CHAPTER 1
**1** The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
**2** To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
**3** To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
**4** To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
**5** A wise _man_ will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
**6** To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
**7** ¶ The fear of the LORD _is_ the beginning of knowledge: _but_ fools despise wisdom and instruction.
**8** My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
**9** For they _shall be_ an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
**10** ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
**11** If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
**12** Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; 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; let us all have one purse:
**15** My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
**16** For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
**17** Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
**18** And they lay wait for their _own_ blood; they lurk privily for their _own_ lives.
**19** So _are_ the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; _which_ taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
**20** ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
**21** She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, _saying_,
**22** How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
**23** Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
**24** ¶ Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
**25** But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
**26** I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
**27** When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
**28** Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
**29** For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
**30** They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
**31** Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
**32** For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
**33** But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
CHAPTER 2
**1** My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
**2** So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, _and_ apply thine heart to understanding;
**3** Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, _and_ liftest up thy voice for understanding;
**4** If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as _for_ hid treasures;
**5** Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
**6** For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth _cometh_ knowledge and understanding.
**7** He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: _he is_ a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
**8** He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
**9** Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; _yea_, every good path.
**10** ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
**11** Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
**12** To deliver thee from the way of the evil _man_, from the man that speaketh froward things;
**13** 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 the wicked;
**15** Whose ways _are_ crooked, and _they_ froward in their paths:
**16** To deliver thee from the strange woman, _even_ from the stranger _which_ flattereth with her words;
**17** Which 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 take they hold of the paths of life.
**20** That thou mayest walk in the way of good _men_, 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 earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
CHAPTER 3
**1** My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
**2** For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
**3** Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
**4** So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
**5** ¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
**6** In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
**7** ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
**8** It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
**9** Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
**10** So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
**11** ¶ My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
**12** For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son _in whom_ he delighteth.
**13** ¶ Happy _is_ the man _that_ findeth wisdom, and the man _that_ getteth understanding.
**14** For the merchandise of it _is_ better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
**15** She _is_ more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
**16** Length of days _is_ in her right hand; _and_ 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 every one_ that retaineth her.
**19** The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
**20** By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
**21** ¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
**22** So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
**23** Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
**24** When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
**25** Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
**26** For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
**27** ¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine 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 thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
**32** For the froward _is_ abomination to the LORD: but his secret _is_ with the righteous.
**33** ¶ The curse of the LORD _is_ in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
**34** Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
**35** The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
CHAPTER 4
**1** Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
**2** For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
**3** For I was my father’s son, tender and only _beloved_ in the sight of my mother.
**4** He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
**5** Get wisdom, get understanding: forget _it_ not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
**6** Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
**7** Wisdom _is_ the principal thing; _therefore_ get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
**8** Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
**9** She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
**10** Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
**11** I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
**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 cause _some_ to fall.
**17** For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
**18** But the path of the just _is_ as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
**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 thine heart.
**22** For they _are_ life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
**23** ¶ Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it _are_ the issues of life.
**24** Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse 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 established.
**27** Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
CHAPTER 5
**1** My son, attend unto my wisdom, _and_ bow thine ear to my understanding:
**2** That thou mayest regard discretion, and _that_ thy lips may keep knowledge.
**3** ¶ For the lips of a strange woman drop _as_ an honeycomb, and her mouth _is_ smoother than oil:
**4** But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
**5** Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
**6** Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, _that_ thou canst not know _them_.
**7** Hear me now therefore, O ye children, 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 thy labours _be_ in the house of a stranger;
**11** And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
**12** And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
**13** And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
**14** I was almost 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** Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, _and_ rivers of waters in the streets.
**17** Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
**18** Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
**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.
**20** And why wilt 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 the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
**22** ¶ His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
**23** He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
CHAPTER 6
**1** My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, _if_ thou hast stricken thy hand with 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, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
