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[1]
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
[2]
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of
understanding;
[3] To receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, and judgment, and equity;
[4] To give subtilty to
the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
[5]
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
[6] To
understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise,
and their dark sayings.
[7] The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
[8]
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law
of thy mother:
[9] For they shall be an ornament of grace
unto thy head, and chains 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 us lurk privily for the
innocent without cause:
[12] Let us swallow them up alive
as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
[13]
We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with
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 foot from 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 for their own
lives.
[19] So are the ways of every one that is greedy of
gain; which taketh 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 of the
gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
[22] How
long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners
delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
[23]
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I
will make known my words unto you.
[24] Because I have
called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man
regarded;
[25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel,
and would none of my reproof:
[26] I also will laugh at
your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
[27] When
your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a
whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
[28]
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek
me early, but they shall not find me:
[29] For that they
hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the 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 be filled
with their own devices.
[32] For the turning away of the
simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy
them.
[33] But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
[1]
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with
thee;
[2] So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and
apply thine heart to understanding;
[3] Yea, if thou criest
after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
[4]
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid
treasures;
[5] Then shalt thou understand the fear of the
LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
[6] For the LORD
giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
[7] He layeth up sound wisdom for the
righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
[8]
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his
saints.
[9] Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and
judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
[10] When
wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant 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 man that speaketh froward things;
[13]
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of
darkness;
[14] Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the
frowardness of the wicked;
[15] Whose ways are crooked, and
they froward in their paths:
[16] To deliver thee from the
strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her
words;
[17] Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and
forgetteth the covenant of her God.
[18] For her house
inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
[19]
None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the
paths of life.
[20] That thou mayest walk in the way of
good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
[21] For the
upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in
it.
[22] But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth,
and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
[1]
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my
commandments:
[2] For length of days, and long life, and
peace, shall they add to thee.
[3] Let not mercy and truth
forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of
thine heart:
[4] So shalt thou find favour and good
understanding in the sight of God and man.
[5] Trust in the
LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
[6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he
shall direct thy paths.
[7] Be not wise in thine own eyes:
fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
[8] It shall be health
to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
[9] Honour the LORD
with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine
increase:
[10] So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
[11] My son,
despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his
correction:
[12] For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
[13] Happy
is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding.
[14] For the merchandise of it is better
than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine
gold.
[15] She is more precious than rubies: and all the
things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
[16]
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and
honour.
[17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her
paths are peace.
[18] She is a tree of life to them that
lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
[19]
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he
established the heavens.
[20] By his knowledge the depths
are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
[21] My
son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
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 not stumble.
[24] When thou
liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and
thy sleep shall be sweet.
[25] Be not afraid of sudden
fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
[26]
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from
being taken.
[27] Withhold not good from them to whom it is
due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
[28]
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will
give; when thou hast it by thee.
[29] Devise not evil
against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
[30]
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no
harm.
[31] Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of
his ways.
[32] For the froward is abomination to the LORD:
but his secret is with the righteous.
[33] The curse of the
LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of
the just.
[34] Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he
giveth grace unto the lowly.
[35] The wise shall inherit
glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
[1]
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know
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 the sight of my mother.
[4] He taught me also,
and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my
commandments, and live.
[5] Get wisdom, get understanding:
forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
[6]
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall
keep thee.
[7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get
wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
[8]
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to
honour, when thou dost embrace her.
[9] She shall give to
thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver
to thee.
[10] Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and
the years of thy life shall be many.
[11] I have taught
thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
[12]
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou
runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
[13] Take fast hold of
instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
[14]
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of 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 their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to
fall.
[17] For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink
the wine of violence.
[18] But the path of the just is as
the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect
day.
[19] The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know
not at what they 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 of thine heart.
[22]
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their
flesh.
[23] Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of
it are the issues of life.
[24] Put away from thee a
froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
[25]
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight
before thee.
[26] Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all
thy ways be established.
[27] Turn not to the right hand
nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
[1]
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my
understanding:
[2] That thou mayest regard discretion, and
that thy lips may keep knowledge.
[3] For the lips of a
strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than
oil:
[4] But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a
twoedged 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 are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
[7]
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words
of my mouth.
