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 17
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.
Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find good, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.