**4** Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
**5** Deliver thyself as a roe 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 guide, overseer, or ruler,
**8** Provideth her meat in the summer, _and_ gathereth her food in the harvest.
**9** How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
**10** _Yet_ a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
**11** So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
**12** ¶ A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
**13** He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
**14** Frowardness _is_ in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
**15** Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
**16** ¶ These six _things_ doth the LORD hate: yea, seven _are_ an abomination unto him:
**17** A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
**18** An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
**19** A false witness _that_ speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
**20** ¶ My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
**21** Bind them continually upon thine heart, _and_ tie them about thy neck.
**22** When thou goest, 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 law _is_ 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 thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
**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.
**27** Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
**28** Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
**29** So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
**30** _Men_ do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
**31** But _if_ he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
**32** _But_ whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he _that_ doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
**33** A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
**34** For jealousy _is_ the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
**35** He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
CHAPTER 7
**1** My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
**2** Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
**3** Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
**4** Say unto wisdom, Thou _art_ my sister; and call understanding _thy_ kinswoman:
**5** That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger _which_ flattereth with her words.
**6** ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
**7** And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, 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, in the black and dark night:
**10** And, behold, there met him a woman _with_ the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
**11** (She _is_ loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
**12** Now _is she_ without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
**13** So 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 payed my vows.
**15** Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
**16** I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved _works_, with fine linen of Egypt.
**17** I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
**18** Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
**19** For the goodman _is_ not at home, he is gone a long journey:
**20** He hath taken a bag of money with him, _and_ will come home at the day appointed.
**21** With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
**22** He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
**23** Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it _is_ for his life.
**24** ¶ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
**25** Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
**26** For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong _men_ have been slain by her.
**27** Her house _is_ the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
CHAPTER 8
**1** Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
**2** She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
**3** She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
**4** Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice _is_ to the sons of man.
**5** O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
**6** Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips _shall be_ right things.
**7** For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness _is_ an abomination to my lips.
**8** All the words of my mouth _are_ in righteousness; _there is_ nothing froward 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 to be compared to it.
**12** I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
**13** The fear of the LORD _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_ understanding; I have strength.
**15** By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
**16** By me princes rule, and nobles, _even_ all the judges of the earth.
**17** I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
**18** Riches and honour _are_ with me; _yea_, durable riches and righteousness.
**19** My fruit _is_ better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
**20** I lead in the way 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 treasures.
**22** The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
**23** I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever 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 highest part of the dust of the world.
**27** When he prepared the heavens, I _was_ there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
**28** When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
**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:
**30** Then I was by him, _as_ one brought up _with him_: 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** Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for 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 shall obtain favour of the LORD.
**36** But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
CHAPTER 9
**1** Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
**2** She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
**3** She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
**4** Whoso _is_ simple, let him turn in hither: _as for_ him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
**5** Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine _which_ I have mingled.
**6** Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
**7** He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked _man getteth_ himself a blot.
**8** Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
**9** Give _instruction_ to a wise _man_, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just _man_, and he will increase in learning.
**10** The fear of the LORD _is_ the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy _is_ understanding.
**11** For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
**12** If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but _if_ thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear _it_.
**13** A foolish woman _is_ clamorous: _she is_ simple, and knoweth nothing.
**14** For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
**15** To call passengers who go right on their ways:
**16** Whoso _is_ simple, let him turn in hither: and _as for_ him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
**17** Stolen waters are sweet, and bread _eaten_ in secret is pleasant.
**18** But he knoweth not that the dead _are_ there; _and that_ her guests _are_ in the depths of hell.
CHAPTER 10
**1** The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son _is_ the heaviness of his mother.
**2** Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
**3** The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
**4** He becometh poor that dealeth _with_ a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
**5** He that gathereth in summer _is_ a wise son: _but_ he that sleepeth in harvest _is_ a son that causeth shame.
**6** Blessings _are_ upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
**7** The memory of the just _is_ blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
**8** The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
**9** He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
**10** He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
**11** The mouth of a righteous _man is_ a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
**12** Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
**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.
**14** Wise _men_ lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish _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 the righteous _tendeth_ to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
**17** He _is in_ the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
**18** He that hideth hatred _with_ lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, _is_ a fool.
**19** In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips _is_ wise.
**20** The tongue of the just _is as_ choice silver: the heart of the wicked _is_ little worth.
**21** The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
**22** The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
**23** _It is_ as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
**24** The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
**25** As the 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 the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
**28** The hope of the righteous _shall be_ gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
**29** The way of the LORD _is_ strength to the upright: but destruction _shall be_ to the workers of iniquity.
**30** The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
**31** The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
**32** The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked _speaketh_ frowardness.
CHAPTER 11
**1** A false balance _is_ abomination to the LORD: 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 shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