[8] Remove thy way far from her, and come not
nigh the door of her house:
[9] Lest thou give thine honour
unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
[10] Lest
strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house
of a stranger;
[11] And thou mourn at the last, when thy
flesh and thy body are consumed,
[12] And say, How have I
hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
[13] And
have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to
them that instructed me!
[14] I was almost in all evil in
the midst of the congregation and assembly.
[15] Drink
waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own
well.
[16] Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and
rivers of waters in the 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 thy youth.
[19]
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts
satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with 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 he pondereth
all his goings.
[22] His own iniquities shall take the
wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his
sins.
[23] He shall die without instruction; and in the
greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
[1]
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy
hand with a stranger,
[2] Thou art snared with the words of
thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
[3]
Do this now, my son, deliver thyself, when thou art come into the
hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy 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 a bird
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 in the harvest.
[9] How long
wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy
sleep?
[10] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little
folding of the hands to sleep:
[11] So shall thy poverty
come as one that travelleth, and thy want as 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, he teacheth 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 he be broken without
remedy.
[16] These six things doth the LORD hate: yea,
seven are an abomination unto him:
[17] A proud look, a
lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
[18] An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in
running to mischief,
[19] A false witness that speaketh
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
[20] My
son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy
mother:
[21] Bind them continually upon thine heart, and
tie them about thy neck.
[22] When thou goest, it shall
lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou
awakest, it shall talk with thee.
[23] For the commandment
is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the
way of life:
[24] To keep thee from the evil woman, from
the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
[25] Lust
not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with
her eyelids.
[26] For by means of a whorish woman a man is
brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the
precious life.
[27] Can a man take fire in his bosom, and
his clothes not be burned?
[28] Can one go upon hot coals,
and his feet not be burned?
[29] So he that goeth in to his
neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
[30]
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he
is hungry;
[31] But if he be found, he shall restore
sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
[32]
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he
that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
[33] A wound and
dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped
away.
[34] For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he
will not spare in the day of vengeance.
[35] He will not
regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest
many gifts.
[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 of thine
eye.
[3] Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the
table of thine heart.
[4] Say unto wisdom, Thou art my
sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
[5] That they
may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger 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 the youths, a young man void of
understanding,
[8] Passing through the street near her
corner; and he went the way 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 an harlot, 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 at every corner.)
[13] So she
caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said 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 thy face, and I have found thee.
[16] I
have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works,
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 us solace 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 at the day
appointed.
[21] With her much fair speech she caused him to
yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
[22]
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or
as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
[23] Till a dart
strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, 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 her
paths.
[26] For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many
strong men have been slain by her.
[27] Her house is the
way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
[1]
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
[2]
She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of
the paths.
[3] She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the
city, at the coming 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 an understanding
heart.
[6] Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and
the opening of my lips shall be right things.
[7] For my
mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my
lips.
[8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness;
there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
[9] They are
all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find
knowledge.
[10] Receive my instruction, and not silver; and
knowledge rather than choice gold.
[11] For wisdom is
better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to
be compared to it.
[12] I wisdom dwell with prudence, and
find out knowledge of witty inventions.
[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 have strength.
[15] By
me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
[16] By me
princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
[17]
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find
me.
[18] Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches
and righteousness.
[19] My fruit is better than gold, yea,
than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
[20] I
lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of
judgment:
[21] That I may cause those that love me to
inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
[22]
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works
of old.
[23] I was set up from everlasting, from the
beginning, or ever the earth was.
[24] When there were no
depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding
with water.
[25] Before the mountains were settled, before
the hills was I brought forth:
[26] While as yet he had not
made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of
the world.
[27] When he prepared the heavens, I was there:
when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
[28] When
he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains
of the deep:
[29] When he gave to the sea his decree, that
the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the
foundations of the earth:
[30] Then I was by him, as one
brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always
before him;
[31] Rejoicing in the habitable part of his
earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
[32] Now
therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they 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 my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
[35]
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the
LORD.
[36] But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own
soul: all they that hate me love death.
[1]
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven
pillars:
[2] She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled
her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
[3] She hath
sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the
city,
[4] Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for
him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
[5] Come,
eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
[6]
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of
understanding.
[7] He that reproveth a scorner getteth to
himself shame: and he that 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 the knowledge of the holy is
understanding.
[11] For by me thy days shall be multiplied,
and the years of thy life shall be increased.
[12] If thou
be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou
alone shalt bear it.
