\NormalFont\ShortTitle{PROVERBS}

{\MT PROVERBS



\par }\ChapOne{CHAPTER 1}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The parables of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel;


\par }{\PP \VS{2}to know wisdom and knowing; to understand the words of prudence;


\par }{\PP \VS{3}and to take the learning of teach-ing;
{\EM{to take}} rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwise-ness]}}, and doom, and equity;


\par }{\PP \VS{4}that fellness,
{\EM{or wariness}}, be given to little children, and knowing and understanding to a young waxing man.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A wise man hearing shall be the wiser; and a man understanding shall hold governance.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}He shall perceive a parable, and the expounding; the words of wise men, and the dark figurative speeches of them.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The dread of the Lord
{\EM{is}} the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}My son, hear thou the teaching of thy father, and forsake thou not the law of thy mother;


\par }{\PP \VS{9}that grace be added,
{\EM{either increased}}, to thine head, and a bie to thy neck.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}My son, if sinners flatter thee, assent thou not to them.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}If they say, Come thou with us, set we ambush to
{\EM{shed}} blood, hide we snares of deceits against an innocent without cause;


\par }{\PP \VS{12}swallow we him, as hell
{\EM{swallow-eth}} a man living; and all-whole, as going down into a pit;


\par }{\PP \VS{13}we shall find all precious chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}}, we shall fill our houses with spoils;


\par }{\PP \VS{14}put thou lot with us, one purse be there of us all;


\par }{\PP \VS{15}my son, go thou not with them; forbid thy foot from the paths of them.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}For the feet of them run to evil; and they hasten to shed out blood.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}But a net is laid in vain before the eyes of birds, that have wings.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Also they set ambush against their own blood; and make ready frauds,
{\EM{or guiles}}, against their
{\EM{own}} souls.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}So the paths of each avaricious man ravish,
{\EM{or take away}}, the souls of them that wield.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Wisdom preacheth withoutforth; in streets it giveth his voice.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}It crieth oft in the head of companies; in the leaves of
{\ADD{[the]}} gates of the city it bringeth forth his words, and saith,


\par }{\PP \VS{22}How long, little men
{\EM{in wit}}, love young childhood, and fools shall covet those things, that be harmful to themselves, and unprudent men shall hate knowing?


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Be ye converted at my reproving; lo, I shall bring forth to you my spirit, and I shall show my words.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}For I called, and ye forsook; I held forth mine hand, and none there was that beheld.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Ye have despised all my counsel; and charged not my blamings.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}And I shall laugh in your perishing; and I shall scorn you, when that, that ye dread, cometh to you.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}When sudden wretchedness falleth in, and perishing befalleth as tempest; when tribulation and anguish cometh on you.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Then they shall call me, and I shall not hear; they shall rise early, and they shall not find me.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}For they hated teaching, and they took not the dread of the Lord,


\par }{\PP \VS{30}neither they assented to my counsel, and they depraved all mine amending.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}Therefore they shall eat the fruits of their way; and they shall be filled with their counsels.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}The turning away of little men
{\EM{in wit}} shall slay them; and the prosperity of fools shall lose them.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}But he that heareth me, shall rest without dread; and he shall use abundance, when the dread of evils is taken away.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 2}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My son, if thou receivest my words, and hidest my behests with thee;


\par }{\PP \VS{2}that thine ear hear wisdom, bow thine heart to know prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}For if thou inwardly callest wisdom, and bowest thine heart to prudence;


\par }{\PP \VS{4}if thou seekest it as money, and diggest it out as treasures;


\par }{\PP \VS{5}then thou shalt understand the dread of the Lord, and shalt find the knowing of God.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}For the Lord giveth wisdom; and prudence and knowing
{\EM{is}} of his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}He shall keep the health of rightful
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men, and he shall defend them that go simply.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}And he shall keep the paths of rightwiseness, and he shall keep the ways of holy men.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Then thou shalt understand rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}, and doom, and equity, and each good path.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}If wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowing pleaseth thy soul,


\par }{\PP \VS{11}good counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall keep thee;


\par }{\PP \VS{12}that thou be delivered from an evil way, and from a man that speaketh wayward things.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Which forsake a rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} way, and go by dark ways;


\par }{\PP \VS{14}which be glad, when they have done evil, and make full out joy in worst things;


\par }{\PP \VS{15}whose ways
{\EM{be}} wayward, and their goings
{\EM{be}} of evil fame.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}That thou be delivered from an alien woman, and from a strange
{\EM{woman}}, that maketh soft her words;


\par }{\PP \VS{17}and forsaketh the duke of her time of marriage, and hath forgotten the covenant of her God.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}For the house of her is bowed to death, and her paths to hell.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}All that enter to her, shall not turn again, neither they shall catch the paths of life.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}That thou go in a good way, and keep the paths of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Forsooth they that be rightful, shall dwell in the land; and simple men shall perfectly dwell therein.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}But unfaithful men shall be lost from the land; and they that do wickedly, shall be taken away from it.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 3}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My son, forget thou not my law; and thine heart keep my command-ments.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}For they shall set to thee the length of days, and the years of life, and peace.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Mercy and truth forsake thee not; bind thou those to thy throat, and write
{\EM{them}} in the tables of thine heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}And thou shalt find grace, and good teaching before God and men.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Have thou trust in the Lord, of all thine heart; and lean thou not to thy prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}In all thy ways think on him, and he shall dress thy goings.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Be thou not wise with thyself; dread thou God, and go away from evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}For why health shall be in thy navel, and moisting of thy bones.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Honour thou the Lord of thy chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}}, and of the best of all thy fruits give thou to poor men;


\par }{\PP \VS{10}and thy barns shall be filled with abundance, and thy pressers
{\ADD{[or presses]}} shall flow with wine.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}My son, cast thou not away the teaching of the Lord; and fail thou not, when thou art chastised of him.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}For the Lord chastiseth him, whom he loveth; and as a father in the son he pleaseth him.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Blessed
{\EM{is}} the man that findeth wisdom, and that floweth with prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The getting thereof is better than the merchandise
{\ADD{[or chaffering]}} of gold and of silver; the fruits thereof
{\EM{be}} the first and the cleanest.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}It is more precious than all riches; and all things that be desired, may not be comparisoned to this.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Length of days
{\EM{is}} in the right half thereof, and riches and glory
{\EM{be}} in the left half thereof.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}The ways thereof
{\EM{be}} fair ways, and all the paths thereof
{\EM{be}} peaceable.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}It is a tree of life to them that take it; and he that holdeth it, is blessed.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}The Lord founded the earth by wisdom; he stablished heavens by prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}The depths of waters brake out by his wisdom; and clouds waxed alto-gether with dew.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}My son, these things float not away
{\ADD{[or not flow away]}} from thine eyes; keep thou my law, and my counsel;


\par }{\PP \VS{22}and life shall be to thy soul, and grace to thy cheeks.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Then thou shalt go trustily in thy way; and thy foot shall not stumble.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}If thou shalt sleep, thou shalt not dread; thou shalt rest, and thy sleep shall be soft
{\ADD{[or and sweet shall be thy sleep]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Dread thou not of sudden fear, and the powers of wicked men falling in on thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}For the Lord shall be at thy side; and he shall keep thy foot, that thou be not taken.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Do not thou forbid to do well him that may; if thou mayest, also do thou well.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Say thou not to thy friend, Go, and turn again, and tomorrow I shall give to thee; when thou mayest give anon.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Imagine thou not evil to thy friend, when he hath trust in thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}Strive thou not against a man without cause, when he doeth none evil to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}Pursue thou not an unjust
{\ADD{[or unrightwise]}} man, pursue
{\ADD{[or follow]}} thou not his ways.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}For each deceiver is abomination to the Lord; and his speaking
{\EM{is}} with simple men.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Neediness
{\EM{is sent}} of the Lord in the house of a wicked man; but the dwelling places of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall be blessed.


\par }{\PP \VS{34}He shall scorn
{\ADD{[the]}} scorners; and he shall give grace to mild men.


