The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;4To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.8My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother:9For they shall be an ornament of grace to your head, and chains about your neck.10My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.11If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privately for the innocent without cause:12Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:13We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:14Cast in your lot among us; let us all have one purse:15My son, walk not you in the way with them; refrain your foot from their path:16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privately for their own lives.19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which takes away the life of the owners thereof.20Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:21She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying,22How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known my words to you.24Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;25But you have set at nothing all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;27When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes on you.28Then shall they call on me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.33But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
2
My son, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you;2So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;3Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding;4If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;5Then shall you understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.6For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.7He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.8He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints.9Then shall you understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yes, every good path.10When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul;11Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you:12To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks fraudulent things;13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;15Whose ways are crooked, and they fraudulent in their paths:16To deliver you from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flatters with her words;17Which forsakes the guide of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.18For her house inclines to death, and her paths to the dead.19None that go to her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.20That you may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
3
My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments:2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you.3Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them on the table of your heart:4So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.7Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.8It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones.9Honor the LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase:10So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:12For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.13Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her: and happy is every one that retains her.19The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens.20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.21My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:22So shall they be life to your soul, and grace to your neck.23Then shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.24When you lie down, you shall not be afraid: yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes.26For the LORD shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being taken.27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.28Say not to your neighbor, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when you have it by you.29Devise not evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells securely by you.30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done you no harm.31Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32For the fraudulent is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesses the habitation of the just.34Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace to the lowly.35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
4
Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.2For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law.3For I was my father' son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.4He taught me also, and said to me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you.7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding.8Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you do embrace her.9She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to you.10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many.11I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.12When you go, your steps shall not be straitened; and when you run, you shall not stumble.13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life.14Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.15Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.16For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day.19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.20My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.21Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the middle of your heart.22For they are life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh.23Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.24Put away from you a fraudulent mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.25Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.26Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil.
5
My son, attend to my wisdom, and bow your ear to my understanding:2That you may regard discretion, and that your lips may keep knowledge.3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.6Lest you should ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that you can not know them.7Hear me now therefore, O you children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.8Remove your way far from her, and come not near the door of her house:9Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel:10Lest strangers be filled with your wealth; and your labors be in the house of a stranger;11And you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed,12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to them that instructed me!14I was almost in all evil in the middle of the congregation and assembly.15Drink waters out of your own cistern, and running waters out of your own well.16Let your fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.17Let them be only your own, and not strangers'with you.18Let your fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of your youth.19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and be you ravished always with her love.20And why will you, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his goings.22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be held with the cords of his sins.23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
6
My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger,2You are snared with the words of your mouth, you are taken with the words of your mouth.3Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, when you are come into the hand of your friend; go, humble yourself, and make sure your friend.4Give not sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.5Deliver yourself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.6Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,8Provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.9How long will you sleep, O sluggard? when will you arise out of your sleep?10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:11So shall your poverty come as one that travels, and your want as an armed man.12A naughty person, a wicked man, walks with a fraudulent mouth.13He winks with his eyes, he speaks with his feet, he teaches with his fingers;14Frowardness is in his heart, he devises mischief continually; he sows discord.15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.16These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him:17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brothers.20My son, keep your father' commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother:21Bind them continually on your heart, and tie them about your neck.22When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you wake, it shall talk with you.23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:24To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.25Lust not after her beauty in your heart; neither let her take you with her eyelids.26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?28Can one go on hot coals, and his feet not be burned?29So he that goes in to his neighbor' wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.30Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;31But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.32But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul.33A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.34For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.35He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
7
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with you.2Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of your eye.3Bind them on your fingers, write them on the table of your heart.4Say to wisdom, You are my sister; and call understanding your kinswoman:5That they may keep you from the strange woman, from the stranger which flatters with her words.6For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,7And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,8Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,9In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:10And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart.11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lies in wait at every corner.)13So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said to him,14I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows.15Therefore came I forth to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you.16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.19For the manager is not at home, he is gone a long journey:20He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.21With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.22He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life.24Listen to me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth.25Let not your heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.26For she has cast down many wounded: yes, many strong men have been slain by her.27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
8
Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?2She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.3She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.4To you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.5O you simple, understand wisdom: and, you fools, be you of an understanding heart.6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing fraudulent or perverse in them.9They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the fraudulent mouth, do I hate.14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.18Riches and honor are with me; yes, durable riches and righteousness.19My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of judgment:21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass on the face of the depth:28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.32Now therefore listen to me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.34Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.35For whoever finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD.36But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
9
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars:2She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table.3She has sent forth her maidens: she cries on the highest places of the city,4Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.7He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot.8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you: rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.11For by me your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.12If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knows nothing.14For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,15To call passengers who go right on their ways:16Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: and as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.18But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
10
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death.3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casts away the substance of the wicked.4He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.5He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.6Blessings are on the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.8The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.9He that walks uprightly walks surely: but he that perverts his ways shall be known.10He that winks with the eye causes sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.12Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins.13In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.15The rich man' wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.16The labor of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.17He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof errs.18He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.19In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.22The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.23It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom.24The fear of the wicked, it shall come on him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.25As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.27The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.30The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.31The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom: but the fraudulent tongue shall be cut out.32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness.
