Memory Palace

Outline

Adapted from the NIV Study Bible outline via Bible Study Tools. Verses: ESV.

• I. Prologue: Purpose and Theme (1:1-7)

  1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

  2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth —

  5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

  7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

• II. The Superiority of the Way of Wisdom (1:8)

  1. Appeals and Warnings Confronting Youth Enticements to secure happiness by violence Warnings against rejecting wisdom (1:20-33)

     20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

     22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

     23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

     24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,

     26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

     28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.

     29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.

     32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

  2. Commendation of Wisdom Benefits of accepting wisdom's instructions Wisdom bestows well-being Wisdom's instructions and benefits Challenge to hold on to wisdom (ch.4)

     1 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.

     3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.

     5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

     6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

     7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

     8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

     9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

     10 Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.

     11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

     12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

     13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

     14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.

     15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

     16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

     17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

     18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

     19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.

     20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

     21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.

     22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

     23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

     24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

     25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

     26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.

     27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

  3. Warnings against Folly Warning against adultery Warning against perverse ways Cost of committing adultery Warning against the enticements of an adulteress (ch.7)

     1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

     4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, 5 to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

     6 For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, 7 and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, 8 passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house 9 in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness.

     10 And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.

     11 She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait.

     13 She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,

     14 “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; 15 so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.

     16 I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen;

     17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

     18 Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love.

     19 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; 20 he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home.”

     21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

     22 All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast 23 till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.

     24 And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

     25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, 26 for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng.

     27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

  4. Appeals Addressed to Youth Wisdom's appeal Invitations of wisdom and folly (ch.9)

     1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.

     2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

     3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,

     4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says,

     5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.

     6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

     7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

     8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

     9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

     10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

     11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

     12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

     13 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.

     14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way,

     16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says,

     17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

     18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

• III. The Main Collection of Solomon's Proverbs (10:1)

  1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

• IV. The Thirty Sayings of the Wise (22:17)

  17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,

• V. Additional Sayings of the Wise (24:23-34)

  23 These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.

  24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, 25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.

  26 Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.

  27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

  28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

  29 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.”

  30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, 31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

  32 Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.

  33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

• VI. Hezekiah's Collection of Solomon's Proverbs (ch.25-29)

  1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

  2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

  3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

  4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; 5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

  6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great, 7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen 8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?

  9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret, 10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.

  11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

  12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

  13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

  14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

  15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

  16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

  17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

  18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

  19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

  20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.

  21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

  23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

  24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

  25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

  26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

  27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.

  28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

  1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

  2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.

  3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

  4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.

  5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

  6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

  7 Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

  8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

  9 Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

  10 Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.

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

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

  13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”

  14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

  15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.

  16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

  17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

  18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death 19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

  20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

  21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

  22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

  23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.

  24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; 25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 26 though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

  27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

  28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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

  2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

  3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

  4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

  5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

  6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

  7 One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

  8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.

  9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

  10 Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

  11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.

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

  13 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.

  14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.

  15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; 16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand.

  17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

  18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.

  19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.

  20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.

  21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.

  22 Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him.

  23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, 24 for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

  25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, 26 the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field.

  27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.

  1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

  2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

  3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.

  4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

  5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

  6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

  7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

  8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

  9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

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

  11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

  12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

  13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

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

  15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

  16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

  17 If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.

  18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

  19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

  20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

  21 To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

  22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

  23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

  24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.

  25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

  26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

  27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

  28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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

  2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

  3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

  4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

  5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

  6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

  7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

  8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

  9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

  10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.

  11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

  12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

  13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

  14 If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

  15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

  16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

  17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

  18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

  19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.

  20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

  21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.

  22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

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

  24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

  25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.

  26 Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.

  27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

• VII. The Sayings of Agur (ch.30)

  1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.

  2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man.

  3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

  4 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!

  5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

  6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

  7 Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:

  8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 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.

  10 Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

  11 There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.

  12 There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.

  13 There are those — how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift!

  14 There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.

  15 The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”:

  16 Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

  17 The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.

  18 Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: 19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin.

  20 This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.”

  21 Under three things the earth trembles; under four it cannot bear up: 22 a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is filled with food; 23 an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.

  24 Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: 25 the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; 26 the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; 27 the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; 28 the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.

  29 Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: 30 the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; 31 the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.

  32 If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.

  33 For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

• VIII. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1-9)

  1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

  2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?

  3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

  4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

  6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

  8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

  9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

• IX. Epilogue: The Ideal Wife (31:10-31)

  10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

  11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

  12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

  13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

  14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

  15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

  16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

  17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

  18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

  19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

  20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

  21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

  22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

  23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

  24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

  25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

  26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

  27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

  28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

  29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

  30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

  31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.