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CU Amiga Magazine's Super CD-ROM 21 (1998)(EMAP Images)(GB)[!][issue 1998-04].iso
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Proverbs.txt
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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 subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise,
and their dark sayings.
1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools
despise wisdom and instruction.
1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of
thy mother:
1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about
thy neck.
1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk
privily for the innocent without cause:
1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go
down into the pit:
1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with
spoil:
1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their
path:
1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
1:18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their
own lives.
1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh
away the life of the owners thereof.
1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates:
in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners
delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I
will make known my words unto you.
1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand,
and no man regarded;
1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a
whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me
early, but they shall not find me:
1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled
with their own devices.
1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity
of fools shall destroy them.
1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet
from fear of evil.
2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to
understanding;
2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for
understanding;
2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid
treasures;
2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge
of God.
2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them
that walk uprightly.
2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea,
every good path.
2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto
thy soul;
2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that
speaketh froward things;
2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which
flattereth with her words;
2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of
her God.
2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths
of life.
2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of
the righteous.
2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain
in it.
2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors
shall be rooted out of it.
3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write
them upon the table of thine heart:
3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and
man.
3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all
thine increase:
3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst
out with new wine.
3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his
correction:
3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in
whom he delighteth.
3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding.
3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,
and the gain thereof than fine gold.
3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst
desire are not to be compared unto her.
3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches
and honour.
3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is
every one that retaineth her.
3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he
established the heavens.
3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the
dew.
3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
discretion:
3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down,
and thy sleep shall be sweet.
3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked,
when it cometh.
3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from
being taken.
3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power
of thine hand to do it.
3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will
give; when thou hast it by thee.
3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by
thee.
3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with
the righteous.
3:33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth
the habitation of the just.
3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know
understanding.
4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
4:3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my
mother.
4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words:
keep my commandments, and live.
4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the
words of my mouth.
4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall
keep thee.
4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all
thy getting get understanding.
4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour,
when thou dost embrace her.
4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory
shall she deliver to thee.
4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall
be many.
4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou
runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is
thy life.
4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil
men.
4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is
taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more
and more unto the perfect day.
4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they
stumble.
4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine
heart.
4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their
flesh.
4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life.
4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight
before thee.
4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep
knowledge.
5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is
smoother than oil:
5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that
thou canst not know them.
5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of
my mouth.
5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
5:9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the
house of a stranger;
5:11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
5:12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to
them that instructed me!
5:14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine
own well.
5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the
streets.
5:17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
5:19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts
satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
5:20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and
embrace the bosom of a stranger?
5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth
all his goings.
5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be
holden with the cords of his sins.
5:23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he
shall go astray.
6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy
hand with a stranger,
6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the
words of thy mouth.
6:3 Do this now, my son, 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.
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
subtle of heart.
7:11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
7:12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every
corner.)
7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said
unto him,
7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I
have found thee.
7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works,
with fine linen of Egypt.
7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace
ourselves with loves.
7:19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day
appointed.
7:21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering
of her lips she forced him.
7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a
fool to the correction of the stocks;
7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare,
and knoweth not that it is for his life.
7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words
of my mouth.
7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been
slain by her.
7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the
paths.
8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at
the doors.
8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding
heart.
8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips
shall be right things.
8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my
lips.
8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing
froward or perverse in them.
8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that
find knowledge.
8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than
choice gold.
8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be
desired are not to be compared to it.
8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the
evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have
strength.
8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue
than choice silver.
8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of
judgment:
8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will
fill their treasures.
8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of
old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no
fountains abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest
part of the dust of the world.
8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon
the face of the depth:
8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the
fountains of the deep:
8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his
commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his
delight, rejoicing always before him;
8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were
with the sons of men.
8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that
keep my ways.
8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates,
waiting at the posts of my doors.
8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that
hate me love death.
9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also
furnished her table.
9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of
the city,
9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth
understanding, she saith to him,
9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that
rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will
love thee.
9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a
just man, and he will increase in learning.
9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding.
9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall
be increased.
9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest,
thou alone shalt bear it.
9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places
of the city,
9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that
wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are
in the depths of hell.
