THE HOLY BIBLE
Douay-Rheims Version
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 1
1 The parables of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel.
2 To know wisdom, and instruction:
3 To understand the words of prudence: and to receive the
instruction of doctrine, justice, and judgment, and
equity:
4 To give subtilty to little ones, to the young man
knowledge and understanding.
5 A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that
understandeth, shall possess governments.
6 He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the
words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fools
despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake
not the law of thy mother :
9 That grace may be added to thy head, and a chain of gold
to thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners shall entice thee, consent not to them.
11 If they shall say: Come with us, let us lie in wait for
blood, let us hide snares for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow him up alive like hell, and whole as one
that goeth down into the pit.
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our
houses with spoils.
14 Cast in thy lot with us, let us all have one purse.
15 My son, walk not thou with them, restrain thy foot from
their paths.
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17 But a net is spread in vain before the eyes of them that
have wings.
18 And they themselves lie in wait for their own blood, and
practise deceits against their own souls.
19 So the wage of every covetous man destroy the souls of the
possessors.
20 Wisdom preacheth abroad, she uttereth her voice in the
streets:
21 At the head of multitudes she crieth out, in the entrance
of the gates of the city she uttereth her words, saying:
22 O children, how long will you love childishness, and fools
covet those things which are hurtful to themselves, and
the unwise hate knowledge?
23 Turn ye at my reproof: behold I will utter my spirit to
you, and will shew you my words.
24 Because I called, and you refused: I stretched out my
hand, and there was none that regarded.
25 You have despised all my counsel, and have neglected my
reprehensions.
26 I also will laugh in your destruction, and will mock when
that shall come to you which you feared.
27 When sudden calamity shall fall on you, and destruction,
as a tempest, shall be at hand: when tribulation and
distress shall come upon you:
28 Then shall they call upon me, and I will not hear: they
shall rise in the morning and shall not find me:
29 Because they have hated instruction and received not the
fear of the Lord,
30 Nor consented to my counsel, but despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and
shall be filled with their own devices.
32 The turning away of little ones shall kill them, and the
prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But he that shall hear me, shall rest without terror, and
shall enjoy abundance, without fear of evils.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 2
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and wilt hide my
commandments with thee,
2 That thy ear may hearken to wisdom: Incline thy heart to
know prudence:
3 For if thou shalt call for wisdom, and incline thy heart
to prudence:
4 If thou shalt seek her as money, and shalt dig for her as
for a treasure:
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and shalt
find the knowledge of God.
6 Because the Lord giveth wisdom: and out of his mouth
cometh prudence and knowledge.
7 He will keep the salvation of the righteous, and protect
them that walk in simplicity.
8 Keeping the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of
saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand justice, and judgment, and
equity, and every good path.
10 If wisdom shall enter into thy heart, and knowledge please
thy soul:
11 Counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall preserve thee,
12 That thou mayst be delivered from the evil way, and from
the man that speaketh perverse things:
13 Who leave the right way, and walk by dark ways:
14 Who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in most
wicked things:
15 Whose ways are perverse, and their steps infamous.
16 That thou mayst be delivered from the strange women, and
from the stranger, who softeneth her words:
17 And forsaketh the guide of her youth,
18 And hath forgotten the covenant of her God: for her house
inclineth unto death, and her paths to hell.
19 None that go in unto her shall return again, neither shall
they take hold of the paths of life,
20 That thou mayst walk in a good way: and mayst keep the
paths of the just.
21 For they that are upright shall dwell in the earth, and
the simple shall continue in it.
22 But the wicked shall be destroyed from the earth: and they
that do unjustly shall be taken away from it.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 3
1 My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my
commandments.
2 For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of
life and peace.
3 Let not mercy and truth leave thee, put them about thy
neck, and write them in the tables of thy heart:
4 And thou shalt And grace and good understanding before God
and men.
5 Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean
not upon thy own prudence.
6 In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy
steps.
7 I Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart
from evil:
8 For it shall be health to thy navel, and moistening to thy
bones.
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and give him of the
first of all thy fruits :
10 And thy barns shall be filled with abundance, and thy
presses shall run over with wine.
11 My son, reject not the correction of the Lord: and do not
faint when thou art chastised by him:
12 For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth: and as a father
in the son he pleaseth himself.
13 Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom and is rich in
prudence:
14 The purchasing thereof is better than the merchandise of
silver, and her fruit than the chiefest and purest gold:
15 She is more precious than all riches : and all the things
that are desired, are not to be compared with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand
riches and glory.
17 Her ways are beautiful ways, and all her paths are
peaceable.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her: and he
that shall retain her is blessed.
19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, hath
established the heavens by prudence.
20 By his wisdom the depths have broken out, and the clouds
grow thick with dew
21 My son, let not these things depart from thy eyes: keep
the law and counsel:
22 And there shall be life to thy soul, and grace to thy
mouth.
23 Then shalt thou walk confidently in thy way, and thy foot
shall not stumble:
24 If thou sleep, thou shalt not fear: thou shalt rest, and
thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, nor of the power of the
wicked falling upon thee.
26 For the Lord will be at thy side, and will keep thy foot
that thou be not taken.
27 Do not withhold him from doing good, who is able: if thou
art able, do good thyself also.
28 Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again: and to morrow
I will give to thee: when thou canst give at present.
29 Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath
confidence in thee.
30 Strive not against a man without cause, when he hath done
thee no evil.
31 Envy not the unjust man, and do not follow his ways:
32 For every mocker is an abomination to the Lord, and his
communication is with the simple.
33 Want is from the Lord in the house of the wicked: but the
habitations of the just shall be blessed.
34 He shall scorn the scorners, and to the meek he will give
grace.
35 The wise shall possess glory: the promotion of fools is
disgrace.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 4
1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend
that you may know prudence.
2 I will give you a good gift, forsake not my law.
3 For I also was my father's son, tender and as an only son
in the sight of my mother:
4 And he taught me, and said: Let thy heart receive my
words, keep my commandments, and thou shalt live.
5 Get wisdom, get prudence: forget not, neither decline from
the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee: love her, and
she shall preserve thee.
7 The beginning of wisdom, get wisdom, and with all thy
possession purchase prudence.
8 Take hold on her, and she shall exalt thee: thou shalt be
glorified by her, when thou shalt embrace her.
9 She shall give to thy head increase of graces, and protect
thee with a noble crown.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my words, that years of life
may be multiplied to thee.
11 I will shew thee the way of wisdom, I will lead thee by
the paths of equity:
12 Which when thou shalt have entered, thy steps shall not be
straitened, and when thou runnest thou shalt not meet a
stumblingblock.
13 Take hold on instruction, leave it not: keep it, because
it is thy life.
14 Be not delighted in the paths of the wicked, neither let
the way of evil men please thee.
15 Flee from it, pass not by it: go aside, and forsake it.
16 For they sleep not except they have done evil: and their
sleep is taken away unless they have made some to fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of
iniquity.
18 But the path of the just, as a shining light, goeth
forwards and increaseth even to perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is darksome: they know not where
they fall.
20 My son, hearken to my words, and incline thy ear to my
sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thy eyes, keep them in the midst
of thy heart:
22 For they are life to those that find them, and health to
all flesh.
23 With all watchfulness keep thy heart, because life issueth
out from it.
24 Remove from thee a froward mouth, and let detracting lips
be far from thee.
25 Let thy eyes look straight on, and let thy eyelids go
before thy steps.
