Book 20 Proverbs
001:001 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
001:002To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
001:003To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
001:004To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
001:005A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
001:006To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
001:007The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
001:008My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
001:009For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
001:010My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
001:011If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
001:012Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
001:013We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
001:014Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
001:015My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
001:016For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
001:017Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
001:018And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
001:019So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
001:020Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
001:021She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
001:022How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
001:023Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
001:024Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
001:025But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
001:026I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
001:027When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
001:028Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
001:029For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
001:030They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
001:031Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
001:032For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
001:033But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
002:001 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
002:002So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
002:003Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
002:004If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
002:005Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
002:006For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
002:007He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
002:008He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
002:009Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
002:010When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
002:011Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
002:012To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
002:013Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
002:014Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
002:015Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
002:016To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
002:017Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
002:018For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
002:019None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
002:020That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
002:021For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
002:022But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
003:001 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
003:002For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
003:003Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
003:004So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
003:005Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
003:006In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
003:007Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
003:008It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
003:009Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
003:010So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
003:011My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
003:012For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
003:013Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
003:014For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
003:015She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
003:016Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
003:017Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
003:018She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
003:019The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
003:020By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
003:021My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
003:022So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
003:023Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
003:024When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
003:025Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
003:026For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
003:027Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
003:028Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
003:029Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
003:030Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
003:031Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
003:032For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
003:033The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
003:034Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
003:035The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
004:001 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
004:002For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
004:003For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
004:004He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
004:005Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
004:006Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
004:007Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
004:008Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
004:009She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
004:010Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
004:011I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
004:012When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
004:013Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
004:014Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
004:015Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
004:016For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
004:017For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
004:018But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
004:019The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
004:020My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
004:021Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
004:022For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
004:023Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
004:024Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
004:025Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
004:026Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
004:027Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
005:001 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
005:002That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
005:003For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
005:004But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
005:005Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
005:006Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
005:007Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
005:008Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
005:009Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
005:010Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
005:011And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
005:012And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
005:013And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
005:014I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
005:015Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
005:016Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
005:017Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
005:018Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
005:019Let 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.
005:020And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
005:021For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
005:022His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
005:023He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
006:001 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
006:002Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
006:003Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
006:004Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
006:005Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
006:006Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
006:007Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
006:008Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
006:009How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
006:010Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
006:011So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
006:012A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
006:013He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
006:014Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
006:015Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
006:016These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
006:017A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
006:018An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
006:019A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
006:020My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
006:021Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
006:022When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
006:023For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
006:024To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
006:025Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
006:026For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
006:027Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
006:028Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
006:029So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
006:030Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
006:031But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
006:032But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
006:033A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
006:034For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
006:035He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
007:001 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
007:002Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
007:003Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
007:004Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
007:005That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
007:006For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
007:007And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
007:008Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
007:009In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
007:010And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
007:011(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
007:012Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
007:013So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,
007:014I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
007:015Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
007:016I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
007:017I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
007:018Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
007:019For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
007:020He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.
007:021With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
007:022He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
007:023Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
007:024Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
007:025Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
007:026For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
007:027Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
008:001 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
008:002She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
008:003She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
008:004Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
008:005O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
008:006Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
008:007For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
008:008All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
008:009They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
008:010Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
008:011For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
008:012I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
008:013The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
008:014Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
008:015By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
008:016By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
008:017I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
008:018Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
008:019My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
008:020I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
008:021That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
008:022The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
008:023I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
008:024When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
008:025Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
008:026While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
008:027When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
008:028When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
008:029When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
008:030Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
008:031Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
008:032Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
008:033Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
008:034Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
008:035For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
008:036But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
009:001 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
009:002She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
009:003She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
009:004Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
009:005Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
009:006Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
009:007He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
009:008Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
009:009Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
009:010The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
009:011For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
009:012If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
009:013A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
009:014For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
009:015To call passengers who go right on their ways:
009:016Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
009:017Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
009:018But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
010:001 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
010:002Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
010:003The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
010:004He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
010:005He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
010:006Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
010:007The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
010:008The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
010:009He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
010:010He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
010:011The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
010:012Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
010:013In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
010:014Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
010:015The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
010:016The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
010:017He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
010:018He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
010:019In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
010:020The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
010:021The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
010:022The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
010:023It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
010:024The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
010:025As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
010:026As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
010:027The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
010:028The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
010:029The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
010:030The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
010:031The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
010:032The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
011:001 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
011:002When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
011:003The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
011:004Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
011:005The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
011:006The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
011:007When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
011:008The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
011:009An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
011:010When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
011:011By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
011:012He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
011:013A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
011:014Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
011:015He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
011:016A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
011:017The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
011:018The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
011:019As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
011:020They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
011:021Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
011:022As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
011:023The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
011:024There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
011:025The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
011:026He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
011:027He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
011:028He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
011:029He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
011:030The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
