The Proverbs

{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.

{2:1} 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.

{3:1} 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.

{4:1} 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.

{5:1} 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.

{6:1} 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.

{7:1} 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.

{8:1} 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.

{9:1} 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.

{10:1} 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.

{11:1} 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.

{12:1} 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.

{13:1} 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.

{14:1} 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] only to penury. {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.

{15:1} 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.

{16:1} 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.

{17:1} 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 fining 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.

{18:1} 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.

{19:1} 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.

{20:1} 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.

{21:1} 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.

{22:1} 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.]

{23:1} 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.

{24:1} 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.

{25:1} 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.

{26:1} 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.

{27:1} Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest 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] bewrayeth [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.

{28:1} 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.

{29:1} 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.

{30:1} 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.

{31:1} 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.