[13] A foolish woman is clamourous:
she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
[14] For she sitteth at
the door of her house, on a seat in the high 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 that wanteth
understanding, she saith to him,
[17] Stolen waters are
sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
[18] But he
knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the
depths of hell.
[1]
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a
foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
[2] Treasures
of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth 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 hand of the diligent maketh rich.
[5] He that
gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is
a son that causeth shame.
[6] Blessings are upon the head
of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
[7]
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall
rot.
[8] The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a
prating fool shall fall.
[9] He that walketh uprightly
walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
[10]
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall
fall.
[11] The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life:
but violence covereth 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 of understanding.
[14]
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near
destruction.
[15] The rich man's wealth is his strong city:
the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
[16] The
labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to
sin.
[17] He is in the way of life that keepeth
instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
[18] He
that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander,
is a fool.
[19] In the multitude of words there wanteth not
sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
[20] The
tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is
little worth.
[21] The lips of the righteous feed many: but
fools die for want of wisdom.
[22] The blessing of the
LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
[23]
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding
hath wisdom.
[24] The fear of the wicked, it shall come
upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
[25]
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous
is an everlasting foundation.
[26] As vinegar to the teeth,
and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send
him.
[27] The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the
years of the wicked shall be shortened.
[28] The hope of
the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked
shall perish.
[29] The way of the LORD is strength to the
upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
[30]
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not
inhabit the earth.
[31] The mouth of the just bringeth
forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
[32]
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of
the wicked speaketh frowardness.
[1]
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his
delight.
[2] When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with
the lowly is wisdom.
[3] The integrity of the upright shall
guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy
them.
[4] Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but
righteousness delivereth from death.
[5] The righteousness
of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his
own wickedness.
[6] The righteousness of the upright shall
deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own
naughtiness.
[7] When a wicked man dieth, his expectation
shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
[8] The
righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his
stead.
[9] An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his
neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
[10]
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when
the wicked perish, there is shouting.
[11] By the blessing
of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth
of the wicked.
[12] He that is void of wisdom despiseth his
neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
[13]
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit
concealeth the matter.
[14] Where no counsel is, the people
fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.
[15]
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that
hateth suretiship is sure.
[16] A gracious woman retaineth
honour: and strong men retain riches.
[17] The merciful man
doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own
flesh.
[18] The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him
that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
[19] As
righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth 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 woman which is without discretion.
[23] The
desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the
wicked is wrath.
[24] There is that scattereth, and yet
increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it
tendeth to poverty.
[25] The liberal soul shall be made
fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
[26]
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing
shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
[27] He that
diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh
mischief, it shall come unto him.
[28] He that trusteth in
his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a
branch.
[29] He that troubleth his own house shall inherit
the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
[30]
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth
souls is wise.
[31] Behold, the righteous shall be
recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
[1]
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof
is brutish.
[2] A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD:
but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
[3] A man
shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous
shall not be moved.
[4] A virtuous woman is a crown to her
husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones.
[5] The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the
counsels of the wicked are deceit.
[6] The words of the
wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright
shall deliver them.
[7] The wicked are overthrown, and are
not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
[8] A man
shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a
perverse heart shall be despised.
[9] He that is despised,
and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and
lacketh bread.
[10] A righteous man regardeth the life of
his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
[11]
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that
followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
[12] The
wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous
yieldeth fruit.
[13] The wicked is snared by the
transgression of his lips: but the just 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 unto him.
[15] The way of a fool is right in his
own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
[16]
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth
shame.
[17] He that speaketh truth sheweth forth
righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
[18] There is
that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the
wise is health.
[19] The lip of truth shall be established
for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
[20]
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the
counsellers of peace is joy.
[21] There shall no evil
happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with
mischief.
[22] Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but
they that deal truly are his delight.
[23] A prudent man
concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth
foolishness.
[24] The hand of the diligent shall bear rule:
but the slothful shall be under tribute.
[25] Heaviness in
the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it
glad.
[26] The righteous is more excellent than his
neighbour: but the way 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 pathway thereof there is no death.
[1]
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth
not rebuke.
[2] A man shall eat good by the fruit of his
mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
[3]
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide
his lips shall have destruction.
[4] The soul of the
sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul 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: but wickedness
overthroweth the sinner.