**4** Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
**5** The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
**6** The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in _their own_ naughtiness.
**7** When a wicked man dieth, _his_ expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust _men_ perisheth.
**8** The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
**9** An hypocrite with _his_ mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be 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 is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
**13** A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
**14** Where no counsel _is_, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors _there is_ safety.
**15** He that is surety for a stranger shall smart _for it_: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
**16** A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong _men_ retain riches.
**17** The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but _he that is_ cruel troubleth his own flesh.
**18** The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness _shall be_ a sure reward.
**19** As righteousness _tendeth_ to life: so he that pursueth evil _pursueth it_ to his own death.
**20** They that are of a froward heart _are_ abomination to the LORD: but _such as are_ upright in _their_ way _are_ his delight.
**21** _Though_ hand _join_ in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
**22** _As_ a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, _so is_ a fair woman which is without discretion.
**23** The desire of the righteous _is_ only good: _but_ the expectation of the wicked _is_ wrath.
**24** There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and _there is_ that withholdeth more than is meet, but _it tendeth_ to poverty.
**25** The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
**26** He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing _shall be_ upon the head of him that selleth _it_.
**27** He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
**28** He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
**29** He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool _shall be_ servant to the wise of heart.
**30** The fruit of the righteous _is_ a tree of life; and he that winneth souls _is_ wise.
**31** Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
CHAPTER 12
**1** Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof _is_ brutish.
**2** A good _man_ obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked 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 virtuous woman _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: _but_ the counsels of the wicked _are_ deceit.
**6** The words of the wicked _are_ to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
**7** The wicked are overthrown, and _are_ not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
**8** A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
**9** _He that is_ despised, and hath a servant, _is_ better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
**10** A righteous _man_ regardeth 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 vain _persons is_ void of understanding.
**12** The wicked desireth the net of evil _men_: but the root of the righteous yieldeth _fruit_.
**13** The wicked is snared by the transgression of _his_ lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
**14** A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of _his_ mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
**15** The way of a fool _is_ right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel _is_ wise.
**16** A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent _man_ covereth shame.
**17** _He that_ speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
**18** There is that speaketh 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 imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace _is_ joy.
**21** There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
**22** Lying lips _are_ abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly _are_ his delight.
**23** A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
**24** The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
**25** Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
**26** The righteous _is_ more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
**27** The slothful _man_ roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man _is_ precious.
**28** In the way of righteousness _is_ life; and _in_ the pathway _thereof there is_ no death.
CHAPTER 13
**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 transgressors _shall eat_ violence.
**3** He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: _but_ he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
**4** The soul of the sluggard desireth, and _hath_ nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
**5** A righteous _man_ hateth lying: but a wicked _man_ is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
**6** Righteousness keepeth _him that is_ upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
**7** There is that maketh himself rich, yet _hath_ nothing: _there is_ that maketh himself poor, yet _hath_ great riches.
**8** The ransom of a man’s life _are_ his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
**9** The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
**10** Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised _is_ wisdom.
**11** Wealth _gotten_ by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
**12** Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but _when_ the desire cometh, _it is_ a tree of life.
**13** Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
**14** The law of the wise _is_ a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
**15** Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors _is_ hard.
**16** Every prudent _man_ dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open _his_ folly.
**17** A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: 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 fools to depart from evil.
**20** He that walketh with wise _men_ shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
**21** Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
**22** A good _man_ leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner _is_ laid up for the just.
**23** Much food _is in_ the tillage of the poor: but there is _that is_ destroyed 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.
CHAPTER 14
**1** Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
**2** He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but _he that is_ perverse in his ways despiseth him.
**3** In the mouth of the foolish _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 will utter lies.
**6** A scorner seeketh wisdom, and _findeth it_ not: but knowledge _is_ easy unto him that understandeth.
**7** Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not _in him_ the lips of knowledge.
**8** The wisdom of the prudent _is_ to understand his way: but the folly of fools _is_ deceit.
**9** Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous _there is_ favour.
**10** The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
**11** The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
**12** There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof _are_ the ways of death.
**13** Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth _is_ heaviness.
**14** The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man _shall be satisfied_ from himself.
**15** The simple believeth every word: but the prudent _man_ looketh well to his going.
**16** A wise _man_ feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
**17** _He that is_ soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked 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.
