 Chapter 1
1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon son
of David, who reigned in Israel; 2
to know wisdom and instruction, and to perceive words of understanding;
3 to receive also hard saying, and to
understand true justice, and how to direct judgment;
4 that he might give subtlety to the
simple, and to the young man discernment and understanding.
5 For by the hearing of these a wise man
will be wiser, and man of understanding will gain direction;
6 and will understand a parable, and a dark
speech; the saying of the wise also, and riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom; and there is good understanding to all that practise it: and
piety toward God is the beginning of discernment; but the ungodly will set at
nought wisdom and instruction. 8
Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, and reject not the rules of
thy mother. 9 For thou shalt receive
for thine head a crown of graces, and a chain of gold round thy neck.
10 My son, let not ungodly men
lead thee astray, neither consent thou to them. 11
If they should exhort thee, saying, Come with us, partake
in blood, and let us unjustly hide the just man in the earth:
12 and let us swallow him alive, as Hades
would, and remove the memorial of him from the earth:
13 let us seize on his valuable property,
and let us fill our houses with spoils: 14
but do thou cast in thy lot with us, and let us all provide a
common purse, and let us have one pouch: 15
go not in the way with them, but turn aside thy foot from their
paths: 16 17 for nets are not
without cause spread for birds. 18
For they that are concerned in murder store up evils for themselves; and the
overthrow of transgressors is evil. 19
These are the ways of all that perform lawless deeds; for by
ungodliness they destroy their own life.
20 Wisdom sings aloud in passages, and
in the broad places speaks boldly. 21
And she makes proclamation on the top of the walls, and sits by
the gates of princes; and at the gates of the city boldly says,
22 So long as the simple cleave to justice,
they shall not be ashamed: but the foolish being lovers of haughtiness, having
become ungodly have hated knowledge, and are become subject to reproofs.
23 Behold, I will bring forth to you the
utterance of my breath, and I will instruct you in my speech.
24 Since I called, and ye did not
hearken; and I spoke at length, and ye gave no heed; 25
but ye set at nought my counsels, and disregarded my
reproofs; 26 therefore I also will
laugh at your destruction; and I will rejoice against you when ruin comes
upon you: 27 yea when dismay
suddenly comes upon you, and your overthrow shall arrive like a tempest;
and when tribulation and distress shall come upon you, or when ruin shall come
upon you. 28 For it shall be that
when ye call upon me, I will not hearken to you: wicked men shall seek me, but
shall not find me. 29 For
they hated wisdom, and did not choose the word of the Lord:
30 neither would they attend to my
counsels, but derided my reproofs. 31
Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way, and shall
be filled with their own ungodliness. 32
For because they wronged the simple, they shall be slain; and an
inquisition shall ruin the ungodly. 33
But he that hearkens to me shall dwell in confidence, and shall
rest securely from all evil.
Chapter 2
2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive
the utterance of my commandment, and hide it with thee; 2
thine ear shall hearken to wisdom; thou shalt also apply
thine heart to understanding, and shalt apply it to the instruction of thy son.
3 For it thou shalt call to wisdom, and
utter thy voice for understanding; 4
and if thou shalt seek it as silver, and search diligently for it
as for treasures; 5 then shalt thou
understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; and from
his presence come knowledge and understanding, 7
and he treasures up salvation for them that walk
uprightly: he will protect their way; 8
that he may guard the righteous ways: and he will preserve the
way of them that fear him. 9 Then
shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment; and shalt direct all thy
course aright.
10 For if wisdom shall come into thine
understanding, and discernment shall seem pleasing to thy soul,
11 good counsel shall guard thee, and holy
understanding shall keep thee; 12 to
deliver thee from the evil way, and from the man that speaks nothing faithfully.
13 Alas for those who forsake
right paths, to walk in ways of darkness; 14
who rejoice in evils, and delight in wicked perverseness;
15 whose paths are crooked, and their
courses winding; 16 to remove thee
far from the straight way, and to estrange thee from a righteous purpose. My
son, let not evil counsel overtake thee, 17
of her who has forsaken the instruction of her youth, and
forgotten the covenant of God. 18
For she has fixed her house near death, and guided her wheels near Hades
with the giants. 19 None that go by
her shall return, neither shall they take hold of right paths, for they are not
apprehended of the years of life. 20
For had they gone in good paths, they would have found the paths
of righteousness easy. 21 For the
upright shall dwell in the earth, and the holy shall be left behind in it.
22 The paths of the ungodly shall
perish out of the earth, and transgressors shall be driven away from it.
Chapter 3
3:1 My son, forget not my laws;
but let thine heart keep my words: 2
for length of existence, and years of life, and peace, shall they
add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and
truth forsake thee; but bind them about thy neck: 4
so shalt thou find favour: and do thou provide things honest in
the sight of the Lord, and of men.
5 Trust in God with all thine heart; and
be not exalted in thine own wisdom. 6
In all thy ways acquaint thyself with her, that she may rightly
direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in
thine own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.
8 Then shall there be health to thy body,
and good keeping to thy bones.
9 Honour the Lord with thy just labours,
and give him the first of thy fruits of righteousness: 10
that thy storehouses may be completely filled with corn,
and that thy presses may burst forth with wine.
11 My son, despise not the
chastening of the Lord; nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
12 for whom the Lord loves, he rebukes, and
scourges every son whom he receives.
13 Blessed is the man who has found
wisdom, and the mortal who knows prudence. 14
For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold
and silver. 15 And she is more
valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her: she is well known
to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value.
16 For length of existence and years of
life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory: out of
her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.
17 Her ways are good ways, and all
her paths are peaceful. 18 She is a
tree of life to all that lay hold upon her; and she is a secure help
to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.
19 God by wisdom founded the earth, and
by prudence he prepared the heavens. 20
By understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds
dropped water.
21 My son, let them not
pass from thee, but keep my counsel and understanding:
22 that thy soul may live, and that there
may be grace round thy neck; and it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to
thy bones: 23 that thou mayest go
confidently in peace in all thy ways, and that thy foot may not stumble.
24 For if thou rest, thou shalt be
undismayed; and if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly.
25 And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm
coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.
26 For the Lord shall be over all thy ways,
and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.
27 Forbear not to do good to the poor,
whensoever thy hand may have power to help him.
28 Say not, Come back another time,
to-morrow I will give; while thou art able to do him good: for thou
knowest not what the next day will bring forth. 29
Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting
in thee.
30 Be not ready to quarrel with a man
without a cause, lest he do thee some harm.
31 Procure not the reproaches of bad
men, neither do thou covet their ways. 32
For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither does
he sit among the righteous. 33 The
curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just
are blessed. 34 The Lord resists the
proud; but he gives grace to the humble. 35
The wise shall inherit glory; but the ungodly have exalted
their own dishonour.