26 Make straight the path for thy feet, and all thy ways
shall be established.
27 Decline not to the right hand, nor to the left: turn away
thy foot from evil. For the Lord knoweth the ways that are
on the right hand: but those are perverse which are on the
left hand. But he will make thy courses straight, he will
bring forward thy ways in peace.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5
1 My son, attend to my wisdom, and incline thy ear to my
prudence.
2 That thou mayst keep thoughts, and thy lips may preserve
instruction. Mind not the deceit of a woman.
3 For the lips of a harlot are like a honeycomb dropping,
and her throat is smoother than oil.
4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, and sharp as a
two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down into death, and her steps go in as far as
hell.
6 They walk not by the path of life, her steps are
wandering, and unaccountable.
7 Now therefore, my son, hear me, and depart not from the
words of my mouth.
8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the doors
of her house.
9 Give not thy honour to strangers, and thy years to the
cruel.
10 Lest strangers be filled with thy strength, and thy
labours be in another man's house,
11 And thou mourn it the last, when thou shalt have spent thy
flesh and thy body, and say:
12 Why have I hated instruction, and my heart consented not
to reproof,
13 And have not heard the voice of them that taught me, and
have not in- dined my ear to masters?
14 I have almost been in all evil, in the midst of the church
and of the congregation.
15 Drink water out of thy own cistern, and the streams of thy
own well:
16 Let thy fountains be conveyed abroad, and in the streets
divide thy waters.
17 Keep them to thyself alone, neither let strangers be
partakers with thee.
18 Let thy vein be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of thy
youth:
19 Let her be thy dearest hind, and most agreeable fawn: let
her breasts inebriate thee at all times; he thou delighted
continually with her love.
20 Why art thou seduced, my son, by a strange woman, and art
cherished in the bosom of another ?
21 The Lord beholdeth the ways of man, and considereth all
his steps.
22 His own iniquities catch the wicked, and he is fast bound
with the ropes of his own sins.
23 He shall die, because he hath not received instruction,
and in the multitude of his folly he shall be deceived.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 6
1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, thou hast
engaged fast thy hand to a stranger.
2 Thou art ensnared with the words of thy mouth, and caught
with thy own words.
3 Do therefore, my son, what I say, and deliver thyself:
because thou art fallen into the hand of thy neighbour.
Run about, make haste, stir up thy friend:
4 Give not sleep to thy eyes, neither let thy eyelids
slumber.
5 Deliver thyself as a doe from the hand, and as a bird from
the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, and consider her ways, and
learn wisdom:
7 Which, although she hath no guide, nor master, nor
captain,
8 Provideth her meat for herself in the summer, and
gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou rise
out of thy sleep?
10 Thou wilt sleep a little, thou wilt slumber a little, thou
wilt fold thy hands a little to sleep:
11 And want shall come upon thee, as a traveller, and poverty
as a man armed. But if thou be diligent, thy harvest shall
come as a fountain, and want shall flee far from thee.
12 A man that is an apostate, an unprofitable man, walketh
with a perverse mouth,
13 He winketh with the eyes, presseth with the foot, speaketh
with the finger.
14 With a wicked heart he deviseth evil, and at all times he
soweth discord.
15 To such a one his destruction shall presently come, and he
shall suddenly be destroyed, and shall no longer have any
remedy.
16 Six things there are, which the Lord hateth, and the
seventh his soul detesteth:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent
blood,
18 A heart that deviseth wicked plots, feet that are swift to
run into mischief,
19 A deceitful witness that uttereth lies, and him that
soweth discord among brethren.
20 My son, beep the commandments of thy father, and forsake
not the law of thy mother.
21 Bind them in thy heart continually, and put them about thy
neck.
22 When thou walkest, let them go with thee: when thou
sleepest, let them keep thee; and when thou awakest, talk
with them.
23 Because the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light,
and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
24 That they may keep thee from the evil woman, and from the
flattering tongue of the stranger.
25 Let not thy heart covet her beauty, be not caught with her
winks:
26 For the price of a harlot is scarce one loaf: but the
woman catcheth the precious soul of a man.
27 Can a man hide fire in his bosom, and his garments not
burn?
28 Or can he walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be burnt?
29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife, shall not be
clean when he shall touch her.
30 The fault is not so great when a man hath stolen: for he
stealeth to fill his hungry soul:
31 And if he be taken he shall restore sevenfold, and shall
give up all the substance of his house.
32 But he that is an adulterer, for the folly of his heart
shall destroy his own soul:
33 He gathereth to himself shame and dishonour, and his
reproach shall not be blotted out:
34 Because the jealousy and rage of the husband will not
spare in the day of revenge,
35 Nor will he yield to any man's prayers, nor will he accept
for satisfaction ever so many gifts.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 7
1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my precepts with thee.
Son,
2 Keep my commandments, and thou shalt live: and my law as
the apple of thy eye:
3 Bind it upon thy fingers, write it upon the tables of thy
heart.
4 Say to wisdom: Thou art my sister: and call prudence thy
friend,
5 That she may keep thee from the woman that is not thine,
and from the stranger who sweeteneth her words.
6 For I look out of the window of my house through the
lattice,
7 And I see little ones, I behold a foolish young man,
8 Who passeth through the street by the corner, and goeth
nigh the way of her house.
9 In the dark, when it grows late, in the darkness and
obscurity of the night,
10 And behold a woman meeteth him in harlot's attire prepared
to deceive souls; talkative and wandering,
11 Not bearing to be quiet, not able to abide still at home,
12 Now abroad, now in the streets, now lying in wait near the
corners.
13 And catching the young man, she kisseth him, and with an
impudent face, flattereth, saying:
14 I vowed victims for prosperity, this day I have paid my
vows.
15 Therefore I am come out to meet thee, desirous to see
thee, and I have found thee.
16 I have woven my bed with cords, I have covered it with
painted tapestry, brought from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us be inebriated with the breasts, and let us
enjoy the desired embraces, till the day appear.
19 For my husband is not at home, he is gone a very long
journey.
20 He took with him a bag of money: he mill return home the
day of the full moon.
21 She entangled him with many words, and drew him away with
the flattery of her lips.
22 Immediately he followeth her as an ox led to be a victim,
and as a lamb playing the wanton, and not knowing that he
is drawn like a fool to bonds,
23 Till the arrow pierce his liver: as if a bird should make
haste to the snare, and knoweth not that his life is in
danger.
24 Now therefore, my son, hear me, and attend to the words of
my mouth.
25 Let not thy mind be drawn away in her ways: neither be
thou deceived with her paths.
26 For she hath cast down many wounded, and the strongest
have been slain by her.
27 Her house is the way to hell, reaching even to the inner
chambers of death.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 8
1 Doth not wisdom cry aloud, and prudence put forth her
voice ?
2 Standing in the top of the highest places by the way, in
the midst of the paths.
3 Beside the gates of the city, in the very doors she
speaketh, saying:
4 O ye men, to you I call, and my voice is to the sons of
men.
5 O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take
notice.
6 Hear, for I will speak of great things: and my lips shall
be opened to preach right things.
7 My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate
wickedness.
8 All my words are just, there is nothing wicked nor
perverse in them.
9 They are right to them that understand, and just to them
that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not money: choose knowledge
rather than gold.
11 For wisdom is better than all the most precious things:
and whatsoever may be desired cannot be compared to
12 I wisdom dwell in counsel, and am present in learned
thoughts.
13 The fear of the Lord hateth evil: I hate arrogance, and
pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double
tongue.
