User:Bookofjude/sandbox 2/Bible (King James)/Proverbs

<Authorized King James Version of the Bible The Proverbs

Chapter 1

¹ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; ² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words ofunderstanding; ³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment,and equity; ⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge anddiscretion. ⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man ofunderstanding shall attain unto wise counsels: ⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words ofthe wise, and their dark sayings. ⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but foolsdespise wisdom and instruction. ⁸ My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake notthe law of thy mother: ⁹ For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, andchains about thy neck. ¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. ¹¹ If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let uslurk privily for the innocent without cause: ¹² Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as thosethat go down into the pit: ¹³ We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houseswith spoil: ¹⁴ Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: ¹⁵ My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy footfrom their path: ¹⁶ For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. ¹⁷ Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. ¹⁸ And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily fortheir own lives. ¹⁹ So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; whichtaketh away the life of the owners thereof. ²⁰ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: ²¹ She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings ofthe gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, ²² How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and thescorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? ²³ Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit untoyou, I will make known my words unto you. ²⁴ Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out myhand, and no man regarded; ²⁵ But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of myreproof: ²⁶ I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fearcometh; ²⁷ When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destructioncometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh uponyou. ²⁸ Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; theyshall seek me early, but they shall not find me: ²⁹ For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear ofthe LORD: ³⁰ They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. ³¹ Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and befilled with their own devices. ³² For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and theprosperity of fools shall destroy them. ³³ But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall bequiet from fear of evil.

Chapter 2

¹ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide mycommandments with thee; ² So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thineheart to understanding; ³ Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voicefor understanding; ⁴ If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as forhid treasures; ⁵ Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find theknowledge of God. ⁶ For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledgeand understanding. ⁷ He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a bucklerto them that walk uprightly. ⁸ He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way ofhis saints. ⁹ Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, andequity; yea, every good path. ¹⁰ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge ispleasant unto thy soul; ¹¹ Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: ¹² To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the manthat speaketh froward things; ¹³ Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways ofdarkness; ¹⁴ Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of thewicked; ¹⁵ Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: ¹⁶ To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the strangerwhich flattereth with her words; ¹⁷ Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth thecovenant of her God. ¹⁸ For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto thedead. ¹⁹ None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold ofthe paths of life. ²⁰ That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep thepaths of the righteous. ²¹ For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shallremain in it. ²² But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and thetransgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Chapter 3

¹ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep mycommandments: ² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they addto thee. ³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thyneck; write them upon the table of thine heart: ⁴ So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sightof God and man. ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not untothine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thypaths. ⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart fromevil. ⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. ⁹ Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruitsof all thine increase: ¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy pressesshall burst out with new wine. ¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither beweary of his correction: ¹² For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father theson in whom he delighteth. ¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that gettethunderstanding. ¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise ofsilver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thoucanst desire are not to be compared unto her. ¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left handriches and honour. ¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths arepeace. ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: andhappy is every one that retaineth her. ¹⁹ The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understandinghath he established the heavens. ²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds dropdown the dew. ²¹ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdomand discretion: ²² So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. ²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall notstumble. ²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thoushalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. ²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of thewicked, when it cometh. ²⁶ For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy footfrom being taken. ²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is inthe power of thine hand to do it. ²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrowI will give; when thou hast it by thee. ²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwellethsecurely by thee. ³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee noharm. ³¹ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. ³² For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret iswith the righteous. ³³ The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but heblesseth the habitation of the just. ³⁴ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto thelowly. ³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotionof fools.

Chapter 4

¹ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend toknow understanding. ² For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. ³ For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in thesight of my mother. ⁴ He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain mywords: keep my commandments, and live. ⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither declinefrom the words of my mouth. ⁶ Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, andshe shall keep thee. ⁷ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and withall thy getting get understanding. ⁸ Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee tohonour, when thou dost embrace her. ⁹ She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown ofglory shall she deliver to thee. ¹⁰ Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thylife shall be many. ¹¹ I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee inright paths. ¹² When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and whenthou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ¹³ Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; forshe is thy life. ¹⁴ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the wayof evil men. ¹⁵ Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. ¹⁶ For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and theirsleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. ¹⁷ For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine ofviolence. ¹⁸ But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shinethmore and more unto the perfect day. ¹⁹ The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at whatthey stumble. ²⁰ My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. ²¹ Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst ofthine heart. ²² For they are life unto those that find them, and health to alltheir flesh. ²³ Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are theissues of life. ²⁴ Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put farfrom thee. ²⁵ Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids lookstraight before thee. ²⁶ Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways beestablished. ²⁷ Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy footfrom evil.