**20** The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich _hath_ many friends.
**21** He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy _is_ he.
**22** Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth _shall be_ to them that devise good.
**23** In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips _tendeth_ only to penury.
**24** The crown of the wise _is_ their riches: _but_ the foolishness of fools _is_ folly.
**25** A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful _witness_ speaketh lies.
**26** In the fear of the LORD _is_ strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
**27** The fear of the LORD _is_ a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
**28** In the multitude of people _is_ the king’s honour: but in the want of people _is_ the destruction of the prince.
**29** _He that is_ slow to wrath _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 hath mercy on the poor.
**32** The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
**33** Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but _that which is_ in the midst of fools is made known.
**34** Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin _is_ a reproach to any people.
**35** The king’s favour _is_ toward a wise servant: but his wrath is _against_ him that causeth shame.
CHAPTER 15
**1** A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
**2** The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
**3** The eyes of the LORD _are_ in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
**4** A wholesome tongue _is_ a tree of life: but perverseness therein _is_ a breach in the spirit.
**5** A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
**6** In the house of the righteous _is_ much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
**7** The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish _doeth_ not so.
**8** The sacrifice of the wicked _is_ an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright _is_ his delight.
**9** The way of the wicked _is_ an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
**10** Correction _is_ grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: _and_ he that hateth reproof shall die.
**11** Hell and destruction _are_ before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
**12** A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
**13** A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
**14** The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
**15** All the days of the afflicted _are_ evil: but he that is of a merry heart _hath_ a continual feast.
**16** Better _is_ little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
**17** Better _is_ a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
**18** A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but _he that is_ slow to anger appeaseth strife.
**19** The way of the slothful _man is_ as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous _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_ destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
**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 _spoken_ in due season, how good _is it_!
**24** The way of life _is_ above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
**25** The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
**26** The thoughts of the wicked _are_ an abomination to the LORD: but _the words_ of the pure _are_ pleasant words.
**27** He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
**28** The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
**29** The LORD _is_ far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
**30** The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: _and_ a good report maketh the bones fat.
**31** The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
**32** He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
**33** The fear of the LORD _is_ the instruction of wisdom; and before honour _is_ humility.
CHAPTER 16
**1** The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, _is_ from the LORD.
**2** All the ways of a man _are_ clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
**3** Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
**4** The LORD hath made all _things_ for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
**5** Every one _that is_ proud in heart _is_ an abomination to the LORD: _though_ hand _join_ in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
**6** By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD _men_ depart from evil.
**7** When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
**8** Better _is_ a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
**9** A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
**10** A divine sentence _is_ in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
**11** A just weight and balance _are_ the LORD’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 right.
**14** The wrath of a king _is as_ messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
**15** In the light of the king’s countenance _is_ life; and his favour _is_ as a cloud of the latter rain.
**16** How much better _is it_ to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
**17** The highway of the upright _is_ to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
**18** Pride _goeth_ before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
**19** Better _it is to be_ of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
**20** He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy _is_ he.
**21** The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
**22** Understanding _is_ a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools _is_ folly.
**23** The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
**24** Pleasant words _are as_ an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
**25** There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof _are_ the ways of death.
**26** He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
**27** An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips _there is_ as a burning fire.
**28** A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
**29** A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way _that is_ not good.
**30** He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
**31** The hoary head _is_ a crown of glory, _if_ it be found in the way of righteousness.
**32** _He that is_ slow to anger _is_ better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
**33** The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof _is_ of the LORD.
CHAPTER 17
**1** Better _is_ a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices _with_ strife.
**2** A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
**3** The fining pot _is_ for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
**4** A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; _and_ a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
**5** Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: _and_ he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
**6** Children’s children _are_ the crown of old men; and the glory of children _are_ their fathers.
**7** Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
**8** A gift _is as_ a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
**9** He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth _very_ friends.
**10** A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
**11** An evil _man_ seeketh only rebellion: therefore 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 strife _is as_ when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
**15** He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both _are_ abomination to the LORD.
**16** Wherefore _is there_ a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing _he hath_ no heart _to it_?
**17** A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
**18** A man void of understanding striketh hands, _and_ becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
**19** He loveth transgression that loveth strife: _and_ he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
**20** He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
**21** He that begetteth a fool _doeth it_ to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
**22** A merry heart doeth good _like_ a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
**23** A wicked _man_ taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways 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 bare him.
