\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Proverbs}

{\MT PROVERBS



\par }\ChapOne{1}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\SC{The}} Proverbs of Solomon son of David, who reigned in Israel;

\VS{2}to know wisdom and instruction, and to perceive words of understanding;

\VS{3}to receive also
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 1:3 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{turnings,
}}{\FQA{q. d.
}}{\FT{knotty words. See
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}hard sayings, and to understand true justice, and
{\ADD{how}} to direct judgment;

\VS{4}that he might give subtlety to the simple, and to the young man
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 1:4 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{discretion.}}}discernment and understanding.

\VS{5}For by the hearing of these a wise man will be wiser, and the man of understanding will gain direction;

\VS{6}and will understand a parable, and a dark speech; the sayings of the wise also, and riddles.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The fear of the Lord is the
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 1:7 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{sum, or, top.}}}beginning of wisdom; and
{\ADD{there is}} good understanding to all that practise it: and piety toward God is the beginning of discernment; but the ungodly will set at nought wisdom and instruction.

\VS{8}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, the instruction of thy father, and reject not the rules of thy mother.

\VS{9}For thou shalt receive for thine head a crown of graces, and a chain of gold round thy neck.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}{\ADD{My}} son, let not ungodly men lead thee astray, neither consent thou
{\ADD{to them}}.

\VS{11}If they should exhort thee, saying, Come with us, partake in blood, and let us unjustly hide the just man in the earth:

\VS{12}and let us swallow him alive, as Hades
{\ADD{would}}, and remove the memorial of him from the earth:

\VS{13}let us seize on his valuable property, and let us fill our houses with spoils:

\VS{14}but do thou cast in thy lot with us, and let us all provide a common purse, and let us have one pouch:

\VS{15}go not in the way with them, but turn aside thy foot from their paths:\FTNT{§}{{\FR 1:15 }{\FT{For ver 16, see Appendix.}}}

\VS{17}for nets are not without cause spread for birds.

\VS{18}For they that are concerned in murder store up evils for themselves; and the overthrow of transgressors is evil.

\VS{19}These are the ways of all that perform lawless deeds; for by ungodliness they destroy their own life.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Wisdom sings aloud in passages, and in the broad places speaks boldly.

\VS{21}And she makes proclamation on the top of the walls, and sits by the gates of princes; and at the gates of the city boldly says,

\VS{22}So long as the simple cleave to justice, they shall not be ashamed: but the foolish being lovers of haughtiness, having become ungodly have hated knowledge, and are become subject to reproofs.

\VS{23}Behold, I will bring forth to you the utterance of my breath, and I will instruct you in my speech.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Since I called, and ye did not hearken; and I spoke at length, and ye gave no heed;

\VS{25}but ye set at nought my counsels, and disregarded my reproofs;

\VS{26}therefore I also will laugh at your destruction; and I will rejoice against
{\ADD{you}} when ruin comes upon you:

\VS{27}yea when dismay suddenly comes upon you, and
{\ADD{your}} overthrow shall arrive like a tempest; and when tribulation and distress shall come upon you, or when ruin shall come upon you.

\VS{28}For it shall be that when ye call upon me, I will not hearken to you: wicked men shall seek me, but shall not find
{\ADD{me}}.

\VS{29}For they hated wisdom, and did not choose the word of the Lord:

\VS{30}neither would they attend to my counsels, but derided my reproofs.

\VS{31}Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way, and shall be filled with their own ungodliness.

\VS{32}For because they wronged the simple, they shall be slain; and an inquisition shall ruin the ungodly.

\VS{33}But he that hearkens to me shall dwell in
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 1:33 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{hope. See
}}{\XT{Ps. 16.}}}confidence, and shall rest securely from all evil.




\par }\Chap{2}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, if thou wilt receive the utterance of my commandment, and hide it with thee;

\VS{2}thine ear shall hearken to wisdom; thou shalt also apply thine heart to understanding, and shalt apply it to the instruction of thy son.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}For if thou shalt call to wisdom, and utter thy voice for understanding;

\VS{4}and if thou shalt seek it as silver, and search diligently for it as for treasures;

\VS{5}then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}For the Lord gives wisdom; and from his presence
{\ADD{come}} knowledge and understanding,

\VS{7}and he treasures up salvation for them that walk uprightly: he will protect their way;

\VS{8}that he may guard the righteous ways: and he will preserve the way of them that fear him.

\VS{9}Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment; and shalt direct
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 2:9 }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{all good a les.}}}all thy course aright.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}For if wisdom shall come into thine understanding, and discernment shall seem pleasing to thy soul,

\VS{11}good counsel shall guard thee, and holy understanding shall keep thee;

\VS{12}to deliver thee from the evil way, and from the man that speaks nothing faithfully.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Alas
{\ADD{for those}} who forsake right paths, to walk in ways of darkness;

\VS{14}who rejoice in evils, and delight in wicked perverseness;

\VS{15}whose paths are crooked, and their
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 2:15 }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{wheel tracks. Compare
}}{\XT{Heb. 12. 13.}}}courses winding;

\VS{16}to remove thee far from the straight way, and to estrange thee from a righteous purpose.
{\ADD{My}} son, let not evil counsel overtake thee,

\VS{17}{\ADD{of her}} who has forsaken the instruction of her youth, and forgotten the covenant of God.

\VS{18}For she has fixed her house near death, and
{\ADD{guided}} her wheels near Hades with the
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 2:18 }{\FT{See
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}giants.

\VS{19}None that go by her shall return, neither shall they take hold of right paths, for they are not apprehended of the
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 2:19 }{\FT{Singular variation from
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}years of life.

\VS{20}For had they gone in good paths, they would have found the paths of righteousness
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 2:20 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{smooth.}}}easy.

\VS{21}For the upright shall dwell in the earth, and the holy shall be left behind in it.

\VS{22}The paths of the ungodly shall perish out of the earth, and transgressors shall be driven away from it.




\par }\Chap{3}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, forget not my laws; but let thine heart keep my words:

\VS{2}for length of existence, and years of life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

\VS{3}Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; but bind them about thy neck:

\VS{4}so shalt thou find favour:
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 3:4 }{\FQA{Alex.
}}{\FT{+ 'and write them on the table of thine heart.'}}}and do thou
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 3:4 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{Rom. 12. 17.}}}provide things honest in the sight of the Lord, and of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Trust in God with all thine heart; and be not exalted in thine own wisdom.

\VS{6}In all thy ways acquaint thyself with her, that she may rightly
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 3:6 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{divide. See 2 Tim 2. 13.}}}direct thy paths.

\VS{7}Be not wise in thine own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.

\VS{8}Then shall there be health to thy body, and good keeping to thy bones.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Honour the Lord with thy just labours, and give him the first of thy fruits of righteousness:

\VS{10}that thy storehouses may be completely filled with corn, and that thy presses may burst forth with wine.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}\XREF{✡}{{\XO 3:11 }{\XT{Heb. 12. 5,6.}}}{\ADD{My}} son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

\VS{12}for whom the Lord loves, he rebukes, and scourges every son whom he receives.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Blessed is the man who has found wisdom, and the mortal who knows prudence.

\VS{14}For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver.

\VS{15}And she is more valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her: she is well known to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value.

\VS{16}For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory:

\VS{16a}out of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.

\VS{17}Her ways are good ways, and all her paths are peaceful.

\VS{18}She is a tree of life to all that lay hold upon her; and she is
{\ADD{a}} secure
{\ADD{help}} to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}God by wisdom founded the earth, and by prudence he prepared the heavens.

\VS{20}By understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped water.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}{\ADD{My}} son, let
{\ADD{them}} not
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 3:21 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{Heb. 2. 1.}}}pass from
{\ADD{thee}}, but keep my counsel and understanding:

\VS{22}that thy soul may live, and that there may be grace round thy neck;

\VS{22a}and it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to thy bones:

\VS{23}that thou mayest go confidently in peace in all thy ways, and that thy foot may not stumble.

\VS{24}For if thou
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 3:24 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{sit down.}}}rest, thou shalt be undismayed; and if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly.

\VS{25}And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.

\VS{26}For the Lord shall be over all thy ways, and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have
{\ADD{power}} to help
{\ADD{him}}.

\VS{28}Say not, Come back another time, to-morrow I will give; while thou art able to do
{\ADD{him}} good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.

\VS{29}Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting in thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}Be not ready to quarrel with a man without a cause, lest he do thee some harm.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}Procure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways.

\VS{32}For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither does he sit among the righteous.

\VS{33}The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just are blessed.

\VS{34}\FTNT{††}{{\FR 3:34 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{1 Pet. 5. 5.}}}The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

\VS{35}The wise shall inherit glory; but the ungodly have exalted
{\ADD{their own}} dishonour.




\par }\Chap{4}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

\VS{2}For I give you a good gift; forsake ye not my law.

