Darryl Shimazu's Proverbs

Illustrations of Traditional Proverbs by Daryl Shimazu

Proverbs 24: 28-29

Do not testify against your neighbor without cause--

would you use your lips to mislead?

Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;

“I’ll pay them back for what they did.”

Don't testify spitefully against an innocent neighbor. Why lie about him? Don't say "Now I can pay him back for all his meanness to me!"

Proverbs 24: 33-34

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest--

and poverty will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man.

"A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest" means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit.

Proverbs 10:19

Sin is not ended by multiplying words,

but the prudent hold their tongues

Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!

Proverbs 30:5

“Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection.

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps

We should make plans--counting on God to direct us.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord

There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off

Don't envy evil persons but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet!

Proverbs 8:13

To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech

If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.

Proverbs 20:22

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”

Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you

Don't repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

Proverbs 25:23

Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain

is a sly tongue-- which provokes a horrified look.

Anyone without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent see danger and take refuge,

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

A sensible person watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences.

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but everyone who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.

Proverbs 23: 29-32

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has strife? Who has complaints?

Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Those who linger over wine,

who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

Do not gaze at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup,

when it goes down smoothly!

In the end it bites like a snake

And poisons like a viper.

Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the one with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures. Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of strong wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like an adder. You will see hallucinations and have delirium treatments, and you will say foolish, silly things that would embarrass you no end when sober. You will stagger as a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And afterward, you will say "I didn't even know it when they beat me up...let's go and have another drink!"