CHAPTER 1

^1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; ^1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; ^1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; ^1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. ^1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: ^1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

^1:7 ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. ^1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: ^1:9 For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

^1:10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. ^1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: ^1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: ^1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: ^1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: ^1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: ^1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. ^1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. ^1:18 And they lay wait for their [own] blood; they lurk privily for their [own] lives. ^1:19 So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

^1:20 ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: ^1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, [saying], ^1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? ^1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

^1:24 ¶ Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; ^1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: ^1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; ^1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. ^1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: ^1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: ^1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. ^1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. ^1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. ^1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

CHAPTER 2

^2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; ^2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding; ^2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding; ^2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures; ^2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. ^2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. ^2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly. ^2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. ^2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

^2:10 ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; ^2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: ^2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things; ^2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; ^2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked; ^2:15 Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths: ^2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words; ^2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. ^2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. ^2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. ^2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous. ^2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. ^2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

CHAPTER 3

^3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ^3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. ^3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: ^3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

^3:5 ¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ^3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

^3:7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. ^3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. ^3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: ^3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

^3:11 ¶ My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: ^3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.

^3:13 ¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. ^3:14 For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. ^3:15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. ^3:16 Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour. ^3:17 Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace. ^3:18 She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her. ^3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. ^3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

^3:21 ¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: ^3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. ^3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. ^3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. ^3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. ^3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

^3:27 ¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it]. ^3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. ^3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

^3:30 ¶ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

^3:31 ¶ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. ^3:32 For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.

^3:33 ¶ The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. ^3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. ^3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

CHAPTER 4

^4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. ^4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. ^4:3 For I was my father's son, tender and only [beloved] in the sight of my mother. ^4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. ^4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. ^4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. ^4:7 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. ^4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. ^4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. ^4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. ^4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. ^4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ^4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.

^4:14 ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men]. ^4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. ^4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall. ^4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. ^4:18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. ^4:19 The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

^4:20 ¶ My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. ^4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. ^4:22 For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

^4:23 ¶ Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life. ^4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. ^4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. ^4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. ^4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

CHAPTER 5

^5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding: ^5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge.

^5:3 ¶ For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil: ^5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. ^5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. ^5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them]. ^5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. ^5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: ^5:9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: ^5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger; ^5:11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, ^5:12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; ^5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! ^5:14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

^5:15 ¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. ^5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets. ^5:17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. ^5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. ^5:19 [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. ^5:20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? ^5:21 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

^5:22 ¶ His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. ^5:23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

CHAPTER 6

^6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, ^6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. ^6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. ^6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. ^6:5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

^6:6 ¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: ^6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, ^6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest. ^6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? ^6:10 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: ^6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

^6:12 ¶ A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. ^6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; ^6:14 Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. ^6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

^6:16 ¶ These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: ^6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ^6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, ^6:19 A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

^6:20 ¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: ^6:21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck. ^6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. ^6:23 For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life: ^6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. ^6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. ^6:26 For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. ^6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? ^6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? ^6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. ^6:30 [Men] do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; ^6:31 But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. ^6:32 [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul. ^6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. ^6:34 For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. ^6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

CHAPTER 7

^7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. ^7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. ^7:3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. ^7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman: ^7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

^7:6 ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, ^7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, ^7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, ^7:9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: ^7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. ^7:11 (She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: ^7:12 Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) ^7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him, ^7:14 [I have] peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. ^7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. ^7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt. ^7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. ^7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. ^7:19 For the goodman [is] not at home, he is gone a long journey: ^7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, [and] will come home at the day appointed. ^7:21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. ^7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; ^7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

^7:24 ¶ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. ^7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. ^7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her. ^7:27 Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

CHAPTER 8

^8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? ^8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. ^8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. ^8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice [is] to the sons of man. ^8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. ^8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things. ^8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips. ^8:8 All the words of my mouth [are] in righteousness; [there is] nothing froward or perverse in them. ^8:9 They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. ^8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. ^8:11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. ^8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. ^8:13 The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. ^8:14 Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength. ^8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. ^8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth. ^8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. ^8:18 Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness. ^8:19 My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. ^8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: ^8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. ^8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. ^8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. ^8:24 When [there were] no depths, I was brought forth; when [there were] no fountains abounding with water. ^8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: ^8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. ^8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: ^8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: ^8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: ^8:30 Then I was by him, [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always before him; ^8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights [were] with the sons of men. ^8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways. ^8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. ^8:34 Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ^8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. ^8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

CHAPTER 9

^9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: ^9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. ^9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, ^9:4 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, ^9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled. ^9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. ^9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot. ^9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. ^9:9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning. ^9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. ^9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. ^9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it]. ^9:13 A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing. ^9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, ^9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways: ^9:16 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, ^9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant. ^9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.