Chapter 5

¹ My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to myunderstanding: ² That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keepknowledge. ³ For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and hermouth is smoother than oil: ⁴ But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. ⁵ Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. ⁶ Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways aremoveable, that thou canst not know them. ⁷ Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from thewords of my mouth. ⁸ Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of herhouse: ⁹ Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years untothe cruel: ¹⁰ Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours bein the house of a stranger; ¹¹ And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body areconsumed, ¹² And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despisedreproof; ¹³ And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclinedmine ear to them that instructed me! ¹⁴ I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation andassembly. ¹⁵ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters outof thine own well. ¹⁶ Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters inthe streets. ¹⁷ Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. ¹⁸ Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thyyouth. ¹⁹ Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let herbreasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished alwayswith her love. ²⁰ And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,and embrace the bosom of a stranger? ²¹ For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and hepondereth all his goings. ²² His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shallbe holden with the cords of his sins. ²³ He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of hisfolly he shall go astray.

Chapter 6

¹ My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou haststricken thy hand with a stranger, ² Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art takenwith the words of thy mouth. ³ Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art comeinto the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make surethy friend. ⁴ Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. ⁵ Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as abird from the hand of the fowler. ⁶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: ⁷ Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, ⁸ Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food inthe harvest. ⁹ How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise outof thy sleep? ¹⁰ Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of thehands to sleep: ¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy wantas an armed man. ¹² A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. ¹³ He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, heteacheth with his fingers; ¹⁴ Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually;he soweth discord. ¹⁵ Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall hebe broken without remedy. ¹⁶ These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are anabomination unto him: ¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocentblood, ¹⁸ An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swiftin running to mischief, ¹⁹ A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discordamong brethren. ²⁰ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the lawof thy mother: ²¹ Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thyneck. ²² When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, itshall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk withthee. ²³ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; andreproofs of instruction are the way of life: ²⁴ To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of thetongue of a strange woman. ²⁵ Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her takethee with her eyelids. ²⁶ For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece ofbread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. ²⁷ Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not beburned? ²⁸ Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? ²⁹ So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoevertoucheth her shall not be innocent. ³⁰ Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soulwhen he is hungry; ³¹ But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall giveall the substance of his house. ³² But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lackethunderstanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. ³³ A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall notbe wiped away. ³⁴ For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not sparein the day of vengeance. ³⁵ He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content,though thou givest many gifts.

Chapter 7

¹ My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. ² Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple ofthine eye. ³ Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thineheart. ⁴ Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understandingthy kinswoman: ⁵ That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from thestranger which flattereth with her words. ⁶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, ⁷ And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among theyouths, a young man void of understanding, ⁸ Passing through the street near her corner; and he went theway to her house, ⁹ In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: ¹⁰ And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of anharlot, and subtil of heart. ¹¹ (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: ¹² Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait atevery corner.) ¹³ So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent facesaid unto him, ¹⁴ I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. ¹⁵ Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thyface, and I have found thee. ¹⁶ I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carvedworks, with fine linen of Egypt. ¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. ¹⁸ Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let ussolace ourselves with loves. ¹⁹ For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: ²⁰ He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home atthe day appointed. ²¹ With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with theflattering of her lips she forced him. ²² He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to theslaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; ²³ Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to thesnare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. ²⁴ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. ²⁵ Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in herpaths. ²⁶ For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men havebeen slain by her. ²⁷ Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers ofdeath.

Chapter 8

¹ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? ² She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in theplaces of the paths. ³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at thecoming in at the doors. ⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. ⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of anunderstanding heart. ⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening ofmy lips shall be right things. ⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is anabomination to my lips. ⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there isnothing froward or perverse in them. ⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right tothem that find knowledge. ¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge ratherthan choice gold. ¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that maybe desired are not to be compared to it. ¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of wittyinventions. ¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy,and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. ¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I havestrength. ¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. ¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of theearth. ¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shallfind me. ¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches andrighteousness. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and myrevenue than choice silver. ²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the pathsof judgment: ²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; andI will fill their treasures. ²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before hisworks of old. ²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever theearth was. ²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when therewere no fountains abounding with water. ²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was Ibrought forth: ²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, northe highest part of the dust of the world. ²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set acompass upon the face of the depth: ²⁸ When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened thefountains of the deep: ²⁹ When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should notpass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of theearth: ³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was dailyhis delight, rejoicing always before him; ³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delightswere with the sons of men. ³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed arethey that keep my ways. ³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. ³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at mygates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour ofthe LORD. ³⁶ But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all theythat hate me love death.

Chapter 9

¹ Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her sevenpillars: ² She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; shehath also furnished her table. ³ She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highestplaces of the city, ⁴ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him thatwanteth understanding, she saith to him, ⁵ Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I havemingled. ⁶ Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way ofunderstanding. ⁷ He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and hethat rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ⁸ Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man,and he will love thee. ⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. ¹⁰ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and theknowledge of the holy is understanding. ¹¹ For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thylife shall be increased. ¹² If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thouscornest, thou alone shalt bear it. ¹³ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knowethnothing. ¹⁴ For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in thehigh places of the city, ¹⁵ To call passengers who go right on their ways: ¹⁶ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him thatwanteth understanding, she saith to him, ¹⁷ Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret ispleasant. ¹⁸ But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that herguests are in the depths of hell.