14 Counsel and equity is mine, prudence is mine, strength is
mine.
15 By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,
16 By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.
17 I love them that love me: and they that in the morning
early watch for me, shall find me.
18 With me are riches and glory, glorious riches and justice.
19 For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone,
and my blossoms than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of
judgment,
21 That I may enrich them that love me, and may fill their
treasures.
22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before
he made any thing from the beginning.
23 I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth
was made.
24 The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived.
neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out:
25 The mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been
established: before the hills I was brought forth:
26 He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the
poles of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a
certain law and compass he enclosed the depths:
28 When he established the sky above, and poised the
fountains of waters:
29 When he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law
to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when
be balanced the foundations of the earth;
30 I was with him forming all things: and was delighted every
day, playing before him at all times;
31 Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the
children of men.
32 Now therefore, ye children, hear me: Blessed are they that
keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.
34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth
daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors.
35 He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have
salvation from the Lord:
36 But he that shall sin against me, shall hurt his own soul.
All that hate me love death.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 9
1 Wisdom hath built herself a house, she hath hewn her out
seven pillars.
2 She hath slain her victims, mingled her wine, and set
forth her table.
3 She hath sent her maids to invite to the tower, and to the
walls of the city:
4 Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the
unwise she said:
5 Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have
mingled for you.
6 Forsake childishness, and live, and walk by the ways of
prudence.
7 He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself: and
he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot.
8 Rebuke not a scorner lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man,
and he will love thee.
9 Give an occasion to a wise man, and wisdom shall be added
to him. Teach a just man, and he shall make haste to
receive it.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the
knowledge of the holy is prudence.
11 For by me shall thy days be multiplied, and years of life
shall be added to thee.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a
scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil.
13 A foolish woman and clamorous, and full of allurements,
and knowing nothing at all,
14 Sat at the door of her house, upon a seat, in a high place
of the city,
15 To call them that pass by the way, and go on their
journey:
16 He that is a little one, let him turn to me. And to the
fool she said:
17 Stolen waters are sweeter, and hid den bread is more
pleasant.
18 And he did not know that giants are there, and that her
guests are in the depths of hell.
The Parables of Solomon
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 10
1 A wise son maketh the father glad: but a foolish son is
the sorrow of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness shall profit nothing: but justice
shall deliver from death.
3 The Lord will not afflict the soul of the just with
famine, and he will disappoint the deceitful practices of
the wicked.
4 The slothful hand hath wrought poverty: but the hand of
the industrious getteth riches. He that trusteth to lies
feedeth the winds: and the same runneth after birds that
fly away.
5 He that gathered in the harvest is a wise son: but he that
snorteth in the summer, is the son of confusion.
6 The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but
iniquity covereth the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the just is with praises: and the name of
the wicked shall rot.
8 The wise of heart receiveth precepts: a fool is beaten
with lips.
9 He that walketh sincerely, walketh confidently: but he
that perverteth his ways, shall be manifest.
10 He that winketh with the eye shall cause sorrow: and the
foolish in lips shall be beaten.
11 The mouth of the just is a vein of life: and the mouth of
the wicked covereth iniquity.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: and charity covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of the wise is wisdom found: and a rod on the
back of him that wanteth sense.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the fool is
next to confusion.
15 The substance of a rich man is the city of his strength:
the fear of the poor is their poverty.
16 The work of the just is unto life: but the fruit of the
wicked, unto sin.
17 The way of life, to him that observeth correction: but he
that forsaketh reproofs goeth astray.
18 Lying lips hide hatred: he that uttereth reproach is
foolish.
19 In the multitude of words there shall not want sin: but he
that refraineth his lips is most wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart
of the wicked is nothing worth.
21 The lips of the just teach many: but they that are
ignorant, shall die in the want of understanding.
22 The blessing of the Lord maketh men rich: neither shall
affliction be joined to them.
23 A fool worketh mischief as it were for sport: but wisdom
is prudence to a man.
24 That which the wicked feareth, shall come upon him: to the
just their desire shall be given.
25 As a tempest that passeth, so the wicked shall be no more:
but the just is as an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is the
sluggard to them that sent him.
27 The fear of the Lord shall prolong days: and the years of
the wicked shall be shortened.
28 The expectation of the just is joy; but the hope of the
wicked shall perish.
29 The strength of the upright is the way of the Lord: and
fear to them that work evil.
30 The just shall never be moved: but the wicked shall not
dwell on the earth.
31 The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue
of the perverse shall perish.
32 The lips of the just consider what is acceptable: and the
mouth of the wicked uttereth perverse things.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 11
1 A deceitful balance is an abomination before the Lord: and
a just weight is his will.
2 Where pride is, there also shall be reproach: but where
humility is, there also is wisdom.
3 The simplicity of the just shall guide them: and the
deceitfulness of the wicked shall destroy them.
4 Riches shall not profit in the day of revenge: but justice
shall deliver from death.
5 The justice of the upright shall make his way prosperous:
and the wicked man shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The justice of the righteous shall deliver them: and the
unjust shall be caught in their own snares.
7 When the wicked man is dead, there shall be no hope any
more: and the expectation of the solicitous shall perish.
8 The just is delivered out of distress: and the wicked
shall be given up for him.
9 The dissembler with his mouth deceiveth his friend: but
the just shall be delivered by knowledge.
10 When it goeth well with the just the city shall rejoice:
and when the wicked perish there shall be praise.
11 By the blessing of the just the city shall be exalted: and
by the mouth of the wicked it shall be overthrown.
12 He that despiseth his friend, is mean of heart: but the
wise man will hold his peace.
13 He that walketh deceitfully, revealeth secrets: but he
that is faithful, concealeth the thing committed to him by
his friend.
14 Where there is no governor, the people shall fall: but
there is safety where there is much counsel.
15 He shall be afflicted with evil, that is surety for a
stranger: but he that is aware of the snares, shall be
secure.
16 A gracious woman shall find glory: and the strong shall
have riches.
17 A merciful man doth good to his own soul: but he that is
cruel casteth off even his own kindred.
18 The wicked maketh an unsteady work: but to him that soweth
justice, there is a faithful reward.
19 Clemency prepareth life: and the pursuing of evil things,
death.
20 A perverse heart is abominable to the Lord: and his will
is in them that walk sincerely.
21 Hand in hand the evil man shall not be innocent: but the
seed of the just shall be saved.
22 A golden ring in a swine's snout, a woman fair and
foolish.
23 The desire of the just is all good: the expectation of the
wicked is indignation.
24 Some distribute their own goods, and grow richer: others
take away what is not their own, and are always in want.
25 The soul which blesseth, shall be made fat: and he that
inebriateth, shall be inebriated also himself.
26 He that hideth up corn, shall be cursed among the people:
but a blessing upon the head of them that sell.
27 Well doth he rise early who seeketh good things; but he
that seeketh after evil things shall be oppressed by them.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the just
shall spring up as a green leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the winds:
and the fool shall serve the wise.
30 The fruit of the just man is a tree of life: and he that
gaineth souls, is wise.
31 If the just man receive in the earth, how much more the
wicked and the sinner.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 12
1 He that loveth correction, loveth knowledge: but he that
hateth reproof is foolish.
2 He that is good, shall draw grace from the Lord : but he
that trusteth in his own devices doth wickedly.
3 Men shall not be strengthened by wickedness: and the root
of the just shall not be moved.
4 A diligent woman is a crown to her husband: and she that
doth things worthy of confusion, is a rottenness in his
bones.
