A godly and learned exposition vppon the Prouerbes of Solomon: written in French by Maister Michael Cope, minister of the woorde of God, at Geneua: and translated into English, by M.O.
- Title
- A godly and learned exposition vppon the Prouerbes of Solomon: written in French by Maister Michael Cope, minister of the woorde of God, at Geneua: and translated into English, by M.O.
- Author
- Cope, Michael, fl. 1557-1564.
- Publication
- Imprinted at London :: [By Thomas Dawson] for George Bishop,
- 1580.
- Rights/Permissions
-
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- Subject terms
- Bible. -- O.T. -- Proverbs -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
- Link to this Item
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https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/a19309.0001.001
- Cite this Item
-
"A godly and learned exposition vppon the Prouerbes of Solomon: written in French by Maister Michael Cope, minister of the woorde of God, at Geneua: and translated into English, by M.O." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A19309.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 2, 2024.
Contents
- colophon
- title page
-
¶ TO THE RIGHT
HO∣norable, Sir VVilliam Cecil, Knight, Ba∣ron of Burleygh, Lorde high Treasurer of Englande, Maister of the Queenes Maiesties Courtes of Wardes andLiueries, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, and one of her Highnesse most honorable priuie Counsel,continuance of health, with prosperitie and increase of honour. -
¶
An ample and large Index or Table, com∣prising al the principal points of Doctrines, and circumstances, as wel Moral as Diuine, conteined in this Booke, very necessarie and beneficial for all estates, euen from the highest to the lowest. -
A familiar exposition of Michael Cope vpon the Prouerbes of Solomon.-
chapter - 1
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1 THe parables of Solomon the Sonne of Dauid king of Is∣rael. 2 To know wisedome & instruction, to vnderstande the wordes of knowledge. 3 To receiue instruction to doe wisely by iustice and iudgement and equitie. -
4 To giue vnto the simple sharpnes of witte, and to the childe knowledge and discretion. -
5 A wise man shall heare and encrease in learning: and a man of vnderstanding shal attaine vnto wise counsels. 6 To vnderstand a parable, and the interpretation, the worde: of the wise, and their darke sayings. -
7 The feare of the Lorde is the beginning of knowledge: but fooles haue despised wisedome and instruction. -
8. My Sonne, heare thy Fathers instruction, and forsake not thy Mothers teaching. 9 For they shalbe a comely ornament vnto thine head, and as chaynes for thy necke. -
10 My Sonne, if sinners do intice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with vs, we will lay waite for blood, and lye priuily for the innocent without a cause: 12 VVe wil swallow them vp aliue like a graue euen whole, as those that go downe to the pit: 13 ƲƲe shal finde all precious riches, and fil our houses with spoyle: 14 Cast in thy lot among vs: we will all haue one purse. 15 My sonne, walke not thou in the way with them: refraine thy foote from their path. 16 For their feete runne to euill, and make haste to shedde blood. 17 Certainely as without cause the net is spread before the eyes of all that hath wyng: 18 So they lay wait for bloud & lie priuilie for their liues. 19 Such are the wayes of euery one that is greedy of gaine: he would take away the life of the owners thereof. -
20 VVisedome crieth without, she vttereth her voyce in the streetes. 21 She calleth in the high streete among the prease in the entringes of the gates, and vttereth her wordes in the Citie, saying: 22 O yee foolishe, howe long will yee loue foolishnesse? and the scornefull take their pleasure in scorning; and the fooles hate knowledge? -
23 Turne you at my correction: loe, I will poure out my mynde vnto you, and make you vnderstande my wordes. -
24 Because I haue called, & ye refused: I haue stretched out mine hand, and none would regard: 25 But ye haue despised all my counsel, and would none of my correction: 26 I wil also laugh at your destruction, and mocke, when your feare commeth. 27 VVhen your feare commeth lyke suddaine desolation, and your destruction shal come like a whirlewind: when affliction and anguish shal come vpon you: 28 Then shall they call vppon mee, but I will not answere: they shall seeke mee early, but they shall not finde mee. -
29 Bycause they hated knowledge, and did not choose the feare of the Lorde. 30 They would none of my counsel, but despised all my correction. 31 Therfore shal they eate of the fruite of their own way, and be filled with their owne deuises. -
32 For ease slayeth the foolish, and the prosperity of fooles destroyeth them. 33 But he that obeyeth me, shal dwel safely, and be quiet from feare of euil.
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The second Chapter.
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1 MY sonne, if thou wilt receiue my words, and hide my commandements within thee, 2 And cause thine eares to hearken vnto wisedome, and encline thine heart to vnderstanding. 3 For if thou callest after knowledge, and criest for vnder∣standing: 4 If thou seekest her as siluer, and searchest for her, as for treasures: 5 Then shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the Lorde, and finde the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lorde giueth wisedome, out of his mouth com∣meth knowledge and vnderstanding. -
7 He preserueth the state of the righteous: he is a sheelde to them that walke vprightly. 8 That they may keep the wayes of iudgement: & he pre∣serueth the way of his saints. -
10 VVhen VVisedome entreth into thine heart, & know∣ledge delighteth thy soule, 11 Then shal counsel preserue thee, and vnderstanding shal keepe thee, 12 And deliuer thee from the euill way, and from the man that speaketh froward things: 13 And from them that leaue the wayes of righteousnes to walke in the wayes of darkenesse: 14 VVhich reioyce in doing euil, and delight in the fro∣wardnesse of the wicked, 15 VVhose wayes are crooked, and they are leude in their pathes. -
16 And it shall deliuer thee from the strange woman, e∣uen frō the stranger, which flattereth with her words. 17 VVhich for saketh the guide of her youth, & forgeteth the couenant of her God. 18 Surely her house tendeth to death, and her pathes vnto the dead. 19 Al they that goe vnto her, returne not againe; neither take they hold of the waies of life. -
20 Therefore walke thou in the way of good men, & keepe the waies of the righteous. 21 For the iust shall dwell in the land, & the vpright men shall remaine in it. 22 But the wicked shalbe cut of from the earth, and the transgressours shalbe rooted out of it.
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The thirde Chapter.
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1 MY sonne, forget not thou my lawe, but let thine hear keepe my commandements. 2 For they shall increase the length of thy dayes, and the yeeres of life and thy prosperitie. -
3 Let not mercy & truth forsake thee: binde them on thy neck, & write them vpon the table of thine hart. 4 So shalt thou finde fauour & good vnderstanding in the sight of God and man. -
5 Trust in the Lord with al thine hart, & leane not vnto thine owne wisedome. 6 In al thy wayes acknowledge him, and he shal direct thy wayes. -
7 Be not wise in thine owne eies: but feare the Lord, and depart from euill. -
9 Honour the Lorde with thy riches, and with the first fruites of all thine increase. 10 So shal thy barnes be filled with abundance, and thy presses shal burst with newe VVine. -
11 My sonne, refuse not the chastening of the Lord, ney∣ther be grieued with his correction. 12 For the Lorde correcteth him, whom he loueth, euen as the father doeth the childe in whome he delighteth. -
13 Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome, & the man that getteth vnderstanding. 14 For the merchandize thereof, is better than the mer∣chandize of siluer, and the gaine thereof is better than gold. 15 It is more precious than pearles: and all thinges that thou canst desire, are not to bee compared vnto her. 16 Length of dayes is in her right hande, and in her left hand, riches and glory. 17 Her wayes are wayes of pleasure, and all her pathes prosperitie. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay holde on her, and blessed is he that reteineth her. -
19 The Lord by VVisedome hath laide the foundation of the earth, and hath stablished the heauens through vnderstanding. 20 By his knowledge the depthes are broken vp, and the cloudes droppe the dewe. 21 My Sonne, let not these things depart from thine eies, but obserue VVisdome and counsell. 22 So they shalbe life vnto thy soule, and grace vnto thy necke. -
23 Then shalt thou walke safely by thy way: and thy foote shal not stumble. Psal. 91.. 24 If thou sleepest, thou shalt not bee afraide, and when thou sleepest, thy sleepe shalbe sweete. -
25 Thou shalt not feare for any sodaine feare, nei∣ther for the destruction of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lorde shalbe for thine assurance, & shall pre∣serue thy foote from taking. -
27 Withhold not the good from the owners therof: though there be power in thine hand to doe it. -
28 Say not vnto thy neighbour, goe and come againe, a to morowe wil I giue thee, if thou now haue it. -
29 Intende none hurt against thy neighbour, seing he doth dwel without feare by thee. -
30 Striue not with a man causeles, when hee hath doon thee no harme. -
31 Be not enuious for the wicked man, neither choose any of his wayes. 32 For the frowarde is abhomination vnto 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 righteous. 34 With the skorneful he skorneth, but hee giueth grace vnto the humble. -
35 The wise shal inherite glory: but fooles dishonor, though they be exalted.
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The fourth Chapter.
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1 HEare, O ye children, the instruction of a father, & giue eare to learne vnderstanding. 2 For I do giue you a good doctrine: therefore forsake yee not my lawe. -
3 For I was my fathers Sonne, tender and deere in the sight of my mother. 4 When hee taught mee, and saide vnto me, let thine hart holde fast my wordes: keepe my commandementes, and thou shalt li e. -
5 Get wisedome: get vnderstanding: forget not neither de∣cline from the wordes of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shal keepe thee, loue her, & shee shal preserue thee. -
7 Wisedome is the beginning: get wisedom therfore: & a∣boue al thy possession, get vnderstanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shal exa t thee: she shal bring thee to honour, if thou embrace her. 9 Shee shal giue a comely ornament vnto thy head, yea, shee shal giue thee a Crowne of glorie. -
10 Heare my Sonne, and receiue my wordes, & the yeeres of thy life shalbe many. -
11 I haue taught thee in the way of VVisdome, and ledde thee in the pathes of righteousnes: 12 VVhen thou goest, thy gate shal not be straight, & whē thou runnest, thou shalt not fall. 13 Take hold of instruction, and leaue her not: keepe her, for shee is thy life. -
14 Enter not into the way of the wicked, and walke not in the way of euil men. 15 Auoide it, and goe not by it: turne from it, and passe by. 16 For they can not sleepe, except they haue done euil, and their sleepe departeth, excepte they cause some to fall. 17 For they eate the bread of wickednes, and drinke tho wine of violence. -
18 But the way of the righteous shineth as the light, that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as the darkenesse: they knowe not wherein they shal fall. -
20 My sonne, hearken vnto my words, encline thine eare vnto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eies, but keepe them in the mids of thine heart. 22 For they are life vnto those that finde them, & health vnto all their flesh. -
23 Keepe thine heart with al diligence: for thereout com∣meth life. -
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and put wicked lippes farre from thee. -
25 Let thine eyes behold the right, & let thine eye liddes direct thy way before thee. -
26 Ponder the pathe of thy feete, and let al thy wayes be ordered aright. 27 Turne not to the right hande, nor to the left: but re∣mooue thy foote from euil.