\par }{\PP \VS{35}Wise men shall have glory;
{\ADD{[the]}} enhancing of fools
{\EM{is}} shame.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 4}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Sons, hear ye the teaching of
{\EM{your}} father; and perceive ye, that ye know prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}I shall give to you a good gift; forsake ye not my law.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}For why and I was the son of my father, a tender son, and one begotten, before my mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}And
{\EM{my father}} taught me, and said, Thine heart receive my words; keep thou my behests, and thou shalt live.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Wield thou wisdom, wield thou prudence; forget thou not, neither bow thou away from the words of my mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Forsake thou not it, and it shall keep thee; love thou it, and it shall keep thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The beginning of wisdom, wield thou wisdom; and in all thy possession, get thou prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Take thou it, and it shall enhance thee; thou shalt be glorified of it, when thou hast embraced it.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}It shall give increasings of graces to thine head; and a noble crown shall defend thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}My son, hear thou, and take my words; that the years of life be multiplied to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}I shall show to thee the way of wisdom; and I shall lead thee by the paths of equity.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Into which when thou hast entered, thy goings shall not be made strait; and thou shalt run, and shalt not have hurting.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Hold thou teaching, and forsake
{\ADD{[thou]}} it not; keep thou it, for it is thy life.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Delight thou not in the paths of wicked men; and the way of evil men please not thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Flee thou from it, and pass thou not thereby; bow thou away, and forsake it.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}For they sleep not, no but they have done evil; and sleep is ravished from them, no but they have deceived
{\EM{simple men}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}They eat the bread of unpiety, and drink the wine of wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}But the path of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men goeth forth as light shining, and increaseth till to
{\ADD{[a]}} perfect day.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}The way of wicked men
{\EM{is}} dark; they know not where they shall fall.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}My son, hearken thou
{\EM{to}} my words; and bow down thine ears to my speeches.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Go not they away from thine eyes; keep thou them in the middle of thine heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}For those be life to men finding those, and health of all flesh.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}With all keeping keep thine heart, for life cometh forth of it.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Remove thou a shrewd mouth from thee; and backbiting lips be far from thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Thine eyes see rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} things; and thine eyelids go before thy steps.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Address thou
{\ADD{[the]}} paths to thy feet, and all thy ways shall be stablished.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Bow thou not to the right side, neither to the left side; turn away thy foot from evil.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 5}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My son, perceive thou my wisdom, and bow down thine ear to my prudence;


\par }{\PP \VS{2}that thou keep thy thoughts, and thy lips keep teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Give thou not attention to the falseness of a woman; for the lips of an whore
{\EM{be}} an honeycomb dropping, and her throat
{\EM{is}} clearer than oil;


\par }{\PP \VS{4}but the last things
{\ADD{[of her]}}{\EM{be}} bitter as wormwood, and her tongue
{\EM{is}} sharp as a sword carving,
{\EM{or cutting}}, on each side.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Her feet go down into death; and her steps pierce to hells
{\ADD{[or to hell]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Those
{\ADD{[or they]}} go not by the path of life; her steps be uncertain, and may not be sought out.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Now therefore, my son, hear thou me, and go thou not away from the words of my mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Make far thy way from her, and nigh thou not to the doors of her house.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Give thou not thine honour to aliens, and thy years to the cruel;


\par }{\PP \VS{10}lest peradventure strangers be filled with thy strengths, and lest thy travails be in an alien’s house;


\par }{\PP \VS{11}and thou bewail in the last days, when thou hast wasted thy flesh, and thy body;


\par }{\PP \VS{12}and say, Why loathed I teaching, and mine heart assented not to blamings;


\par }{\PP \VS{13}neither I heard the voice of men teaching me, and I bowed not down mine ear to masters?


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Almost I was in all-evil, in the midst of the church, and of the synagogue.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Drink thou water of thy cistern, and the floods of thy well.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Thy wells be streamed forth; and part thy waters in streets.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Have thou alone them
{\ADD{[or them alone]}}; and aliens be not thy partners.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Thy vein be blessed; and be thou glad with the woman of thy young waxing age.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}An hind most dearworthy; and an hart calf most acceptable. Her teats fill thee in all time; and delight thou continually in the love of her.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}My son, why art thou deceived of an alien woman; and art fostered in the bosom of another?


\par }{\PP \VS{21}The Lord seeth the ways of a man; and he beholdeth all his steps.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The wickednesses of a wicked man take him; and he is bound with the ropes of his sins.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}He shall die, for he had not learning, and he shall be deceived in the muchliness of his folly.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 6}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My son, if thou hast promised for thy friend, thou hast fastened thine hand at a stranger.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Thou art bound by the words of thy mouth; and
{\EM{thou art}} taken with thine own words.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Therefore, my son, do thou that that I say, and deliver thyself; for thou hast fallen into the hand of thy neighbour. Run thou about, haste thou, raise thy friend;


\par }{\PP \VS{4}give thou not sleep to thine eyes, neither thine eyelids nap.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Be thou ravished, as a doe from the hand; and as a bird from
{\ADD{[the]}} ambushings of the fowler.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}O! thou slow man, go to the ant; and behold thou his ways, and learn thou wisdom.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Which when he hath no duke, neither commander, nor prince;


\par }{\PP \VS{8}maketh ready in summer meat to himself, and gathereth together in harvest that, that he shall eat.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}How long shalt thou, slow man, sleep? when shalt thou rise from thy sleep?


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A little thou shalt sleep, a little thou shalt nap; a little thou shalt join together thine hands that thou sleep.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}And
{\EM{then}} neediness, as a way-goer, shall come to thee; and poverty, as an armed man. Forsooth if thou art not slow, thy ripe corn shall come as a well; and neediness shall flee far from thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A man apostate,
{\EM{is}} a man unprofit-able, he goeth with a wayward mouth;


\par }{\PP \VS{13}he beckoneth with eyes, he trampeth with the foot, he speaketh with the finger,


\par }{\PP \VS{14}by shrewd heart he imagineth evil, and in all time he soweth dissensions.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}His perdition shall come to him anon, and he shall be broken suddenly; and he shall no more have medicine.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Six things there be, which the Lord hateth; and his soul curseth the seventh thing.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}High eyes, a tongue liar,
{\EM{that is, accustomable to deadly leasing}}, hands shedding out innocent blood,


\par }{\PP \VS{18}an heart imagining full wicked thoughts, feet swift to run into evil,


\par }{\PP \VS{19}a man bringing forth leasing, a false witness; and him that soweth discord among brethren.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}My son, keep the commandments of thy father; and forsake
{\ADD{[thou]}} not the law of thy mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Bind thou those continually in thine heart; and encompass to thy throat.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}When thou goest, go they with thee; when thou sleepest, keep they thee; and thou waking, speak with them.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}For the commandment
{\EM{of God}} is a lantern, and the law
{\EM{is}} light, and the blaming of teaching
{\EM{is}} the way of life;


\par }{\PP \VS{24}that they keep thee from an evil woman, and from a flattering tongue of a strange woman.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Thine heart covet not the fairness of her; neither be thou taken by the beckonings of her.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}For the price of a whore is scarcely a gobbet of bread; but
{\EM{such}} a woman taketh the precious soul of a man.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Whether a man may hide fire in his bosom, that his clothes burn not;


\par }{\PP \VS{28}either go on coals, and his feet be not burnt?


\par }{\PP \VS{29}So he that entereth to the wife of his neighbour; shall not be clean, when he hath touched her.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}It is no great sin, when a man stealeth; for he stealeth to fill an hungry soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}And he taken shall yield the seventhfold; and he shall give all the chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}} of his house, and shall deliver himself.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}But he that is an adulterer, shall lose his soul, for the poverty of heart,
{\EM{that is, wanting of reason}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}He gathereth filth, and scandal to himself; and his shame shall not be done away.


\par }{\PP \VS{34}For the fervent love and strong vengeance of the man shall not spare in the day of vengeance,


\par }{\PP \VS{35}neither shall assent to the prayers of any; neither he shall take many gifts for ransom.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 7}{\PP \VerseOne{1}My son, keep thou my words; and keep my behests to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Keep thou my behests, and thou shalt live; and my law, as the apple of thine eye.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Bind thou it in thy fingers; write thou it in the tables of thine heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Say thou to wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call thou prudence thy love.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}That it keep thee from a strange woman; and from an alien woman, that maketh her words sweet.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}{\EM{For she saith}}, For why from the window of mine house, by the lattice, I beheld;


\par }{\PP \VS{7}and I see little children,
{\EM{that is, fools that have little wit}}. I behold a young man coward
{\ADD{[or the sorry-hearted young man]}},


\par }{\PP \VS{8}that passeth by
{\ADD{[or through]}} the streets, beside the corner; and he goeth nigh the way of her house,


\par }{\PP \VS{9}in dark time, when the day draweth to night, in the darkness and mist in the night.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}And lo! a woman, made ready with ornament of an whore to deceive souls, meeteth him,


\par }{\PP \VS{11}and
{\EM{she is}} a jangler, and going about, and unpatient of rest, and may not stand in the house with her feet;


\par }{\PP \VS{12}and now withoutforth, now in
{\ADD{[the]}} streets, now beside
{\ADD{[the]}} corners, she ambusheth.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}And she taketh, and kisseth the young man; and flattereth with wooing cheer,
{\EM{that is, unrestfully, and without shame}}, and saith,


\par }{\PP \VS{14}I owed sacrifices for health; today I have yielded my vows.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Therefore I went out into thy meeting, and I desired to see thee; and I have found
{\EM{thee}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}I have made my bed with cords, I have arrayed
{\EM{it}} with tapets painted
{\ADD{[or with painted tapets]}} of Egypt;


\par }{\PP \VS{17}I have besprinkled my bed with myrrh, and aloes, and canel.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Come thou, be we filled with
{\EM{touching of}} teats, and use we embracings
{\EM{that be}} coveted; till the day begin to be clear.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}For
{\EM{mine}} husband is not in his house; he is gone a full long way.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}He took with him a bag of money; he shall turn again into his house in the day of
{\ADD{[the]}} full moon.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}She bound him with many words; and she drew forth him with flatterings of lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Anon he as an ox led to slain sacrifice pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} her, and as a jolly lamb and unknowing; and the fool knoweth not, that he is drawn to bonds,


\par }{\PP \VS{23}till an arrow pierce his maw. As if a bird hasteth to the snare; and knoweth not, that it is done of the peril of his life.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Now therefore, my son, hear thou me; and perceive the words of my mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Lest thy soul be drawn away in the ways of her; neither be thou deceived in the paths of her.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}For she hath cast down many wounded men; and all
{\ADD{[the]}} strongest men were slain of her.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The ways of hell
{\EM{is}} her house; and pierce into the inner things of death.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 8}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Whether wisdom crieth not oft; and prudence giveth her voice?


