Proverbios

¹ Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: ² to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; ³ to receive the instruction of wisdom, righteousness and judgment, and equity; ⁴ to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. ⁵ He that is wise will hear, and will increase learning; and the intelligent will gain wise counsels: ⁶ to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas.

⁷ The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge: fools despise wisdom and instruction. ⁸ Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; ⁹ for they shall be a garland of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent not. ¹¹ If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; ¹² let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, and whole, as those that go down into the pit; ¹³ we shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: ¹⁴ cast in thy lot among us; we will all have one purse: ¹⁵ --my son, walk not in the way with them, keep back thy foot from their path; ¹⁶ for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. ¹⁷ For in vain the net is spread in the sight of anything which hath wings. ¹⁸ And these lay wait for their own blood; they lurk secretly for their own lives. ¹⁹ So are the paths of every one that is greedy of gain: it taketh away the life of its possessors.

²⁰ Wisdom crieth without; she raiseth her voice in the broadways; ²¹ she calleth in the chief place of concourse, in the entry of the gates; in the city she uttereth her words: ²² How long, simple ones, will ye love simpleness, and scorners take pleasure in their scorning, and the foolish hate knowledge? ²³ Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour forth my spirit unto you, I will make known to you my words. ²⁴ Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one regarded; ²⁵ and ye have rejected all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: ²⁶ I also will laugh in your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh; ²⁷ when your fear cometh as sudden destruction, and your calamity cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you: ²⁸ --then will they call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me early, and shall not find me. ²⁹ Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of Jehovah; ³⁰ they would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof: ³¹ therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their way, and be filled with their own devices. ³² For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of the foolish shall cause them to perish. ³³ But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be at rest from fear of evil.

¹ My son, if thou receivest my words, and layest up my commandments with thee, ² so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and thou apply thy heart to understanding; ³ yea, if thou criest after discernment and liftest up thy voice to understanding; ⁴ if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hidden treasures: ⁵ then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, and find the knowledge of God. ⁶ For Jehovah giveth wisdom; out of his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ⁷ He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to them that walk in integrity; ⁸ guarding the paths of just judgment and keeping the way of his godly ones. ⁹ Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity: every good path.

¹⁰ When wisdom entereth into thy heart and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul, ¹¹ discretion shall keep thee, understanding shall preserve thee: ¹² To deliver thee from the way of evil, from the man that speaketh froward things; ¹³  from those who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; ¹⁴ who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of evil; ¹⁵ whose paths are crooked, and who are perverted in their course: ¹⁶ To deliver thee from the strange woman, from the stranger who flattereth with her words; ¹⁷ who forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God; ¹⁸ --for her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead; ¹⁹ none that go unto her return again, neither do they attain to the paths of life: ²⁰ --that thou mayest walk in the way of the good, and keep the paths of the righteous. ²¹ For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it; ²² but the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful shall be plucked up out of it.

¹ My son, forget not my teaching, and let thy heart observe my commandments; ² for length of days, and years of life, and peace shall they add to thee. ³ Let not loving-kindness and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thy heart: ⁴ and thou shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. ⁵ Confide in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own intelligence; ⁶ in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will make plain thy paths.

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: ⁸ it shall be health for thy navel, and moisture for thy bones. ⁹ Honour Jehovah with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; ¹⁰ so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy vats shall overflow with new wine. ¹¹ My son, despise not the instruction of Jehovah, neither be weary of his chastisement; ¹² for whom Jehovah loveth he chasteneth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

¹³ Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. ¹⁴ For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver, and her revenue than fine gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her. ¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand riches and honour. ¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is he that retaineth her. ¹⁹ Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. ²⁰ By his knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.

²¹ My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion: ²² so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck. ²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble; ²⁴ when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid, but thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet. ²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the destruction of the wicked, when it cometh; ²⁶ for Jehovah shall be thy confidence, and he will keep thy foot from being taken.

²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. ²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee. ²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. ³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. ³¹ Envy not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways. ³² For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; but his secret is with the upright. ³³ The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; but he blesseth the habitation of the righteous. ³⁴ He indeed scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly. ³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of the foolish.

¹ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know intelligence; ² for I give you good doctrine: forsake ye not my law. ³ For I was a son unto my father, tender and an only one in the sight of my mother. ⁴ And he taught me, and said unto me, Let thy heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live. ⁵ Get wisdom, get intelligence: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. ⁶ Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee; love her, and she shall preserve thee. ⁷ The beginning of wisdom is , Get wisdom; and with all thy getting get intelligence. ⁸ Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. ⁹ She shall give to thy head a garland of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow upon thee. ¹⁰ Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of thy life shall be multiplied. ¹¹ I will teach thee in the way of wisdom, I will lead thee in paths of uprightness. ¹² When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ¹³ Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go: keep her, for she is thy life.

