The proverbs of Solomon paraphrased with the arguments of each chapter, which supply the place of a commentary / by Symon Patrick ...

1. THE pro∣verbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel;

2. To know wise∣dom and instruc∣tion, to perceive the words of un∣derstanding;

3. To receive the instruction of wisedom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4. To give sub∣tilty to the simple, to the young man knowledg and dis∣cretion.

5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of un∣derstanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6. To under∣stand a proverb, and the interpre∣tation; the words of the wise, and their dark say∣ings.

7. ¶ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wise∣dom and instruc∣tion.

8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

10. ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

11. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for bloud, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause.

12. Let us swal∣low them up alive, as the grave, and whole, as those who go down into the pit:

13. We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

14. Cast in thy lot among us, let us all have one purse:

15. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.

16. For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed bloud.

17. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18. And they lay wait for their own bloud, they lurk privily for their own lives.

19. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain: which ta∣keth away the life of the owners thereof.

20. ¶ Wisedom crieth without, she uttereth her voice in the streets.

21. She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the opening of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

22. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

23. Turn you at my reproof: be∣hold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

24. ¶ Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25. But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

26. I also will laugh at your ca∣lamity, I will mock when your fear cometh;

27. When your fear cometh as de∣solation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh up∣on you.

28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not an∣swer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

29. For that they hated know∣ledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.

30. They would none of my coun∣sel: they despised all my reproof:

31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33. But whoso hearkeneth unto me, shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

1. MY Son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisedom, and apply thy heart to understanding:

3. Yea, if thou criest after know∣ledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding:

4. If thou seek∣est her as silver, and searchest for her, as for hid treasures:

5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD; and find the knowledge of God.

6. For the LORD giveth wisedom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and un∣derstanding.

7. He layeth up sound wisedom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

8. He keepeth the paths of judge∣ment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

9. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and e∣quity; yea, every good path.

10. ¶ When wisedom entreth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

11. Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shal keep thee:

12. To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.

13. Who leave the paths of up∣rightness, to walk in the ways of darkness:

14. Who rejoyce to doe evil, and delight in the fro∣wardness of the wicked.

15. Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths.

16. To deliver thee from the strange woman e∣ven from the stranger which flattereth with her words:

17. Which for∣saketh the guide of her youth, and for∣getteth the cove∣nant of her God.

18. For her house inclineth un∣to death, and her paths unto the dead.

19. None that go unto her, re∣turn again, nei∣ther take they hold of the paths of life.

20. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

21. For the up∣right shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

22. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgres∣sours shall be root∣ed out of it.

1. MY son, forget not my Law; but let thine heart keep my command∣ments.

2. For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee.

3. Let not mer∣cy and truth for∣sake thee: bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4. So shalt thou find favour and good understan∣ding in the sight of God and man.

5. ¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own under∣standing.

6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7. ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and de∣part from evil.

8. It shall be health to thy na∣vel, and marrow to thy bones.

9. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.

10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11. ¶ My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD: neither be weary of his correction.

12. For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth, even as a father the son, in whom he delighteth.

13. ¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisedom, and the man that getteth understan∣ding.

14. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of sil∣ver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15. She is more precious than ru∣bies: and all the things thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto her.

16. Length of days is in her right hand: and in her left hand riches and honour.

17. Her ways are ways of plea∣santness, and all her paths are peace.

18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19. The LORD by wisedom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20. By his know∣ledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21. ¶ My son, let not them de∣part from thine eyes: keep sound wisedom and dis∣cretion.

22. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall nor stumble.

24. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be a∣fraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25. Be not a∣fraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh.

26. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27. ¶ With∣hold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28. Say not un∣to thy neighbour, Go, and come a∣gain, and to mor∣row I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth secure∣ly by thee.

30. ¶ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31. ¶ Envy thou not the op∣pressour, and chuse none of his ways.

32. For the fro∣ward is abominati∣on to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33. ¶ The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habita∣tion of the just.

34. ¶ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly.

35. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

1. HEar, ye children, the instruction of a father, and at∣tend to know un∣derstanding.

2. For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law.

3. For I was my father's son, tender and onely beloved in the sight of my mo∣ther.

4. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live.

5. Get wise∣dom, get under∣standing: forget it not, neither de∣cline from the words of my mouth.

6. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

7. Wisedom is the principal thing, therefore get wis∣dom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

8. Exalt her, and she shall pro∣mote thee: she shall bring thee to ho∣nour when thou dost embrace her.

9. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

10. Hear, O my son, and re∣ceive my sayings: and the years of thy life shall be many.

11. I have taught thee in the way of wisedom: I have led thee in right paths.

12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be strait∣ned, and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

13. Take fast hold of instruc∣tion, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life.

14. ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

16. For they sleep not except they have done mischief: and their sleep is ta∣ken away, unless they cause some to fall.

17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more un∣to the perfect day.

19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

20. ¶ My son, attend to my words, incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21. Let them not depart from thine eyes: keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

23. ¶ Keep thy heart with all dili∣gence: for out of it are the issues of life.

24. Put away from thee a fro∣ward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

25. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eye∣lids look streight before thee.

26. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be establi∣shed.

27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

1. MY son, attend unto my wisedom, and bow thine ear to my understan∣ding.

2. That thou mayest regard dis∣cretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3. ¶ For the lips of a strange woman drop as an hony-comb, and her mouth is smoo∣ther than oyl.

4. But her end is bitter as worm∣wood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

5. Her feet go down to death: her steps take hold on hell.

6. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

7. Hear me now, therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

8. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9. Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel.