\VS{3}For I also was a son obedient to
{\ADD{my}} father, and loved in the sight of
{\ADD{my}} mother:

\VS{4}who spoke and instructed me,
{\ADD{saying}}, Let our speech be fixed in thine heart, keep
{\ADD{our}} commandments, forget them not:

\VS{5}and do not neglect the speech of my mouth.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 4:5 }{\FT{See Appendix - Alexandrian codex has: “Get wisdom, get understanding, forget not, nor decline from the words of my mouth.”}}}

\VS{6}And forsake it not, and it shall cleave to thee: love it, and it shall keep thee.

\VS{8}\FTNT{†}{{\FR 4:8 }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{dig a trench about her, see
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}Secure it, and it shall exalt thee: honour it, that it may embrace thee;

\VS{9}that it may give unto thy head a crown of graces, and may cover thee with a crown of delight.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, and receive my words; and the years of thy life shall be increased, that the resources of thy life may be many.

\VS{11}For I teach thee the ways of wisdom; and I cause thee to go in right
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 4:11 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{wheel-tracks, see chap
}}{\XT{2. 18; Heb. 12. 13.}}}paths.

\VS{12}For when thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not be distressed.

\VS{13}Take hold of my instruction; let it not go,—but keep it for thyself for thy life.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Go not in the ways of the ungodly, neither covet the ways of transgressors.

\VS{15}In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, go not thither; but turn from them, and pass away.

\VS{16}For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is taken away, and they rest not.

\VS{17}For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with wine of transgression.

\VS{18}But the ways of the righteous shine like light; they go on and shine, until the day
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 4:18 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{order itself aright.}}}be fully come.

\VS{19}But the ways of the ungodly are dark; they know not how they stumble.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}{\ADD{My}} son, attend to my speech; and apply thine ear to my words:

\VS{21}that thy fountains may not fail thee; keep them in
{\ADD{thine}} heart.

\VS{22}For they are life to those that find them, and
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 4:22 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{healing.}}}health to all
{\ADD{their}} flesh.

\VS{23}Keep thine heart with the utmost care; for out of these are the issues of life.

\VS{24}Remove from thee a froward mouth, and put far away from thee unjust lips.

\VS{25}Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids assent
{\ADD{to}} just
{\ADD{things}}.

\VS{26}Make straight paths for thy feet, and order thy ways aright.

\VS{27}Turn not aside to the right hand nor to the left, but turn away thy foot from an evil way:

\VS{27a}[\FTNT{††}{{\FR 4:27a }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{omits.}}}for God knows the ways on the right hand, but those on the left are crooked:]

\VS{27b}and he will make thy ways straight, and will guide thy steps in peace.




\par }\Chap{5}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, attend to my wisdom, and apply thine ear to my words;

\VS{2}that thou mayest keep good understanding, and the discretion of my lips gives thee a charge.

\par }{\PP Give no heed to a worthless woman;

\VS{3}for honey drops from the lips of a harlot, who for a season pleases thy palate:

\VS{4}but afterwards thou wilt find her
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 5:4 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{a more bitter thing.}}}more bitter than gall, and sharper than a two-edged sword.

\VS{5}For the feet of folly lead those who deal with her down to the grave with death; and her steps are not established.

\VS{6}For she goes not upon the paths of life; but her ways are slippery, and not easily known.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hear me, and make not my words of none effect.

\VS{8}Remove thy way far from her; draw not near to the doors of her house:

\VS{9}lest thou give away thy life to others, and thy substance to the merciless:

\VS{10}lest strangers be filled with thy strength, and thy labours come into the houses of strangers;

\VS{11}and thou repent at last, when the flesh of thy body is consumed,

\VS{12}and thou shalt say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart avoided reproofs!

\VS{13}\FTNT{†}{{\FR 5:13 }{\FQA{Alex.
}}{\FT{omits 'not.'}}}I heard not the voice of him that instructed me, and taught me, neither did I apply mine ear.

\VS{14}I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Drink waters out of thine own vessels, and out of thine own springing wells.

\VS{16}Let not waters out of thy fountain be spilt by thee, but let thy waters go into thy streets.

\VS{17}Let them be only thine own, and let no stranger partake with thee.

\VS{18}Let thy fountain of water be
{\ADD{truly}} thine own; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

\VS{19}Let
{\ADD{thy}} loving hart and thy graceful colt company with thee, and let her be considered thine own, and be with thee at all times; for ravished with her love thou shalt be greatly increased.

\VS{20}Be not intimate with a strange woman, neither fold thyself in the arms of a woman not thine own.

\VS{21}For the ways of a man are before the eyes of God, and he looks on all his paths.

\VS{22}Iniquities ensnare a man, and every one is bound in the chains of his own sins.

\VS{23}Such a man dies with the uninstructed; and he is cast forth from the abundance of his own substance, and has perished through folly.




\par }\Chap{6}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, if thou become surety for thy friend, thou shalt deliver thine hand to an enemy.

\VS{2}For a man's own lips become a strong snare to him, and he is caught with the lips of his own mouth.

\VS{3}{\ADD{My}} son, do what I command thee, and deliver thyself; for on thy friend's account thou art come into the power of evil
{\ADD{men}}: faint not, but stir up even thy friend for whom thou art become surety.

\VS{4}Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber with thine eyelids;

\VS{5}that thou mayest deliver thyself as a doe out of the toils, and as a bird out of a snare.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Go to the ant, O sluggard; and see, and emulate his ways, and become wiser than he.

\VS{7}For whereas he has no husbandry, nor any one to compel him, and is under no master,

\VS{8}he prepares food for himself in the summer, and lays by abundant store in harvest.

\VS{8a}Or go to the bee, and learn how diligent she is, and how earnestly she is engaged in her work;

\VS{8b}whose labours kings and private men use for health, and she is desired and respected by all:

\VS{8c}though weak in
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 6:8c }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{strength.}}}body, she is advanced by honouring wisdom.

\VS{9}How long wilt thou lie, O sluggard? and when wilt thou awake out of sleep?

\VS{10}Thou sleepest a little, and thou restest a little, and thou slumberest a short
{\ADD{time}}, and thou foldest thine arms over thy breast a little.

\VS{11}Then poverty comes upon thee as an evil traveller, and want as a swift courier:

\VS{11a}but if thou be diligent, thine harvest shall arrive as a fountain, and poverty shall flee away as a bad courier.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A foolish man and a transgressor goes in ways that are not good.

\VS{13}And the same winks with the eye, and makes a sign with his foot, and teaches with the beckonings of his fingers.

\VS{14}{\ADD{His}} perverse heart devises evils: at all times such a one causes troubles to a city.

\VS{15}Therefore his destruction shall come suddenly; overthrow and irretrievable ruin.\FTNT{†}{{\FR 6:15 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}


\par }{\PP \VS{16}For he rejoices in all things which God hates, and he is ruined by reason of impurity of soul.

\VS{17}The eye of the haughty, a tongue unjust, hands shedding the blood of the just;

\VS{18}and a heart devising evil thoughts, and feet hastening to do evil,—{\ADD{are hateful to God}}.

\VS{19}An unjust witness kindles falsehoods, and
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 6:19 }{\FT{Gr sends forth judgments.}}}brings on quarrels between brethren.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}{\ADD{My}} son, keep the laws of thy father, and reject not the ordinances of thy mother:

\VS{21}but bind them upon thy soul continually, and hang them as a chain about thy neck.

\VS{22}Whensoever thou walkest, lead this along and let it be with thee; and when thou sleepest let it keep thee; that it may talk with thee when thou wakest.

\VS{23}For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof also and correction:

\VS{24}to keep thee continually from a married woman, and from the calumny of a strange tongue.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Let not the desire of beauty overcome thee, neither be thou caught by thine eyes, neither be captivated with her eyelids.

\VS{26}For the value of a harlot is as much as of one loaf; and a woman hunts for the precious souls of men.

\VS{27}Shall any one bind fire in his bosom, and not burn his garments?

\VS{28}or will any one walk on coals of fire, and not burn his feet?

\VS{29}So is he that goes in to a married woman; he shall not be held guiltless, neither any one that touches her.

\VS{30}It is not to be wondered at if one should be taken stealing, for he steals that when hungry he may satisfy his soul:

\VS{31}but if he should be taken, he shall repay sevenfold, and shall deliver himself by giving all his goods.

\VS{32}But the adulterer through want of sense procures destruction to his soul.

\VS{33}He endures both pain and disgrace, and his reproach shall never be wiped off.

\VS{34}For the soul of her husband is full of jealousy: he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

\VS{35}He will not forego
{\ADD{his}} enmity for any ransom: neither will he be reconciled for many gifts.




\par }\Chap{7}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, keep my words, and hide with thee my commandments.

\VS{1a}{\ADD{My}} son, honour the Lord, and thou shalt be strong; and fear none but him:

\VS{2}keep my commandments, and thou shalt live; and
{\ADD{keep}} my words as the pupils of
{\ADD{thine}} eyes.