¹⁴ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men : ¹⁵ avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass away. ¹⁶ For they sleep not except they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away unless they have caused some to fall. ¹⁷ For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. ¹⁸ But the path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come. ¹⁹ The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

²⁰ My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. ²¹ Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart. ²² For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. ²³ Keep thy heart more than anything that is guarded; for out of it are the issues of life. ²⁴ Put away from thee perverseness of mouth, and corrupt lips put far from thee. ²⁵ Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. ²⁶ Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be well-ordered. ²⁷ Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.

¹ My son, attend unto my wisdom, incline thine ear to my understanding; ² that thou mayest keep reflection, and that thy lips may preserve knowledge. ³ For the lips of the strange woman drop honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; ⁴ but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. ⁵ Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol. ⁶ Lest she should ponder the path of life, her ways wander, she knoweth not whither . ⁷ And now, children, hearken unto me, and depart not from the words of my mouth. ⁸ Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: ⁹ lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel; ¹⁰ lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, and the fruits of thy toil come into the house of a stranger; ¹¹ and thou mourn in thine end, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed; ¹² and thou say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof! ¹³ and I have not hearkened unto the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to those that instructed me; ¹⁴ I was well nigh in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

¹⁵ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. ¹⁶ Thy fountains shall be poured forth, as water-brooks in the broadways. ¹⁷ Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. ¹⁸ Let thy fountain be blessed; and have joy of the wife of thy youth. ¹⁹ As a lovely hind and a graceful roe, let her breasts satisfy thee at all times: be thou ravished continually with her love. ²⁰ And why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? ²¹ For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah, and he pondereth all his paths. ²² His own iniquities shall take the wicked, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin. ²³ He shall die for want of discipline; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

¹ My son, if thou hast become surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand for a stranger, ² thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. ³ Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, since thou hast come into the hand of thy friend: go, humble thyself, and be urgent with thy friend. ⁴ Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids: ⁵ deliver thyself as a gazelle from the hand of the hunter , and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

⁶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise: ⁷ which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, ⁸ provideth her bread in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. ⁹ How long, sluggard, wilt thou lie down? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest! ¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as a roving plunderer, and thy penury as an armed man.

¹² A man of Belial, a wicked person, is he that goeth about with a perverse mouth; ¹³ he winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; ¹⁴ deceits are in his heart; he deviseth mischief at all times, he soweth discords. ¹⁵ Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly: in a moment shall he be broken, and without remedy. ¹⁶ These six things doth Jehovah hate, yea, seven are an abomination unto him: ¹⁷ haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; ¹⁸ a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations; feet that are swift in running to mischief; ¹⁹ a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discords among brethren.

²⁰ My son, observe thy father's commandment, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; ²¹ bind them continually upon thy heart, tie them about thy neck: ²² when thou walkest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. ²³ For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: ²⁴ to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. ²⁵ Lust not after her beauty in thy heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids; ²⁶ for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a loaf of bread, and another's wife doth hunt for the precious soul. ²⁷ Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his garments not be burned? ²⁸ Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? ²⁹ So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife: whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. ³⁰ They do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry: ³¹ and if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. ³² Whoso committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. ³³ A wound and contempt shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. ³⁴ For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance; ³⁵ he will not regard any ransom, neither will he rest content though thou multipliest thy gifts.

¹ My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. ² Keep my commandments, and live; and my teaching, as the apple of thine eye. ³ Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the tablet of thy heart. ⁴ Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, and call intelligence thy kinswoman: ⁵ that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger who flattereth with her words.

⁶ For at the window of my house, I looked forth through my lattice, ⁷ and I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the sons, a young man void of understanding, ⁸ passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, ⁹ in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the blackness of night and the darkness. ¹⁰ And behold, there met him a woman in the attire of a harlot, and subtle of heart. ¹¹ She is clamorous and unmanageable; her feet abide not in her house: ¹² now without, now in the broadways, --and she lieth in wait at every corner. ¹³ And she caught him and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, ¹⁴ I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows: ¹⁵ therefore came I forth to meet thee, to seek earnestly thy face, and I have found thee. ¹⁶ I have decked my bed with tapestry coverlets of variegated linen from Egypt; ¹⁷ I have perfumed my couch with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. ¹⁸ Come, let us revel in love until the morning, let us delight ourselves with loves. ¹⁹ For the husband is not at home, he is gone a long journey; ²⁰ he hath taken the money-bag with him, he will come home on the day of the full moon. ²¹ With her much enticement she beguiled him; with the smoothness of her lips she constrained him. ²² He went after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, and as stocks serve for the correction of the fool; ²³ till an arrow strike through his liver: as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for its life.

