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