10. Lest stran∣gers be filled with thy wealth, and thy labours be in the house of a stranger.

11. And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are con∣sumed.

12. And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof?

13. And have not obeyed the voice of my teach∣ers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me?

14. I was al∣most in all evil, in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15. ¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern; and running waters out of thine own well.

16. Let thy fountains be dis∣persed abroad, and rivers of wa∣ters in the streets.

17. Let them be onely thine own, and not strangers with thee.

18. Let thy fountain be bles∣sed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19. Let her be as the loving hind, and pleasant roe, let her breasts sa∣tisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravisht al∣ways with her love.

20. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravisht with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stran∣ger?

21. For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

22. ¶ His own iniquities shall take the wicked him∣self, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

23. He shall dye without in∣struction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

1. MY son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stran∣ger,

2. Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3. Doe this now, my son, and deliver thy self, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend: go, humble thy self, and make sure thy friend.

4. Give not sleep to thy eyes, nor slumber to thy eye-lids.

5. Deliver thy self as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6. ¶ Go to the ant, thou slug∣gard, consider her ways, and be wise:

7. Which ha∣ving no guide, overseer, or ru∣ler,

8. Provideth her meat in the summer, and ga∣thereth her food in the harvest.

9. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10. Yet a lit∣tle sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.

11. So shall thy poverty come as one that travel∣eth, and thy want as an armed man.

12. ¶ Anaugh∣ty person, a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth.

13. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers.

14. Froward∣ness is in his heart, de deviseth mischief continu∣ally, he soweth dis∣cord.

15. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

16. ¶ These six things doth the LORD hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent bloud.

18. An heart that deviseth wick∣ed imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mis∣chief,

19. A false witness that speak∣eth lies, and him that soweth dis∣cord among bre∣thren.

20. ¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.

21. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awa∣kest, it shall talk with thee.

23. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of in∣struction are the way of life:

24. To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eye-lids.

26. For by means of a whorish woman, a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the pre∣cious life.

27. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burnt?

28. Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burnt?

29. So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife: whosoever touch∣eth her, shall not be innocent.

30. Men do not despise a Thief, if he steal to sa∣tisfy his soul when he is hungry:

31. But if he be found, he shall restore seven-fold, he shall give all the substance of his house.

32. But whoso committeth adul∣tery with a wo∣man, lacketh un∣derstanding: he that doeth it, de∣stroyeth his own soul.

33. A wound and dishonour shall he get, and his re∣proach shall not be wiped away.

34. For jealou∣sy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of venge∣ance.

35. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest con∣tent, though thou givest many gifts.

1. MY son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

2. Keep my com∣mandments, and live: and my law as the apple of thine eye.

3. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4. Say unto Wis∣dom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy Kinswoman:

5. That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

6. ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my case∣ment,

7. And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8. Passing through the street near her corner, and he went the way to her house,

9. In the twi∣light, in the even∣ing, in the black and dark night:

10. And be∣hold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and sub∣til of heart.

11. (She is loud and stubborn, her feet abide not in her house.

12. Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner)

13. So she caught him and kissed him, and with an impu∣dent face said un∣to him,

14. I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, dili∣gently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16. I have deckt my bed with co∣verings of tape∣stry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17. I have per∣fumed my bed with myrrhe, aloes, and cinnamon.

18. Come, let us take our fill of love untill the morning, let us solace our selves with loves.

19. For the good-man is not at home, he is gone a long jour∣ney;

20. He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21. With much fair speech she cau∣sed him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she for∣ced him.

22. He goeth after her strait∣way, as an ox go∣eth to the slaugh∣ter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks:

23. Till a dart strike through his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and know∣eth not that it is for his life.

24. ¶ Hearken unto me now there∣fore, O ye chil∣dren, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

1. DOTH not wisedom cry? and under∣standing put forth her voice?

2. She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4. Ʋnto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man.

5. O ye simple, understand wise∣dom; and ye fools, be ye of an under∣standing heart.

6. Hear, for I will speak of ex∣cellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7. For my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing froward or per∣verse in them.

9. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11. For wise∣dom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired, are not to be compared to it.

12. I wisedom dwell with pru∣dence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate.

14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisedom: I am understanding, I have strength.

15. By me kings reign, and Princes decree justice.

16. By me prin∣ces rule, and no∣bles, even all the judges of the earth.

17. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me.

18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righte∣ousness.

19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20. I leade in the way of righte∣ousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

21. That I may cause those that love me, to inhe∣rit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

22. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23. I was set up from everla∣sting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24. When there were no depths, I was brought forth: when there were no fountains a∣bounding with wa∣ter.

25. Before the mountains were settled; before the hills was I brought forth:

26. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27. When he prepared the hea∣vens, I was there: when he set a com∣pass upon the face of the depth:

28. When he established the clouds above: when he streng∣thened the foun∣tains of the deep:

29. When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his command∣ment: when he ap∣pointed the foun∣dations of the earth:

30. Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoycing always before him:

31. Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.

32. Now there∣fore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33. Hear in∣struction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34. Blessed is the man that hea∣reth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35. For whoso findeth me, findeth life, and shall ob∣tain favour of the LORD.

36. But he that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death.

1. WIsedom hath builded her house, she hath hewen out her seven pillars.

2. She hath kil∣led her beasts, she hath mingled her wine; she hath al∣so furnished her table.

3. She hath sent forth her maidens, she crieth upon the highest places of the city.

4. Whose is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth under∣standing, she saith to him,

5. Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

7. He that re∣proveth a scorner, getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth him∣self a blot.

8. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9. Give in∣struction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisedom: and the knowledge of the holy is understan∣ding.

11. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increa∣sed.

12. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self: but if thou scor∣nest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13. ¶ A foolish woman is clamo∣rous; she is simple, and knoweth no∣thing.

14. For she sit∣teth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15. To call pas∣sengers who go right on their ways.

16. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth un∣derstanding, she saith to him,

17. Stoln wa∣ters are sweet, and bread eaten in se∣cret is pleasant.

18. But he know∣eth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

1. THE pro∣verbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foo∣lish son is the hea∣viness of his mo∣ther.

2. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righ∣teousness delive∣reth from death.

3. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righte∣ous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5. He that ga∣thereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but vio∣lence covereth the mouth of the wic∣ked.

7. The memory of the just is bles∣sed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9. He that wal∣keth uprightly, walketh surely: but he that per∣verteth his ways, shall be known.

10. He that winketh with the eye, causeth sor∣row: but a pra∣ting fool shall fall.

11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence cove∣reth the mouth of the wicked.

12. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13. In the lips of him that hath understanding, wisedom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of un∣derstanding.

14. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15. The rich mans wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their po∣verty.

16. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life; the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17. He is in the way of life that keepeth instructi∣on: but he that re∣fuseth reproof, er∣reth.

18. He that hi∣deth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth slan∣der, is a fool.

19. In the mul∣titude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips, is wise.

20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wic∣ked is little worth.

21. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisedom.

22. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sor∣row with it.

23. It is as a sport to a fool to doe mischief: but a man of under∣standing hath wisedom.

24. The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the de∣sire of the righte∣ous shall be gran∣ted.

25. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an e∣verlasting founda∣tion.

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

27. The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortned.

28. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29. The way of the LORD is strength to the up∣right: but de∣struction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30. The righ∣teous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not in∣habit the earth.

31. The mouth of the just brin∣geth forth wise∣dom: but the fro∣ward tongue shall be cut out.

32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked spea∣keth frowardness.

1. A False ba∣lance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

2. When pride cometh, then co∣meth shame: but with the lowly is wisedom.

3. The integri∣ty of the upright shall guide them: but the perverse∣ness of transgres∣sours shall destroy them.

4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righ∣teousness delive∣reth from death.

5. The righte∣ousness of the per∣fect shall direct his way: but the wic∣ked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6. The righte∣ousness of the up∣right shall deliver them: but trans∣gressours shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7. When a wic∣ked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

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

9. An hypocrite with his mouth de∣stroyeth his neigh∣bour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10. When it go∣eth well with the righteous, the city rejoyceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11. By the bles∣sing of the upright the city is exal∣ted: but it is o∣verthrown by the mouth of the wic∣ked.

12. He that is void of wise∣dom, despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understan∣ding holdeth his peace.

13. A tale-bea∣rer revealeth se∣crets: but he that is of a faithfull spirit concealeth the matter.

14. Where no counsel is, the peo∣ple fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

15. He that is surety for a stran∣ger, shall smart for it: and he that hateth sure∣tiship is sure.

16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

17. The merci∣full man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel, troubleth his own flesh.

18. The wicked worketh a deceit∣full work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19. As righte∣ousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil, pur∣sueth it to his own death.

20. They that are of a froward heart, are abo∣mination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way, are his delight.

21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22. As a jewel of gold in a swines snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

23. The desire of the righteous is onely good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24. There is that scattereth, and yet increa∣seth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth, shall be watered also him∣self.

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

27. He that diligently seeketh good, procureth favour: but he that seeketh mis∣chief, it shall come unto him.

28. He that trusteth in his ri∣ches, shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29. He that troubleth his own house, shall inhe∣rit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

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

31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

1. WHoso lo∣veth in∣struction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wic∣ked devices will he condemn.

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

4. A vertuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that ma∣keth ashamed, is as rottenness in his bones.

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

6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for bloud: but the mouth of the up∣right shall deliver them.

7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8. A man shall be commended ac∣cording to his wise∣dom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be de∣spised.

9. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is bet∣ter than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10. A righte∣ous man regar∣deth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons, is void of understan∣ding.

12. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righte∣ous yieldeth fruit.

13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14. Aman shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompence of a mans hands shall be rendred unto him.

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

16. A fools wrath is presently known: but a pru∣dent man covereth shame.

17. He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righ∣teousness; but a false witness, de∣ceit.

18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19. The lip of truth shall be esta∣blished for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a mo∣ment.

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

21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be fil∣led with mischief.

22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal tru∣ly are his delight.

23. A prudent man con∣cealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foo∣lishness.

24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothfull shall be under tribute.

25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoup: but a good word maketh it glad.

26. The righ∣teous is more ex∣cellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27. The sloth∣full man rosteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

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

1. A Wise son heareth his fathers instruc∣tion: but a scor∣ner heareth not re∣buke.

2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressours shall eat violence.

3. He that kee∣peth his mouth kee∣peth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips, shall have destruction.

4. The soul of the sluggard desi∣reth, and hath no∣thing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is lothsom, and co∣meth to shame.

6. Righteous∣ness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness over∣throweth the sin∣ner.

7. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath no∣thing: there is that maketh him∣self poor, yet hath great riches.