\VS{3}And bind them on thy fingers, and write
{\ADD{them}} on the table of thine heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Say that wisdom is thy sister, and gain prudence as an acquaintance for thyself;

\VS{5}that she may keep thee from the strange and wicked woman, if she should assail thee with flattering words.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}For she looks from a window out of her house into the streets, at one whom she may see of the senseless ones, a young man void of understanding,

\VS{7}passing by the corner in the passages
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 7:7 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{of.}}}near her house,

\VS{8}and speaking, in the dark of the evening,

\VS{9}when there happens
{\ADD{to be}} the stillness of night and of darkness:

\VS{10}and the woman meets him having the appearance of a harlot, that causes the hearts of young men to flutter.

\VS{11}And she is fickle, and debauched, and her feet abide not at home.

\VS{12}For at one time she wanders without, and at
{\ADD{another}} time she lies in wait in the streets, at every corner.

\VS{13}Then she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said to him,

\VS{14}I have a peace-offering; to-day I pay my vows:

\VS{15}therefore I came forth to meet thee, desiring thy face;
{\ADD{and}} I have found thee.

\VS{16}I have spread my bed with sheets, and I have covered it with double tapestry from Egypt.

\VS{17}I have sprinkled my couch with saffron, and my house with cinnamon.

\VS{18}Come, and let us enjoy love until the morning; come, and let us embrace in love.

\VS{19}For my husband is not at home, but is gone on a long journey,

\VS{20}having taken in his hand a bundle of money: after many days he will return to his house.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}So with much converse she prevailed on him to go astray, and with the snares of her lips she forced him from
{\ADD{the right path}}.

\VS{22}And he followed her, being gently led on, and
{\ADD{that}} as an ox is led to the slaughter, and as a dog to bonds, or as a hart shot in the liver with an arrow:

\VS{23}and he hastens as a bird into a snare, not knowing that he is running for
{\ADD{his}} life.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hearken to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.

\VS{25}Let not thine heart turn aside to her ways:\FTNT{†}{{\FR 7:25 }{\FQA{Alex.
}}{\FT{+ 'and stray not in her paths.'}}}

\VS{26}for she has wounded and cast down many, and those whom she has slain are innumerable.

\VS{27}Her house is the
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 7:27 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{ways.}}}way of hell, leading down to the chambers of death.




\par }\Chap{8}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Thou shalt proclaim wisdom, that understanding may be obedient to thee.

\VS{2}For she is on lofty eminences, and stands in the midst of the ways.

\VS{3}For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances,
{\ADD{saying}},

\VS{4}You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

\VS{5}O ye simple,
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 8:5 }{\FT{For the use of ἄκατος and πανοῦργος in this book, see Appendix.}}}understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

\VS{6}Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn
{\ADD{truths}}; and will produce right
{\ADD{sayings}} from my lips.

\VS{7}For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

\VS{8}All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

\VS{9}They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.

\VS{10}Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold.

\VS{11}For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}I wisdom have dwelt
{\ADD{with}} counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding.

\VS{13}The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

\VS{14}Counsel and safety are mine: prudence is mine, and strength is mine.

\VS{15}By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

\VS{16}By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

\VS{17}I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find
{\ADD{me}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Wealth and glory belong to me; yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.

\VS{19}{\ADD{It is}} better to have my fruit than
{\ADD{to have}} gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

\VS{20}I walk in ways of righteousness, and
{\ADD{am}} conversant with the paths of judgment;

\VS{21}that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things.

\VS{21a}If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember
{\ADD{also}} to recount the things of old.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

\VS{23}He established me
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 8:23 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{before the age.}}}before time
{\ADD{was}} in the beginning, before he made the earth:

\VS{24}even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

\VS{25}before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

\VS{26}The Lord made countries and uninhabited
{\ADD{tracts}}, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

\VS{27}When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; and when he
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 8:27 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{marked out.}}}prepared his throne upon the winds:

\VS{28}and when he strengthened the clouds above; and when he secured the fountains of the earth:

\VS{29}\FTNT{§}{{\FR 8:29 }{\FT{See Appendix.}}}and when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:

\VS{30}I was by him,
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 8:30 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{arranging all things.}}}suiting
{\ADD{myself to him}}, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.

\VS{31}For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced among the children of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hear me: blessed is the man who shall hearken to me, and the mortal who shall keep my ways;\FTNT{††}{{\FR 8:32 }{\FT{appendix has Alexandrine text as: “And blessed are they that keep my ways.”}}}

\VS{34}watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances.

\VS{35}For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and
{\ADD{in them}} is prepared favour from the Lord.

\VS{36}But they that sin against me act wickedly against their own souls: and they that hate me love death.




\par }\Chap{9}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Wisdom has built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars.

\VS{2}She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine in a bowl, and prepared her table.

\VS{3}She has sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,

\VS{4}Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,

\VS{5}Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have mingled for you.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Leave folly, that ye may reign for ever; and seek
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 9:6 }{\FQA{Alex.
}}{\FT{+ 'that ye may live.'}}}wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.

\VS{7}He that reproves evil
{\ADD{men}} shall get dishonour to himself; and he that rebukes an ungodly
{\ADD{man}} shall disgrace himself.

\VS{8}Rebuke not evil
{\ADD{men}}, lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise
{\ADD{man}}, and he will love thee.

\VS{9}Give an opportunity to a wise
{\ADD{man}}, and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will receive more
{\ADD{instruction}}.

\VS{10}The fear of the Lord is the
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 9:10 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{summit.}}}beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding:

\VS{10a}for to know the law is
{\ADD{the character}} of a sound mind.

\VS{11}For in this way thou shalt live long, and years of thy life shall be added to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Son, if thou be wise for thyself, thou shalt also be wise for thy neighbours; and if thou shouldest prove wicked, thou alone wilt bear the evil.

\VS{12a}\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 9:12a }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{— to beginning of verse 13.}}}He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts to rule the winds, and the same will pursue birds in their flight:

\VS{12b}for he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard, and he has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray;

\VS{12c}and he goes through a dry desert, and a
{\ADD{land}} appointed to drought, and he gathers barrenness with his hands.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A foolish and bold woman, who knows not modesty, comes to want a morsel.

\VS{14}She sits at the doors of her house, on a seat openly in the streets,

\VS{15}calling to passers by, and to those that are going right on their ways;

\VS{16}{\ADD{saying}}, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; and I exhort those that want prudence, saying,

\VS{17}Take and enjoy secret bread, and the sweet water of theft.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}But he knows that mighty men die by her, and he falls in with a snare of hell.

\VS{18a}But hasten away, delay not in the place, neither fix thine eye upon her:

\VS{18b}for thus shalt thou go through strange water;

\VS{18c}but do thou abstain from strange water, and drink not of a strange fountain,

\VS{18d}that thou mayest live long, and years of life may be added to thee.




\par }\Chap{10}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A wise son makes
{\ADD{his}} father glad: but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

\VS{2}Treasures shall not profit the lawless: but righteousness shall deliver from death.

\VS{3}The Lord will not famish a righteous soul: but he will overthrow the life of the ungodly.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Poverty brings a man low: but the hands of the vigorous make rich.

\VS{4a}A son who is instructed shall be wise, and shall use the fool for a servant.

\VS{5}A wise son is saved from heat: but a lawless son is blighted of the winds in harvest.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but untimely grief shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.

\VS{7}The memory of the just is praised; but the name of the ungodly
{\ADD{man}} is extinguished.

\VS{8}A wise man in heart will receive commandments; but he that is unguarded in his lips shall be overthrown in his perverseness.

\VS{9}He that walks simply, walks confidently; but he that perverts his ways shall be known.

\VS{10}He that winks with his eyes deceitfully, procures griefs for men; but he that reproves boldly is a peacemaker.

\VS{11}{\ADD{There is}} a fountain of life in the hand of a righteous man; but destruction shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Hatred stirs up strife; but affection covers all that do not love strife.

\VS{13}He that brings forth wisdom from his lips smites the
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 10:13 }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{heartless man,
}}{\FQA{Hebraism.}}}fool with a rod.

\VS{14}The wise will hide discretion; but the mouth of the hasty draws near to ruin.

\VS{15}The wealth of rich men is a strong city; but poverty is the ruin of the ungodly.

\VS{16}The works of the righteous produce life; but the fruits of the ungodly
{\ADD{produce}} sins.

\VS{17}Instruction keeps the right ways of life; but instruction unchastened goes astray.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Righteous lips cover enmity; but they that utter railings are most foolish.

\VS{19}By a multitude of words thou shalt not escape sin; but if thou refrain thy lips thou wilt be prudent.

\VS{20}The tongue of the just is tried silver; but the heart of the ungodly shall fail.

\VS{21}The lips of the righteous know sublime
{\ADD{truths}}: but the foolish die in want.

