\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Proverbs}

{\MT The Proverbs of Solomon



\par }\PoetryChap{1}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\SC{The}} Proverbs of Solomon son of David,

\par }{\Q Who reigned in Israel;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}To know wisdom and instruction,

\par }{\Q And to perceive words of understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To receive also hard sayings,

\par }{\Q And to understand true justice,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{how}} to direct judgment;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}That he might give subtlety to the simple,

\par }{\Q And to the young man discernment and understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}For by the hearing of these a wise man will be wiser,

\par }{\Q And the man of understanding will gain direction;


\par }{\Q \VS{6}And will understand a parable, and a dark speech;

\par }{\Q The sayings of the wise also, and riddles.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{there is}} good understanding to all that practice it:

\par }{\Q And piety toward God is the beginning of discernment;

\par }{\Q But the ungodly will set at nought wisdom and instruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, the instruction of thy father,

\par }{\Q And reject not the rules of thy mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}For thou shalt receive for thy head a crown of graces,

\par }{\Q And a chain of gold round thy neck.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}{\ADD{My}} son, let not ungodly men lead thee astray,

\par }{\Q Neither consent thou
{\ADD{to them}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}If they should exhort thee, saying, Come with us, partake in blood,

\par }{\Q And let us unjustly hide the just man in the earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{12}And let us swallow him alive, as Hades
{\ADD{would}},

\par }{\Q And remove the memorial of him from the earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Let us seize on his valuable property,

\par }{\Q And let us fill our houses with spoils:


\par }{\Q \VS{14}But do thou cast in thy lot with us,

\par }{\Q And let us all provide a common purse,

\par }{\Q And let us have one pouch:


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Go not in the way with them,

\par }{\Q But turn aside thy foot from their paths:


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


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For they that are concerned in murder store up evils for themselves;

\par }{\Q And the overthrow of transgressors is evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}These are the ways of all that perform lawless deeds;

\par }{\Q For by ungodliness they destroy their own life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}Wisdom sings aloud in passages,

\par }{\Q And in the broad places speaks boldly.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}And she makes proclamation on the top of the walls,

\par }{\Q And sits by the gates of princes;

\par }{\Q And at the gates of the city boldly says,


\par }{\Q \VS{22}So long as the simple cleave to justice, they shall not be ashamed:

\par }{\Q But the foolish being lovers of haughtiness,

\par }{\Q Having become ungodly have hated knowledge,

\par }{\Q And are become subject to reproofs.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Behold, I will bring forth to you the utterance of my breath,

\par }{\Q And I will instruct you in my speech.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}Since I called, and ye did not hearken;

\par }{\Q And I spoke at length, and ye gave no heed;


\par }{\Q \VS{25}But ye set at nought my counsels,

\par }{\Q And disregarded my reproofs;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Therefore I also will laugh at your destruction;

\par }{\Q And I will rejoice against
{\ADD{you}} when ruin comes upon you:


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Yea when dismay suddenly comes upon you,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{your}} overthrow shall arrive like a tempest;

\par }{\Q And when tribulation and distress shall come upon you,

\par }{\Q Or when ruin shall come upon you.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}For it shall be that when ye call upon me, I will not hearken to you:

\par }{\Q Wicked men shall seek me, but shall not find
{\ADD{me}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}For they hated wisdom,

\par }{\Q And did not choose the word of the Lord:


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Neither would they attend to my counsels,

\par }{\Q But derided my reproofs.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way,

\par }{\Q And shall be filled with their own ungodliness.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}For because they wronged the simple, they shall be slain;

\par }{\Q And an inquisition shall ruin the ungodly.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}But he that hearkens to me shall dwell in confidence,

\par }{\Q And shall rest securely from all evil.


\par }{\BB \par }


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


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Thine ear shall hearken to wisdom;

\par }{\Q Thou shalt also apply thy heart to understanding,

\par }{\Q And shalt apply it to the instruction of thy son.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{3}For if thou shalt call to wisdom,

\par }{\Q And utter thy voice for understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}And if thou shalt seek it as silver,

\par }{\Q And search diligently for it as for treasures;


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,

\par }{\Q And find the knowledge of God.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}For the Lord gives wisdom;

\par }{\Q And from his presence
{\ADD{come}} knowledge and understanding,


\par }{\Q \VS{7}And he treasures up salvation for them that walk uprightly:

\par }{\Q He will protect their way;


\par }{\Q \VS{8}That he may guard the righteous ways:

\par }{\Q And he will preserve the way of them that fear him.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment;

\par }{\Q And shalt direct all thy course aright.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}For if wisdom shall come into thine understanding,

\par }{\Q And discernment shall seem pleasing to thy soul,


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Good counsel shall guard thee,

\par }{\Q And holy understanding shall keep thee;


\par }{\Q \VS{12}To deliver thee from the evil way,

\par }{\Q And from the man that speaks nothing faithfully.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}Alas
{\ADD{for those}} who forsake right paths,

\par }{\Q To walk in ways of darkness;


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Who rejoice in evils,

\par }{\Q And delight in wicked perverseness;


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Whose paths are crooked,

\par }{\Q And their courses winding;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}To remove thee far from the straight way,

\par }{\Q And to estrange thee from a righteous purpose.

\par }{\Q {\ADD{My}} son, let not evil counsel overtake thee,


\par }{\Q \VS{17}{\ADD{Of her}} who has forsaken the instruction of her youth,

\par }{\Q And forgotten the covenant of God.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For she has fixed her house near death,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{guided}} her wheels near Hades with the giants.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}None that go by her shall return,

\par }{\Q Neither shall they take hold of right paths,

\par }{\Q For they are not apprehended of the years of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For had they gone in good paths,

\par }{\Q They would have found the paths of righteousness easy.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the upright shall dwell in the earth,

\par }{\Q And the holy shall be left behind in it.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The paths of the ungodly shall perish out of the earth,

\par }{\Q And transgressors shall be driven away from it.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{3}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, forget not my laws;

\par }{\Q But let thy heart keep my words:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For length of existence, and years of life,

\par }{\Q And peace, shall they add to thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Let not mercy and truth forsake thee;

\par }{\Q But bind them about thy neck:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}So shalt thou find favor: and do thou provide things honest

\par }{\Q In the sight of the Lord, and of men.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{5}Trust in God with all thy heart;

\par }{\Q And be not exalted in thine own wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In all thy ways acquaint thyself with her,

\par }{\Q That she may rightly direct thy paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Be not wise in thine own conceit;

\par }{\Q But fear God, and depart from all evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Then shall there be health to thy body,

\par }{\Q And good keeping to thy bones.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{9}Honor the Lord with thy just labors,

\par }{\Q And give him the first of thy fruits of righteousness:


\par }{\Q \VS{10}That thy storehouses may be completely filled with corn,

\par }{\Q And that thy presses may burst forth with wine.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}{\ADD{My}} son, despise not the chastening of the Lord;

\par }{\Q Nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For whom the Lord loves, he rebukes,

\par }{\Q And scourges every son whom he receives.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}Blessed is the man who has found wisdom,

\par }{\Q And the mortal who knows prudence.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For it is better to traffic for her,

\par }{\Q Than for treasures of gold and silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}And she is more valuable than precious stones:

\par }{\Q No evil thing shall resist her:

\par }{\Q She is well known to all that approach her,

\par }{\Q And no precious thing is equal to her in value.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand;

\par }{\Q And in her left hand are wealth and glory:


\par }{\Q \VS{16a}Out of her mouth proceeds righteousness,

\par }{\Q And she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Her ways are good ways,

\par }{\Q And all her paths are peaceful.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}She is a tree of life to all that lay hold upon her;

\par }{\Q And she is
{\ADD{a}} secure
{\ADD{help}} to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{19}God by wisdom founded the earth,

\par }{\Q And by prudence he prepared the heavens.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}By understanding were the depths broken up,

\par }{\Q And the clouds dropped water.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{My}} son, let
{\ADD{them}} not pass from
{\ADD{thee}},

\par }{\Q But keep my counsel and understanding:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}That thy soul may live,

\par }{\Q And that there may be grace round thy neck;


\par }{\Q \VS{22a}And it shall be health to thy flesh,

\par }{\Q And safety to thy bones:


\par }{\Q \VS{23}That thou mayest go confidently in peace in all thy ways,

\par }{\Q And that thy foot may not stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}For if thou rest, thou shalt be undismayed;

\par }{\Q And if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm coming upon thee,

\par }{\Q Neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For the Lord shall be over all thy ways,

\par }{\Q And shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{27}Forbear not to do good to the poor,

\par }{\Q Whensoever thy hand may have
{\ADD{power}} to help
{\ADD{him}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Say not, Come back another time, tomorrow I will give;

\par }{\Q While thou art able to do
{\ADD{him}} good:

\par }{\Q For thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Devise not evil against thy friend,

\par }{\Q Living near thee and trusting in thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{30}Be not ready to quarrel with a man without a cause,

\par }{\Q Lest he do thee some harm.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{31}Procure not the reproaches of bad men,

\par }{\Q Neither do thou covet their ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord;

\par }{\Q Neither does he sit among the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly;

\par }{\Q But the habitations of the just are blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}The Lord resists the proud;

\par }{\Q But he gives grace to the humble.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}The wise shall inherit glory;

\par }{\Q But the ungodly have exalted
{\ADD{their own}} dishonor.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{4}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,

\par }{\Q And attend to know understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For I give you a good gift;

\par }{\Q Forsake ye not my law.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For I also was a son obedient to
{\ADD{my}} father,

\par }{\Q And loved in the sight of
{\ADD{my}} mother:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Who spoke and instructed me,
{\ADD{saying}},

\par }{\Q Let our speech be fixed in thy heart,

\par }{\Q Keep
{\ADD{our}} commandments, forget them not:


\par }{\Q \VS{5}And do not neglect the speech of my mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}And forsake it not, and it shall cleave to thee:

\par }{\Q Love it, and it shall keep thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Secure it, and it shall exalt thee:

\par }{\Q Honor it, that it may embrace thee;


\par }{\Q \VS{9}That it may give unto thy head a crown of graces,

\par }{\Q And may cover thee with a crown of delight.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, and receive my words;

\par }{\Q And the years of thy life shall be increased,

\par }{\Q That the resources of thy life may be many.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For I teach thee the ways of wisdom;

\par }{\Q And I cause thee to go in right paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For when thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;

\par }{\Q And when thou runnest, thou shalt not be distressed.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take hold of my instruction; let it not go—

\par }{\Q But keep it for thyself for thy life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{14}Go not in the ways of the ungodly,

\par }{\Q Neither covet the ways of transgressors.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, go not thither;

\par }{\Q But turn from them, and pass away.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil:

\par }{\Q Their sleep is taken away, and they rest not.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}For these live upon the bread of ungodliness,

\par }{\Q And are drunken with wine of transgression.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}But the ways of the righteous shine like light;

\par }{\Q They go on and shine, until the day be fully come.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}But the ways of the ungodly are dark;

\par }{\Q They know not how they stumble.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}{\ADD{My}} son, attend to my speech;

\par }{\Q And apply thine ear to my words:


\par }{\Q \VS{21}That thy fountains may not fail thee;

\par }{\Q Keep them in
{\ADD{thine}} heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For they are life to those that find them,

\par }{\Q And health to all
{\ADD{their}} flesh.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Keep thy heart with the utmost care;

\par }{\Q For out of these are the issues of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Remove from thee a froward mouth,

\par }{\Q And put far away from thee unjust lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let thine eyes look right on,

\par }{\Q And let thine eyelids assent
{\ADD{to}} just
{\ADD{things}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Make straight paths for thy feet,

\par }{\Q And order thy ways aright.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Turn not aside to the right hand nor to the left,

\par }{\Q But turn away thy foot from an evil way:


\par }{\Q \VS{27a}For God knows the ways on the right hand,

\par }{\Q But those on the left are crooked:


\par }{\Q \VS{27b}And he will make thy ways straight,

\par }{\Q And will guide thy steps in peace.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{5}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, attend to my wisdom,

\par }{\Q And apply thine ear to my words;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}That thou mayest keep good understanding,

\par }{\Q And the discretion of my lips gives thee a charge.