Chapter 4
4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction
of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2
For I give you a good gift; forsake ye not my law.
3 For I also was a son obedient to my
father, and loved in the sight of my mother: 4
who spoke and instructed me, saying, Let our speech
be fixed in thine heart, keep our commandments, forget them not:
5 and do not neglect the speech of my
mouth. 6 And forsake it not, and it
shall cleave to thee: love it, and it shall keep thee. 7 8
Secure it, and it shall exalt thee: honour it, that it may
embrace thee; 9 that it may give
unto thy head a crown of graces, and may cover thee with a crown of delight.
10 Hear, my son, and receive my
words; and the years of thy life shall be increased, that the resources of thy
life may be many. 11 For I teach
thee the ways of wisdom; and I cause thee to go in right paths.
12 For when thou goest, thy steps shall not
be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not be distressed.
13 Take hold of my instruction; let it not
go, —but keep it for thyself for thy life.
14 Go not in the ways of the ungodly,
neither covet the ways of transgressors. 15
In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, go not thither;
but turn from them, and pass away. 16
For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is
taken away, and they rest not. 17
For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with wine of
transgression. 18 But the ways of
the righteous shine like light; they go on and shine, until the day be fully
come. 19 But the ways of the ungodly
are dark; they know not how they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my speech;
and apply thine ear to my words: 21
that thy fountains may not fail thee; keep them in thine heart.
22 For they are life to those that find
them, and health to all their flesh. 23
Keep thine heart with the utmost care; for out of these are the
issues of life. 24 Remove from thee
a froward mouth, and put far away from thee unjust lips.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids
assent to just things. 26
Make straight paths for thy feet, and order thy ways aright.
27 Turn not aside to the right hand
nor to the left, but turn away thy foot from an evil way: [for God knows the
ways on the right hand, but those on the left are crooked:] and he will make thy
ways straight, and will guide thy steps in peace.
Chapter 5
5:1 My son, attend to my wisdom,
and apply thine ear to my words; 2
that thou mayest keep good understanding, and the discretion of my lips gives
thee a charge.
Give no heed to a worthless woman; 3
for honey drops from the lips of a harlot, who for a
season pleases thy palate: 4 but
afterwards thou wilt find her more bitter than gall, and sharper than a
two-edged sword. 5 For the feet of
folly lead those who deal with her down to the grave with death; and her steps
are not established. 6 For she goes
not upon the paths of life; but her ways are slippery, and not easily known.
7 Now then, my son, hear me, and
make not my words of none effect. 8
Remove thy way far from her; draw not near to the doors of her house:
9 lest thou give away thy life to others,
and thy substance to the merciless: 10
lest strangers be filled with thy strength, and thy labours come
into the houses of strangers; 11 And
thou repent at last, when the flesh of thy body is consumed,
12 and thou shalt say, How have I hated
instruction, and my heart avoided reproofs! 13
I heard not the voice of him that instructed me, and taught me,
neither did I apply mine ear. 14 I
was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
15 Drink waters out of thine own
vessels, and out of thine own springing wells. 16
Let not waters out of thy fountain be spilt by thee, but let thy
waters go into thy streets. 17 Let
them be only thine own, and let no stranger partake with thee.
18 Let thy fountain of water be truly
thine own; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19
Let thy loving hart and thy graceful colt company
with thee, and let her be considered thine own, and be with thee at all times;
for ravished with her love thou shalt be greatly increased.
20 Be not intimate with a strange woman,
neither fold thyself in the arms of a woman not thine own.
21 For the ways of a man are before the
eyes of God, and he looks on all his paths. 22
Iniquities ensnare a man, and every one is bound in the chains of
his own sins. 23 Such a man dies
with the uninstructed; and he is cast forth from the abundance of his own
substance, and has perished through folly.
Chapter 6
6:1 My son, if thou become surety
for thy friend, thou shalt deliver thine hand to an enemy.
2 For a man’s own lips become a strong
snare to him, and he is caught with the lips of his own mouth.
3 My son, do what I command thee,
and deliver thyself; for on thy friend’s account thou art come into the power of
evil men: faint not, but stir up even thy friend for whom thou art become
surety. 4 Give not sleep to thine
eyes, nor slumber with thine eyelids; 5
that thou mayest deliver thyself as a doe out of the toils, and
as a bird out of a snare.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; and see,
and emulate his ways, and become wiser than he. 7
For whereas he has no husbandry, nor any one to compel him, and
is under no master, 8 he prepares
food for himself in the summer, and lays by abundant store in harvest. Or go to
the bee, and learn how diligent she is, and how earnestly she is engaged in her
work; whose labours kings and private men use for health, and she is desired and
respected by all: though weak in body, she is advanced by honouring wisdom.
9 How long wilt thou lie, O
sluggard? and when wilt thou awake out of sleep? 10
Thou sleepest a little, and thou restest a little, and thou
slumberest a short time, and thou foldest thine arms over thy breast a
little. 11 Then poverty comes upon
thee as an evil traveller, and want as a swift courier: but if thou be diligent,
thine harvest shall arrive as a fountain, and poverty shall flee away as a bad
courier.
12 A foolish man and a transgressor goes
in ways that are not good. 13 And
the same winks with the eye, and makes a sign with his foot, and teaches with
the beckonings of his fingers. 14
His perverse heart devises evils: at all times such a one causes troubles
to a city. 15 Therefore his
destruction shall come suddenly; overthrow and irretrievable ruin.
16 For he rejoices in all things which
God hates, and he is ruined by reason of impurity of soul.
17 The eye of the haughty, a tongue unjust,
hands shedding the blood of the just; 18
and a heart devising evil thoughts, and feet hastening to do
evil, —are hateful to God. 19
An unjust witness kindles falsehoods, and brings on quarrels
between brethren.
20 My son, keep the laws of thy
father, and reject not the ordinances of thy mother: 21
but bind them upon thy soul continually, and hang them as
a chain about thy neck. 22
Whensoever thou walkest, lead this along and let it be with thee; that it may
talk with thee when thou wakest. 23
For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof
also and correction: 24 to keep thee
continually from a married woman, and from the calumny of a strange tongue.
25 Let not the desire of beauty overcome
thee, neither be thou caught by thine eyes, neither be captivated with her
eyelids. 26 For the value of a
harlot is as much as of one loaf; and a woman hunts for the precious souls of
men. 27 Shall any one bind fire in
his bosom, and not burn his garments? 28
or will any one walk on coals of fire, and not burn his feet?
29 So is he that goes in to a
married woman; he shall not be held guiltless, neither any one that touches her.
30 It is not to be wondered at if
one should be taken stealing, for he steals that when hungry he may satisfy his
soul: 31 but if he should be taken,
he shall repay sevenfold, and shall deliver himself by giving all his goods.