CHAPTER 10

^10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother. ^10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. ^10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. ^10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. ^10:5 He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame. ^10:6 Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. ^10:7 The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. ^10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. ^10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. ^10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. ^10:11 The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. ^10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. ^10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding. ^10:14 Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction. ^10:15 The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty. ^10:16 The labour of the righteous [tendeth] to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. ^10:17 He [is in] the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. ^10:18 He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool. ^10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise. ^10:20 The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth. ^10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. ^10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. ^10:23 [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. ^10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. ^10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation. ^10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him. ^10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ^10:28 The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. ^10:29 The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. ^10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. ^10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. ^10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.

CHAPTER 11

^11:1 A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight. ^11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom. ^11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. ^11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. ^11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ^11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in [their own] naughtiness. ^11:7 When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust [men] perisheth. ^11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. ^11:9 An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. ^11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting. ^11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. ^11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. ^11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. ^11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. ^11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. ^11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches. ^11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh. ^11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward. ^11:19 As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death. ^11:20 They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight. ^11:21 [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. ^11:22 [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion. ^11:23 The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath. ^11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty. ^11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. ^11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it]. ^11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. ^11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. ^11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] servant to the wise of heart. ^11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise. ^11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

CHAPTER 12

^12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish. ^12:2 A good [man] obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. ^12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. ^12:4 A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones. ^12:5 The thoughts of the righteous [are] right: [but] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceit. ^12:6 The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. ^12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and [are] not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. ^12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. ^12:9 [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. ^12:10 A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. ^12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding. ^12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]: but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit]. ^12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. ^12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. ^12:15 The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise. ^12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame. ^12:17 [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. ^12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health. ^12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment. ^12:20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy. ^12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. ^12:22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. ^12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. ^12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. ^12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. ^12:26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. ^12:27 The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious. ^12:28 In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.

CHAPTER 13

^13:1 A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. ^13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence. ^13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. ^13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. ^13:5 A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame. ^13:6 Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. ^13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches. ^13:8 The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. ^13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. ^13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom. ^13:11 Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. ^13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life. ^13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. ^13:14 The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. ^13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. ^13:16 Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. ^13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health. ^13:18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. ^13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil. ^13:20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. ^13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. ^13:22 A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just. ^13:23 Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment. ^13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. ^13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

CHAPTER 14

^14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. ^14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him. ^14:3 In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. ^14:4 Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox. ^14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. ^14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth. ^14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge. ^14:8 The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit. ^14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour. ^14:10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. ^14:11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. ^14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. ^14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness. ^14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself. ^14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going. ^14:16 A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. ^14:17 [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. ^14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. ^14:19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. ^14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends. ^14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he. ^14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good. ^14:23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury. ^14:24 The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly. ^14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful [witness] speaketh lies. ^14:26 In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. ^14:27 The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. ^14:28 In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince. ^14:29 [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly. ^14:30 A sound heart [is] the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. ^14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. ^14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. ^14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known. ^14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people. ^14:35 The king's favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.

CHAPTER 15

^15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. ^15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. ^15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good. ^15:4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit. ^15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. ^15:6 In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. ^15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so. ^15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. ^15:9 The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. ^15:10 Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die. ^15:11 Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? ^15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. ^15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. ^15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. ^15:15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast. ^15:16 Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. ^15:17 Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. ^15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife. ^15:19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain. ^15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. ^15:21 Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. ^15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. ^15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]! ^15:24 The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. ^15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. ^15:26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words. ^15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. ^15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. ^15:29 The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. ^15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat. ^15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. ^15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. ^15:33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