Chapter 10

¹ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: buta foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. ² Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousnessdelivereth from death. ³ The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish:but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. ⁴ He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the handof the diligent maketh rich. ⁵ He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he thatsleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. ⁶ Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereththe mouth of the wicked. ⁷ The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wickedshall rot. ⁸ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a pratingfool shall fall. ⁹ He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he thatperverteth his ways shall be known. ¹⁰ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a pratingfool shall fall. ¹¹ The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violencecovereth the mouth of the wicked. ¹² Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. ¹³ In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found:but a rod is for the back of him that is void ofunderstanding. ¹⁴ Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish isnear destruction. ¹⁵ The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction ofthe poor is their poverty. ¹⁶ The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of thewicked to sin. ¹⁷ He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he thatrefuseth reproof erreth. ¹⁸ He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth aslander, is a fool. ¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he thatrefraineth his lips is wise. ²⁰ The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of thewicked is little worth. ²¹ The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want ofwisdom. ²² The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth nosorrow with it. ²³ It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man ofunderstanding hath wisdom. ²⁴ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desireof the righteous shall be granted. ²⁵ As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but therighteous is an everlasting foundation. ²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is thesluggard to them that send him. ²⁷ The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of thewicked shall be shortened. ²⁸ The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but theexpectation of the wicked shall perish. ²⁹ The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: butdestruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. ³⁰ The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall notinhabit the earth. ³¹ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the frowardtongue shall be cut out. ³² The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but themouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Chapter 11

¹ A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weightis his delight. ² When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly iswisdom. ³ The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but theperverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. ⁴ Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousnessdelivereth from death. ⁵ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but thewicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ⁶ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: buttransgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. ⁷ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and thehope of unjust men perisheth. ⁸ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wickedcometh in his stead. ⁹ An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: butthrough knowledge shall the just be delivered. ¹⁰ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: andwhen the wicked perish, there is shouting. ¹¹ By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it isoverthrown by the mouth of the wicked. ¹² He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a manof understanding holdeth his peace. ¹³ A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithfulspirit concealeth the matter. ¹⁴ Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude ofcounsellors there is safety. ¹⁵ He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and hethat hateth suretiship is sure. ¹⁶ A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retainriches. ¹⁷ The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that iscruel troubleth his own flesh. ¹⁸ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that sowethrighteousness shall be a sure reward. ¹⁹ As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evilpursueth it to his own death. ²⁰ They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:but such as are upright in their way are his delight. ²¹ Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. ²² As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair womanwhich is without discretion. ²³ The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectationof the wicked is wrath. ²⁴ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there isthat withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. ²⁵ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shallbe watered also himself. ²⁶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: butblessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. ²⁷ He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he thatseeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. ²⁸ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteousshall flourish as a branch. ²⁹ He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: andthe fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. ³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he thatwinneth souls is wise. ³¹ Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: muchmore the wicked and the sinner.

Chapter 12

¹ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hatethreproof is brutish. ² A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wickeddevices will he condemn. ³ A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root ofthe righteous shall not be moved. ⁴ A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she thatmaketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. ⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels ofthe wicked are deceit. ⁶ The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but themouth of the upright shall deliver them. ⁷ The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of therighteous shall stand. ⁸ A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he thatis of a perverse heart shall be despised. ⁹ He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than hethat honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. ¹⁰ A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but thetender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ¹¹ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but hethat followeth vain persons is void of understanding. ¹² The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of therighteous yieldeth fruit. ¹³ The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but thejust shall come out of trouble. ¹⁴ A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth:and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered untohim. ¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he thathearkeneth unto counsel is wise. ¹⁶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man coverethshame. ¹⁷ He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but afalse witness deceit. ¹⁸ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but thetongue of the wise is health. ¹⁹ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lyingtongue is but for a moment. ²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to thecounsellors of peace is joy. ²¹ There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shallbe filled with mischief. ²² Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that dealtruly are his delight. ²³ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of foolsproclaimeth foolishness. ²⁴ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothfulshall be under tribute. ²⁵ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good wordmaketh it glad. ²⁶ The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but theway of the wicked seduceth them. ²⁷ The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting:but the substance of a diligent man is precious. ²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathwaythereof there is no death.

