OT_Proverbs

[1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

[2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

[3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

[4] To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

[5] A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

[6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

[7] The fear of {Yahweh} is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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

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

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

[11] If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

[12] Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

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

[14] Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

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

[16] For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

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

[18] And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

[19] So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

[20] Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

[21] She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

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

[23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

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

[25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

[26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

[27] When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

[28] Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

[29] For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of {Yahweh}:

[30] They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

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

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

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

[1] My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

[2] So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

[3] Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

[4] If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

[5] Then shalt thou understand the fear of {Yahweh}, and find the knowledge of the {mighty one}.

[6] For {Yahweh} giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

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

[8] He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

[9] Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

[10] When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

[11] Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

[12] To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

[13] Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

[14] Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

[15] Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

[16] To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

[17] Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her {mighty one}.

[18] For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

[19] None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

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

[21] For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

[22] But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

[1] My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

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

[3] Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

[4] So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of the {mighty one} and {Adam}.

[5] Trust in {Yahweh} with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

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

[7] Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear {Yahweh}, and depart from evil.

[8] It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

[9] Honour {Yahweh} with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

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

[11] My son, despise not the chastening of {Yahweh}; neither be weary of his correction:

[12] For whom {Yahweh} loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

[13] Happy is {Adam} that findeth wisdom, and {Adam} that getteth understanding.

[14] For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

[15] She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

[16] Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

[17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

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

[19] {Yahweh} by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

[20] By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

[21] My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

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

[23] Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

[24] When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

[25] Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

[26] For {Yahweh} shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

[27] Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

[28] Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

[29] Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

[30] Strive not with {Adam} without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

[31] Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

[32] For the froward is abomination to {Yahweh}: but his secret is with the righteous.

[33] The curse of {Yahweh} is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

[34] Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

[35] The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

[1] Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

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

[3] For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

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

[5] Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

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

[7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

[8] Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

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

[10] Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

[11] I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

[12] When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

[13] Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

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

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

[16] For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

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

[18] But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

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

[20] My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

[21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

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

[23] Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

[24] Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

[25] Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

[26] Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

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

[1] My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

[2] That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

[3] For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

[4] But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

[5] Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on the {grave}.

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

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

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

[9] Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

[10] Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

[11] And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

[12] And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

[13] And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

[14] I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

[15] Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

[16] Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

[17] Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

[18] Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

[19] Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

[20] And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

[21] For the ways of man are before the eyes of {Yahweh}, and he pondereth all his goings.

[22] His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

[23] He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

[1] My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

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

[3] Do this now, my son, deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

[4] Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

[5] Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

[6] Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

[8] Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

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

[10] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

[11] So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

[12] A naughty {Adam}, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

[13] He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

[14] Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

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

[16] These six things doth {Yahweh} hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

[17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

[18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

[19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

[20] My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

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

[22] When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

[23] For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

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

[25] Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

[26] For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

[27] Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

[28] Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

[29] So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

[30] Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

[31] But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

[32] But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

[33] A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

[34] For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

[35] He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

[1] My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

[2] Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

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

[4] Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

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

[6] For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

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

[8] Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

[9] In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

[10] And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

[11] (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

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

[13] So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

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

[15] Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

[16] I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

[17] I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

[18] Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

[19] For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

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

[21] With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

[22] He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

[23] Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

[24] Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

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

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

[27] Her house is the way to the {grave}, going down to the chambers of death.

[1] Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

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

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

[4] Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of {Adam}.

[5] O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

[6] Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

[7] For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

[8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

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

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

[11] For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

[12] I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

[13] The fear of {Yahweh} is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

[14] Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

[15] By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

[16] By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

[17] I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

[18] Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

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

[20] I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

[21] That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

[22] {Yahweh} possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

[23] I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

[24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

[25] Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

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

[27] When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

[28] When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

[29] When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

[30] Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

[31] Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of {Adam}.

[32] Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

[33] Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

[34] Blessed is the {Adam} that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

[35] For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of {Yahweh}.

[36] But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

[1] Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

[2] She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

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

[4] Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

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

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

[7] He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

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

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

[10] The fear of {Yahweh} is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

[11] For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

[12] If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

[13] A foolish woman is clamourous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

[14] For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

[15] To call passengers who go right on their ways:

[16] Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

[17] Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

[18] But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of the {grave}.

