Old Testament

New Testament

Proverbs 6:3-21 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

3. Instead, my son, do something to free yourself. Don't fall into your neighbor's hands. Don't be proud. Hurry and make your appeal to your neighbor.

4. Don't let your eyes go to sleep. Don't let your eyelids close.

5. As a deer frees itself from a hunter, free yourself. As a bird frees itself from a trapper, free yourself.

6. You people who don't want to work, think about the ant! Consider its ways and be wise!

7. It has no commander. It has no leader or ruler.

8. But it stores up its food in summer. It gathers its food at harvest time.

9. You lazy people, how long will you lie there? When will you get up from your sleep?

10. You might sleep a little or take a little nap. You might even fold your hands and rest.

11. Then you would be poor, as if someone had robbed you. You would have little, as if someone had stolen from you.

12. A worthless and evil man goes around saying twisted things with his mouth.

13. He winks with his eyes. He makes signals with his feet. He motions with his fingers.

14. His plans are evil. He has lies in his heart. He is always stirring up fights.

15. Trouble will catch up with him in an instant. He will suddenly be destroyed. Nothing can save him.

16. There are six things the Lord hates. In fact, he hates seven things.

17. The Lord hates proud eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who aren't guilty.

18. He also hates hearts that make evil plans, feet that are quick to do evil,

19. any witness who pours out lies, and anyone who stirs up family fights.

20. My son, keep your father's commands. Don't turn away from your mother's teaching.

21. Tie them to your heart forever. Put them around your neck.

Read complete chapter Proverbs 6