5 The thoughts of the just are judgments: and the counsels
of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood: the mouth
of the just shall deliver them.
7 Turn the wicked, and they shall not be: but the house of
the just shall stand firm.
8 A man shall be known by his learning: but he that is vain
and foolish, shall be exposed to contempt.
9 Better is the poor man that provideth for himself, than he
that is glorious and wanteth bread.
10 The just regardeth the lives of his beasts: but the bowels
of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread:
but he that pursueth idleness is very foolish. He that is
delighted in passing his time over wine, leaveth a
reproach in his strong holds.
12 The desire of the wicked is the fortification of evil men:
but the root of the just shall prosper.
13 For the sins of the lips ruin draweth nigh to the evil
mall: but the just shall escape out of distress.
14 By the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with
good things, and according to the works of his hands it
shall be repaid him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that is
wise hearkeneth unto counsels.
16 A fool immediately sheweth his anger: but he that
dissembleth injuries is wise.
17 He that speaketh that which he knoweth, sheweth forth
justice: but he that lieth, is a deceitful witness.
18 There is that promiseth, and is pricked as it were with a
sword of conscience: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be steadfast for ever: but he that
is a hasty witness, frameth a lying tongue.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that think evil things: but
joy followeth them that take counsels of peace.
21 Whatsoever shall befall the just man. it shall not make
him sad: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that
deal faithfully please him.
23 A cautious man concealeth knowledge: and the heart of
fools publisheth folly.
24 The hand of the valiant shall bear rule: but that which is
slothful, shall be under tribute.
25 Grief in the heart of a man shall bring him low, but with
a good word he shall be made glad.
26 He that neglecteth a loss for the sake of a friend, is
just: but the way of the wicked shall deceive them.
27 The deceitful man shall not find gain: but the substance
of a just man shall be precious gold.
28 In the path of justice is life: but the by-way leadeth to
death.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 13
1 A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that
is a scorner, beareth not when he is reproved.
2 Of the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with
good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked.
3 He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul: but he that
hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils.
4 The sluggard willeth and willeth not: but the soul of them
that work, shall be made fat.
5 The just shall hate a lying word: but the wicked
confoundeth, and shall be confounded.
6 Justice keepeth the way of the innocent: but wickedness
overthroweth the sinner.
7 One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing: and another
is as it were poor, when he hath great riches.
8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but he that is
poor beareth not reprehension.
9 The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the
wicked shall be put out.
10 Among the proud there are always contentions: but they
that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.
11 Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which
by little and little is gathered with the hand shall
increase.
12 Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul: desire when it
cometh is a tree of life.
13 Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for
the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment,
shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins:
the just are merciful, and shew mercy.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may
decline from the ruin of death.
15 Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners
is a deep pit.
16 The prudent mall doth all things with counsel: but he that
is a fool, layeth open his folly.
17 The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but
a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame to him that refuseth instruction: but he
that yieldeth to reproof, shall be glorified.
19 The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul:
fools hate them that flee from evil things.
20 He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of
fools shall become like to them.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be
repaid.
22 The good man leaveth heirs, sons, and grandsons: and the
substance of the sinner is kept for the just.
23 Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it
is gathered with out judgment.
24 He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth
him correcteth him betimes.
25 The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the
wicked is never to be filled.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 14
1 A wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish will pull
down with her hands that also which is built.
2 He that walketh in the right way, and feareth God, Cis
despised by him that goeth by an infamous way.
3 In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride: but the lips
of the wise preserve them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the crib is empty: but where
there is much corn, there the strength of the ox is
manifest.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a deceitful witness
uttereth a lie.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: the learning
of the wise is easy.
7 Go against a foolish man, and he knoweth not the lips of
prudence.
8 The wisdom of a. discreet man is to understand his way:
and the imprudence of fools erreth.
9 A fool will laugh at sin, but among the just grace shall
abide.
10 The heart that knoweth the bitterness of his own soul, in
his joy the stranger shall not intermeddle.
11 The house of the wicked shall be destroyed: but the
tabernacles of the just shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth just to a man: but the ends
thereof lead to death.
13 Laughter shall be mingled with sorrow, and mourning taketh
hold of the end of joy.
14 A fool shall be filled with his own ways, and the good man
shall be above him.
15 The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man
considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful
son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings,
and his way shall be made straight.
16 A wise man feareth and declineth from evil: the fool
leapeth over and is confident.
17 The impatient man shall work folly: and the crafty man is
hateful.
18 The childish shall possess folly, and the prudent, shall
look for knowledge.
19 The evil shall fall down before the good: and the wicked
before the gates of the just.
20 The poor man shall be hateful even to his own neighbour:
but the friends of the rich are many.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth: but he that
sheweth mercy to the poor, shall be blessed. He that
believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy.
22 They err that work evil: but mercy and truth prepare good
things.
23 In much work there shall be abundance: but where there are
many words, there is oftentimes want.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: the folly of fools,
imprudence.
25 A faithful witness delivereth souls: and the double dealer
uttereth lies.
26 In the fear of the Lord is confidence of strength, and
there shall be hope for his children.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to decline
from the ruin of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the dignity of the king: and
in the small number of people the dishonour of the prince.
29 He that is patient, is governed with much wisdom: but he
that is impatient, exalteth his folly.
30 Soundness of heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is
the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor, upbraideth his Maker: but he
that hath pity on the poor, honoureth him.
32 The wicked man shall be driven out in his wickedness: but
the just hath hope in his death.
33 In the heart of the prudent resteth wisdom, and it shall
instruct all the ignorant.
34 Justice exalteth a nation: but sin maketh nations
miserable.
35 A wise servant is acceptable to the king: he that is good
for nothing shall feel his anger.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 15
1 A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up
fury.
2 The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth
of fools bubbleth out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the good and
the evil.
4 A peaceable tongue is a tree of life: but that which is
immoderate, shall crush the spirit.
5 A fool laugheth at the instruction of his father: but he
that regardeth reproofs shall become prudent. In abundant
justice there is the greatest strength: but the devices of
the wicked shall be rooted out.
6 The house of the just is very much strength: and in the
fruits of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise shall disperse knowledge: the heart
of fools shall be unlike.
8 The victims of the wicked are abominable to the Lord: the
vows of the just are acceptable.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he
that followeth justice is beloved by him.
10 Instruction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way of
life: he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more
the hearts of the children of men?
12 A corrupt man loveth not one that reproveth him: nor will
he go to the wise.
13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by grief
of mind the spirit is cast down.
14 The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth
of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the poor are evil: a secure mind is like
a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great
treasures without content,
17 It is better to be invited to herbs with love, than to a
fatted calf with hatred.
18 A passionate man stirreth up strifes: he that is patient
appeaseth those that are stirred up.
19 The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns; the way
of the just is without offence.
20 A wise son maketh a father joyful: but the foolish man
despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight
his steps.
22 Designs are brought to nothing where there is no counsel:
but where there are many counsellors, they are
established.
23 A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word
in due time is best.
24 The path of life is above for the wise, that he may
decline from the lowest hell.
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: and will
strengthen the borders of the widow.
26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord: and pure
words most beautiful shall be confirmed by him.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he
that hateth bribes shall live. By mercy and faith sins are
purged away: and by the fear of the Lord every one
declineth from evil.
28 The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the
wicked over floweth with evils.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the
prayers of the just.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the soul: a good name
maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproofs of life, shall abide in
the midst of the wise.