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


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For honey drops from the lips of a harlot,

\par }{\Q Who for a season pleases thy palate:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}But afterward thou wilt find her more bitter than gall,

\par }{\Q And sharper than a two-edged sword.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}For the feet of folly lead

\par }{\Q Those who deal with her down to the grave with death;

\par }{\Q And her steps are not established.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For she goes not upon the paths of life;

\par }{\Q But her ways are slippery, and not easily known.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hear me,

\par }{\Q And make not my words of none effect.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Remove thy way far from her;

\par }{\Q Draw not near to the doors of her house:


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Lest thou give away thy life to others,

\par }{\Q And thy substance to the merciless:


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Lest strangers be filled with thy strength,

\par }{\Q And thy labors come into the houses of strangers;


\par }{\Q \VS{11}And thou repent at last,

\par }{\Q When the flesh of thy body is consumed,


\par }{\Q \VS{12}And thou shalt say, How have I hated instruction,

\par }{\Q And my heart avoided reproofs!


\par }{\Q \VS{13}I heard not the voice of him that instructed me, and taught me,

\par }{\Q Neither did I apply mine ear.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}I was almost in all evil

\par }{\Q In the midst of the congregation and assembly.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}Drink waters out of thine own vessels,

\par }{\Q And out of thine own springing wells.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Let not waters out of thy fountain be spilt by thee,

\par }{\Q But let thy waters go into thy streets.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let them be only thine own,

\par }{\Q And let no stranger partake with thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Let thy fountain of water be
{\ADD{truly}} thine own;

\par }{\Q And rejoice with the wife of thy youth.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Let
{\ADD{thy}} loving hart and thy graceful colt company with thee,

\par }{\Q And let her be considered thine own, and be with thee at all times;

\par }{\Q For ravished with her love thou shalt be greatly increased.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Be not intimate with a strange woman,

\par }{\Q Neither fold thyself in the arms of a woman not thine own.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the ways of a man are before the eyes of God,

\par }{\Q And he looks on all his paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Iniquities ensnare a man,

\par }{\Q And every one is bound in the chains of his own sins.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Such a man dies with the uninstructed;

\par }{\Q And he is cast forth from the abundance of his own substance,

\par }{\Q And has perished through folly.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{6}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, if thou become surety for thy friend,

\par }{\Q Thou shalt deliver thy hand to an enemy.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For a man’s own lips become a strong snare to him,

\par }{\Q And he is caught with the lips of his own mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}{\ADD{My}} son, do what I command thee, and deliver thyself;

\par }{\Q For on thy friend’s account thou art come into the power of evil
{\ADD{men}}:

\par }{\Q Faint not,

\par }{\Q But stir up even thy friend for whom thou art become surety.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Give not sleep to thine eyes,

\par }{\Q Nor slumber with thine eyelids;


\par }{\Q \VS{5}That thou mayest deliver thyself as a doe out of the toils,

\par }{\Q And as a bird out of a snare.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}Go to the ant, O sluggard;

\par }{\Q And see, and emulate his ways,

\par }{\Q And become wiser than he.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For whereas he has no husbandry,

\par }{\Q Nor anyone to compel him,

\par }{\Q And is under no master,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He prepares food for himself in the summer,

\par }{\Q And lays by abundant store in harvest.


\par }{\Q \VS{8a}Or go to the bee,

\par }{\Q And learn how diligent she is,

\par }{\Q And how earnestly she is engaged in her work;


\par }{\Q \VS{8b}Whose labors kings and private men use for health,

\par }{\Q And she is desired and respected by all:


\par }{\Q \VS{8c}Though weak in body,

\par }{\Q She is advanced by honoring wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}How long wilt thou lie, O sluggard?

\par }{\Q And when wilt thou awake out of sleep?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Thou sleepest a little, and thou restest a little, and thou slumberest a short
{\ADD{time}},

\par }{\Q And thou foldest thine arms over thy breast a little.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Then poverty comes upon thee as an evil traveler,

\par }{\Q And want as a swift courier:


\par }{\Q \VS{11a}But if thou be diligent, thy harvest shall arrive as a fountain,

\par }{\Q And poverty shall flee away as a bad courier.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}A foolish man and a transgressor

\par }{\Q Goes in ways that are not good.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}And the same winks with the eye, and makes a sign with his foot,

\par }{\Q And teaches with the beckonings of his fingers.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}{\ADD{His}} perverse heart devises evils:

\par }{\Q At all times such a one causes troubles to a city.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore his destruction shall come suddenly;

\par }{\Q Overthrow and irretrievable ruin.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{16}For he rejoices in all things which God hates,

\par }{\Q And he is ruined by reason of impurity of soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The eye of the haughty, a tongue unjust,

\par }{\Q Hands shedding the blood of the just;


\par }{\Q \VS{18}And a heart devising evil thoughts,

\par }{\Q And feet hastening to do evil—{\ADD{are hateful to God}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}An unjust witness kindles falsehoods,

\par }{\Q And brings on quarrels between brethren.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}{\ADD{My}} son, keep the laws of thy father,

\par }{\Q And reject not the ordinances of thy mother:


\par }{\Q \VS{21}But bind them upon thy soul continually,

\par }{\Q And hang them as a chain about thy neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Whensoever thou walkest, lead this along and let it be with thee;

\par }{\Q And when thou sleepest let it keep thee;

\par }{\Q That it may talk with thee when thou wakest.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light;

\par }{\Q A way of life; reproof also and correction:


\par }{\Q \VS{24}To keep thee continually from a married woman,

\par }{\Q And from the calumny of a strange tongue.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{25}Let not the desire of beauty overcome thee,

\par }{\Q Neither be thou caught by thine eyes,

\par }{\Q Neither be captivated with her eyelids.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For the value of a harlot is as much as of one loaf;

\par }{\Q And a woman hunts for the precious souls of men.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Shall anyone bind fire in his bosom,

\par }{\Q And not burn his garments?


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Or will anyone walk on coals of fire,

\par }{\Q And not burn his feet?


\par }{\Q \VS{29}So is he that goes in to a married woman;

\par }{\Q He shall not be held guiltless, neither anyone that touches her.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}It is not to be wondered at if one should be taken stealing,

\par }{\Q For he steals that when hungry he may satisfy his soul:


\par }{\Q \VS{31}But if he should be taken, he shall repay sevenfold,

\par }{\Q And shall deliver himself by giving all his goods.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{33}He endures both pain and disgrace,

\par }{\Q And his reproach shall never be wiped off.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}For the soul of her husband is full of jealousy:

\par }{\Q He will not spare in the day of vengeance.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}He will not forego
{\ADD{his}} enmity for any ransom:

\par }{\Q Neither will he be reconciled for many gifts.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{7}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, keep my words,

\par }{\Q And hide with thee my commandments.


\par }{\Q \VS{1a}{\ADD{My}} son, honor the Lord, and thou shalt be strong;

\par }{\Q And fear none but him:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Keep my commandments, and thou shalt live;

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{keep}} my words as the pupils of
{\ADD{thine}} eyes.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}And bind them on thy fingers,

\par }{\Q And write
{\ADD{them}} on the table of thy heart.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{4}Say that wisdom is thy sister,

\par }{\Q And gain prudence as an acquaintance for thyself;


\par }{\Q \VS{5}That she may keep thee from the strange and wicked woman,

\par }{\Q If she should assail thee with flattering words.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}For she looks from a window out of her house into the streets,

\par }{\Q At one whom she may see of the senseless ones,

\par }{\Q A young man void of understanding,


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Passing by the corner in the passages near her house,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}And speaking, in the dark of the evening,


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


\par }{\Q \VS{10}And the woman meets him having the appearance of a harlot,

\par }{\Q That causes the hearts of young men to flutter.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}And she is fickle, and debauched,

\par }{\Q And her feet abide not at home.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For at one time she wanders without,

\par }{\Q And at
{\ADD{another}} time she lies in wait in the streets, at every corner.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Then she caught him, and kissed him,

\par }{\Q And with an impudent face said to him,


\par }{\Q \VS{14}I have a peace offering;

\par }{\Q Today I pay my vows:


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore I came forth to meet thee, desiring thy face;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} I have found thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}I have spread my bed with sheets,

\par }{\Q And I have covered it with double tapestry from Egypt.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I have sprinkled my couch with saffron,

\par }{\Q And my house with cinnamon.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Come, and let us enjoy love until the morning;

\par }{\Q Come, and let us embrace in love.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}For my husband is not at home,

\par }{\Q But is gone on a long journey,


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Having taken in his hand a bundle of money:

\par }{\Q After many days he will return to his house.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}So with much converse she prevailed on him to go astray,

\par }{\Q And with the snares of her lips she forced him from
{\ADD{the right path}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}And he followed her, being gently led on,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{that}} as an ox is led to the slaughter,

\par }{\Q And as a dog to bonds,

\par }{\Q Or as a hart shot in the liver with an arrow:


\par }{\Q \VS{23}And he hastens as a bird into a snare,

\par }{\Q Not knowing that he is running for
{\ADD{his}} life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hearken to me,

\par }{\Q And attend to the words of my mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let not thy heart turn aside to her ways:


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For she has wounded and cast down many,

\par }{\Q And those whom she has slain are innumerable.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Her house is the way of hell,

\par }{\Q Leading down to the chambers of death.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{8}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Thou shalt proclaim wisdom,

\par }{\Q That understanding may be obedient to thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For she is on lofty eminences,

\par }{\Q And stands in the midst of the ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For she sits by the gates of princes,

\par }{\Q And sings in the entrances,
{\ADD{saying}},


\par }{\Q \VS{4}You, O men, I exhort;

\par }{\Q And utter my voice to the sons of men.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}O ye simple, understand subtlety,

\par }{\Q And ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn
{\ADD{truths}};

\par }{\Q And will produce right
{\ADD{sayings}} from my lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For my throat shall meditate truth;

\par }{\Q And false lips are an abomination before me.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}All the words of my mouth are in righteousness;

\par }{\Q There is nothing in them wrong or perverse.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}They are all evident to those that understand,

\par }{\Q And right to those that find knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Receive instruction, and not silver;

\par }{\Q And knowledge rather than tried gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For wisdom is better than precious stones;

\par }{\Q And no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}I wisdom have dwelt
{\ADD{with}} counsel and knowledge,

\par }{\Q And I have called upon understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness,

\par }{\Q And insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men;

\par }{\Q And I hate the perverse ways of bad men.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Counsel and safety are mine:

\par }{\Q Prudence is mine, and strength is mine.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}By me kings reign,

\par }{\Q And princes decree justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}By me nobles become great,

\par }{\Q And monarchs by me rule over the earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I love those that love me;

\par }{\Q And they that seek me shall find
{\ADD{me}}.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}Wealth and glory belong to me;

\par }{\Q Yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}{\ADD{It is}} better to have my fruit than
{\ADD{to have}} gold and precious stones;

\par }{\Q And my produce is better than choice silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}I walk in ways of righteousness,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{am}} conversant with the paths of judgment;


\par }{\Q \VS{21}That I may divide substance to them that love me,

\par }{\Q And may fill their treasures with good things.