²⁴ And now, ye sons, hearken unto me, and attend to the words of my mouth. ²⁵ Let not thy heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths: ²⁶ for she hath cast down many wounded, and all slain by her were strong. ²⁷ Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

¹ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding give forth her voice? ² On the top of high places by the way, at the cross-paths she taketh her stand. ³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud. ⁴ Unto you, men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man: ⁵ O ye simple, understand prudence; and ye foolish, understand sense. ⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. ⁷ For my palate shall meditate truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. ⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing tortuous or perverse in them. ⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. ¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold: ¹¹ for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not equal to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find the knowledge which cometh of reflection. ¹³ The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate. ¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am intelligence; I have strength. ¹⁵ By me kings reign, and rulers make just decrees; ¹⁶ by me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. ¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me. ¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; durable wealth and righteousness. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver. ²⁰ I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: ²¹ that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries.

²² Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. ²³ I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was. ²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. ²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; ²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. ²⁷ When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of the deep; ²⁸ when he established the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong; ²⁹ when he imposed on the sea his decree that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth: ³⁰ then I was by him his nursling, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; ³¹ rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² And now, sons, hearken unto me, and blessed are they that keep my ways: ³³ hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. ³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of Jehovah; ³⁶ but he that sinneth against me doeth violence to his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

¹ Wisdom hath built her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; ² she hath slaughtered her cattle, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also prepared her table; ³ she hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the summits of the high places of the city, ⁴ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither. To him that is void of understanding, she saith, ⁵ Come, eat ye of my bread, and drink of the wine that I have mingled. ⁶ Forsake follies and live, and go in the way of intelligence. ⁷ He that instructeth a scorner getteth to himself shame; and he that reproveth a wicked man getteth to himself a blot. ⁸ Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise man , and he will love thee. ⁹ Impart to a wise man , and he will become yet wiser; teach a righteous man , and he will increase learning. ¹⁰ The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is intelligence. ¹¹ For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee. ¹² If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

¹³ The foolish woman is clamorous; she is stupid, and knoweth nothing. ¹⁴ And she sitteth at the entry of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, ¹⁵ to call passers-by who go right on their ways: ¹⁶ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither. And to him that is void of understanding she saith, ¹⁷ Stolen waters are sweet, and the bread of secrecy is pleasant. ¹⁸ But he knoweth not that the dead are there; that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

¹ The Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

² Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivereth from death. ³ Jehovah suffereth not the soul of the righteous man to famish; but he repelleth the craving of the wicked.

⁴ He cometh to want that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

⁵ He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

⁶ Blessings are upon the head of a righteous man ; but the mouth of the wicked covereth violence.

⁷ The memory of the righteous man shall be blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot.

⁸ The wise in heart receiveth commandments; but a prating fool shall fall.

⁹ He that walketh in integrity walketh securely; but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

¹⁰ He that winketh with the eye causeth grief, and a prating fool shall fall.

¹¹ The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked covereth violence.

¹² Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all transgressions.

¹³ In the lips of an intelligent man wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

¹⁴ The wise lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the fool is near destruction.

¹⁵ The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

¹⁶ The labour of a righteous man tendeth to life; the revenue of a wicked man , to sin.

¹⁷ Keeping instruction is the path to life; but he that forsaketh reproof goeth astray.

¹⁸ He that covereth hatred hath lying lips, and he that sendeth forth a slander is a fool.

¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; but he that restraineth his lips doeth wisely.

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous man is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. ²¹ The lips of a righteous man feed many; but fools die for want of understanding.

²² The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow to it.

²³ It is as sport to a foolish man to do wickedness; but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

²⁴ The fear of a wicked man , it shall come upon him; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. ²⁵ As a whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more ; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

²⁷ The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ²⁸ The hope of the righteous is joy; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

²⁹ The way of Jehovah is strength to the perfect man , but destruction to the workers of iniquity. ³⁰ The righteous man shall never be moved; but the wicked shall not inhabit the land.

³¹ The mouth of a righteous man putteth forth wisdom; but the froward tongue shall be cut out. ³² The lips of a righteous man know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked is frowardness.

¹ A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; but a just weight is his delight.

²  When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them.

⁴ Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way; but the wicked falleth by his own wickedness. ⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivereth them; but the treacherous are taken in their own craving.

⁷ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish; and the hope of evil men perisheth.

⁸ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

⁹ With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous delivered.

¹⁰ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. ¹¹ By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

¹² He that despiseth his neighbour is void of heart; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. ¹³ He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

¹⁴ Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

¹⁵ It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure.

¹⁶ A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.

¹⁷ The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.

¹⁸ The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

¹⁹ As righteousness tendeth to life, so he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.

²⁰ The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in their way are his delight.