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The fifth Chapter.
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1 My Sonne, hearken vnto my wisedome, & encline thine eare vnto my knowledge, 2 That thou mayest regard counsel, and thy lippes obserue knowledge. -
3 For the lippes of a straunge woman drop as an honi∣combe, and her mouth is more soft then oyle. 4 But the end of her is bitter as VVormewood, and sharpe as a two edged sword. 5 Her feete goe downe to death, and her steppes take hold on hell. 6 Shee weigheth not the way of life: her pathes are moue∣able: thou canst not knowe them. -
7 Heare ye me now therfore, O children, and departe not from the wordes of my mouth. -
8 Keepe thy way farre from her, and come not neere the doore of her house: 9 Lest thou giue thine honour vnto others, and thy yeeres vnto the cruel: 10 Lest the stranger should be filled with thy strength, and thy labors be in the house of a stranger, 11 And thou mourne at thine end, (when thou hast con∣sumed thy flesh and thy bodie.) 12 And say, Howe haue I hated instruction, and mine heart despised correction: 13 And haue not obeyed the voice of them that taught me, nor inclined mine eare to thē that instructed me? 14 I was almost brought into al euil, in the midst of the congregation, and assembly. -
15 Drinke the water of thy Cesterne, and of the Riuers out of the midst of thine owne well. 16 Let thy Fountaine flowe foorth, and the Riuers of wa∣ters in the streetes. 17 But let them bee thine, euen thine onely, and not the strangers with thee. -
18 Let thy fountaine be blessed, and reioyce with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the louing Hinde, and pleasant Roe: Let her breastes satisfie thee at all times. -
20 For why shouldest thou delight, my sonne, in a strange woman, or imbrace the bosome of a stranger? 21 For the waies of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his pathes. -
22 His owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe, & he shalbe holden with the cordes of his owne sinne. 23 He shal die for fault of instruction, & shall goe astray through his great folly.
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The sixth Chapter.
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1 MY Sonne, if thou bee suretie for thy neighbour, and hast stricken hands with the stranger: 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth: thou art e∣uen taken with the words of thine owne mouth. 3 Doe this now, my sonne, and deliuer thy selfe: seeing thou arte come into the hand of thy neighbor, goe & hum∣ble thy selfe, and solicite thy friendes. 4 Giue no sleepe to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eye liddes. 5 Deliuer thy selfe, as a Doe from the hand of the hunter, & as the byrde from the hand of the fouler. -
6 Go to the pismire, o sluggard: behold her waies, & be wise. 7 For she hauing no guide, gouernour, nor ruler: 8 Prepareth her meate in the sommer, and gathereth her foode in the haruest. -
9 Howe long wilt thou sleepe, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleepe? 10 Yet a litle sleepe, a litle slumber, a litle folding of the handes to sleepe. 11 Therfore thy pouertie cometh on, as one that trauayleth by the way, & thy necessitie like an armed man. -
12 The vnthriftie man and the wicked man walketh with a frowarde mouth. 13 He maketh a signe with his eyes, hee signifieth with his feete: he instructeth with his fingers: 14 Lewde thinges are in his hart hee imagineth euil at all times, and raiseth vp contentions. 15 Therfore shal his destruction come speedily: hee shalbe destroyed sodainly without recouery. -
16 These sixe thinges doeth the Lord hate: yea his soule ab∣horreth seuen: 17 The hautie eyes, a lying tongue, and the hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that ymagineth wicked enterprises, feete that be swift in running to mischiefe, 19 A false witnes that speaketh lies, & him that rayseth vp contentions amongst brethren. -
20 My sonne, keepe thy fathers commandement, and for∣sake not thy mothers instruction. 21 Binde them alway vpon thine heart, and tie them about thy necke. -
22 It shall leade thee, when thou walkest: it shal watch for thee, when thou sleepest: and when thou wakest, it shall talke with thee. -
23 For the commaundement is a Lanterne, and instruction, a light: and corrections for instructions are the wayes of life. -
24 To keepe thee from the wicked woman, & from the flat∣terie of the tongue of a strange woman. -
25 Desire not her beautie in thine heart, neither let her take thee with her eye liddes. 26 For because of the whorish woman, a man is brought vn∣to a morsel of bread, & a or, the vvife of a man hunteth af∣ter the precious soule. woman wil hunt for the precious life of a man. -
27 Can a man take fire in his bosome, and not his clothes be burnt? 28 Or can a man goe vpon coales, and his feete not bee burnt? 29 So he that goeth into his neighbours wife, shal not be in∣nocent, whosoeuer toucheth her. -
30 Men doe not despise a thiefe, when he stealeth, to satisfie his soule, because he is hungrie. 31 But if he be found, he shal restore seuen fold, or hee shall giue al the substance of his house. -
32 But he that committeth adulterie with a woman, hee is destitute of vnderstanding: he that doeth it, destroy∣eth his owne soule. 33 He shal finde a wounde and dishonour, and his reproche shal neuer be put away. 34 For iealousie is the rage of a man: therefore hee wil not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He can not beare the sight of any ransome: neither will he consent, though thou augment the gifts.
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The seuenth Chapter.
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1 My Sonne, keepe my wordes, and hide my Commaunde∣ments with thee. -
2 Keepe my Commandements, and thou shalt liue; & mine instruction, as the apple of thine eye. 3 Binde them vpon thy fingers, and write them vpon the ta∣ble of thine heart. -
4 Say vnto wisedome, Thou art my sister: & cal vnderstan∣ding thy kinswoman: 5 That they may keepe thee from the strange woman, euen from the stranger that is smooth in her wordes. -
6 As I was in the windowe of mine house, I looked through my windowe. 7 And I sawe among the fooles, and considered amongest the children, a young man destitute of vnderstan∣ding. 8 Who passed through the streete by her corner, & went to∣ward her house, 9 In the twilight in the euening, when the night beganne to be blacke and darke. 10 And behold, there met him a woman, with an harlottes behauiour, and suttle in heart. 11 Shee is babling and loude: whose feete can not abide in her house. 12 Nowe shee is without, nowe in the streetes, and lyeth in wayte at euery corner. 13 So shee caught him and kissed him, and with an impu∣dent face saide vnto him, 14 I haue peace offeringes: this day haue I payde my vowes. 15 Therfore came I foorth to meet thee, that I might seeke thy face: and I haue found thee. 16 I haue deckt my bed with ornaments, carpets and laces of Egypt. 17 I haue perfumed my bedde with Myrrhe, Aloes, & Cy∣namon. 18 Come, let vs take our fil of loue, vntil the morning: let vs take our pleasure in daliance. 19 For my husband is not at home: he is gon a iourney farre of. 20 He hath taken with him a bagge of siluer, and wil come home at the day appointed. 21 Thus with her great craft she made him to yeelde: and with her flattering lippes she intised him. 22 And he folowed her straight wayes, as an Oxe that go∣eth to the slaughter, and as a Foale to the flockes for correction. 23 Til a dart stricke through his liuer, as a byrd hasteth to the snare, not knowing that hee is in danger. -
24 Heare me nowe therefore, O children, and hearken vn∣to the wordes of my mouth. 25 Let not thine hearte decline to her wayes: wander thou not in her pathes. 26 For shee hath caused many to fall downe wounded, and the strong men are all slaine by her. 27 Her house is the way vnto the graue, which goeth down vnto the chambers of death.
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The viii. Chapter.
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1 DOth not wisedome crie? and vnderstanding vtter her voice? 2 She standeth in the top of high places by the way in the place of the pathes. 3 She crieth besides the gates before the citie at the entrie of the doores. 4 O men, I cal vnto you, and vtter my voice to the children of men. 5 O yee foolish men, vnderstand wisedome, and ye, O fooles, be wise in hearte. 6 Giue eare, for I wil speake of excellent things, & the ope∣ning of my lippes shall teache thinges that be right. 7 For my mouth shal speake the trueth, & my lippes abhorre wickednesse. 8 All the wordes of my mouth are righteous: there is no lewdnesse, nor frowardnesse in them. 9 They are al plaine to him that wil vnderstand, & straight to them that would vnderstand. 10 Receiue mine instruction, and not siluer, and knowledge rather then fine golde. 11 For wisedome is better then precious stones: and al plea∣sures are not to be compared vnto her. 12 I wisedome dwell with prudence, and I finde foorth knowledge and counsels. -
13 The feare of the Lorde is to hate euill, as pride and arrogancie, and the euil way: and a mouth that spea∣keth lewd things, I doe hate. 14 I haue counsel and wisedome: I am vnderstanding, and I haue strength. -
15 By me Kings raigne, and Princes decree iustice. 16 By me Princes rule, and the nobles, and al the iudges of the earth. -
17 I loue them that loue me: and they that seeke mee early, shal finde mee. 18 Riches and honour are with mee: euen durable riches and righteousnesse. 19 My frute is better then golde, euen then fine golde, and my reuenewes better then fine siluer. -
20 I cause to walke in the way of righteousnesse, in the mids of the pathes of iudgement. 21 That I may cause them that loue mee, to inherite sub∣stance, and I wil fil their treasures. -
22 The Lord hath possessed me in the beginning of his way: I was before his workes of olde. 23 I was set vp from euerlasting, from the beginning, and before the earth. 24 When there was no depthes, was I begotten, when there were no fountaines, abounding with water. 25 Before the mountaines were setled: and before the hils, was I begotten. 26 He had not yet made the earth, nor the open places, nor the height of the dust in the world. 27 When he prepared the heauens, I was there: when he set the compasse vpon the deepe, 28 When he established the cloudes aboue, when hee confir∣med the fountaines of the deepe, 29 When hee gaue his decree to the sea, that the waters shoulde not passe his commandements: when hee ap∣pointed the foundations of the earth, 30 Then was I with him as a nourisher: and I was daily his delight, reioycing alway before him, 31 And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth: and my delight is with the children of men. -
32 Therfore now harken, O children, vnto mee: for blessed are they that keepe my wayes. 33 Heare instruction, and bee yee wise, and refuse it not: blessed is the man that heareth mee, watching dayly at my gaies, and giuing attendance at the postes of my dores. 34 For he that findeth mee, findeth life, & shal obteine fa∣uour of the Lorde: 35 But he that sinneth against me, hurteth his owne soule: and all that hate me, loue death.