\par }{\PP \VS{2}In most sovereign and high tops, above the way, in the midst of paths,


\par }{\PP \VS{3}and it standeth beside the gates of the city, in those enclosings, and speaketh, and saith,


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A! ye men, I cry oft to you; and my voice
{\EM{is}} to the sons of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Little children,
{\EM{that is, little of wit}}, understand ye wisdom; and ye unwise men, perceiveth in heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Hear ye, for I shall speak of great things; and my lips shall be opened, to preach rightful
{\ADD{[or even]}} things.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}My throat shall bethink truth; and my lips shall curse a wicked man.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}My words be just; no shrewd thing, neither wayward is in those.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}They be rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} to them that understand; and
{\EM{they be}} even to them that find knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Take ye my chastising
{\ADD{[or my discipline]}}, and not money; choose ye teaching, more than treasure.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}For wisdom is better than all riches most precious; and all desirable thing may not be comparisoned thereto.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}I, wisdom, dwell in counsel; and I am among learned thoughts.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}The dread of the Lord hateth evil; I curse boast, and pride, and a shrewd way, and a double-tongued mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Counsel is mine, and equity; prudence is mine, and strength.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Kings reign by me; and makers of laws deem just things
{\EM{by me}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Princes command by me; and mighty men deem rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}{\EM{by me}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}I love them that love me; and they that wake early to me, shall find me.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}With me be riches, and glory; sovereign riches, and rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone; and my seeds
{\ADD{[or my burgeonings]}}{\EM{be better}} than chosen silver.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}I go in the ways of rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}, in the midst of the paths of doom;


\par }{\PP \VS{21}that I make rich them that love me, and that I fill their treasures or their treasuries.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The Lord wielded me in the beginning of his ways; before that he made anything, at the beginning.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}From without beginning I was ordained; and from eld
{\ADD{[or old]}} times, before that the earth was made.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}{\ADD{[The]}} Depths of waters were not yet; and I was conceived then. The wells of waters had not broken out yet,


\par }{\PP \VS{25}and hills stood not altogether yet by firm heaviness; before little hills I was born.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Yet he had not made
{\ADD{[the]}} earth; and floods, and the earths of the world.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}When he made ready heavens, I was present; when he compassed
{\ADD{[or enclosed]}} the depths of waters by certain law and compass.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}When he made steadfast the air above; and weighed the wells of waters.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}When he compassed to the sea his mark; and setted
{\ADD{[or put]}} law to waters, that they should not pass their coasts. When he weighed the foundaments of
{\ADD{[the]}} earth;


\par }{\PP \VS{30}I was making all things with him. And I delighted by all days, and played before him in all time,


\par }{\PP \VS{31}and I played in the world; and my delights
{\EM{be}} to be with the sons of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}Now, therefore, sons, hear ye me; blessed
{\EM{be they}} that keep my ways.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Hear ye teaching, and be ye wise men; and do not ye cast it away.


\par }{\PP \VS{34}Blessed
{\EM{is}} the man that heareth me, and that watcheth at my gates all day; and keepeth
{\ADD{[or waiteth]}} at the posts of my door{\ADD{[s]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{35}He that findeth me, shall find life; and he shall draw health of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{36}But he that sinneth against me shall hurt his soul; all that hate me, love death.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 9}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Wisdom builded an house to himself; he hewed out seven pillars,


\par }{\PP \VS{2}he offered his slain sacrifices, he meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} wine, and setted
{\ADD{[or set]}} forth his table.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}He sent his handmaids, that they should call to the tower; and to the walls of the city.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}If any man is little
{\EM{in wit}}, come he to me. And
{\EM{wisdom}} spake to unwise men,


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Come ye, eat ye my bread; and drink ye the wine, which I have meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} to you.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Forsake ye young childhood, and live ye; and go ye by the way of prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}He that teacheth a scorner, doeth wrong to himself; and he that reproveth a wicked man, engendereth a wem to himself.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Do not thou reprove a scorner; lest he hate thee. Reprove thou a wise man; and he shall love thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Give thou occasion to a wise man; and wisdom shall be increased to him. Teach thou a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; and he shall hasten to take
{\EM{it}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}The beginning of wisdom
{\EM{is}} the dread of the Lord; and prudence
{\EM{is}} the knowing of saints.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}For thy days shall be multiplied by me; and
{\ADD{[the]}} years of life shall be increased to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}If thou art wise, thou shalt be
{\EM{wise}} to thyself, and to thy neighbours. Forsooth if
{\EM{thou art}} a scorner, thou alone shalt bear evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} woman, and full of cry, and full of unleaveful lusts, and that knoweth nothing utterly,


\par }{\PP \VS{14}sitteth in the doors of her house, on a seat, in an high place of the city;


\par }{\PP \VS{15}to call men passing by the way, and men going in their journey.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Who is a little man
{\EM{in wit}}; bow he to me. And she spake to a coward
{\ADD{[or to the sorry-hearted]}},


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Waters of theft be sweeter, and bread hid is sweeter.
{\ADD{[Stolen waters be sweeter, and hid bread more sweet.]}}