\par }{\Q \VS{21a}If I declare to you the things that daily happen,

\par }{\Q I will remember
{\ADD{also}} to recount the things of old.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{23}He established me before time
{\ADD{was}} in the beginning,

\par }{\Q Before he made the earth:

\VS{24}even before he made the depths;

\par }{\Q Before the fountains of water came forth:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Before the mountains were settled,

\par }{\Q And before all hills, he begets me.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The Lord made countries and uninhabited
{\ADD{tracts}},

\par }{\Q And the highest inhabited parts of the world.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him;

\par }{\Q And when he prepared his throne upon the winds:


\par }{\Q \VS{28}And when he strengthened the clouds above;

\par }{\Q And when he secured the fountains of the earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{29}And when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{30}I was by him, suiting
{\ADD{myself to him}},

\par }{\Q I was that wherein he took delight;

\par }{\Q And daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}For he rejoiced when he had completed the world,

\par }{\Q And rejoiced among the children of men.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{32}Now then,
{\ADD{my}} son, hear me:

\par }{\Q Blessed is the man who shall hearken to me,

\par }{\Q And the mortal who shall keep my ways;


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Watching daily at my doors,

\par }{\Q Waiting at the posts of my entrances.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}For my outgoings are the outgoings of life,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{in them}} is prepared favor from the Lord.


\par }{\Q \VS{36}But they that sin against me act wickedly against their own souls:

\par }{\Q And they that hate me love death.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{9}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wisdom has built a house for herself,

\par }{\Q And set up seven pillars.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}She has killed her beasts;

\par }{\Q She has mingled her wine in a bowl,

\par }{\Q And prepared her table.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}She has sent forth her servants,

\par }{\Q Calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me:

\par }{\Q And to them that want understanding she says,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Come, eat of my bread,

\par }{\Q And drink wine which I have mingled for you.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}Leave folly, that ye may reign forever;

\par }{\Q And seek wisdom,

\par }{\Q And improve understanding by knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}He that reproves evil
{\ADD{men}} shall get dishonor to himself;

\par }{\Q And he that rebukes an ungodly
{\ADD{man}} shall disgrace himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Rebuke not evil
{\ADD{men}}, lest they should hate thee:

\par }{\Q Rebuke a wise
{\ADD{man}}, and he will love thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Give an opportunity to a wise
{\ADD{man}}, and he will be wiser:

\par }{\Q Instruct a just man, and he will receive more
{\ADD{instruction}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

\par }{\Q And the counsel of saints is understanding:


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


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For in this way thou shalt live long,

\par }{\Q And years of thy life shall be added to thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}Son, if thou be wise for thyself, thou shalt also be wise for thy neighbors;

\par }{\Q And if thou shouldest prove wicked, thou alone wilt bear the evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{12a}He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts to rule the winds,

\par }{\Q And the same will pursue birds in their flight:


\par }{\Q \VS{12b}For he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard,

\par }{\Q And he has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray;


\par }{\Q \VS{12c}And he goes through a dry desert,

\par }{\Q And a
{\ADD{land}} appointed to drought,

\par }{\Q And he gathers barrenness with his hands.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}A foolish and bold woman, who knows not modesty,

\par }{\Q Comes to want a morsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}She sits at the doors of her house,

\par }{\Q On a seat openly in the streets,


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Calling to passers by,

\par }{\Q And to those that are going right on their ways;

\VS{16}{\ADD{saying}},

\par }{\Q Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me;

\par }{\Q And I exhort those that want prudence, saying,


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Take and enjoy secret bread,

\par }{\Q And the sweet water of theft.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}But he knows that mighty men die by her,

\par }{\Q And he falls in with a snare of hell.


\par }{\Q \VS{18a}But hasten away, delay not in the place,

\par }{\Q Neither fix thine eye upon her:


\par }{\Q \VS{18b}For thus shalt thou go through strange water;


\par }{\Q \VS{18c}But do thou abstain from strange water,

\par }{\Q And drink not of a strange fountain,


\par }{\Q \VS{18d}That thou mayest live long,

\par }{\Q And years of life may be added to thee.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{10}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A wise son makes
{\ADD{his}} father glad:

\par }{\Q But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Treasures shall not profit the lawless:

\par }{\Q But righteousness shall deliver from death.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The Lord will not famish a righteous soul:

\par }{\Q But he will overthrow the life of the ungodly.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{4}Poverty brings a man low:

\par }{\Q But the hands of the vigorous make rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{4a}A son who is instructed shall be wise,

\par }{\Q And shall use the fool for a servant.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A wise son is saved from heat:

\par }{\Q But a lawless son is blighted of the winds in harvest.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just:

\par }{\Q But untimely grief shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The memory of the just is praised;

\par }{\Q But the name of the ungodly
{\ADD{man}} is extinguished.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A wise man in heart will receive commandments;

\par }{\Q But he that is unguarded in his lips shall be overthrown in his perverseness.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that walks simply, walks confidently;

\par }{\Q But he that perverts his ways shall be known.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}He that winks with his eyes deceitfully, procures griefs for men;

\par }{\Q But he that reproves boldly is a peacemaker.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}{\ADD{There is}} a fountain of life in the hand of a righteous man;

\par }{\Q But destruction shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}Hatred stirs up strife;

\par }{\Q But affection covers all that do not love strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}He that brings forth wisdom from his lips

\par }{\Q Smites the fool with a rod.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The wise will hide discretion;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the hasty draws near to ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The wealth of rich men is a strong city;

\par }{\Q But poverty is the ruin of the ungodly.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The works of the righteous produce life;

\par }{\Q But the fruits of the ungodly
{\ADD{produce}} sins.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Instruction keeps the right ways of life;

\par }{\Q But instruction unchastened goes astray.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}Righteous lips cover enmity;

\par }{\Q But they that utter railings are most foolish.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}By a multitude of words thou shalt not escape sin;

\par }{\Q But if thou refrain thy lips thou wilt be prudent.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The tongue of the just is tried silver;

\par }{\Q But the heart of the ungodly shall fail.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The lips of the righteous know sublime
{\ADD{truths}}:

\par }{\Q But the foolish die in want.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the righteous;

\par }{\Q It enriches
{\ADD{him}}, and grief of heart shall not be added to
{\ADD{it}}.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}A fool does mischief in sport;

\par }{\Q But wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}The ungodly is engulfed in destruction;

\par }{\Q But the desire of the righteous is acceptable.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When the storm passes by, the ungodly vanishes away;

\par }{\Q But the righteous turns aside and escapes forever.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes,

\par }{\Q So iniquity hurts those that practice it.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The fear of the Lord adds
{\ADD{length}} of days:

\par }{\Q But the years of the ungodly shall be shortened.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Joy rests long with the righteous:

\par }{\Q But the hope of the ungodly shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The fear of the Lord is a stronghold of the saints:

\par }{\Q But ruin
{\ADD{comes}} to them that work wickedness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{30}The righteous shall never fail:

\par }{\Q But the ungodly shall not dwell in the earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The mouth of the righteous drops wisdom:

\par }{\Q But the tongue of the unjust shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The lips of just men drop grace:

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{11}{\Q \VerseOne{1}False balances are an abomination before the Lord:

\par }{\Q But a just weight is acceptable unto him.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Wherever pride enters, there will be also disgrace:

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the lowly meditates wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When a just man dies he leaves regret:

\par }{\Q But the destruction of the ungodly is speedy, and causes joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Righteousness traces out blameless paths:

\par }{\Q But ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}The righteousness of upright men delivers them:

\par }{\Q But transgressors are caught in their own destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}At the death of a just man his hope does not perish:

\par }{\Q But the boast of the ungodly perishes.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A righteous man escapes from a snare,

\par }{\Q And the ungodly man is delivered up in his place.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens:

\par }{\Q But the understanding of righteous men is prosperous.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}In the prosperity of righteous men a city prospers:


\par }{\Q \VS{11}But by the mouths of ungodly men it is overthrown.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}A man void of understanding sneers at
{\ADD{his fellow}} citizens:

\par }{\Q But a sensible man is quiet.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A double-tongued man discloses the
{\ADD{secret}} counsels of an assembly:

\par }{\Q But he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}They that have no guidance fall like leaves:

\par }{\Q But in much counsel there is safety.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}A bad man does harm wherever he meets a just man:

\par }{\Q And he hates the sound of safety.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A gracious wife brings glory to her husband:

\par }{\Q But a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonor.

\par }{\Q The slothful come to want:

\par }{\Q But the diligent support themselves with wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A merciful man does good to his own soul:

\par }{\Q But the merciless destroys his own body.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}An ungodly man performs unrighteous works:

\par }{\Q But the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A righteous son is born for life:

\par }{\Q But the persecution of the ungodly
{\ADD{ends}} in death.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord:

\par }{\Q But all they that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished:

\par }{\Q But he that sows righteousness shall receive a faithful reward.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}As an ornament in a swine’s snout,

\par }{\Q So is beauty to an ill-minded woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}All the desire of the righteous is good:

\par }{\Q But the hope of the ungodly shall perish.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}There are
{\ADD{some}} who scatter their own, and make it more:

\par }{\Q And there are
{\ADD{some}} also who gather,
{\ADD{yet}} have less.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Every sincere soul is blessed:

\par }{\Q But a passionate man is not graceful.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}May he that hoards corn leave it to the nation:

\par }{\Q But blessing be on the head of him that gives
{\ADD{it}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that devises good
{\ADD{counsels}} seeks good favor:

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{as for}} him that seeks after evil,
{\ADD{evil}} shall overtake him.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}He that trusts in wealth shall fall;

\par }{\Q But he that helps righteous men shall rise.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind;

\par }{\Q And the fool shall be servant to the wise man.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life;

\par }{\Q But the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}If the righteous scarcely be saved,

\par }{\Q Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{12}{\Q \VerseOne{1}He that loves instruction loves sense,

\par }{\Q But he that hates reproofs is a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}He that has found favor with the Lord
{\ADD{is made}} better;

\par }{\Q But a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A man shall not prosper by wickedness;

\par }{\Q But the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband;

\par }{\Q But as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{5}The thoughts of the righteous
{\ADD{are true}} judgments;

\par }{\Q But ungodly men devise deceits.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}The words of ungodly men are crafty;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away;

\par }{\Q But the houses of the just remain.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The mouth of an understanding
{\ADD{man}} is praised by a man;

\par }{\Q But he that is dull of heart is had in derision.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Better is a man in dishonor serving himself,

\par }{\Q Than one honoring himself and wanting bread.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle;

\par }{\Q But the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread;

\par }{\Q But they that pursue vanities are void of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{11a}He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine,

\par }{\Q Shall leave dishonor in his own strongholds.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}The desires of the ungodly are evil;

\par }{\Q But the roots of the godly are firmly set.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}For the sin of
{\ADD{his}} lips a sinner falls into snares;

\par }{\Q But a righteous man escapes from them.