32 He that rejecteth instruction, despiseth his own soul: but
he that yieldeth to reproof possesseth understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the lesson of wisdom: and humility
goeth before glory.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 16
1 It is the part of man to prepare the soul: and of the Lord
to govern the tongue.
2 All the ways of a man are open to his eyes: the Lord is
the weigher of spirits.
3 Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be
directed.
4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: the wicked also
for the evil day.
5 Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord: though hand
should be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The
beginning of a good way is to do justice; and this is more
acceptable with God, than to offer sacrifices.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is redeemed: and by the fear
of the Lord men depart from evil.
7 When the ways of man shall please the Lord, he will
convert even his enemies to peace.
8 Better is a little with justice, than great revenues with
iniquity.
9 The heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must
direct his steps.
10 Divination is in the lips of the king, his mouth shall not
err in judgment.
11 Weight and balance are judgments of the Lord: and his work
all the weights of the bag.
12 They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the
throne is established by justice.
13 Just lips are the delight of kings: he that speaketh right
things shall be loved.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death : and the
wise man will pacify it.
15 In the cheerfulness of the king's countenance is life: and
his clemency is like the latter rain.
16 Get wisdom, because it is better than gold: and purchase
prudence, for it is more precious than silver.
17 The path of the just departeth from evils: he that keepeth
his soul keepeth his way.
18 Pride goeth before destruction: and the spirit is lifted
up before a fall.
19 It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide
spoils with the proud.
20 The learned in word shall find good things: and he that
trusteth in the Lord is blessed.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and he that is
sweet in words shall attain to greater things.
22 Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it:
the instruction of fools is foolishness.
23 The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth: and shall
add grace to his lips.
24 Well ordered words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul,
and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth to a man right: and the ends
thereof lead to death.
26 The soul of him that laboureth, laboureth for himself,
because his mouth hath obliged him to it.
27 The wicked man diggeth evil, and in his lips is a burning
fire.
28 A perverse man stirreth up quarrels: and one full of words
separateth princes.
29 An unjust man allureth his friend: and leadeth him into a
way that is not good
30 He that with fixed eyes deviseth· wicked things, biting
his lips, bringeth: evil to pass.
31 Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the
ways of justice.
32 The patient man is better than the valiant: and he that
ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities.
33 Lots are cast into the lap, but they are disposed of by
the Lord.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 17
1 Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of
victims with strife.
2 A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and shall
divide the inheritance among the brethren.
3 As silver is tried by fire, and gold in the furnace: so
the Lord trieth the hearts.
4 The evil man obeyeth an unjust tongue: and the deceitful
hearkeneth to lying lips.
5 He that despiseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; and he
that rejoiceth at another man's ruin, shall not be
unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men: and the
glory of children are their fathers.
7 Eloquent words do not become a fool, nor lying lips a
prince.
8 The expectation of him that expecteth, is a most
acceptable jewel: whithersoever he turneth himself, he
understandeth wisely.
9 He that concealeth a transgression. seeketh friendships:
he that repeateth it again, separateth friends.
10 A reproof availeth more with a wise man, than a hundred
stripes with a fool.
11 An evil man always seeketh quarrels: but a cruel angel
shall be sent against him.
12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a
fool trusting in his own folly.
13 He that rendereth evil for good, evil shall not depart
from his house.
14 The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out
water: before he suffereth reproach he forsaketh judgment.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the
just, both are abominable before God.
16 What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot
buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a
downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into
evils.
17 He that is a friend loveth at all times: and a brother is
proved in distress.
18 A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his
friend.
19 He that studieth discords, loveth quarrels: and he that
exalteth his door, seeketh ruin.
20 He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and
he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil.
21 A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father
shall not rejoice in a fool.
22 A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit
drieth up the bones.
23 The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may
pervert the paths of judgment.
24 Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools
are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow
of the mother that bore him.
26 It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike
the prince, who judgeth right.
27 He that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise:
and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.
28 Even a fool, if he will hold his peace shall be counted
wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 18
1 He that hath a mind to depart from a friend seeketh
occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.
2 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou
say those things which are in his heart.
3 The wicked man when he is come into the depth of sine,
contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.
4 Words from the mouth of a men are as deep water: and the
fountain of wisdom as an overflowing stream.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to
decline from the truth of judgment.
6 The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth
provoketh quarrels.
7 The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are
the ruin of his soul.
8 The words of the double tongued are as if they were
harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the
bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of
the effeminate shall be hungry.
9 He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of
him that wasteth his own works.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth
to it, and shall be exalted.
11 The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength,
and as a strong wall compassing him about.
12 Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and
before he be glorified, it is humbled.
13 He that answereth before he heareth sheweth himself to be
a fool, and worthy of confusion.
14 The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit
that is easily angered, who can bear?
15 A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the
wise seeketh instruction.
16 A man's gift enlargeth his may, and maketh him room before
princes.
17 The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh,
and shall search him.
18 The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even
between the mighty.
19 A brother that is helped by his brother, is like a strong
city: and judgments are like the bars of cities.
20 Of the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be
satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill him.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: they that
love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing,
and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that
driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but
he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.
23 The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will
speak roughly.
24 A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a
brother.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 19
1 Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity,
than a rich man that is perverse in his lips, and unwise.
2 Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good:
and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble.
3 The folly of a man supplanteth his seeps: and he fretteth
in his mind against God.
4 Riches make many friends: but from the poor man, even they
whom he had, depart.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that
speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many honour the person of him that is mighty, and are
friends of him that giveth gifts.
7 The brethren of the poor man hate him: moreover also his
friends have departed far from him. He that followeth
after words only, shall have nothing.
8 But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he
that keepeth prudence shall find good things.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that
speaketh lies, shall perish.
10 Delicacies are not seemly for a fool: nor for a servant to
have rule over princes.
11 The learning of a man is known by patience and his glory
is to pass over wrongs.
12 As the roaring of a lion, so also is the anger of a king:
and his cheerfulness as the dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the grief of his father: and a wrangling
wife is like a roof continually dropping through.
14 House and riches are given by parents: but a prudent wife
is properly from the Lord.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and an idle soul
shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment, keepeth his own soul: but
he that neglecteth his own way, shall die.
17 He that hath mercy on the poor, lendeth to the Lord: and
he will repay him.
18 Chastise thy son, despair not: but to the killing of him
set not thy soul.
19 He that is impatient, shall suffer damage: and when he
shall take away he shall add another thing.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayst be
wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the
will of the Lord shall stand firm.
22 A needy man is merciful: and better is the poor than the
lying man.
23 The fear of the Lord is unto life: and he shall abide in
fulness without being visited with evil.
24 The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and will
not so much as bring it to his mouth.
25 The wicked man being; scourged, the fool shall be wiser:
but if thou rebuke a wise man he will understand
discipline.
26 He that afflicteth his father, and chaseth away his
mother, is infamous and unhappy.
27 Cease not, O my son, to hear instruction, and be not
ignorant of the words of knowledge.
28 An unjust witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the
wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners: and striking hammers
for the bodies of fools.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 20
1 Wine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous:
whosoever is delighted therewith shell not be wise.
2 As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king:
he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.
3 It is an honour for a man to separate himself from
quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches.
4 Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he
shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be
given him.
5 Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water: but a
wise man will draw it out.
6 Many men are called merciful: but who shall find a
faithful man?
7 The just that walketh in his simplicity, shall leave
behind him blessed children.