32 But the adulterer through want of
sense procures destruction to his soul. 33
He endures both pain and disgrace, and his reproach shall never
be wiped off. 34 For the soul of her
husband is full of jealousy: he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not forego his enmity for
any ransom: neither will he be reconciled for many gifts.
Chapter 7
7:1 My son, keep my words, and
hide with thee my commandments. My son, honour the Lord, and thou shalt
be strong; and fear none but him: 2
keep my commandments, and thou shalt live; and keep my words as the
pupils of thine eyes. 3 And
bind them on thy fingers, and write them on the table of thine heart.
4 Say that wisdom is thy sister, and
gain prudence as an acquaintance for thyself; 5
that she may keep thee from the strange and wicked woman, if she
should assail thee with flattering words.
6 For she looks from a window out of her
house into the streets, at one whom she may see of the senseless ones, a young
man void of understanding, 7 passing
by the corner in the passages near her house, 8
and speaking, in the dark of the evening, 9
when there happens to be the stillness of night and
of darkness: 10 and the woman meets
him having the appearance of a harlot, that causes the hearts of young men to
flutter. 11 And she is fickle, and
debauched, and her feet abide not at home. 12
For at one time she wanders without, and at another time
she lies in wait in the streets, at every corner. 13
Then she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent
face said to him, 14 I have a
peace-offering; today I pay my vows: 15
therefore I came forth to meet thee, desiring thy face; and
I have found thee. 16 I have spread
my bed with sheets, and I have covered it with double tapestry from Egypt.
17 I have sprinkled my couch with
saffron, and my house with cinnamon. 18
Come, and let us enjoy love until the morning; come, and let us
embrace in love. 19 For my husband
is not at home, but is gone on a long journey, 20
having taken in his hand a bundle of money: after many days he
will return to his house.
21 So with much converse she prevailed
on him to go astray, and with the snares of her lips forced him from the
right path. 22 And he followed
her, being gently led on, and that as an ox is led to the slaughter, and
as a dog to bonds, or as a hart shot in the liver with an arrow:
23 and he hastens as a bird into a snare,
not knowing that he is running for his life.
24 Now then, my son, hearken to
me, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25
Let not thine heart turn aside to her ways:
26 for she has wounded and cast down many,
and those whom she has slain are innumerable. 27
Her house is the way of hell, leading down to the chambers of
death.
Chapter 8
8:1 Thou shalt proclaim wisdom, that
understanding may be obedient to thee. 2
For she is on lofty eminences, and stands in the midst of the
ways. 3 For she sits by the gates of
princes, and sings in the entrances, saying, 4
You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of
men. 5 O ye simple, understand
subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge. 6
Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and
will produce right sayings from my lips. 7
For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an
abomination before me. 8 All the
words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or
perverse. 9 They are all evident to
those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.
10 Receive instruction, and not silver; and
knowledge rather than tried gold. 11
For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable
substance is of equal worth with it.
12 I wisdom have dwelt with
counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding.
13 The fear of the Lord hates
unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I
hate the perverse ways of bad men. 14
Counsel and safety are mine; prudence is mine, and strength is
mine. 15 By me kings reign, and
princes decree justice. 16 By me
nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.
17 I love those that love me; and they that
seek me shall find me.
18 Wealth and glory belong to me; yea,
abundant possessions and righteousness. 19
It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and
precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.
20 I walk in ways of righteousness, and
am conversant with the paths of judgment; 21
that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill
their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily
happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.
22 The Lord made me the beginning of his
ways for his works. 23 He
established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the
earth: 24 even before he made the
depths; before the fountains of water came forth: 25
before the mountains were settled, and before all hills,
he begets me. 26 The Lord made
countries and uninhabited tracks, and the highest inhabited parts of the
world. 27 When he prepared the
heaven, I was present with him; and when he prepared his throne upon the winds:
28 and when he strengthened the
clouds above; and when he secured the fountains of the earth:
29 and when he strengthened the foundations
of the earth: 30 I was by him,
suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I
rejoiced in his presence continually. 31
For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced
among the children of men.
32 Now then, my son, hear me:
blessed is the man who shall hearken to me, and the mortal who shall keep my
ways; 33 34 watching daily at my
doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances. 35
For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is
prepared favour from the Lord. 36
But they that sin against me act wickedly against their own souls: and they that
hate me love death.
Chapter 9
9:1 Wisdom has built a house for
herself, and set up seven pillars. 2
She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine in a bowl,
and prepared her table. 3 She has
sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,
4 Whoso is foolish, let him turn
aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine
which I have mingled for you.
6 Leave folly, that ye may reign for
ever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.
7 He that reproves evil men shall
get dishonour to himself; and he that rebukes an ungodly man shall
disgrace himself. 8 Rebuke not evil
men, lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will
love thee. 9 Give an opportunity to
a wise man, and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will
receive more instruction. 10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is
understanding: for to know the law is the character of a sound mind.
11 For in this way thou shalt live
long, and years of thy life shall be added to thee.
12 Son, if thou be wise for thyself,
thou shalt also be wise for thy neighbours; and if thou shouldest prove wicked,
thou alone wilt bear the evil. He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts
to rule the winds, and the same will pursue birds in their fight: for he has
forsaken the ways of his own vineyard, and he has caused the axles of his own
husbandry to go astray; and he goes through a dry desert, and a land
appointed to drought, and he gathers barrenness with his hands.
13 A foolish and bold woman, who knows
not modesty, comes to want a morsel. 14
She sits at the doors of her house, on a seat openly in the
streets, 15 calling to passers by,
and to those that are going right on their ways; 16
saying, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside
to me; and I exhort those that want prudence, saying, 17
Take and enjoy secret bread, and the sweet water of theft.
18 But he knows that mighty men die by
her, and he falls in with a snare of hell. But hasten away, delay not in the
place, neither fix thine eye upon her: for thus shalt thou go through strange
water; but do thou abstain from strange water, and drink not of a strange
fountain, that thou mayest live long, and years of life may be added to thee.
Chapter 10
10:1 A wise son makes his father
glad: but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. 2
Treasures shall not profit the lawless: but righteousness shall
deliver from death. 3 The Lord will
not famish a righteous soul: but he will overthrow the life of the ungodly.
4 Poverty brings a man low: but the
hands of the vigorous make rich. A son who is instructed shall be wise, and
shall use the fool for a servant. 5
A wise son is saved from heat: but a lawless son is blighted of the winds in
harvest.
6 The blessing of the Lord is upon the
head of the just: but untimely grief shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.
7 The memory of the just is praised;
but the name of the ungodly man is extinguished. 8
A wise man in heart will receive commandments; but he that
is unguarded in his lips shall be overthrown in his perverseness.
