Hebrew Bible: Proverbs

'Rejoice in the wife of your youth! Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?'

I thought that would be a good opener. 'Proverbs' is one of the Bible's wisdom books, concerned with morality and the good life. There's a lot about avoiding adultery, including the above advice about having a wife with good breasts.

According to 'Proverbs', the basis of morality and wisdom is being terrified of the Invisible Policeman and his ubiquitous CCTV cameras:

'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge... Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil... For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths... The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.'

There's a lot of good stuff in 'Proverbs'.

'My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us." My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.'

Wisdom is better than wealth:

'Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.'

Roughly half of the book consists of catchy sayings (proverbs), such as:

'Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.'
'Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.'
'The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.'
'Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.'
'A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.'
'A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.'
'Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.'
'A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.'
'Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?'

Overall, a mixed bag.