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The nienth Chapter.
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1 WIsedome hath built her house, and heawen out her seuen pillers. 2 She hath killed her victuals, drawen her wine, and prepa∣red her table. 3 She hath sent foorth maidens, and cryeth vpon the highest places of the Citie saying, 4 Who so is simple let him come hither: and to him that is destitute of wisedome, she saith, 5 Come and eate of my meate, and drinke of the wyne that I haue drawne. -
6 Forsake your way, ye foolish, & ye shal liue: & walke in the way of vnderstanding. -
7 Hee that reprooueth a scorner, purchaseth to himselfe shame: and hee that rebuketh the wicked, getteth himselfe a blotte. 8 Rebuke not a scorner, lest he hate thee, but rebuke a wise man, and he wil loue thee. -
9 Giue admonition to the wise, and he wil be the wiser: teach a righteous man, & he wil increase in learning. -
10 The beginning of wisedome is the feare of the Lord, and the knowledge of holy things, is vnderstanding. 11 For thy dayes shalbe multiplied by mee, and the yeares of thy life shalbe augmented. -
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self, and if thou be a scorner, thou alone shalt suffer. -
13 A foolish woman is troublesome: she is ignorant, and knoweth nothing. 14 But she sitteth at the dore of her house, on a seate in the high places of the citie: 15 To cal them that passe by the way, that go right on their way, saying: 16 Who so is simple, let him come hither: and to him that is destitute of wisedome, she saith also, 17 Stollen waters are sweete, and hid bread is pleasant. 18 But he knoweth not, that the dead are there, and that her guestes are in the depth of hel.
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☞ THE PROVERBES OF SO∣LOMON.
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1 A wise sonne maketh a glad father: but a foolish sonne is an heauinesse to his mother. -
2 The treasures of wickednes profit nothing: but righte∣ousnes deliuereth from death. -
3 The Lorde will not famishe the soule of the righteous: but hee casteth away the substacnce of the wic∣ked. -
4 A slouthful hande maketh poore: but the hande of the diligent maketh riche. -
5 Hee that gathereth in Sommer, is the sonne of wise∣dome: but hee that sleepeth in Haruest, is the sonne of confusion. -
6 Blessings are vpon the head of the righteous: but iniqui∣tie shal couer the mouth of the wicked. -
7 The memorial of the iust shalbe blessed: but the name of the wicked shal rotte. -
8 The wise in heart wil receiue commandements: but the foolish in talke shalbe beaten. -
9 He that walketh vprightly, walketh boldly: but hee that peruerteth his wayes, shalbe knowne. -
10 Hee that wincketh with the eye, worketh sorow: and hee that is foolish in talke, shalbe beaten. -
11 The mouth of the righteous is a welspring of life: but iniquitie couereth the mouth of the wicked. -
12 Hatred stirreth vp contentions: but loue couereth all trespasses. -
13 In the lippes of him that hath vnderstanding, wisedome is founde, and a rodde shalbe for the backe of him that is destitute of wisedome. -
14 Wise men laye vp knowledge: but the mouth of the foole is a present destruction. -
15 The rich mans goods, are his strong hold, but their owne pouertie feareth the poore. -
16 The righteous laboureth to do good, but the vngodly v∣seth his encrease vnto sinne. -
17 He that regardeth instruction, is in the way of life: but he that refuseth correction, goeth out of the way of life. -
18 He that doth dissemble hatred, with lying lippes, & hee that inuenteth slaunder, is a foole. -
19 In many wordes there cannot want iniquitie: but he that refraineth his lippes, is wise. -
20 The tongue of the iust man, is fined siluer: but the harte of the vngodly is nothing woorth. -
21 The lippes of the righteous feede a whole multitude: but fooles shal die for want of wisedome. -
22 The blessing of the Lord maketh riche men: and he doth adde no sorrowes with it. -
23 It is pastime to a foole to do wickedly: but wisdom is vn∣derstanding to a man. -
24 The thing that the vngodly are afraide of, shall come vppon them: but the righteous shall haue their desire. -
25 As the storme passeth, euen so shall the vngodly va∣nishe away: but the righteous, remaineth as a strong foundation. -
26 As vineger is vnto the teeth, & as smoke is vnto the eyes, euen so is a slouthfull body vnto him that sen∣deth him. -
27 The feare of the Lorde encreaseth the dayes: but the yeeres of the wicked shalbe diminished. -
28 The patient abyding of the righteous shalbe gladnesse: but the hope of the wicked shal perish. -
29 The way of the Lorde is strong for him that is perfecte: but feare shalbe to them that worke iniquitie. -
30 The righteous shal neuer bee remoued. but the wicked shal not remaine in the land. -
31 The mouth of the righteous shal bring foorth wisedome: but the tongue of the froward shalbe rooted out. -
32 The lippes of the righteous wil speake things pleasaunt: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowarde things.
-
-
The eleuenth Chapter.
-
1 FAlse ballances are an abhomination vnto the Lord: but a perfect waight pleaseth him. -
2 When pride commeth, then commeth shame: but with the lowlie is wisedome. -
3 The vprightnesse of the iust shall guide them: but the frowardenesse of the transgressours shall destroy them. -
4 Riches auaile not in the day of wrath: but righteous∣nesse deliuereth from death. -
5 The righteousnesse of the vpright shall direct his waye: but the wicked shall fall in his owne wickednesse. -
6 The righteousnesse of the iust shall deliuer them: but the transgressours shall bee taken in their owne wickednesse. -
7 When a wicked man dyeth, his hope perisheth, & the hope of the vniust shal perish. -
8 The righteous escapeth out of trouble, and the wicked shall come in his steede. -
9 An hypocrite with his mouth hurteth his neighbour: but the righteous shalbe deliuered by knowledge. -
10 In the prosperitie of the righteous the Citie reioyceth: and when the wicked perish, there is ioye. -
11 By the blessing of the righteous, the Citie is exalted: but it is subuerted by the mouth of the wicked. -
12 Hee that despiseth his neighbour, is destitute of wise∣dome: but a man of vnderstanding wil keepe si∣lence. -
13 Hee that goeth about as a slaunderer, discouereth a se∣cret: but he that is of a faithful heart, conceileth a matter. -
14 Where no counsel is, the people fal: but where many coun∣sellers are, there is health. -
15 He shalbe sore vexed that is suretie for a stranger: and he that hateth suretieship, is sure. -
16 A gracious woman atteineth honour: and the strong men attaine riches. -
17 He that is merciful, rewardeth his owne soule: but hee that troubleth his owne flesh, is cruel. -
18 The wicked woorketh a disceitful woorke: but hee that soweth righteousnesse, shall receyue a sure re∣warde. -
19 As righteousnesse leadeth to life so hee that foloweth e∣uil, seeketh his owne death. -
20 They that are of a froward heart, are abhomination vn∣to the Lorde: but they that are vpright in theyr way, are his delight. -
21 Though hand ioyne in hand, the wicked shal not goe vn∣punished: but the seede of the righteous shal escape. -
22 As a iewel of golde in a Swines snout: so is a faire wo∣man which lacketh discretion. -
23 The desire of the righteous is onely good: but the hope of the wicked is indignation. -
24 There is that scattereth, and is more encreased: but he that spareth more then is right, surely commeth to pouertie. -
25 The liberall person shall haue plentie: and he that wate∣reth, shall also haue rayne. -
16 Hee that withdraweth the corne, the people will curse him: but blessing shall bee on the head of him that selleth corne. -
27 He that seeketh good things, getteth fauour: but he that seeketh euill, it shall come to him. -
28 He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall but the righte∣ous shall florishe as a leafe. -
29 Hee that troubleth his owne house, shall inherite the winde: and the foole shalbe seruant vnto the wise in hearte. -
30 The fruite of the righteous is a tree of life: and hee that winneth soules, is wise. -
31 Behold, the righteous shalbe recompensed in the earth: howe much more the wicked and the sinner?
-
-
The twelfth Chapter.
-
1 He that loueth instruction, loueth knowledge: but he that hateth correction, is a foole. -
2 A good man getteth fauour of the Lorde: but the man of wicked imaginations, wil he condemne. -
3 A man cannot be established by wickednes: but the roote of the righteous shal not be mooued. -
4 A vertuous woman is the crown of her husband: but shee that maketh him ashamed, is a corruption in his bones. -
5 The thoughts of the iust are right: but the counsels of the wicked, are deceitful. -
6 The talking of the wicked, is to lie in waite for blood: but the mouth of the righteous wil deliuer them. -
7 God ouerthroweth the wicked, and they are not: but the house of the righteous shal stand. -
8 A man shalbe commended for his wisedome: but the fro∣ward of heart shalbe despised. -
9 He that is despised, and is his owne seruant, is better then he that boasteth himself & lacketh bread. -
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: bu the mercies of the wicked are cruell. -
11 Hee that tilleth his land, shalbe satisfied with bread: but he that foloweth the idle, is destitute of vnderstanding. -
12 The wicked desireth the net of euils: but the roote of the righteous giueth fruite. -
13 The euil man is snared by the wickednesse of his lippes: but the iust shal come out of aduersitie. -
14 A man shall be satiate with good things by the fruite of his mouth: and the recompence of a mans handes shall God giue vnto him. -
15 The way of a foole is right in his owne eyes: but hee that heareth counsel, is wise. -
16 A foole in a day shalbe knowne by his anger: but he that couereth shame, is wise. -
17 Hee that speaketh trueth, will shewe righteousnes: but a false witnesse vseth disceit. -
18 There is that speaketh wordes like the prickinges of a sword: but the tongue of the wise man is health. -
19 The lippe of trueth shalbee stable for euer: but a lying tongue varieth incontinently. -
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine euil: but to the counsellours of peace shalbe ioy. -
21 There shall no iniquitie come to the iust: but the wicked are full of euill. -
22 The lying lippes are an abhomination to the Lorde: but they that deale truely, are his delight. -
23 Awise man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of the fooles publisheth foolishnes. -
24 The hande of the diligent shalbeare rule: but the ydle shalbe vnder tribute. -
25 Heauines in the heart of man doeth bring it downe: but a good word reioyceth it. -
26 The righteous is more excellent then his neighbour: but the way of the wicked wil deceiue them. -
27 The deceitful man rosteth not that he tooke in hunting: but the riches of the diligent man are precious. -
28 Lyfe is in the way of righteousnes: and in that pathway there is no death.
-
-
The xiii, Chapter.