\par }{\PP \VS{18}And
{\ADD{[he]}} knew not that giants be there; and the guests of her
{\EM{be}} in the depths of hell. Soothly he that shall be applied,
{\EM{either fastened}}, to her, shall go down to hells
{\ADD{[or shall fall down into hell]}}. For why he that goeth away from her shall be saved.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 10}{\PP \VerseOne{1}{\EM{The parables of Solomon}}. A wise son maketh glad his father; but a fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} son is the sorrow of his mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Treasures of wickedness shall not profit; but rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}} shall deliver from death.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}The Lord shall not torment the soul of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man with hunger; and he shall destroy the treasons of unpious men.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A slow hand hath wrought needi-ness; but the hand of strong men maketh ready riches. Forsooth he that enforceth
{\EM{or endeavoureth to get any-thing}} by leasings, feedeth the winds; soothly the same man pursueth birds flying
{\ADD{[or followeth flying birds]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}He that gathereth together in harvest, is a wise son;
{\EM{but}} he that sleepeth in summer, is a son of confusion.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The blessing of God
{\EM{is}} over the head of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; but wickedness covereth the mouth of wicked men.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The mind
{\EM{or memory}} of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man
{\EM{shall be}} with praisings; and the name of wicked men shall wax rotten.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A wise man shall receive commandments with heart; a fool is beaten with
{\EM{his own}} lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}He that goeth simply, goeth trustily;
{\EM{but}} he that maketh shrewd his ways, shall be
{\ADD{[made]}} open.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}He that beckoneth with the eye, shall give sorrow; a fool shall be beaten with
{\EM{his own}} lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The vein of life
{\EM{is}} the mouth of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; but the mouth of wicked men covereth wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Hatred raiseth up chidings; and charity covereth all sins.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Wisdom is found in the lips of a wise man; and a rod in the back of him that is needy of heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Wise men hide knowing; but the mouth of a fool is next to confusion.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}The chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}} of a rich man
{\EM{is}} the city of his strength; the dread of poor men
{\EM{is}} the neediness of them.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}The work of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man
{\EM{is}} to life; but the fruit of a wicked man
{\EM{is}} to sin.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}The way of life
{\EM{is}} to him that keepeth chastising
{\ADD{[or discipline]}}; but he that forsaketh blamings, erreth.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}False lips hide hatred; he that bringeth forth despising is unwise.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Sin shall not fail in much speaking; but he that measureth his lips, is most prudent.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Chosen silver
{\EM{is}} the tongue of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; the heart of wicked men
{\EM{is}} for nought.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}The lips of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man teach full many men; but they that be unlearned shall die in neediness of heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The blessing of the Lord maketh rich men; and torment shall not be fellowshipped to them.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A fool worketh wickedness as by laughing; but wisdom is prudence to a man or but prudence is to a wise man.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}That that a wicked man dreadeth, shall come
{\ADD{[up]}} on him; the desire of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall be given to them.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}As a tempest passing, a wicked man shall not be; but a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man
{\EM{shall be}} as an ever-lasting foundament.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}As vinegar
{\EM{annoyeth}} the teeth, and smoke the eyes; so a slow man
{\EM{annoyeth}} them that sent him in the way.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The dread of the Lord increaseth days; and the years of wicked men shall be made short.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Abiding of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men
{\EM{is}} gladness; but the hope of wicked men shall perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}The strength of a simple man
{\EM{is}} the way of the Lord; and dread to them that work evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall not be moved without end; but wicked men shall not dwell on the earth.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}The mouth of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall bring forth wisdom; the tongue of shrews shall perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}The lips of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man behold pleasant things; and the mouth of wicked men
{\EM{beholdeth}} wayward
{\ADD{[or perverted]}} things.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 11}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A guileful balance is abomination with God; and an even weight
{\EM{is}} his will.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Where pride is, there also despising shall be; but where meekness is, there also
{\EM{is}} wisdom.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}The simpleness of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall dress them; and the deceiving of wayward men shall destroy them.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Riches shall not profit in the day of vengeance; but rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}} shall deliver from death.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}The rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}} of a simple man shall dress his way; and a wicked man shall fall in his wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The rightfulness of rightful men
{\ADD{[or The rightwiseness of right men]}} shall deliver them; and wicked men shall be taken in their ambushings.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}When a wicked man is dead, none hope shall be further
{\EM{of him}}; and
{\ADD{[the]}} abiding of busy men
{\EM{in evil}} shall perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man is delivered from anguish; and a wicked man shall be given for him.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}A feigner by mouth deceiveth his friend; but just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall be delivered by
{\ADD{[or with]}} knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A city shall be enhanced in the goods of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men; and praising shall be in the perdition of wicked men.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A city shall be enhanced by
{\ADD{[the]}} blessing of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men; and it shall be destroyed by the mouth of wicked men.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}He that despiseth his friend, is needy in heart; but a prudent man shall be still.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that goeth guilefully, showeth privates; but he that is faithful, covereth the private
{\EM{matter}} of a friend.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Where a governor is not, the people shall fall; but health
{\EM{is}}, where be many counsels.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}He that maketh faith,
{\EM{that is, obligation}}, for a stranger, shall be tormented with evil; but he that escheweth snares, shall be secure.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A gracious woman shall find glory; and strong men shall have riches.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}A merciful man doeth well to his soul; but he that is cruel, casteth away, yea, kinsmen.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A wicked man maketh unstable work; but faithful meed
{\EM{is}} to him, that soweth rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Mercy shall make ready life; and the pursuing
{\ADD{[or the following]}} of evil, death.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A shrewd heart
{\EM{is}} abominable to the Lord; and his will
{\EM{is}} in them, that go simply.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}{\EM{Though}} hand
{\EM{be}} in hand, an evil man shall not be innocent; but the seed of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall be saved.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A golden
{\EM{ring}} in the nostrils of a sow,
{\EM{is}} a woman fair and
{\ADD{[a]}} fool.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}The desire of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men is all good; abiding of wicked men
{\EM{is}} strong vengeance.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Some men part their own things, and be made richer; other men ravish
{\EM{things, that be}} not theirs, and they be ever in neediness.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A soul that blesseth, shall be made fat; and he that filleth, shall be filled also.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that hideth wheat, shall be cursed among the peoples; but blessing
{\EM{shall come}}{\ADD{[up]}} on the heads of sellers.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Well
{\EM{be}} he
{\EM{who}} riseth early, that seeketh good things; but he that is a searcher of evils, shall be oppressed of those
{\ADD{[or of them]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall; but just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall burgeon as a green leaf.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}He that troubleth his house, shall have winds
{\EM{in possession}}; and he that is a fool, shall serve a wise man.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}The fruit of a rightful
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man
{\EM{is}} the tree of life; and he that taketh souls, is a wise man.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}If a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man receiveth in
{\ADD{[the]}} earth, how much more an unfaithful man, and a sinner.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 12}{\PP \VerseOne{1}He that loveth chastising
{\ADD{[or discipline]}}, loveth knowing; but he that hateth blamings, is unwise.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}He that is good, shall draw to himself grace of the Lord; but he that trusteth in his thoughts, doeth wickedly.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A man shall not be made strong by wickedness; and the root of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall not be moved.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A diligent woman is a crown to her husband; and rot is in the bones of that
{\EM{woman}}, that doeth things worthy of confusion.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}The thoughts of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men
{\EM{be}} dooms; and the counsels of wicked men
{\EM{be}} guileful.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The words of wicked men set treason to blood; the mouth of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall deliver them.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Overturn thou wicked men, and they shall not be; but the houses of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall dwell perfectly.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A man shall be known by his teaching; but he that is vain and heartless, shall be open to despising.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Better is a poor man, and sufficient to himself, than a glorious man, and needy of bread.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man knoweth the lives of his work beasts; but the entrails of wicked men
{\EM{be}} cruel.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}He that worketh his land, shall be filled with loaves; but he that pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} idleness, is most foolish. He that is sweet,
{\EM{that is mild}}, liveth in temperances; and in his admonishings he forsaketh despisings.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}The desire of a wicked man is the memorial of worst things; but the root of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall increase.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}For the sins of lips, falling down nigheth to an evil man; but a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall escape from anguish.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Of the fruit of his mouth each man shall be
{\ADD{[ful]}} filled with goods; and by the works of his hands it shall be yielded to him.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}The way of a fool
{\EM{is}} rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} in his eyes; but he that is wise, heareth counsels.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A fool showeth anon his ire; but he that dissembleth wrongs, is wise.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}He that speaketh that, that he knoweth, is a judge of rightfulness
{\ADD{[or of rightwiseness]}}; but he that lieth, is a guileful witness.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A man is that promiseth, and he is pricked as with the sword of conscience; but the tongue of wise men is health.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}The lip of truth shall be steadfast without end; but he that is a sudden witness, maketh ready the tongue of leasing.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Guile
{\EM{is}} in the heart of them that think evils; but joy pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} them that make counsels of peace.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Whatever befalleth to a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man, it shall not make him sorry
{\ADD{[or sorrow]}}; but wicked men shall be filled with evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}False lips is abomination to the Lord; but they that do faithfully, please him.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A fell man covereth knowing; and the heart of unwise men stirreth folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The hand of strong men shall have lordship; but the hand that is slow, shall serve to tributes.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Mourning in the heart of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall make him meek; and he shall be made glad by a good word.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that despiseth harm for a friend, is a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; but the way of wicked men shall deceive them.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}A guileful man shall not find winning; and the substance of
{\EM{a diligent}} man shall be the price of gold,
{\EM{that is, preciouser than gold}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Life
{\EM{is}} in the path of rightwiseness; but the wrong way leadeth to death.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 13}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A wise son
{\EM{is}} the teaching of the father; but he that is a scorner, heareth not, when he is reproved.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}A man shall be filled with goods of the fruit of his mouth; but the soul of unpious men
{\EM{is}} wicked.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul; but he that is unwary to speak, shall feel evils.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A slow man will, and will not; but the soul of them that work shall be made fat.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall loathe a false word; but a wicked man shameth, and shall be shamed.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Rightfulness
{\ADD{[or Rightwiseness]}} keepeth the way of an innocent man; but wickedness deceiveth a sinner.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}A man is as rich, when he hath nothing; and a man is as poor, when he is in many riches.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}{\ADD{[The]}} Redemption of the soul of
{\ADD{[a]}} man
{\EM{is}} his riches; but he that is poor, suffereth not blaming.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}The light of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men maketh glad; but the lantern of wicked men shall be quenched.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Strives be ever among proud men; but they that do all things with counsel, be governed by wisdom.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Hasted chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}},
{\EM{that is, gotten hastily}}, shall be made less; but that that is gathered little and little with hand, shall be multiplied.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Hope which is delayed, tormenteth the soul; a tree of life
{\EM{is}} desire coming.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that backbiteth anything, bindeth himself into
{\ADD{[the]}} time to coming
{\ADD{[or to come]}}; but he that dreadeth the commandment, shall live in peace.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The law of a wise man
{\EM{is}} a well of life; that he bow away from the falling of death,
{\EM{that is, of sin, and of hell}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Good teaching shall give grace; a swallow
{\EM{is}} in the way of despisers.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A fell
{\ADD{[or witting]}} man doeth all things with counsel; but he that is a fool, shall open folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}The messenger of a wicked man shall fall into evil; a faithful messenger is health.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Neediness and shame
{\EM{is}} to him that forsaketh teaching; but he that assenteth to a blamer, shall be glorified.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Desire, if it is
{\ADD{[ful]}} filled, delighteth the soul; fools loathe them that flee evils.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}He that goeth with wise men, shall be wise; the friend of fools shall be made like them.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Evil pursueth sinners; and goods shall be given to just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A good man shall leave
{\EM{after him}} heirs, sons, and the sons of sons; and the chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}} of a sinner is kept to a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Many meats
{\EM{be}} in the newly-tilled fields of fathers; and be gathered to other men without doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}He that spareth the rod, hateth his son; but he that loveth him, teacheth busily.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man eateth, and
{\ADD{[ful]}} filleth his soul; but the womb of wicked men
{\EM{is}} unable to be filled.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 14}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A wise woman buildeth her house; and an unwise woman shall destroy with hands,
{\EM{that is, with her evil works}}, an house builded.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}A man going in rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} way, and dreading God, is despised of him that goeth in the way of evil fame.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}The rod of pride
{\EM{is}} in the mouth of a fool; the lips of wise men keep them.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Where oxen be not, the cratch is void; but where full many corns appear, there the strength of the ox is
{\ADD{[made]}} open.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A faithful witness shall not lie; a guileful witness bringeth forth a leasing.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}A scorner seeketh wisdom, and he findeth
{\EM{it}} not; the teaching of prudent men
{\EM{is}} easy.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Go thou against a man a fool; and he shall not know the lips of prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}The wisdom of a fell
{\ADD{[or witting]}} man is to understand his way; and the unwariness of fools erreth.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}A fool scorneth sin; grace shall dwell among just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}The heart that knoweth the bitter-ness of his soul; a stranger shall not be meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} in the joy thereof.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The house of wicked men shall be done away; the tabernacles of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall burgeon.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Soothly a way is, that seemeth just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} to a man; but the last things thereof lead forth to death.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Laughing shall be meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} with sorrow; and mourning occupieth the last things of joy.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}A fool shall be filled with his ways; and a good man shall be above him.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}An innocent man believeth to each word; a fell
{\ADD{[or witting]}} man beholdeth his goings.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A wise man dreadeth, and boweth away from evil; a fool skippeth over, and trusteth.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}A man unpatient shall work folly; and a guileful man is odious.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Little men
{\EM{of wit}} shall hold folly; and fell
{\ADD{[or witting]}} men shall abide knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Evil men shall lie
{\EM{down}} before good men; and unpious men before the gates of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A poor man shall be hateful, yea, to his neighbour; but many men
{\EM{be}} friends of rich men.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}He that despiseth his neighbour, doeth sin; but he that doeth mercy to a poor man, shall be blessed.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}He that believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy; they err that work evil. Mercy and truth make ready goods;