9 He that walks simply, walks confidently;
but he that perverts his ways shall be known. 10
He that winks with his eyes deceitfully, procures griefs for men;
but he that reproves boldly is a peacemaker. 11
There is a fountain of life in the hand of a righteous
man; but destruction shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.
12 Hatred stirs up strife; but affection
covers all that do not love strife. 13
He that brings forth wisdom from his lips smites the fool with a
rod. 14 The wise will hide
discretion; but the mouth of the hasty draws near to ruin.
15 The wealth of rich men is a strong city;
but poverty is the ruin of the ungodly. 16
The works of the righteous produce life; but the fruits of the
ungodly produce sins. 17
Instruction keeps the right ways of life; but instruction unchastened goes
astray.
18 Righteous lips cover enmity; but they
that utter railings are most foolish. 19
By a multitude of words thou shalt not escape sin; but if thou
refrain thy lips thou wilt be prudent. 20
The tongue of the just is tried silver; but the heart of the
ungodly shall fail. 21 The lips of
the righteous know sublime truths: but the foolish die in want.
22 The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the
righteous; it enriches him, and grief of heart shall not be added to
it.
23 A fool does mischief in sport; but
wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.
24 The ungodly is engulphed in
destruction; but the desire of the righteous is acceptable.
25 When the storm passes by, the ungodly
vanishes away; but the righteous turns aside and escapes for ever.
26 As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth,
and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.
27 The fear of the Lord adds length of days: but
the years of the ungodly shall be shortened. 28
Joy rests long with the righteous: but the hope of the ungodly
shall perish. 29 The fear of the
Lord is a strong hold of the saints: but ruin comes to them that work
wickedness.
30 The righteous shall never fail: but
the ungodly shall not dwell in the earth. 31
The mouth of the righteous drops wisdom: but the tongue of the
unjust shall perish. 32 The lips of
just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.
Chapter 11
11:1 False balances are an abomination
before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable unto him.
2 Wherever pride enters, there will be also
disgrace: but the mouth of the lowly meditates wisdom. 3
When a just man dies he leaves regret: but the destruction
of the ungodly is speedy, and causes joy. 4 5
Righteousness traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness
encounters unjust dealing.
6 The righteousness of upright men
delivers them: but transgressors are caught in their own destruction.
7 At the death of a just man his hope does
not perish: but the boast of the ungodly perishes. 8
A righteous man escapes from a snare, and the ungodly man
is delivered up in his place. 9 In
the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens: but the understanding of
righteous men is prosperous. 10 In
the prosperity of righteous men a city prospers: 11
but by the mouth of ungodly men it is overthrown.
12 A man void of understanding sneers at
his fellow citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.
13 A double-tongued man discloses the secret
counsels of an assembly: but he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.
14 They that have no guidance fall
like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety.
15 A bad man does harm wherever he meets
a just man: and he hates the sound of safety. 16
A gracious wife brings glory to her husband: but a woman hating
righteousness is a theme of dishonour. The slothful come to want: but the
diligent support themselves with wealth. 17
A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless
destroys his own body.
18 An ungodly man performs unrighteous
works: but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.
19 A righteous son is born for life: but
the persecution of the ungodly ends in death. 20
Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord: but all they
that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him. 21
He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished:
but he that sows righteousness he shall receive a faithful reward.
22 As an ornament in a swine’s snout, so is
beauty to an ill-minded women. 23
All the desire of the righteous is good: but the hope of the ungodly shall
perish.
24 There are some who scatter
their own, and make it more: and there are some also who gather, yet
have less. 25 Every sincere soul is
blessed: but a passionate man is not graceful. 26
May he that hoards corn leave it to the nation: but blessing be
on the head of him that gives it. 27
He that devises good counsels seeks good favour: but as
for him that seeks after evil, evil shall overtake him.
28 He that trusts in wealth shall fall; but
he that helps righteous men shall rise. 29
He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the
wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man. 30
Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life;
but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.
31 If the righteous scarcely be saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Chapter 12
12:1 He that loves instruction loves
sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool. 2
He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but
a transgressor shall be passed over in silence. 3
A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the
righteous shall not be taken up. 4 A
virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman
destroys her husband.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are
true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty;
but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7
When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses
of the just remain. 8 The mouth of
an understanding man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is
had in derision. 9 Better is a man
in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.
10 A righteous man has pity for the
lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
11 He that tills his own land shall be
satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding.
He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own
strong holds.
12 The desires of the ungodly are evil;
but the roots of the godly are firmly set. 13
For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a
righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but
he that contends in the gates will afflict souls. 14
The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the
fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.
15 The ways of fools are right in
their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels. 16
A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man
hides his own disgrace. 17 A
righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
18 Some wound as they speak, like
swords; but the tongues of the wise heal. 19
True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust
tongue. 20 There is deceit in
the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.
21 No injustice will please a just
man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief. 22
Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that
deals faithfully is accepted with him. 23
An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of
fools shall meet with curses.
24 The hand of chosen men shall easily
obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey. 25
A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but
a good message rejoices him. 26 A
just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and
the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray. 27
A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a
precious possession. 28 In the ways
of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries lead
to death.
Chapter 13
13:1 A wise son is obedient to his
father: but a disobedient son will be destroyed. 2
A good man shall eat of the fruits of righteousness: but
the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time.
3 He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own
life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself.
4 Every slothful man desires, but the hands
of the active are diligent. 5 A
righteous man hates an unjust word: but an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have
no confidence. 6 7 There are
some who, having nothing, enrich themselves: and there are some who
bring themselves down in the midst of much wealth.
8 A man’s own wealth is the ransom of
his life: but the poor endures not threatening. 9
The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is
quenched. Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful.
10 A bad man does evil with
insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.
11 Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is
diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased.
The righteous is merciful, and lends. 12
Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises
and leads another to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.
13 He that slights a matter shall be
slighted of it: but he that fears the commandment has health of soul. To
a crafty son there shall be nothing good: but a wise servant shall have
prosperous doings, and his way shall be directed aright.
14 The law of the wise is fountain of
life: but the man void of understanding shall die by a snare.
15 Sound discretion gives favour, and to
know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend
to destruction.
16 Every prudent man acts with
knowledge: but the fool displays his own mischief. 17
A rash king shall fall into mischief: but a wise messenger
shall deliver him. 18 Instruction
removes poverty and disgrace: but he that attends to reproofs shall be honoured.
19 The desires of the godly gladden
the soul, but the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge.
20 If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt
be wise: but he that walks with fools shall be known. 21
Evil shall pursue sinners; but good shall overtake the
righteous. 22 A good man shall
inherit children’s children; and the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the
just. 23 The righteous shall spend
many years in wealth: but the unrighteous shall perish suddenly.