-
1 A wise sonne wil obey the instruction of his father: but a scorner wil heare no rebuke. -
2 A man shal eate good things by the fruit of his mouth: but the soule of the trespassers shal suffer violence. -
3 Hee that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but hee that openeth his lippes, destruction shalbe to him. -
4 The sluggarde lusteth, but his soule hath naught: but the soule of the diligent shall haue plentie. -
5 A righteous man hateth lying woordes: but the wicked causeth slander and shame. -
6 Righteousnesse preserueth the vpright of life: but wicked∣nesse ouerthroweth the sinner. -
7 There is that maketh himselfe rich, and hath nothing, and that maketh himselfe poore, hauing greate riches. -
8 A man will giue his riches for the ransome of his life: but the poore cannot heare the reproche. -
9 The light of the righteous reioyceth: but the candle of the wicked shalbe put out. -
10 Onely by pride doeth man make contention: but with the wel aduised, is wisedome. -
11 The riches of vanitie shal diminish: but hee that gathe∣reth with the hand, shal increase them. -
12 The hope that is deferred, is the fainting of the heart: but when the desire commeth, it is as a tree of life. -
13 Hee that despiseth the worde, shalbee destroyed: but he that feareth the commaundement, shalbee re∣warded. -
14 The instruction of a wise man, is as the wel spring of life, to turne away from the snares of death. -
15 Good vnderstanding maketh acceptable: but the way of the disobedient is hated. -
16 Euery wise man wil worke by knowledge: but a foole will spread abrode follie. -
17 A wicked messenger falleth into euil: but a faythfull Ambassadour is preseruation. -
18 Pouertie & shame is to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth correction, shalbe honored. -
19 A desire accomplished delighteth the soule: but it is an abhomination to fooles to depart from euill. -
20 He that walketh with the wise, shalbe wise: but a com∣panion of fooles shalbe afflicted. -
21 Al affliction foloweth sinners, but vnto the righteous God wil recompence good. -
22 The good man shal giue inheritance vnto his childrēs chil∣dren: & the riches of the sinner is layde vp for the iust. -
23 Much foode is in the field of the poore: but the field is destroyed without discretion. -
24 He that spareth his rodde, hateth his sonne: but he that loueth him, chasteneth him betimes. -
25 The righteous eateth to the contentation of his minde: but the bellie of the wicked shal want.
-
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The xiiii. Chapter.
-
1 AWise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish destroi∣eth it with her owne handes. -
2 Hee that walketh in his righteousnesse, feareth the Lorde: but hee that is lewde in his wayes, despi∣seth him. -
3 In the mouth of the foolish, is the rod of pride: but the lips of the wise preserue them. -
4 Where none oxen are, there the cribbe is emptie: but muche increase commeth by the strength of the Oxe. -
5 A faithfull witnesse will not lie: but a false recorde will speake lyes. -
6 A scorner seeketh wisedome, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easie to him that will vn∣derstande. -
7 Depart from the foolish man, when thou perceiuest not in him the lips of knowledge. -
8 The wisdome of the prudent is to vnderstand his way: but the foolishnes of fooles is deceite. -
10 The heart knoweth the bitternes of his soule, and the stranger shal not medle with his ioye. -
11 The house of the wicked shalbe destroyed: but the taber∣nacle of the righteous, shal florish. -
12 There is a way which seemeth right to a man: but the yssues thereof are the wayes of death. -
13 Euen in laughing the heart is sorowful, and the ende of that mirth, is heauines. -
14 The hearte that declineth, shalbee satiate with his owne wayes: but a good man shall rule ouer him. -
16 A wise man feareth and departeth from euill: but a foole rageth and is carelesse. -
17 He that is hastie to anger, committeth follie, and a busie bodie is hated. -
18 The foolish do inherite follie: but the prudent are crow∣ned with knowledge. -
19 The euil shal bowe before the good, and the wicked as the gates of the righteous. -
20 The poore is hated euen of his owne neighbour: but the friends of the rich are many. -
21 The sinner despiseth his neighbour: but he that hath mercy on the poore, is blessed. -
22 Doe not they erre that imagine euill? but to them that thinke on good thinges, shall bee mercy and trueth. -
23 In all labour there is abundance: but the talke of the lippes bringeth onely want. -
24 The crowne of the wise is their riches: and the follie of fooles is foolishnesse. -
25 A faythful witnesse deliuereth soules: but a deceiue speaketh lyes. -
26 In the feare of the Lorde is an assured strength, and his children shall haue hope. -
27 The feare of the Lorde is a wellspring of life, to auoide the snares of death. -
28 In the multitude of the people is the honour of a king: & for the want of people commeth the destruction of the Prince. -
29 He that is slowe to wrath, is of great wisedome: but he that is of an hastie minde, exalteth follie. -
30 A sounde heart is the life of the fleshe: but enuie is the rotting of the bones. -
31 Hee that oppresseth the poore, reproueth him that made him but hee honoureth him that hath mercy on the poore. -
32 The wicked shall bee cast away for his malice: but the righteous hath hope in his death. -
33 Wisedome resteth in the heart of him that hath vnder∣standing, and is knowne in the middes of fooles. -
34 Iustice exalteth a nation, but sinne is ashame to the people. -
35 The pleasure of a king is in a wise seruant: but his wrath shalbe towarde him that is lewde.
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-
The fifteenth Chapter.
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1 A softe answere putteth away wrath: but greeuo woordes stirre vp anger. -
2 The tongue of the wise vseth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fooles babbleth out foolishnesse. -
3 The eyes of the Lord in euery place, beholde the euil and the good. -
4 A whole some tongue is as a tree of life: but the froward∣nesse thereof is the breaking of the minde. -
5 A foole despiseth his fathers instruction: but he that re∣gardeth correction, is prudent. -
6 The house of the righteous hath muche treasure: but in the reuenewes of the wicked there is trouble. -
7 The lippes of the wise do spread abroade knowledge: but the hart of the foolish doeth not so. -
8 The Sacrifice of the wicked is abhomination to the Lorde: but the praier of the righteous is accep∣table vnto him. -
9 The way of the wicked is abhomination vnto the Lorde: but hee loueth him that followeth righteousnesse. -
10 Instruction is euill to him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth correction, shall die. -
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lorde: howe muche more the heartes of the sonnes of men? -
12 A scorner loueth not him that rebuketh him, neither wil he goe vnto the wise. -
13 A ioyful heart maketh a chearful countenance: but by the sorow of the heart the minde is heauie. -
14 The hart of him that hath vnderstanding, seeketh know∣ledge: but the mouth of the foole is fed with foolish∣nesse. -
15 All the dayes of the afflicted are euill: but a good con∣science is a continuall feast. -
16 Better is a little with the feare of the Lord, then great treasure, and trouble therewith. -
17 Better is a dinner of greene herbes where loue is, then astalled oxe, and hatred therewith. -
18 An angrie man stirreth vp strife: but he that is slowe to wrath, appeaseth striefe. -
19 The way of a slouthful man is as an hedge of thornes: but the way of the righteous is plaine. -
20 A wise sonne reioyceth the father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. -
21 Foolishnes is ioy to him that is destitute of vnderstan∣ding: but a man of vnderstanding walketh vp∣rightly. -
22 Without counsel thoughtes come to nought: but in tho multitude of counsellers there is stedfastnesse. -
23 A ioy commeth to a man by the answere of his mouth: and how good is a word in due season? -
24 The way of life is on high to the prudent, to auoyde from hell beneath. -
25 The Lord wil destroy the house of the proude men: but he wil stablish the borders of the widow. -
26 The thoughtes of the wicked are abhomination to the Lorde: but the pure haue pleasant wordes. -
27 He that is greedie of gaine, troubleth his owne house: but he that hate th giftes shal liue. -
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answere: but the wicked mans mouth babbleth euil things. -
29 The Lord is farre of from the wicked: but hee heareth the prayer of the righteous. -
30 The light of the eyes reioyceth the hearte, and a good name maketh the bones fatte. -
31 The eare that hearkeneth to the correction of Life, shall lodge among the wise. -
32 Hee that refuseth instruction, despiseth his owne soule: but hee that obeieth correction, getteth vnderstan∣ding. -
33 The feare of the Lord is the instruction of wisdome: and before honour goeth humilitie.
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The xvi. Chapter.
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1 THE preparation of the heart is in man: but the an∣swere of the tongue is of the Lorde. -
3 Commit thy woorkes vnto the Lorde, and thy thoughtes shalbe directed. -
4 The Lorde hath made al things for his owne sake: yea, e∣uen the wicked for the day of euill. -
5 All that are proude of heart, are in abhomination to the Lorde: though hand ioyne in hande, hee shal not be vnpunished. -
6 By mercie and truth iniquitie shalbe forgiuen: and by the feare of the Lorde they depart from euill. -
7 When the wayes of a man please the Lord, he wil make al∣so his enemies at peace with him. -
8 Better is a little with quietnes, then great reuenewes with∣out equitie. -
9 The heart of man purposeth his way: but the Lord doeth direct his steppes. -
10 A diuine sentence shalbe in the lippes of the King: his mouth shal not transgresse in iudgement. -
11 A true waight and ballaunce are of the Lorde: all the waights of the bagge are his worke. -
12 .It is abhomination vnto kinges to commit wickednes for the throne is established by iustice. -
13 Righteous lippes are the delight of Kings, and the King loueth him that speaketh right thinges. -
14 The wrath of a King is as messengers of death: but a wise man wil pacifie it. -
15 In the light of the Kings countenance is life: & his fa∣uour is as a cloud of the latter raine. -
16 Howe much better is it to get wisedome then golde? and to get vnderstanding, is more too bee desired then siluer. -
17 The path of the righteous is to decline from euill: and he keepeth his soule, that keepeth his way. -
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an high minde be∣fore the fall. -
19 Better it is to be of an humble mind with the lowly, then to deuide the spoiles with the proude. -
20 Hee that is wise in his businesse, shall finde good: and hee that trusteth in the Lord, he is blessed. -
21 The wise in heart shalbe called prudent: and the sweet∣nesse of the lippes shall increase doctrine. -
22 Vnderstanding is a well spring of life vnto them that haue it: and the instruction of fooles, is folly. -
23 The heart of the wise guideth his mouth wisely, and ad∣deth doctrine to his lippes. -
24 Fayre woordes are as an honie combe: sweetenes to the soule, and health to the bones. -
25 There is a way that seemeth right vnto man: but the yssue thereof are the waies of death. -
26 The person that trauelleth, trauelleth for himselfe, for his mouth craueth it of him. -
27 A wicked man diggeth vp euil, and in his lippes is like burning fire. -
28 A froward person soweth strife: and a taleteller maketh diuision among Princes. -
29 A wicked man deceiueth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. -
30 He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednesse, hee moueth his lippes, and bringeth euil to passe. -
31 Age is a crowne of glory, when it is founde in the way of righteousnesse. -
32 He that is slow to anger, is better then the mighty man: and he that ruleth his owne minde, is better then he that winneth a Citie. -
33 The lot is cast into the lappe, but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lorde.
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The xvii. Chapter.