[7] There is that maketh himself
rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath
great riches.
[8] The ransom of a man's life are his
riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
[9] The light of
the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put
out.
[10] Only by pride cometh contention: but with the
well advised is wisdom.
[11] Wealth gotten by vanity shall
be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
[12]
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it
is a tree of life.
[13] Whoso despiseth the word shall be
destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be
rewarded.
[14] The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
to depart from the snares of death.
[15] Good understanding
giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
[16]
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his
folly.
[17] A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a
faithful ambassador 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 is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
[20]
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools
shall be destroyed.
[21] Evil pursueth sinners: but to the
righteous good shall be repayed.
[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 is destroyed for want of
judgment.
[24] He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but
he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
[25] The
righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the
wicked shall want.
[1]
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down
with her hands.
[2] He that walketh in his uprightness
feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth
him.
[3] In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but
the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
[4] Where no oxen
are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the
ox.
[5] A faithful witness will not lie: but a false
witness will utter lies.
[6] A scorner seeketh wisdom, and
findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that
understandeth.
[7] Go from the presence of a foolish man,
when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
[8]
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of
fools is deceit.
[9] Fools make a mock at sin: but among
the righteous there is favour.
[10] The heart knoweth his
own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his
joy.
[11] The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but
the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
[12] There is
a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the
ways of death.
[13] Even in laughter the heart is
sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
[14] The
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man
shall be satisfied from himself.
[15] The simple believeth
every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
[16]
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and
is confident.
[17] He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:
and a man of wicked devices is hated.
[18] The simple
inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
[19]
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the
righteous.
[20] The poor is hated even of his own
neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
[21] He that
despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor,
happy is he.
[22] Do they not err that devise evil? but
mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
[23] In
all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to
penury.
[24] The crown of the wise is their riches: but the
foolishness of fools is folly.
[25] A true witness
delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
[26]
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall
have a place of refuge.
[27] The fear of the LORD is a
fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
[28]
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of
people is the destruction of the prince.
[29] He that is
slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of
spirit exalteth folly.
[30] A sound heart is the life of
the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
[31] He
that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth
him hath mercy on the poor.
[32] The wicked is driven away
in his wickedness: but the righteous hath 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 any
people.
[35] The king's favour is toward a wise servant:
but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
[1]
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up
anger.
[2] The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:
but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
[3] The
eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the
good.
[4] A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but
perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
[5] A fool
despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is
prudent.
[6] In the house of the righteous is much
treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
[7]
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish
doeth not so.
[8] The sacrifice of the wicked is an
abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his
delight.
[9] The way of the wicked is an abomination unto
the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
[10]
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that
hateth reproof shall die.
[11] Hell and destruction are
before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of
men?
[12] A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him:
neither will he go unto the wise.
[13] A merry heart maketh
a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the 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 a merry heart hath a continual feast.
[16]
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and
trouble therewith.
[17] Better is a dinner of herbs where
love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
[18] A
wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger
appeaseth strife.
[19] The way of the slothful man is as an
hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
[20]
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his
mother.
[21] Folly is joy to him that is destitute of
wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
[22]
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of
counsellers they are established.
[23] A man hath joy by
the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is
it!
[24] The way of life is above to the wise, that he may
depart from hell beneath.
[25] The LORD will destroy the
house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the
widow.
[26] The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination
to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
[27]
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth
gifts shall live.
[28] The heart of the righteous studieth
to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
[29]
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous.
[30] The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart:
and a good report maketh the bones fat.
[31] The ear that
heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
[32] He
that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth
reproof getteth understanding.
[33] The fear of the LORD is
the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
[1]
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue,
is from the LORD.
[2] All the ways of a man are clean in
his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
[3] Commit
thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
[4]
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for
the day of evil.
[5] Every one that is proud in heart is an
abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be
unpunished.
[6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and
by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
[7] When a
man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace
with him.
[8] Better is a little with righteousness than
great revenues without right.
[9] A man's heart deviseth
his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
[10] A divine
sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in
judgment.
[11] A just weight and balance are the LORD's:
all the weights of the bag are his work.
[12] It is an
abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is
established by righteousness.
[13] Righteous lips are the
delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
[14]
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will
pacify it.