24 He that spares the rod hates his son:
but he that loves, carefully chastens him. 25
A just man eats and satisfies his soul: but the
souls of the ungodly are in want.
Chapter 14
14:1 Wise women build houses: but a
foolish one digs hers down with her hands. 2
He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse
in his ways shall be dishonoured. 3
Out of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise
preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are,
the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox
is apparent. 5 A faithful witness
does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods. 6
Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find
it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.
7 All things are adverse to a foolish
man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion. 8
The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; but the
folly of fools leads astray. 9 The
houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are
acceptable.
10 If a man’s mind is
intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship
with pride. 11 The houses of ungodly
men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly
shall stand. 12 There is a way which
seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depths of hell.
13 Grief mingles not with mirth; and
joy in the end comes to grief. 14 A
stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with
his own thoughts. 15 The simple
believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.
16 A wise man fears, and departs
from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the
transgressor. 17 A passionate man
acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.
18 Fools shall have mischief for their
portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.
19 Evil men shall fall before the good; and
the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous. 20
Friends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the
rich are many. 21 He that dishonours
the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.
22 They that go astray devise evils: but
the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and
truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.
23 With every one who is careful
there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want.
24 A prudent man is the crown of the
wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.
25 A faithful witness shall deliver a
soul from evil: but a deceitful man kindles falsehoods.
26 In the fear of the Lord is strong
confidence: and he leaves his children a support. 27
The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it
causes men to turn aside from the snare of death.
28 In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the
failure of people is the ruin of a prince. 29
A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient
spirit is very foolish. 30 A
meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a
corruption of the bones. 31 He that
oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: but he that honours him has pity upon
the poor. 32 The ungodly shall be
driven away in his wickedness: but he who is secure in his own holiness is just.
33 There is wisdom in the good heart of
a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned. 34
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sins diminish tribes.
35 An understanding servant is
acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.
Chapter 15
15:1 Anger slays even wise men; yet a
submissive answer turns away wrath: but a grievous word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise knows what is
good: but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.
3 The eyes of the Lord behold both the
evil and the good in every place. 4
The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled
with understanding. 5 A fool scorns
his father’s instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In
abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish
from the earth.
6 In the houses of the righteous is much
strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish. 7
The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the
hearts of the foolish are not safe. 8
The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but
the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.
9 The ways of an ungodly man are an
abomination to the Lord; but he loves those that follow after righteousness.
10 The instruction of the simple is
known by them that pass by; but they that hate reproofs die disgracefully.
11 Hell and destruction are manifest to
the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men? 12
An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove
him; neither will he associate with the wise. 13
When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it
is in sorrow, the countenance is sad. 14
An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the
uninstructed will experience evils.
15 The eyes of the wicked are always
looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet. 16
Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than
great treasures without the fear of the Lord. 17
Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and
kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity. 18
A passionate man stirs up strife; but he that is slow to
anger appeases even a rising one. A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels;
but an ungodly man rather stirs them up. 19
The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the
diligent are made smooth. 20 A wise
son gladdens his father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother.
21 The ways of a foolish man are void of
sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright. 22
They that honour not councils put off deliberation; but
counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.
23 A bad man will by no means attend to
counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common weal.
24 The thoughts of the wise are ways of
life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell. 25
The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he
establishes the border of the widow. 26
An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the
sayings of the pure are held in honour. 27
A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the
receiving of bribes is safe. [By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged
away;] but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.
28 The hearts of the righteous meditate
faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. The ways of
righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become
friends. 29 God is far from the
ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous. Better are small
receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.
Chapter 16
16:1 Let the heart of a man think
justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God. The eye that sees rightly
rejoices the heart; and a good report fattens the bones.
31 32 He that rejects instruction hates himself; but he
that mind reproofs loves his soul. 33
The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom; and the highest
honour will correspond therewith. All the works of the humble man are
manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is
unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be
held guiltless. The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more
acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices. He that seeks the Lord shall find
knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace.
All of the works of the Lord are done with righteousness; and the ungodly
man is kept for the evil day.
10 There is an oracle upon the
lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgment.
11 The poise of the balance is righteousness with the
Lord; and his works are righteous measures. 12
An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule
is established by righteousness. 13
Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
14 The anger of a king is a messenger of
death; but a wise man will pacify him. 15
The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in
favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain. 16
The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood
of prudence more to be chosen than silver. 17
The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of
righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in
prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his
ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and
folly before a fall. 19 Better is a
meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the
proud. 20 He who is skillful
in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
21 Men call the wise and
understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to
its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
23 The heart of the wise will discern
the things which proceed from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear
knowledge. 24 Good words are
honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
25 There are ways that seem to be right to
a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell. 26
A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from
him his own ruin. 27 But the
perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for
himself, and treasures fire on his own lips. 28
A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of
deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends. 29
A transgressor tries to ensnare friends, and leads them in
ways that are not good.
30 And the man that fixes his eyes
devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace
of wickedness. 31 Old age is a crown
of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
32 A man slow to anger is better than a strong man;
and he that governs his temper better than he that takes a city.
33 All evils come upon the ungodly
into their bosoms; but all righteous things come of the Lord.
Chapter 17
17:1 Better is a morsel with pleasure in
peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with
strife. 2 A wise servant shall have
rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.
3 As silver and gold are tried in a
furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord. 4
A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a
righteous man attends not to false lips. 5
He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he
that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he
that has compassion shall find mercy.
6 Children’s children are the crown of
old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole
world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.
7 Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor
lying lips a just man. 8 Instruction
is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it
shall prosper. 9 He that conceals
injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide them separates friends and
kindred. 10 A threat breaks down the
heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
11 Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the
Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
12 Care may befall a man of
understanding; but fools will meditate evils. 13
Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his
house. 14 Rightful rule gives power
to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty. 15
He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust,
is unclean and abominable with God. 16
Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to
purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns
aside from instruction shall fall into mischief. 17
Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in
distress; for on this account are they born. 18
A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he
also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
19 A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
20 and the hard-hearted man comes
not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;
21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its
possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son
gladdens his mother. 22 A glad heart
promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
23 The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his
bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
24 The countenance of a wise man is
sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a cause of anger
to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
26 It is not right to punish a
righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.
27 He that forbears to utter a hard word is
discreet, and a patient man is wise. 28
Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he
who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
Chapter 18
18:1 A man who wishes to separate from
friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom,
for he is rather led by folly. 3
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but
dishonour and reproach come upon him. 4
A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and
fountain of life spring forth. 5
It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to
pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool bring him
into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death. 7
A fool’s mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to
his soul. 8 Fear casts down the
slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger. 9
A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of
him that ruins himself. 10 The name
of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a
strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow. 12
Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted, and before honour it is
humble. 13 Whoso answers a word
before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.