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish
son is the heaviness of his mother.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth
from death.
10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he
casteth away the substance of the wicked.
10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the
diligent maketh rich.
10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in
harvest is a son that causeth shame.
10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the
mouth of the wicked.
10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall
rot.
10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall
fall.
10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his
ways shall be known.
10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall
fall.
10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence
covereth the mouth of the wicked.
10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is
for the back of him that is void of understanding.
10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near
destruction.
10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the
poor is their poverty.
10:16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked
to sin.
10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that
refuseth reproof erreth.
10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander,
is a fool.
10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that
refraineth his lips is wise.
10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is
little worth.
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it
.
10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding
hath wisdom.
10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the
righteous shall be granted.
10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the
righteous is an everlasting foundation.
10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the
sluggard to them that send him.
10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked
shall be shortened.
10:28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of
the wicked shall perish.
10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction
shall be to the workers of iniquity.
10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit
the earth.
10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue
shall be cut out.
10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of
the wicked speaketh frowardness.
11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is
his delight.
11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of
transgressors shall destroy them.
11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth
from death.
11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked
shall fall by his own wickedness.
11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors
shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
11:7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope
of unjust men perisheth.
11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his
stead.
11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through
knowledge shall the just be delivered.
11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when
the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is
overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of
understanding holdeth his peace.
11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit
concealeth the matter.
11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of
counsellors there is safety.
11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that
hateth suretiship is sure.
11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel
troubleth his own flesh.
11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth
righteousness shall be a sure reward.
11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it
to his own death.
11:20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but
such as are upright in their way are his delight.
11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but
the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is
without discretion.
11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of
the wicked is wrath.
11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that
withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be
watered also himself.
11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing
shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh
mischief, it shall come unto him.
11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall
flourish as a branch.
11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool
shall be servant to the wise of heart.
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth
souls is wise.
11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the
wicked and the sinner.
12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is
brutish.
12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices
will he condemn.
12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the
righteous shall not be moved.
12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh
ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the
wicked are deceit.
12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth
of the upright shall deliver them.
12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the
righteous shall stand.
12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a
perverse heart shall be despised.
12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that
honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender
mercies of the wicked are cruel.
12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that
followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the
righteous yieldeth fruit.
12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just
shall come out of trouble.
12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and
the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth
unto counsel is wise.
12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
12:17 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false
witness deceit.
12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue
of the wise is health.
12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is
but for a moment.
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the
counsellors of peace is joy.
12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled
with mischief.
12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are
his delight.
12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth
foolishness.
12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be
under tribute.
12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh
it glad.
12:26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of
the wicked seduceth them.
12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the
substance of a diligent man is precious.
12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof
there is no death.
13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth
not rebuke.
13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the
transgressors shall eat violence.
13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide
his lips shall have destruction.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of
the diligent shall be made fat.
13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and
cometh to shame.
13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness
overthroweth the sinner.
13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that
maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not
rebuke.
13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall
be put out.
13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth
by labour shall increase.
13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is
a tree of life.
13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the
commandment shall be rewarded.
13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares
of death.
13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is
hard.
13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his
folly.
13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is
health.
13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he
that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination
to fools to depart from evil.
13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of
fools shall be destroyed.
13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be 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.
14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down
with her hands.
14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is
perverse in his ways despiseth him.
14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the
wise shall preserve them.
14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the
strength of the ox.
14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy
unto him that understandeth.
14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him
the lips of knowledge.
14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of
fools is deceit.
14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
14:10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not
intermeddle with his joy.
14:11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the
upright shall flourish.
14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death.
14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is
heaviness.
14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good
man shall be satisfied from himself.
14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to
his going.
14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth,
and is confident.
14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices
is hated.
14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
14:19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the
righteous.
14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many
friends.
14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the
poor, happy is he.
14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to
them that devise good.
14:23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only
to penury.
14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of
fools is folly.
14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh
lies.
14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall
have a place of refuge.
14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the
snares of death.
14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of
people is the destruction of the prince.
14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is
hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of
the bones.
14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that
honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath
hope in his death.
14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that
which is in the midst of fools is made known.