\par }{\Q \VS{13a}He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied,

\par }{\Q But he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth;

\par }{\Q And the recompense of his lips shall be given to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The ways of fools are right in their own eyes;

\par }{\Q But a wise man hearkens to counsels.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A fool declares his wrath the same day;

\par }{\Q But a prudent man hides his own disgrace.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A righteous man declares the open truth;

\par }{\Q But an unjust witness is deceitful.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}Some wound as they speak,
{\ADD{like}} swords;

\par }{\Q But the tongues of the wise heal.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}True lips establish testimony;

\par }{\Q But a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}{\ADD{There is}} deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil;

\par }{\Q But they that love peace shall rejoice.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}No injustice will please a just man;

\par }{\Q But the ungodly will be filled with mischief.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q But he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}An understanding man is a throne of wisdom;

\par }{\Q But the heart of fools shall meet with curses.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule;

\par }{\Q But the deceitful shall be for a prey.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man;

\par }{\Q But a good message rejoices him.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}A just arbitrator shall be his own friend;

\par }{\Q But mischief shall pursue sinners;

\par }{\Q And the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A deceitful man shall catch no game;

\par }{\Q But a blameless man is a precious possession.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}In the ways of righteousness is life;

\par }{\Q But the ways of those that remember injuries
{\ADD{lead}} to death.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{13}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A wise son is obedient to his father:

\par }{\Q But a disobedient son will be destroyed.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A good
{\ADD{man}} shall eat of the fruits of righteousness:

\par }{\Q But the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life:

\par }{\Q But he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Every slothful man desires,

\par }{\Q But the hands of the active are diligent.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A righteous man hates an unjust word:

\par }{\Q But an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have no confidence.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}There are
{\ADD{some}} who, having nothing, enrich themselves:

\par }{\Q And there are
{\ADD{some}} who bring themselves down in
{\ADD{the midst of}} much wealth.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{8}A man’s own wealth is the ransom of his life:

\par }{\Q But the poor endures not threatening.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The righteous always have light:

\par }{\Q But the light of the ungodly is quenched.


\par }{\Q \VS{9a}Crafty souls go astray in sins:

\par }{\Q But just men pity, and are merciful.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A bad man does evil with insolence:

\par }{\Q But they that are judges of themselves are wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished:

\par }{\Q But he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased.

\par }{\Q The righteous is merciful, and lends.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Better is he that begins to help heartily,

\par }{\Q Than he that promises and leads
{\ADD{another}} to hope:

\par }{\Q For a good desire is a tree of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}He that slights a matter shall be slighted of it:

\par }{\Q But he that fears the commandment has health
{\ADD{of soul}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{13a}To a crafty son there shall be nothing good:

\par }{\Q But a wise servant shall have prosperous doings,

\par }{\Q And his way shall be directed aright.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{14}The law of the wise is a fountain of life:

\par }{\Q But the man void of understanding shall die by a snare.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Sound discretion gives favor,

\par }{\Q And to know the law is the part of a sound understanding:

\par }{\Q But the ways of scorners tend to destruction.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{16}Every prudent man acts with knowledge:

\par }{\Q But the fool displays his own mischief.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A rash king shall fall into mischief:

\par }{\Q But a wise messenger shall deliver him.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Instruction removes poverty and disgrace:

\par }{\Q But he that attends to reproofs shall be honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The desires of the godly gladden the soul,

\par }{\Q But the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt be wise:

\par }{\Q But he that walks with fools shall be known.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Evil shall pursue sinners;

\par }{\Q But good shall overtake the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A good man shall inherit children’s children;

\par }{\Q And the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the just.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The righteous shall spend many years in wealth:

\par }{\Q But the unrighteous shall perish suddenly.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}He that spares the rod hates his son:

\par }{\Q But he that loves, carefully chastens
{\ADD{him}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A just
{\ADD{man}} eats and satisfies his soul:

\par }{\Q But the souls of the ungodly are in want.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{14}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wise women build houses:

\par }{\Q But a foolish one digs
{\ADD{hers}} down with her hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}He that walks uprightly fears the Lord;

\par }{\Q But he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonored.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Out of the mouth of fools
{\ADD{comes}} a rod of pride;

\par }{\Q But the lips of the wise preserve them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean;

\par }{\Q But where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A faithful witness does not lie;

\par }{\Q But an unjust witness kindles falsehoods.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it;

\par }{\Q But discretion is easily available with the prudent.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}All things are adverse to a foolish man;

\par }{\Q But wise lips are the weapons of discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways;

\par }{\Q But the folly of fools leads astray.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The houses of transgressors will need purification;

\par }{\Q But the houses of the just are acceptable.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}{\ADD{If}} a man’s mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful;

\par }{\Q And when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed;

\par }{\Q But the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}There is a way which seems to be right with men,

\par }{\Q But the ends of it reach to the depth of hell.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Grief mingles not with mirth;

\par }{\Q And joy in the end comes to grief.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A stouthearted
{\ADD{man}} shall be filled with his own ways;

\par }{\Q And a good man with his own thoughts.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The simple believes every word:

\par }{\Q But the prudent man betakes himself to afterthought.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A wise man fears, and departs from evil;

\par }{\Q But the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A passionate man acts inconsiderately;

\par }{\Q But a sensible man bears up under many things.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}Fools shall have mischief for their portion;

\par }{\Q But the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Evil men shall fall before the good;

\par }{\Q And the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Friends will hate poor friends;

\par }{\Q But the friends of the rich are many.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that dishonors the needy sins:

\par }{\Q But he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}They that go astray devise evils:

\par }{\Q But the good devise mercy and truth.

\par }{\Q The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth:

\par }{\Q But compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}With everyone
{\ADD{who is}} careful there is abundance:

\par }{\Q But the pleasure taking and indolent shall be in want.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A prudent man is the crown of the wise:

\par }{\Q But the occupation of fools is evil.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{25}A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil:

\par }{\Q But a deceitful
{\ADD{man}} kindles falsehoods.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:

\par }{\Q And he leaves his children a support.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life;

\par }{\Q And it causes
{\ADD{men}} to turn aside from the snare of death.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{28}In a populous nation is the glory of a king:

\par }{\Q But in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom:

\par }{\Q But a man of impatient spirit is very foolish.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart:

\par }{\Q But a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker:

\par }{\Q But he that honors him has pity upon the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness:

\par }{\Q But he who is secure in his own holiness is just.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{33}There is wisdom in the good heart of a man:

\par }{\Q But in the heart of fools it is not discerned.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Righteousness exalts a nation:

\par }{\Q But sins diminish tribes.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}An understanding servant is acceptable to a king;

\par }{\Q And by his good behavior he removes disgrace.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{15}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Anger slays even wise men;

\par }{\Q Yet a submissive answer turns away wrath:

\par }{\Q But a grievous word stirs up anger.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The tongue of the wise knows what is good:

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{3}The eyes of the Lord behold

\par }{\Q Both the evil and the good in every place.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The wholesome tongue is a tree of life,

\par }{\Q And he that keeps it shall be filled with understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A fool scorns his father’s instruction:

\par }{\Q But he that keeps his commandments is more prudent.

\par }{\Q In abounding righteousness is great strength:

\par }{\Q But the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}In the houses of the righteous is much strength:

\par }{\Q But the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The lips of the wise are bound by discretion:

\par }{\Q But the hearts of the foolish are not safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q But the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The ways of an ungodly
{\ADD{man}} are an abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q But he loves those that follow after righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The instruction of the simple is known by them that pass by;

\par }{\Q But they that hate reproofs die disgracefully.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}Hell and destruction are manifest to the Lord;

\par }{\Q How shall not also be the hearts of men?


\par }{\Q \VS{12}An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove him;

\par }{\Q Neither will he associate with the wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful;

\par }{\Q But when it is in sorrow,
{\ADD{the countenance}} is sad.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}An upright heart seeks discretion;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things;

\par }{\Q But the good are always quiet.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord,

\par }{\Q Than great treasures without the fear
{\ADD{of the Lord}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness,

\par }{\Q Than a feast of calves, with enmity.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A passionate man stirs up strife;

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{he that is}} slow to anger appeases even a rising one.


\par }{\Q \VS{18a}A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels;

\par }{\Q But an ungodly man rather stirs
{\ADD{them}} up.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns;

\par }{\Q But those of the diligent are made smooth.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A wise son gladdens
{\ADD{his}} father;

\par }{\Q But a foolish son sneers at his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The ways of a foolish man are void of sense;

\par }{\Q But a wise man proceeds on his way aright.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}They that honor not councils put off deliberation;

\par }{\Q But counsel abides in the hearts of counselors.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}A bad man will by no means attend to counsel;

\par }{\Q Neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common
{\ADD{weal}}.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}The thoughts of the wise are ways of life,

\par }{\Q That he may turn aside and escape from hell.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners;

\par }{\Q But he establishes the border of the widow.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q But the sayings of the pure are held in honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A receiver of bribes destroys himself;

\par }{\Q But he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{27a}By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away;

\par }{\Q But by the fear of the Lord everyone departs from evil.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{28}The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things.


\par }{\Q \VS{28a}The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord;

\par }{\Q And through them even enemies become friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}God is far from the ungodly;

\par }{\Q But he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{29a}Better are small receipts with righteousness,

\par }{\Q Than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{29b}Let the heart of a man think justly,

\par }{\Q That his steps may be rightly ordered of God.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The eye that sees rightly rejoices the heart;

\par }{\Q And a good report fattens the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}He that rejects instruction hates himself;

\par }{\Q But he that minds reproofs loves his soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom;

\par }{\Q And the highest honor will correspond therewith.




\par }\PoetryChap{16}{\Q \VS{2}All the works of the humble
{\ADD{man}} are manifest with God;

\par }{\Q But the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God,

\par }{\Q And he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The beginning of a good way is to do justly;

\par }{\Q And it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness:

\par }{\Q And they that rightly seek him shall find peace.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}All the works of the Lord
{\ADD{are done}} with righteousness;

\par }{\Q And the ungodly
{\ADD{man}} is kept for the evil day.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}{\ADD{There is}} an oracle upon the lips of a king;

\par }{\Q And his mouth shall not err in judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord;

\par }{\Q And his works are righteous measures.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}An evildoer is an abomination to a king;

\par }{\Q For the throne of rule is established by righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Righteous lips are acceptable to a king;

\par }{\Q And he loves right words.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The anger of a king is a messenger of death;

\par }{\Q But a wise man will pacify him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The son of a king is in the light of life;

\par }{\Q And they that are in favor with him are as a cloud of latter rain.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold,

\par }{\Q And the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The paths of life turn aside from evil;

\par }{\Q And the ways of righteousness are length of life.

\par }{\Q He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity;

\par }{\Q And he that regards reproofs shall be made wise.