Chapter 13

¹ A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scornerheareth not rebuke. ² A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soulof the transgressors shall eat violence. ³ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he thatopeneth wide his lips shall have destruction. ⁴ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but thesoul of the diligent shall be made fat. ⁵ A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome,and cometh to shame. ⁶ Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: butwickedness overthroweth the sinner. ⁷ There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there isthat maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. ⁸ The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poorheareth not rebuke. ⁹ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of thewicked shall be put out. ¹⁰ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised iswisdom. ¹¹ Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he thatgathereth by labour shall increase. ¹² Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desirecometh, it is a tree of life. ¹³ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he thatfeareth the commandment shall be rewarded. ¹⁴ The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from thesnares of death. ¹⁵ Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressorsis hard. ¹⁶ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layethopen his folly. ¹⁷ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithfulambassador is health. ¹⁸ Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. ¹⁹ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it isabomination to fools to depart from evil. ²⁰ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companionof fools shall be destroyed. ²¹ Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall berepayed. ²² A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children:and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. ²³ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that isdestroyed for want of judgment. ²⁴ He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth himchasteneth him betimes. ²⁵ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but thebelly of the wicked shall want.

Chapter 14

¹ Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish pluckethit down with her hands. ² He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but hethat is perverse in his ways despiseth him. ³ In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips ofthe wise shall preserve them. ⁴ Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is bythe strength of the ox. ⁵ A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness willutter lies. ⁶ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge iseasy unto him that understandeth. ⁷ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivestnot in him the lips of knowledge. ⁸ The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but thefolly of fools is deceit. ⁹ Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there isfavour. ¹⁰ The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth notintermeddle with his joy. ¹¹ The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but thetabernacle of the upright shall flourish. ¹² There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the endthereof are the ways of death. ¹³ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of thatmirth is heaviness. ¹⁴ The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: anda good man shall be satisfied from himself. ¹⁵ The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man lookethwell to his going. ¹⁶ A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the foolrageth, and is confident. ¹⁷ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wickeddevices is hated. ¹⁸ The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned withknowledge. ¹⁹ The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates ofthe righteous. ²⁰ The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hathmany friends. ²¹ He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hathmercy on the poor, happy is he. ²² Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall beto them that devise good. ²³ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lipstendeth only to penury. ²⁴ The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness offools is folly. ²⁵ A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witnessspeaketh lies. ²⁶ In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his childrenshall have a place of refuge. ²⁷ The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from thesnares of death. ²⁸ In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in thewant of people is the destruction of the prince. ²⁹ He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but hethat is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. ³⁰ A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy therottenness of the bones. ³¹ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he thathonoureth him hath mercy on the poor. ³² The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteoushath hope in his death. ³³ Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding:but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. ³⁴ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to anypeople. ³⁵ The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath isagainst him that causeth shame.

Chapter 15

¹ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir upanger. ² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouthof fools poureth out foolishness. ³ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the eviland the good. ⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness thereinis a breach in the spirit. ⁵ A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he thatregardeth reproof is prudent. ⁶ In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in therevenues of the wicked is trouble. ⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of thefoolish doeth not so. ⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: butthe prayer of the upright is his delight. ⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but heloveth him that followeth after righteousness. ¹⁰ Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and hethat hateth reproof shall die. ¹¹ Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more thenthe hearts of the children of men? ¹² A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will hego unto the wise. ¹³ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow ofthe heart the spirit is broken. ¹⁴ The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. ¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of amerry heart hath a continual feast. ¹⁶ Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasureand trouble therewith. ¹⁷ Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled oxand hatred therewith. ¹⁸ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow toanger appeaseth strife. ¹⁹ The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but theway of the righteous is made plain. ²⁰ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despisethhis mother. ²¹ Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man ofunderstanding walketh uprightly. ²² Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in themultitude of counsellors they are established. ²³ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spokenin due season, how good is it! ²⁴ The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart fromhell beneath. ²⁵ The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he willestablish the border of the widow. ²⁶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: butthe words of the pure are pleasant words. ²⁷ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he thathateth gifts shall live. ²⁸ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouthof the wicked poureth out evil things. ²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer ofthe righteous. ³⁰ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good reportmaketh the bones fat. ³¹ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among thewise. ³² He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but hethat heareth reproof getteth understanding. ³³ The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and beforehonour is humility.

Chapter 16

¹ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of thetongue, is from the LORD. ² All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORDweigheth the spirits. ³ Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall beestablished. ⁴ The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even thewicked for the day of evil. ⁵ Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to theLORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. ⁶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of theLORD men depart from evil. ⁷ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemiesto be at peace with him. ⁸ Better is a little with righteousness than great revenueswithout right. ⁹ A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth hissteps. ¹⁰ A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouthtransgresseth not in judgment. ¹¹ A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights ofthe bag are his work. ¹² It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for thethrone is established by righteousness. ¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love himthat speaketh right. ¹⁴ The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise manwill pacify it. ¹⁵ In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favouris as a cloud of the latter rain. ¹⁶ How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to getunderstanding rather to be chosen than silver! ¹⁷ The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he thatkeepeth his way preserveth his soul. ¹⁸ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before afall. ¹⁹ Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than todivide the spoil with the proud. ²⁰ He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whosotrusteth in the LORD, happy is he. ²¹ The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetnessof the lips increaseth learning. ²² Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it:but the instruction of fools is folly. ²³ The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learningto his lips. ²⁴ Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, andhealth to the bones. ²⁵ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the endthereof are the ways of death. ²⁶ He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth cravethit of him. ²⁷ An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as aburning fire. ²⁸ A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chieffriends. ²⁹ A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into theway that is not good. ³⁰ He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lipshe bringeth evil to pass. ³¹ The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the wayof righteousness. ³² He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and hethat ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. ³³ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereofis of the LORD.