14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
14:35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against
him that causeth shame.
15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools
poureth out foolishness.
15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the
good.
15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a
breach in the spirit.
15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth
reproof is prudent.
15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues
of the wicked is trouble.
15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish
doeth not so.
15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the
prayer of the upright is his delight.
15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth
him that followeth after righteousness.
15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he
that hateth reproof shall die.
15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the
hearts of the children of men?
15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto
the wise.
15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the
heart the spirit is broken.
15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the
mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry
heart hath a continual feast.
15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and
trouble therewith.
15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and
hatred therewith.
15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger
appeaseth strife.
15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of
the righteous is made plain.
15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of
understanding walketh uprightly.
15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of
counsellors they are established.
15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due
season, how good is it!
15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell
beneath.
15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish
the border of the widow.
15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the
words of the pure are pleasant words.
15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth
gifts shall live.
15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the
wicked poureth out evil things.
15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous.
15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh
the bones fat.
15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that
heareth reproof getteth understanding.
15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour
is humility.
16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is
from the LORD.
16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD
weigheth the spirits.
16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for
the day of evil.
16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:
though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men
depart from evil.
16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him.
16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without
right.
16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth
transgresseth not in judgment.
16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag
are his work.
16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne
is established by righteousness.
16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that
speaketh right.
16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will
pacify it.
16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is
as a cloud of the latter rain.
16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get
understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth
his way preserveth his soul.
16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to
divide the spoil with the proud.
16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth
in the LORD, happy is he.
16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the
lips increaseth learning.
16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the
instruction of fools is folly.
16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his
lips.
16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to
the bones.
16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death.
16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of
him.
16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a
burning fire.
16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way
that is not good.
16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he
bringeth evil to pass.
16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of
righteousness.
16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that
ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of
the LORD.
17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full
of sacrifices with strife.
17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall
have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD
trieth the hearts.
17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a
naughty tongue.
17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at
calamities shall not be unpunished.
17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of
children are their fathers.
17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it:
whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a
matter separateth very friends.
17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a
fool.
17:11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger
shall be sent against him.
17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his
folly.
17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore
leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even
they both are abomination to the LORD.
17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,
seeing he hath no heart to it?
17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in
the presence of his friend.
17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his
gate seeketh destruction.
17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a
perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a
fool hath no joy.
17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth
the bones.
17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of
judgment.
17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool
are in the ends of the earth.
17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that
bare him.
17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for
equity.
17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding
is of an excellent spirit.
17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that
shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and
intermeddleth with all wisdom.
18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may
discover itself.
18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy
reproach.
18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring
of wisdom as a flowing brook.
18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the
righteous in judgment.
18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of
his soul.
18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly.
18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great
waster.
18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it,
and is safe.
18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his
own conceit.
18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is
humility.
18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and
shame unto him.
18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit
who can bear?
18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise
seeketh knowledge.
18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour
cometh and searcheth him.
18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their
contentions are like the bars of a castle.
18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and
with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it
shall eat the fruit thereof.
18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of
the LORD.
18:23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is
perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he
that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth
against the LORD.
19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies
shall not escape.
19:6 Many will entreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend
to him that giveth gifts.
19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends
go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting
to him.
19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth
understanding shall find good.
19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies
shall perish.
19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule
over princes.
19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to
pass over a transgression.
19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as
dew upon the grass.
19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a
wife are a continual dropping.
19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is
from the LORD.
19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer
hunger.
19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that
despiseth his ways shall die.
19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which
he hath given will he pay him again.
19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for
his crying.
19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him,
yet thou must do it again.
19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy
latter end.
19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of
the LORD, that shall stand.
19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a
liar.
19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall
abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much
as bring it to his mouth again.
19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath
understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a
son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the
words of knowledge.
19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked
devoureth iniquity.
19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise.
20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him
to anger sinneth against his own soul.
20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will
be meddling.
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he
beg in harvest, and have nothing.
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of
understanding will draw it out.
20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man
who can find?
20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed
after him.
20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil
with his eyes.
20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike
abomination to the LORD.
20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and
whether it be right.