\par }{\Q He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul;

\par }{\Q And he that loves his life will spare his mouth.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}Pride goes before destruction,

\par }{\Q And folly before a fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Better is a meek-spirited
{\ADD{man}} with lowliness,

\par }{\Q Than one who divides spoils with the proud.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}{\ADD{He who is}} skillful in business finds good:

\par }{\Q But he that trusts in God is most blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{Men}} call the wise and understanding evil:

\par }{\Q But they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors;

\par }{\Q But the instruction of fools is evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The heart of the wise will discern the
{\ADD{things which proceed}} from his own mouth;

\par }{\Q And on his lips he will wear knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Good words are honeycombs,

\par }{\Q And the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{25}There are ways that seem to be right to a man,

\par }{\Q But the end of them looks to the depth of hell.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{27}But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth:

\par }{\Q A foolish man digs up evil for himself,

\par }{\Q And treasures fire on his own lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A perverse man spreads mischief,

\par }{\Q And will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A transgressor tries
{\ADD{to ensnare}} friends,

\par }{\Q And leads them in ways
{\ADD{that are}} not good.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{30}And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things,

\par }{\Q And marks out with his lips all evils:

\par }{\Q He is a furnace of wickedness.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Old age is a crown of honor,

\par }{\Q But it is found in the ways of righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}A man slow to anger is better than a strong
{\ADD{man}};

\par }{\Q And he that governs
{\ADD{his}} temper better than he that takes a city.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}All
{\ADD{evils}} come upon the ungodly into
{\ADD{their}} bosoms;

\par }{\Q But all righteous things
{\ADD{come}} of the Lord.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{17}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace,

\par }{\Q Than a house
{\ADD{full}} of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters,

\par }{\Q And shall divide portions among brethren.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}As silver and gold are tried in a furnace,

\par }{\Q So are choice hearts with the Lord.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors:

\par }{\Q But a righteous man attends not to false lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him;

\par }{\Q And he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless:

\par }{\Q But he that has compassion shall find mercy.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}Children’s children are the crown of old men;

\par }{\Q And their fathers are the glory of children.


\par }{\Q \VS{6a}The faithful has the whole world full of wealth;

\par }{\Q But the faithless not even a farthing.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Faithful lips will not suit a fool;

\par }{\Q Nor lying lips a just man.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward:

\par }{\Q And whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that conceals injuries seeks love;

\par }{\Q But he that hates to hide
{\ADD{them}} separates friends and kindred.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man;

\par }{\Q But a fool, though scourged, understands not.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Every bad man stirs up strifes:

\par }{\Q But the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}Care may befall a man of understanding;

\par }{\Q But fools will meditate evils.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoso rewards evil for good,

\par }{\Q Evil shall not be removed from his house.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Rightful rule gives power to words;

\par }{\Q But sedition and strife precede poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust,

\par }{\Q Is unclean and abominable with God.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Why has the fool wealth?

\par }{\Q For a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{16a}He that exalts his own house seeks ruin;

\par }{\Q And he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Have thou a friend for every time,

\par }{\Q And let brethren be useful in distress;

\par }{\Q For on this account are they born.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{As he}} also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{20}And the hard-hearted man comes not in for good.

\par }{\Q A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;


\par }{\Q \VS{21}And the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor.

\par }{\Q A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son;

\par }{\Q But a wise son gladdens his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A glad heart promotes health;

\par }{\Q But the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in
{\ADD{his}} bosom do not prosper;

\par }{\Q And an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The countenance of a wise man is sensible;

\par }{\Q But the eyes of a fool
{\ADD{go}} to the ends of the earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A foolish son
{\ADD{is a cause of}} anger to his father,

\par }{\Q And grief to her that bore him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{26}{\ADD{It is}} not right to punish a righteous man,

\par }{\Q Nor
{\ADD{is it}} holy to plot against righteous princes.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet,

\par }{\Q And a patient man is wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom:

\par }{\Q And he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{18}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses;

\par }{\Q But at all times he will be liable to reproach.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A senseless man feels no need of wisdom,

\par }{\Q For he is rather led by folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises
{\ADD{them}};

\par }{\Q But dishonor and reproach come upon him.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A word in the heart of a man is a deep water,

\par }{\Q And a river and fountain of life spring forth.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}{\ADD{It is}} not good to accept the person of the ungodly,

\par }{\Q Nor
{\ADD{is it}} holy to pervert justice in judgment.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}The lips of a fool bring
{\ADD{him}} into troubles,

\par }{\Q And his bold mouth calls for death.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A fool’s mouth is ruin to him,

\par }{\Q And his lips are a snare to his soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Fear casts down the slothful;

\par }{\Q And the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A man who helps not himself by his labor

\par }{\Q Is brother of him that ruins himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The name of the Lord is of great strength;

\par }{\Q And the righteous running to it are exalted.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The wealth of a rich man is a strong city;

\par }{\Q And its glory casts a broad shadow.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted,

\par }{\Q And before honor it is humble.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoso answers a word before he hears
{\ADD{a cause}},

\par }{\Q It is folly and reproach to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A wise servant calms a man’s anger;

\par }{\Q But who can endure a faint-hearted man?


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The heart of the sensible
{\ADD{man}} purchases discretion;

\par }{\Q And the ears of the wise seek understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A man’s gift enlarges him,

\par }{\Q And seats him among princes.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech,

\par }{\Q But when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}A silent
{\ADD{man}} quells strifes,

\par }{\Q And determines between great powers.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city;

\par }{\Q And is
{\ADD{as}} strong as a
{\ADD{well}}-founded palace.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth;

\par }{\Q And he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Life and death are in the power of the tongue;

\par }{\Q And they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}He that has found a good wife has found favors,

\par }{\Q And has received gladness from God.


\par }{\Q \VS{22a}He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing,

\par }{\Q And he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.


\par }{\BB \par }


{\BB \par }
\PoetryChap{19}{\Q \VS{3}The folly of a man spoils his ways:

\par }{\Q And he blames God in his heart.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{4}Wealth acquires many friends;

\par }{\Q But the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A false witness shall not be unpunished,

\par }{\Q And he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many court the favor of kings;

\par }{\Q But every bad man becomes a reproach to
{\ADD{another}} man.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Every one who hates
{\ADD{his}} poor brother

\par }{\Q Shall also be far from friendship.

\par }{\Q Good understanding will draw near to them that know it,

\par }{\Q And a sensible man will find it.

\par }{\Q He that does much harm perfects mischief;

\par }{\Q And he that uses provoking words shall not escape.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{8}He that procures wisdom loves himself;

\par }{\Q And he that keeps wisdom shall find good.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A false witness shall not be unpunished;

\par }{\Q And whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Delight does not suit a fool,

\par }{\Q Nor
{\ADD{is it seemly}} if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A merciful man is long-suffering;

\par }{\Q And his triumph overtakes transgressors.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion;

\par }{\Q But as dew on the grass, so is his favor.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}A foolish son is a disgrace to his father:

\par }{\Q Vows
{\ADD{paid out}} of the hire of a harlot are not pure.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Fathers divide house and substance to
{\ADD{their}} children:

\par }{\Q But a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Cowardice possesses the effeminate
{\ADD{man}};

\par }{\Q And the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul;

\par }{\Q But he that despises his ways shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord;

\par }{\Q And he will recompense to him according to his gift.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful;

\par }{\Q And be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A malicious man shall be severely punished,

\par }{\Q And if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}Hear, son, the instruction of thy father,

\par }{\Q That thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{There are}} many thoughts in a man’s heart;

\par }{\Q But the counsel of the Lord abides forever.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Mercy is a fruit to a man:

\par }{\Q And a poor man is better than a rich liar.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The fear of the Lord is life to a man:

\par }{\Q And he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom,

\par }{\Q Will not even
{\ADD{bring}} them up to his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser:

\par }{\Q And if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{26}He that dishonors his father, and drives away his mother,

\par }{\Q Shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father

\par }{\Q Will cherish evil designs.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance:

\par }{\Q And the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgments.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Scourges are preparing for the intemperate,

\par }{\Q And punishments likewise for fools.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{20}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence:

\par }{\Q But every fool is entangled with them.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion;

\par }{\Q And he that provokes him sins against his own soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}{\ADD{It is}} a glory to a man to turn aside from railing;

\par }{\Q But every fool is entangled with such matters.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed:

\par }{\Q So also he who borrows corn in harvest.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{5}Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water;

\par }{\Q But a prudent man will draw it out.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious:

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{it is}} hard to find a faithful man.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}He that walks blameless in justice,

\par }{\Q Shall leave his children blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne,

\par }{\Q No evil thing can stand before his presence.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Who will boast that he has a pure heart?

\par }{\Q Or who will boldly say that he is pure from sins?


\par }{\Q \VS{9a}The lamp of him that reviles father or mother shall be put out,

\par }{\Q And his eyeballs shall see darkness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{9b}A portion hastily gotten at first

\par }{\Q Shall not be blessed in the end.


\par }{\Q \VS{9c}Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy;

\par }{\Q But wait on the Lord, that he may help thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}A large and small weight, and diverse measures,

\par }{\Q Are even both of them unclean before the Lord;

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{so is}} he that makes them.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A youth
{\ADD{when in company}} with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{then}} his way will be straight.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The ear hears, and the eye sees:

\par }{\Q Even both of them are the Lord’s work.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut off:

\par }{\Q Open thine eyes, and be filled with bread.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}A double weight is an abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q And a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A man’s goings are directed of the Lord:

\par }{\Q How then can a mortal understand his ways?


\par }{\Q \VS{25}It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property:

\par }{\Q For
{\ADD{in that case}} repentance comes after vowing.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly,

\par }{\Q And will bring a wheel upon them.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{27}The spirit of man is a light of the Lord,

\par }{\Q Who searches the inmost parts of the belly.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Mercy and truth are a guard to a king,

\par }{\Q And will surround his throne with righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Wisdom is an ornament to young men;

\par }{\Q And gray
{\ADD{hairs}} are the glory of old men.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Bruises and contusions befall bad men;

\par }{\Q And plagues
{\ADD{shall come}} into the inward parts of
{\ADD{their}} belly.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{21}{\Q \VerseOne{1}As a rush of water, so is the king’s heart in God’s hand:

\par }{\Q He turns it whithersoever he may desire to point out.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Every man seems to himself righteous;

\par }{\Q But the Lord directs the hearts.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To do justly and to speak truth,

\par }{\Q Are more pleasing to God than the blood of sacrifices.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A high-minded man is stouthearted in
{\ADD{his}} pride;

\par }{\Q And the lamp of the wicked is sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}He that gathers treasures with a lying tongue

\par }{\Q Pursues vanity
{\ADD{on}} to the snares of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Destruction shall lodge with the ungodly;

\par }{\Q For they refuse to do justly.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}To the froward God sends froward ways;

\par }{\Q For his works are pure and right.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell in a corner on the housetop,

\par }{\Q Than in plastered
{\ADD{rooms}} with unrighteousness, and in an open house.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{11}When an intemperate man is punished the simple becomes wiser:

\par }{\Q And a wise man understanding will receive knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly:

\par }{\Q And despises the ungodly for their wickedness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}He that stops his ears from hearing the poor,

\par }{\Q Himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear
{\ADD{him}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A secret gift calms anger:

\par }{\Q But he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}{\ADD{It is}} the joy of the righteous to do judgment:

\par }{\Q But a holy
{\ADD{man}} is abominable with evildoers.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A man that wanders out of the way of righteousness,

\par }{\Q Shall rest in the congregation of giants.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A poor man loves mirth,

\par }{\Q Loving wine and oil in abundance;


\par }{\Q \VS{18}And a transgressor is the abomination of a righteous man.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell in a wilderness

\par }{\Q Than with a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise;

\par }{\Q But foolish men will swallow it up.