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1 BEtter is a dry morsel, if peace be with it, then an house ful of sacrifices with strife. -
2 A discrete seruant shall haue rule ouer a lewde sonne, and hee shall deuide the beritage among the bre∣thren. -
3 As is the fining pot for siluer, and the fornace for golde: so the Lorde trieth the heartes. -
4 The wicked giueth heede to false lippes: and a lyar hear∣keneth to the naughtie tongue. -
5 Hee that mocketh the poore, reprocheth him that made him: and he that reioyeeth at destruction, shall not be vnpunished. -
6 Childrens children are the crowne of the elders: and the glorie of the children are their fathers. -
7 High talke becommeth not a foole, much lesse a lying talk a Prince. -
8 A reward is as a stone pleasant in the eyes of them that haue it: it prospereth, whither soeuer it turneth. -
9 Hee that couereth a transgression, seeketh loue: but hee that repeateth a matter, separateth the Prince. -
10 A reproofe entreth more into him that hath vnder∣standing, then an hundreth stripes into a foole. -
11 A seditious person seeketh onely euil, and a cruel mes∣senger shalbe sent against him. -
12 It is better for a man to meete a Beare robbed of her whelpes, then a foole in his follie. -
13 Hee that rewardeth euil for good, euil shal not departe from his house. -
14 The beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters: therefore ere the contention be medled with, leaue off. -
15 Hee that iustifieth the wicked, and hee that condem∣neth the iust, euen they both are abhomination to the Lorde. -
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisedome, and he hath no heart? -
17 A freend loueth at al times, and a brother is borne for aduersitie. -
18 A man destitute of vnderstanding, toucheth the hande, and becommeth suretie for his neighbour. -
19 Hee loueth transgression, that loueth striefe: and hee that exalteth his gate, seeketh destruction. -
20 The frowarde hearte findeth no good: and he that hath a naughtie tongue, shal fall into euill. -
21 Hee that begetteth a foole, getteth himselfe sorowe: and the father of a foole can baue no ioy. -
22 A ioyfull heart causeth good health: but a sorowfull minde drieth the bones. -
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the waies of iudgement. -
24 Wisedome is in the face of him that hath vnderstan∣ding: but the eies of a foole are in the corners of the worlde. -
25 A foolishe sonne is a griefe vnto his father, and a hea∣uinesse vnto her that bare him. -
26 Surely it is not good to condemne the iust, nor that the Princes shoulde smite such for equitie. -
27 Hee that hath knowledge, spareth his woordes: and a man of vnderstanding is of an excellent spirite. -
28 Euen a foole when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that stoppeth his lippes, is prudent.
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The xviii. Chapter.
-
1 HE that is at libertie, seeketh freely, and studieth euery doctrine, for the desire thereof hee wil separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in al wis∣dome. -
2 A foole hath no delight in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered. -
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man, reproche. -
4 The woordes of a mans mouth are like deepe waters: and the well spring of wisedome is like a flowing riuer. -
5 It is not goood to accept the person of the wicked, to cause the righteous too fall in iudgement. -
6 A fooles lippes come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes. -
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, his lippes are a snare for his soule. -
8 The wordes of a talebearer are as flatterings, and they go downe into the bowels of the bellie. -
9 He also that is slouthful in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster. -
10 The name of the Lorde is a strong Tower: the righte∣ous runneth vnto it, and is exalted. -
11 The riche mans riches are his strong Citie: and as an high wal in his imagination. -
12 Before destruction the heart of man is hautie, & before glorie goeth lowlinesse. -
13 He that answereth a matter before he heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him. -
14 The spirit of a man wil sustaine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirite, who can beare it? -
15 A wise hearte getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning. -
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men. -
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him. -
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh apar∣tition among the mightie. -
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong ci∣tie: and their contentions are like the barre of a palace. -
20 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly bee sa∣tisfied: and with the increase of his lippes shall he be filled. -
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that loue it, shal eate the fruite thereof. -
22 Hee that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and draw∣eth fauour from the Lorde. -
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the riche answe∣reth roughly. -
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew himselfe friend∣lie: for a friend is nearer then a brother.
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The xix. Chapter.
-
1 BEtter is the poore man walking in his integritie of life, then he that abuseth his lippes, and is a foole. -
2 Desire without discretion is not good: and he that hasteth with his feete, offendeth. -
3 The foolishnesse of man shal peruert his waye: And his hart shal fret against the Lorde. -
4 Goods and riches gather freendes: but the poore man is separated from his neighbour. -
5 The false witnesse shall not be vnpunished, & he that tel∣leth lyes shall not escape. -
6 Many hang vpon the face of the Prince, and euerie one is a friend to him that giueth. -
7 All the brethren of the poore doe hate him, and his freendes and fellowes withdrawe themselues from him: Hee giueth credite to wordes, and getteth nothing. -
8 Hee that hath a hart, loueth his soule, and keepeth pru∣dence to finde riches. -
9 The false witnesse shall not escape vnpunished: and hee that speaketh lyes, shal perish. -
10 Pleasures are not seemely for a foole: much lesse for a bound man to haue rule ouer Princes. -
11 The foresight of a man maketh him defer his anger: and it is his honour to let faultes passe. -
12 The kings displeasure is like the roaring of a Lion: but his fauour is like the deawe vpon the grasse? -
13 The foolish childe is the fathers sorowe: and a brawling wife is a continuall dropping. -
14 House and riches are the inheritance of ones elders: but a discreete woman is the gift of the Lord. -
15 Slouthfulnes maketh one fal a sleepe: and a soule accu∣stomed to craft, shal suffer hunger. -
16 Who so keepeth the Commandementes, keepeth his owne soule: but hee that regardeth not his wayes, shall dye. -
17 Hee that hath pittie vppon the poore, lendeth vnto the Lorde: and looke what he layeth out, it shalbe paide him againe. -
18 Chastise thy sonne, while there is hope: and let not thy soule spare for his crying. -
19 A man of great wrath shal suffer punishment: although thou once deliuer him, yet his anger wil come a∣gaine. -
20 Giue eare vnto counsel, and take correction: that thou mayest bee wise in thy later dayes. -
21 There are many thoughtes in the heart of man: but the counsel of the Lorde shal stand fast. -
22 That which is desirable in a man, is his vpright dealing: insomuch that the poore man is more profitable then the lyar. -
23 The feare of the Lorde bringeth a man to life: And hee that it is filled with the same, lodgeth where no plague shall visit him. -
24 The slouthfull man hath shut his handes into his bo∣some: and will not take paine to put it to his mouth. -
25 Smite the scornefull person, and the ignorant will take better heede: for if one reprooue the wise man, hee hath vnderstanding to knowledge. -
26 Hee that hurteth his father, or shutteth out his mother, is a shameful and an vnworthy sonne. -
27 My sonne heare no more the doctrine that leadeth thee vnto errours, from the words of vnderstandinge. -
28 The false witnesse scorneth iudgement: And the mouth of the wicked deuoureth iniquitie. -
29 Iudgementes are prepared for the scorneful, and stripes for fooles backes.
-
-
The xx. Chapter.
-
1 WIne is scornefull, and strong drinke troublesome: and who so erreth in the same, is not wise. -
2 The feare of the king is as the roaring of a Lyon: he that prouoketh him to anger, offendeth agaynst his owne soule. -
3 It is a mans honour to keepe himselfe from strife: but euery foole will be medling. -
4 The slouthful body wil not labour, because of winter: ther∣fore shall he begge in haruest, and haue nothing. -
5 Counsell in the heart of man is like deepe water: and a man of vnderstanding will drawe it out. -
6 The mightie man is named a well doer: but who shal finde a faithfull man? -
7 Hee that walketh in his integritie, is iust: and his chil∣dren shalbe happy after him. -
8 A king which sitteth in throne of iudgement, chaseth away all euill with his looke. -
9 Who shall say, I haue cleansed my hearte: I am cleane from my sinne? -
10 Twoo manner of weighies, or twoo manner of measures, both these are abhomination vnto the Lorde. -
11 The childs also shalbe knowne by his conuersation, whe∣ther his workes be pure and right. -
12 The Lorde hath made both these twoo: to wit, the eare, to heare; and the eye, to see. -
13 Loue not sleepe, lest thou come into pouertie: but open thyne eyes that thou maist haue bread ynough. -
14 It is naught, it is naught, saieth hee that buyeth: but withdrawing himselfe aside, he boasteth of his bar∣gaine. -
15 There is golde and a multitude of stones: but the lippes of knowledge are a precious iewel. -
19 Take his garment that is suretie for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for the vnknowne sake. -
17 A man thinketh the bread sweet that is gotten with de∣ceite: but afterwardes his mouth shalbe filled with grauel. -
18 Confirme thy thoughts by counsel: and so make warre with wisedome. -
19 Hee that reuealeth secrete counsel, turneth to a backe∣byter: wherefore meddle not with him that offen∣deth with his lips. -
20 The lampe of him that curseth his father or mother, shalbe put out in the depth of darkenesse. -
21 The heritage that is gotten in haste, shal not be blessed in the ende. -
22 Say not thou, I wil recompence euil, but put thy trust in the Lord, and he shal deliuer thee. -
23 Diuers weights are an abhomination with the Lord, and false ballances are not good. -
24 The steppes of man are in the handes of the Lord: how then shall a man knowe his owne waies? -
25 It is a ruine for a man which deuoureth holinesse: and after the vowe, to make enquirie. -
26 A wise king dispearseth the wicked, and bringeth the wheele ouer them. -
27 The lampe of the Lorde is the soule of man, searching all the inward partes of the belly. -
28 Mercy and truthe shal preserue the king, and with lo∣uing kindnesse his seate shalbe established. -
29 The nobilitie of young men is their vertue: and a gray head, is the honour of the aged. -
30 Brused woundes purge euill: and stripes in the inward partes of the body.
-
-
The xxi. Chapter.