8 The king, that sitteth on the throne of judgment,
scattereth away all evil with his look.
9 Who can say: My heart is clean, I am pure from sin?
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, both are abominable
before God.
11 By his inclinations a child is known, if his works be
clean and right.
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made
them both.
13 Love not sleep, lest poverty oppress thee: open thy eyes,
and be filled with bread.
14 It is nought, it is nought, saith every buyer: and when he
is gone away, then he will boast.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of
knowledge are a precious vessel.
16 Take away the garment of him that is surety for a
stranger, and take a pledge from him for strangers.
17 The bread of lying is sweet to a man: but afterwards his
mouth shall be filled with gravel.
18 Designs are strengthened by counsels: and wars are to be
managed by governments.
19 Meddle not with him that revealeth secrets, and walketh
deceitfully, and openeth wide his lips.
20 He that curseth his father, and mother, his lamp shall be
put out in the midst of darkness.
21 The inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning, in the
end shall be without a blessing.
22 Say not: I will return evil: wait for the Lord and he will
deliver thee.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a
deceitful balance is not good.
24 The steps of man are guided by the Lord: but who is the
man that can understand his own way?
25 It is ruin to a man to devour holy ones, and after vows to
retract.
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth over them
the wheel.
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, which
searcheth all the hidden things of the bowels.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is
strengthened by clemency.
29 The joy of young men is their strength: and the dignity of
old men, their grey hairs.
30 The blueness of a wound shall wipe away evils: and stripes
in the more in- ward parts of the belly.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 21
1 As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in
the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will he shall turn
it.
2 Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord
weigheth the hearts.
3 To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than
victims.
4 Haughtiness of the eyes is the enlarging of the heart: the
lamp of the wicked is sin.
5 The thoughts of the industrious al- ways bring forth
abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.
6 He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and
foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death.
7 The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall,
because they would not do judgment.
8 The perverse way of a man is strange: but as for him that
is pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with
a brawling women, and in a common house.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have
pity on his neighbour.
11 When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be
wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive
knowledge.
12 The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked,
that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.
13 He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor,
shall also cry himself and shall not be heard.
14 A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom
the greatest wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them
that work iniquity.
16 A man that shall wander out of the way of doctrine, shall
abide in the company of the giants.
17 He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that
loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich.
18 The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust
for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a
quarrelsome and passionate woman.
20 There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling
of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.
21 He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life,
justice, and glory.
22 The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath
cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul
from distress.
24 The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant, who in
anger worketh pride.
25 Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to
work at all.
26 He longeth and desireth all the day : but he that is just,
will give, and will not cease.
27 The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, because they
are offered of wickedness.
28 A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak
of victory.
29 The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that
is righteous, correcteth his way.
30 There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no
counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord
giveth safety.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 22
1 A good name is better than great riches: and good favour
is above silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor have met one another: the Lord is the
maker of them both.
3 The prudent man saw the evil, and hid himself: the simple
passed on, and suffered loss.
4 The fruit of humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and
glory and life.
5 Arms and swords are in the way of the perverse: but he
that keepeth his own soul departeth far from them.
6 It is a proverb: A young man according to his way, even
when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor: and the borrower is servant
to him that lendeth.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap evils, and with the rod
of his anger he shall be consumed.
9 He that is inclined to mercy shall be blessed: for of his
bread he hath given to the poor. He that maketh presents
shall purchase victory and honour: but he carrieth away
the souls of the receivers.
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention shall go out with
him, and quarrels and reproaches shall cease.
11 He that loveth cleanness of heart, for the grace of his
lips shall have the king for his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge: and the words of
the unjust are overthrown.
13 The slothful man saith: There is a lion without, I shall
be slain in the midst of the streets.
14 The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit: he whom the
Lord is angry with, shall fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of
correction shall drive it away.
16 He that oppresseth the poor, to in- crease his own riches,
shall himself give to one that is richer, and shall be in
need.
17 Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise: and apply
thy heart to my doctrine :
18 Which shall be beautiful for thee, if thou keep it in thy
bowels, and it shall flow in thy lips:
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, wherefore I have also
shewn it to thee this day.
20 Behold I have described it to thee three manner of ways,
in thoughts and knowledge :
21 That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of
truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee.
22 Do no violence to the poor, because he is poor: and do not
oppress the needy in the gate:
23 Because the Lord will judge his cause, and will afflict
them that have afflicted his soul.
24 Be not a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a
furious man:
25 Lest perhaps thou learn his ways, and take scandal to thy
soul.
26 Be not with them that fasten down their hands, and that
offer themselves sureties for debts:
27 For if thou have not wherewith to restore, what cause is
there, that he should take the covering from thy bed?
28 Pass not beyond the ancient bounds which thy fathers have
set.
29 Hast thou seen a man swift in his work? he shall stand
before kings, and shall not be before those that are
obscure.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 23
1 When thou shalt sit to eat with a prince, consider
diligently what is set before thy face.
2 And put a knife to thy throat, if it be so that thou have
thy soul in thy own power.
3 Be not desirous of his meats, in which is the bread of
deceit.
4 Labour not to be rich: but set bounds to thy prudence.
5 Lift not up thy eyes to riches which thou canst not have:
because they shall make themselves wings like those of an
eagle, and shall fly towards heaven.
6 Eat not with an envious man, and desire not his meats:
7 Because like a soothsayer, and diviner, he thinketh that
which he knoweth not. Eat and drink, will he say to thee:
and his mind is not with thee.
8 The meats which thou hadst eaten, thou shalt vomit up: and
shalt loose thy beautiful words.
9 Speak not in the ears of fools: because they will despise
the instruction of thy speech.
10 Touch not the bounds of little ones: and enter not into
the field of the fatherless:
11 For their near kinsman is strong: and he will judge their
cause against thee.
12 Let thy heart apply itself to instruction: and thy ears to
words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike
him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul
from hell.
15 My son, if thy mind be wise, my heart shall rejoice with
thee:
16 And my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips shall speak what
is right.
17 Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of
the Lord all the day long:
18 Because thou shalt have hope in the latter end, and thy
expectation shall not be taken away.
19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise: and guide thy mind in the
way.
20 Be not in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in their
revellings, who contribute flesh to eat:
21 Because they that give themselves to drinking, and that
club together shall be consumed; and drowsiness shall be
clothed with rags.
22 Hearken to thy father, that beget thee: and despise not
thy mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell wisdom, and instruction, and
understanding.
24 The father of the just rejoiceth greatly: he that hath
begotten a wise son, shall have joy in him.
25 Let thy father, and thy mother be joyful, and let her
rejoice that bore thee.
26 My son, give me thy heart: and let thy eyes keep my ways.
27 For a harlot is a deep ditch: and a strange woman is a
narrow pit.
28 She lieth in wait in the way as a rob- her, and him whom
she shall see unwary, she will kill.
29 Who hath woe? whose father hath woe? who hath contentions?
who falls into pits? who hath wounds without cause? who
hath redness of eyes?
30 Surely they that pass their time in wine, and study to
drink of their cups.
31 Look not upon the wine when it is yellow, when the colour
thereof shineth in the glass: it goeth in pleasantly,
32 But in the end, it will bite like a snake, and will spread
abroad poison like a basilisk.
33 Thy eyes shall behold strange women, and thy heart shall
utter perverse things.
34 And thou shalt be as one sleeping in the midst of the sea,
and as a pilot fast asleep, when the stern is lost.