[15] In the light of the king's countenance is
life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
[16]
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get
understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
[17] The
highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his
way preserveth his soul.
[18] Pride goeth before
destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
[19]
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide
the spoil with the proud.
[20] He that handleth a matter
wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is
he.
[21] The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the
sweetness of 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 learning to his lips.
[24]
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to
the bones.
[25] There is a way that seemeth right unto a
man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
[26] He
that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of
him.
[27] An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips
there is as a burning fire.
[28] A froward man soweth
strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
[29] A
violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that
is not good.
[30] He shutteth his eyes to devise froward
things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
[31] The
hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of
righteousness.
[32] He that is slow to anger is better than
the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a
city.
[33] The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole
disposing thereof is of the LORD.
[1]
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full
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: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
[4]
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a
naughty tongue.
[5] Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his
Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
[6]
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of
children are their fathers.
[7] Excellent speech becometh
not a fool: much less do lying lips a 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 that repeateth a matter separateth
very friends.
[10] A reproof entereth more into a wise man
than an hundred stripes into a fool.
[11] An evil man
seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent
against him.
[12] Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a
man, rather than a fool in his folly.
[13] Whoso rewardeth
evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
[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 the just, even
they both are abomination to the LORD.
[16] Wherefore is
there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no
heart to it?
[17] A friend loveth at all times, and a
brother is born for adversity.
[18] A man void of
understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of
his friend.
[19] He loveth transgression that loveth
strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
[20]
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a
perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
[21] He that
begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool
hath no joy.
[22] A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
[23] A wicked man
taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
[24]
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool
are in the ends of the earth.
[25] A foolish son is a grief
to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
[26]
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for
equity.
[27] He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and
a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
[28] Even
a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that
shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
[1]
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and
intermeddleth with all wisdom.
[2] A fool hath no delight
in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
[3]
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy
reproach.
[4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep
waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
[5]
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the
righteous in judgment.
[6] A fool's lips enter into
contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
[7] A fool's
mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
[8]
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly.
[9] He also that is slothful
in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
[10]
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into
it, and is safe.
[11] The rich man's wealth is his strong
city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
[12] Before
destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is
humility.
[13] He that answereth a matter before he heareth
it, it is folly and shame unto him.
[14] The spirit of a
man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can
bear?
[15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and
the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
[16] A man's gift
maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
[17]
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour
cometh and searcheth him.
[18] The lot causeth contentions
to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
[19] A brother
offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their
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 that love it shall eat
the fruit thereof.
[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
[23] The poor
useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
[24] A
man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
[1]
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is
perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
[2] Also, that the
soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with
his feet sinneth.
[3] The foolishness of man perverteth his
way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
[4] Wealth
maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his
neighbour.
[5] A false witness shall not be unpunished, and
he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
[6] Many will
intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him
that giveth gifts.
[7] All the brethren of the poor do hate
him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them
with words, yet they are wanting to him.
[8] He that
getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding
shall find good.
[9] A false witness shall not be
unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
[10]
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have
rule over princes.
[11] The discretion of a man deferreth
his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
[12]
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as
dew upon the grass.
[13] A foolish son is the calamity of
his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual
dropping.
[14] House and riches are the inheritance of
fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
[15]
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer
hunger.
[16] He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his
own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
[17] He
that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he
hath given will he pay him again.
[18] Chasten thy son
while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
[19]
A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver
him, yet thou must do it again.
[20] Hear counsel, and
receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
[21]
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of
the LORD, that shall stand.
[22] The desire of a man is his
kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
[23] The
fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide
satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
[24] A
slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as
bring it to his mouth again.
[25] Smite a scorner, and the
simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he
will understand knowledge.
[26] He that wasteth his father,
and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and
bringeth reproach.
[27] Cease, my son, to hear the
instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
[28]
An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked
devoureth iniquity.
[29] Judgments are prepared for
scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
[1]
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise.
[2] The fear of a king is as the
roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his
own soul.
[3] It is an honour for a man to cease from
strife: but every fool will be meddling.
[4] The sluggard
will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in
harvest, and have nothing.
[5] Counsel in the heart of man
is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
[6]
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man
who can find?
[7] The just man walketh in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him.
[8] A king that sitteth
in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
[9]
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
[10]
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike
abomination 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 even both 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 is gone his
way, then he boasteth.