-
1 THE kinges hearte is in the hande of the Lorde: Like the riuers of water, so hee may turne it whither soeuer hee will. -
2 Euery mans way seemeth right in his owne eies, but the Lorde pondereth the heart. -
3 To doe iustice and iudgement, is more acceptable to the Lorde then sacrifice. -
4 An high looke, and a proude heart, which is the lanterne of the wicked, is sinne. -
5 The thoughts of the diligent, are onely vpon plenteousnes: but he that is hastie, commeth verily to pouertie. -
6 To hoard vp riches with a deceitful tongue, is vanitie tos∣sed too and fro of them that seeke death. -
7 The Rapines of the wicked shal destroye them: for they haue refused to doe iustice. -
8 There is a man, whose waye is frowarde, and strange: but the worke of the pure man is right. -
9 It is better to dwell in a corner on the house toppe, then with a brauling woman in awide house. -
10 The soule of the vngodly wisheth euil, and his neighbour shal finde no fauour in his sight. -
11 When the scorneful is punished, the ignorant taketh better heede: and when the wise is instructed, hee wil receiue vnderstanding. -
12 The iust man instructeth the house of the wicked: But for wickednesse, God ouerthroweth the vn∣godly. -
13 Hee that stoppeth his eare at the cry of the poore, shall crye himselfe also, and not bee heard. -
14 A priuie rewarde pacifieth displeasure: And a gift in the bosome stilleth furiousnesse. -
15 The iust man hath ioy to do iustice: but horror is to them that worke iniquitie. -
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of wisedome, shall remayne in the congregation of the dead. -
17 The man that loueth banketting, is worthy of pouertie: and who so delighteth in wyne and delicates, shall not be riche. -
18 The vngodly shalbe a ransome for the righteous, and the wicked for the iust. -
19 It is better to dwell in a wildernesse then with a chyding and an angrie woman. -
20 In a wise mans house there is treasure and oyle: but a foo∣lish body will deuoure it. -
21 Who so foloweth righteousnesse and mercy, shal find life, righteousnesse and honour. -
22 A wise man scaleth the Citie of the mighty, and ouer∣throweth the strength wherin they trusted. -
23 Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue, the same kee∣peth his soule from troubles. -
24 He is called proude, arrogant, and scornful, which in his wrath worketh presumptuously. -
25 The desire of the slouthful shal kil him: for his handes haue refused to labour. -
26 He coueteth greedily al the day long, but the righteous giueth, and spareth not. -
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abhomination, by howe much more they bring it with an euil wil. -
28 The false witnesse shal perishe: but a man that heareth, shal stil speake. -
29 An vngodly man hardeneth his face, but the iust refor∣meth his owne way. -
30 There is neither wisedome nor vnderstanding, nor counsell against the Lord. -
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battel: but the Lord giueth victorie.
-
-
The xxii. Chapter.
-
A Good name is more too bee desired then great ri∣ches: and a louing fauour more then siluer and golde. -
2 The rich and poore meete together: the Lorde is the ma∣ker of themal. -
3 A wise man seeth the plague, and hydeth himselfe: But the foolish goe on stil, and are punished. -
4 The rewarde of humilitie, and the feare of the Lorde are riches, honour, and life. -
5 Thornes and snares are in the way of the frowarde: but who so keepeth his soule, will flee farre from them. -
6 Teache a childe in the entrance of his way: for hee shall not leaue it when hee is olde. -
7 The rich beareth rule ouer the poore, and hee that boro∣weth, shalbe seruant to the lender. -
8 Hee that soweth wickednesse, shal reape affliction, and the rodde of his anger shal faile. -
9 The good eye shalbe blessed, for he hath giuē of his bread to the poore. -
10 Driue out the scornefull man, and debate shall goe out with him, yea variance and slaunder shal ceasse. -
11 The king is his freende that loueth cleannesse of hearte: and it is for the grace of his lippes. -
12 The eies of the Lorde haue regarde to knowledge: but hee ouerthroweth the woordes of the transgres∣sour. -
13 The slouthful bodie saith, there is a Lion without: I shalbe slaine in the streete. -
14 The mouth of strange women is as a deepe pit: he whom the Lord is angrie withal, falleth therein. -
15 Foolishnesse is in the heart of a childe: but the rodde of correction wil driue it away from him. -
15 Who so doeth the poore man woong, to encrease his owne riches, and giueth to the riche, hee certainly goeth to pouertie. -
17 Bowe downe thine eare, and heare the woordes of the wise: applye thy heart vnto my doctrine. -
18 For it wil be a pleasant thing, if thou keepe them in thy belly, and order them together in thy lippes. -
19 That thou mayest put thy trust in the Lorde: I haue giuen thee to vnderstande to daye, euen to thee. -
20 Haue not I written to thee, three times in counsels and learning? -
21 To the end, to giue thee to know the assurāce of the words of trueth, to answere wordes of veritie to them that sende to thee. -
22 Polle not the poore, because hee is poore: and oppresse not the afflicted at the gate. -
23 For the Lord himselfe wil deale in their cause: and take away the soule of them which doe polle them. -
24 Accompanie not with an angrie wilfull man: and walke not with the furious. -
25 Least thou learne his wayes, and reociue hurte too thy soule. -
26 Be not thou one them that giue their hande vpon pledge and are sureties for debts. -
27 Why wilt thou put thy selfe in this danger? for if thou hast not wherewithal to pay, they wil take away thy bed from vnder thee. -
28 Thou shalt not remooue the auncient land marke which thy fore elders haue set. -
29 If thou hast seene a man diligent in his businesse: hee shall stande before kinges, and not among the simple people.
-
-
The xxiii. Chapter.
-
WHen thou shalt be set downe to eate with a great Lord, in considering, consider that which shall be set before thee. -
2 And thrust the knife into thy throte, if thou bee Lorde ouer the soule. -
3 Desire not his delicates, for it is a meate of lies. -
4 Striue not to bee riche, but ceasse from thine owne aduise. -
5 Wilt thou cast thy eyes vpon that, when it is nothing? For in bestowing, it wil bestowe wings vpon it selfe, like an Egle, and wil flye vp to the skies. -
6 Eate not the meate with an euil eye, and couet not his de∣lectable morsels. -
7 For as if he had thought it in his stomake, he will saye to thee eate and drinke, but his hearte shall not bee with thee. -
8 Thou shalt vomit out the morsel, which thou hast eaten: and shalt loose thy pleasant wordes. -
9 Whisper not in the fooles eare, for he will despise the wise∣dome of thy woordes. -
10 Remoue not the ancient Lande marke: And enter not in the fieldes of orphans. -
11 For the redeemer is strong: And hee wil pleade their cause against thee. -
12 Apply thy hart to vnderstanding: and thy eares to words of knowledge. Esa. 10. 2. 3. -
13 Withdraw not correction from the childe: if thou beate him with a rod, he wil not dye. -
14 Thou shalt beate him with a rod, and deliuer his soule from hell. -
15 My sonne, if thy heart be wise, my heart shal reioyce, and I also. -
16 And my reines shal leape for ioy, when thy lips speake righteous things. -
17 Let not thyne hart bee enuious against sinners: but let it bee in the feare of the Lorde continually. -
18 For surely there is an ende, and thyne hope shal not bee cut off. -
19 O thou my sonne, heare and bee wise, and guide thyne heart vprightly in the way. -
20 Keepe not company with wine bibbers, nor with deuou∣rers of flesh. -
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shalbe poore: and the too much sleeper shalbe clothed with rags. -
22 Heare thy father which begot thee: and dispise not thy mother when she waxeth old. -
23 Buy trueth, and sel it not, wisedome, instruction, and vn∣derstanding. -
24 The father of the righteous, in reioysing, shalbee glad: and hee that hath begotten a wise childe, shall haue ioy of him. -
25 Let thy father reioyce in thee, and thy mother: and shee that bare thee, be glad. -
26 My sonne, giue mee thine hearte, and let thine eies de∣light in my wayes. -
27 For a whore is as a deepe ditch: and a strange woman as a narowe pit. -
28 Also shee lieth in waite as for a praye: and she encrea∣seth the transgressours amongest men. -
29 To whome is woe? To whom is sorowe? To whom is strife? To whome is mourning? To whome are woundes without cause? and to whom is the red∣nesse of the eyes. -
30 Euen to them that tarry long at the wine: and to them that goe and seeke mixture. -
31 Regarde not thou the wine when it is red, and when it sheweth his coulour in the cuppe, or goeth downe pleasantly. -
32 In the ende thereof it will bite like a serpent: and hurte like a Cockatrice. -
33 Thine eyes shal looke vpon strange women, & thine heart shal speake leude thinges. -
34 And thou shalt be as hee that sleepeth in the heart of the sea, and as he which sleepeth in the toppe of the Mast. -
35 Then shalt thou say, They haue stricken me, but I was not sicke: They haue beaten mee, and I haue not felte it: when I shal awake, I wil put my selfe forth, and seeke it stil.
-
-
The xxiiii. Chapter.