\par }{\PP \VS{23}abundance shall be in each good work or in every good work. Soothly where full many words be, there neediness is oft.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The crown of wise men
{\EM{is}} the riches of them; the folly of fools
{\EM{is}} unwariness.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A faithful witness delivereth souls; and a false man bringeth forth leasings.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}In the dread of the Lord
{\EM{is}} trust of strength; and hope shall be to the sons of him.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The dread of the Lord
{\EM{is}} a well of life; that it bow away from the falling of death.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}The dignity of the king
{\EM{is}} in the multitude of people; and the shame of a prince
{\EM{is}} in the fewness of people.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}He that is patient, is governed by much wisdom; but he that is unpatient, enhanceth his folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}Health of heart
{\EM{is}} the life of flesh; envy
{\EM{is}}{\ADD{[the]}} rot of bones.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}He that falsely challengeth a needy man, despiseth his Maker; but he that hath mercy on a poor man, honoureth his Maker.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}A wicked man is put out for his malice; but a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man hopeth in his death.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Wisdom resteth in the heart of a wise man; and he shall teach all unlearned men.


\par }{\PP \VS{34}Rightfulness
{\ADD{[or Rightwiseness]}} raiseth
{\ADD{[up]}} a folk; sin maketh peoples wretches.


\par }{\PP \VS{35}A servant understanding is accept-able to a king; a
{\EM{servant}} unprofitable shall suffer the wrathfulness of him.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 15}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A soft answer breaketh ire; an hard word raiseth strong vengeance.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}The tongue of wise men honoureth knowing; the mouth of fools boileth out folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}In each place the eyes of the Lord behold good men, and evil men.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A pleasant tongue
{\EM{is}} the tree of life; but the tongue that is unmeasurable
{\ADD{[or untempered]}}, shall defoul the spirit.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A fool scorneth the teaching of his father; but he that keepeth blamings, shall be made wiser. Most virtue shall be in plenteous rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}; but the thoughts of wicked men shall be drawn up by the root.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The house of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man
{\EM{is}} full great strength; and troubling
{\EM{is}} in the fruits of a wicked man.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The lips of wise men shall sow abroad knowing; the hearts of fools shall be unlike,
{\EM{that is, they shall be full of ignorance}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}The sacrifices of wicked men
{\EM{be}} abominable to the Lord; the avows of just men
{\ADD{[or the vows of rightwise men]}}{\EM{be}} pleasant.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}The life of the unpious man is abomination to the Lord; he that pur-sueth rightfulness
{\ADD{[or followeth right-wiseness]}}, shall be loved of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Evil teaching is of men that forsake the way of life; he that hateth blamings shall die.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Hell and perdition
{\EM{be open}} before the Lord; how much more the hearts of
{\ADD{[the]}} sons of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A man full of pestilence loveth not him that reproveth him; and he goeth not to wise men.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A joyful heart maketh glad the face; the spirit is cast down in the mourning of soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The heart of a wise man seeketh teaching; and the mouth of fools is fed with unknowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}All the days of a poor man
{\EM{be}} evil; a secure soul
{\EM{is}} a continual feast.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Better is a little with the dread of the Lord, than many treasures and unfillable.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}It is better to be called to worts with charity, than with hatred to a calf made fat.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A wrathful man raiseth chidings; he that is patient, assuageth
{\EM{chidings that were}} raised.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}The way of slow men
{\EM{is}} as an hedge of thorns; the way of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men
{\EM{is}} without
{\ADD{[thing of]}} hurting.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A wise son maketh glad
{\EM{his}} father; but a fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} man despiseth his mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Folly is joy to a fool; but a prudent man shall address his steps.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Thoughts be destroyed, where no counsel is; but where many counsellors be, they be confirmed.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A man is glad in the sentence of his mouth; and a covenable word is best.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The path of life
{\EM{is}} on a learned man; that he bow away from the last hell.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}The Lord shall destroy the house of proud men; and he shall make steadfast the coasts of a widow.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Evil thoughts
{\EM{is}} abomination of the Lord; and a clean word most fair shall be made steadfast of him.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}He that pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} avarice, troubleth his house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Sins be purged by mercy and faith; each man boweth away from evil by the dread of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}The soul of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man bethinketh obedience; the mouth of wicked men is full of evils.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}The Lord is far from wicked men; and he shall hear the prayers of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}The light of eyes maketh glad the soul; good fame maketh fat the bones.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}The ear that heareth the blamings of life, shall dwell in the midst of wise men.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}He that casteth away chastising
{\ADD{[or discipline]}}, despiseth his soul; but he that assenteth to blamings, is a peaceable holder of the heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}The dread of the Lord
{\EM{is}} teaching of wisdom; and meekness goeth before glory.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 16}{\PP \VerseOne{1}It pertaineth to man to make ready the soul; and
{\EM{it pertaineth}} to the Lord to govern the tongue.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}All the ways of men be open to the eyes of God; the Lord is a weigher of spirits,
{\EM{that is, of wills, yielding to man after his deservings}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Show thy works to the Lord; and thy thoughts shall be addressed.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}The Lord wrought all things for himself; and he
{\EM{made ready}} a wicked man to the evil day.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Abomination of the Lord is each proud man; yea, though the hand is to the hand, he shall not be innocent. The beginning of
{\ADD{[the]}} good way
{\EM{is}} to do rightwiseness; forsooth it is more acceptable with God, than to offer sacrifices.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Wickedness is again-bought by mercy and truth; and men boweth away from evil by the dread of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}When the ways of
{\EM{a}} man please the Lord, he shall convert, yea, his enemies to peace.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Better is a little with rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}, than many fruits with wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}The heart of a man shall dispose his way; but it pertaineth to the Lord to dress his steps.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Divining
{\EM{is}} in the lips of a king; his mouth shall not err in doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The dooms of the Lord be weight and balance; and his works
{\EM{be}} all the stones of the world.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}They that do wickedly
{\EM{be}} abominable to the king; for the throne
{\EM{of the realm}} is made steadfast by rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}The will of kings
{\EM{is}} just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} lips; he that speaketh rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} things, shall be addressed.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}{\ADD{[The]}} Indignation of the king
{\EM{is}} messengers of death; and a wise man shall please him.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Life
{\EM{is}} in gladness of the king’s cheer; and his mercy
{\EM{is}} as rain coming late.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Wield thou wisdom, for it is better than gold; and get thou prudence, for it is preciouser than silver.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}The path of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men boweth away
{\EM{from}} evils; the keeper of his soul keepeth his way.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Pride goeth before sorrow; and the spirit shall be enhanced before falling.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}It is better to be made meek with mild men, than to part spoils with proud men.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A learned man in word shall find goods; and he that hopeth in the Lord is blessed.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}He that is wise in heart, shall be called prudent; and he that is sweet in speech, shall find greater things.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The well of life
{\EM{is}} the learning of him that wieldeth; the teaching of fools
{\EM{is}} folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}The heart of a wise man shall teach his mouth; and shall increase grace to his lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Words well-set together
{\EM{is}} a comb of honey; health of bones is the sweetness of soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A way there is that seemeth rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} to a man; and the last things thereof lead to death.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}The soul of a man travailing travaileth to himself; for his mouth compelled him.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}An unwise man diggeth
{\EM{for}} evil; and fire burneth in his lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}A wayward man raiseth strives; and a man full of words separateth princes.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}A wicked man flattereth his friend; and leadeth him by a way not good.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}He that thinketh shrewd things with eyes astonied, biteth his lips, and performeth evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}A crown of dignity
{\EM{is}} eld
{\EM{age}}, that shall be found in the ways of rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}A patient man is better than a strong man; and he that is lord of his soul,
{\EM{is better}} than an overcomer of cities.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Lots be sent into the bosom; but they be tempered of the Lord.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 17}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Better is a dry morsel with joy, than an house full of sacrifices with chiding.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}A wise servant shall be lord of fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} sons; and he shall part heritage among brethren.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}As silver is proved by fire, and gold
{\EM{is proved}} by a chimney, so the Lord proveth hearts.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}An evil man obeyeth to a wicked tongue; and a false man obeyeth to false lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}He that despiseth a poor man, reproveth his maker; and he that is glad in the falling of another man, shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The crown of eld
{\ADD{[or old]}} men
{\EM{is}} the sons of sons; and the glory of sons
{\EM{is}} the fathers of them.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Words well-set together beseem not a fool; and a lying lip
{\EM{becometh}} not a prince.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A precious stone most acceptable
{\EM{is}} the abiding of him that seeketh; whither ever he turneth himself, he understandeth prudently.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}He that covereth trespass, seeketh friendships; he that rehearseth by an high word, separateth them that be knit together in peace.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A blaming profiteth more at a prudent man, than an hundred wounds at a fool.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Ever an evil man seeketh strives; forsooth a cruel angel shall be sent against him.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}It speedeth more to meet a female bear, when her whelps be ravished, than a fool trusting to himself in his folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Evil shall not go away from the house of him, that yieldeth evils for goods.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}He that letteth
{\EM{out}} water, is the head of strives; and before that he suffereth wrong, he forsaketh doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Both he that justifieth a wicked man, and he that condemneth a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man, ever either is abominable to God.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}What profiteth it to a fool to have riches, since he may not buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh falling; and he that escheweth to learn, shall fall into evils.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}He that is a friend, loveth in all time; and a brother is proved in anguishes.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} man shall make joy with hands, when he hath promised for his friend.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}He that bethinketh discords, loveth chidings; and he that enhanceth his mouth, seeketh falling.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}He that is of wayward heart, shall not find good; and he that turneth the tongue, shall fall into evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}A fool is born in his shame; but neither the father shall be glad in a fool.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A joyful soul maketh liking age; a sorrowful spirit maketh dry bones.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A wicked man taketh gifts from the bosom, to mis-turn the paths of doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Wisdom shineth in the face of a prudent man; the eyes of fools
{\EM{be}} in the ends of earth.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}A fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} son
{\EM{is}} the ire
{\ADD{[or the wrath]}} of the father, and the sorrow of the mother that bare him.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}It is not good to bring in harm to a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; neither to smite the prince that deemeth rightfully.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}He that measureth his words, is wise and prudent; and a learned man is of precious spirit.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Also a fool, if he is still, shall be guessed a wise man; and, if he presseth together his lips,
{\EM{he is guessed}} an understanding man.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 18}{\PP \VerseOne{1}He that will go away from a friend, seeketh occasions,
{\EM{that is, feigneth causes}}; in all time he shall be despisable.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}A fool receiveth not the words of prudence; no but thou say those things, that be turned in his heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A wicked man, when he cometh into depth of sins, despiseth
{\EM{whole-some lore, and commandment}}; but scandal and shame pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} him.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Deep water
{\EM{is}} the words of the mouth of a man; and a strand floating over
{\EM{is}} the well of wisdom.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}It is not good to take the person of a wicked man in doom, that thou bow away from the truth of doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}The lips of a fool meddle
{\ADD{[or mingle]}} themselves with chidings; and his mouth stirreth strives.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The mouth of a fool
{\EM{is}}{\ADD{[the]}} defouling of him; and his lips
{\EM{be}} the falling of his soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}The words of a double-tongued man
{\EM{be}} as simple; and they come unto the inner things of the womb. Dread casteth down a slow man; forsooth the souls of men turned into women’s condition shall have hunger.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}He that is nesh, and dissolute,
{\EM{either unsteadfast}}, in his work, is the brother of a man destroying his works.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A full strong tower
{\EM{is}} the name of the Lord; a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man runneth to him, and
{\ADD{[he]}} shall be enhanced.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}} of a rich man
{\EM{is}} the city of his strength; and as a strong wall compassing him.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}The heart of man is enhanced, before that it be broken; and it is made meek, before that it be glorified.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that answereth before that he heareth, showeth himself to be a fool; and worthy of shame.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The spirit of a man sustaineth his feebleness; but who may sustain a spirit light to be wroth?