**26** Also to punish the just _is_ not good, _nor_ to strike princes for equity.
**27** He that hath knowledge spareth his words: _and_ a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
**28** Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: _and_ he that shutteth his lips _is esteemed_ a man of understanding.
CHAPTER 18
**1** Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh _and_ intermeddleth with all wisdom.
**2** A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
**3** When the wicked cometh, _then_ cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
**4** The words of a man’s mouth _are as_ deep waters, _and_ the wellspring of wisdom _as_ a flowing brook.
**5** _It is_ not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
**6** A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
**7** A fool’s mouth _is_ his destruction, and his lips _are_ the snare of his soul.
**8** The words of a talebearer _are_ as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
**9** He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
**10** The name of the LORD _is_ a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
**11** The rich man’s wealth _is_ his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
**12** Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour _is_ humility.
**13** He that answereth a matter before he heareth _it_, it _is_ folly and shame unto him.
**14** The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
**15** The heart of the prudent 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 _their_ contentions _are_ like the bars of a castle.
**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.
**21** Death and life _are_ in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
**22** _Whoso_ findeth a wife findeth a good _thing_, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
**23** The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
**24** A man _that hath_ friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend _that_ sticketh closer than a brother.
CHAPTER 19
**1** Better _is_ the poor that walketh in his integrity, than _he that is_ perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
**2** Also, _that_ the soul _be_ without knowledge, _it is_ not good; and he that hasteth with _his_ feet sinneth.
**3** The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
**4** Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
**5** A false witness shall not be unpunished, and _he that_ speaketh lies shall not escape.
**6** Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man _is_ a friend to him that giveth gifts.
**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_.
**8** He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
**9** A false witness shall not be unpunished, and _he that_ speaketh lies shall perish.
**10** Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
**11** The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and _it is_ his glory to pass over a transgression.
**12** The king’s wrath _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 riches _are_ the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife _is_ from the LORD.
**15** Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
**16** He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; _but_ he that despiseth his ways shall die.
**17** He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
**18** Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
**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** _There are_ many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
**22** The desire of a man _is_ his kindness: and a poor man _is_ better than a liar.
**23** The fear of the LORD _tendeth_ to life: and _he that hath it_ shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
**24** A slothful _man_ hideth his hand in _his_ bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
**25** Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, _and_ he will understand knowledge.
**26** He that wasteth _his_ father, _and_ chaseth away _his_ mother, _is_ a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
**27** Cease, my son, to hear the instruction _that causeth_ to err from the words of knowledge.
**28** An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
**29** Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
CHAPTER 20
**1** Wine _is_ a mocker, strong drink _is_ raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
**2** The fear of a king _is_ as the roaring of a lion: _whoso_ provoketh him to anger sinneth _against_ his own soul.
**3** _It is_ an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
**4** The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; _therefore_ shall he beg in harvest, and _have_ nothing.
**5** Counsel in the heart of man _is like_ deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
**6** Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
**7** The just _man_ walketh in his integrity: his children _are_ blessed after him.
**8** A king that sitteth in 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, _and_ divers measures, both of them _are_ alike abomination to the LORD.
**11** Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work _be_ pure, and whether _it be_ right.
**12** The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD 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** _It is_ naught, _it is_ naught, 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 surety _for_ a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
**17** Bread of deceit _is_ sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
**18** _Every_ purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
**19** He that goeth about _as_ a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
**20** Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
**21** An inheritance _may be_ gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
**22** Say not thou, I will recompense evil; _but_ wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
**23** Divers weights _are_ an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance _is_ not good.
**24** Man’s goings _are_ of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
**25** _It is_ a snare to the man _who_ devoureth _that which is_ holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
**26** A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
**27** The spirit of man _is_ the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
**28** Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
**29** The glory of young men _is_ their strength: and the beauty of old men _is_ the gray head.
**30** The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so _do_ stripes the inward parts of the belly.
CHAPTER 21
**1** The king’s heart _is_ in the hand of the LORD, _as_ the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
**2** Every way of a man _is_ right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
**3** To do justice and judgment _is_ more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
**4** An high look, and a proud heart, _and_ the plowing of the wicked, _is_ sin.
**5** The thoughts of the diligent _tend_ only to plenteousness; but of every one _that is_ hasty only to want.
**6** The getting of treasures by a lying tongue _is_ a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
**7** The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
**8** The way of man _is_ froward and strange: but _as for_ the pure, his work _is_ right.
**9** _It is_ better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
**10** The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
**11** When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
**12** The righteous _man_ wisely considereth the house of the wicked: _but God_ overthroweth the wicked for _their_ wickedness.