8. The ransom of a mans life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

9. The light of the righteous re∣joyceth: but the lamp of the wic∣ked shall be put out.

10. Onely by pride cometh con∣tention: but with the well-advised is wisedom.

11. Wealth got∣ten by vanity, shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour, shall in∣crease.

12. Hope de∣ferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13. Whose de∣spiseth the word, shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment, shall be rewarded.

14. The law of the wise is a foun∣tain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15. Good un∣derstanding gi∣veth favour: but the way of trans∣gressours is hard.

16. Every pru∣dent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithfull ambas∣sadour is health.

18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refu∣seth instruction: but he that regar∣deth reproof, shall be honoured.

19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomina∣tion to fools to de∣part from evil.

20. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be de∣stroyed.

21. Evil pur∣sueth sinners: but to the righteous, good shall be re∣payed.

22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroy∣ed for want of judgment.

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

25. The righ∣teous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the bel∣ly of the wicked shall want.

1. EVery wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish pluc∣keth it down with her hands.

2. He that wal∣keth in his upright∣ness, feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways, despi∣seth him.

3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4. Where no Oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the Ox.

5. A faithfull witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

6. A scorner seeketh wisedom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easie unto him that understandeth.

7. Go from the presence of a fool∣ish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

8. The wisedom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

9. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righte∣ous there is fa∣vour.

10. The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

11. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12. There is a way which seem∣eth right unto a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death.

13. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowfull; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14. The back∣slider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from him∣self.

15. The sim∣ple believeth every word: but the pru∣dent man looketh well to his going.

16. A wise man feareth, and departeth from e∣vil: but the fool rageth, and is con∣fident.

17. He that is soon angry, dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked de∣vices is hated.

18. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with know∣ledge.

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

20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21. He that de∣spiseth his neigh∣bour, sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23. In all la∣bour there is pro∣fit: but the talk of the lips tendeth onely to penury.

24. The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

25. A true witness delivereth souls: but a de∣ceitfull witness speaketh lies.

26. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

28. In the mul∣titude of people is the kings honour: but in the want of people is the de∣struction of the prince.

29. He that is slow to wrath, is of great under∣standing: but he that is hasty of spi∣rit, exalteth folly.

30. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but en∣vy, the rottenness of the bones.

31. He that op∣presseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him, hath mercy on the poor.

32. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33. Wisedom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools, is made known.

34. Righteous∣ness exalteth a na∣tion: but sin is a reproach to any people.

35. The kings favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is a∣gainst him that causeth shame.

1. A Soft an∣swer tur∣neth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, be∣holding the evil and the good.

4. A wholsome tongue is a tree of life: but pervers∣ness therein is a breach in the spi∣rit.

5. A fool de∣spiseth his fathers instruction: but he that regardeth reproof, is pru∣dent.

6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the reve∣nues of the wicked is trouble.

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

8. The sacri∣fice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

11. Hell and destruction are be∣fore the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

13. A merry heart maketh a cheerfull counte∣nance: but by sor∣row of the heart the spirit is bro∣ken.

14. The heart of him that hath understanding see∣keth knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16. Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great trea∣sure, and trouble therewith.

17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith.

18. A wrath∣full man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19. The way of the slothfull man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righte∣ous is made plain.

20. Awise son maketh a glad fa∣ther: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21. Folly is joy to him that is de∣stitute of wisedom: but a man of un∣derstanding wal∣keth uprightly.

22. Without counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multi∣tude of counsellers they are establi∣shed.

23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it?

24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

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

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

29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30. The light of the eyes rejoy∣ceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31. The ear that heareth the reproof of life, a∣bideth among the wise.

32. He that re∣fuseth instruction, despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof, getteth understan∣ding.

33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisedom; and be∣fore honour is hu∣mility.

1. THE pre∣paration of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes: but the LORD weigh∣eth the spirits.

3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be e∣stablished.

4. The LORD hath made all things for him∣self: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5. Every one that is proud in heart, is an abo∣mination to the LORD: though hand joyn in hand, he shall not be un∣punished.

6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD, men de∣part from evil.

7. When a mans wayes please the LORD, he ma∣keth even his ene∣mies to be at peace with him.

8. Better is a little with righte∣ousness, then great revenues without right.

9. A mans heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgres∣seth not in judg∣ment.

11. A just weight and ba∣lance are the LORDS: all the weights of the bag are his work.

12. It is an a∣bomination to kings to commit wick∣edness: for the throne is establish∣ed by righteous∣ness.

13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings: and they love him that spea∣keth right.

14. The wrath of a king is as mes∣sengers of death: but a wise man will pacifie it.

15. In the light of the kings coun∣tenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16. How much better is it to get wisdom, then gold? and to get under∣standing, rather to be chosen them silver?

17. The high way of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keep∣eth his way, pre∣serveth his soul.

18. Pride go∣eth before destruc∣tion: and an haugh∣ty spirit before a fall.

19. Better it is to be of an hum∣ble spirit with the lowly, then to di∣vide the spoil with the proud.

20. He that handleth a matter wisely, shall find good: and who so trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21. The wise in heart shall be called prudent; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22. Ʋnderstan∣ding is a well∣spring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23. The heart of the wise teach∣eth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24. Pleasant words are as an hony comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

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

26. He that la∣boureth, laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27. An ungod∣ly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28. A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29. A violent man inticeth his neighbour, and lea∣deth him into the way that is not good.

30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things; moving his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.

31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righ∣teousness.

32. He that is slow to anger, is better then the mighty: and he that ruleth his spi∣rit, then he that taketh a city.

33. The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole dis∣posing thereof is of the LORD.

BEtter is a dry morsel, and quietness there∣with, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.