CHAPTER 16

^16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD. ^16:2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. ^16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. ^16:4 The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. ^16:5 Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished. ^16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil. ^16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. ^16:8 Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. ^16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. ^16:10 A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. ^16:11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work. ^16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. ^16:13 Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. ^16:14 The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. ^16:15 In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain. ^16:16 How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! ^16:17 The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. ^16:18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ^16:19 Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. ^16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he. ^16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. ^16:22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly. ^16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. ^16:24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ^16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. ^16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. ^16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire. ^16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. ^16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good. ^16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. ^16:31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness. ^16:32 [He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. ^16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

CHAPTER 17

^17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife. ^17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. ^17:3 The fining pot [is] for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. ^17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. ^17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. ^17:6 Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers. ^17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. ^17:8 A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. ^17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends. ^17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. ^17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. ^17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. ^17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. ^17:14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. ^17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD. ^17:16 Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]? ^17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. ^17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend. ^17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. ^17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. ^17:21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. ^17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ^17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. ^17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth. ^17:25 A foolish son [is] a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. ^17:26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity. ^17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. ^17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding.

CHAPTER 18

^18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom. ^18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. ^18:3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. ^18:4 The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook. ^18:5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. ^18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. ^18:7 A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul. ^18:8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. ^18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. ^18:10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. ^18:11 The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. ^18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility. ^18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him. ^18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? ^18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. ^18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. ^18:17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. ^18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. ^18:19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle. ^18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. ^18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ^18:22 [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD. ^18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. ^18:24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

CHAPTER 19

^19:1 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool. ^19:2 Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth. ^19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. ^19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. ^19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape. ^19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts. ^19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them with] words, [yet] they [are] wanting [to him]. ^19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. ^19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish. ^19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. ^19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. ^19:12 The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass. ^19:13 A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping. ^19:14 House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD. ^19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. ^19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die. ^19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. ^19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. ^19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again. ^19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. ^19:21 [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. ^19:22 The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar. ^19:23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. ^19:24 A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. ^19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge. ^19:26 He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. ^19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge. ^19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. ^19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

CHAPTER 20

^20:1 Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. ^20:2 The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul. ^20:3 [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. ^20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing. ^20:5 Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. ^20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? ^20:7 The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him. ^20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. ^20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? ^20:10 Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD. ^20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right. ^20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. ^20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread. ^20:14 [It is] naught, [it is] naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. ^20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel. ^20:16 Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. ^20:17 Bread of deceit [is] sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ^20:18 [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. ^20:19 He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. ^20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. ^20:21 An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. ^20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. ^20:23 Divers weights [are] an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance [is] not good. ^20:24 Man's goings [are] of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? ^20:25 [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry. ^20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. ^20:27 The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. ^20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. ^20:29 The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the gray head. ^20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so [do] stripes the inward parts of the belly.

CHAPTER 21

^21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. ^21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. ^21:3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. ^21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin. ^21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. ^21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. ^21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. ^21:8 The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. ^21:9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. ^21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. ^21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. ^21:12 The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness. ^21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. ^21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. ^21:15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. ^21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. ^21:17 He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. ^21:18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. ^21:19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. ^21:20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. ^21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. ^21:22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. ^21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. ^21:24 Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. ^21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. ^21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. ^21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? ^21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. ^21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way. ^21:30 [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. ^21:31 The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

CHAPTER 22

^22:1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold. ^22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all. ^22:3 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. ^22:4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life. ^22:5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. ^22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ^22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender. ^22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. ^22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. ^22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. ^22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the king [shall be] his friend. ^22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. ^22:13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. ^22:14 The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. ^22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. ^22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want. ^22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. ^22:18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. ^22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. ^22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, ^22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? ^22:22 Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: ^22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. ^22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: ^22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. ^22:26 Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts. ^22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? ^22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. ^22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

CHAPTER 23

^23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what [is] before thee: ^23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [be] a man given to appetite. ^23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat. ^23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. ^23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. ^23:6 Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: ^23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee. ^23:8 The morsel [which] thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. ^23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. ^23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: ^23:11 For their redeemer [is] mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. ^23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. ^23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. ^23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. ^23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. ^23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. ^23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long. ^23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. ^23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. ^23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: ^23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags. ^23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. ^23:23 Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. ^23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him. ^23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. ^23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. ^23:27 For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit. ^23:28 She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. ^23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? ^23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. ^23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright. ^23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. ^23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. ^23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. ^23:35 They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