Chapter 17

¹ Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an housefull of sacrifices with strife. ² A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame,and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. ³ The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: butthe LORD trieth the hearts. ⁴ A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth earto a naughty tongue. ⁵ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that isglad at calamities shall not be unpunished. ⁶ Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory ofchildren are their fathers. ⁷ Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lipsa prince. ⁸ A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it:whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. ⁹ He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he thatrepeateth a matter separateth very friends. ¹⁰ A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundredstripes into a fool. ¹¹ An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruelmessenger shall be sent against him. ¹² Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a foolin his folly. ¹³ Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from hishouse. ¹⁴ The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. ¹⁵ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth thejust, even they both are abomination to the LORD. ¹⁶ Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to getwisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? ¹⁷ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born foradversity. ¹⁸ A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becomethsurety in the presence of his friend. ¹⁹ He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he thatexalteth his gate seeketh destruction. ²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hatha perverse tongue falleth into mischief. ²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and thefather of a fool hath no joy. ²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spiritdrieth the bones. ²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert theways of judgment. ²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes ofa fool are in the ends of the earth. ²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to herthat bare him. ²⁶ Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes forequity. ²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man ofunderstanding is of an excellent spirit. ²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: andhe that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Chapter 18

¹ Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh andintermeddleth with all wisdom. ² A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heartmay discover itself. ³ When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and withignominy reproach. ⁴ The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and thewellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. ⁵ It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, tooverthrow the righteous in judgment. ⁶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth forstrokes. ⁷ A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snareof his soul. ⁸ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down intothe innermost parts of the belly. ⁹ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that isa great waster. ¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runnethinto it, and is safe. ¹¹ The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wallin his own conceit. ¹² Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and beforehonour is humility. ¹³ He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is follyand shame unto him. ¹⁴ The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a woundedspirit who can bear? ¹⁵ The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of thewise seeketh knowledge. ¹⁶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him beforegreat men. ¹⁷ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but hisneighbour cometh and searcheth him. ¹⁸ The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between themighty. ¹⁹ A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: andtheir contentions are like the bars of a castle. ²⁰ A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. ²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they thatlove it shall eat the fruit thereof. ²² Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtainethfavour of the LORD. ²³ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. ²⁴ A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and thereis a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Chapter 19

¹ Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he thatis perverse in his lips, and is a fool. ² Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; andhe that hasteth with his feet sinneth. ³ The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heartfretteth against the LORD. ⁴ Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from hisneighbour. ⁵ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speakethlies shall not escape. ⁶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is afriend to him that giveth gifts. ⁷ All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do hisfriends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet theyare wanting to him. ⁸ He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepethunderstanding shall find good. ⁹ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speakethlies shall perish. ¹⁰ Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant tohave rule over princes. ¹¹ The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is hisglory to pass over a transgression. ¹² The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favouris as dew upon the grass. ¹³ A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and thecontentions of a wife are a continual dropping. ¹⁴ House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudentwife is from the LORD. ¹⁵ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shallsuffer hunger. ¹⁶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but hethat despiseth his ways shall die. ¹⁷ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; andthat which he hath given will he pay him again. ¹⁸ Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soulspare for his crying. ¹⁹ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thoudeliver him, yet thou must do it again. ²⁰ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest bewise in thy latter end. ²¹ There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless thecounsel of the LORD, that shall stand. ²² The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is betterthan a liar. ²³ The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath itshall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. ²⁴ A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not somuch as bring it to his mouth again. ²⁵ Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove onethat hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. ²⁶ He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is ason that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. ²⁷ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to errfrom the words of knowledge. ²⁸ An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of thewicked devoureth iniquity. ²⁹ Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the backof fools.

Chapter 20

¹ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever isdeceived thereby is not wise. ² The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whosoprovoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. ³ It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every foolwill be meddling. ⁴ The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; thereforeshall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. ⁵ Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man ofunderstanding will draw it out. ⁶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but afaithful man who can find? ⁷ The just man walketh in his integrity: his children areblessed after him. ⁸ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth awayall evil with his eyes. ⁹ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from mysin? ¹⁰ Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alikeabomination to the LORD. ¹¹ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure,and whether it be right. ¹² The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made evenboth of them. ¹³ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes,and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. ¹⁴ It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he isgone his way, then he boasteth. ¹⁵ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips ofknowledge are a precious jewel. ¹⁶ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take apledge of him for a strange woman. ¹⁷ Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouthshall be filled with gravel. ¹⁸ Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advicemake war. ¹⁹ He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets:therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. ²⁰ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be putout in obscure darkness. ²¹ An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but theend thereof shall not be blessed. ²² Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD,and he shall save thee. ²³ Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a falsebalance is not good. ²⁴ Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understandhis own way? ²⁵ It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, andafter vows to make enquiry. ²⁶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel overthem. ²⁷ The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all theinward parts of the belly. ²⁸ Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholdenby mercy. ²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty ofold men is the grey head. ³⁰ The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes theinward parts of the belly.

