Unlike the Protestant and Catholic canons, the Ethiopian tradition (Orthodox Tewahedo Church) includes in its Old Testament a collection of wisdom writings known as 'Messalë' (መሣሌ), which corresponds to the Book of Proverbs, but with a particular order and extent. In the Ethiopian canon, Messalë is often positioned distinctly, appearing alongside other wisdom books such as Säyfon (Ecclesiasticus) and Tägsas (Wisdom of Solomon). Although the central content corresponds to the canonical Proverbs, the Ethiopian manuscript tradition preserves textual variations and a chapter organization that reflects the ancient tradition of the Church of Ethiopia. In this Ethiopian collection, Messalë corresponds specifically to chapters 1–24 of the Book of Proverbs, while chapters 25–31 are known as Tägsas.
Messalë (Provérbios 1–24)
Chapter 15
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gushes out folly.
Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
There is severe discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die.
Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh— how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.
Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.
The ear that listens to the reproof of life will be at home among the wise.
He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom, and before honor is humility.