[15] There is gold, and a multitude
of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
[16]
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of
him for a strange woman.
[17] Bread of deceit is sweet to a
man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
[18]
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make
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 put out in obscure darkness.
[21] An inheritance
may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end 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 false balance is not
good.
[24] Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then
understand his own way?
[25] It is a snare to the man who
devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.
[26]
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over
them.
[27] The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD,
searching all the inward parts of the belly.
[28] Mercy and
truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
[29]
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men
is the gray head.
[30] The blueness of a wound cleanseth
away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
[1]
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water:
he turneth it whithersoever he will.
[2] Every way of a man
is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
[3]
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than
sacrifice.
[4] An high look, and a proud heart, and the
plowing of the wicked, is sin.
[5] The thoughts of the
diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty
only to want.
[6] The getting of treasures by a lying
tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
[7]
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse 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 a brawling woman in a
wide house.
[10] The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his
neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
[11] When the
scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when 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 shall cry himself, but shall not be
heard.
[14] A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward
in the bosom strong wrath.
[15] It is joy to the just to do
judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
[16]
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain
in the congregation of the dead.
[17] He that loveth
pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not
be rich.
[18] The wicked shall be a ransom for the
righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
[19] It is
better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an
angry woman.
[20] There is treasure to be desired and oil
in the dwelling of the wise; 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 down the strength of the confidence
thereof.
[23] Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue
keepeth his soul from troubles.
[24] Proud and haughty
scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
[25] The
desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to
labour.
[26] He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the
righteous giveth 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 heareth speaketh constantly.
[29] A wicked man
hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his
way.
[30] There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel
against the LORD.
[31] The horse is prepared against the
day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
[1]
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving
favour rather than silver and gold.
[2] The rich and poor
meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
[3] A
prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple
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 doth keep 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 his anger shall fail.
[9] He that hath a
bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the
poor.
[10] Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go
out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
[11] He that
loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be
his friend.
[12] The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
[13] The
slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the
streets.
[14] The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he
that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
[15]
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of
correction shall drive it far from him.
[16] He that
oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the
rich, shall surely come to want.
[17] Bow down thine ear,
and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my
knowledge.
[18] For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep
them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
[19]
That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this
day, even to thee.
[20] Have not I written to thee
excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
[21] That I
might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou
mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
[22]
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted
in the gate:
[23] For the LORD will plead their cause, and
spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
[24] Make no
friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou 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 are sureties for debts.
[27] If thou hast nothing
to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
[28]
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
[29]
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before
kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
[1]
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is
before thee:
[2] And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be
a man given to appetite.
[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 riches certainly make themselves
wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
[6] Eat
thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire 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 lose thy sweet words.
[9] Speak not in the ears of
a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
[10]
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the
fatherless:
[11] For their redeemer is mighty; he shall
plead their cause with thee.
[12] Apply thine heart unto
instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
[13]
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with
the rod, he shall not die.
[14] Thou shalt beat him with
the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
[15] My son,
if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
[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 of the LORD
all the day long.
[18] For surely there is an end; and
thine expectation shall not be cut off.
[19] Hear thou, my
son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
[20] Be
not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
[21]
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and
drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
[22] Hearken unto
thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother 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 that begetteth a wise child
shall have joy of him.
[25] Thy father and thy mother shall
be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
[26] My son,
give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
[27]
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow
pit.
[28] She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and
increaseth the transgressors among men.
[29] Who hath woe?
who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath
wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
[30] They
that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
[31]
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour
in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
[32] At the last
it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
[33]
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter
perverse things.
[34] Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth
down in the midst of the sea, 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?
I will seek it yet again.
[1]
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with
them.
[2] For their heart studieth destruction, and their
lips talk of mischief.
[3] Through wisdom is an house
builded; and by understanding it is established:
[4] And by
knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant
riches.
[5] A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge
increaseth strength.
[6] For by wise counsel thou shalt
make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.
[7]
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the
gate.
[8] He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a
mischievous person.
[9] The thought of foolishness is sin:
and the scorner is an abomination 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, and those
that are ready to be slain;
[12] If thou sayest, Behold, we
knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he
that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render
to every man according 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 thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy
expectation shall not be cut off.
