚腹 ; 他嘴所出的, 必使他飽足 35. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 生死在舌頭的權下, 喜愛他的, 必吃他所結的果子 36. 18:23 The poor useth intreaties (desperate plea); but the rich answereth roughly. 貧窮人說哀求的話 ; 富足人用威嚇的話回答 37. 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 用詭詐之舌求財的, 就是自己取死 ; 所得之財乃是吹來吹去的浮雲 38. 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 寧可住在房頂的角上, 不在寬闊的房屋與爭吵的婦人同住 39. 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 褻慢的人受刑罰, 愚蒙的人就得智慧 ; 智慧人受訓誨, 便得知識 40. 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 寧可住在曠野, 不與爭吵使氣的婦人同住 41. 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 謹守口與舌的, 就保守自己免受災難 7
Monday: 10:1-14 箴言 1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 所羅門的箴言 : 智慧之子使父親歡樂 ; 愚昧之子叫母親擔憂 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 不義之財毫無益處 ; 惟有公義能救人脫離死亡 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. 耶和華不使義人受飢餓 ; 惡人所欲的, 他必推開 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 手懶的, 要受貧窮 ; 手勤的, 卻要富足 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 夏天聚斂的, 是智慧之子 ; 收割時沉睡的, 是貽羞之子 6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 福祉臨到義人的頭 ; 強暴蒙蔽惡人的口 7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. 義人的紀念被稱讚 ; 惡人的名字必朽爛 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. 心中智慧的, 必受命令 ; 口裡愚妄的, 必致傾倒 Prate: to talk excessively and pointlessly; babble: to utter in empty or foolish talk 嘮叨地講, 閒聊 ; 瞎說 9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. 行正直路的, 步步安穩 ; 走彎曲道的, 必致敗露 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. 以眼傳神的, 使人憂患 ; 口裡愚妄的, 必致傾倒 11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 義人的口是生命的泉源 ; 強暴蒙蔽惡人的口 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 恨能挑啟爭端 ; 愛能遮掩一切過錯 13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 明哲人嘴裡有智慧 ; 無知人背上受刑杖 14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 智慧人積存知識 ; 愚妄人的口速致敗壞 8
Tuesday: 10:15-32 箴言 15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 富戶的財物是他的堅城 ; 窮人的貧乏是他的敗壞 16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. 義人的勤勞致生 ; 惡人的進項致死 ( 死 : 原文是罪 ) 17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. 謹守訓誨的, 乃在生命的道上 ; 違棄責備的, 便失迷了路 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 隱藏怨恨的, 有說謊的嘴 ; 口出讒謗的, 是愚妄的人 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 多言多語難免有過 ; 禁止嘴唇是有智慧 (refrain: to hold oneself back 忍住, 戒除, 抑制, 節制 ) 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 義人的舌乃似高銀 ; 惡人的心所值無幾 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 義人的口教養多人 ; 愚昧人因無知而死亡 22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. 耶和華所賜的福使人富足, 並不加上憂慮 23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 愚妄人以行惡為戲耍 ; 明哲人卻以智慧為樂 24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 惡人所怕的, 必臨到他 ; 義人所願的, 必蒙應允 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 暴風一過, 惡人歸於無有 ; 義人的根基卻是永久 26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 懶惰人叫差他的人如醋倒牙, 如煙薰目 27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 敬畏耶和華使人日子加多 ; 但惡人的年歲必被減少 28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 義人的盼望必得喜樂 ; 惡人的指望必致滅沒 29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 耶和華的道是正直人的保障, 卻成了作孽人的敗壞 30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 義人永不挪移 ; 惡人不得住在地上 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 義人的口滋生智慧 ; 乖謬的舌必被割斷 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. 義人的嘴能令人喜悅 ; 惡人的口說乖謬的話 9
Wednesday: 12:13-28 箴言 13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 惡人嘴中的過錯是自己的網羅 ; 但義人必脫離患難 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 人因口所結的果子, 必飽得美福 ; 人手所做的, 必為自己的報應 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 愚妄人所行的, 在自己眼中看為正直 ; 惟智慧人肯聽人的勸教 16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. 愚妄人的惱怒立時顯露 ; 通達人能忍辱藏羞 17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 說出真話的, 顯明公義 ; 作假見證的, 顯出詭詐 18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 說話浮躁的, 如刀刺人 ; 智慧人的舌頭卻為醫人的良藥 19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 口吐真言, 永遠堅立 ; 舌說謊話, 只存片時 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 圖謀惡事的, 心存詭詐 ; 勸人和睦的, 便得喜樂 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 義人不遭災害 ; 惡人滿受禍患 22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 說謊言的嘴為耶和華所憎惡 ; 行事誠實的, 為他所喜悅 23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 通達人隱藏知識 ; 愚昧人的心彰顯愚昧 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 殷勤人的手必掌權 ; 懶惰的人必服苦 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop(bend down): but a good word maketh it glad. 人心憂慮, 屈而不伸 ; 一句良言, 使心歡樂 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth (lead someone astray) them. 義人引導他的鄰舍 ; 惡人的道叫人失迷 27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 懶惰的人不烤打獵所得的 ; 殷勤的人卻得寶貴的財物 28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death. 在公義的道上有生命 ; 其路之中並無死亡 10