²¹ Hand for hand! an evil man shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

²² A fair woman who is without discretion, is as a gold ring in a swine's snout.

²³ The desire of the righteous is only good; the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

²⁴ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is right, but it tendeth only to want.

²⁵ The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

²⁶ He that withholdeth corn, the people curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

²⁷ He that is earnest after good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for mischief, it shall come upon him.

²⁸ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf.

²⁹ He that troubleth his own house shall inherit wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and the wise winneth souls.

³¹ Behold, the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner.

¹ Whoso loveth discipline loveth knowledge, but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

² A good man obtaineth favour of Jehovah; but a man of mischievous devices will he condemn.

³ A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

⁴ A woman of worth is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

⁶ The words of the wicked are a lying-in-wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

⁷ Overthrow the wicked, and they are no more ; but the house of the righteous shall stand.

⁸ A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverted heart shall be despised.

⁹ Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man is concerned for the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding.

¹² The wicked desireth the net of evil men ; but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit .

¹³ In the transgression of the lips is an evil snare; but a righteous man shall go forth out of trouble.

¹⁴ A man is satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

¹⁶ The vexation of the fool is presently known; but a prudent man covereth shame.

¹⁷ He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.

¹⁸ There is that babbleth like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.

¹⁹ The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

²¹ There shall no evil happen to a righteous man ; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

²² Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; but they that deal truly are his delight.

²³ A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of the foolish proclaimeth folly.

²⁴ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful hand shall be under tribute.

²⁵ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad.

²⁶ The righteous guideth his neighbour; but the way of the wicked misleadeth them.

²⁷ The slothful roasteth not what he took in hunting; but man's precious substance is to the diligent.

²⁸ In the path of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

¹ A wise son heareth his father's instruction; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

² A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; but the soul of the treacherous, violence.

³ He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his soul; destruction shall be to him that openeth wide his lips.

⁴ A sluggard's soul desireth and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

⁵ A righteous man hateth lying; but the wicked maketh himself odious and cometh to shame.

⁶ Righteousness preserveth him that is perfect in the way; but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

⁷ There is that feigneth himself rich, and hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, and hath great wealth.

⁸ The ransom of a man's life is his riches; but the indigent heareth not rebuke.

⁹ The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

¹⁰ By pride there only cometh contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.

¹¹ Wealth gotten by vanity diminisheth; but he that gathereth by manual-labour shall increase it .

¹² Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but the desire that cometh to pass is a tree of life.

¹³ Whoso despiseth the word shall be held by it; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise man is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good understanding procureth favour; but the way of the treacherous is hard.

¹⁶ Every prudent man acteth with knowledge; but the foolish layeth open his folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health.

¹⁸ Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

¹⁹ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; but it is abomination to the foolish to depart from evil.

²⁰ He that walketh with wise men becometh wise; but a companion of the foolish will be depraved.

²¹ Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

²² A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; but the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous man .

²³ Much food is in the tillage of the poor; but there is that is lost for want of judgment.

²⁴ He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

²⁵ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; but the belly of the wicked shall want.

¹ The wisdom of women buildeth their house; but folly plucketh it down with her hands.

² He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; but he that is perverted in his ways despiseth him.

³ In the fool's mouth is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

⁴ Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

⁵ A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness uttereth lies.

⁶ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none for him ; but knowledge is easy unto the intelligent.

⁷ Go from the presence of a foolish man, in whom thou perceivest not the lips of knowledge.

⁸ The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way; but the folly of the foolish is deceit.

⁹ Fools make a mock at trespass; but for the upright there is favour.

¹⁰ The heart knoweth its own bitterness, and a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.

¹¹ The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

¹² There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

¹³ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is sadness.

¹⁴ The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and the good man from what is in himself.

¹⁵ The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man heedeth his going.

¹⁶ A wise man feareth and departeth from evil; but the foolish is overbearing and confident.

¹⁷ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly, and a man of mischievous devices is hated.

¹⁸ The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹ The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous man .

²⁰ He that is poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.

²¹ He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious to the afflicted, happy is he.

²² Do they not err that devise evil? but loving-kindness and truth are for those that devise good.

²³ In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to want.

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of the foolish is folly.

²⁵ A true witness delivereth souls; but deceit uttereth lies.

²⁶ In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. ²⁷ The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.

²⁸ In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the lack of people is the ruin of a prince.

²⁹ He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

³⁰ A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones.

³¹ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth Him is gracious to the needy.

³² The wicked is driven away by his evil-doing; but the righteous trusteth, even in his death.

³³ Wisdom resteth in the heart of the intelligent man ; but that which is in the foolish maketh itself known.

³⁴ Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to peoples.

³⁵ The king's favour is toward a wise servant; but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

¹ A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly.