11
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.2When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.3The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.7When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perishes.8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead.9An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.11By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.12He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace.13A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates indebtedness is sure.16A gracious woman retains honor: and strong men retain riches.17The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.18The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.19As righteousness tends to life: so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death.20They that are of a fraudulent heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.21Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.22As a jewel of gold in a swine' snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.23The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.24There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.26He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be on the head of him that sells it.27He that diligently seeks good procures favor: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come to him.28He that trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.29He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.31Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
12
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge: but he that hates reproof is brutish.2A good man obtains favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.9He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honors himself, and lacks bread.10A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.11He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding.12The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields fruit.13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man' hands shall be rendered to him.15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.16A fool' wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.17He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.18There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.23A prudent man conceals knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.25Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduces them.27The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.28In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
13
A wise son hears his father' instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke.2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.3He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction.4The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.5A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.6Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.7There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches.8The ransom of a man' life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke.9The light of the righteous rejoices: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.10Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.12Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.13Whoever despises the word shall be destroyed: but he that fears the commandment shall be rewarded.14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.15Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.16Every prudent man deals with knowledge: but a fool lays open his folly.17A wicked messenger falls into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction: but he that regards reproof shall be honored.19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.20He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.21Evil pursues sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children' children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.23Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.24He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.25The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
14
Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.2He that walks in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him.3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.6A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy to him that understands.7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge.8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.10The heart knows his own bitterness; and a stranger does not intermeddle with his joy.11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.12There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.15The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.16A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.17He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.18The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.19The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.20The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich has many friends.21He that despises his neighbor sins: but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he.22Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.23In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury.24The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.25A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness speaks lies.26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.28In the multitude of people is the king' honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.30A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.31He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that honors him has mercy on the poor.32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous has hope in his death.33Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding: but that which is in the middle of fools is made known.34Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.35The king' favor is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causes shame.
15
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.5A fool despises his father' instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent.6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish does not so.8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness.10Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die.11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?12A scorner loves not one that reproves him: neither will he go to the wise.13A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.14The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.18A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife.19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.20A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish man despises his mother.21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.23A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.27He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live.28The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous.30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.31The ear that hears the reproof of life stays among the wise.32He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
16
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits.3Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.4The LORD has made all things for himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.7When a man' ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.9A man' heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.11A just weight and balance are the LORD': all the weights of the bag are his work.12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right.14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.15In the light of the king' countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.18Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.20He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.22Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.23The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.25There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.26He that labors labors for himself; for his mouth craves it of him.27An ungodly man digs up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.28A fraudulent man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends.29A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good.30He shuts his eyes to devise fraudulent things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass.31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
17
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.2A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers.3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.4A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.6Children' children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.7Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: wherever it turns, it prospers.9He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.10A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.11An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.13Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.14The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.15He that justifies the wicked, and he that comdemns the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.16Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart to it?17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.18A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.19He loves transgression that loves strife: and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction.20He that has a fraudulent heart finds no good: and he that has a perverse tongue falls into mischief.21He that begets a fool does it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool has no joy.22A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.23A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.24Wisdom is before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.25A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.26Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.27He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.28Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
18
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.2A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.3When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.4The words of a man' mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.6A fool' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.7A fool' mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.11The rich man' wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.13He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?15The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16A man' gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.17He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.18The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.20A man' belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.23The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.24A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
19
Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hastens with his feet sins.3The foolishness of man perverts his way: and his heart frets against the LORD.4Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.6Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts.7All the brothers of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursues them with words, yet they are wanting to him.8He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good.9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.11The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.12The king' wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew on the grass.13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.16He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die.17He that has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.18Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if you deliver him, yet you must do it again.20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.21There are many devices in a man' heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.23The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.24A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that has understanding, and he will understand knowledge.26He that wastes his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach.27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.28An ungodly witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
20
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.2The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.3It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?7The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.8A king that sits in the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.9Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?10Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.11Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them.13Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.14It is naught, it is naught, said the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.15There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.17Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.18Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.19He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.20Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.21An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.22Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.23Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; and a false balance is not good.24Man' goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?25It is a snare to the man who devours that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.26A wise king scatters the wicked, and brings the wheel over them.27The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.28Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy.29The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.30The blueness of a wound cleans away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
21
The king' heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he will.2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts.3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but of every one that is hasty only to want.6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.8The way of man is fraudulent and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.10The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.12The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.14A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.16The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.17He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.21He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof.23Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.25The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.26He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not.27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?28A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly.29A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he directs his way.30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
22