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of
them.
20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou
shalt be satisfied with bread.
20:14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone
his way, then he boasteth.
20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge
are a precious jewel.
20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of
him for a strange woman.
20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be
filled with gravel.
20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make
war.
20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore
meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in
obscure darkness.
20:21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end
thereof shall not be blessed.
20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he
shall save thee.
20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance
is not good.
20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own
way?
20:25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and
after vows to make inquiry.
20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the
inward parts of the belly.
20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is
the grey head.
20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the
inward parts of the belly.
21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water:
he turneth it whithersoever he will.
21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth
the hearts.
21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than
sacrifice.
21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is
sin.
21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every
one that is hasty only to want.
21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and
fro of them that seek death.
21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do
judgment.
21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his
work is right.
21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a
brawling woman in a wide house.
21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour
in his eyes.
21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the
wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but
God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry
himself, but shall not be heard.
21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong
wrath.
21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to
the workers of iniquity.
21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in
the congregation of the dead.
21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and
oil shall not be rich.
21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor
for the upright.
21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and
an angry woman.
21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life,
righteousness, and honour.
21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the
strength of the confidence thereof.
21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and
spareth not.
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he
bringeth it with a wicked mind?
21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh
constantly.
21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he
directeth his way.
21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of
the LORD.
22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving
favour rather than silver and gold.
22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple
pass on, and are punished.
22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and
life.
22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep
his soul shall be far from them.
22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it.
22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the
lender.
22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger
shall fail.
22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his
bread to the poor.
22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and
reproach shall cease.
22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king
shall be his friend.
22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words
of the transgressor.
22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain
in the streets.
22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the
LORD shall fall therein.
22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of
correction shall drive it far from him.
22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that
giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine
heart unto my knowledge.
22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall
withal be fitted in thy lips.
22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day,
even to thee.
22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that
thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted
in the gate:
22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that
spoiled them.
22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou
shalt not go:
22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
22:26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are
sureties for debts.
22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from
under thee?
22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings;
he shall not stand before mean men.
23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is
before thee:
23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly
make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire
thou his dainty meats:
23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to
thee; but his heart is not with thee.
23:8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy
sweet words.
23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy
words.
23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the
fatherless:
23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of
knowledge.
23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with
the rod, he shall not die.
23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the
LORD all the day long.
23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness
shall clothe a man with rags.
23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother
when she is old.
23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and
understanding.
23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that
begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall
rejoice.
23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
23:28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the
transgressors among men.
23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling?
who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour
in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter
perverse things.
23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or
as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
23:35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have
beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet
again.
24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is
established:
24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and
pleasant riches.
24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of
counsellors there is safety.
24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
24:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an
abomination to men.
24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
24:11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and
those that are ready to be slain;
24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the
heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it
? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb,
which is sweet to thy taste:
24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast
found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not
be cut off.
24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
spoil not his resting place:
24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the
wicked shall fall into mischief.
24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad
when he stumbleth:
24:18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his
wrath from him.
24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the
wicked;
24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the
wicked shall be put out.
24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them
that are given to change:
24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of
them both?
24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have
respect of persons in judgment.
24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the
people curse, nations shall abhor him:
24:25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing
shall come upon them.
24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field;
and afterwards build thine house.
24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not
with thy lips.
24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to
the man according to his work.
24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man
void of understanding;
24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered
the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and
received instruction.
24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands
to sleep:
24:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an
armed man.
25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of
Judah copied out.
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is
to search out a matter.
25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is
unsearchable.
25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a
vessel for the finer.
25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness.
25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the
place of great men:
25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that
thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine
eyes have seen.
25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the
end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a
secret to another:
25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not
away.
25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise
reprover upon an obedient ear.
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful
messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his
masters.
25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind
without rain.
25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh
the bone.
25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest
thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee,
and so hate thee.
25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul,
and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken
tooth, and a foot out of joint.
25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar
upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty,
give him water to drink:
25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall
reward thee.
25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a
backbiting tongue.
25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a
brawling woman and in a wide house.
25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far
country.
25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled
fountain, and a corrupt spring.