Chapter 21

¹ The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers ofwater: he turneth it whithersoever he will. ² Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORDpondereth the hearts. ³ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD thansacrifice. ⁴ An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of thewicked, is sin. ⁵ The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; butof every one that is hasty only to want. ⁶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossedto and fro of them that seek death. ⁷ The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because theyrefuse to do judgment. ⁸ The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure,his work is right. ⁹ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with abrawling woman in a wide house. ¹⁰ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth nofavour in his eyes. ¹¹ When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: andwhen the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. ¹² The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked:but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. ¹³ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shallcry himself, but shall not be heard. ¹⁴ A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosomstrong wrath. ¹⁵ It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall beto the workers of iniquity. ¹⁶ The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shallremain in the congregation of the dead. ¹⁷ He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that lovethwine and oil shall not be rich. ¹⁸ The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and thetransgressor for the upright. ¹⁹ It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with acontentious and an angry woman. ²⁰ There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of thewise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. ²¹ He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life,righteousness, and honour. ²² A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth downthe strength of the confidence thereof. ²³ Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul fromtroubles. ²⁴ Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proudwrath. ²⁵ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuseto labour. ²⁶ He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteousgiveth and spareth not. ²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more,when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? ²⁸ A false witness shall perish: but the man that hearethspeaketh constantly. ²⁹ A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, hedirecteth his way. ³⁰ There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against theLORD. ³¹ The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety isof the LORD.

Chapter 22

¹ A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, andloving favour rather than silver and gold. ² The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of themall. ³ A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but thesimple pass on, and are punished. ⁴ By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour,and life. ⁵ Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that dothkeep his soul shall be far from them. ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,he will not depart from it. ⁷ The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. ⁸ He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of hisanger shall fail. ⁹ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he givethof his bread to the poor. ¹⁰ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strifeand reproach shall cease. ¹¹ He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lipsthe king shall be his friend. ¹² The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweththe words of the transgressor. ¹³ The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall beslain in the streets. ¹⁴ The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorredof the LORD shall fall therein. ¹⁵ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod ofcorrection shall drive it far from him. ¹⁶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and hethat giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. ¹⁷ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and applythine heart unto my knowledge. ¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; theyshall withal be fitted in thy lips. ¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to theethis day, even to thee. ²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels andknowledge, ²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words oftruth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to themthat send unto thee? ²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress theafflicted in the gate: ²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul ofthose that spoiled them. ²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious manthou shalt not go: ²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. ²⁶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that aresureties for debts. ²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bedfrom under thee? ²⁸ Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. ²⁹ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall standbefore kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Chapter 23

¹ When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligentlywhat is before thee: ² And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given toappetite. ³ Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. ⁴ Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. ⁵ Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for richescertainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagletoward heaven. ⁶ Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neitherdesire thou his dainty meats: ⁷ For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink,saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. ⁸ The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and losethy sweet words. ⁹ Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise thewisdom of thy words. ¹⁰ Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields ofthe fatherless: ¹¹ For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause withthee. ¹² Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to thewords of knowledge. ¹³ Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatesthim with the rod, he shall not die. ¹⁴ Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soulfrom hell. ¹⁵ My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, evenmine. ¹⁶ Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. ¹⁷ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear ofthe LORD all the day long. ¹⁸ For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not becut off. ¹⁹ Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in theway. ²⁰ Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: ²¹ For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: anddrowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. ²² Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thymother when she is old. ²³ Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction,and understanding. ²⁴ The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he thatbegetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. ²⁵ Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that barethee shall rejoice. ²⁶ My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe myways. ²⁷ For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrowpit. ²⁸ She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth thetransgressors among men. ²⁹ Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hathbabbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness ofeyes? ³⁰ They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixedwine. ³¹ Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth hiscolour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. ³² At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like anadder. ³³ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shallutter perverse things. ³⁴ Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of thesea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. ³⁵ They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick;they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? Iwill seek it yet again.