2. A wise ser∣vant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame: and shall have part of the inheritance among the bre∣thren.

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

4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

5. Whoso moc∣keth the poor, re∣proacheth his ma∣ker: and he that is glad at calami∣ties, shall not be unpunished.

6. Childrens children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whi∣ther soever it tur∣neth, it prospereth.

9. He that co∣vereth a trans∣gression, seeketh love; but he that repeateth a mat∣ter, separateth ve∣ry friends.

10. A reproof entreth more into a wise man, than an hundred stripes into a fool.

11. An evil man seeketh onely rebellion: there∣fore a cruel mes∣senger shall be sent against him.

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

13. Whoso re∣wardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14. The begin∣ning of strife is as when one letteth out water: there∣fore leave off con∣tention before it be meddled with.

15. He that justifieth the wic∣ked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomina∣tion to the LORD.

16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisedom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

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

18. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate, seeketh destruction.

20. He that hath a froward heart, findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue, falleth in∣to mischief.

21. He that be∣getteth a fool, do∣eth it to his sor∣row: and the fa∣ther of a fool hath no joy.

22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

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

24. Wisedom is before him that hath understan∣ding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

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

26. Also to pu∣nish the just is not good; nor to strike princes for equity.

27. He that hath knowledge, spareth his words: and a man of un∣derstanding is of an excellent spirit.

28. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips, is esteemed a man of understanding.

1. THrough desire, a man having se∣parated himself, seeketh and inter∣medleth with all wisedom.

2. A fool hath no delight in un∣derstanding, but that his heart may discover it self.

3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh al∣so contempt, and with ignominy, re∣proach.

4. The words of a mans mouth, are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisedom, as a flow∣ing brook.

5. It is not good to accept the per∣son of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judg∣ment.

6. A fools lips enter into conten∣tion, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7. A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8. The word of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9. He also that is slothfull in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster.

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

11. The rich mans wealth is his strong city: and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12. Before de∣struction the heart of man is haughty. and before honour is humility.

13. He that answereth a mat∣ter before he hear∣eth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14. The spirit of a man will sus∣tain his infirmi∣ty: but a wound∣ed spirit, who can bear?

15. The heart of the prudent get∣teth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh know∣ledge.

16. A mans gift maketh room for him, and bring∣eth him before great men.

17. He that is first in his own cause, seemeth just: but his neigh∣bour cometh and searcheth him.

18. The lot causeth contenti∣ons to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20. A mans belly shall be sa∣tisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the in∣crease of his lips shall he be filled.

21. Death and life are in the pow∣er of the tongue; and they that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof.

22. Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and ob∣taineth favour of the LORD.

23. The poor useth intreaties, but the rich an∣swereth roughly.

24. A man that hath friends, must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

1. BEtter is the poor that walketh in his in∣tegrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2. Also, that the soul be with∣out knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet, sin∣neth.

3. The foolish∣ness of man per∣verteth his way: and his heart fret∣teth against the LORD.

4. Wealth ma∣keth many friends; but the poor is se∣parated from his neighbour.

5. A false wit∣ness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies, shall not e∣scape.

6. Many will intreat the favour of the prince; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

7. All the bre∣thren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8. He that get∣teth wisedom, lo∣veth his own soul: he that keepeth un∣derstanding, shall find good.

9. A false wit∣ness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies, shall perish.

10. Delight is not seemly for a fool: much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11. The discre∣tion of a man de∣ferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12. The kings wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

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

14. House and riches are the in∣heritance of fa∣thers; and a pru∣dent wife is from the LORD.

15. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16. He that keepeth the com∣mandment, kee∣peth his own soul; but he that despi∣seth his ways, shall die.

17. He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given, will he pay him again.

18. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

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

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

21. There are many devices in a mans heart; ne∣vertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall abide sa∣tisfied: he shall not be visited with evil.

24. A slothfull man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; and reprove one that hath under∣standing, and he will understand knowledge.

26. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and brin∣geth reproach.

27. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28. An ungod∣ly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wic∣ked devoureth ini∣quity.

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

1. WIne is a mocker, strong drink is ra∣ging: and whoso∣ever is deceived thereby, is not wise.

2. The fear of a King is as the roaring of a Lion: whoso provoketh him to anger, sin∣neth against his own soul.

3. It is an ho∣nour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be medling.

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

5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water: but a man of un∣derstanding will draw it out.

6. Most men will proclaim every one his own good∣ness: but a faith∣full man who can find?

7. The just man walketh in his in∣tegrity: his chil∣dren are blessed after him.

8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment, scat∣tereth away all evil with his eyes.

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

10. Divers weights, and di∣vers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

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

12. The hear∣ing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

13. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty: open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satis∣fied with bread.

14. It is nought, it is nought, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boast∣eth.

15. There is gold, and a multi∣tude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16. Take his garment that is surety for a stran∣ger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man: but after∣wards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18. Every pur∣pose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

19. He that goeth about as a tale-hearer, revea∣leth secrets: there∣fore meddle not with him that flat∣tereth with his lips.

20. Whoso cur∣seth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21. An inheri∣tance may be got∣ten hastily at the beginning: but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22. Say not thou, I will re∣compence evil: but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

23. Divers weights are an a∣bomination unto the LORD: and a false ballance is not good.

24. Mans go∣ings are of the LORD, how can a man then under∣stand his own way?

25. It is a snare to the man who de∣voureth that which is holy: and after vows to make en∣quiry.

26. A wise king scattereth the wic∣ked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

27. The spirit of man is the can∣dle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

28. Mercy and truth preserve the King: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

29. The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

30. The blew∣ness of a wound cleanseth away e∣vil: so doe stripes the inward parts of the belly.

1. THe kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whi∣ther soever he will.

2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pon∣dereth the hearts.