[15] Lay not wait, O
wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his
resting place:
[16] For a just man falleth seven times, and
riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
[17]
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad
when he stumbleth:
[18] Lest the LORD see it, and it
displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
[19]
Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the
wicked;
[20] For there shall be no reward to the evil man;
the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
[21] My son,
fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are
given to change:
[22] For their calamity shall rise
suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
[23] These
things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of
persons in judgment.
[24] He that saith unto the wicked,
Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor
him:
[25] But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and
a good blessing 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 the field; and
afterwards build thine house.
[28] Be not a witness against
thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
[29]
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to
the man according to his work.
[30] I went by the field of
the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of
understanding;
[31] And, lo, it was all grown over with
thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall
thereof was broken down.
[32] Then I saw, and considered it
well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
[33] Yet
a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to
sleep:
[34] So shall thy poverty come as one that
travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
[1]
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of
Judah copied out.
[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a
thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
[3]
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of
kings is unsearchable.
[4] Take away the dross from the
silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
[5]
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness.
[6] Put not forth thyself in
the presence of the king, and stand not 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
the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
[8] Go not forth
hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof,
when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
[9] Debate thy
cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to
another:
[10] Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame,
and thine infamy turn not away.
[11] A word fitly spoken is
like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
[12] As an
earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover
upon an obedient ear.
[13] As the cold of snow in the time
of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he
refresheth the soul of his masters.
[14] Whoso boasteth
himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
[15]
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh
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 weary of thee, and so hate thee.
[18] A man that
beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword,
and a sharp arrow.
[19] Confidence in an unfaithful man in
time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
[20]
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon
nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
[21]
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be
thirsty, give him water to drink:
[22] For thou shalt heap
coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
[23]
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a
backbiting tongue.
[24] It is better to dwell in the corner
of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
[25]
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far
country.
[26] A righteous man falling down before the
wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
[27]
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own
glory is not glory.
[28] He that hath no rule over his own
spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
[1]
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly
for a fool.
[2] As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by
flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
[3] A whip
for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's
back.
[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest
thou also be like unto him.
[5] Answer a fool according to
his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
[6] He that
sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and
drinketh damage.
[7] The legs of the lame are not equal: so
is a parable in the mouth of fools.
[8] As he that bindeth
a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
[9]
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in
the mouth 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 his
folly.
[12] Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there
is more hope of a fool than of him.
[13] The slothful man
saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
[14]
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his
bed.
[15] The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it
grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
[16] The
sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a
reason.
[17] He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife
belonging not to him, 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 not I in
sport?
[20] Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so
where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
[21] As
coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man
to kindle strife.
[22] The words of a talebearer are as
wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
[23]
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with
silver dross.
[24] He that hateth dissembleth with his
lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
[25] When he
speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in
his heart.
[26] Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his
wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
[27]
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone,
it will return upon him.
[28] A lying tongue hateth those
that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
[1]
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may
bring forth.
[2] Let another man praise thee, and not thine
own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
[3] A stone
is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than
them both.
[4] Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but
who is able to stand before envy?
[5] Open rebuke is better
than secret love.
[6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
[7] The full soul
loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is
sweet.
[8] As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a
man that wandereth from his place.
[9] Ointment and perfume
rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of 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 thy
calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far
off.
[11] My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I
may answer him that reproacheth me.
[12] A prudent man
foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and
are punished.
[13] Take his garment that is surety for a
stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
[14]
He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the
morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
[15] A
continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are
alike.
[16] Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the
ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
[17]
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friend.
[18] Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit
thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
[19]
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
[20]
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never
satisfied.
[21] As the fining pot for silver, and the
furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
[22] Though
thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet
will not his foolishness depart from him.
[23] Be thou
diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy
herds.
[24] For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown
endure to every generation?
[25] The hay appeareth, and the
tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are
gathered.
[26] The lambs are for thy clothing, and the
goats are the price of the field.
[27] And thou shalt have
goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and
for the maintenance for thy maidens.
[1]
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold 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 thereof shall be prolonged.
[3] A poor man that
oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no
food.
[4] They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but
such as keep the law contend with them.
[5] Evil men
understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all
things.
[6] Better is the poor that walketh in his
uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be
rich.
[7] Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that
is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
[8] He
that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall
gather it for him that will pity the poor.
[9] He that
turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be
abomination.