\VS{22}The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the righteous; it enriches
{\ADD{him}}, and grief of heart shall not be added to
{\ADD{it}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A fool does mischief in
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 10:23 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{laughter.}}}sport; but wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The ungodly is engulphed in destruction; but the desire of the righteous is acceptable.

\VS{25}When the storm passes by, the ungodly vanishes away; but the righteous turns aside and escapes for ever.

\VS{26}As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.

\VS{27}The fear of the Lord adds
{\ADD{length}} of days: but the years of the ungodly shall be shortened.

\VS{28}Joy rests long with the righteous: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.

\VS{29}The fear of the Lord is a strong hold of the saints: but ruin
{\ADD{comes}} to them that work wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}The righteous shall never fail: but the ungodly shall not dwell in the earth.

\VS{31}The mouth of the righteous drops wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall perish.

\VS{32}The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.




\par }\Chap{11}{\PP \VerseOne{1}False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable unto him.

\VS{2}Wherever pride enters, there will be also disgrace: but the mouth of the lowly meditates wisdom.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 11:2 }{\FT{See Appendix.}}}

\VS{3}\FTNT{†}{{\FR 11:3 }{\FT{the Alexandrine text reads: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them.”}}}When a just man dies he
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 11:3 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}leaves regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy, and causes joy.

\VS{5}Righteousness
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 11:5 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{right divides.}}}traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The righteousness of upright men delivers them: but transgressors are caught in their own destruction.

\VS{7}At the death of a just man his hope does not perish: but the boast of the ungodly perishes.

\VS{8}A righteous man escapes from a snare, and the ungodly man is delivered up in his place.

\VS{9}In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens: but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous.

\VS{10}In the prosperity of righteous men a city prospers:\FTNT{**}{{\FR 11:10 }{\FT{See Appendix which gives the Alexandrine text as: “[note - Part of verse 10.]— but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation.”}}}

\VS{11}but by the mouths of ungodly men it is overthrown.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A man void of understanding sneers at
{\ADD{his fellow}} citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.

\VS{13}A double-tongued man discloses the
{\ADD{secret}} counsels of an assembly: but he that is
\FTNT{††}{{\FR 11:13 }{\FT{See chap
}}{\XT{20. 27.}}}faithful in spirit conceals matters.

\VS{14}They that have no
\FTNT{‡‡}{{\FR 11:14 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{governance.}}}guidance fall like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}A bad man does harm wherever he meets a just man: and he hates the sound of safety.

\VS{16}A gracious wife
\FTNT{§§}{{\FR 11:16 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{raises.}}}brings glory to her husband: but a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonour. The slothful come to want: but the
\FTNT{***}{{\FR 11:16 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{manly.}}}diligent support themselves with wealth.

\VS{17}A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless destroys his own body.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}An ungodly man performs unrighteous works: but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.

\VS{19}A righteous son is born for life: but the persecution of the ungodly
{\ADD{ends}} in death.

\VS{20}Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord: but all they that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him.

\VS{21}He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished: but he that sows righteousness shall receive a faithful reward.

\VS{22}As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded woman.

\VS{23}All the desire of the righteous is good: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}There are
{\ADD{some}} who scatter their own, and make it more: and there are
{\ADD{some}} also who gather,
{\ADD{yet}} have less.\FTNT{†††}{{\FR 11:24 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{diminished.}}}

\VS{25}Every sincere soul is blessed: but a passionate man is not graceful.

\VS{26}May he that hoards corn leave it to the nation: but blessing be on the head of him that gives
{\ADD{it}}.

\VS{27}He that devises good
{\ADD{counsels}} seeks good favour: but
{\ADD{as for}} him that seeks after evil,
{\ADD{evil}} shall overtake him.

\VS{28}He that trusts in wealth shall fall; but he that helps righteous men shall rise.\FTNT{‡‡‡}{{\FR 11:28 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{1 Tim. 5. 8.}}}

\VS{29}He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man.

\VS{30}Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life; but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.

\VS{31}\FTNT{§§§}{{\FR 11:31 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{1 Pet.}}}If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?




\par }\Chap{12}{\PP \VerseOne{1}He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.

\VS{2}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 12:2 }{\FT{Or. better is he, etc.}}}He that has found favour with the Lord
{\ADD{is made}} better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.

\VS{3}A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.

\VS{4}A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}The thoughts of the righteous
{\ADD{are true}} judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

\VS{7}When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.

\VS{8}The mouth of an understanding
{\ADD{man}} is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.

\VS{9}Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

\VS{11}He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding.

\VS{11a}He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

\VS{13}For the sin of
{\ADD{his}} lips a sinner falls into snares; but a righteous man escapes from them.

\VS{13a}He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

\VS{14}The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

\VS{15}The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.

\VS{16}A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

\VS{17}A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Some wound as they speak,
{\ADD{like}} swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

\VS{19}True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

\VS{20}{\ADD{There is}} deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

\VS{21}No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.

\VS{22}Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

\VS{23}An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

\VS{25}A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

\VS{26}A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.

\VS{27}A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 12:27 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{pure.}}}blameless man is a precious possession.

\VS{28}In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries
{\ADD{lead}} to death.




\par }\Chap{13}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A wise son is obedient to his father: but a disobedient son will be destroyed.

\VS{2}A good
{\ADD{man}} shall eat of the fruits of righteousness: but the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time.

\VS{3}He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself.

\VS{4}Every slothful man desires, but the hands of the active are diligent.

\VS{5}A righteous man hates an unjust word: but an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have no confidence.\FTNT{*}{{\FR 13:5 }{\FT{See Appendix for Alexandrine text shown as: “Righteousness preserves the simple in the way, but sin makes worthless the ungodly.”}}}

\VS{7}There are
{\ADD{some}} who, having nothing, enrich themselves: and there are
{\ADD{some}} who bring themselves down in
{\ADD{the midst of}} much wealth.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A man's own wealth is the ransom of his life: but the poor
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 13:8 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{comes not in for.}}}endures not threatening.

\VS{9}The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is quenched.

\VS{9a}Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful.

\VS{10}A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.

\VS{11}Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased. The righteous is merciful, and lends.

\VS{12}Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads
{\ADD{another}} to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.

\VS{13}He that slights a matter shall be slighted of it: but he that fears the commandment has health
{\ADD{of soul}}.

\VS{13a}To a crafty son there shall be nothing good: but a wise servant shall have prosperous doings, and his way shall be directed aright.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The law of the wise is a fountain of life: but the man void of understanding shall die by a snare.

\VS{15}Sound discretion gives favour, and to know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend to destruction.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Every prudent man acts with knowledge: but the fool displays his own mischief.

\VS{17}A rash king shall fall into mischief: but a wise messenger shall deliver him.

\VS{18}Instruction removes poverty and disgrace: but he that attends to reproofs shall be honoured.

\VS{19}The desires of the godly gladden the soul, but the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge.

\VS{20}If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt be wise: but he that walks with fools shall be known.

\VS{21}Evil shall pursue sinners; but good shall overtake the righteous.

\VS{22}A good man shall inherit children's children; and the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the just.

\VS{23}The righteous shall spend many years in wealth: but the unrighteous shall perish suddenly.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}He that spares the rod hates his son: but he that loves, carefully chastens
{\ADD{him}}.

\VS{25}A just
{\ADD{man}} eats and satisfies his soul: but the souls of the ungodly are in want.




\par }\Chap{14}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs
{\ADD{hers}} down with her hands.

\VS{2}He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonoured.

\VS{3}Out of the mouth of fools
{\ADD{comes}} a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them.

\VS{4}Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent.

\VS{5}A faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods.

\VS{6}Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion.

\VS{8}The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; but the folly of fools leads astray.

\VS{9}The houses of transgressors
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 14:9 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{shall owe. See
}}{\XT{Job 6. 21.}}}will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}{\ADD{If}} a man's
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 14:10 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{heart be sensitive.}}}mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.

\VS{11}The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.

\VS{12}There is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 14:12 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{come.}}}reach to the depth of hell.

\VS{13}Grief mingles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief.

\VS{14}A
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 14:14 }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{bold-hearted.}}}stout-hearted
{\ADD{man}} shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.

\VS{15}The simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.

\VS{16}A wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor.

\VS{17}A passionate man acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.

\VS{19}Evil men shall fall before the good; and the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous.

\VS{20}Friends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many.

\VS{21}He that dishonours the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.

\VS{22}They that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.

\VS{23}With every one
{\ADD{who is}} careful there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want.

\VS{24}A prudent man is the crown of the wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: but a deceitful
{\ADD{man}} kindles falsehoods.

\VS{26}In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and he leaves his children a support.

\VS{27}The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes
{\ADD{men}} to turn aside from the snare of death.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.

\VS{29}A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient spirit is very foolish.

\VS{30}A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.

\VS{31}He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: but he that honours him has pity upon the poor.

\VS{32}The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: but
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 14:32 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}he who is secure in his own holiness is just.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}There is wisdom in the good heart of a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned.