Chapter 24

¹ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to bewith them. ² For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk ofmischief. ³ Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it isestablished: ⁴ And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with allprecious and pleasant riches. ⁵ A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increasethstrength. ⁶ For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitudeof counsellors there is safety. ⁷ Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in thegate. ⁸ He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievousperson. ⁹ The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is anabomination to men. ¹⁰ If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. ¹¹ If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, andthose that are ready to be slain; ¹² If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he thatpondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul,doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every manaccording to his works? ¹³ My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb,which is sweet to thy taste: ¹⁴ So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thouhast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thyexpectation shall not be cut off. ¹⁵ Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of therighteous; spoil not his resting place: ¹⁶ For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: butthe wicked shall fall into mischief. ¹⁷ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heartbe glad when he stumbleth: ¹⁸ Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn awayhis wrath from him. ¹⁹ Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou enviousat the wicked: ²⁰ For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle ofthe wicked shall be put out. ²¹ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not withthem that are given to change: ²² For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth theruin of them both? ²³ These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to haverespect of persons in judgment. ²⁴ He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shallthe people curse, nations shall abhor him: ²⁵ But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a goodblessing shall come upon them. ²⁶ Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. ²⁷ Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in thefield; and afterwards build thine house. ²⁸ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; anddeceive not with thy lips. ²⁹ Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I willrender to the man according to his work. ³⁰ I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard ofthe man void of understanding; ³¹ And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles hadcovered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof wasbroken down. ³² Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, andreceived instruction. ³³ Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of thehands to sleep: ³⁴ So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy wantas an armed man.

Chapter 25

¹ These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiahking of Judah copied out. ² It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour ofkings is to search out a matter. ³ The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heartof kings is unsearchable. ⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall comeforth a vessel for the finer. ⁵ Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throneshall be established in righteousness. ⁶ Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and standnot in the place of great men: ⁷ For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither;than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of theprince whom thine eyes have seen. ⁸ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to doin the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. ⁹ Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover nota secret to another: ¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamyturn not away. ¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures ofsilver. ¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is awise reprover upon an obedient ear. ¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithfulmessenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul ofhis masters. ¹⁴ Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and windwithout rain. ¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tonguebreaketh the bone. ¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee,lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. ¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be wearyof thee, and so hate thee. ¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is amaul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. ¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like abroken tooth, and a foot out of joint. ²⁰ As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and asvinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavyheart. ²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he bethirsty, give him water to drink: ²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORDshall reward thee. ²³ The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenancea backbiting tongue. ²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than witha brawling woman and in a wide house. ²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a farcountry. ²⁶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as atroubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. ²⁷ It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search theirown glory is not glory. ²⁸ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city thatis broken down, and without walls.

Chapter 26

¹ As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is notseemly for a fool. ² As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so thecurse causeless shall not come. ³ A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for thefool's back. ⁴ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also belike unto him. ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in hisown conceit. ⁶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth offthe feet, and drinketh damage. ⁷ The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in themouth of fools. ⁸ As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that givethhonour to a fool. ⁹ As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is aparable in the mouths of fools. ¹⁰ The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool,and rewardeth transgressors. ¹¹ As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to hisfolly. ¹² Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hopeof a fool than of him. ¹³ The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion isin the streets. ¹⁴ As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful uponhis bed. ¹⁵ The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him tobring it again to his mouth. ¹⁶ The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men thatcan render a reason. ¹⁷ He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not tohim, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. ¹⁸ As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, ¹⁹ So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am notI in sport? ²⁰ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there isno talebearer, the strife ceaseth. ²¹ As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is acontentious man to kindle strife. ²² The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down intothe innermost parts of the belly. ²³ Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd coveredwith silver dross. ²⁴ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceitwithin him; ²⁵ When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are sevenabominations in his heart. ²⁶ Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall beshewed before the whole congregation. ²⁷ Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth astone, it will return upon him. ²⁸ A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and aflattering mouth worketh ruin.

Chapter 27

¹ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what aday may bring forth. ² Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; astranger, and not thine own lips. ³ A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath isheavier than them both. ⁴ Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able tostand before envy? ⁵ Open rebuke is better than secret love. ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of anenemy are deceitful. ⁷ The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soulevery bitter thing is sweet. ⁸ As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man thatwandereth from his place. ⁹ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetnessof a man's friend by hearty counsel. ¹⁰ Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not;neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thycalamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than abrother far off. ¹¹ My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer himthat reproacheth me. ¹² A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but thesimple pass on, and are punished. ¹³ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take apledge of him for a strange woman. ¹⁴ He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early inthe morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. ¹⁵ A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentiouswoman are alike. ¹⁶ Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of hisright hand, which bewrayeth itself. ¹⁷ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance ofhis friend. ¹⁸ Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so hethat waiteth on his master shall be honoured. ¹⁹ As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man toman. ²⁰ Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man arenever satisfied. ²¹ As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so isa man to his praise. ²² Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat witha pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. ²³ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and lookwell to thy herds. ²⁴ For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure toevery generation? ²⁵ The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, andherbs of the mountains are gathered. ²⁶ The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price ofthe field. ²⁷ And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for thefood of thy household, and for the maintenance for thymaidens.