³ The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

⁴ Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

⁵ A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh prudent.

⁶ In the house of a righteous man is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked man is disturbance.

⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish.

⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

⁹ The way of a wicked man is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.

¹⁰ Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.

¹¹ Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

¹² A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

¹³ A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

¹⁴ The heart of an intelligent man seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith. ¹⁷ Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.

¹⁸ A furious man stirreth up contention; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright is made plain.

²⁰ A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

²¹ Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.

²² Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

²³ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word in its season, how good is it!

²⁴ The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

²⁵ Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow.

²⁶ The thoughts of the evil man are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are pleasant.

²⁷ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

²⁸ The heart of a righteous man studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

²⁹ Jehovah is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat.

³¹ The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.

³² He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense.

³³ The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour goeth humility.

¹ The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

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

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

⁴ Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

⁵ Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent.

⁶ By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

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

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

⁹ The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.

¹⁰ An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.

¹¹ The just balance and scales are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are his work.

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

¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright.

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

¹⁶ How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!

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

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

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

²⁰ He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.

²¹ The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

²² Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

²³ The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.

²⁴ Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.

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

²⁶ The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.

²⁷ A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire. ²⁸ A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.

²⁹ A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good. ³⁰ He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.

³¹ The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.

³² He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

³³ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.

¹ Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting with strife.

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

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

⁴ The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

⁵ Whoso mocketh a poor man reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent.

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

⁷ Excellent speech becometh not a vile man ; how much less do lying lips a noble!

⁸ A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it prospereth.

⁹ He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again separateth very friends.

¹⁰ A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.

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

¹² Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.

¹³ Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

¹⁴ The beginning of contention is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.

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

¹⁶ To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no sense?

¹⁷ The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

¹⁸ A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.

¹⁹ He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction.

²⁰ He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow, and the father of a vile man hath no joy.

²² A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

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

²⁶ To punish a righteous man is not good, nor to strike nobles because of their uprightness.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit. ²⁸ Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, and he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.

¹ He that separateth himself seeketh his pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.

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

³ When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

⁴ The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.

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

⁶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes. ⁷ A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

⁸ The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

⁹ He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.

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

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

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

¹³ He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.

¹⁴ The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

¹⁵ The heart of an intelligent man getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

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

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

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

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

²⁰ A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.

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

²² Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.

²³ He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.

²⁴ A man of many friends will come to ruin but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

¹ Better is a poor man that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

² Also that a person be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet maketh false steps.

³ The folly of man distorteth his way, and his heart is irritated against Jehovah.

⁴ Wealth addeth many friends; but the poor is separated from his friend.

⁵ A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

⁶ Many court the favour of a noble; and every one is friend to a man that giveth. ⁷ All the brethren of a poor man hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him: he pursueth them with words, --they are not to be found .

⁸ He that getteth sense loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

⁹ A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall perish.

¹⁰ Good living beseemeth not a fool; how much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

¹¹ The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

¹² The king's displeasure is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

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

¹⁴ House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers; but a prudent wife is from Jehovah.

¹⁵ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

¹⁶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; he that is careless of his ways shall die.

¹⁷ He that is gracious to the poor lendeth unto Jehovah; and what he hath bestowed will he repay unto him.

¹⁸ Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; but set not thy soul upon killing him.

¹⁹ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou deliver him , yet thou must do it again.

²⁰ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

²¹ Many are the thoughts in a man's heart, but the counsel of Jehovah, that doth stand.

²² The charm of a man is his kindness; and a poor man is better than a liar.

²³ The fear of Jehovah tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall rest satisfied without being visited with evil.

²⁴ A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again.

²⁵ Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge.

²⁶ He that ruineth his father and chaseth away his mother is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

²⁷ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction which causeth to stray from the words of knowledge.

²⁸ A witness of Belial scorneth judgment, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth down iniquity.

²⁹ Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of the foolish.

¹ Wine is a scorner, strong drink is raging; and whoso erreth thereby is not wise.

² The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

³ It is an honour for a man to cease from strife; but every fool rusheth into it.

⁴ The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

⁵ Counsel in the heart of man is deep water, and a man of understanding draweth it out.

⁶ Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; but a faithful man who shall find?

⁷ The righteous walketh in his integrity: blessed are his children after him!

⁸ A king sitting on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

⁹ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

¹⁰ Divers weights, divers measures, even both of them are abomination to Jehovah.

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

¹² The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.

¹³ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

¹⁴ Bad! bad! saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

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

¹⁶ Take his garment that is become surety for another, and hold him in pledge for strangers.

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

¹⁸ Plans are established by counsel; and with good advice make war.

¹⁹ He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth his lips.

²⁰ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.

²¹ An inheritance obtained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

²² Say not, I will recompense evil: wait on Jehovah, and he shall save thee.