011:031Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
012:001 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
012:002A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
012:003A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
012:004A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
012:005The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
012:006The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
012:007The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
012:008A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
012:009He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
012:010A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
012:011He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
012:012The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
012:013The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
012:014A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
012:015The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
012:016A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
012:017He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
012:018There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
012:019The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
012:020Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
012:021There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
012:022Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
012:023A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
012:024The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
012:025Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
012:026The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
012:027The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
012:028In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
013:001 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
013:002A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
013:003He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
013:004The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
013:005A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
013:006Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
013:007There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
013:008The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
013:009The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
013:010Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
013:011Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
013:012Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
013:013Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
013:014The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
013:015Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
013:016Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
013:017A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
013:018Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
013:019The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
013:020He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
013:021Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
013:022A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
013:023Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
013:024He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
013:025The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
014:001 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
014:002He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
014:003In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
014:004Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
014:005A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
014:006A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
014:007Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
014:008The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
014:009Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
014:010The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
014:011The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
014:012There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
014:013Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
014:014The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
014:015The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
014:016A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
014:017He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
014:018The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
014:019The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
014:020The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
014:021He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
014:022Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
014:023In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
014:024The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
014:025A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
014:026In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
014:027The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
014:028In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
014:029He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
014:030A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
014:031He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
014:032The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
014:033Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
014:034Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
014:035The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
015:001 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
015:002The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
015:003The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
015:004A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
015:005A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
015:006In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
015:007The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
015:008The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
015:009The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
015:010Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
015:011Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
015:012A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
015:013A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
015:014The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
015:015All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
015:016Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
015:017Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
015:018A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
015:019The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
015:020A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
015:021Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
015:022Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
015:023A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
015:024The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
015:025The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
015:026The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
015:027He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
015:028The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
015:029The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
015:030The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
015:031The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
015:032He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
015:033The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
016:001 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
016:002All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
016:003Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
016:004The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
016:005Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
016:006By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
016:007When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
016:008Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
016:009A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
016:010A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
016:011A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
016:012It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
016:013Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
016:014The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
016:015In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
016:016How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
016:017The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
016:018Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
016:019Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
016:020He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
016:021The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
016:022Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
016:023The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
016:024Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
016:025There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
016:026He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
016:027An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
016:028A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
016:029A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
016:030He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
016:031The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
016:032He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
016:033The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
017:001 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
017:002A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
017:003The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
017:004A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
017:005Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
017:006Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
017:007Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
017:008A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
017:009He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
017:010A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
017:011An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
017:012Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
017:013Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
017:014The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
017:015He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
017:016Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
017:017A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
017:018A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
017:019He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
017:020He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
017:021He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
017:022A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
017:023A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
017:024Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
017:025A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
017:026Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
017:027He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
017:028Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
018:001 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
018:002A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
018:003When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
018:004The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
018:005It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
018:006A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
018:007A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
018:008The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
018:009He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
018:010The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
018:011The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
018:012Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
018:013He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
018:014The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
018:015The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
018:016A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
018:017He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
018:018The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
018:019A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
018:020A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
018:021Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
018:022Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
018:023The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
018:024A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
019:001 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
019:002Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
019:003The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
019:004Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
019:005A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
019:006Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
019:007All 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.
019:008He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
019:009A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
019:010Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
019:011The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
019:012The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
019:013A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
019:014House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
019:015Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
019:016He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
019:017He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
019:018Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
019:019A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
019:020Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
019:021There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
019:022The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
019:023The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
019:024A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
019:025Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
019:026He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
019:027Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
019:028An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
019:029Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
020:001 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
020:002The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
020:003It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
020:004The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
020:005Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
020:006Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
020:007The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
020:008A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
020:009Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
020:010Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
020:011Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
020:012The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
020:013Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
020:014It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
020:015There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
020:016Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
020:017Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
020:018Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
020:019He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
020:020Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
020:021An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
020:022Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
020:023Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
020:024Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
020:025It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
020:026A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
020:027The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
020:028Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
020:029The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
020:030The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
021:001 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
021:002Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
021:003To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
021:004An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
021:005The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
021:006The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
021:007The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
021:008The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
021:009It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
021:010The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
021:011When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
021:012The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
021:013Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
021:014A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
021:015It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
021:016The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
021:017He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
021:018The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
021:019It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
021:020There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
021:021He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
021:022A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
021:023Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
021:024Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
021:025The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
021:026He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
021:027The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
021:028A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
021:029A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
021:030There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
021:031The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
022:001 A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
022:002The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
022:003A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
022:004By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
022:005Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
022:006Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
022:007The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
022:008He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
022:009He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
022:010Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
022:011He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
022:012The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
022:013The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
022:014The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
022:015Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
022:016He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
022:017Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
022:018For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
022:019That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
022:020Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
022:021That 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?