CHAPTER 24

^24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. ^24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. ^24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: ^24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. ^24:5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. ^24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. ^24:7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. ^24:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. ^24:9 The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men. ^24:10 [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small. ^24:11 If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain; ^24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works? ^24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste: ^24:14 So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. ^24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: ^24:16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. ^24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: ^24:18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. ^24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked; ^24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. ^24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change: ^24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? ^24:23 These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment. ^24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: ^24:25 But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. ^24:26 [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer. ^24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. ^24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips. ^24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. ^24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; ^24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. ^24:32 Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction. ^24:33 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: ^24:34 So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

CHAPTER 25

^25:1 These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. ^25:2 [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter. ^25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings [is] unsearchable. ^25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. ^25:5 Take away the wicked [from] before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. ^25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great [men]: ^25:7 For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. ^25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. ^25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another: ^25:10 Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. ^25:11 A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver. ^25:12 [As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. ^25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. ^25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain. ^25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. ^25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. ^25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and [so] hate thee. ^25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. ^25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. ^25:20 [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. ^25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: ^25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. ^25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. ^25:24 [It is] better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. ^25:25 [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country. ^25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. ^25:27 [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory. ^25:28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls.

CHAPTER 26

^26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. ^26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. ^26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. ^26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. ^26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. ^26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage. ^26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools. ^26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool. ^26:9 [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools. ^26:10 The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. ^26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly. ^26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him. ^26:13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets. ^26:14 [As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed. ^26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. ^26:16 The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. ^26:17 He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears. ^26:18 As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, ^26:19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? ^26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. ^26:21 [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife. ^26:22 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. ^26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross. ^26:24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; ^26:25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart. ^26:26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation. ^26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. ^26:28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

CHAPTER 27

^27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. ^27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. ^27:3 A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath [is] heavier than them both. ^27:4 Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy? ^27:5 Open rebuke [is] better than secret love. ^27:6 Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful. ^27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. ^27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place. ^27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. ^27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off. ^27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. ^27:12 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished. ^27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. ^27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. ^27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. ^27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself]. ^27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. ^27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. ^27:19 As in water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man. ^27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. ^27:21 [As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise. ^27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him. ^27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds. ^27:24 For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation? ^27:25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. ^27:26 The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field. ^27:27 And [thou shalt have] goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.

CHAPTER 28

^28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. ^28:2 For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged. ^28:3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. ^28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. ^28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things]. ^28:6 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich. ^28:7 Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father. ^28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. ^28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination. ^28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession. ^28:11 The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. ^28:12 When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. ^28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy. ^28:14 Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. ^28:15 [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people. ^28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days. ^28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. ^28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once. ^28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough. ^28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. ^28:21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress. ^28:22 He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. ^28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. ^28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer. ^28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. ^28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. ^28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. ^28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

CHAPTER 29

^29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. ^29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. ^29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance. ^29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. ^29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. ^29:6 In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. ^29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it]. ^29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath. ^29:9 [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest. ^29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. ^29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards. ^29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked. ^29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. ^29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. ^29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame. ^29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. ^29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. ^29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he. ^29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. ^29:20 Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him. ^29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length. ^29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. ^29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. ^29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not. ^29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. ^29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's judgment [cometh] from the LORD. ^29:27 An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

CHAPTER 30

^30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, ^30:2 Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man. ^30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. ^30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell? ^30:5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. ^30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. ^30:7 Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die: ^30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: ^30:9 Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain]. ^30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. ^30:11 [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. ^30:12 [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness. ^30:13 [There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. ^30:14 [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men. ^30:15 The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough: ^30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough. ^30:17 The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. ^30:18 There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: ^30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. ^30:20 Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. ^30:21 For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear: ^30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; ^30:23 For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. ^30:24 There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise: ^30:25 The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; ^30:26 The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; ^30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; ^30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. ^30:29 There be three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going: ^30:30 A lion [which is] strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; ^30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up. ^30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth. ^30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

CHAPTER 31

^31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. ^31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? ^31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. ^31:4 [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: ^31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. ^31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. ^31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. ^31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. ^31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

^31:10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. ^31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. ^31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. ^31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. ^31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. ^31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. ^31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. ^31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. ^31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night. ^31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. ^31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ^31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet. ^31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple. ^31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. ^31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. ^31:25 Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. ^31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. ^31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. ^31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her. ^31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. ^31:30 Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ^31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.