3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

5. The thoughts of the diligent tend onely to plen∣teousness: but of every one that is hasty, onely to want.

6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue, is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7. The Robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; be∣cause they refuse to do judgment.

8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a braw∣ling woman in a wide house.

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

11. When the scorner is puni∣shed, the simple is made wise: and when the when the wise is instructed, he re∣ceiveth knowledge.

12. The righ∣teous man wisely considereth the house of the wic∣ked: but God o∣verthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

13. Whoso stop∣peth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry him∣self, but shall not be heard.

14. A gift in secret pacifieth an∣ger: and a re∣ward in the bosom, strong wrath.

15. It is joy to the just to do judg∣ment: but destruc∣tion shall be to the workers of iniqui∣ty.

16. The man that wandeth out of the way of un∣derstanding, shall remain in the con∣gregation of the dead.

17. He that lo∣veth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oyl shall not be rich.

18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous; and the transgres∣sour for the up∣right.

19. It is better to dwell in the wil∣derness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20. There is a treasure to be desired, and oyl in the dwelling of the wise: but a foolish man spen∣deth it up.

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

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

23. Whose kee∣peth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from trou∣bles.

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

25. The desire of the slothfull kil∣leth him: for his hands refuse to la∣bour.

26. He cove∣teth greedily all the day long: but the righteous gi∣veth and spareth not.

27. The sacri∣fice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

28. A false witness shall pe∣rish: but the man that heareth, spea∣keth constantly.

29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he di∣recteth his way.

30. There is no wisedom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the LORD.

31. The horse is prepared against the day of battel: but safety is of the LORD.

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

2. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the sple pass on, and punished.

4. By humility, and the fear of the LORD, are ri∣ches, and honour, and life.

5. Thorns and snares are in the way of the fro∣ward: he that doth keep his soul, shall be far from them.

6. Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7. The rich ru∣leth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8. He that sow∣eth iniquity, shall reap vanity: and the rod of his an∣ger shall fail.

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

10. Cast out the scorner, and con∣tention shall go out: yea, strife and re∣proach shall cease.

11. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips, the king shall be his friend.

12. The eyes of the LORD pre∣serve knowledge, and he overthrow∣eth the words of the transgressour.

13. The sloth∣full man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14. The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD, shall fall therein.

15. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child: but the rod of cor∣rection shall drive it far from him.

16. He that op∣presseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withall be fit∣ted in thy lips.

19. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20. Have not I written to thee ex∣cellent things in counsels and know∣ledge:

21. That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22. Rob not the poor because he is poor: neither op∣press the afflicted in the gate.

23. For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24. Make no friendship with an angry man: and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25. Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sure∣ties for debts.

27. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from un∣der thee?

28. Remove not the ancient land∣mark, which thy fathers have set.

29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men.

1. WHEN thou sit∣test to eat with a ruler, consider di∣ligently what is before thee.

2. And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3. Be not desi∣rous of his dain∣ties: for they are deceitfull meat.

4. Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisedom.

5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certain∣ly make themselves wings, they flee a∣way as an eagle to∣wards heaven.

6. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats.

7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee.

8. The morsel which thou hast eaten, shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

9. Speak not in the ears of a fool; for he will despise the wisedom of thy words.

10. Remove not the old land-mark; and enter not into the fields of the fa∣therless.

11. For their redeemer is migh∣ty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12. Apply thine heart unto instruc∣tion, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

13. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt de∣liver his soul from hell.

15. My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall re∣joyce, even mine.

16. Yea, my reins shall rejoyce, when thy lips speak right things.

17. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

18. For surely there is an end, and thine expecta∣tion shall not be out off.

19. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20. Be not a∣mongst wine-bib∣bers; amongst ri∣otous eaters of flesh.

21. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

22. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisedom, and instruction, and understan∣ding.

24. The father of the righteous shall greatly re∣joyce: and he that begetteth a wise child, shall have joy of him.

25. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoyce.

26. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27. For an whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28. She also li∣eth in wait as for a prey, and increa∣seth the transgres∣sours among men.

29. Who hath wo? who hath sor∣row? who hath contentions? who hath babling? who hath wounds with∣out cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30. They that tarry long at the wine, they that go to seek mixt wine.

31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth it self aright.

32. At the last it biteth like a ser∣pent, and stingeth like an adder.

33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I a∣wake? I will seek it yet again.

1. BE not thou envious a∣gainst evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2. For their heart studieth de∣struction, and their lips talk of mis∣chief.

3. Through wis∣dom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established:

4. And by know∣ledg shall the cham∣bers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5. A wise man is strong, yea, a man of knowledge in∣creaseth strength.

6. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

7. Wisedom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8. He that de∣viseth to do evil, shall be called a mischievous per∣son.

9. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scor∣ner is an abomina∣tion to men.

10. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

11. If thou for∣bear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain:

12. If thou say∣est, Behold, we knew it not: doth not he that ponde∣reth the heart con∣sider it? and he that keepeth thy sould, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man accor∣ding to his works?

13. My son, eat thou hony, because it is good; and the hony-comb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14. So shall the knowledge of wise∣dom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a re∣ward, and thy ex∣pectation shall not be cut off.

15. Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous: spoil not his resting-place.

16. For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

17. Rejoyce not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19. Fret not thy self because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked.

20. For there shall be no reward to the evil man, the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

21. My son, fear thou the LORD, and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.

22. For their calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knoweth the ruine of them both?

23. These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have re∣spect of persons in judgment.

24. He that saith unto the wic∣ked, Thou art righ∣teous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him.

25. But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good bles∣sing shall come up∣on them.

26. Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

27. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thy self in the field; and after∣wards build thine house.

28. Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause: and deceive not with thy lips.

29. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man accor∣ding to his work.

30. I went by the field of the slothfull, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding:

31. And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had cove∣red the face there∣of, and the stone∣wall thereof was broken down.

32. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked up∣on it, and received instruction.

33. Yet a little sleep, a little slum∣ber, a little fol∣ding of the hands to sleep:

34. So shall thy poverty come, as one that travel∣leth; and thy want as an armed man.

1. THese are also pro∣verbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2. It is the glo∣ry of God to con∣ceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

3. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsear∣chable.

4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6. Put not forth thy self in the pre∣sence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men.

7. For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither: then that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neigh∣bour hath put thee to shame.

9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour him∣self; and disco∣ver not a secret to another.

10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not a∣way.

11. A word fit∣ly spoken, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12. As an ear∣ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover up∣on an obedient ear.

13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithfull messenger to them that send him: for he re∣fresheth the soul of his masters.

14. Whoso boa∣steth himself of a false gift, is like clouds and wind without rain.

15. By long forbearing is a prince perswaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16. Hast thou found hony? eat so much as is suf∣ficient for thee, lest thou be filled there∣with and vomit it.

17. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbours house: lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

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

19. Confidence in an unfaithfull man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joynt.

20. As he that taketh away a gar∣ment in cold wea∣ther, and as vine∣ger upon nitre: so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

21. If thine e∣nemy be hungry, give him bread to eat: and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23. The north∣wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry counte∣nance a backbiting tongue.

24. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a braw∣ling woman and in a wide house.

25. As cold wa∣ters to a thirsty soul: so is good news from a far country.

26. A righte∣ous man falling down before the wicked, is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

27. It is not good to eat much hony: so for men to search their own glory, is not glory.

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

1. AS snow in summer, and as rain in har∣vest; so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2. As the bird by wandring, as the swallow by fly∣ing, so the curse causeless shall not come.

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

4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6. He that sen∣deth a message by the hand of a fool, cutteth off the feet, and drinketh da∣mage.

7. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a pa∣rable in the mouth of fools.

8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling: so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drun∣kard, so is a pa∣rable in the mouth of fools.

10. The great God that formed all things, both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressours.

11. As a dog returneth to his vomit; so a fool returneth to his folly.

12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13. The sloth∣full man saith, There is a lion in the way, a lion is in the streets.

14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothfull upon his bed.

15. The sloth∣full hideth his hand in his bosom, it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16. The slug∣gard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that can render a reason.

17. He that passeth by and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that ta∣keth a dog by the ears.

18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death:

19. So is the man that decei∣veth his neigh∣bour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth.

21. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a con∣tentious man to kindle strife.

22. The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23. Burning lips, and a wicked heart, are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24. He that hateth, dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him.

25. When he speaketh fair, be∣lieve him not: for there are seven a∣bominations in his heart.

26. Whose ha∣tred is covered by deceit, his wicked∣ness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27. Whoso dig∣geth a pit, shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will re∣turn upon him.

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

1. BOast not thy self of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

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

3. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty: but a fools wrath is heavier than them both.

4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outragious; but who is able to stand before envy?

5. Open rebuke is better than se∣cret love.

6. Faithfull are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitfull.

7. The full soul loatheth an hony∣comb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8. As a bird that wandreth from her nest: so is a man that wandreth from his place.

9. Ointment and perfume re∣joyce the heart: so doth the sweet∣ness of a mans friend by hearty counsel.

10. Thine own friend and thy fa∣thers friend for∣sake not; neither go into thy bro∣thers house in the day of thy calami∣ty: for better is a neighbour that is near, than a bro∣ther far off.

11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheh me.

12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

13. Take his garment that is surety for a stran∣ger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

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

15. A continu∣al dropping in a very rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike.

16. Whosoever hideth her, hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth it self.

17. Iron sharp∣neth iron, so a man sharpneth the countenance of his friend.

18. Whoso kee∣peth the fig-tree, shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his ma∣ster shall be honou∣red.

19. As in wa∣ter face answe∣reth to face: so the heart of man to man.

20. Hell and destruction are ne∣ver full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21. As the fi∣ning pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

22. Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a mortar, a∣mong wheat with a pestel, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

23. Be thou di∣ligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

24. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

25. The hay ap∣peareth, and the tender grass shew∣eth it self, and herbs of the moun∣tains are gathered.

26. The lambs are for thy clo∣thing, and the goats are the price of thy field.

27. And thou shalt have goats milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy house∣hold, and for maintenance for thy maidens.

1. THE wic∣ked flee when no man pur∣sueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2. For the trans∣gression of a land many are the prin∣ces thereof: but by a man of un∣derstanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a swee∣ping rain which leaveth no food.

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

5. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD, under∣stand all things.

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

7. Whoso kee∣peth the law, is a wise son: but he that is a compani∣on of riotous men, shameth his fa∣ther.

8. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor:

9. He that tur∣neth away his ear from hearing the law, even his pray∣er shall be abomi∣nation.

10. Whoso cau∣seth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11. The rich man is wise in his own conceit: but the poor that hath understan∣ding searcheth him out.

