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