Of sundry moral virtues,

CHAP. XVI, XVII.

and their contrary vices. spiseth his own soul: but he that heareth life unto him that hath it: but the instrucreproof getteth understanding. tion of fools is folly.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is bumility. CHAP. XVI.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth and addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

HE preparations of the heart in man, tongue, is the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 He that laboureth,laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand not good. join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise fro6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: ward things: moving his lips he bringeth and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better" than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. CHAP. XVII.

7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the BETTER is a dry morsel, and quiet

king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

a house

11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.

sacrifices with strife.

2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

3 The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false kings; and they love him that speaketh lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty right. tongue.

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver?

7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter, separateth very friends.

19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool.

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

a

22 Understanding is a well-spring of

12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

1 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a

13 He that answereth a matter before he hearethit, it is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his

brother is born for adversity.

18 A man void of understanding striketh infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

and their contrary vices.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

bear?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth 19 He loveth transgression that loveth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seekstrife: and he that exalteth his gate seek-eth knowledge. eth destruction.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow and the father of a fool bath no joy. 22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. the fruit of his mouth; and with the in24 Wisdom is before him that hath un-crease of his lips shall he be filled.

derstanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own con

ceit.

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shut

CHAP. XVIII.

HROUGH desire, a man, having separated himself, seeketh and meddleth with all wisdom.

THRO

22 Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. CHAP. XIX.

teth his lips is esteemed a man of under- BETTER is the poor that walket in

his integrity, he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also, that the soul be without know. inter-ledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt,and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to accept the person of cape. the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, that giveth gifts. and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 All the brethren of the poor do hate

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and him: how much more do his friends go his lips are the snare of his soul.

far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8 The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster,

9 A false witness shall not be unpu

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not es

6 Many will entreat the favour of the prince and every man is a friend to him

Of sundry moral virtues,

CHAP. XX.

and their contrary vices. nished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. 3 It is an honour for a man to cease 10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; from strife: but every fool will be medmuch less for a servant to have rule over dling. princes.

4 The sluggard will not plough by rea11 The discretion of a man deferreth son of the cold; therefore shall he beg in his anger; and it is his glory to pass over harvest, and have nothing. a transgression.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring deep water; but a man of understanding of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon will draw it out. the grass.

13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

14 House and riches are the inheritance his children are blessed after him. of fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep eyes. sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 He that keepeth the commandment clean, I am pure from my sin? keepeth his own soul: but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer eye, the LORD hath made even both of punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet them. thou must do it again.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruc-poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt tion, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter be satisfied with bread. end.

14 It is nought, it is nought, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

7 The just man walketh in his integrity: \

8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his

9 Who can say, I have made my heart

10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

I

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will

18 Every purpose is established by

beware and reprove one that hath un-counsel: and with good advice make war. derstanding, and he will understand knowledge.

19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mocauseth shame, and bringeth reproach. ther, his lamp shall be put out in obscure 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruc-darkness. tion that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judg-not be blessed. ment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. CHAP. XX.

23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? 25 It is a snare to the man who devour

WINE

7INE is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger eth that which is boly, and after vows to sinneth against his own soul.

make inquiry.

Of sundry moral virtues,

PROVERBS.

and their contrary vices.

26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, than with a contentious and an angry wo and bringeth the wheel over them.

man.

20 There is treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy,findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

29 The glory of young men is their strength and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. · CHAP. XXI.

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his

THE king's heart is in the hand of the name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

LORD, as the of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

1

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth, speaketh constantly.

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: butas for the upright, he directeth his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understand

1

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 A high look, and a proud heart, and the ploughing of the wicked, is sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them ing nor counsel against the LORD. that seek death.

31 The horse is prepared against the

7 The robbery of the wicked shall de-day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. } stroy them; because they refuse to do CHAP. XXII. judgment.

•

8 The way of man is froward and A GOOD name is rather to be chosen strange but as for the pure, his work is right.

than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of is instructed, he receiveth knowledge, the froward: he that doth keep his soul

12 The righteous man wisely consider-shall be far from them.

eth the house of the wicked: but God 6 Train up a child in the way he should overthroweth the wicked for their wicked-go: and when he is old, he will not depart

from it.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

ness.

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity and the rod of his anger shall fail. 9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be

:

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and reward in the bosom, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the but destruction shall be to the workers of poor. iniquity.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention 16 The man that wandereth out of the shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall way of understanding shall remain in the cease. congregation of the dead.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart. for

17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a the grace of his lips the king shall be his poor man: be that loveth wine and oil friend. shall not be rich.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for knowledge, and he overthroweth the words the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness,

Of sundry moral virtues,

CHAP. XXIII.

and their contrary vices.

14 The mouth of strange women is a thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD 9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he shall fall therein. will despise the wisdom of thy words.

10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: 11 For their Redeemer 2s mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12 Apply thy heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

17 Let not thy heart envy sinners. but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off."

19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thy heart in the way.

20 Be not among wine-bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

1

22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26 My son, give me thy heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

29 Who hath wo? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. CHAP. XXIII.

WHE

THEN thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an and stingeth like an adder. eagle toward heaven.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange wo

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that men, and thy heart shall utter perverse hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

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.

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it biteth like a serpent,

things.

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.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou

8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt say, and I was not sick; they have beaten