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


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A wise man assaults strong cities,

\par }{\Q And demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}He that keeps his mouth and his tongue

\par }{\Q Keeps his soul from trouble.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}A bold and self-willed and insolent
{\ADD{man}} is called a pest:

\par }{\Q And he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Desires kill the sluggard;

\par }{\Q For his hands do not choose to do anything.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day:

\par }{\Q But the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The sacrifices of the ungodly are abomination to the Lord,

\par }{\Q For they offer them wickedly.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A false witness shall perish;

\par }{\Q But an obedient man will speak cautiously.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}An ungodly man impudently withstands with his face;

\par }{\Q But the upright man himself understands his ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}There is no wisdom, there is no courage,

\par }{\Q There is no counsel against the ungodly.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}A horse is prepared for the day of battle;

\par }{\Q But help is of the Lord.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{22}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A fair name is better than much wealth,

\par }{\Q And good favor is above silver and gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The rich and the poor meet together;

\par }{\Q But the Lord made them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}An intelligent man seeing a bad man severely punished is himself instructed,

\par }{\Q But fools pass by and are punished.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The fear of the Lord is the offspring of wisdom,

\par }{\Q And wealth, and glory, and life.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Thistles and snares are in perverse ways;

\par }{\Q But he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The rich will rule over the poor,

\par }{\Q And servants will lend to their own masters.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{8}He that sows wickedness shall reap troubles;

\par }{\Q And shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds.


\par }{\Q \VS{8a}God loves a cheerful and liberal man;

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{a man}} shall fully prove the folly of his works.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that has pity on the poor shall himself be maintained;

\par }{\Q For he has given of his own bread to the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{9a}He that gives liberally secures victory and honor;

\par }{\Q But he takes away the life of them that possess
{\ADD{them}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him;

\par }{\Q For when he sits in the council he dishonors all.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}The Lord loves holy hearts,

\par }{\Q And all blameless persons are acceptable with him:

\par }{\Q A king rules with his lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}But the eyes of the Lord preserve discretion;

\par }{\Q But the transgressor despises
{\ADD{wise}} words.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The sluggard makes excuses, and says,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{There is}} a lion in the ways, and murderers in the streets.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The mouth of a transgressor is a deep pit;

\par }{\Q And he that is hated of the Lord shall fall into it.


\par }{\Q \VS{14a}Evil ways are before a man,

\par }{\Q And he does not like to turn away from them;

\par }{\Q But it is needful to turn aside from a perverse and bad way.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Folly is attached to the heart of a child,

\par }{\Q But the rod and instruction are
{\ADD{then}} far from him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{16}He that oppresses the poor, increases his own substance,

\par }{\Q Yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{17}Incline thine ear to the words of wise men:

\par }{\Q Hear also my word, and apply thy heart,


\par }{\Q \VS{18}That thou mayest know that they are good:

\par }{\Q And if thou lay them to heart,

\par }{\Q They shall also gladden thee on thy lips,


\par }{\Q \VS{19}That thy hope may be in the Lord,

\par }{\Q And he may make thy way known to thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}And do thou too repeatedly record them for thyself

\par }{\Q On the table of thy heart, for counsel and knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear;

\par }{\Q That thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22}Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy:

\par }{\Q Neither dishonor the helpless
{\ADD{man}} in the gates.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For the Lord will plead his cause,

\par }{\Q And thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}Be not companion to a furious man;

\par }{\Q Neither lodge with a passionate man:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Lest thou learn of his ways,

\par }{\Q And get snares to thy soul.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{26}Become not surety from respect of a man’s person.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}For if those have not whence to give compensation,

\par }{\Q They will take the bed
{\ADD{that is}} under thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Remove not the old landmarks, which thy fathers placed.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{29}It is fit that an observant man and
{\ADD{one}} diligent in his business

\par }{\Q Should attend on kings,

\par }{\Q And not attend on slothful men.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{23}{\Q \VerseOne{1}If thou sit to sup at the table of a prince,

\par }{\Q Consider attentively the things set before thee:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}And apply thy hand,

\par }{\Q Knowing that it behooves thee to prepare such
{\ADD{meats}}:

\par }{\Q But if thou art very insatiable,

\VS{3}desire not his provisions;

\par }{\Q For these belong to a false life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{4}If thou art poor, measure not thyself with a rich man;

\par }{\Q But refrain thyself in thy wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}If thou shouldest fix thine eye upon him, he will disappear;

\par }{\Q For wings like an eagle’s are prepared for him,

\par }{\Q And he returns to the house of his master.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Sup not with an envious man,

\par }{\Q Neither desire thou his meats:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}So he eats and drinks

\par }{\Q As if anyone should swallow a hair,

\par }{\Q And do not bring him in to thyself, nor eat thy morsel with him:


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


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{9}Say nothing in the ears of a fool,

\par }{\Q Lest at any time he sneer at thy wise words.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Remove not the ancient landmarks;

\par }{\Q And enter not upon the possession of the fatherless:


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For the Lord is their redeemer;

\par }{\Q He is mighty, and will plead their cause with thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Apply thy heart to instruction,

\par }{\Q And prepare thine ears for words of discretion.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}Refrain not from chastening a child;

\par }{\Q For if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For thou shalt beat him with the rod,

\par }{\Q And shalt deliver his soul from death.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}Son, if thy heart be wise,

\par }{\Q Thou shalt also gladden my heart;


\par }{\Q \VS{16}And thy lips shall converse with my lips,

\par }{\Q If they be right.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let not thy heart envy sinners:

\par }{\Q But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For if thou shouldest keep these things, thou shalt have posterity;

\par }{\Q And thy hope shall not be removed.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{19}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} son, and be wise,

\par }{\Q And rightly direct the thoughts of thy heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Be not a wine bibber,

\par }{\Q Neither continue long at feasts, and purchases of flesh:


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For every drunkard and whoremonger shall be poor;

\par }{\Q And every sluggard shall clothe himself with tatters and ragged garments.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22}Hearken,
{\ADD{my}} son, to thy father which begot thee,

\par }{\Q And despise not
{\ADD{thy mother}} because she is grown old.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A righteous father brings up
{\ADD{his children}} well;

\par }{\Q And his soul rejoices over a wise son.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let thy father and thy mother rejoice over thee,

\par }{\Q And let her that bore thee be glad.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{26}{\ADD{My}} son, give me thy heart,

\par }{\Q And let thine eyes observe my ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}For a strange house is a vessel full of holes;

\par }{\Q And a strange well is narrow.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}For such a one shall perish suddenly;

\par }{\Q And every transgressor shall be cut off.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{29}Who
{\ADD{has}} woe? who trouble? who
{\ADD{has}} quarrels?

\par }{\Q And who vexations and disputes?

\par }{\Q Who
{\ADD{has}} bruises without a cause?

\par }{\Q Whose eyes are livid?


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Are not those of them that stay long at wine?

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Are}} not
{\ADD{those}} of them that haunt
{\ADD{the places}} where banquets are?

\par }{\Q Be not drunk with wine; but converse with just men,

\par }{\Q And converse
{\ADD{with them}} openly.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}For if thou shouldest set thine eyes on bowls and cups,

\par }{\Q Thou shalt afterward go more naked than a pestle.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}But at last
{\ADD{such a one}} stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent,

\par }{\Q And venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{33}Whenever thine eyes shall behold a strange woman,

\par }{\Q Then thy mouth shall speak perverse things.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}And thou shalt lie as in the midst of the sea,

\par }{\Q And as a pilot in a great storm.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}And thou shalt say, They smote me, and I was not pained;

\par }{\Q And they mocked me, and I knew it not:

\par }{\Q When will it be morning, that I may go and seek those with whom I may go in company?


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{24}{\Q \VerseOne{1}{\ADD{My}} son, envy not bad men,

\par }{\Q Nor desire to be with them.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For their heart meditates falsehoods,

\par }{\Q And their lips speak mischiefs.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A house is built by wisdom,

\par }{\Q And is set up by understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}By discretion the chambers are filled

\par }{\Q With all precious and excellent wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A wise man is better than a strong man;

\par }{\Q And a man who has prudence than a large estate.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}War is carried on with generalship,

\par }{\Q And aid is supplied to the heart of a counselor.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise:

\par }{\Q The wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}But deliberate in council.

\par }{\Q Death befalls uninstructed
{\ADD{men}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The fool also dies in sins;

\par }{\Q And uncleanness
{\ADD{attaches}} to a pestilent man.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}He shall be defiled in the evil day,

\par }{\Q And in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}Deliver them that are led away to death,

\par }{\Q And redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not
{\ADD{thy help}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}But if thou shouldest say, I know not this man;

\par }{\Q Know that the Lord knows the hearts of all;

\par }{\Q And he that formed breath for all, he knows all things,

\par }{\Q Who renders to every man according to his works.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}{\ADD{My}} son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good,

\par }{\Q That thy throat may be sweetened.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Thus shalt thou perceive wisdom in thy soul:

\par }{\Q For if thou find it, thine end shall be good,

\par }{\Q And hope shall not fail thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}Bring not an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous:

\par }{\Q Neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise
{\ADD{again}}:

\par }{\Q But the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}If thine enemy should fall, rejoice not over him,

\par }{\Q Neither be elated at his overthrow.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For the Lord will see
{\ADD{it}}, and it will not please him,

\par }{\Q And he will turn away his wrath from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Rejoice not in evildoers,

\par }{\Q Neither be envious of sinners.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For the evil man shall have no posterity:

\par }{\Q And the light of the wicked shall be put out.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{My}} son, fear God and the king;

\par }{\Q And do not disobey either of them.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For they will suddenly punish the ungodly,

\par }{\Q And who can know the vengeance
{\ADD{inflicted}} by both?


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22a}A son that keeps the commandment shall escape destruction;

\par }{\Q For
{\ADD{such a one}} has fully received it.


\par }{\Q \VS{22b}Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue;

\par }{\Q Yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{22c}The king’s tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh;

\par }{\Q And whosoever shall be given up to
{\ADD{it}} shall be destroyed:


\par }{\Q \VS{22d}For if his wrath should be provoked,

\par }{\Q He destroys men with cords,


\par }{\Q \VS{22e}And devours men’s bones,

\par }{\Q And burns them up as a flame,

\par }{\Q So that they are not
{\ADD{even}} fit to be eaten by the young eagles.


\par }{\Q \VS{22f}{\ADD{My}} son, reverence my words,

\par }{\Q And receive them, and repent.

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


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22g}For I am the most simple of all men,

\par }{\Q And there is not in me the wisdom of men.


\par }{\Q \VS{22h}God has taught me wisdom,

\par }{\Q And I know the knowledge of the holy.


\par }{\Q \VS{22i}Who has gone up to heaven, and come down?

\par }{\Q Who has gathered the winds in his bosom?

\par }{\Q Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?

\par }{\Q Who has dominion of all the ends of the earth?

\par }{\Q What is his name? or what is the name of his children?


\par }{\Q \VS{22k}For all the words of God are tried in the fire,

\par }{\Q And he defends those that reverence him.


\par }{\Q \VS{22l}Add not unto his words,

\par }{\Q Lest he reprove thee, and thou be made a liar.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22m}Two things I ask of thee;

\par }{\Q Take not favor from me before I die.


\par }{\Q \VS{22n}Remove far from me vanity and falsehood:

\par }{\Q And give me not wealth
{\ADD{or}} poverty;

\par }{\Q But appoint me what is needful and sufficient:


\par }{\Q \VS{22o}Lest I be filled and become false, and say, Who sees me?

\par }{\Q Or be poor and steal, and swear
{\ADD{vainly}} by the name of God.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22p}Deliver not a servant into the hands of his master,

\par }{\Q Lest he curse thee, and thou be utterly destroyed.


\par }{\Q \VS{22q}A wicked generation curse their father,

\par }{\Q And do not bless their mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{22r}A wicked generation judge themselves to be just,

\par }{\Q But do not cleanse their way.