\par }{\PP \VS{15}The heart of a prudent man shall hold steadfastly knowing; and the ear of wise men seeketh teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}The gift of a man alargeth his way; and maketh space to him before princes.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man is the first accuser of himself; his friend cometh, and shall search him.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Lot ceaseth against-sayings; and deemeth also among mighty men.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}A brother that is helped of a brother,
{\EM{is}} as a steadfast city; and
{\ADD{[the]}} dooms
{\EM{be}} as the bars of cities.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A man’s womb shall be
{\ADD{[ful]}} filled of the fruit of his mouth; and the seeds of his lips shall fill him.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Death and life
{\EM{be}} in the works of
{\ADD{[the]}} tongue; they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}He that findeth a good woman, findeth a good thing; and of the Lord he shall draw up mirth. He that putteth away a good woman, putteth away a good thing; but he that holdeth
{\EM{an}} adulteress, is a fool and unwise.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}A poor man shall speak with beseechings; and a rich man shall speak sternly.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}A man friendly to fellowship shall more be a friend, than a brother.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 19}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Better is a poor man, that goeth in his simpleness, than a rich man biting his lips, and unwise.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Where is not knowing of the soul, there is not good; and he that is hasty, in feet hurteth
{\ADD{[or stumbleth]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}The folly of a man deceiveth his steps; and he burneth in his soul against God.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Riches increase full many friends; forsooth also they be departed from a poor man, which he had.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh leasings, shall not escape.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Many men honour the person of a mighty man; and they be friends of him that dealeth gifts.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The brethren of a poor man hate him; furthermore and the friends went away far from him. He that pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} words only, shall have nothing;


\par }{\PP \VS{8}but he that holdeth stably the mind, loveth his soul, and the keeper of prudence shall find goods.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh leasings, shall perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Delights become not a fool; neither
{\EM{it becometh}} a servant to be lord of princes.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The teaching of a man is known by patience; and his glory is to pass over wicked things.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}As the gnashing of a lion, so and the ire of the king; and as dew on herb, so and the gladness of the king.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}The sorrow of the father
{\EM{is}} a fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} son; and roofs dropping continually
{\EM{is}} a woman full of chiding.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Houses and riches be given of father and mother; but a prudent wife
{\EM{is given}} properly of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Sloth bringeth in sleep; and a negligent soul shall have hunger.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}He that keepeth the commandment
{\EM{of God}}, keepeth his soul; but he that chargeth not
{\ADD{[or despiseth]}} his way, shall be slain.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}He that hath mercy on a poor man, lendeth to the Lord; and he shall yield his while to him.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Teach thy son, and despair thou not; but set
{\ADD{[or put]}} thou not thy soul to the slaying of him.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Forsooth he that is unpatient, shall suffer harm; and when he hath ravished, he shall lay to another thing.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Hear thou counsel, and take thou doctrine; that thou be wise in thy last things.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Many thoughts there
{\EM{be}} in the heart of a man; but the will of the Lord shall dwell.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A needy man is merciful; and better
{\EM{is}} a poor just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man, than a man liar.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Dread of the Lord
{\EM{leadeth}} to life; and he
{\EM{that dreadeth God}} shall dwell in plenty, without visiting of the worst or without full evil visiting.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}A slow man hideth his hand under
{\EM{his}} armpit, and putteth it not to his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}When a man full of pestilence is beaten, a fool shall be the wiser. If thou blamest a wise man, he shall understand teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that tormenteth
{\EM{his}} father, and fleeth from
{\EM{his}} mother, shall be full of evil fame, and
{\EM{shall be}} cursed.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Son, cease thou not to hear teaching; and know thou the words of knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}A wicked witness scorneth doom; and the mouth of unpious men devoureth wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Dooms be made ready to scorners; and hammers smiting
{\EM{be made ready}} to the bodies of fools.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 20}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Wine
{\EM{is}} a lecherous thing, and drunkenness
{\EM{is}} full of noise; whoever delighteth in these, shall not be wise.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}As the roaring of a lion, so and the dread of a king; he that stirreth him to ire, sinneth against his soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}It is honour to a man that separateth himself from strivings; but fond men be meddled
{\ADD{[or fools shall be mingled]}} with despisings.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A slow man would not ear for cold; therefore he shall beg in summer, and men shall not give to him.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}As deep water, so counsel
{\EM{is}} in the heart of a man; but a wise man shall draw it out.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Many men be called merciful; but who shall find a faithful man?


