The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly.

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.

A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.

Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine.

Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the upright, they seek his life.

Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.

The Beloved to the Maidens: My beloved is dazzling and ruddy; he stands out in comparison to all other men.

The Lord says, “I will make youths their officials; malicious young men will rule over them.

headdresses, ankle ornaments, sashes, sachets, amulets,

Your men will fall by the sword, your strong men will die in battle.

“Now, listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!”

Who forms a god and casts an idol that will prove worthless?

Remember this, so you can be brave! Think about it, you rebels!

I can clothe the sky in darkness; I can cover it with sackcloth.”

So the Lord said, “Hear, you nations! Be witnesses and take note of what will happen to these people.

Can you people who are like iron and bronze break that iron fist from the north?

I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint.

I, the Lord, say that shepherds will once again count their sheep as they pass into the fold. They will do this in all the towns in the southern hill country, the western foothills, the southern hill country, the territory of Benjamin, the villages surrounding Jerusalem, and the towns of Judah.’

Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah there at Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah before anyone knows about it. Otherwise he will kill you and all the Judeans who have rallied around you will be scattered. Then what remains of Judah will disappear.”

How deserted will that once-famous city be, that city that was once filled with joy!