022:022Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
022:023For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
022:024Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
022:025Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
022:026Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
022:027If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
022:028Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
022:029Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
023:001 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
023:002And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
023:003Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
023:004Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
023:005Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
023:006Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
023:007For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
023:008The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
023:009Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
023:010Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
023:011For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
023:012Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
023:013Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
023:014Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
023:015My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
023:016Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
023:017Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
023:018For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
023:019Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
023:020Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
023:021For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
023:022Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
023:023Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
023:024The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
023:025Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
023:026My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
023:027For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
023:028She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
023:029Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
023:030They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
023:031Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
023:032At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
023:033Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
023:034Yea, 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.
023:035They 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.
024:001 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
024:002For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
024:003Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
024:004And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
024:005A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
024:006For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
024:007Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
024:008He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
024:009The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
024:010If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
024:011If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
024:012If 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?
024:013My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
024:014So 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.
024:015Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
024:016For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
024:017Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
024:018Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
024:019Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:
024:020For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
024:021My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
024:022For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
024:023These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
024:024He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
024:025But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
024:026Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
024:027Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
024:028Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
024:029Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
024:030I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
024:031And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
024:032Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
024:033Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
024:034So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
025:001 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
025:002It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
025:003The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
025:004Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
025:005Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
025:006Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
025:007For 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.
025:008Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
025:009Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
025:010Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
025:011A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
025:012As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
025:013As 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.
025:014Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
025:015By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
025:016Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
025:017Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
025:018A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
025:019Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
025:020As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
025:021If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
025:022For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
025:023The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
025:024It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
025:025As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
025:026A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
025:027It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
025:028He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
026:001 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
026:002As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
026:003A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
026:004Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
026:005Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
026:006He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
026:007The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
026:008As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
026:009As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.
026:010The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
026:011As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
026:012Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
026:013The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
026:014As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
026:015The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
026:016The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
026:017He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
026:018As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
026:019So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
026:020Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
026:021As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
026:022The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
026:023Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
026:024He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
026:025When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
026:026Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
026:027Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
026:028A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
027:001 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
027:002Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
027:003A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
027:004Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
027:005Open rebuke is better than secret love.
027:006Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
027:007The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
027:008As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
027:009Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
027:010Thine 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.
027:011My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
027:012A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
027:013Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
027:014He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
027:015A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
027:016Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
027:017Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
027:018Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
027:019As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
027:020Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
027:021As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
027:022Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
027:023Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
027:024For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
027:025The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
027:026The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
027:027And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
028:001 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
028:002For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
028:003A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
028:004They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
028:005Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
028:006Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
028:007Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
028:008He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
028:009He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
028:010Whoso 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.
028:011The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
028:012When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
028:013He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
028:014Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
028:015As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
028:016The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
028:017A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
028:018Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
028:019He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
028:020A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
028:021To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
028:022He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
028:023He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
028:024Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
028:025He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
028:026He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
028:027He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
028:028When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
029:001 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
029:002When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
029:003Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
029:004The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
029:005A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
029:006In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
029:007The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
029:008Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
029:009If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
029:010The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
029:011A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
029:012If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
029:013The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
029:014The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
029:015The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
029:016When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
029:017Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
029:018Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
029:019A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
029:020Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
029:021He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
029:022An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
029:023A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
029:024Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
029:025The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
029:026Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
029:027An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
030:001 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
030:002Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
030:003I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
030:004Who 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?
030:005Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
030:006Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
030:007Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
030:008Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
030:009Lest 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.
030:010Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
030:011There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
030:012There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
030:013There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
030:014There 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.
030:015The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
030:016The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
030:017The 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.
030:018There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
030:019The 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.
030:020Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
030:021For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
030:022For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
030:023For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
030:024There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
030:025The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
030:026The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
030:027The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
030:028The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
030:029There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
030:030A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
030:031A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
030:032If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
030:033Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
031:001 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
031:002What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
031:003Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
031:004It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
031:005Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
031:006Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
031:007Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
031:008Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
031:009Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
031:010Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
031:011The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
031:012She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
031:013She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
031:014She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
031:015She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
031:016She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
031:017She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
031:018She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
031:019She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
031:020She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
031:021She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
031:022She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
031:023Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
031:024She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
031:025Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
031:026She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
031:027She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
031:028Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
031:029Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
031:030Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
031:031Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.