[1] The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

[2] Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

[3] {Yahweh} will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

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

[5] He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

[6] Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

[7] The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

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

[9] He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

[10] He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

[11] The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

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

[13] In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

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

[15] The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

[16] The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

[17] He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

[18] He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

[19] In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

[20] The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

[21] The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

[22] The blessing of {Yahweh}, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

[23] It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

[24] The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

[25] As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

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

[27] The fear of {Yahweh} prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

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

[29] The way of {Yahweh} is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

[30] The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

[31] The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

[32] The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

[1] A false balance is abomination to {Yahweh}: but a just weight is his delight.

[2] When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

[3] The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

[4] Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

[5] The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

[6] The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

[7] When a wicked {Adam} dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

[8] The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

[9] An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

[10] When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

[11] By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

[12] He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

[13] A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

[14] Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

[15] He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

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

[17] The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

[18] The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

[19] As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

[20] They that are of a froward heart are abomination to {Yahweh}: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

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

[22] As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

[23] The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

[24] There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

[25] The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

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

[27] He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

[28] He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

[29] He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

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

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

[1] Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

[2] A good man obtaineth favour of {Yahweh}: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

[3] {Adam} shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

[4] A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

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

[6] The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

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

[8] A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

[9] He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

[10] A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

[11] He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

[12] The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

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

[14] A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of the hands of {Adam} shall be rendered unto him.

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

[16] A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

[17] He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

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

[19] The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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

[21] There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

[22] Lying lips are abomination to {Yahweh}: but they that deal truly are his delight.

[23] A prudent {Adam} concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

[24] The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

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

[26] The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

[27] The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent {Adam} is precious.

[28] In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

[1] A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

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

[3] He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

[4] The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

[5] A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

[6] Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

[7] There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

[8] The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

[9] The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

[10] Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

[11] Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

[12] Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

[13] Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

[14] The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

[15] Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

[16] Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

[17] A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

[18] Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

[19] The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

[20] He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

[21] Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

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

[23] Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

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

[25] The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

[1] Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

[2] He that walketh in his uprightness feareth {Yahweh}: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

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

[4] Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

[5] A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

[6] A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

[7] Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

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

[9] Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

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

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

[12] There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

[13] Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

[14] The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

[15] The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

[16] A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

[17] He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

[18] The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

[19] The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

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

[21] He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

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

[23] In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

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

[25] A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

[26] In the fear of {Yahweh} is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

[27] The fear of {Yahweh} is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

[28] In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

[29] He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

[30] A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

[31] He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

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

[33] Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

[35] The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

[1] A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

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

[3] The eyes of {Yahweh} are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

[4] A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

[5] A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

[6] In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

[7] The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

[8] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to {Yahweh}: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

[9] The way of the wicked is an abomination unto {Yahweh}: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

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

[11] The {grave} and destruction are before {Yahweh}: how much more then the hearts of the children of {Adam}?

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

[13] A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

[14] The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

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

[16] Better is little with the fear of {Yahweh} than great treasure and trouble therewith.

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

[18] A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

[19] The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

[20] A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish {Adam} despiseth his mother.

[21] Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

[22] Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.

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

[24] The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from the {grave} beneath.

[25] {Yahweh} 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 {Yahweh}: 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] {Yahweh} is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

[30] The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

[31] The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

[32] He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

[33] The fear of {Yahweh} is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

[1] The preparations of the heart in {Adam}, and the answer of the tongue, is from {Yahweh}.

[2] All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but {Yahweh} weigheth the spirits.

[3] Commit thy works unto {Yahweh}, and thy thoughts shall be established.

[4] {Yahweh} hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

[5] Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to {Yahweh}: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

[6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of {Yahweh} men depart from evil.

[7] When a man's ways please {Yahweh}, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

[8] Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

[9] A heart of {Adam} deviseth his way: but {Yahweh} directeth his steps.