-
1 BE not thou enuious against euel men, neither desire to be with them. -
2 For their heart imagineth rauine, and their lippes speake molestation. -
3 The house shalbe built by wisedome, and established by prudence. 4 And by science shal the chambers bee filled, with al ri∣ches precious, and pleasant. -
5 The wise man is mightie, and the man of knowledge for∣tifieth his vertue. -
6 For thou shalt make warre by good aduise: and safegard is in the multitude of counsellours. -
7 Wisedome is haughtie to the foole: wherefore he shal not open his mouth at the gate. -
8 They shal cal him an imaginer of mischiefe, which thin∣keth to doe euil. -
9 The thought of a foolish person is sinne: and the moc∣ker is in abhomination with men. -
10 Art thou negligent in the day of tribulation? thy ver∣tue is feeble. -
11 Deliuer them that are drawne to death: and wilt thou not preserue them that are led to be slame? -
12 If thou say, behold, wee knewe not of it: hee that pon∣dereth the heartes, doeth not hee vnderstande it? and hee that keepeth thy soule, knoweth hee it not? and will not hee also recompence euery one accor∣ding to his workes? -
13 My sonne eate hony, for it is good: and the hony combe is sweete to thy mouth. -
14 So shall the knowledge of wisedome bee vnto thy soule, if thou finde it? and there shalbe an end, and thine hope, shall not bee cut of. -
15 Lay no wayte as a wicked man, against the house of the righteous: and spoyle not his resting place. -
16 For the iust man falleth seuen times, and riseth againes but the wicked fall into mischiefe. -
17 Bee not thou glad when thine enimie falleth: and let not thine heart reioyce, when he stumbleth. -
18 Least peraduenture the Lorde see it, and it displease him, and hee turne his wrath from him. -
19 Frequent not thy selfe with the malicious: neither bee enuious at the wicked. -
20 For there shalbe no ende to the euill man: the light of the wicked shalbe put out. -
21 My sonne, feare the Lorde, and the King, and meddle not with them that are disguised. -
22 For their destruction shal rise sodeinly: and who know∣eth the ruine of them both? -
23 Also these thinges appertaine to the wise: It is not good to knowe any mans face in iudgements. -
24 Hee that sayeth to the wicked, thou art righteous, him shall the people curse, and the multitude abhorre him. -
25 But in them that rebuke him, hee shall haue pleasure: and vppon them shall come the blessing of good∣nesse. -
26 They shal kisse the lippes of him that answereth vpright wordes. -
27 Prepare thy worke without, and make ready thy thinges in the field which is thyne, and after builde thyne house. -
28 Bee not a witnesse without cause against thy neighbour: for wilt thou deceiue with thy lips? -
29 Say not, I wil doe to him as he hath done to mee, I wil re∣compence euery one according to his worke. -
30 I passed by the field of the slouthful, and by the vineyard of the man voide of heart. -
31 And loe, it was al growne ouer with thornes, and nettles had couered the face therof, and the stone wal ther∣of was broken downe. -
32 Then I beheld, and considered it wel: I looked vpon it, & receaued instruction. -
33 Yet a little sleepe, a little slumber, and a little foulding of the handes to sleepe. -
34 So thy pouertie commeth walking on: And thy necessitie as an armed man.
-
-
The xxv. Chapter.
-
1 THese also are parables of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Iuda copied out. -
2 The glorie of God is to conceale a word: but the Kings ho∣nour is to search out a word. -
3 The heauens in height, & the earth in deepenesse, & the kings heart can no man searche out. -
4 Take the drossefrom the siluer, and there shal proceede a vessel for the finour. -
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, & his throne shalbe established in righteousnesse. -
6 Boast not thy selfe before the King, and stande not in the place of great men. -
7 For it is better that it be saide vnto thee, come vp hither: thē thou to be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes haue seene. -
8 Goe not foorth hastily to strife, lest thou know not what to doe in the ende therof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. -
9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, & reueale not the secret of an other man. -
10 Lest happily, he that heareth it, put thee to shame: and that thine infamie doe not cease. -
11 A worde spoken in his due place, is like apples of gold, with pictures of siluer. -
12 Hee that reprooueth the wise and the obedient eare: is as a golden earing, and an ornament of fine golde. -
13 As the cold of snow in the time of haruest, so is a faith∣ful messenger to them that send him: for hee refre∣sheth the soule of his maistresse. -
14 He that boasteth of false liberalitie, is lyke cloudes, and winde without raine. -
15 A Prince is pacified by the staying of anger: and a softe tongue breaketh the bones. -
16 Hast thou founde hony? Eate that is sufficient for thee: least thou be ouerful, and vomit it. -
17 Withdrawe thy foote from thy neighbours house, least he bee weary of thee, and hate thee. -
18 A man that answereth against his neighbour as a false witnesse, is like a hammer, a sworde, and a sharp arrowe. -
19 Confidence in an vnfaithfull man in the time of trouble, is like a broken tooth, and a sliding foote. -
20 Hee that taketh away the garment in the colde season, is like vineger powred vpon or Alumme, or Sope. Nitre, or like him that singeth songues to an heauie hearte. -
21 If hee that hateth thee, bee hungrie, giue him bread to eate, and if hee bee thir stie, giue him water to drinke. -
22 For thou kindlest coales vpon his head, and the Lord shal deliuer thee. -
23 As the North winde driueth away the raine: so doeth an angrie countenance, the slaundering tongue. -
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with a contentious woman in a wide house. -
25 As are the colde waters to a person fainting for drinke: so is good newes from a farre country. -
26 A righteous man falling downe before the wicked, is like a troubled wel, and a corrupt spring. -
27 It is not good to eate much hony: so to search their owne glory, is not glory. -
28 A man that refraineth not his appetite, is like a Citie that is broken downe, and without walles.
-
-
The xxvi. Chapter.
-
1 AS the snowe in the Sommer, and as the raine in the Haruest are not meete: So is honour vnseemely for a foole. -
2 As the Sparowe by flying, and the Swallowe by flying e∣scape, so the curse that is causelesse, shal not come. -
3 As the whip is for the Horse, & the bridle for the Asse: so is the rodde for the fooles backe. -
4 Answere not a foole according to his foolishnesse, lest thou also be like to him. -
5 Answere a foole according to his foolishnesse: lest hee be wise in his owne conceit. -
6 Hee that sendeth a message by the hande of a foole, is as hee that cutteth off the feete, and drinketh iniqui∣tie. -
7 Lift vp the legs of a lame man: so shalbe a sentence in a fooles mouth. -
8 As a precious stone closed vp in a heape of stones: so is hee which giueth glory to a foole. -
9 As a thorne standing vp in the hand of a drunkarde, so is a parable in the mouth of fooles. -
10 The mightie man doeth al thinges by himselfe: but the foole giueth wages, yea, he giueth wages to the trans∣gressours. -
11 The foole which beginneth his follie afreshe, is lyke a Dogge returning to his owne vomit. -
12 Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceit? more hope is of a foole then of him. -
13 The slouthfull man saith, A Lion is in the way: a Lion is in the streetes. -
14 As the dore turneth vpon his henges, so doth the slouth∣full man vpon his bed. -
15 The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, & it gree∣ueth him to put it againe to his mouth: -
16 The sluggarde is wiser in his owne conceit, then seuen men that can render a reason. -
17 Hee that passeth by and medleth with the strife that belongeth not vnto him, is as one that taketh a dogge by the eares. -
18 As hee that faineth himselfe mad, casteth fire brandes, arrowes and mortall things: 19 So dealeth the deceitfull man with his freend, & saith, am not I in sport? -
20 Without wood the fire is quenched, and without a tale∣bearer strife ceasseth. -
21 As the coale maketh burning coales, and wood a fire, so the contentious man is apt to kindle strife. -
22 The wordes of a talebearer, are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly. -
23 As siluer drosse ouer laide vpon a potsharde, so are bur∣ning lippes, and an euill hearte. -
24 Hee that hateth, wil counterfaite with his lippes: but in his heart he layeth vp deceit. -
25 Though he speake fauorably, beleeue him not: for there are seuen abhominations in his heart. -
26 Hatred may be couered by deceite: but the malice thereof shall bee discouered in the congregati∣on. -
27 Hee that diggeth a pitt, shall fall therin: and hee that rolleth a stone, it shal returne vnto him. -
28 A false tongue hateth the afflicted, and a flattering mouth causeth contention.
-
-
The xxvii. Chapter.
-
1 BOast not thy selfe of to morrowe: for thou knowest not what a day may bring foorth. -
2 Let another man prayse thee, & not thyne owne mouth: a stranger, and not thine owne lippes. -
3 A stone is heauie, and the sand weightie: but a fooles wrath is heauier then them both. -
4 Anger is cruell, and wrath is raging: but who can stand before enuie? -
5 Open rebuke is better then secrete loue. -
6 The woundes of a louer are faythful: but the kisses of an enemie are harde. -
7 The person that is full, treadeth vnder feete an hony combe: but vnto the hungry soule euery bitter thing is sweete. -
8 As a byrd that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his owne place. -
9 As the oyntment and perfume reioyce the heart: so doeth the sweetnesse of a mans friend by heartie counsel. -
10 Thine owne freende, and thy fathers freende forsake thou not: neither enter into thy brothers house in the day of thy calamitie: for better is a neighbour that is neere, than a brother farre off. -
11 My sonne, be wise, and reioyce mine hearte, that I may answere him that reprocheth mee. -
12 A prudent man seeth the plague, and hideth himselfe: but the foolish goe on still, and receiue hurt. -
13 Take his garment that is suertie for a straunger, and a pledge of him for the straunger. -
14 A curse shalbe imputed vnto him that prayseth his freende with a loud voyce, rising vp early in the mor¦ning. -
15 A continuall dropping in the day of raine, and a conten∣tious woman are a like. -
16 He that hideth her, hideth the winde, and shee is as the Oyle in his right hande that vttereth it selfe. -
17 Iron sharpeneth yron: so doth a man sharpen the face of his freende. -
18 Hee that keepeth the Fig tree, shal eate the fruit there∣of: so hee that waiteth vpon his maister, shal come to honour. -
19 As in water, face answereth to face: so the hart of man to man. -
20 The graue and destruction can neuer be ful, so the eyes of man can neuer be satisfied. -
21 As is the fining pot for siluer, and the furnace for gold: so is euerie man according to his dignitie. -
22 Though thou shouldest braye a foole in a Morter, among wheate brayed with a Pestel, yet wil not his foolish∣nesse depart from him. -
23 Be diligent to knowe the state of thy flocke, and take heed to the heardes. -
24 For riches remaine not alway, nor the crowne from ge∣neration, to generation. -
25 The heye discouereth it selfe, and the grasse appeareth, and the hearbes of the mountaines are gathered. -
26 The Lambes are for thy clothing, & the Goates are the price of the field. -
27 And let the milke of the Goates bee sufficient for thy foode, for the foode of thy familie, and for the suste∣nance of thy maydes.
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The xxviii. Chapter.