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

²⁴ The steps of a man are from Jehovah; and how can a man understand his own way?

²⁵ It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is hallowed, and after vows to make inquiry.

²⁶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

²⁷ Man's spirit is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inner parts of the belly.

²⁸ Mercy and truth preserve the king; and he upholdeth his throne by mercy.

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

³⁰ Wounding stripes purge away evil, and strokes purge the inner parts of the belly.

¹ The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is as brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

² Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

³ To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

⁴ Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

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

⁶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.

⁷ The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

⁸ Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.

⁹ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

¹⁰ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

¹¹ When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

¹² One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to their ruin.

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

¹⁴ A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.

¹⁵ It is joy to a righteous man to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.

¹⁶ The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.

¹⁷ He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

¹⁸ The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous man in the stead of the upright.

¹⁹ It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.

²⁰ There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise man ; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.

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

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

²³ Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

²⁴ Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.

²⁵ The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work: ²⁶ He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!

²⁸ A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.

²⁹ A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.

³⁰ There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah. ³¹ The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.

¹ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold.

² The rich and poor meet together; Jehovah is the maker of them all.

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

⁴ The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honour, and life.

⁵ Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: he that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them.

⁶ Train up the child according to the tenor of his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

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

⁸ He that soweth unrighteousness shall reap iniquity, and the rod of his wrath shall have an end.

⁹ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

¹⁰ Cast out the scorner, and contention will depart, and strife and ignominy shall cease.

¹¹ He that loveth pureness of heart, upon whose lips is grace, the king is his friend.

¹² The eyes of Jehovah preserve knowledge; but he overthroweth the words of the unfaithful.

¹³ The sluggard saith, There is a lion without, I shall be killed in the streets!

¹⁴ The mouth of strange women is a deep ditch: he with whom Jehovah is displeased shall fall therein.

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

¹⁶ He that oppresseth the poor, it is to enrich him; he that giveth to the rich, bringeth only to want.

¹⁷ Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge. ¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee: they shall be together fitted on thy lips. ¹⁹ That thy confidence may be in Jehovah, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee. ²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsels and knowledge, ²¹ that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate; ²³ for Jehovah will plead their cause, and despoil the soul of those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man, and go not with a furious man; ²⁵ lest thou learn his paths, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts: ²⁷ if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

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

²⁹ Hast thou seen a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before the mean.

¹ When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider well who is before thee; ² and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. ³ Be not desirous of his dainties; for they are deceitful food.

⁴ Weary not thyself to become rich; cease from thine own intelligence: ⁵ wilt thou set thine eyes upon it, it is gone; for indeed it maketh itself wings and it flieth away as an eagle towards the heavens.

⁶ Eat thou not the food of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainties. ⁷ For as he thinketh in his soul, so is he. Eat and drink! will he say unto thee; but his heart is not with thee. ⁸ Thy morsel which thou hast eaten must thou vomit up, and thou wilt have wasted thy sweet words.

⁹ Speak not in the ears of a foolish man , for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

¹⁰ Remove not the ancient landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: ¹¹ for their redeemer is mighty; he will plead their cause against thee.

¹² Apply thy heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. ¹³ Withhold not correction from the child; for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die: ¹⁴ thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from Sheol. ¹⁵ My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine; ¹⁶ and my reins shall exult, when thy lips speak right things.

¹⁷ Let not thy heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of Jehovah all the day; ¹⁸ for surely there is a result, and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

¹⁹ Thou, my son, hear and be wise, and direct thy heart in the way. ²⁰ Be not among winebibbers, among riotous eaters of flesh. ²¹ For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; and drowsiness clotheth with rags. ²² Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. ²³ Buy the truth, and sell it not; wisdom, and instruction, and intelligence. ²⁴ The father of a righteous man shall greatly rejoice, and he that begetteth a wise son shall have joy of him: ²⁵ let thy father and thy mother have joy, and let her that bore thee rejoice. ²⁶ My son, give me thy heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. ²⁷ For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. ²⁸ She also lieth in wait as a robber, and increaseth the treacherous among men.

²⁹ Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who contentions? Who complaining? Who wounds without cause? Who redness of eyes? ³⁰ --They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to try mixed wine. ³¹ Look not upon the wine when it is red, when it sparkleth in the cup, and goeth down smoothly: ³² at the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. ³³ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thy heart shall speak froward things; ³⁴ and thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, and as he that lieth down upon the top of a mast: ³⁵ --''They have smitten me, and I am not sore; they have beaten me, and I knew it not. When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.''