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.3A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.5Thorns and snares are in the way of the fraudulent: he that does keep his soul shall be far from them.6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.7The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.8He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.9He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor.10Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yes, strife and reproach shall cease.11He that loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.12The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthrows the words of the transgressor.13The slothful man said, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.14The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.16He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.17Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they shall with be fitted in your lips.19That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to you this day, even to you.20Have not I written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge,21That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you might answer the words of truth to them that send to you?22Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.24Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you shall not go:25Lest you learn his ways, and get a snare to your soul.26Be not you one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.27If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?28Remove not the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set.29See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
23
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you:2And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.3Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.4Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.5Will you set your eyes on that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.6Eat you not the bread of him that has an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats:7For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, said he to you; but his heart is not with you.8The morsel which you have eaten shall you vomit up, and lose your sweet words.9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words.10Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:11For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with you.12Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.13Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.14You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.15My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.16Yes, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.17Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the LORD all the day long.18For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off.19Hear you, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.20Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.22Listen to your father that begat you, and despise not your mother when she is old.23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begets a wise child shall have joy of him.25Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bore you shall rejoice.26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.27For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.28She also lies in wait as for a prey, and increases the transgressors among men.29Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes?30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.31Look not you on the wine when it is red, when it gives his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright.32At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.33Your eyes shall behold strange women, and your heart shall utter perverse things.34Yes, you shall be as he that lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he that lies on the top of a mast.35They have stricken me, shall you 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
Be not you envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.2For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.3Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established:4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.5A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.6For by wise counsel you shall make your war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.7Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opens not his mouth in the gate.8He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.9The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.10If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.11If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn to death, and those that are ready to be slain;12If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that ponders the heart consider it? and he that keeps your soul, does not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?13My son, eat you honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste:14So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul: when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not be cut off.15Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:16For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.17Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles:18Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.19Fret not yourself because of evil men, neither be you envious at the wicked:20For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.21My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.24He that said to the wicked, You are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:25But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come on them.26Every man shall kiss his lips that gives a right answer.27Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.28Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause; and deceive not with your lips.29Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.30I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;31And, see, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.32Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked on it, and received instruction.33Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:34So shall your poverty come as one that travels; and your want as an armed man.
25
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.4Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.6Put not forth yourself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:7For better it is that it be said to you, Come up here; than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame.9Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another:10Lest he that hears it put you to shame, and your infamy turn not away.11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on an obedient ear.13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.14Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.16Have you found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled therewith, and vomit it.17Withdraw your foot from your neighbor' house; lest he be weary of you, and so hate you.18A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.20As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on nitre, so is he that singes songs to an heavy heart.21If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:22For you shall heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD shall reward you.23The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.28He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
26
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool.2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool' back.4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him.5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.6He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.8As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.9As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.10The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.11As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.12See you a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.13The slothful man said, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.14As the door turns on his hinges, so does the slothful on his bed.15The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.17He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.18As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,19So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and said, Am not I in sport?20Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.24He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;25When he speaks fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.27Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.28A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.
27
Boast not yourself of to morrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.2Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool' wrath is heavier than them both.4Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?5Open rebuke is better than secret love.6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.7The full soul loathes an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.8As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man that wanders from his place.9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man' friend by hearty counsel.10Your own friend, and your father' friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother' house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproaches me.12A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.14He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.15A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.16Whoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which denudes itself.17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.18Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored.19As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man.20Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.21As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.22Though you should bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.23Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.24For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?25The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.26The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.27And you shall have goats'milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.
28
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.3A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.6Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.8He that by usury and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.9He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.10Whoever causes 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.11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.13He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.14Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.16The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.17A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.18Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.19He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.22He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come on him.23He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and said, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.25He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.26He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.27He that gives to the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
29
He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.3Whoever loves wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots spends his substance.4The king by judgment establishes the land: but he that receives gifts overthrows it.5A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous does sing and rejoice.7The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regards not to know it.8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.9If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.11A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.12If a ruler listen to lies, all his servants are wicked.13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lightens both their eyes.14The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases: but the righteous shall see their fall.17Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.20See you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.21He that delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.22An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.23A man' pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.24Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own soul: he hears cursing, and denudes it not.25The fear of man brings a snare: but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.26Many seek the ruler' favor; but every man' judgment comes from the LORD.27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
30
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal,2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.3I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.4Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? who has gathered the wind in his fists? who has bound the waters in a garment? who has established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son' name, if you can tell?5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him.6Add you not to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.7Two things have I required of you; deny me them not before I die:8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:9Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.10Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.11There is a generation that curses their father, and does not bless their mother.12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.14There 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.15The horse leach has two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four things say not, It is enough:16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that said not, It is enough.17The eye that mocks at his father, and despises to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.18There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I know not:19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipes her mouth, and said, I have done no wickedness.21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:22For a servant when he reigns; and a fool when he is filled with meat;23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.24There be four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceeding wise:25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;28The spider takes hold with her hands, and is in kings'palaces.29There be three things which go well, yes, four are comely in going:30A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turns not away for any;31A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.32If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand on your mouth.33Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood: so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.
31
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?3Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.6Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.8Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.13She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.14She is like the merchants'ships; she brings her food from afar.15She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.16She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.17She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.18She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.20She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.22She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.24She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.27She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.29Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