\VS{34}Righteousness exalts a nation: but sins diminish tribes.

\VS{35}An understanding servant is acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.




\par }\Chap{15}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath: but a grievous word stirs up anger.

\VS{2}The tongue of the wise knows what is good: but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}The eyes of the Lord behold both the evil and the good in every place.

\VS{4}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 15:4 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{the healing of the tongue.}}}The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled with
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 15:4 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{spirit.}}}understanding.

\VS{5}A fool scorns his father's instruction: but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 15:5 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{with the roots wholly torn up.}}}utterly perish from the earth.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}In the houses of the righteous is much strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.

\VS{7}The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.

\VS{8}The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.

\VS{9}The ways of an ungodly
{\ADD{man}} are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those that follow after righteousness.

\VS{10}The instruction of the simple is known by them that pass by; but they that hate reproofs die disgracefully.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Hell and destruction are manifest to the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men?

\VS{12}An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise.

\VS{13}When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow,
{\ADD{the countenance}} is sad.

\VS{14}An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet.

\VS{16}Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear
{\ADD{of the Lord}}.

\VS{17}Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity.

\VS{18}A passionate man stirs up strife; but
{\ADD{he that is}} slow to anger appeases even a
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 15:18 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{future.}}}rising one.

\VS{18a}A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man rather stirs
{\ADD{them}} up.

\VS{19}The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth.

\VS{20}A wise son gladdens
{\ADD{his}} father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother.

\VS{21}The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright.

\VS{22}They that honour not councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A bad man will by no means
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 15:23 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{obey.}}}attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common
{\ADD{weal}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell.

\VS{25}The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow.

\VS{26}An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour.

\VS{27}A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe.

\VS{27a}[By alms and by faithful dealings
\FTNT{††}{{\FR 15:27a }{\FT{Observe, this is not in the
}}{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{nor any such doctrine.}}}sins are purged away;] but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things.

\VS{28a}The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.

\VS{29}God is far from the ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous.

\VS{29a}Better are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.


\par }{\PP \VS{29b}Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God.

\VS{30}The eye that sees rightly rejoices the heart; and a good report fattens the bones.

\VS{32}He that rejects instruction hates himself; but he that minds reproofs loves his soul.

\VS{33}The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom; and the highest honour will correspond therewith.




\Chap{16}\VS{2}All the works of the humble
{\ADD{man}} are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.

\VS{5}Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.

\VS{7}The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.

\VS{8}He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace.

\VS{9}All the works of the Lord
{\ADD{are done}} with righteousness; and the ungodly
{\ADD{man}} is kept for the evil day.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}{\ADD{There is}} an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgment.

\VS{11}The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.

\VS{12}An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.

\VS{13}Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.

\VS{14}The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.

\VS{15}The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.

\VS{16}The
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 16:16 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{Abodes. Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{See
}}{\XT{Luke 13. 35.}}}brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.

\VS{17}The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.

\VS{19}Better is a meek-spirited
{\ADD{man}} with
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 16:19 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{affliction.}}}lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.

\VS{20}{\ADD{He who is}} skilful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.

\VS{21}{\ADD{Men}} call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.

\VS{22}Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.

\VS{23}The heart of the wise will discern the
{\ADD{things which proceed}} from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.

\VS{24}Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.

\VS{26}A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from
{\ADD{him}} his own ruin.

\VS{27}But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.

\VS{28}A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.

\VS{29}A transgressor tries
{\ADD{to ensnare}} friends, and leads them in ways
{\ADD{that are}} not good.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evils: he is a furnace of wickedness.

\VS{31}Old age is a crown of
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 16:31 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{boasting.}}}honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.

\VS{32}A man slow to anger is better than a strong
{\ADD{man}}; and he that governs
{\ADD{his}} temper better than he that takes a city.

\VS{33}All
{\ADD{evils}} come upon the ungodly into
{\ADD{their}} bosoms; but all righteous things
{\ADD{come}} of the Lord.




\par }\Chap{17}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house
{\ADD{full}} of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

\VS{2}A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.

\VS{3}As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.

\VS{4}A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.

\VS{5}He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children.

\VS{6a}The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.

\VS{7}Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.

\VS{8}Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

\VS{9}He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide
{\ADD{them}} separates friends and
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 17:9 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}kindred.

\VS{10}A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.

\VS{11}Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

\VS{13}Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.

\VS{14}Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

\VS{15}He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

\VS{16}Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.

\VS{16a}He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.

\VS{17}Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

\VS{18}A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself,
{\ADD{as he}} also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

\VS{20}and the hard-hearted man
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 17:20 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{meets not with good men.}}}comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

\VS{21}and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

\VS{22}A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

\VS{23}The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in
{\ADD{his}} bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

\VS{24}The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool
{\ADD{go}} to the ends of the earth.

\VS{25}A foolish son
{\ADD{is a cause of}} anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}{\ADD{It is}} not right to punish a righteous man, nor
{\ADD{is it}} holy to plot against righteous princes.

\VS{27}He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

\VS{28}Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.




\par }\Chap{18}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

\VS{2}A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

\VS{3}When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises
{\ADD{them}}; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.

\VS{4}A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

\VS{5}{\ADD{It is}} not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor
{\ADD{is it}} holy to pervert justice in judgment.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The lips of a fool bring
{\ADD{him}} into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

\VS{7}A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

\VS{8}Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

\VS{9}A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

\VS{10}The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 18:10 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{having run.}}}running to it are exalted.

\VS{11}The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

\VS{12}Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.

\VS{13}Whoso answers a word before he hears
{\ADD{a cause}}, it is folly and reproach to him.

\VS{14}A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

\VS{15}The heart of the sensible
{\ADD{man}} purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

\VS{16}A man's gift
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 18:16 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{Ps. 118. 32.}}}enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

\VS{17}A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 18:17 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\XT{Mark 14.
}}{\FT{ult. and margin, with
}}{\XT{2 Tim. 4. 14-17.}}}when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A silent
{\ADD{man}} quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

\VS{19}A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is
{\ADD{as}} strong as a
{\ADD{well}}-founded palace.

\VS{20}A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

\VS{21}Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

\VS{22}He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God.

\VS{22a}[\FTNT{§}{{\FR 18:22a }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{omits this verse.}}}He that puts away a good wife, puts away a
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 18:22a }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{plural.}}}good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]




\par }\Chap{19}{\PP \VS{3}The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.

\VS{5}A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.

\VS{6}Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to
{\ADD{another}} man.

\VS{7}Every one who hates
{\ADD{his}} poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that uses provoking words shall not escape.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.

\VS{9}A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.

\VS{10}Delight does not suit a fool, nor
{\ADD{is it seemly}} if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.

\VS{11}A merciful man is long-suffering; and his
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 19:11 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{boasting comes upon.}}}triumph overtakes transgressors.

\VS{12}The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows
{\ADD{paid out}} of the hire of a harlot are not pure.

\VS{14}Fathers divide house and substance to
{\ADD{their}} children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.

\VS{15}\FTNT{†}{{\FR 19:15 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{keeps down.}}}Cowardice possesses the effeminate
{\ADD{man}}; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.

\VS{16}He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.

\VS{17}He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.

\VS{18}Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness.

\VS{19}A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.

\VS{21}{\ADD{There are}} many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.

\VS{22}Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.

\VS{23}The fear of the Lord is life to a man:
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 19:23 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{'but he that is without fear (sc. of the Lord) shall dwell' etc.}}}and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.

\VS{24}He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even
{\ADD{bring}} them up to his mouth.

\VS{25}When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.

\VS{27}A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.

\VS{28}He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgments.

\VS{29}Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.




\par }\Chap{20}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.

\VS{2}The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.

\VS{3}{\ADD{It is}} a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.

\VS{4}A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a prudent man will draw it out.

\VS{6}A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but
{\ADD{it is}} hard to find a faithful man.

\VS{7}He that walks blameless in justice, shall leave his children blessed.

\VS{8}Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil thing can stand before his presence.

\VS{9}Who will boast that he has a pure heart? or who will boldly say that he is pure from sins?

\VS{9a}The lamp of him that reviles father or mother shall be put out, and his eyeballs shall see darkness.


\par }{\PP \VS{9b}A portion hastily gotten at first shall not be blessed in the end.

\VS{9c}Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; but wait on the Lord, that he may help thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A large and small weight, and
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 20:10 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{double.}}}divers measures, are even both of them unclean before the Lord; and
{\ADD{so is}} he that makes them.

\VS{11}A youth
{\ADD{when in company}} with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and
{\ADD{then}} his way will be straight.

\VS{12}The ear hears, and the eye sees: even both of them are the Lord's work.

\VS{13}Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut off: open thine eyes, and be filled with bread.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.

\VS{24}A man's goings are directed of the Lord: how then can a mortal understand his ways?

\VS{25}It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for
{\ADD{in that case}} repentance comes after vowing.

\VS{26}A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 20:27 }{\FT{Comp. chap
}}{\XT{11. 13.}}}spirit of man is a light of the Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly.