Chapter 28

¹ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous arebold as a lion. ² For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof:but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereofshall be prolonged. ³ A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rainwhich leaveth no food. ⁴ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keepthe law contend with them. ⁵ Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORDunderstand all things. ⁶ Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than hethat is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. ⁷ Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is acompanion of riotous men shameth his father. ⁸ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, heshall gather it for him that will pity the poor. ⁹ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even hisprayer shall be abomination. ¹⁰ Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, heshall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shallhave good things in possession. ¹¹ The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor thathath understanding searcheth him out. ¹² When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but whenthe wicked rise, a man is hidden. ¹³ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whosoconfesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. ¹⁴ Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth hisheart shall fall into mischief. ¹⁵ As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked rulerover the poor people. ¹⁶ The prince that wanteth understanding is also a greatoppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong hisdays. ¹⁷ A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shallflee to the pit; let no man stay him. ¹⁸ Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that isperverse in his ways shall fall at once. ¹⁹ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but hethat followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. ²⁰ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makethhaste to be rich shall not be innocent. ²¹ To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece ofbread that man will transgress. ²² He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considerethnot that poverty shall come upon him. ²³ He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour thanhe that flattereth with the tongue. ²⁴ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is notransgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. ²⁵ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he thatputteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. ²⁶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walkethwisely, he shall be delivered. ²⁷ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he thathideth his eyes shall have many a curse. ²⁸ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when theyperish, the righteous increase.

Chapter 29

¹ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shallsuddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. ² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: butwhen the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. ³ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepethcompany with harlots spendeth his substance. ⁴ The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he thatreceiveth gifts overthroweth it. ⁵ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for hisfeet. ⁶ In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but therighteous doth sing and rejoice. ⁷ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but thewicked regardeth not to know it. ⁸ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn awaywrath. ⁹ If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rageor laugh, there is no rest. ¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. ¹¹ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it intill afterwards. ¹² If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. ¹³ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORDlighteneth both their eyes. ¹⁴ The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall beestablished for ever. ¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himselfbringeth his mother to shame. ¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: butthe righteous shall see their fall. ¹⁷ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shallgive delight unto thy soul. ¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he thatkeepeth the law, happy is he. ¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though heunderstand he will not answer. ²⁰ Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is morehope of a fool than of him. ²¹ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shallhave him become his son at the length. ²² An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundethin transgression. ²³ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold thehumble in spirit. ²⁴ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he hearethcursing, and bewrayeth it not. ²⁵ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trustin the LORD shall be safe. ²⁶ Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment comethfrom the LORD. ²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that isupright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Chapter 30

¹ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the manspake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, ² Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not theunderstanding of a man. ³ I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. ⁴ Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hathgathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in agarment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? whatis his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? ⁵ Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that puttheir trust in him. ⁶ Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou befound a liar. ⁷ Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before Idie: ⁸ Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither povertynor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: ⁹ Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? orlest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God invain. ¹⁰ Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, andthou be found guilty. ¹¹ There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth notbless their mother. ¹² There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yetis not washed from their filthiness. ¹³ There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and theireyelids are lifted up. ¹⁴ There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and theirjaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth,and the needy from among men. ¹⁵ The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. Thereare three things that are never satisfied, yea, four thingssay not, It is enough: ¹⁶ The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filledwith water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. ¹⁷ The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey hismother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and theyoung eagles shall eat it. ¹⁸ There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea,four which I know not: ¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon arock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the wayof a man with a maid. ²⁰ Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipethher mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. ²¹ For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four whichit cannot bear: ²² For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filledwith meat; ²³ For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid thatis heir to her mistress. ²⁴ There be four things which are little upon the earth, but theyare exceeding wise: ²⁵ The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meatin the summer; ²⁶ The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their housesin the rocks; ²⁷ The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them bybands; ²⁸ The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings'palaces. ²⁹ There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely ingoing: ³⁰ A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not awayfor any; ³¹ A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom thereis no rising up. ³² If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thouhast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. ³³ Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and thewringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing ofwrath bringeth forth strife.

Chapter 31

¹ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taughthim. ² What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the sonof my vows? ³ Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that whichdestroyeth kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drinkwine; nor for princes strong drink: ⁵ Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgmentof any of the afflicted. ⁶ Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wineunto those that be of heavy hearts. ⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his miseryno more. ⁸ Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as areappointed to destruction. ⁹ Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of thepoor and needy. ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far aboverubies. ¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that heshall have no need of spoil. ¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. ¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with herhands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food fromafar. ¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to herhousehold, and a portion to her maidens. ¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of herhands she planteth a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth herarms. ¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goethnot out by night. ¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold thedistaff. ²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reachethforth her hands to the needy. ²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all herhousehold are clothed with scarlet. ²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silkand purple. ²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among theelders of the land. ²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdlesunto the merchant. ²⁵ Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice intime to come. ²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is thelaw of kindness. ²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth notthe bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,and he praiseth her. ²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest themall. ³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman thatfeareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own workspraise her in the gates.