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1 The wicked flye, when none pursueth: but the righteous are bolde as a Lyon. -
2 For the transgression of the lande there are many Princes thereof: but by a man of vnderstanding and know∣ledge, a realme likewise endureth long. -
3 A poore man, if he oppresse the poore, is like a raging raine, that leaueth no foode. -
4 They that forsake the lawe, prayse the wicked: but they that keepe the lawe, are angrie with them. -
5 Malicious men vnderstande not iudgement: but they that seeke the Lorde, vnderstand al thinges. -
6 Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse, then he that peruerteth his waies, though he be rich. -
7 Hee that keepeth the lawe is a childe of vnderstanding: but hee that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his fa∣ther. -
8 Hee that increaseth his riches by vsury, and interest, ga∣thereth them for him that will giue almes vnto the poore. -
9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the lawe, e∣uen his prayer shalbe abhominable. -
13 Hee that causeth the righteous to goe astray by an euill way, shall fal into his owne pit, and the vpright shall inherite good things. -
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceite: but the poore that hath vnderstanding, can try him. -
12 When righteous men reioyce, there is great glory: but when the wicked come vp, the man is tryed. -
13 Hee that hydeth his sinnes, shall not prosper: but hee that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall haue mercy. -
14 Blessed is the man that feareth alway: but he that har∣deneth his hearte, shall fall into euill. -
15 As is a roaring Lion and a hungrie Beare, so is a wicked ruler ouer the poore people. -
16 A Prince destitute of understanding, is also a great op∣pressour: but he that hateth couetousnesse, shal pro∣long his dayes. -
17 A man that doeth violence against the blood of a per∣son, shal fly vnto the graue, & they shal not stay him. -
18 He that walketh vprightly, shalbe saued: but he that is froward in his wayes, shal once fal. -
19 He that tilleth his land shalbe satisfied with bread: but he that foloweth the idle, shalbe filled with pouertie. -
20 A faythfull man shall abound in blessings: and hee that maketh hast to be rich, shall not be innocent. -
21 To haue respect of persons, is not good: for such a man for a peece of bread wil deale vnfaithfully. -
22 A man with a wicked eie hasteth to riches, and knoweth not the pouertie that shall come vpon him. -
23 Hee that rebuketh a man, shall finde more fauour at the length, then hee that flattereth with his tongue. -
24 Hee that robbeth his father and mother, and saith, it is notransgression, is the companion of a man that destroyeth. -
25 He that is of a proude heart, stirreth vp strife: but hee that trusteth in the Lorde▪ shalbe fat. -
26 Hee that trusteth in his owne hearte, is a foole: but hee that walketh in wisedome, shall bee deliue∣red. -
27 He that giueth vnto the poore, shall not want: but hee that hideth his eies, shall haue many curses. -
28 When the wicked ryse vp, a man hideth himselfe: but when they perish, the righteous encrease.
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The xxix. Chapter.
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1 A Man that hardeneth his necke, when he is rebuked, shal sodainely be destroyed, and cannot be cured. -
2 When the righteous are in authoritie the people re∣ioyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sighe. -
3 A man that loueth wisedome, reioyceth his father: but he that feedeth harlots, wasteth the substance. -
4 A King by iudgement mainteineth the countrie: but a man receiuing giftes, destroyeth it. -
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a nette for his steppes. -
6 In the transgression of an euil man is his snare: but the righteous doth sing and reioyce. -
7 The righteous knoweth the cause of the poore, but the wicked regardeth not knowledge. -
8 Scornefull men bring a citie into a snare: but wise men turne away wrath. -
9 If a wise man contende with a foolish man, somtimes the foole is angry, sometimes hee laugheth, but there is no stay. -
10 Bloodie men hate him that is vpright: but the iust hath care of his soule. -
11 A foole powreth out al his minde: but a wise man kee∣peth it in till afterwardes. -
12 Of a Prince that hearkeneth vnto lies, al his seruauntes are wicked. -
13 The poore and the vsurer meete together, and the Lord lighteneth both their eies. -
14 The king that iudgeth the poore in trueth, his throne shalbe established for euer. -
15 The rod and correction giue wisedome: but a childe set at libertie, maketh his mother ashamed. -
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression encrea∣seth: but the righteous shall see their fall. -
17 Correct thy sonne, & he will giue thee rest, and will giue pleasure to thy soule. -
18 Where there is no vision, the people decay: but hee that keepeth the lawe, is blessed. -
19 A slaue wil not be chastized with wordes: though hee vnderstand, yet he wil not answere. -
20 Seest thou a man hastie in his matters? there is more hope of a foole, then of him. -
21 Hee that delicately bringeth vp his seruaunt from his youth, at length he wil be euen as his sonne. -
22 An angrie man stirreth vp strife: and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. -
23 The pride of a man shall bring him low: but the humble in spirite shall enioy glory. -
24 He that is partner with a theefe, hateth his owne soule: hee heareth cursing and declareth it not. -
25 The feare of man bringeth a snare: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shalbe exalted. -
26 Many doe seeke the face of the ruler: but euerie mans iudgement commeth from the Lord. -
27 A wicked man is abhomination to the iust, & hee that is vpright in his way, abhomination to the wicked.
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The xxx. Chapter.
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1 The prophecie which the man spake vnto Ithiel, euen to Ithiel, and Vcal. -
2 Surely, I am more foolish then any man, and haue not the vnderstanding of a man in me. -
3 For I haue not learned wisedome, nor attayned to the knowledge of the Saintes. -
4 Who hath ascended vp to heauen, and descended? Who hath gathered the winde in his fist? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the endes of the earth? What is his name, and what is his sonnes name, if thou canst tell? -
5 Euery worde of God is pure: he is a shielde to those, that trust in him. -
6 Put nothing vnto his wordes, least he reprooue thee, and thou be founde a lyer. -
7 Two things haue I requyred of thee: deny me them not, before I dye. -
8 Remoue farre from me vanitie and lyes: giue mee not pouertie, nor riches: feede mee with foode, meete for mine estate. -
9 Least I be ful, and denye thee, and say, who is the Lord? or least I be poore, and steale, and take the name of my God in vaine. -
10 Accuse not a seruant vnto his maister, least he curse thee, when thou hast offended. -
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not blesse their mother. -
12 There is a generation that are pure in their owne con∣ceite, and yet are not washed from their filthy∣nesse. -
13 There is a generation, whose eyes are hautie, and their eyeliddes are lifted vp. -
14 There is a generation, whose teethe are as swoordes, and their iawes as kniues, to eate vp the afflicted out of the earth, and the poore from among men. -
15 The Horseleach hath two daughters, which crye, giue, giue. There be three thinges that wil not be satisfi∣ed: yea foure, that say not, it is enough: 16 The graue, and the barren wombe, the earth that cannot be satisfied with water, and the fire that saieth not, it is enough. -
17 The eye that mocketh his father, and despiseth the in∣struction of his mother, let the rauens of the riuer picke it out, and the young Egles eate it. -
18 There be three thinges hid from mee, yea foure, that I knowe not. 19 The way of an Eagle in the ayre, the waye of a Serpent vpon a stone, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a mayde. 20 Such is the way also of an adulterous wcman: she eateth and wipeth her mouth, and saieth, I haue not com∣mitted iniquitie. -
21 For three thinges the earth is mooued: yea, for foure it can not sustaine it selfe. 22 For a seruant when he reigneth, and a foole when hee is filled with meate, 23 For the hateful woman, when shee is maried, and for a handmayde that is heyre to hermaistresse. -
24 There be foure smal things in the earth, yet they are wise, and ful of wisedome: 25 The Pismyres, a people not strong, yet prepare they their meate in sommer: 26 The Conies, a people not mightie, yet make they their houses in the Rocke: 27 The Grashopper hath no King, yet goe they foorth al by bandes: 28 The Spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in Kings Palaces. -
29 There be three things that order wel their going: yea, foure are comely in going. 30 A Lyon which is strong among beasts, and turneth not at the sight of any, 31 A lustie grayhounde, and a goate, and a king, against whome there is no rising vp. -
32 If thou hast beene foolish in lifting thy selfe vp, and if thou hast thought wickedly, lay thy hand vppon thy mouth. -
33 When one churneth milke, hee bringeth foorth butter: and he that wringeth his nose, causeth blood to come out: so he that forceth wrath, bringeth foorth strife.
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The xxxi. Chapter.
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1 THE wordes of king Lemuell: the prophesie which his mother taught him. -
2 What, my sonne? and what, the sonne of my wombe? and what, O sonne of my vowe? -
3 Giue not thy strength vnto women, nor thy waies, which is to destroy kings. -
4 It is not for kinges, O Lemuel, it is not for kinges to drinke wine, nor for princes strong drinke. -
5 Least hee drink, and forget the decree, and change the iudgement of all the children of affliction. -
6 Giue ye strong drinke vnto him, that is readie to perishe, and wine vnto them that haue griefe of heart. -
7 That he may drink & forget his pouertie, and remember his miserie no more. -
8 Open thy mouth for the dombe, in the cause of al the chil∣dren of destruction. -
9 Open thy mouth: iudge righteousnesse, and iudge the af∣flicted, and the poore. -
10 Who shall finde a vertuous woman? for their price is different from pearles. -
11 The hearte of her husbande trusteth in her, and he shall haue no neede of spoile. -
12 She will doe him good, and not euill al the dayes of her life. -
13 She seeketh wooll and flaxe, and laboureth cheerefully with her hande. -
14 Shee is like the shippes of merchantes: shee bringeth her foode, from a farre. -
15 And shee riseth, whiles it is yet night: and giueth the portion to her housholde, and the ordinary to her maides. -
16 She considereth a field, & getteth it: and with the fruite of her handes she planteth a vineyard. -
17 She girdeth her loynes with strength, and strengtheneth her armes. -
18 Shee feeleth that her merchandise is good: her candle is not put out by night. -
19 She putteth ont her handes to the wherle, & her hands handle the spindle. -
20 Shee stretcheth out her hand to the poore, and putteth foorth her handes to the needie. -
21 Shee feareth not the snowe for her familie: for al her familie is clothed with double garments. -
22 She maketh herselfe Carpets: fine linnen, and Purple is her garment. -
23 Her husbande is knowne in the gates, when hee fitteth with the elders of the lande. -
24 She maketh sheetes, and selleth them, and giueth gir∣dles vnto the merchant. -
25 Strength and honour is her clothing, and in the latter day she shal reioyce. -
26 She openeth her mouth with wisedome, and the lawe of grace is in her tongue. -
27 She considereth the wayes of her housholde, and eateth not the bread of ydlenesse. -
28 Her children rise vp, and call her blessed: her husbande also shal praise her. -
29 Many daughters haue gotten wealth, but thou hast sur∣mounted them all. -
30 Fauour is deceitful, and beautie is vanitie: but a wo∣man that feareth the Lorde, shee shalbee pray∣sed. -
31 Giue her of the fruite of her handes, and let her owne workes praise her in the gates.
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chapter - 1