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Proverbs 1:1-31:31 (KJV)
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 subtilty 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 the Lord 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 the Lord: [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.
[2:1] 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 the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord
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 God. [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.
[3:1] 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 God and man.
[5] Trust in the Lord 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 the Lord, and depart from evil. [8] It shall
be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. [9] Honour the Lord 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 the Lord; neither be weary of his
correction: [12] For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom
he delighteth.
[13] Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man 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] The Lord 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
the Lord 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 a man 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 the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.
[33] The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the
habitation of the 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.
[4:1] 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.
[5:1] 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 hell. [6] Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of
life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. [7] Hear me now therefore, O
ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. [8] Remove thy way far from her,
and come not nigh the door of her house: [9] Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and
thy years unto the cruel: [10] Lest 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 the Lord, 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.
[6:1] 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: [7] Which having
no guide, overseer, or ruler, [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 person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. [13] He winketh
with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; [14] 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 the Lord 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.
[7:1] 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 hell, going down to the chambers of death.
[8:1] 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 man. [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 the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
mouth, do I hate. [14] Counsel is mine, and sound 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] The Lord 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 men. [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 man 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 the Lord. [36] But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own
soul: all they that hate me love death.
[9:1] 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 the Lord 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 clamorous: 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 hell.
[10:1] 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] The Lord 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 the Lord, 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 the Lord 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 the Lord 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.
[11:1] A false balance is abomination to the Lord: 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 man 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 counsellors 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 the Lord: but such as are
upright in their way are his delight. [21] Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not
be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. [22] As a jewel of gold
in a 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.
[12:1] Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is
brutish. [2] A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he
condemn. [3] A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous
shall not be moved. [4] A 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
recompense of a man's hands 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 counsellors 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 the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. [23] A prudent man
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
man is precious. [28] In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof
there is no death.
[13:1] 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 repaid. [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.
[14:1] Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with
her hands. [2] He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: 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 the
Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. [27] The fear
of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. [28] In the
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.
[15:1] 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 the Lord 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 the Lord: but
the prayer of the upright is his delight. [9] The way of the wicked is an abomination
unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. [10] Correction is
grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. [11] Hell
and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of
men? [12] A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
[13] A merry heart maketh a 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 the
Lord 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 man 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 counsellors 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 hell beneath. [25]
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the
widow. [26] The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of
the pure are pleasant words. [27] He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but
he that hateth gifts shall live. [28] The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but
the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. [29] The Lord is far from the wicked:
but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. [30] The light of the eyes 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 the Lord is the
instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
[16:1] The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from
the Lord. [2] All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the
spirits. [3] Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. [4]
The Lord 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 the Lord: though hand join in hand,
he shall not be unpunished. [6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of
the Lord men depart from evil. [7] When a man's ways please the Lord, 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 man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord 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 the Lord'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 the Lord, 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
ungodly 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 the Lord.
[17:1] 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 the Lord trieth the hearts. [4] A wicked doer
giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. [5] Whoso 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 the Lord. [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] A man
void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
[19] He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh
destruction. [20] He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a
perverse tongue falleth 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.
[18:1] 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 the Lord 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 man's gift 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 the Lord. [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.
[19:1] 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 man perverteth his way:
and his heart fretteth against the Lord. [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 a 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 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 despiseth his ways shall die. [17] He that
hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay
him again. [18] Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his
crying. [19] A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet
thou must do it again. [20] Hear 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 the Lord, that shall stand. [22] The desire of a man is his kindness: and a
poor man is better than a liar. [23] The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that
hath it shall abide 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 ungodly witness
scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. [29] Judgments are
prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
[20:1] 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 men 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 the Lord. [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, the Lord 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 the
Lord, and he shall save thee. [23] Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a
false balance is not good. [24] Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then
understand his own way? [25] It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy,
and after vows to make enquiry. [26] A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the
wheel over them. [27] The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the
inward parts of the belly. [28] Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is
upholden by mercy. [29] The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old
men is the grey head. [30] The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the
inward parts of the belly.
[21:1] The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he
turneth it whithersoever he will. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but
the Lord pondereth the hearts. [3] To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the
Lord than sacrifice. [4] An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked,
is sin. [5] The thoughts of the diligent tend 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 God
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 man 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 man 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 the Lord. [31] The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of
the Lord.
[22:1] A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour
rather than silver and gold. [2] The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker
of them all. [3] A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple
pass on, and are punished. [4] By humility and the fear of the Lord 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 the Lord 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 the Lord 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 the Lord, 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 the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of
those that spoiled them. [24] Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious
man thou shalt not go: [25] Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. [26]
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are 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.
[23:1] 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 hell. [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 the Lord 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 men. [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.
[24:1] 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 counsellors 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 men. [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 man 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 the Lord 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
the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: [22] For their
calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the 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 art 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 man 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.
[25:1] These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah
copied out. [2] It is the glory of God 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 the Lord 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.
[26:1] 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 God
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.
[27:1] 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? [5] Open rebuke is better than secret love. [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 man to man. [20] Hell
and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man 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.
[28:1] 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 a man 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 the Lord 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, a man is hidden. [13] He that covereth
his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
[14] Happy is the man 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] A man 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 a man 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 the Lord shall be made fat. [26] He that trusteth in his own
heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. [27] He that giveth
unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. [28]
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
[29:1] 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: the Lord
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] A man's pride 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 man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust
in the Lord shall be safe. [26] Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment
cometh from the Lord. [27] An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is
upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
[30:1] 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 a man. [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 God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. [6] Add thou
not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. [7] Two things have I
required of thee; deny me them not before I die: [8] Remove far from me vanity and lies:
give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: [9] Lest I be
full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the
name of my God in vain. [10] Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee,
and thou be found guilty. [11] There is a generation that curseth their 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 men. [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.
[31:1] 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 the Lord, she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and
let her own works praise her in the gates.