Thursday: 15:1-15 箴言 1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (Causing grief, pain, or anguish:) words stir up anger. 回答柔和, 使怒消退 ; 言語暴戾, 觸動怒氣 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright (in the correct or proper way): but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 智慧人的舌善發知識 ; 愚昧人的口吐出愚昧 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 耶和華的眼目無處不在 ; 惡人善人, 他都鑒察 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein (within) is a breach in the spirit. 溫良的舌是生命樹 ; 乖謬的嘴使人心碎 (wholesome: Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary: 健全的 ) (Perverse: Directed away from what is right or good; perverted. Obstinately 倔強的, 頑固的 persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn. 乖張的, 錯誤的, 倔強 ) 5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth (To give heed; pay attention 注重 ) reproof is prudent. 愚妄人藐視父親的管教 ; 領受責備的, 得著見識 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 義人家中多有財寶 ; 惡人得利反受擾害 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 智慧人的嘴播揚知識 ; 愚昧人的心並不如此 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 惡人獻祭, 為耶和華所憎惡 ; 正直人祈禱, 為他所喜悅 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 惡人的道路, 為耶和華所憎惡 ; 追求公義的, 為他所喜愛 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 捨棄正路的, 必受嚴刑 ; 恨惡責備的, 必致死亡 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 陰間和滅亡尚在耶和華眼前, 何況世人的心呢? 12 A scorner( 輕蔑, 嘲笑, 藐視, 奚落 ) loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 褻慢人不愛受責備 ; 他也不就近智慧人 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 心中喜樂, 面帶笑容 ; 心裡憂愁, 靈被損傷 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 聰明人心求知識 ; 愚昧人口吃愚昧 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 困苦人的日子都是愁苦 ; 心中歡暢的, 常享豐筵 11
Friday: 18:1-12 箴言 1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 與眾寡合的, 獨自尋求心願, 並惱恨一切真智慧 (Intermeddle: To interfere in the affairs of others, often officiously; meddle.) 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 愚昧人不喜愛明哲, 只喜愛顯露心意 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy( 恥辱 ) reproach. 惡人來, 藐視隨來 ; 羞恥到, 辱罵同到 (above reproach; beyond reproach 無可指責, 完美無缺 ) 4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 人口中的言語如同深水 ; 智慧的泉源好像湧流的河水 5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 瞻徇惡人的情面, 偏斷義人的案件, 都為不善 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 愚昧人張嘴啟爭端, 開口招鞭打 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 愚昧人的口自取敗壞 ; 他的嘴是他生命的網羅 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 傳舌人的言語如同美食, 深入人的心腹 9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. 做工懈怠的, 與浪費人為弟兄 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 耶和華的名是堅固臺 ; 義人奔入便得安穩 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit 自負, 狂妄, 空想. 富足人的財物是他的堅城, 在他心想, 猶如高牆 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 敗壞之先, 人心驕傲 ; 尊榮以前, 必有謙卑 12
Saturday: 18:13-24 箴言 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 未曾聽完先回答的, 便是他的愚昧和羞辱 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 人有疾病, 心能忍耐 ; 心靈憂傷, 誰能承當呢? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 聰明人的心得知識 ; 智慧人的耳求知識 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 人的禮物為他開路, 引他到高位的人面前 17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 先訴情由的, 似乎有理 ; 但鄰舍來到, 就察出實情 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 掣籤能止息爭競, 也能解散強勝的人 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 弟兄結怨, 勸他和好, 比取堅固城還難 ; 這樣的爭競如同堅寨的門閂 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 人口中所結的果子, 必充滿肚腹 ; 他嘴所出的, 必使他飽足 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 生死在舌頭的權下, 喜愛他的, 必吃他所結的果子 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 得著賢妻的, 是得著好處, 也是蒙了耶和華的恩惠 23 The poor useth intreaties (desperate plea); but the rich answereth roughly. 貧窮人說哀求的話 ; 富足人用威嚇的話回答 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 濫交朋友的, 自取敗壞 ; 但有一朋友比弟兄更親密 13
Sunday: 21:6-23 箴言 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 用詭詐之舌求財的, 就是自己取死 ; 所得之財乃是吹來吹去的浮雲 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 惡人的強暴必將自己掃除, 因他們不肯按公平行事 8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. 負罪之人的路甚是彎曲 ; 至於清潔的人, 他所行的乃是正直 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 寧可住在房頂的角上, 不在寬闊的房屋與爭吵的婦人同住 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 惡人的心樂人受禍 ; 他眼並不憐恤鄰舍 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 褻慢的人受刑罰, 愚蒙的人就得智慧 ; 智慧人受訓誨, 便得知識 12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. 義人思想惡人的家, 知道惡人傾倒, 必致滅亡 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 塞耳不聽窮人哀求的, 他將來呼籲也不蒙應允 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 暗中送的禮物挽回怒氣 ; 懷中搋的賄賂止息暴怒 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 秉公行義使義人喜樂, 使作孽的人敗壞 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 迷離通達道路的, 必住在陰魂的會中 Prayer from Psalm 119:10: With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 我一心尋求了你 ; 求你不要叫我偏離你的命令 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 愛宴樂的, 必致窮乏 ; 好酒, 愛膏油的, 必不富足 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 惡人作了義人的贖價 ; 奸詐人代替正直人 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 寧可住在曠野, 不與爭吵使氣的婦人同住 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 智慧人家中積蓄寶物膏油 ; 愚昧人隨得來隨吞下 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 追求公義仁慈的, 就尋得生命 公義, 和尊榮 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 智慧人爬上勇士的城牆, 傾覆他所倚靠的堅壘 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 謹守口與舌的, 就保守自己免受災難 14