14 A wise servant calms a man’s anger; but
who can endure a faint-hearted man? 15
The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and
the ears of the wise seek understanding. 16
A man’s gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the
beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary
is reproved.
18 A silent man quells strifes,
and determines between great powers. 19
A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and
is as strong as a well-founded palace. 20
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he
shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips. 21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule
it shall eat the fruits thereof. 22
He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from
God. [He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps
an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]
Chapter 19
19:1 The folly of a man
spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
4 Wealth acquires many friends; but the
poor is deserted even of the friend he has. 5
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses
unjustly shall not escape. 6 Many
court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to another
man. 7 Every one who hates his
poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw
near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much
harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.
8 He that procures wisdom loves himself;
and he that keeps wisdom shall find good. 9
A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall
kindle mischief shall perish by it. 10
Delight does not suit a fool, nor is it seemly if a
servant should begin to rule with haughtiness. 11
A merciful man is long-suffering; and his triumph overtakes
transgressors. 12 The threatening of
a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.
13 A foolish son is a disgrace to his
father: vows paid out of the hire of a harlot are not pure.
14 Fathers divide house and substance to
their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
15 Cowardice possesses the effeminate
man; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger. 16
He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he
that despises his ways shall perish. 17
He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will
recompense to him according to his gift. 18
Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted
in thy soul to haughtiness. 19 A
malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also
lose his life.
20 Hear, son, the instruction of thy
father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end. 21
There are many thoughts in a man’s heart; but the
counsel of the Lord abides for ever. 22
Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich
liar. 23 The fear of the Lord is
life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not
seen. 24 He that unjustly hides his
hands in his bosom, will not even bring them up to his mouth.
25 When a pestilent character is scourged,
a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand
discretion.
26 He that dishonours his father, and
drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
27 A son who ceases to attend to the
instruction of a father will cherish evil designs. 28
He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise
the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgment.
29 Scourges are preparing for the
intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
Chapter 20
20:1 Wine is an intemperate thing, and
strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.
2 The threat of a king differs not from the
rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.
3 It is a glory to a man to turn
aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.
4 A sluggard when reproached is not
ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.
5 Counsel in a man’s heart is deep
water; but a prudent man will draw it out. 6
A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but it is hard to find a
faithful man. 7 He that walks
blameless in justice, shall leave his children blessed. 8
Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil
thing can stand before his presence. 9
Who will boast that he has a pure heart? or who will boldly say
that he is pure from sins? 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
The lamp of him that reviles father or mother shall be put
out, and his eyeballs shall see darkness.
21 A portion hastily gotten at first
shall not be blessed in the end. 22
Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; but wait on the Lord, that he may
help thee.
10 A large and small weight, and divers
measures, are even both of them unclean before the Lord; and so is he
that makes them. 11 A youth when
in company with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and then
his way will be straight. 12 The ear
hears, and the eye sees: even both of them are the Lord’s work.
13 Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut
off: open thine eyes, and be filled with bread.
23 A double weight is an abomination to
the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.
24 A man’s goings are directed of the Lord:
how then can a mortal understand his ways? 25
It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own
property: for in that case repentance comes after vowing.
26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly,
and will bring a wheel upon them.
27 The spirit of man is a light of the
Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly. 28
Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround
his throne with righteousness. 29
Wisdom is an ornament to young men; and grey hairs are the glory of old
men. 30 Bruises and contusions
befall bad men; and plagues shall come in the inward parts of their
belly.
Chapter 21
21:1 As a rush of water, so is the
king’s heart in God’s hand: he turns it whithersoever he may desire to point
out. 2 Every man seems to himself
righteous; but the Lord directs the hearts. 3
To do justly and to speak truth, are more pleasing to God than
the blood of sacrifices. 4 A
high-minded man is stout-hearted in his pride; and the lamp of the wicked
is sin. 5 6 He that gathers
treasures with a lying tongue pursues vanity on to the snares of death.
7 Destruction shall lodge with the
ungodly; for they refuse to do justly. 8
To the froward God sends froward ways; for his works are pure and
right. 9 It is better to
dwell in a corner on the house-top, than in plastered rooms with
unrighteousness, and in an open house. 10
The soul of the ungodly shall not be pitied by any man.
11 When an intemperate man is punished the
simple becomes wiser: and a wise man understanding will receive knowledge.
12 A righteous man understands the
hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.
13 He that stops his ears from hearing
the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear him.
14 A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give
stirs up strong wrath. 15 It is
the joy of the righteous to do judgment: but a holy man is abominable
with evil-doers. 16 A man that
wanders out of the way of righteousness, shall rest in the congregation of
giants. 17 A poor man loves mirth,
loving wine and oil in abundance; 18
and a transgressor is the abomination of a righteous man.
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness than with
a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman. 20
A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise;
but foolish men will swallow it up. 21
The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.
22 A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the
fortress in which the ungodly trusted. 23
He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from
trouble.
24 A bold and self-willed and insolent
man is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.
25 Desires kill the sluggard; for his hands do not choose
to do anything. 26 An ungodly man
entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful
and compassionate. 27 The sacrifices
of the ungodly are abomination to the Lord, for they offer them wickedly.
28 A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man will
speak cautiously. 29 An ungodly man
impudently withstands with his face; but the upright man himself understands his
ways. 30 There is no wisdom, there
is no courage, there is no counsel against the ungodly. 31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle; but help is of
the Lord.
Chapter 22
22:1 A fair name is better than much
wealth, and good favour is above silver and gold. 2
The rich and the poor meet together; but the Lord made them both.
3 An intelligent man seeing a bad
man severely punished is himself instructed, but fools pass by and are punished.
4 The fear of the Lord is the offspring of wisdom, and
wealth, and glory, and life. 5
Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will
refrain from them. 6 7 The rich
will rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters.
8 He that sows wickedness shall reap
troubles; and shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds. God loves a
cheerful and liberal man; but a man shall fully prove the folly of his
works. 9 He that has pity on the
poor shall himself be maintained; for he has given of his own bread to the poor.
He that gives liberally secures victory an honour; but he takes away the life of
them that posses them. 10
Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him;
for when he sits in the council he dishonours all.
11 The Lord loves holy hearts, and all
blameless persons are acceptable with him: a king rules with his lips.
12 But the eyes of the Lord preserve discretion; but the
transgressor despises wise words. 13
The sluggard makes excuses, and says, There is a lion in
the ways, and murderers in the streets. 14
The mouth of a transgressor is a deep pit; and he that is hated
of the Lord shall fall into it. Evil ways are before a man, and he does not like
to turn away from them; but it is needful to turn aside from a perverse and bad
way. 15 Folly is attached to the
heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are then far from him.