\par }{\Q \VS{22s}A wicked generation have lofty eyes,

\par }{\Q And exalt themselves with their eyelids.


\par }{\Q \VS{22t}A wicked generation have swords
{\ADD{for}} teeth and jaw teeth
{\ADD{as}} knives,

\par }{\Q So as to destroy and devour the lowly from the earth,

\par }{\Q And the poor of them from among men.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}And this thing I say to you that are wise
{\ADD{for you}} to learn:

\par }{\Q It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous,

\par }{\Q Shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}But they that reprove
{\ADD{him}} shall appear more excellent,

\par }{\Q And blessing shall come upon them;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}And
{\ADD{men}} will kiss lips that answer well.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Prepare thy works for
{\ADD{thy}} going forth,

\par }{\Q And prepare thyself for the field;

\par }{\Q And come after me,

\par }{\Q And thou shalt rebuild thy house.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Be not a false witness against thy
{\ADD{fellow}} citizen,

\par }{\Q Neither exaggerate with thy lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Say not, As he has treated me, so will I treat him,

\par }{\Q And I will avenge myself on him for that wherein he has injured me.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}A foolish man is like a farm,

\par }{\Q And a senseless man is like a vineyard.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}If thou let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds;

\par }{\Q And he becomes destitute,

\par }{\Q And his stone walls are broken down.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}Afterward I reflected,

\par }{\Q I looked that I might receive instruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}{\ADD{The sluggard says}}, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little,

\par }{\Q And for a little while I fold my arms across
{\ADD{my}} breast.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}But if thou do this, thy poverty will come speedily;

\par }{\Q And thy want like a swift courier.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{35}The horseleech had three dearly beloved daughters:

\par }{\Q And these three did not satisfy her;

\par }{\Q And the fourth was not contented so as to say, Enough.


\par }{\Q \VS{36}The grave, and the love of a woman,

\par }{\Q And the earth not filled with water;

\par }{\Q Water also and fire will not say, It is enough.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{37}The eye that laughs to scorn a father, and dishonors the old age of a mother,

\par }{\Q Let the ravens of the valleys pick it out,

\par }{\Q And let the young eagles devour it.


\par }{\Q \VS{38}Moreover there are three things impossible for me to comprehend,

\par }{\Q And the fourth I know not:


\par }{\Q \VS{39}The track of a flying eagle;

\par }{\Q And the ways of a serpent on a rock;

\par }{\Q And the paths of a ship passing through the sea;

\par }{\Q And the ways of a man in youth.


\par }{\Q \VS{40}Such is the way of an adulterous woman,

\par }{\Q Who having washed herself from what she has done, says she has done nothing amiss.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{41}By three things the earth is troubled,

\par }{\Q And the fourth it cannot bear:


\par }{\Q \VS{42}If a servant reign;

\par }{\Q Or a fool be filled with food;


\par }{\Q \VS{43}Or if a maidservant should cast out her own mistress;

\par }{\Q And if a hateful woman should marry a good man.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{44}And
{\ADD{there are}} four very little things upon the earth,

\par }{\Q But these are wiser than the wise:


\par }{\Q \VS{45}The ants which are weak,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{yet}} prepare
{\ADD{their}} food in summer;


\par }{\Q \VS{46}The rabbits also
{\ADD{are}} a feeble race,

\par }{\Q Who make their houses in the rocks.


\par }{\Q \VS{47}The locusts have no king,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{yet}} march orderly at one command.


\par }{\Q \VS{48}And the eft, which supports itself by
{\ADD{its}} hands, and is easily taken,

\par }{\Q Dwells in the fortresses of kings.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{49}And there are three things which go well,

\par }{\Q And a fourth which passes along finely.


\par }{\Q \VS{50}A lion’s whelp, stronger than
{\ADD{all other}} beasts,

\par }{\Q Which turns not away, nor fears
{\ADD{any}} beast;


\par }{\Q \VS{51}And a cock walking in boldly among the hens,

\par }{\Q And a goat leading the herd;

\par }{\Q And a king publicly speaking before a nation.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{52}If thou abandon thyself to mirth,

\par }{\Q And stretch forth thy hand in a quarrel, thou shalt be disgraced.


\par }{\Q \VS{53}Milk out milk, and there shall be butter,

\par }{\Q And if thou wring
{\ADD{one’s}} nostrils there shall come out blood:

\par }{\Q So if thou extort words, there will come forth quarrels and strifes.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{54}My words have been spoken by God—

\par }{\Q The oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{55}What wilt thou keep, my son, what? the words of God.

\par }{\Q My firstborn son, I speak to thee:

\par }{\Q What? son of my womb?

\par }{\Q What? son of my vows?


\par }{\Q \VS{56}Give not thy wealth to women,

\par }{\Q Nor thy mind and living to remorse.

\par }{\Q Do all things with counsel:

\par }{\Q Drink wine with counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{57}Princes are prone to anger:

\par }{\Q Let them then not drink wine:


\par }{\Q \VS{58}Lest they drink, and forget wisdom,

\par }{\Q And be not able to judge the poor rightly.


\par }{\Q \VS{59}Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow,

\par }{\Q And the wine to drink to those in pain:


\par }{\Q \VS{60}That they may forget their poverty,

\par }{\Q And may not remember their troubles anymore.


\par }{\Q \VS{61}Open thy mouth with the word of God,

\par }{\Q And judge all fairly.


\par }{\Q \VS{62}Open thy mouth and judge justly,

\par }{\Q And plead the cause of the poor and weak.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{25}{\PP \VerseOne{1}These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea copied out.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{2}The glory of God conceals a matter:

\par }{\Q But the glory of a king honors business.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Heaven is high, and earth is deep,

\par }{\Q And a king’s heart is unsearchable.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Beat the drossy silver,

\par }{\Q And it shall be made entirely pure.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Slay the ungodly from before the king,

\par }{\Q And his throne shall prosper in righteousness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}Be not boastful in the presence of the king,

\par }{\Q And remain not in the places of princes;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For
{\ADD{it is}} better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me,

\par }{\Q Than that
{\ADD{one}} should humble thee in the presence of the prince;

\par }{\Q Speak of that which thine eyes have seen.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{8}Get not suddenly into a quarrel,

\par }{\Q Lest thou repent at last.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee,

\par }{\Q Retreat backward, despise
{\ADD{him}} not;


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Lest thy friend continue to reproach thee,

\par }{\Q So thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart,

\par }{\Q But shall be to thee like death.


\par }{\Q \VS{10a}Favor and friendship set
{\ADD{a man}} free,

\par }{\Q Which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach;

\par }{\Q But take heed to thy ways peaceably.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}{\ADD{As}} a golden apple in a necklace of sardius,

\par }{\Q So
{\ADD{is it}} to speak a
{\ADD{wise}} word.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}In an earring of gold a precious sardius is also set;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a wise word to an obedient ear.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat,

\par }{\Q So a faithful messenger
{\ADD{refreshes}} those that send him;

\par }{\Q For he helps the souls of his employers.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{14}As winds and clouds and rains are most evident
{\ADD{objects}},

\par }{\Q So is he that boasts of a false gift.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}In long-suffering is prosperity to kings,

\par }{\Q And a soft tongue breaks the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Having found honey, eat
{\ADD{only}} what is enough,

\par }{\Q Lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Enter sparingly into thy friend’s house,

\par }{\Q Lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}{\ADD{As}} a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow,

\par }{\Q So also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.


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


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}As vinegar is bad for a sore,

\par }{\Q So trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{20a}As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood,

\par }{\Q So the grief of a man hurts the heart.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}If thine enemy hunger, feed him;

\par }{\Q If he thirst, give him drink;


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head,

\par }{\Q And the Lord shall reward thee
{\ADD{with}} good.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The north wind raises clouds;

\par }{\Q So an impudent face provokes the tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}{\ADD{It is}} better to dwell on a corner of the roof,

\par }{\Q Than with a railing woman in an open house.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul,

\par }{\Q So is a good message from a land far off.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water,

\par }{\Q So
{\ADD{is it}} unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}{\ADD{It is}} not good to eat much honey;

\par }{\Q But it is right to honor venerable sayings.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified,

\par }{\Q So is a man who does anything without counsel.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{26}{\Q \VerseOne{1}As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer,

\par }{\Q So honor is not
{\ADD{seemly}} for a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}As birds and sparrows fly,

\par }{\Q So a curse shall not come upon anyone without a cause.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass,

\par }{\Q So
{\ADD{is}} a rod for a simple nation.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Answer not a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q Lest thou become like him.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Yet answer a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q Lest he seem wise in his own conceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}He that sends a message by a foolish messenger

\par }{\Q Procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}{\ADD{As well}} take away the motion of the legs,

\par }{\Q As transgression from the mouth of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that binds up a stone in a sling,

\par }{\Q Is like one that gives glory to a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard,

\par }{\Q And servitude in the hand of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}All the flesh of fools endures much hardship;

\par }{\Q For their fury is brought to nought.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable,

\par }{\Q So is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{11a}There is a shame that brings sin:

\par }{\Q And there is a shame
{\ADD{that is}} glory and grace.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}I have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise;

\par }{\Q But a fool had more hope than he.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A sluggard when sent on a journey says,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{There is}} a lion in the ways,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{there are}} murderers in the streets.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{14}As a door turns on the hinge,

\par }{\Q So does a sluggard on his bed.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A sluggard having hidden his hand in his bosom,

\par }{\Q Will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A sluggard seems to himself wiser

\par }{\Q Than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{17}As he that lays hold of a dog’s tail,

\par }{\Q So is he that makes himself the champion of another’s cause.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}As those who need correction put forth
{\ADD{fair}} words to men,

\par }{\Q And he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;


\par }{\Q \VS{19}So are all that lay wait for their own friends,

\par }{\Q And when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}With much wood fire increases;

\par }{\Q But where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}A hearth for coals, and wood for fire;

\par }{\Q And a railing man for the tumult of strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The words of cunning knaves are soft;

\par }{\Q But they smite
{\ADD{even}} to the inmost parts of the bowels.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd:

\par }{\Q Smooth lips cover a grievous heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips,

\par }{\Q But in his heart he contrives deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Though
{\ADD{thine}} enemy entreat thee with a loud voice, consent not:

\par }{\Q For there are seven abominations in his heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned,

\par }{\Q Exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that digs a pit for his neighbor shall fall into it:

\par }{\Q And he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A lying tongue hates the truth;

\par }{\Q And an unguarded mouth causes tumults.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{27}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Boast not of tomorrow;

\par }{\Q For thou knowest not what the next day shall bring forth.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Let thy neighbor, and not thine own mouth, praise thee;

\par }{\Q A stranger, and not thine own lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A stone is heavy, and sand cumbersome;

\par }{\Q But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wrath is merciless, and anger sharp:

\par }{\Q But envy can bear nothing.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Open reproofs are better than secret love.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted

\par }{\Q Than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}A full soul scorns honeycombs;

\par }{\Q But to a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}As when a bird flies down from its own nest,

\par }{\Q So a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes:

\par }{\Q But the soul is broken by calamities.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not;

\par }{\Q And when thou art in distress go not into thy brother’s house:

\par }{\Q Better is a friend
{\ADD{that is}} near than a brother living far off.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Son, be wise, that thy heart may rejoice;

\par }{\Q And remove thou from thyself reproachful words.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A wise man, when evils are approaching, hides himself;

\par }{\Q But fools pass on, and will be punished.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take away the man’s garment (for a scorner has passed by),

\par }{\Q Whoever lays waste another’s goods.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Whosoever shall bless a friend in the morning with a loud voice,

\par }{\Q Shall seem to differ nothing from one who curses
{\ADD{him}}.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}On a stormy day drops
{\ADD{of rain}} drive a man out of his house;

\par }{\Q So also does a railing woman
{\ADD{drive a man}} out of his own house.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The north wind is sharp,

\par }{\Q But it is called by name propitious.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Iron sharpens iron;

\par }{\Q And a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}He that plants a fig tree shall eat the fruits of it:

\par }{\Q So he that waits on his own master shall be honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}As faces are not like
{\ADD{other}} faces,

\par }{\Q So neither are the thoughts of men.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Hell and destruction are not filled;

\par }{\Q So also are the eyes of men insatiable.