25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own
glory is not glory.
25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is
broken down, and without walls.
26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a
fool.
26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse
causeless shall not come.
26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's
back.
26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto
him.
26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet,
and drinketh damage.
26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of
fools.
26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a
fool.
26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in
the mouth of fools.
26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and
rewardeth transgressors.
26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a
fool than of him.
26:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in
the streets.
26:14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his
bed.
26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring
it again to his mouth.
26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can
render a reason.
26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him,
is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in
sport?
26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no
talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a
contentious man to kindle strife.
26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly.
26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with
silver dross.
26:24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within
him;
26:25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven
abominations in his heart.
26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed
before the whole congregation.
26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone,
it will return upon him.
26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a
flattering mouth worketh ruin.
27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may
bring forth.
27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and
not thine own lips.
27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is
heavier than them both.
27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand
before envy?
27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are
deceitful.
27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every
bitter thing is sweet.
27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth
from his place.
27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man'
s friend by hearty counsel.
27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go
into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a
neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that
reproacheth me.
27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the
simple pass on, and are punished.
27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of
him for a strange woman.
27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the
morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are
alike.
27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right
hand, which bewrayeth itself.
27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that
waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never
satisfied.
27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a
man to his praise.
27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle,
yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to
thy herds.
27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every
generation?
27:25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of
the mountains are gathered.
27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the
field.
27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of
thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a
lion.
28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a
man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be
prolonged.
28:3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which
leaveth no food.
28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law
contend with them.
28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD
understand all things.
28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is
perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of
riotous men shameth his father.
28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall
gather it for him that will pity the poor.
28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer
shall be abomination.
28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall
himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in
possession.
28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath
understanding searcheth him out.
28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the
wicked rise, a man is hidden.
28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy.
28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart
shall fall into mischief.
28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over
the poor people.
28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but
he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to
the pit; let no man stay him.
28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in
his ways shall fall at once.
28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that
followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste
to be rich shall not be innocent.
28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread
that man will transgress.
28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not
that poverty shall come upon him.
28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that
flattereth with the tongue.
28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no
transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth
his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely,
he shall be delivered.
28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his
eyes shall have many a curse.
28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the
righteous increase.
29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be
destroyed, and that without remedy.
29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the
wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company
with harlots spendeth his substance.
29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts
overthroweth it.
29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the
righteous doth sing and rejoice.
29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked
regardeth not to know it.
29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh,
there is no rest.
29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till
afterwards.
29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both
their eyes.
29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be
established for ever.
29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself
bringeth his mother to shame.
29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the
righteous shall see their fall.
29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give
delight unto thy soul.
29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the
law, happy is he.
29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he
will not answer.
29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a
fool than of him.
29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him
become his son at the length.
29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in
transgression.
29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble
in spirit.
29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing,
and bewrayeth it not.
29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the
LORD shall be safe.
29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from
the LORD.
29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is
upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake
unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the
understanding of a man.
30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the
wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath
established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is
his son's name, if thou canst tell?
30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their
trust in him.
30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a
liar.
30:7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with food convenient for me:
30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I
be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be
found guilty.
30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not
bless their mother.
30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet
is not washed from their filthiness.
30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids
are lifted up.
30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw
teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy
from among men.
30:15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are
three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not,
It is enough:
30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with
water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his
mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles
shall eat it.
30:18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four
which I know not:
30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the
way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her
mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
30:21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it
cannot bear:
30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
30:23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is
heir to her mistress.
30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are
exceeding wise:
30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the
summer;
30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the
rocks;
30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
30:29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
30:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no
rising up.
30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast
thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of
the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth
strife.
31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth
kings.
31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;
nor for princes strong drink:
31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of
the afflicted.
31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those
that be of heavy hearts.
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed
to destruction.
31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and
needy.
31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall
have no need of spoil.
31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens.
31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands
she planteth a vineyard.
31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not
out by night.
31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her
hands to the needy.
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household
are clothed with scarlet.
31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and
purple.
31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of
the land.
31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto
the merchant.
31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time
to come.
31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness.
31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness.
31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and
he praiseth her.
31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her
in the gates.