12. When righ∣teous men do re∣joyce, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hid∣den.

13. He that covereth his sins, shall not prosper: but whoso confes∣seth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14. Happy is the man that fea∣reth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into mischief.

15. As a roring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wic∣ked ruler over the poor people.

16. The prince that wanteth un∣derstanding, is al∣so a great oppres∣sour: but he that hateth covetous∣ness shall prolong his days.

17. A man that doeth violence to the bloud of any person, shall flee to the pit, let no man stay him.

18. Whoso wal∣keth uprightly, shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways, shall fall at once.

19. He that tilleth his land, shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth af∣ter vain persons, shall have poverty enough.

20. A faithfull man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be inno∣cent.

21. To have respect of persons, is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22. He that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23. He that re∣buketh a man, af∣terwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24. Whoso rob∣beth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the compa∣nion of a destroyer.

25. He that is of a proud heart, stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD, shall be made fat.

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

27. He that gi∣veth unto the poor, shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes, shall have many a curse.

28. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they pe∣rish, the righte∣ous increase.

1. HE that be∣ing often reproved, harde∣neth his neck, shall suddenly be de∣stroyed, and that without remedy.

2. When the righteous are in authority, the peo∣ple rejoyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3. Whoso loveth wisedom, rejoyceth his father: but he that keepeth com∣pany with harlots, spendeth his sub∣stance.

4. The king by judgment stabli∣sheth the land: but he that recei∣veth gifts, over∣throweth it.

5. A man that flattereth his neighbour, sprea∣deth a net for his feet.

6. In the trans∣gression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoyce.

7. The righte∣ous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8. Scornfull men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn a∣way wrath.

9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10. The bloud∣thirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

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

13. The poor and the deceitfull man meet toge∣ther: the LORD lightneth both their eyes.

14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for e∣ver.

15. The rod and reproof give wisedom: but a child left to him∣self, bringeth his mother to shame.

16. When the wicked are multi∣plied, transgressi∣on increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest: yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19. A servant will not be correc∣ted by words: for though he under∣stand, he will not answer.

20. Seest thou a man that is ha∣sty in his words? there is more hope of a fool, than of him.

21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall have him become his son at the length.

22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a fu∣rious man aboun∣deth in transgres∣sion.

23. A mans pride shall bring him low: but ho∣nour shall uphold the humble in spi∣rit.

24. Whoso is partner with a thief, hateth his own soul: he hea∣reth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD, shall be safe.

26. Many seek the rulers favour, but every mans judgment cometh from the LORD.

27. An unjust man is an abomi∣nation to the just: and he that is up∣right in the way, is abomination to the wicked.

1. THe words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake un∣to Ithiel, even un∣to Ithiel and Ʋcal.

2. Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understan∣ding of a man.

3. I neither learned wisedom, nor have the know∣ledge of the holy.

4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descen∣ded? who hath ga∣thered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his sons name, if thou canst tell?

5. Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7. Two things have I required of thee, deny me them not before I die.

8. Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food conve∣nient for me:

9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

10. Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

11. There is a generation that curseth their fa∣ther, and doth not bless their mother.

12. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eye-lids are lifted up.

14. There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15. The horse-leach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never sa∣tisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16. The grave, and the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water, and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the val∣ley shall pick it out, and the young ea∣gles shall eat it.

18. There be three things which are two wonderfull for me, yea, four which I know not:

19. The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a ser∣pent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.

20. Such is the way of an adulte∣rous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21. For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

22. For a ser∣vant when he reigneth, and a fool when he is filled with meat,

23. For an odi∣ous woman when she is married, and an handmaid that is heir to her mi∣stress.

24. There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25. The ants are a people not strong; yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26. The conies are but a feeble make they ouses in the ;

27. The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28. The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings palaces.

29. There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in go∣ing:

30. A lion which is stron∣gest among beasts, and turneth not a∣way for any,

31. A grey∣hound, an he-goat also, and a king, a∣gainst whom there is no rising up.

32. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thy self, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33. Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth but∣ter, and the wrin∣ging of the nose bringeth forth bloud: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

1. THE words of king Lemuel, the pro∣phecy that his mo∣ther taught him.

2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3. Give not thy strength unto wo∣men, nor thy ways to that which de∣stroyeth kings.

4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink.

5. Lest they drink and forget the law, and per∣vert the judgment of any of the afflic∣ted.

6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.

7. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his mi∣sery no more.

8. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to de∣struction.

9. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and nee∣dy.

10. ¶ Who can find a vertuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13. She seeketh wooll, and flax, and worketh wil∣lingly with her hands.

14. She is like the merchants ships, she bringeth her food from a∣far.

15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her house∣hold, and a porti∣on to her maidens.

16. She consi∣dereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17. She gir∣deth her loyns with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18. She percei∣veth that her mer∣chandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the di∣staff.

20. She stretch∣eth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of the snow for her houshold: for all her house∣hold are clothed with scarlet.

22. She maketh her self coverings of tapestry, her clothing is silk and purple.

23. Her hus∣band is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24. She maketh fine linen, and sel∣leth it, and deli∣vereth girdles un∣to the merchant.

25. Strength and honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoyce in time to come.

26. She openeth her mouth with wisedom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She looketh well to the ways of her houshold, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28. Her chil∣dren arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her:

29. Many daughters have done vertuously, but thou excellest them all.

30. Favour is deceitfull, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.