35 And thou shalt say: They have beaten me, but I was not
sensible of pain: they drew me, and I felt not: when shall
I awake, and find wine again?
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 24
1 Seek not to be like evil men, neither desire to be with
them:
2 Because their mind studieth robberies, and their lips
speak deceits.
3 By wisdom the house shall be built, and by prudence it
shall be strengthened.
4 By instruction the storerooms shall be filled with all
precious and most beautiful wealth.
5 A wise man is strong: and a knowing man, stout and
valiant.
6 Because war is managed by due ordering: and there shall be
safety where there are many counsels.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool, in the gate he shall not
open his mouth.
8 He that deviseth to do evils, shall be called a fool.
9 The thought of a fool is sin: and the detracter is the
abomination of men.
10 If thou lose hope being weary in the day of distress, thy
strength shall be diminished.
11 Deliver them that are led to death: and those that are
drawn to death forbear not to deliver.
12 If thou say: I have not strength enough: he that seeth
into the heart, he understandeth, and nothing deceiveth
the keeper of thy soul, end he shall render to a man
according to his works.
13 Fat honey, my son, because it is good, and the honeycomb
most sweet to thy throat:
14 So also is the doctrine of wisdom to thy soul: which when
thou hast found, thou shalt have hope in the end, and thy
hope shall not perish.
15 Lie not in wait, nor seek after wickedness in the house of
the just, nor spoil his rest.
16 For a just mall shall fall seven times and shall rise
again: but the wicked shall fall down into evil.
17 When thy enemy shall fall, be not glad, and in his ruin
let not thy heart rejoice:
18 Lest the Lord see, and it displease him, and he turn away
his wrath from him.
19 Contend not with the wicked, nor seek to be like the
ungodly:
20 For evil men have no hope of things to come, and the lamp
of the wicked shall be put out.
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king: and have nothing to do
with detracters.
22 For their destruction shall rise suddenly: and who knoweth
the ruin of both?
23 These things also to the wise: It is not good to have
respect to persons in judgment.
24 They that say to the wicked man: Thou art just: shall be
cursed by the people, and the tribes shall abhor them.
25 They that rebuke him, shall be praised: and a blessing
shall come upon them.
26 He shall kiss the lips, who answereth right words.
27 Prepare thy work without, and diligently till thy ground:
that afterward thou mayst build thy house.
28 Be not witness without cause against thy neighbour: and
deceive not any man with thy lips.
29 Say not: I will do to him as he hath done to me: I will
render to every one according to his work.
30 I passed by the field of the slothful man, and by the
vineyard of the foolish man:
31 And behold it was all filled with nettles, and thorns had
covered the face thereof, and the stone wall was broken
down.
32 Which when I had seen, I laid it up in my heart, and by
the example I received instruction.
33 Thou wilt sleep a little, said I, thou wilt slumber a
little, thou wilt fold thy hands a little to rest:
34 And poverty shall come to thee as a runner, and beggary as
an armed man.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 25
1 These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of
Ezechias king of Juda copied out.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory
of kings to search out the speech.
3 The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of
kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth
a most pure vessel:
5 Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his
throne shall be established with justice.
6 Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the
place of great men.
7 For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up
hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the
prince.
8 The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in
a quarrel: lest after- ward thou mayst not be able to make
amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.
9 Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the
secret to a stranger:
10 Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease
not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man:
keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.
11 To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on
beds of silver.
12 As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that
reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a
faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth
his soul.
14 As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man
that boasteth, and doth not fulfil his promises.
15 By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue
shall break hardness.
16 Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee,
lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.
17 Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour, lest
having his fill he hate thee.
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is
like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.
19 To trust to an unfaithful man in the time of trouble, is
like a rotten tooth, and weary foot,
20 And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As
vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very
evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the
wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart.
21 If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst,
give him water to drink:
22 For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord
will reward thee.
23 The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad
countenance a backbiting tongue.
24 It is better to sit m a corner of the housetop, than with
a brawling woman, and in a common house.
25 As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good tidings from
a far country.
26 A just man falling down before the wicked, is as a
fountain troubled with the foot, and a corrupted spring.
27 As it is not good for a man to eat much honey, so he that
is a searcher of majesty, shall be overwhelmed by glory.
28 As a city that lieth open and is not compassed with walls,
so is a man that cannot refrain his own spirit in
speaking.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 26
1 As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not
seemly for a fool.
2 As a bird flying to other places, and a sparrow going here
or there: so a curse uttered without cause shall come upon
a man.
3 A whip for a horse, and a snaffle for an ass, and a rod
for the back of fools.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be
made like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine
himself to be wise.
6 He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of
feet and drinketh iniquity.
7 As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is
unseemly in the mouth of fools.
8 As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is
he that giveth honour to a fool.
9 As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is
a parable in the mouth of fools.
10 Judgment determineth causes: and he that putteth a fool to
silence, appeaseth anger.
11 As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that
repeateth his folly.
12 Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall
be more hope of a fool than of him.
13 The slothful man saith : There is a lion in the way, and
a lioness in the roads.
14 As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful
upon his bed.
15 The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it
grieveth him to turn it to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men
that speak sentences.
17 As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth
by in anger, and meddleth with another man's quarrel.
18 As he is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto
death :
19 So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and
when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.
20 When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the
talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an
angry man stirreth up strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as it were simple, but they
reach to the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an
earthen vessel adorned with silver dross.
24 An enemy is known by his lips, when in his heart he
entertaineth deceit.
25 When he shall speak low, trust him not: because there are
seven mischiefs in his heart.
26 He that covereth hatred deceitfully, his malice shall be
laid open in the public assembly.
27 He that diggeth a pit, shall fall into it: and he that
rolleth a stone, it shall return to him.
28 A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth
worketh ruin.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 27
1 Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day
to come may bring forth.
2 Let another praise thee, and not thy own mouth: a
stranger, and not thy own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and sand weighty: but the anger of a
fool is heavier than them both.
4 Anger hath no mercy, nor fury when it breaketh forth: and
who can bear the violence of one provoked?
5 Open rebuke is better than hidden love.
6 Better are the wounds of a friend, than the deceitful
kisses of an enemy.
7 A soul that is full shall tread upon the honeycomb : and
a soul that is hungry shall take even bitter for sweet.
8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that
leaveth his place.
9 Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good
counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul.
10 Thy own friend, and thy father's friend forsake not: and
go not into thy brother's house in the day of thy
affliction. Better is a neighbour that is near, than a
brother afar off.
11 Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful, that thou
mayst give an answer to him that reproacheth.
12 The prudent man seeing evil hideth himself: little ones
passing on have suffered losses.
13 Take away his garment that hath been surety for a
stranger: and take from him a pledge for strangers.
14 He that blesseth his neighbour with a loud voice, rising
in the night, shall be like to him that curseth.
15 Roofs dropping through in a cold day, and a contentious
woman are alike.
16 He that retaineth her, is as he that would hold the wind,
and shall call in the oil of his right hand.
17 Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance
of his friend.
18 He that keepeth the fig tree, shall eat the fruit thereof:
and he that is the keeper of his master, shall be
glorified.
19 As the faces of them that look therein, shine in the
water, so-the hearts of men are laid open to the wise.
20 Hell and destruction are never filled: so the eyes of men
are never satisfied.
21 As silver is tried in the fining-pot and gold in the
furnace: so a man is tried by the mouth of him that
praiseth. The heart of the wicked seeketh after evils, but
the righteous heart seeketh after knowledge.