**13** Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
**14** A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
**15** _It is_ joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction _shall be_ to the workers of iniquity.
**16** The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
**17** He that loveth pleasure _shall be_ a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
**18** The wicked _shall be_ a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
**19** _It is_ better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
**20** _There is_ treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
**21** He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
**22** A wise _man_ scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
**23** Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
**24** Proud _and_ haughty scorner _is_ his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
**25** The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
**26** He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
**27** The sacrifice of the wicked _is_ abomination: how much more, _when_ he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
**28** A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
**29** A wicked man hardeneth his face: but _as for_ the upright, he directeth his way.
**30** _There is_ no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
**31** The horse _is_ prepared against the day of battle: but safety _is_ of the LORD.
CHAPTER 22
**1** A _good_ name _is_ rather to be chosen than great riches, _and_ loving favour rather than silver and gold.
**2** The rich and poor meet together: the LORD _is_ the maker of them all.
**3** A prudent _man_ foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
**4** By humility _and_ the fear of the LORD _are_ riches, and honour, and life.
**5** Thorns _and_ snares _are_ in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
**6** Train up a child in the way he should go: 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 iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
**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 shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
**11** He that loveth pureness of heart, _for_ the grace of his lips the king _shall be_ his friend.
**12** The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
**13** The slothful _man_ saith, _There is_ a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
**14** The mouth of strange women _is_ a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
**15** Foolishness _is_ bound in the heart of a child; _but_ the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
**16** He that oppresseth the poor to increase his _riches, and_ he that giveth to the rich, _shall_ surely _come_ to want.
**17** Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
**18** For _it is_ a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
**19** That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
**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 answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
**22** Rob not the poor, because he _is_ poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
**23** For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
**24** Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
**25** Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
**26** Be not thou _one_ of them that strike hands, _or_ 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** Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean _men_.
CHAPTER 23
**1** When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what _is_ before thee:
**2** And put a knife to thy throat, if thou _be_ a man given to appetite.
**3** Be not desirous of his dainties: for they _are_ deceitful meat.
**4** Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
**5** Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for _riches_ certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
**6** Eat thou not the bread of _him that hath_ an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
**7** For as he thinketh in his heart, so _is_ he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart _is_ not with thee.
**8** The morsel _which_ thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
**9** Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
**10** Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
**11** For their redeemer _is_ mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
**12** Apply thine 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 hell.
**15** My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
**16** Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
**17** Let not thine heart envy sinners: but _be thou_ in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
**18** For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
**19** Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine 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 shall clothe _a man_ 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; _also_ wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
**24** The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise _child_ shall have joy of him.
**25** Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
**26** My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
**27** For a whore _is_ a deep ditch; and a strange woman _is_ a narrow pit.
**28** She also lieth in wait as _for_ a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
**29** Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
**30** They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
**31** Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, _when_ it moveth itself aright.
**32** At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
**33** Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
**34** Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
**35** They have stricken me, _shalt thou say, and_ I was not sick; they have beaten me, _and_ I felt _it_ not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