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Forsooth a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man that goeth in his simpleness, shall leave blessed sons after him.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}A king that sitteth in the seat of doom, destroyeth all evil by his looking.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Who may say, Mine heart is clean; I am clean of sin?


\par }{\PP \VS{10}A weight,
{\EM{greater in buying}}, and a weight,
{\EM{lesser in selling}}, a measure and a measure, ever either is abominable at God.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A child is understood by his studies, if his works be rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} and clean.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}An ear hearing, and an eye seeing,
{\ADD{[or The hearing ear, and the seeing eye]}}, God made ever either.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Do not thou love sleep, lest needi-ness oppress thee; open thine eyes, and be thou
{\ADD{[ful]}} filled with loaves.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Each buyer saith, It is evil, it is evil; and when he hath gone away, then he shall have glory.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Gold, and the multitude of gems, and a precious vessel,
{\EM{be}} the lips of knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Take thou away the cloth of him that was
{\EM{a}} borrow of another man; and for strangers take thou away a wed from him.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}The bread of a leasing,
{\EM{that is, gotten by a leasing}}, is sweet to a man; and afterward his mouth shall be filled with reckoning
{\ADD{[or with little pebble stones]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Thoughts be made strong by counsels; and battles shall be treated by governances.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Be thou not meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} with him that showeth privates, and goeth guilefully, and alargeth his lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}The light of him that curseth his father and mother, shall be quenched in the midst of darknesses.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}Heritage to which men hasteth in the beginning, shall want blessing in the last
{\EM{time}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Say thou not, I shall yield evil for evil; abide thou the Lord, and he shall deliver thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Abomination with God is weight and weight; a guileful balance is not good.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The steps of man be dressed of the Lord; who forsooth of men may understand his way?


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Falling of man is to make avow
{\ADD{[or vow]}} to saints, and afterward to withdraw the vows.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}A wise king scattereth wicked men; and boweth a bow of victory,
{\EM{that is, a stone bow}}, over them.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The lantern of the Lord
{\EM{is}} the spirit of man, that seeketh out all the privates of the womb.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Mercy and truth keep a king; and his throne is made strong by meekness.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}The full out joying of young men
{\EM{is}} the strength of them; and the dignity of eld
{\ADD{[or old]}} men
{\EM{is}} hoariness.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}The wanness of wound shall wipe away evils, and wounds in the privier things of the womb.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 21}{\PP \VerseOne{1}As partings of waters, so the heart of the king
{\EM{is}} in the power of the Lord; whither ever he will, he shall bow it.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Each way of a man seemeth rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} to himself; but the Lord weigheth the hearts.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}To do mercy and doom, pleaseth more the Lord, than sacrifices.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Enhancing of eyes is
{\ADD{[the]}} alarging of the heart; the lantern of wicked men
{\EM{is}} sin.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}The thoughts of a strong man
{\EM{be}} ever in abundance; but each slow man is ever in neediness.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}He that gathereth treasures by the tongue of a lie
{\EM{maker}}, is vain, and without heart; and he shall be hurled to the snares of death.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}The ravens of unpious men shall draw them down; for they would not do doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}The wayward way of a man is alien from God; but the work of him that is clean of sin, is rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}It is better to sit in the corner of an house without roof, than with a woman full of chiding, and in a common house.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}The soul of an unpious man desireth evil; he shall not have mercy on his neighbour.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}When a man full of pestilence is punished, a little man
{\EM{of wit}} shall be wiser; and if he pursueth
{\ADD{[or follow]}} a wise man, he shall take knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man of the house of a wicked man thinketh, to withdraw wicked men from evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of a poor man, shall cry also, and he shall not be heard.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}A gift hid quencheth chidings; and a gift in
{\ADD{[the]}} bosom
{\EM{quencheth}} most indignation.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}It is joy to a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man to make doom; and
{\EM{it is}} dread to them that work wickedness.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A man that erreth from the way of doctrine, shall dwell in the company of giants,
{\EM{that is, of men evil ruled, either of fiends}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}He that loveth meats, shall be in neediness; he that loveth wine and fat things, shall not be made rich.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}An unpious man shall be given for a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; and a wicked man
{\EM{shall be given}} for a rightful
{\ADD{[or the right]}} man.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a woman full of chiding, and wrathful.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Desirable treasure and oil
{\EM{is}} in the dwelling place of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man; and an unprudent man shall destroy it.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}He that pursueth rightfulness
{\ADD{[or followeth rightwiseness]}} and mercy, shall find life
{\ADD{[and rightwiseness]}} and glory.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A wise man ascended into the city of strong men, and destroyed the strength of
{\ADD{[the]}} trust thereof.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from anguishes.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}A proud man and boaster is called a fool, that worketh pride in ire.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Desires slay a slow man; for his hands would not work anything.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}All day he coveteth and desireth; but he that is a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man, shall give, and shall not cease.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The offerings of wicked men, that be offered of great trespass,
{\EM{be}} abominable.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}A false witness shall perish; a man obedient shall speak victory.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}A wicked man maketh firm his cheer unshamefastly; but he that is rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}}, amendeth his way.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}No wisdom there is, no prudence there is, no counsel there is, against the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}An horse is made ready to the day of battle; but the Lord shall give health.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 22}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Better is a good name, than many riches; for good grace
{\EM{is}} above silver and gold.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}A rich man and a poor man met themselves; the Lord is
{\ADD{[the]}} worker of ever either.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A fell man seeth evil, and hideth himself; and an innocent man passed, and he was tormented by harm.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}The end of temperance
{\EM{is}} the dread of the Lord; riches, and glory, and life.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Armours
{\ADD{[or Arms]}} and swords
{\EM{be}} in the way of a wayward man; but the keeper of his soul goeth away far from those
{\ADD{[or from them]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}It is a proverb, A young waxing man after his way, and when he hath waxed eld
{\ADD{[or eldeth]}}, he shall not go away from it.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}A rich man commandeth to poor men; and he that taketh borrowing, is servant of the lender.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}He that soweth wickedness shall reap evils; and the rod of his ire
{\ADD{[or his wrath]}} shall be ended.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}He that is ready to
{\EM{give}} mercy shall be blessed; for of his loaves he gave
{\EM{some}} to a poor man.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Cast thou out a scorner, and strife shall go out with him; and causes and despisings shall cease.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}He that loveth the cleanness of heart, shall have the king
{\EM{for}} a friend, for the grace of his lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}The eyes of the Lord keep knowing; and the words of a wicked man be deceived.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A slow man shall say, A lion is withoutforth; I shall be slain in the midst of the streets.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}The mouth of an alien woman
{\EM{is}} a deep ditch; he to whom the Lord is wroth shall fall into it.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Folly is bound together in the heart of a child; and a rod of chastising
{\ADD{[or discipline]}} shall drive it away.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}He that falsely challengeth a poor man, to increase his own riches, shall give to a richer man, and he shall be needy.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}My son, bow down thine ear, and hear thou the words of wise men; but set thou the heart to my teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}That shall be fair to thee, when thou hast kept it in thine heart, and it shall flow again in thy lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}That thy trust be in the Lord; wherefore and I have showed it to thee today.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Lo! I have described it in three manners\FTNT{*}{{\FR CHAPTER 22:20 }{\FT{That is, in three parts of the
{\BK{Old Testament}}, that be, the law, holy stories, and prophets. (From a “Later Version” gloss.)}}}, in thoughts and knowing,


\par }{\PP \VS{21}that I should show to thee the firmness and speeches of truth; to answer of these things to them that sent thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Do thou not violence to a poor man, for he is poor; neither defoul thou a needy man in the gate.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}For the Lord shall deem his cause, and he shall torment them that tormented his soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Do not thou be friend to a wrathful man, neither go thou with a wrathful man;


\par }{\PP \VS{25}lest peradventure thou learn his ways, and take cause of stumbling to thy soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Do not thou be with them that fasten,
{\EM{or bind}}, their hands, and that proffer themselves
{\EM{to be}} borrows for debts;


\par }{\PP \VS{27}for if he hath not whereof he shall restore, what of cause is, that thou take away covering from thy bed?