\VS{28}Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.

\VS{29}Wisdom is an ornament to young men; and grey
{\ADD{hairs}} are the glory of old men.

\VS{30}Bruises and contusions befall bad men; and plagues
{\ADD{shall come}} into the inward parts of
{\ADD{their}} belly.




\par }\Chap{21}{\PP \VerseOne{1}As a rush of water, so is the king's heart in God's hand: he turns it whithersoever he may desire to point out.

\VS{2}Every man seems to himself righteous; but the Lord directs the hearts.

\VS{3}To do justly and to speak truth, are more pleasing to God than the blood of sacrifices.

\VS{4}A high-minded man is stout-hearted in
{\ADD{his}} pride; and the lamp of the wicked is sin.

\VS{6}He that gathers treasures with a lying tongue pursues vanity
{\ADD{on}} to the snares of death.

\VS{7}Destruction shall lodge with the ungodly; for they refuse to do justly.

\VS{8}To the froward God sends froward ways; for his works are pure and right.

\VS{9}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell in a corner
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 21:9 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{in the open air.}}}on the house-top, than in plastered
{\ADD{rooms}} with unrighteousness, and in an open house.

\VS{10}The soul of the ungodly shall not be pitied by any man.

\VS{11}When an intemperate man is punished the simple becomes wiser: and a wise man understanding will receive knowledge.

\VS{12}A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear
{\ADD{him}}.

\VS{14}A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.

\VS{15}{\ADD{It is}} the joy of the righteous to do judgment: but a holy
{\ADD{man}} is abominable with evil-doers.

\VS{16}A man that wanders out of the way of righteousness, shall rest in the congregation of
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 21:16 }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{Rephaim. see Appendix. Note on
}}{\XT{2 Kings 5. 18.}}}giants.

\VS{17}A poor man loves mirth, loving wine and oil in abundance;

\VS{18}and a transgressor is the
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 21:18 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{`off-scouring;' perhaps `ransom,' q. d. that which cleans.}}}abomination of a righteous man.

\VS{19}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman.

\VS{20}A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up.

\VS{21}The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.

\VS{22}A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.

\VS{23}He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}A bold and self-willed and insolent
{\ADD{man}} is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.

\VS{25}Desires kill the sluggard; for his hands do not choose to do anything.

\VS{26}An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.

\VS{27}The sacrifices of the ungodly are abomination to the Lord, for they offer them wickedly.\FTNT{§}{{\FR 21:27 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{unlawfully.}}}

\VS{28}A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man will speak cautiously.

\VS{29}An ungodly man
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 21:29 }{\FT{See
}}{\FQA{Alex.
}}{\FT{ungodly.}}}impudently withstands with his face; but the upright man himself understands his ways.

\VS{30}There is no wisdom, there is no courage, there is no counsel against the ungodly.

\VS{31}A horse is prepared for the day of battle; but help is of the Lord.




\par }\Chap{22}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A fair name is better than much wealth, and good favour is above silver and gold.

\VS{2}The rich and the poor meet together; but the Lord made them both.

\VS{3}An intelligent man seeing a bad man severely punished is himself instructed, but fools pass by and are punished.

\VS{4}The fear of the Lord is the offspring of wisdom, and wealth, and glory, and life.

\VS{5}Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.

\VS{7}The rich will rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}He that sows wickedness shall reap troubles; and shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds.

\VS{8a}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 22:8a }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{2 Cor. 9. 7.
}}{\FT{Compare
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}God loves a cheerful and liberal man; but
{\ADD{a man}} shall fully prove the folly of his works.

\VS{9}He that has pity on the poor shall himself be maintained; for he has given of his own bread to the poor.

\VS{9a}He that gives liberally secures victory and honour; but he takes away the life of them that possess
{\ADD{them}}.

\VS{10}Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him; for when he sits in the council he dishonours all.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The Lord loves holy hearts, and all blameless persons are acceptable with him: a king rules with his lips.

\VS{12}But the eyes of the Lord preserve discretion; but the transgressor despises
{\ADD{wise}} words.

\VS{13}The sluggard makes excuses, and says,
{\ADD{There is}} a lion in the ways, and murderers in the streets.

\VS{14}The mouth of a transgressor is a deep pit; and he that is hated of the Lord shall fall into it.

\VS{14a}Evil ways are before a man, and he does not like to turn away from them; but it is needful to turn aside from a perverse and bad way.

\VS{15}Folly is attached to the heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are
{\ADD{then}} far from him.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}He that oppresses the poor, increases his own substance, yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Incline thine ear to the words of wise men: hear also my word, and apply thine heart,

\VS{18}that thou mayest know that they are good: and if thou lay them to heart, they shall also gladden thee on thy lips.

\VS{19}That thy hope may be in the Lord, and he may make thy way known to thee.

\VS{20}And do thou too repeatedly record them for thyself on the table of thine heart, for counsel and knowledge.

\VS{21}I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth to them that
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 22:21 }{\FT{See
}}{\XT{1 Pet. 3. 15.}}}question thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: neither dishonour the helpless
{\ADD{man}} in the gates.

\VS{23}For the Lord will plead his cause, and thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Be not companion to a furious man; neither lodge with a passionate man:

\VS{25}lest thou learn of his ways, and get snares to thy soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Become not surety from respect of a man's person.

\VS{27}For if those have not whence to give compensation, they will take the bed
{\ADD{that is}} under thee.

\VS{28}Remove not the old
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 22:28 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{eternal.}}}landmarks, which thy fathers placed.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}It is fit that an observant man and
{\ADD{one}} diligent in his business should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men.




\par }\Chap{23}{\PP \VerseOne{1}If thou sit to sup at the table of a prince, consider attentively the things set before thee:

\VS{2}and apply thine hand, knowing that it behoves thee to prepare such
{\ADD{meats}}: but if thou art very insatiable,

\VS{3}desire not his provisions; for these belong to a false life.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}If thou art poor, measure not thyself with a rich man; but refrain thyself in thy wisdom.

\VS{5}If thou shouldest fix thine eye upon him, he will disappear; for wings like an eagle's are prepared for him, and he returns to the house of his master.

\VS{6}Sup not with an envious man, neither desire thou his meats:

\VS{7}so he eats and drinks as if any one should swallow a hair, and do not bring him in to thyself, nor eat thy morsel with him:

\VS{8}for he will vomit it up, and spoil thy fair words.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Say nothing in the ears of a fool, lest at any time he sneer at thy wise words.

\VS{10}Remove not the ancient landmarks; and enter not upon the possession of the fatherless:

\VS{11}for the Lord is their redeemer; he is mighty, and will plead their cause with thee.

\VS{12}Apply thine heart to instruction, and prepare thine ears for words of discretion.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Refrain not from chastening a child; for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

\VS{14}For thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from death.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Son, if thy heart be wise, thou shalt also gladden my heart;

\VS{16}and thy lips shall converse with my lips, if they be right.

\VS{17}Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day.

\VS{18}For if thou shouldest keep these things, thou shalt have posterity; and thine hope shall not be removed.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, and be wise, and rightly direct the thoughts of thine heart.

\VS{20}Be not a wine-bibber, neither continue long at feasts, and purchases of flesh:

\VS{21}for every drunkard and whoremonger shall be poor; and every sluggard shall clothe himself with tatters and ragged garments.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Hearken,
{\ADD{my}} son, to thy father which begot thee, and despise not
{\ADD{thy mother}} because she is grown old.

\VS{24}A righteous father brings up
{\ADD{his children}} well; and his soul rejoices over a wise son.

\VS{25}Let thy father and thy mother rejoice over thee, and let her that bore thee be glad.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}{\ADD{My}} son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

\VS{27}For a strange house is a vessel full of holes; and a strange well is narrow.

\VS{28}For such a one shall perish suddenly; and every transgressor shall be cut off.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Who
{\ADD{has}} woe? who trouble? who
{\ADD{has}} quarrels? and who vexations and disputes? who
{\ADD{has}} bruises without a cause? whose eyes are livid?

\VS{30}Are not those of them that stay long at wine?
{\ADD{are}} not
{\ADD{those}} of them that haunt
{\ADD{the places}} where banquets are? Be not drunk with wine; but converse with just men, and converse
{\ADD{with them}}
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 23:30 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{in public walks.}}}openly.

\VS{31}For if thou shouldest set thine eyes on bowls and cups, thou shalt afterwards go more naked than a pestle.

\VS{32}But at last
{\ADD{such a one}} stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Whenever thine eyes shall behold a strange woman, then thy mouth shall speak perverse things.

\VS{34}And thou shalt lie as in the midst of the sea, and as a pilot in a great storm.

\VS{35}And thou shalt say, They smote me, and I was not pained; and they mocked me, and I knew it not: when will it be morning, that I may go and seek those with whom I may go in company?




\par }\Chap{24}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, envy not bad men, nor desire to be with them.