[10] Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray
in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the
upright shall have good things in possession.
[11] The rich
man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding
searcheth him out.
[12] When righteous men do rejoice,
there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
[13]
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy.
[14] Happy is the man that
feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into
mischief.
[15] As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is
a wicked ruler over the poor people.
[16] The prince that
wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth
covetousness shall prolong his days.
[17] A man that doeth
violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man
stay him.
[18] Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but
he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
[19] He
that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that
followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
[20]
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste
to be rich shall not be innocent.
[21] To have respect of
persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will
transgress.
[22] He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil
eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
[23]
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that
flattereth with the tongue.
[24] Whoso robbeth his father
or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the
companion of a destroyer.
[25] He that is of a proud heart
stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall
be made fat.
[26] He that trusteth in his own heart is a
fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
[27]
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his
eyes shall have many a curse.
[28] When the wicked rise,
men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
[1]
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be
destroyed, and that without remedy.
[2] When the righteous
are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth
rule, the people mourn.
[3] Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth
his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his
substance.
[4] The king by judgment establisheth the land:
but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
[5] A man that
flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
[6]
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the
righteous doth sing and rejoice.
[7] The righteous
considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to
know it.
[8] Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but
wise men turn away wrath.
[9] If a wise man contendeth with
a foolish man, whether he rage or 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 in till
afterwards.
[12] If a ruler hearken to lies, all his
servants are wicked.
[13] The poor and the deceitful man
meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
[14]
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be
established for ever.
[15] The rod and reproof give wisdom:
but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
[16]
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the
righteous shall see their fall.
[17] Correct thy son, and
he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy
soul.
[18] Where there is no vision, the people perish: but
he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
[19] A servant will
not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not
answer.
[20] Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?
there is more hope of a fool than of him.
[21] He that
delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become
his son at the length.
[22] An angry man stirreth up
strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
[23]
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble
in spirit.
[24] Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his
own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
[25]
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the
LORD shall be safe.
[26] Many seek the ruler's favour; but
every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
[27] An unjust
man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way
is abomination to the wicked.
[1]
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake
unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
[2] Surely I am
more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding 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 hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound
the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the
earth? what is 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 put their trust in him.
[6] Add thou not unto his
words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
[7]
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I
die:
[8] Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me
neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
[9]
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be
poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
[10]
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be
found guilty.
[11] There is a generation that curseth their
father, and doth not bless their mother.
[12] There is a
generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed
from their filthiness.
[13] There is a generation, O how
lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
[14]
There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw 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. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea,
four things say not, It is enough:
[16] The grave; and the
barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire
that saith not, It is enough.
[17] The eye that mocketh at
his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the
valley shall pick it out, and the young 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 a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and
the way of a man with a maid.
[20] Such is the way of an
adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have
done no wickedness.
[21] For three things the earth is
disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
[22] For a
servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with
meat;
[23] For an odious woman when she is married; and an
handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
[24] There be four
things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding
wise:
[25] The ants are a people not strong, yet they
prepare their meat in the summer;
[26] The conies are but a
feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
[27]
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by
bands;
[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 in going:
[30] A lion which is
strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
[31]
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no
rising up.
[32] If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up
thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy
mouth.
[33] Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth
butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the
forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
[1]
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught
him.
[2] What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and
what, the son of my vows?
[3] Give not thy strength unto
women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
[4] It
is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor
for princes strong drink:
[5] Lest they drink, and forget
the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
[6]
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto
those that be of heavy hearts.
[7] Let him drink, and
forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
[8]
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed
to destruction.
[9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and
plead the cause of the poor and needy.
[10] Who can find a
virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
[11] The
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall 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 her hands.
[14] She is like the
merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
[15] She
riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens.
[16] She considereth a field,
and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a
vineyard.
[17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and
strengtheneth her arms.
[18] She perceiveth that her
merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
[19]
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the
distaff.
[20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea,
she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
[21] She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are
clothed with scarlet.
[22] She maketh herself coverings of
tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
[23] Her husband
is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the
land.
[24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and
delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
[25] Strength and
honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
[26]
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness.
[27] She looketh well to the ways of her
household, and eateth not the 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 them all.
[30] Favour is deceitful, and
beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be
praised.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let
her own works praise her in the gates.