16 He that oppresses the poor, increases
his own substance, yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.
17 Incline thine ear to the words of
wise men: hear also my word, and apply thine heart, 18
that thou mayest know that they are good: and if thou lay
them to heart, they shall also gladden thee on thy lips.
19 That thy hope may be in the Lord, and he may make thy
way known to thee. 20 And do thou
too repeatedly record them for thyself on the table of thine heart, for counsel
and knowledge. 21 I therefore teach
thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth
to them that question thee.
22 Do no violence to the poor, for he is
needy: neither dishonour the helpless man in the gates.
23 For the Lord will plead his cause, and
thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.
24 Be not companion to a furious man;
neither lodge with a passionate man: 25
lest thou learn of his ways, and get snares to thy soul.
26 Become not surety from respect of a
man’s person. 27 For if those have
not whence to give compensation, they will take the bed that is under
thee. 28 Remove not the old
landmarks, which thy fathers placed.
29 It is fit that an observant man and
one diligent in his business should attend on kings, and not attend on
slothful men.
Chapter 23
23:1 If thou sit to sup at the table of
a prince, consider attentively the things set before thee:
2 and apply thine hand, knowing that it
behoves thee to prepare such meats: but if thou art very insatiable,
3 desire not his provisions; for
these belong to a false life.
4 If thou art poor, measure not thyself
with a rich man; but refrain thyself in thy wisdom. 5
If thou shouldest fix thine eye upon him, he will
disappear; for wings like an eagle’s are prepared for him, and he returns to the
house of his master. 6 Sup not with
an envious man, neither desire thou his meats: 7
so he eats and drinks as if any one should swallow a hair, and do
not bring him in to thyself, nor eat thy morsel with him:
8 for he will vomit it up, and spoil thy fair words.
9 Say nothing in the ears of a fool,
lest at any time he sneer at thy wise words. 10
Remove not the ancient landmarks; and enter not upon the
possession of the fatherless: 11 for
the Lord is their redeemer; he is mighty, and will plead their cause with thee.
12 Apply thine heart to instruction, and prepare thine
ears for words of discretion.
13 Refrain not from chastening a child;
for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die. 14
For thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver
his soul from death.
15 Son, if thy heart be wise, thou shalt
also gladden my heart; 16 and thy
lips shall converse with my lips, if they be right. 17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear
of the Lord all the day. 18 For if
thou shouldest keep these things, thou shalt have posterity; and thine hope
shall not be removed.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and
rightly direct the thoughts of thine heart. 20
Be not a wine-bibber, neither continue long at feasts, and
purchases of flesh: 21 for every
drunkard and whoremonger shall be poor; and every sluggard shall clothe himself
with tatters and ragged garments.
22 Hearken, my son, to thy father
which begot thee, and despise not thy mother because she is grown old.
23 24 A righteous father brings up
his children well; and his soul rejoices over a wise son.
25 Let thy father and thy mother rejoice
over thee, and let her that bore thee be glad.
26 My son, give me thine heart,
and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27
For a strange house is a vessel full of holes; and a strange well
is narrow. 28 For such a one shall
perish suddenly; and every transgressor shall be cut off.
29 Who has woe? who trouble? who
has quarrels? and who vexations and disputes? who has bruises
without a cause? whose eyes are livid? 30
Are not those of them that stay long at wine? are not
those of them that haunt the places where banquets are? Be not drunk
with wine; but converse with just men, and converse with them openly.
31 For if thou shouldest set thine
eyes on bowls and cups, thou shalt afterwards go more naked than a pestle.
32 But at last such a one
stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through
him as by a horned serpent.
33 Whenever thine eyes shall behold a
strange woman, then thy mouth shall speak perverse things.
34 And thou shalt lie as in the midst of
the sea, and as a pilot in a great storm. 35
And thou shalt say, They smote me, and I was not pained; and they
mocked me, and I knew it not: when will it be morning, that I may go and seek
those with whom I may go in company?
Chapter 24
24:1 My son, envy not bad men,
nor desire to be with them. 2 For
their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak mischiefs.
3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by
understanding. 4 By discretion the
chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.
5 A wise man is better than a strong man;
and a man who has prudence than a large estate. 6
War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the
heart of a counsellor.
7 Wisdom and good understanding are in
the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,
8 but deliberate in council. Death
befalls uninstructed men. 9
The fools also dies in sins; and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man.
10 He shall be defiled in the evil
day, and in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.
11 Deliver them that are led away to
death, and redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not thy help.
12 But if thou shouldest say, I know
not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed
breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his
works.
13 My son, eat honey, for the
honeycomb is good, that thy throat may be sweetened. 14
Thus shalt thou perceive wisdom in thy soul: for if thou
find it, thine end shall be good, and hope shall not fail thee.
15 Bring not an ungodly man into the
dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.
16 For a righteous man will fall
seven times, and rise again: but the ungodly shall be without strength in
troubles. 17 If thine enemy should
fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.
18 For the Lord will see it, and it
will not please him, and he will turn away his wrath from him.
19 Rejoice not in evil-doers, neither be envious of
sinners. 20 For the evil man shall
have no posterity: and the light of the wicked shall be put out.
21 My son, fear God and the king;
and do not disobey either of them. 22
For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the
vengeance inflicted by both?
[A son that keeps the commandment shall escape destruction;
for such an one has fully received it. Let no falsehood be spoken by the
king from the tongue; yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. The king’s
tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whosoever shall be given up to
it shall be destroyed: for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men
with cords, and devours men’s bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they
are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. My son,
reverence my words, and receive them, and repent.]
Chapter 25
25:1 These things says the man to them
that trust in God; and I cease.
2 For I am the most simple of all men,
and there is not in me the wisdom of men. 3
God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the holy.
4 Who has gone up to heaven, and
come down? who has gathered the winds in his bosom? who has wrapped up the
waters in a garment? who has dominion of all the ends of the earth? what is his
name? or what is the name of his children? 5
For all the words of God are tried in the fire, and he defends
those that reverence him. 6 Add not
unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be made a liar.
7 Two things I ask of thee; take not
favour from me before I die. 8
Remove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth or
poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient: 9
lest I be filled and become false, and say, Who sees me?
or be poor and steal, and swear vainly by the name of God.
10 Deliver not a servant into the hands
of his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be utterly destroyed.
11 A wicked generation curse their father,
and do not bless their mother. 12 A
wicked generation judge themselves to be just, but do not cleanse their way.
13 A wicked generation have lofty
eyes, and exalt themselves with their eyelids. 14
A wicked generation have swords for teeth and jaw-teeth
as knives, so as to destroy and devour the lowly from the earth, and the
poor of them from among men.