¹ Be not thou envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them; ² for their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

³ Through wisdom is a house built, and by understanding it is established; ⁴ and by knowledge are the chambers filled with all precious and pleasant substance. ⁵ A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increaseth strength. ⁶ For with good advice shalt thou make thy war; and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

⁷ Wisdom is too high for a fool: he will not open his mouth in the gate. ⁸ He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a master of intrigues. ⁹ The purpose of folly is sin, and the scorner is an abomination to men.

¹⁰  If thou losest courage in the day of trouble, thy strength is small.

¹¹ Deliver them that are taken forth unto death, and withdraw not from them that stagger to slaughter. ¹² If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not, will not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that preserveth thy soul, he knoweth it; and he rendereth to man according to his work.

¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good; and a honeycomb is sweet to thy taste: ¹⁴ so consider wisdom for thy soul; if thou hast found it, there shall be a result, and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

¹⁵ Lay not wait, O wicked man , against the dwelling of the righteous; lay not waste his resting-place. ¹⁶ For the righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again; but the wicked stumble into disaster.

¹⁷ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth; ¹⁸ lest Jehovah see it, and it be evil in his sight, and he turn away his anger from him.

¹⁹ Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, and be not envious of the wicked: ²⁰ for there shall be no future to the evil man ; the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

²¹ My son, fear Jehovah and the king: meddle not with them that are given to change. ²² For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

²³ These things also come from the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. ²⁴ He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him; ²⁵ but to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing cometh upon them. ²⁶ He kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer.

²⁷ Prepare thy work without, and put thy field in order, and afterwards build thy house.

²⁸ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and wouldest thou deceive with thy lips? 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.

³⁰ I went by the field of a sluggard, and by the vineyard of a man void of understanding; ³¹ and lo, it was all grown over with thistles, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and its stone wall was broken down. ³² Then I looked, I took it to heart; I saw, I received instruction: ³³ --A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest! ³⁴ So shall thy poverty come as a roving plunderer, and thy penury as an armed man.

¹ These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.

² It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a thing. ³ The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner: ⁵ take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

⁶ Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of the great; 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 see.

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. ⁹ Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another; ¹⁰ lest he that heareth it disgrace thee, and thine evil report turn not away.

¹¹  As apples of gold in pictures of silver, is a word spoken in season. ¹² An ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise reprover upon an attentive ear.

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.

¹⁴ Clouds and wind without rain, so is a man that boasteth himself of a false gift.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be surfeited therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee and hate thee.

¹⁸ A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

¹⁹ A broken tooth, and a tottering foot, is confidence in an unfaithful man in the day of trouble.

²⁰  As he that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a sad heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: ²² for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain, and the angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

²⁵  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A troubled fountain, and a defiled well, is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

²⁷ It is not good to eat much honey; and to search into weighty matters is itself a weight.

²⁸ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is as a city broken down, without walls.

¹ As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour beseemeth not a fool.

² As the sparrow for flitting about, as the swallow for flying, so a curse undeserved shall not come.

³ A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.

⁴ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

⁶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh damage. ⁷ The legs of the lame hang loose; so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. ⁸ As a bag of gems in a stoneheap, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. ⁹  As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

¹⁰ A master roughly worketh every one: he both hireth the fool and hireth passers-by.

¹¹ As a dog turneth back to its vomit, so a fool repeateth his folly.

¹² Hast thou seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

¹³ The sluggard saith, There is a fierce lion in the way; a lion is in the midst of the streets!

¹⁴  As the door turneth upon its hinges, so the sluggard upon his bed.

¹⁵ The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish: it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.

¹⁶ A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men that answer discreetly.

¹⁷ He that passing by vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

¹⁸ As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, ¹⁹ so is a man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?

²⁰ Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth. ²¹  As coals for hot coals, and wood for fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife. ²² The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

²³ Ardent lips, and a wicked heart, are as an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

²⁴ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him: ²⁵ when his voice is gracious, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart. ²⁶ Though his hatred is covered by dissimulation, his wickedness shall be made manifest in the congregation.

²⁷ Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.

²⁸ A lying tongue hateth those that are injured by it, and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

¹ Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day will bring forth.

² Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

³ A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's vexation is heavier than them both. ⁴ Fury is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

⁵ Open rebuke is better than hidden love. ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

⁷ The full soul trampleth on a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

⁸ As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

⁹ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; and the sweetness of one's friend is the fruit of hearty counsel. ¹⁰ Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; and go not into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

¹¹ Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me.

¹² A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; the simple pass on, and are punished.

¹³ Take his garment that is become surety for another, and hold him in pledge for a strange woman.

¹⁴ He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be reckoned a curse to him.

¹⁵ A continual dropping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike: ¹⁶ whosoever will restrain her restraineth the wind, and his right hand encountereth oil.

¹⁷ Iron is sharpened by iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

¹⁸ Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; and he that guardeth his master shall be honoured.