CHAPTER 24
**1** Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
**2** For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
**3** Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
**4** And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
**5** A wise man _is_ strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
**6** For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors _there is_ safety.
**7** Wisdom _is_ too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
**8** He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
**9** The thought of foolishness _is_ sin: and the scorner _is_ an abomination to men.
**10** _If_ thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength _is_ small.
**11** If thou forbear to deliver _them that are_ drawn unto death, and _those that are_ ready to be slain;
**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?
**13** My son, eat thou honey, because _it is_ good; and the honeycomb, _which is_ sweet to thy taste:
**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.
**15** Lay not wait, O wicked _man_, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
**16** For a just _man_ falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
**17** Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
**18** Lest the LORD see _it_, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
**19** Fret not thyself because of evil _men_, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
**20** For there shall be no reward to the evil _man_; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
**21** My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: _and_ 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 _belong_ to the wise. _It is_ not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
**24** He that saith unto the wicked, Thou _art_ righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
**25** But to them that rebuke _him_ shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
**26** _Every man_ shall kiss _his_ lips that giveth a right answer.
**27** Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
**28** Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive _not_ 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 the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
**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.
**32** Then I saw, _and_ considered _it_ well: I looked upon _it, and_ received instruction.
**33** _Yet_ a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
**34** So shall thy poverty come _as_ one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
CHAPTER 25
**1** These _are_ also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
**2** _It is_ the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings _is_ to search out a matter.
**3** The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings _is_ unsearchable.
**4** Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
**5** Take away the wicked _from_ before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
**6** Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great _men_:
**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.
**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 _himself_; and discover not a secret to another:
**10** Lest he that heareth _it_ put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
**11** A word fitly spoken _is like_ apples of gold in pictures of silver.
**12** _As_ an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, _so is_ a wise reprover upon an obedient 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** Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift _is like_ clouds and wind without rain.
**15** By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
**16** Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
**17** Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and _so_ hate thee.
**18** A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour _is_ a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
**19** Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble _is like_ a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
**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.
**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 the LORD shall reward thee.
**23** The north wind driveth away rain: so _doth_ an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
**24** _It is_ better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
**25** _As_ cold waters to a thirsty soul, so _is_ good news from a far country.
**26** A righteous man falling down before the wicked _is as_ a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
**27** _It is_ not good to eat much honey: so _for men_ to search their own glory _is not_ glory.
**28** He that _hath_ no rule over his own spirit _is like_ a city _that is_ broken down, _and_ without walls.
CHAPTER 26
**1** As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
**2** As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
**3** A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
**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 conceit.
**6** He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, _and_ drinketh damage.
**7** The legs of the lame are not equal: so _is_ a parable in the mouth of fools.
**8** As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so _is_ he that giveth honour to a fool.
**9** _As_ a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so _is_ a parable in the mouth of fools.
**10** The great _God_ that formed all _things_ both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
**11** As a dog returneth to his vomit, _so_ a fool returneth to his folly.
**12** Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? _there is_ more hope of a fool than of him.
**13** The slothful _man_ saith, _There is_ a lion in the way; a lion _is_ in the streets.
**14** _As_ the door turneth upon his hinges, so _doth_ the slothful upon his bed.
**15** The slothful hideth his hand in _his_ bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
**16** The sluggard _is_ wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
**17** He that passeth by, _and_ meddleth with strife _belonging_ not to him, _is like_ one that taketh a dog by the ears.
**18** As a mad _man_ who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
**19** So _is_ the man _that_ deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
**20** Where no wood is, _there_ the fire goeth out: so where _there is_ no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
**21** _As_ coals _are_ to burning coals, and wood to fire; so _is_ a contentious man to kindle strife.
**22** The words of a talebearer _are_ as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
**23** Burning lips and a wicked heart _are like_ a potsherd covered with silver dross.
**24** He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
**25** When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for _there are_ seven abominations in his heart.
**26** _Whose_ hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the _whole_ congregation.
**27** Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
**28** A lying tongue hateth _those that are_ afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
CHAPTER 27
**1** Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
**2** Let another man 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 wrath _is_ heavier than them both.
**4** Wrath _is_ cruel, and anger _is_ outrageous; but who _is_ able to stand before envy?
**5** Open rebuke _is_ better than secret love.
**6** Faithful _are_ the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy _are_ deceitful.
**7** The full soul loatheth an 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: so _doth_ the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
**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.
**11** My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
**12** A prudent _man_ foreseeth the evil, _and_ hideth himself; _but_ the simple pass on, _and_ are punished.
**13** Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
**14** He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
**15** A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
**16** Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, _which_ bewrayeth _itself_.
**17** Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
**18** Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
**19** As in water face _answereth_ to face, so the heart of man to man.
**20** Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
**21** _As_ the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so _is_ a man to his praise.
**22** Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, _yet_ will not his foolishness depart from him.
**23** Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, _and_ look well to thy herds.
**24** For riches _are_ not for ever: and doth the crown _endure_ to every generation?
**25** The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
**26** The lambs _are_ for thy clothing, and the goats _are_ the price of the field.
**27** And _thou shalt have_ goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and _for_ the maintenance for thy maidens.