23 And this thing I say to you
that are wise for you to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons
in judgment. 24 He that says of the
ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the
nations. 25 But they that reprove
him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come upon them;
26 and men will kiss lips that
answer well. 27 Prepare thy works
for thy going forth, and prepare thyself for the field; and come after
me, and thou shalt rebuild thine house. 28
Be not a false witness against thy fellow citizen, neither exaggerate
with thy lips. 29 Say not, As he has
treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that
wherein he has injured me. 30 A
foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.
31 If thou let him alone, he will
altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and
his stone walls are broken down. 32
Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.
33 The sluggard says,I slumber a
little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my
breast. 34 But if thou do this, thy
poverty will come speedily; and thy want like a swift courier.
15 The horse-leech had three
dearly-beloved daughters: and these three did not satisfy her; and the fourth
was not contented so as to say, Enough. 16
The grave, and the love of a woman, and the earth not filled with
water; water also and fire will not say, It is enough.
17 The eye that laughs to scorn a
father, and dishonours the old age of a mother, let the ravens of the valleys
pick it out, and let the young eagles devour it. 18
Moreover there are three things impossible for me to comprehend,
and the fourth I know not: 19 the
track of a flying eagle; and the ways of a serpent on a rock; and the paths of a
ship passing through the sea; and the ways of a man in youth.
20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman,
who having washed herself from what she has done, says she has done nothing
amiss.
21 By three thing the earth is troubled,
and the fourth it cannot bear: 22 if
a servant reign; or a fool be filled with food; 23
or if a maid-servant should cast out her own mistress; and if a
hateful woman should marry a good man.
24 And there are four very little
things upon the earth, but these are wiser than the wise:
25 the ants which are weak, and yet prepare
their food in summer; 26 the
rabbits also are a feeble race, who make their houses in the rocks.
27 The locusts have no king, and
yet march orderly at one command. 28
And the eft, which supports itself by its hands, and is
easily taken, dwells in the fortresses of kings.
29 And there are three things which go
well, and a fourth which passes along finely. 30
A lion’s whelp, stronger than all other beasts, which
turns not away, nor fears any beast; 31
and a cock walking in boldly among the hens, and the goat leading
the herd; and a king publicly speaking before a nation.
32 If thou abandon thyself to mirth, and
stretch forth thine hand in a quarrel, thou shalt be disgraced.
33 Milk out milk, and there shall be
butter, and if thou wing one’s nostrils there shall come out blood: so if
thou extort words, there will come forth quarrels and strifes.
Chapter 26
26:1 My words have been spoken by
God—the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.
2 What wilt thou keep, my son, what? the
words of God. My firstborn son, I speak to thee: what? son of my womb? what? son
of my vows? 3 Give not thy wealth to
women, nor thy mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink
wine with counsel. 4 Princes are
prone to anger: let them then not drink wine: 5
lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the
poor rightly. 6 Give strong drink to
those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:
7 that they may forget their poverty, and
may not remember their troubles any more. 8
Open thy mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.
9 Open thy mouth and judge justly, and
plead the cause of the poor and weak.
Chapter 27
27:1 These are the miscellaneous
instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Ezekias king of Judea copied out.
2 The glory of God conceals a matter:
but the glory of a king honours business. 3
Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king’s heart is
unsearchable. 4 Beat the drossy
silver, and it shall be made entirely pure. 5
Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall
prosper in righteousness.
6 Be not boastful in the presence of the
king, and remain not in the places of princes; 7
for it is better for thee that it should be said, Come up
to me, than that one should humble thee in the presence of the prince;
speak of that which thine eyes have seen.
8 Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest
thou repent at last. 9 Whenever thy
friend shall reproach thee, retreat backward, despise him not;
10 lest thy friend continue to reproach
thee, so thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to thee like
death. Favour and friendship set a man free, which do thou keep for
thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; but take heed to thy ways
peaceably.
11 As a golden apple in a
necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.
12 In an ear-ring of gold a precious
sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.
13 As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good
against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for
he helps the souls of his employers.
14 As winds and clouds and rains are
most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.
15 In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft
tongue breaks the bones. 16 Having
found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply thou be filled, and
vomit it up. 17 Enter sparingly into
thy friend’s house, lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.
18 As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so
also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.
19 The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor
shall perish in an evil day.
20 As vinegar is bad for a sore, so
trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a
worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.
21 If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if
he thirst, give him drink; 22 for so
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward
thee with good. 23 The north
wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.
24 It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof,
than with a railing woman in an open house. 25
As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good
message from a land far off. 26 As
if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it
unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.
27 It is not good to eat much honey; but it is
right to honour venerable sayings. 28
As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified,
so is a man who does anything without counsel.
Chapter 28
28:1 As dew in harvest, and as rain in
summer, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2
As birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon
any one without a cause. 3 As a whip
for a horse, and a goad for an ass, so is a rod for a simple nation.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou
become like him. 5 Yet answer a fool
according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
6 He that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures
for himself a reproach from his own ways. 7
As well take away the motion of the legs, as transgression
from the mouth of fools. 8 He that
binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.
9 Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard,
and servitude in the hand of fools. 10
All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; for their fury is
brought to nought. 11 As when a dog
goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is fool who returns in his
wickedness to his own sin. [There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a
shame that is glory and grace.] 12
I have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise; but a fool
had more hope than he. 13 A sluggard
when sent on a journey says, There is a lion in the ways, and there
are murderers in the streets.
14 As a door turns on the hinge, so does
a sluggard on his bed. 15 A sluggard
having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.
16 A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most
satisfactorily brings back a message.
17 As he that lays hold of a dog’s tail,
so is he that makes himself the champion of another’s cause.
18 As those who need correction put forth
fair words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be
overthrown; 19 so are all that lay
wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.
20 With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a
double-minded man, strife ceases. 21
A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and railing man for the
tumult of strife. 22 The words of
cunning knaves are soft; but they smite even to the inmost parts of the
bowels.
23 Silver dishonestly given is to be
considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.
24 A weeping enemy promises all things with
his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit. 25
Though thine enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent
not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26
He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily
discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.
27 He that digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into
it: and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself. 28
A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth
causes tumults.
Chapter 29
29:1 Boast not of to-morrow; for thou
knowest not what the next day shall bring forth. 2
Let thy neighbour, and not thine own mouth, praise thee; a
stranger, and not thine own lips. 3
A stone is heavy, and sand cumbersome; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is merciless, and anger
sharp: but envy can bear nothing. 5
Open reproofs are better than secret love. 6
The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the
spontaneous kisses of an enemy.
7 A full soul scorns honeycombs; but to
a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet. 8
As when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought
into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.
9 The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes:
but the soul is broken by calamities.
10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s
friend, forsake not; and when thou art in distress go not into thy brother’s
house: better is a friend that is near than a brot | 