22 Though thou shouldst bray a fool in the mortar, as when a
pestle striketh upon sodden barley, his folly would not be
taken from him.
23 Be diligent to know the countenance of thy cattle, and
consider thy own flocks :
24 For thou shalt not always have power: but a crown shall be
given to generation and generation.
25 The meadows are open, and the green herbs have appeared,
and the hay is gathered out of the mountains.
26 Lambs are for thy clothing: and kids for the price of the
field.
27 Let the milk of the goats be enough for thy food, and for
the necessities of thy house, and for maintenance for thy
handmaids.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 28
1 The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just,
bold as a lion, shall be without dread.
2 For the sine of the land many are the princes thereof: and
for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things
that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent
shower, which bringeth a famine.
4 They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they
that keep it, are incensed against him.
5 Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after
the Lord, take notice of all things.
6 Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the
rich in crooked ways.
7 He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth
gluttons, shameth his father.
8 He that heapeth together riches by usury and loan,
gathereth them for him that will be bountiful to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his
prayer shall be as abomination.
10 He that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in
his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his
goods.
11 The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man
that is prudent shall search him out.
12 In the joy of the just there is great glory: when the
wicked reign, men are ruined.
13 He that hideth his sine, shall not prosper: but he that
shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is
hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.
15 As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked
prince over the poor people.
16 A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny:
but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.
17 A man that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he
flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.
18 He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: he that is
perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 He that tilleth his ground, shall be filled with bread:
but he that followeth idleness shall be filled with
poverty.
20 A faithful man shall be much praised: but he that maketh
haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.
21 He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not
well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the
truth.
22 A man, that maketh haste to be rich, and envieth others,
is ignorant that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man, shall afterward find favour with
him, more than he that by a flattering tongue deceiveth
him.
24 He that stealeth any thing from his father, or from his
mother: and saith, This is no sin, is the partner of a
murderer.
25 He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up
quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be
healed.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that
walketh wisely, he shall be saved.
27 He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that
despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.
28 When the wicked rise up, men shall hide themselves: when
they perish, the lust shall be multiplied.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 29
1 The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that
reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health
shall not follow him.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the
wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
3 A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he
that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away his
substance.
4 A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall
destroy it.
5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and
dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and
the just shall praise and rejoice.
7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the
wicked is void of knowledge.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away
wrath.
9 If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or
laugh, he shall find no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his
soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and
keepeth it till afterwards.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his
servants wicked.
13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the
Lord is the enlightener of them both.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall
be established for ever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is
left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be
multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall
give delight to thy soul.
18 When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered
abroad: but he that keepeth the law is blessed.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he
understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
20 Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be
looked for, than his amendment.
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his
childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
22 A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily
stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold
the humble of spirit.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he
heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
25 He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth
in the Lord, shall be set on high.
26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of
every one cometh forth from the Lord.
27 The just abhor the wicked man: and the wicked loathe them
that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word,
shall be free from destruction.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 30
1 The words of Gatherer the son of Vomiter. The vision which
the man spoke with whom God is, and who being strengthened
by God, abiding with him, said:
2 I am the most foolish of men, and the wisdom of men is not
with me.
3 I have not learned wisdom, and have not known the science
of saints.
4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, and descended? who hath
held the wind in his hands? who hath bound up the waters
together as in a garment? who hath raised up all the
borders of the earth? what is his name, and what is the
name of his son, if thou knowest?
5 Every word of God is fire tried: he is a buckler to them
that hope in him.
6 Add not any thing to his words, lest thou be reproved, and
found a liar:
7 Two things I have asked of thee, deny them not to me
before I die.
8 Remove far from me vanity, and lying words. Give me
neither beggary, nor riches: give me only the necessaries
of life:
9 Lest perhaps being filled, I should be tempted to deny,
and say: Who is the Lord? or being compelled by poverty,
I should steal, and forswear the name of my God.
10 Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse thee,
and thou fall.
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth
not bless their mother.
12 A generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet are
not washed from their filthiness.
13 A generation, whose eyes are lofty, and their eyelids
lifted up on high.
14 A generation, that for teeth hath swords, and grindeth
with their jaw teeth, to devour the needy from off the
earth, and the poor from among men.
15 The horseleech hath two daughters that say: Bring, bring.
There are three things that never are satisfied, and the
fourth never saith: It is enough.
16 Hell, and the mouth of the womb, and the earth which is
not satisfied with water: and the fire never saith: It is
enough.
17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and that despiseth the
labour of his mother in bearing him, let the ravens of the
brooks pick it out, and the young eagles eat it.
18 Three things are hard to me, and the fourth I am utterly
ignorant of.
19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon
a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the
way of a man in youth.
20 Such is also the way of an adulterous woman, who eateth,
and wipeth her mouth, and saith: I have done no evil.
21 By three things the earth is disturbed, and the fourth it
cannot bear:
22 By a slave when he reigneth: by a fool when he is filled
with meat:
23 By an odious woman when she is married: and by a bondwoman
when she is heir to her mistress.
24 There are four very little things of the earth, and they
are wiser than the wise:
25 The ants, a feeble people, which provide themselves food
in the harvest:
26 The rabbit, a weak people, which maketh its bed in the
rock:
27 The locust hath no king, yet they all go out by their
bands.
28 The stellio supporteth itself on hands, and dwelleth in
kings' houses.
29 There are three things, which go well, and the fourth that
walketh happily:
30 A lion, the strongest of beasts, who hath no fear of any
thing he meeteth:
31 A cock girded about the loins: and a ram: and a king, whom
none can resist.
32 There is that hath appeared a fool after he was lifted up
on high: for if he had understood, he would have laid his
hand upon his mouth.
33 And he that strongly squeezeth the papa to bring out milk,
straineth out butter: and he that violently bloweth his
nose, bringeth out blood: and he that provoketh wrath
bringeth forth strife.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 31
1 The words of king Lamuel. The vision wherewith his mother
instructed him.
2 What, O my beloved, what, O the beloved of my womb, what,
O the beloved of my vows?
3 Give not thy substance to women, and thy riches to destroy
kings.
4 Give not to kings, O Lamuel, give not wine to kings:
because there is no secret where drunkenness reigneth:
5 And lest they drink and forget judgments, and pervert the
cause of the children of the poor.
6 Give strong drink to them that are sad: and wine to them
that are grieved in mind:
7 Let them drink, and forget their want, and remember their
sorrow no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, and for the causes of all the
children that pass.
9 Open thy mouth, decree that which is just, and do justice
to the needy and poor.
10 Who shall find a valiant woman? far and from the uttermost
coasts is the price of her.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall
have no need of spoils.
12 She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of
her life.
13 She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the
counsel of her hands.
14 She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread
from afar.
15 And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her
household, and victuals to her maidens.
16 She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit
of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.
17 She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath
strengthened her arm.
18 She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her
lamp shall not be put out in the night.
19 She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her
fingers have taken hold of the spindle.
20 She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out
her hands to the poor.
21 She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for
dl her domestics are clothed with double garments.
22 She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine
linen, and purple is her covering.
23 Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth
among the senators of the land.
24 She made fine linen, and sold it, end delivered a girdle
to the Chanaanite.
25 Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh
in the latter day.
26 She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of
clemency is on her tongue.
27 She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath
not eaten her bread idle.
28 Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband,
and he praised her.
29 Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast
surpassed them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works
praise her in the gates.
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