\VS{2}For their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak mischiefs.

\VS{3}A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.

\VS{4}By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.

\VS{5}A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large estate.

\VS{6}War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counsellor.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,

\VS{8}but deliberate in council. Death befalls uninstructed
{\ADD{men}}.

\VS{9}The fool also dies in sins; and uncleanness
{\ADD{attaches}} to a pestilent man.

\VS{10}He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Deliver them that are led away to death, and redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not
{\ADD{thy help}}.

\VS{12}But if thou shouldest say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.

\VS{13}{\ADD{My}} son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that thy throat may be sweetened.

\VS{14}Thus shalt thou perceive wisdom in thy soul: for if thou find it, thine end shall be good, and hope shall not fail thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Bring not an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.

\VS{16}For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise
{\ADD{again}}: but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.

\VS{17}If thine enemy should fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.

\VS{18}For the Lord will see
{\ADD{it}}, and it will not please him, and he will turn away his wrath from him.

\VS{19}Rejoice not in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners.

\VS{20}For the evil man shall have no posterity: and the light of the wicked shall be put out.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}{\ADD{My}} son, fear God and the king; and do not disobey either of them.

\VS{22}For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance
{\ADD{inflicted}} by both?


\par }{\PP \VS{22a}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 24:22a }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{omits to the end.}}}[A son that keeps the commandment shall
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 24:22a }{\FQA{Lit.
}}{\FT{be outside of.}}}escape destruction; for
{\ADD{such an one}} has fully received it.

\VS{22b}Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue.

\VS{22c}The king's tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whosoever shall be given up to
{\ADD{it}} shall be destroyed:

\VS{22d}for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords,

\VS{22e}and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not
{\ADD{even}} fit to be eaten by the young eagles.

\VS{22f}{\ADD{My}} son, reverence my words, and receive them, and repent.]

\par }{\PP These things says the man to them that trust in God; and I cease.


\par }{\PP \VS{22g}For I am the most simple of all men, and there is not in me the wisdom of men.

\VS{22h}God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the holy.

\VS{22i}Who has gone up to heaven, and come down? who has gathered the winds in his bosom? who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? who has dominion of all the ends of the earth? what is his name? or what is the name of his children?

\VS{22k}For all the words of God are tried in the fire, and he defends those that reverence him.

\VS{22l}Add not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be made a liar.


\par }{\PP \VS{22m}Two things I ask of thee; take not favour from me before I die.

\VS{22n}Remove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth
{\ADD{or
}} poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient:

\VS{22o}lest I be filled and become false, and say, Who sees me? or be poor and steal, and swear
{\ADD{vainly
}} by the name of God.


\par }{\PP \VS{22p}Deliver not a servant into the hands of his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be utterly destroyed.

\VS{22q}A wicked generation curse their father, and do not bless their mother.

\VS{22r}A wicked generation judge themselves to be just, but do not cleanse their way.

\VS{22s}A wicked generation have lofty eyes, and exalt themselves with their eyelids.

\VS{22t}A wicked generation have swords
{\ADD{for
}} teeth and jaw-teeth
{\ADD{as
}} knives, so as to destroy and devour the lowly from the earth, and the poor of them from among men.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}And this thing I say to you that are wise
{\ADD{for you}} to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

\VS{24}He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.

\VS{25}But they that reprove
{\ADD{him}} shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come upon them;

\VS{26}and
{\ADD{men}} will kiss lips that answer well.

\VS{27}Prepare thy works for
{\ADD{thy}} going forth, and prepare thyself for the field; and come after me, and thou shalt rebuild thine house.

\VS{28}Be not a false witness against thy
{\ADD{fellow}} citizen, neither exaggerate with thy lips.

\VS{29}Say not, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that wherein he has injured me.

\VS{30}A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.

\VS{31}If thou let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds;
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 24:31 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{grass.}}}and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.

\VS{32}Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.

\VS{33}{\ADD{The sluggard says}}, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across
{\ADD{my}} breast.

\VS{34}But if thou do this, thy poverty will come speedily; and thy want like a swift courier.


\par }{\PP \VS{35}The horse-leech had three dearly-beloved daughters: and these three did not satisfy her; and the fourth was not contented so as to say, Enough.

\VS{36}The grave, and the love of a woman, and the earth not filled with water; water also and fire will not say, It is enough.


\par }{\PP \VS{37}The eye that laughs to scorn a father, and dishonours the old age of a mother, let the ravens of the valleys pick it out, and let the young eagles devour it.

\VS{38}Moreover there are three things impossible for me to comprehend, and the fourth I know not:

\VS{39}the track of a flying eagle; and the ways of a serpent on a rock; and the paths of a ship passing through the sea; and the ways of a man in youth.

\VS{40}Such is the way of an adulterous woman, who having washed herself from what she has done, says she has done nothing amiss.


\par }{\PP \VS{41}By three things the earth is troubled, and the fourth it cannot bear:

\VS{42}if a servant reign; or a fool be filled with food;

\VS{43}or if a maid-servant should cast out her own mistress; and if a hateful woman should marry a good man.


\par }{\PP \VS{44}And
{\ADD{there are}} four very little things upon the earth, but these are wiser than the wise:

\VS{45}the ants which are weak, and
{\ADD{yet
}} prepare
{\ADD{their
}} food in summer;

\VS{46}the rabbits also
{\ADD{are
}} a feeble race, who make their houses in the rocks.

\VS{47}The locusts have no king, and
{\ADD{yet
}} march orderly at one command.

\VS{48}And the eft, which supports itself by
{\ADD{its
}} hands, and is easily taken, dwells in the fortresses of kings.


\par }{\PP \VS{49}And there are three things which go well, and a fourth which passes along finely.

\VS{50}A lion's whelp, stronger than
{\ADD{all other}} beasts, which turns not away, nor fears
{\ADD{any
}} beast;

\VS{51}and a cock walking in boldly among the hens, and a goat leading the herd; and a king publicly speaking before a nation.


\par }{\PP \VS{52}If thou abandon thyself to mirth, and stretch forth thine hand in a quarrel, thou shalt be disgraced.

\VS{53}Milk out milk, and there shall be butter, and if thou wring
{\ADD{one's
}} nostrils there shall come out blood: so if thou extort words, there will come forth quarrels and strifes.


\par }{\PP \VS{54}My words have been spoken by God—the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.


\par }{\PP \VS{55}What wilt thou keep, my son, what? the words of God. My firstborn son, I speak to thee: what? son of my womb? what? son of my vows?

\VS{56}Give not thy wealth to women, nor thy mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink wine with counsel.

\VS{57}Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:

\VS{58}lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the poor rightly.

\VS{59}Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:

\VS{60}that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles any more.

\VS{61}Open thy mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.

\VS{62}Open thy mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.




\par }\Chap{25}{\PP \VerseOne{1}These are the
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 25:1 }{\FT{Possibly genuine, q. d. beyond doubt.}}}miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Ezekias king of Judea copied out.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}The glory of God conceals a matter: but the glory of a king honours business.

\VS{3}Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.

\VS{4}Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.

\VS{5}Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

\VS{7}for
{\ADD{it is}} better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, than that
{\ADD{one}} should humble thee in the presence of the prince; speak of that which thine eyes have seen.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest thou repent at last.

\VS{9}Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee, retreat backward, despise
{\ADD{him}} not;

\VS{10}lest thy friend continue to reproach thee, so thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to thee like death.

\VS{10a}Favour and friendship set
{\ADD{a man}} free, which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; but take heed to thy ways peaceably.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}{\ADD{As}} a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so
{\ADD{is it}} to speak a
{\ADD{wise}} word.

\VS{12}In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set;
{\ADD{so is}} a wise word to an obedient ear.

\VS{13}As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger
{\ADD{refreshes}} those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}As winds and clouds and rains are most evident
{\ADD{objects}}, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

\VS{15}In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

\VS{16}Having found honey, eat
{\ADD{only}} what is enough, lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up.

\VS{17}Enter sparingly into thy friend's house, lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.

\VS{18}{\ADD{As}} a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

\VS{19}The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart.

\VS{20a}As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

\VS{22}for so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee
{\ADD{with}} good.

\VS{23}The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.

\VS{24}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.

\VS{25}As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.

\VS{26}As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so
{\ADD{is it}} unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

\VS{27}{\ADD{It is}} not good to eat much honey; but it is right to honour venerable sayings.

\VS{28}As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified, so is a man who does anything without counsel.




\par }\Chap{26}{\PP \VerseOne{1}As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, so honour is not
{\ADD{seemly}} for a fool.

\VS{2}As birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon any one without a cause.

\VS{3}As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, so
{\ADD{is}} a rod for a simple nation.

\VS{4}Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him.

\VS{5}Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.

\VS{6}He that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.

\VS{7}{\ADD{As well}} take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.

\VS{8}He that binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.

\VS{9}Thorns
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 26:9 }{\FT{Compare
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.