[10] A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

[11] A just weight and balance are {Yahweh}'s: all the weights of the bag are his work.

[12] It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

[13] Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

[14] The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

[15] In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

[16] How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

[17] The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

[18] Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

[19] Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

[20] He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in {Yahweh}, happy is he.

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

[22] Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

[23] The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

[24] Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

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

[26] He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

[27] An {impious} man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

[28] A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

[29] A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

[30] He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

[31] The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

[32] He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

[33] The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of {Yahweh}.

[1] Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

[2] A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

[3] The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but {Yahweh} trieth the hearts.

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

[5] Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

[6] Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

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

[8] A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

[9] He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

[10] A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

[11] An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

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

[13] Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

[14] The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

[15] He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to {Yahweh}.

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

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

[18] An {Adam} void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

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

[20] He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

[21] He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

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

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

[24] Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

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

[26] Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

[27] He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

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

[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

[2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

[3] When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

[4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

[5] It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

[6] A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

[7] A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

[8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

[9] He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

[10] The name of {Yahweh} is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

[11] The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

[12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

[13] He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

[14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

[15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

[16] A gift of {Adam} maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

[17] He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

[18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

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

[20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of {Yahweh}.

[23] The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

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

[1] Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

[2] Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

[3] The foolishness of {Adam} perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against {Yahweh}.

[4] Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

[5] A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

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

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

[8] He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

[9] A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

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

[11] The discretion of {Adam} man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

[12] The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

[13] A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

[14] House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from {Yahweh}.

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

[16] He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

[17] He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto {Yahweh}; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

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

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

[20] Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

[21] There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of {Yahweh}, that shall stand.

[22] The desire of {Adam} is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

[23] The fear of {Yahweh} tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

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

[25] Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

[26] He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

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

[28] An {impious} witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

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

[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

[2] The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

[3] It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

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

[5] Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[6] Most {Adam} will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

[7] The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

[8] A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

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

[10] Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to {Yahweh}.

[11] Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

[12] The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, {Yahweh} hath made even both of them.

[13] Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

[14] It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

[15] There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

[16] Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

[17] Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

[18] Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

[19] He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

[20] Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

[21] An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

[22] Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on {Yahweh}, and he shall save thee.

[23] Divers weights are an abomination unto {Yahweh}; and a false balance is not good.

[24] Man's goings are of {Yahweh}; how can {Adam} then understand his own way?

[25] It is a snare to the {Adam} who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.

[26] A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

[27] The spirit of {Adam} is the candle of {Yahweh}, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

[28] Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

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

[30] The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

[1] The king's heart is in the hand of {Yahweh}, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

[2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but {Yahweh} pondereth the hearts.

[3] To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to {Yahweh} than sacrifice.

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

[5] The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

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

[7] The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

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

[9] It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

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

[11] When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

[12] The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but the {mighty one} overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

[13] Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

[14] A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

[15] It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

[16] The {Adam} that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

[17] He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

[18] The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

[19] It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

[20] There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish {Adam} spendeth it up.

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

[22] A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

[23] Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

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

[25] The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

[26] He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

[27] The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

[28] A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

[29] A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

[30] There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against {Yahweh}.

[31] The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of {Yahweh}.

[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: {Yahweh} is the maker of them all.

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

[4] By humility and the fear of {Yahweh} are riches, and honour, and life.

[5] Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

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

[7] The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

[8] He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

[9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

[10] Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

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

[12] The eyes of {Yahweh} preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

[13] The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

[14] The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of {Yahweh} shall fall therein.

[15] Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

[16] He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

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

[18] For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

[19] That thy trust may be in {Yahweh}, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

[20] Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

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

[22] Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

[23] For {Yahweh} will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

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

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

[26] Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

[27] If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

[28] Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

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

[1] When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

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

[3] Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

[4] Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

[5] Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

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

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

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

[9] Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

[10] Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

[11] For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

[12] Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

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

[14] Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from the {grave}.

[15] My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

[16] Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

[17] Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of {Yahweh} all the day long.

[18] For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

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

[20] Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

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

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

[23] Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

[24] The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

[25] Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

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

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

[28] She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among {Adam}.