CHAPTER 28
**1** The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
**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.
**3** A poor man that oppresseth the poor _is like_ 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 the LORD understand all _things_.
**6** Better _is_ the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than _he that is_ perverse _in his_ ways, though he _be_ rich.
**7** Whoso keepeth the law _is_ a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous _men_ shameth his father.
**8** He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
**9** He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer _shall be_ abomination.
**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.
**11** The rich man _is_ wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
**12** When righteous _men_ do rejoice, _there is_ great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
**13** He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh _them_ shall have mercy.
**14** Happy _is_ the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
**15** _As_ a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; _so is_ a wicked ruler over the poor people.
**16** The prince that wanteth understanding _is_ also a great oppressor: _but_ he that hateth covetousness shall prolong _his_ days.
**17** A man that doeth violence to the blood of _any_ person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
**18** Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but _he that is_ perverse _in his_ ways shall fall at once.
**19** He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain _persons_ shall have poverty enough.
**20** A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
**21** To have respect of persons _is_ not good: for for a piece of bread _that_ man will transgress.
**22** He that hasteth to be rich _hath_ an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
**23** He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
**24** Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, _It is_ no transgression; the same _is_ the companion of a destroyer.
**25** He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
**26** He that trusteth 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 hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
**28** When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
CHAPTER 29
**1** He, that being often reproved hardeneth _his_ neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
**2** When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
**3** Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth _his_ substance.
**4** The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
**5** A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
**6** In the transgression of an evil man _there is_ a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
**7** The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: _but_ the wicked regardeth not to know _it_.
**8** Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise _men_ turn away wrath.
**9** _If_ a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, _there is_ no rest.
**10** The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
**11** A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise _man_ keepeth it in till afterwards.
**12** If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants _are_ wicked.
**13** The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
**14** The 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 are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
**17** Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
**18** Where _there is_ no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy _is_ he.
**19** A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
**20** Seest thou a man _that is_ 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 have him become _his_ son at the length.
**22** An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
**23** A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
**24** Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth _it_ not.
**25** The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
**26** Many seek the ruler’s favour; but _every_ man’s judgment _cometh_ from the LORD.
**27** An unjust man _is_ an abomination to the just: and _he that is_ upright in the way _is_ abomination to the wicked.
CHAPTER 30
**1** The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, _even_ the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
**2** Surely I _am_ more brutish than _any_ man, and have not the understanding of a man.
**3** I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
**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?
**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_ have I required 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 food convenient for me:
**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_.
**10** Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found 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, and _yet_ is not washed from their filthiness.
**13** _There is_ a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
**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.
**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:
**16** The grave; and the barren womb; the earth _that_ is not filled with water; and the fire _that_ saith not, _It is_ enough.
**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.
**18** There be three _things which_ are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
**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.
**20** Such _is_ the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
**21** For three _things_ the earth is disquieted, and for four _which_ it cannot bear:
**22** For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
**23** For an odious _woman_ when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
**24** There be four _things which are_ little upon the earth, but they _are_ exceeding wise:
**25** The ants _are_ a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
**26** The conies _are but_ a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
**27** The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
**28** The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
**29** There be three _things_ which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
**30** A lion _which is_ strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
**31** A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom _there is_ no rising up.
**32** If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, _lay_ thine hand upon thy mouth.
**33** Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
CHAPTER 31
**1** The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
**2** What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
**3** Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
**4** _It is_ not for kings, O Lemuel, _it is_ not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
**5** Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
**6** Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
**7** Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
**8** Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
**9** Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
**10** ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price _is_ far above rubies.
**11** The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
**12** She will do 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** She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
**16** She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
**17** She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
**18** She perceiveth that her merchandise _is_ good: her candle goeth not out by night.
**19** She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
**20** She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, 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 coverings of tapestry; her clothing _is_ silk and purple.
**23** Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
**24** She maketh fine linen, and selleth _it_; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
**25** Strength and honour _are_ her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
**26** She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue _is_ the law of kindness.
**27** She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
**28** Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband _also_, and he praiseth her.
**29** Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
**30** Favour _is_ deceitful, and beauty _is_ vain: _but_ a woman _that_ feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
**31** Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.