¹⁹ As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

²⁰ Sheol and destruction are insatiable; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

²¹ The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; so let a man be to the mouth that praiseth him.

²² If thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his folly depart from him.

²³ Be well acquainted with the appearance of thy flocks; look well to thy herds: ²⁴ for wealth is not for ever; and doth the crown endure from generation to generation? ²⁵ The hay is removed, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered in. ²⁶ The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of a field; ²⁷ and there is goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and sustenance for thy maidens.

¹ The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.

² By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and of knowledge, its stability is prolonged.

³ A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

⁴ They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.

⁵ Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.

⁶ Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.

⁷ Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.

⁸ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.

⁹ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

¹⁰ Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall into his own pit; but the perfect shall inherit good.

¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves.

¹³ He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

¹⁴ Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

¹⁵ A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

¹⁶ The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

¹⁷ A man laden with the blood of any person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.

¹⁸ Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in his double ways, shall fall in one of them .

¹⁹ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.

²⁰ A faithful man aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

²¹ To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.

²² He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.

²³ He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

²⁴ Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.

²⁵ He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.

²⁶ He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

²⁷ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.

²⁸ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.

¹ He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy.

² When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

³ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth his substance.

⁴ A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.

⁵ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.

⁶ In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice.

⁷ The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.

⁸ Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.

⁹ If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, he hath no rest.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.

¹¹ A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it back.

¹² If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.

¹³ The indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

¹⁴ A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.

¹⁷ Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.

¹⁹ A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.

²⁰ Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

²¹ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.

²² An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

²³ A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.

²⁴ Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.

²⁵ The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.

²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is of upright way is an abomination to the wicked man .

¹ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the prophecy uttered by the man unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal: ² Truly *I* am more stupid than any one; and I have not a man's intelligence. ³ I have neither learned wisdom, nor have I the knowledge of the Holy. ⁴ Who hath ascended up into the heavens, and descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a mantle? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou knowest? ⁵ Every word of +God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. ⁶ Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

⁷ Two things do I ask of thee; deny me them not before I die: ⁸ Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread of my daily need: ⁹ lest I be full and deny thee , and say, Who is Jehovah? or lest I be poor and steal, and outrage the name of my God.

¹⁰ Speak not too much about a servant to his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty. ¹¹ There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother; ¹² there is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness; ¹³ there is a generation, --how lofty are their eyes, how their eyelids are lifted up! ¹⁴ --a generation whose teeth are swords, and their jaw-teeth knives, to devour the afflicted from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

¹⁵ The leech hath two daughters: Give, give. There are three things never satisfied; four which say not, It is enough: ¹⁶ --Sheol, and the barren womb; the earth which is not filled with water, and the fire which saith not, It is enough. ¹⁷ The eye that mocketh at a father, and despiseth to obey a mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

¹⁸ There are three things too wonderful for me, and four that I know not: ¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the heavens, 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. ²⁰ Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. ²¹ Under three things the earth is disquieted, and under four it cannot bear up: ²² Under a servant when he reigneth, and a churl when he is filled with meat; ²³ under an odious woman when she is married, and a handmaid when she is heir to her mistress.

²⁴ There are four things little upon the earth, and they are exceeding wise: ²⁵ The ants, a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; ²⁶ the rock-badgers are but a feeble folk, yet they make their house in the cliff; ²⁷ the locusts have no king, yet they go forth all of them by bands; ²⁸ thou takest hold of the lizard with the hands, yet is she in kings' palaces.

²⁹ There are three things which have a stately step, and four are comely in going: ³⁰ The lion, mighty among beasts, which turneth not away for any; ³¹ a horse girt in the loins; or the he-goat; and a king, against whom none can rise up. ³² If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay the hand upon thy mouth. ³³ For the pressing of milk bringeth forth butter, and the pressing of the nose bringeth forth blood; and the pressing of anger bringeth forth strife.

¹ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him: ² What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? and what, O son of my vows? ³ Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to them that destroy kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to say , Where is the strong drink? ⁵ --lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the children of affliction. ⁶ Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul: ⁷ let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. ⁸ Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all those that are left desolate. ⁹ Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister justice to the afflicted and needy.

¹⁰ Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies. ¹¹ The heart of her husband confideth in her, and he shall have no lack of spoil. ¹² She doeth him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. ¹³ She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchants' ships: she bringeth her food from afar; ¹⁵ And she riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and the day's work to her maidens. ¹⁶ She considereth a field, and acquireth it; of the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms. ¹⁸ She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night. ¹⁹ She putteth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. ²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the afflicted, and she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. ²² She maketh herself coverlets; her clothing is byssus and purple. ²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. ²⁴ She maketh body linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. ²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laugheth at the coming day. ²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁷ She surveyeth the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also , and he praiseth her: ²⁹ Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excellest them all. ³⁰ Gracefulness is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.