\VS{10}\FTNT{†}{{\FR 26:10 }{\FT{Great variation from Hebrew here.}}}All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; for their fury is brought to nought.

\VS{11}As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin.

\VS{11a}[There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a shame
{\ADD{that is}} glory and grace.]

\VS{12}I have seen a man who seemed
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 26:12 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{by.}}}to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.

\VS{13}A sluggard when sent on a journey says,
{\ADD{There is}} a lion in the ways, and
{\ADD{there are}} murderers in the streets.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}As a door turns on the hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed.

\VS{15}A sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.

\VS{16}A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 26:16 }{\FT{Compare
}}{\FQA{Heb.}}}most satisfactorily brings back a message.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.

\VS{18}As those who need correction put forth
{\ADD{fair}} words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;

\VS{19}so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.

\VS{20}With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.

\VS{21}A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and a railing man for the tumult of strife.

\VS{22}The words of cunning knaves are soft; but they smite
{\ADD{even}} to the inmost parts of the bowels.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.

\VS{24}A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.

\VS{25}Though
{\ADD{thine}} enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

\VS{26}He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.

\VS{27}He that digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it: and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.

\VS{28}A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.




\par }\Chap{27}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Boast not of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what the next day shall bring forth.

\VS{2}Let thy neighbour, and not thine own mouth, praise thee; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

\VS{3}A stone is heavy, and sand cumbersome; but a fool's wrath is heavier than both.

\VS{4}Wrath is merciless, and anger sharp: but envy can bear nothing.

\VS{5}Open reproofs are better than secret love.

\VS{6}The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}A full soul scorns honeycombs; but to a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet.

\VS{8}As when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.

\VS{9}The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes: but the soul is broken by calamities.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; and when thou art in distress go not into thy brother's house: better is a friend
{\ADD{that is}} near than a brother living far off.

\VS{11}Son, be wise, that thy heart may rejoice; and remove thou from thyself reproachful words.

\VS{12}A wise man, when evils are approaching, hides himself; but fools pass on, and will be punished.

\VS{13}Take away the man's garment, (for a scorner has passed by) whoever lays waste another's goods.

\VS{14}Whosoever shall bless a friend in the morning with a loud voice, shall seem to differ nothing from one who curses
{\ADD{him}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}On a stormy day drops
{\ADD{of rain}} drive a man out of his house; so also does a railing woman
{\ADD{drive a man}} out of his own house.

\VS{16}The north wind is sharp, but it is called by name propitious.

\VS{17}Iron sharpens iron; and a man sharpens his friend's countenance.

\VS{18}He that plants a fig-tree shall eat the fruits of it: so he that waits on his own master shall be honoured.

\VS{19}As faces are not like
{\ADD{other}} faces, so neither are the thoughts of men.

\VS{20}Hell and destruction are not filled; so also are the eyes of men insatiable.

\VS{20a}[\FTNT{*}{{\FR 27:20a }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{omits to ver 21.}}}He that fixes his eye is an abomination to the Lord; and the uninstructed do not restrain their tongue.]

\VS{21}Fire is the trial for silver and gold; and a man is tried by the mouth of them that praise him.

\VS{21a}The heart of the transgressor seeks after mischiefs; but an upright heart seeks knowledge.

\VS{22}Though thou scourge a fool, disgracing him in the midst of the council, thou wilt
{\ADD{still}} in no wise remove his folly from him.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Do thou thoroughly know the number of thy flock, and pay attention to thine herds.

\VS{24}For a man
{\ADD{has}} not strength and power for ever; neither does he transmit it from generation to generation.

\VS{25}Take care of the herbage in the field, and thou shalt cut grass, and gather the mountain hay;

\VS{26}that thou mayest have
{\ADD{wool of}} sheep for clothing: pay attention to the land, that thou mayest have lambs.

\VS{27}{\ADD{My}} son, thou hast from me words very useful for thy life, and for the life of thy servants.




\par }\Chap{28}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The ungodly
{\ADD{man}} flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion.

\VS{2}By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 28:2 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{quench.}}}quell them.

\VS{3}A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and unprofitable rain,

\VS{4}so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.

\VS{5}Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 28:5 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{in everything.}}}everything.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.

\VS{7}A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.

\VS{8}He that increases his wealth by usuries and
{\ADD{unjust}} gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.

\VS{9}He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 28:9 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{abhorred his prayer.}}}made his prayer abominable.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressors also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.

\VS{11}A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.

\VS{12}By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames
{\ADD{himself}} shall be loved.

\VS{14}Blessed is the man who religiously fears
\FTNT{§}{{\FR 28:14 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{all things.}}}always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.

\VS{15}A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf
{\ADD{is he}}, who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.

\VS{16}A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety.

\VS{17a}Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.

\VS{18}He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled
{\ADD{therein}}.

\VS{19}He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with
\FTNT{**}{{\FR 28:19 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{plural.}}}bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.

\VS{21}He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.

\VS{22}An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.

\VS{24}\XREF{✡}{{\XO 28:24 }{\XT{Mark 7. 11.}}}He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.

\VS{25}An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.

\VS{26}He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.

\VS{27}He that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye
{\ADD{from him}} shall be in great distress.

\VS{28}In the places of ungodly
{\ADD{men}} the righteous
\FTNT{††}{{\FR 28:28 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{groan.}}}mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.




\par }\Chap{29}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man: for when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy.

\VS{2}When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice: but when the ungodly rule, men mourn.

\VS{3}When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices: but he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.

\VS{4}A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys
{\ADD{it}}.

\VS{5}He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.

\VS{6}A great snare
{\ADD{is spread}} for a sinner: but the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.

\VS{7}A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Lawless men burn down a city: but wise men turn away wrath.

\VS{9}A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.

\VS{10}Bloody men hate a holy
{\ADD{person}}, but the upright will seek his soul.

\VS{11}A fool utters all his mind: but the wise reserves his in part.

\VS{12}When a king hearkens to unjust language, all his subjects are transgressors.

\VS{13}When the creditor and debtor meet together, the Lord oversees them both.

\VS{14}When a king judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be established
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 29:14 }{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{'for ever.' See
}}{\XT{Am. 1. 11; Mic. 7. 18;
}}{\FT{in the Greek.}}}for a testimony.

\VS{15}Stripes and reproofs give wisdom: but an erring child disgraces his parents.

\VS{16}When the ungodly abound, sins abound: but when they fall, the righteous are warned.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest; and he shall give honour to thy soul.

\VS{18}There shall be no interpreter to a sinful nation: but he that observes the law is
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 29:18 }{\FQA{Or,
}}{\FT{'most blessed.'}}}blessed.

\VS{19}A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understand, still he will not obey.

\VS{20}If thou see a man hasty in
{\ADD{his}} words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.

\VS{21}He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.

\VS{22}A furious man stirs up strife, and a passionate man digs up sin.

\VS{23}Pride brings a man low, but the Lord upholds the humble-minded with honour.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}He that shares with a thief, hates his own soul: and if any having heard an oath uttered tell not of it,

\VS{25}{\ADD{they}} fearing and reverencing men
{\ADD{unreasonably}} have been overthrown, but he that trusts in the Lord shall rejoice. Ungodliness causes a man to stumble: but he that trusts in
\FTNT{‡}{{\FR 29:25 }{\FT{Possibly, 'in the Lord.' See
}}{\XT{2 Pet. 2. 1.}}}his master shall be safe.

\VS{26}Many wait on the favour of rulers; but justice comes to a man from the Lord.

\VS{27}A righteous man is an abomination to an unrighteous man, and the direct way is an abomination to the sinner.




\par }\Chap{30}{\PP \VerseOne{1}\FTNT{*}{{\FR 30:1 }{\FT{See chapter 24 for the content of chapter 30.}}}




\par }\Chap{31}{\PP \VS{10}Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.

\VS{11}The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.

\VS{12}For she employs all her living for her husband's good.

\VS{13}Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.

\VS{14}She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood.

\VS{15}And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and
{\ADD{appointed}} tasks to her maidens.

\VS{16}She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants a possession.

\VS{17}She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.

\VS{18}And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.

\VS{19}She reaches forth her arms to needful
{\ADD{works}}, and applies her hands to the spindle.

\VS{20}And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all
\FTNT{*}{{\FR 31:21 }{\FQA{Gr.
}}{\FT{those with her.}}}her household are clothed.

\VS{22}She makes for her husband
\FTNT{†}{{\FR 31:22 }{\FT{Comp.
}}{\FQA{Heb.
}}{\FT{and
}}{\FQA{A. V.}}}clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.

\VS{23}And her husband becomes a distinguished
{\ADD{person}} in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.

\VS{24}She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.

\VS{25}She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.

\VS{26}The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.

\VS{27}But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.

\VS{28}And
{\ADD{her}} kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.

\VS{29}Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.

\VS{30}Charms are false, and woman's beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear of the Lord.

\VS{31}Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.


\par }