\par }{\Q \VS{20a}He that fixes his eye is an abomination to the Lord;

\par }{\Q And the uninstructed do not restrain their tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Fire is the trial for silver and gold;

\par }{\Q And a man is tried by the mouth of them that praise him.


\par }{\Q \VS{21a}The heart of the transgressor seeks after mischiefs;

\par }{\Q But an upright heart seeks knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Though thou scourge a fool, disgracing him in the midst of the council,

\par }{\Q Thou wilt
{\ADD{still}} in nowise remove his folly from him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}Do thou thoroughly know the number of thy flock,

\par }{\Q And pay attention to thy herds.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}For a man
{\ADD{has}} not strength and power forever;

\par }{\Q Neither does he transmit it from generation to generation.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Take care of the herbage in the field, and thou shalt cut grass,

\par }{\Q And gather the mountain hay;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}That thou mayest have
{\ADD{wool of}} sheep for clothing:

\par }{\Q Pay attention to the land, that thou mayest have lambs.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}{\ADD{My}} son, thou hast from me words very useful for thy life,

\par }{\Q And for the life of thy servants.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{28}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The ungodly
{\ADD{man}} flees when no one pursues:

\par }{\Q But the righteous is confident as a lion.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise;

\par }{\Q But a wise man will quell them.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds.

\par }{\Q As an impetuous and unprofitable rain,


\par }{\Q \VS{4}So they that forsake the law praise ungodliness;

\par }{\Q But they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Evil men will not understand judgment:

\par }{\Q But they that seek the Lord will understand everything.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{6}A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A wise son keeps the law:

\par }{\Q But he that keeps up debauchery dishonors his father.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that increases his wealth by usuries and
{\ADD{unjust}} gains,

\par }{\Q Gathers it for him that pities the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that turns away his ear from hearing the law,

\par }{\Q Even he has made his prayer abominable.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}He that causes upright men to err in an evil way,

\par }{\Q Himself shall fall into destruction:

\par }{\Q Transgressors also shall pass by prosperity,

\par }{\Q But shall not enter into it.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A rich man is wise in his own conceit;

\par }{\Q But an intelligent poor man will condemn him.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises:

\par }{\Q But in the places of the ungodly men are caught.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper:

\par }{\Q But he that blames
{\ADD{himself}} shall be loved.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Blessed is the man who religiously fears always:

\par }{\Q But the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf
{\ADD{is he}},

\par }{\Q Who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor:

\par }{\Q But he that hates injustice shall live a long time.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{17}He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder

\par }{\Q Shall be an exile, and not in safety.


\par }{\Q \VS{17a}Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee,

\par }{\Q And give honor to thy soul:

\par }{\Q He shall not obey a sinful nation.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}He that walks justly is assisted:

\par }{\Q But he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled
{\ADD{therein}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread:

\par }{\Q But he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed:

\par }{\Q But the wicked shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good:

\par }{\Q Such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}An envious man makes haste to be rich,

\par }{\Q And knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}He that reproves a man’s ways

\par }{\Q Shall have more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not;

\par }{\Q The same is partaker with an ungodly man.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}An unbelieving man judges rashly:

\par }{\Q But he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He that trusts to a bold heart, such a one is a fool:

\par }{\Q But he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that gives to the poor shall not be in want:

\par }{\Q But he that turns away his eye
{\ADD{from him}} shall be in great distress.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}In the places of ungodly
{\ADD{men}} the righteous mourn:

\par }{\Q But in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{29}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man:

\par }{\Q For when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice:

\par }{\Q But when the ungodly rule, men mourn.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices:

\par }{\Q But he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A righteous king establishes a country:

\par }{\Q But a transgressor destroys
{\ADD{it}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend,

\par }{\Q Entangles his own feet in it.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A great snare
{\ADD{is spread}} for a sinner:

\par }{\Q But the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor:

\par }{\Q But the ungodly understands not knowledge;

\par }{\Q And the poor man has not an understanding mind.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{8}Lawless men burn down a city:

\par }{\Q But wise men turn away wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A wise man shall judge nations:

\par }{\Q But a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Bloody men hate a holy
{\ADD{person}},

\par }{\Q But the upright will seek his soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A fool utters all his mind:

\par }{\Q But the wise reserves his in part.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}When a king hearkens to unjust language,

\par }{\Q All his subjects are transgressors.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}When the creditor and debtor meet together,

\par }{\Q The Lord oversees them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}When a king judges the poor in truth,

\par }{\Q His throne shall be established for a testimony.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Stripes and reproofs give wisdom:

\par }{\Q But an erring child disgraces his parents.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}When the ungodly abound, sins abound:

\par }{\Q But when they fall, the righteous are warned.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{17}Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest;

\par }{\Q And he shall give honor to thy soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}There shall be no interpreter to a sinful nation:

\par }{\Q But he that observes the law is blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words:

\par }{\Q For even if he understand, still he will not obey.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}If thou see a man hasty in
{\ADD{his}} words,

\par }{\Q Know that the fool has hope rather than he.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant,

\par }{\Q And in the end shall grieve over himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A furious man stirs up strife,

\par }{\Q And a passionate man digs up sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Pride brings a man low,

\par }{\Q But the Lord upholds the humble minded with honor.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}He that shares with a thief, hates his own soul:

\par }{\Q And if any having heard an oath uttered tell not of it,


\par }{\Q \VS{25}{\ADD{They}} fearing and reverencing men
{\ADD{unreasonably}} have been overthrown,

\par }{\Q But he that trusts in the Lord shall rejoice.

\par }{\Q Ungodliness causes a man to stumble:

\par }{\Q But he that trusts in his master shall be safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Many wait on the favor of rulers;

\par }{\Q But justice comes to a man from the Lord.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A righteous man is an abomination to an unrighteous man,

\par }{\Q And the direct way is an abomination to the sinner.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{30}{\PP \VerseOne{1}These things says the man to them that trust in God; and I cease.

\VS{2}For I am the most simple of all men, and there is not in me the wisdom of men.

\VS{3}God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the holy.

\VS{4}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{5}For all the words of God are tried in the fire, and he defends those that reverence him.

\VS{6}Add not to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be made a liar.

\VS{7}Two things I ask of you; take not favor from me before I die.

\VS{8}Remove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth
{\ADD{or}} poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient:

\VS{9}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.

\VS{10}Deliver not a servant into the hands of his master, lest he curse you, and you be utterly destroyed.

\VS{11}A wicked generation curse their father, and do not bless their mother.

\VS{12}A wicked generation judge themselves to be just, but do not cleanse their way.

\VS{13}A wicked generation have lofty eyes, and exalt themselves with their eyelids.

\VS{14}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.

\VS{15}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{16}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.

\VS{17}The eye that laughs to scorn a father, and dishonors the old age of a mother, let the ravens of the valleys pick it out, and let the young eagles devour it.

\VS{18}Moreover there are three things impossible for me to comprehend, and the fourth I know not:

\VS{19}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{20}Such is the way of an adulterous woman, who having washed herself from what she has done, says she has done nothing * amiss.

\VS{21}By three things the earth is troubled, and the fourth it can’t bear:

\VS{22}if a servant reign; or a fool be filled with food;

\VS{23}or if a maidservant should cast out her own mistress; and if a hateful woman should marry a good man.

\VS{24}And
{\ADD{there are}} four very little things upon the earth, but these are wiser than the wise:

\VS{25}the ants which are weak, and
{\ADD{yet}} prepare
{\ADD{their}} food in summer;

\VS{26}the rabbits also
{\ADD{are}} a feeble race, who make their houses in the rocks.

\VS{27}The locusts have no king, and
{\ADD{yet}} march orderly at one command.

\VS{28}And the eft, which supports itself by
{\ADD{its}} hands, and is easily taken, dwells in the fortresses of kings.

\VS{29}And there are three things which go well, and a fourth which passes along finely.

\VS{30}A lion's whelp, stronger than
{\ADD{all other}} beasts, which turns not away, nor fears
{\ADD{any}} beast;

\VS{31}and a cock walking in boldly among the hens, and the goat leading the herd; and a king publicly speaking before a nation.

\VS{32}If you abandon yourself to mirth, and stretch forth your hand in a quarrel, you shall be disgraced.

\VS{33}Milk out milk, and there shall be butter, and if you wing
{\ADD{one's}} nostrils there shall come out blood: so if you extort words, there will come forth quarrels and strifes




\par }\Chap{31}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My words have been spoken by God—the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.

\VS{2}What will you keep, my son, what? the words of God. My firstborn son, I speak to you: what? son of my womb? what? * son of my vows?

\VS{3}Give not your wealth to women, nor your mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink wine with counsel.

\VS{4}Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:

\VS{5}lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the poor rightly.

\VS{6}Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:

\VS{7}that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles any more.

\VS{8}Open your mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.

\VS{9}Open your mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Who shall find a virtuous woman?

\par }{\Q For such a one is more valuable than precious stones.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The heart of her husband trusts in her:

\par }{\Q Such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For she employs all her living for her husband’s good.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}She is like a ship trading from a distance:

\par }{\Q So she procures her livelihood.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}And she rises by night,

\par }{\Q And gives food to her household,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{appointed}} tasks to her maidens.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}She views a farm, and buys it:

\par }{\Q And with the fruit of her hands she plants a possession.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}She strongly girds her loins,

\par }{\Q And strengthens her arms for work.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}And she finds by experience that working is good;

\par }{\Q And her candle goes not out all night.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}She reaches forth her arms to needful
{\ADD{works}},

\par }{\Q And applies her hands to the spindle.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}And she opens her hands to the needy,

\par }{\Q And reaches out fruit to the poor.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad:

\par }{\Q For all her household are clothed.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}She makes for her husband clothes of double texture,

\par }{\Q And garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}And her husband becomes a distinguished
{\ADD{person}} in the gates,

\par }{\Q When he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}She makes fine linens,

\par }{\Q And sells girdles to the Canaanites:

\par }{\Q She opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety,

\par }{\Q And controls her tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}She puts on strength and honor;

\par }{\Q And rejoices in the last days.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The ways of her household are careful,

\par }{\Q And she eats not the bread of idleness.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}And
{\ADD{her}} kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich,

\par }{\Q And her husband praises her.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Many daughters have obtained wealth,

\par }{\Q Many have wrought valiantly;

\par }{\Q But thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Charms are false, and woman’s beauty is vain:

\par }{\Q For it is a wise woman that is blessed,

\par }{\Q And let her praise the fear of the Lord.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Give her of the fruit of her lips;

\par }{\Q And let her husband be praised in the gates.


\par }