[29] Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

[30] They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

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

[32] At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

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

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

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

[1] Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

[2] For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

[3] Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

[4] And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

[5] A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

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

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

[8] He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

[9] The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to {Adam}.

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

[11] If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

[12] If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every {Adam} according to his works?

[13] My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

[14] So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

[15] Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

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

[17] Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

[18] Lest {Yahweh} see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

[19] Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

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

[21] My son, fear thou {Yahweh} and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

[22] For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

[23] These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

[24] He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

[25] But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

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

[27] Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

[28] Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

[29] Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

[30] I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the {Adam} void of understanding;

[31] And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

[32] Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

[33] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

[34] So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

[1] These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

[2] It is the glory of the {mighty one} to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

[3] The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

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

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

[6] Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

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

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

[9] Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

[10] Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

[11] A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

[12] As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

[13] As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

[14] Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

[15] By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

[16] Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

[17] Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

[18] A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

[19] Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

[20] As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

[21] If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

[22] For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and {Yahweh} shall reward thee.

[23] The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

[24] It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

[25] As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

[26] A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

[27] It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

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

[1] As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

[2] As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

[3] A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

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

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

[6] He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

[7] The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

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

[9] As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

[10] The great {mighty one} that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

[11] As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

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

[13] The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

[14] As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

[15] The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

[16] The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

[17] He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

[18] As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

[19] So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

[20] Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

[21] As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

[22] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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

[24] He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

[25] When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

[26] Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

[27] Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

[28] A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

[1] Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

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

[3] A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

[4] Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

[6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

[7] The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

[8] As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

[9] Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

[10] Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

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

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

[13] Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

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

[15] A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

[16] Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

[17] Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

[18] Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

[19] As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of {Adam} to {Adam}.

[20] The {grave} and destruction are never full; so the eyes of {Adam} are never satisfied.

[21] As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

[22] Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

[23] Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

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

[25] The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

[26] The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

[27] And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

[1] The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

[2] For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by an {Adam} of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

[3] A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

[4] They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

[5] Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek {Yahweh} understand all things.

[6] Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

[7] Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

[8] He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

[9] He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

[10] Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

[11] The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

[12] When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, {Adam} is hidden.

[13] He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

[14] Happy is the {Adam} that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

[15] As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

[16] The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

[17] {Adam} that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

[18] Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

[19] He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

[20] A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

[21] To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

[22] He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

[23] He that rebuketh {Adam} afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

[24] Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

[25] He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in {Yahweh} shall be made fat.

[26] He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

[27] He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

[28] When the wicked rise, {Adam} hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

[1] He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

[2] When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

[3] Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

[4] The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

[5] A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

[6] In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

[7] The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

[8] Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

[9] If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

[10] The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

[11] A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

[12] If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

[13] The poor and the deceitful man meet together: {Yahweh} lighteneth both their eyes.

[14] The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

[15] The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

[16] When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

[17] Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

[18] Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

[19] A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

[20] Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

[21] He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

[22] An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

[23] The pride of {Adam} shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

[24] Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

[25] The fear of {Adam} bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in {Yahweh} shall be safe.

[26] Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from {Yahweh}.

[27] An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

[1] The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

[2] Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of {Adam}.

[3] I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

[4] Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

[5] Every word of the {mighty one} is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

[6] Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

[7] Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

[8] Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

[9] Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is {Yahweh}? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my {mighty one} in vain.

[10] Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

[11] There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

[12] There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

[13] There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

[14] There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among {Adam}.

[15] The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

[16] The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

[17] The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

[18] There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

[19] The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

[20] Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

[21] For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

[22] For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

[23] For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

[24] There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

[25] The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

[26] The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

[27] The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

[28] The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

[29] There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

[30] A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

[31] A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

[32] If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

[33] Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

[1] The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

[2] What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

[3] Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

[4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

[5] Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

[6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

[7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

[8] Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

[9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

[10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

[11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

[12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

[13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

[14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

[15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

[16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

[17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

[18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

[19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

[20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

[21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

[22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

[23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

[24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

[25] Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

[26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

[27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

[28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

[29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

[30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth {Yahweh}, she shall be praised.

[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.