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Go thou not over the eld marks
{\ADD{[or the old terms]}},
{\EM{or the boundary stones}}, which thy fathers have set.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Thou hast seen a man smart in his work; he shall stand before kings, and he shall not be before unnoble men.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 23}{\PP \VerseOne{1}When thou sittest to eat with the prince, perceive thou diligently what things be set before thy face,


\par }{\PP \VS{2}and set thou a coulter in thy throat. If nevertheless thou hast power on thy soul,


\par }{\PP \VS{3}desire thou not of his meats, in whom is the bread of lying.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Do not thou travail to be made rich, but set thou measure to thy prudence.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Raise not thine eyes to riches, which thou mayest not have; for those
{\ADD{[or they]}} shall make to them-selves pens
{\EM{or wings}}, as of an eagle, and they shall fly into heaven.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Eat thou not with an envious man, and desire thou not his meats;


\par }{\PP \VS{7}for at the likeness of a false diviner, and of a conjecturer,
{\EM{that is, expounder of dreams}}, he guesseth that, that he knoweth not. He shall say to thee, Eat thou and drink; and his soul is not with thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Thou shalt spew out the meat, which thou hast eaten; and thou shalt lose thy fair words.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Speak thou not in the ears of unwise men; for they shall despise the teaching of thy speech.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Touch thou not the terms,
{\EM{or the boundary stones}}, of little children; and enter thou not into the field of fatherless and motherless children.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}For the neighbour of them is strong, and he shall deem their cause against thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Thine heart enter to teaching, and thine ears to the words of knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Do not thou withdraw chastising
{\EM{or discipline}}, from a child; for though thou smitest him with a rod, he shall not die.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Thou shalt smite him with a rod, and thou shalt deliver his soul from hell.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}My son, if thy soul is wise, mine heart shall have joy with thee;


\par }{\PP \VS{16}and my reins shall make full out joy, when thy lips speak rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} things.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Thine heart pursue
{\ADD{[or follow]}} not sinners; but be thou in the dread of the Lord all day.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}For thou shalt have hope at the last, and thine abiding shall not be done away.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}My son, hear thou, and be wise, and address thy soul in the way.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Do not thou be in the feasts of drinkers, neither in the oft eatings of them, that bring together fleshes to eat.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}For men giving attention to drinks, and giving morsels together, shall be wasted, and napping shall be clothed with clothes rent.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Hear thy father, that begat thee; and despise not thy mother, when she is eld.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Buy thou truth, and do not thou sell wisdom, and doctrine, and understanding.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}The father of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man joyeth full out with joy; he that begat a wise man, shall be glad in him.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Thy father and thy mother have joy, and he that begat thee, make full out joy.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}My son, give thine heart to me, and thine eyes keep my ways.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}For a whore is a deep ditch, and an alien
{\EM{woman}}, is a strait pit.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}She setteth ambush in the way, as a thief; and shall add despisers in men,
{\EM{that is, shall multiply despisers of God among men}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}To whom
{\EM{is}} woe? to whose father
{\EM{is}} woe? to whom
{\EM{be}} chidings? to whom
{\EM{be}} ditches? to whom
{\EM{be}} wounds without cause? to whom
{\EM{is}} putting out of eyes?


\par }{\PP \VS{30}Whether not to them, that dwell in wine, and study to drink
{\ADD{[up]}} all of cups?


\par }{\PP \VS{31}Behold thou not
{\ADD{[the]}} wine, when it sparkleth, when the colour thereof shineth in a glass cup. It entereth sweetly,


\par }{\PP \VS{32}but at the last it shall bite as an adder, and as a cockatrice it shall shed abroad venoms.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Thine eyes shall see strange women, and thy heart shall speak wayward things.


\par }{\PP \VS{34}And thou shalt be as a man sleeping in the midst of the sea, and as a governor asleeped
{\ADD{[or sleeping]}}, when the steering,
{\EM{either the instrument of governance}}, is lost.


\par }{\PP \VS{35}And thou shalt say, They beat me, but I had not sorrow; they drew me, and I feeled not; when shall I wake out, and I shall find wines again?




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 24}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Pursue
{\ADD{[or follow]}} thou not evil men, desire thou not to be with them.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}For the soul of them bethinketh
{\EM{on}} ravens, and their lips speak frauds.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}An house shall be builded by wisdom, and
{\EM{it}} shall be made strong by prudence,
{\EM{or understanding}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}{\ADD{[The]}} Cellars shall be filled in teaching,
{\EM{with}} all riches precious and full fair.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A wise man is strong, and a learned man is stalworth{\ADD{[y]}} and mighty.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}For why battle is begun with ordinance; and health shall be, where many counsels be.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Wisdom
{\EM{is}} high to a fool; in the gate he shall not open his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}He that thinketh to do evils, shall be called a fool.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}The thought of a fool is sin; and a backbiter
{\EM{is}} abomination of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}If thou hast slid, despairest in the day of anguish, thy strength shall be made less.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}Deliver thou them, that be led to death; and cease thou not to deliver them, that be drawn to death.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}If thou sayest, Strengths
{\EM{or Strong-holds}} suffice not; he that is
{\ADD{[the]}} beholder of the heart, understandeth, and nothing deceiveth the keeper of thy soul, and he shall yield to a man after his works.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}My son, eat thou honey, for
{\EM{it is}} good; and the honeycomb
{\EM{for it is}} full sweet to thy throat.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}So and the teaching of wisdom
{\EM{is good}} to thy soul; and when thou hast found it, thou shalt have hope in the last things, and thine hope shall not perish.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Ambush thou not, and seek not wickedness in the house of a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man, neither waste thou, his resting
{\EM{place}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}For a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall fall seven times
{\EM{in the day}}, and shall rise again; but wicked men shall fall into evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}When thine enemy falleth, have thou not joy; and thine heart have not full out joying in his falling;


\par }{\PP \VS{18}lest peradventure the Lord see, and it displease him, and he take away his ire
{\ADD{[or his wrath]}} from him.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}Strive thou not with the worst men, neither pursue
{\ADD{[or follow]}} thou wicked men.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}For why evil men have not hope of things to come, and the lantern of wicked men shall be quenched.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}My son, dread thou God, and the king; and be thou not meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} with backbiters.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}For their perdition shall rise together suddenly, and who knoweth the fall of ever either?


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Also these things
{\EM{that pursue}} be to wise men. It is not good to know a person in doom.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Peoples shall curse them that say to a wicked man, Thou art just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}}; and lineages shall hold them abominable.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}They that reprove
{\EM{justly sinners}}, shall be praised; and blessing shall come
{\ADD{[up]}} on them.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that answereth
{\EM{with}} rightful
{\ADD{[or right]}} words, shall kiss lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Make ready thy work withoutforth, and work thy field diligently, that thou build thine house afterward.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Be thou not a witness without reasonable cause against thy neighbour; neither flatter thou any man with thy lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Say thou not, As he did to me, so I shall do to him, and I shall yield to each man after his work.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}I passed by the field of a slow man, and by the vinery
{\ADD{[or the vineyard]}} of a fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} man;


\par }{\PP \VS{31}and lo! nettles had filled all, thorns had covered the higher part thereof, and the wall of stones without mortar was destroyed.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}And when I had seen this thing, I setted
{\ADD{[or put]}} in mine heart, and by ensample, I learned teaching.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}How long sleepest thou, slow man? when shalt thou rise from sleep? Soothly thou shalt sleep a little, thou shalt nap a little, thou shalt join together the hands a little, to take rest;


\par }{\PP \VS{34}and
{\EM{then}} thy neediness as a courier shall come to thee, and thy beggary as an armed man.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 25}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Also these
{\EM{be}} the Parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, translated.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}The glory of God is to cover a word; and the glory of kings
{\EM{is}} to seek out a word.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings
{\EM{is}} unsearchable.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Do thou away rust from silver, and a full clean vessel shall go out.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Do thou away unpiety from the cheer of the king, and his throne shall be made steadfast by rightfulness
{\ADD{[or rightwiseness]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Appear thou not glorious before the king, and stand thou not in the place of great men.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}For it is better, that it be said to thee, Ascend thou
{\ADD{[or Go up]}} hither, than that thou be made low before the prince.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Bring thou not forth soon those things in strife, which thine eyes saw; lest afterward thou mayest not amend, when thou hast made thy friend unhonest
{\EM{or he hath shamed thee}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Treat thy cause with thy friend, and show thou not private
{\EM{matter}} to a strange man;


\par }{\PP \VS{10}lest peradventure he have joy of thy fall, when he hath heard, and cease not to do shame to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A golden pomme or pommel in beds of silver
{\EM{is he}}, that speaketh a word in his time.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A golden earring, and a shining pearl
{\EM{is he}}, that reproveth a wise man, and an ear obeying.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}As the cold of snow in the day of harvest, so a faithful messenger to him that sent him, maketh his soul to have rest.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}A cloud and wind, and rain not pursuing
{\ADD{[or following]}},
{\EM{is}} a glorious man, and not
{\ADD{[ful]}} filling promises.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}A prince shall be made soft by patience; and a soft tongue shall break hardness.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Thou hast found honey, eat thou that that sufficeth to thee; lest per-adventure thou be
{\ADD{[full]}}-filled, and spew it out.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour; lest sometime he be filled,
{\EM{that is, annoyed}}, and hate thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}A dart, and a sword, and a sharp arrow,
{\EM{is}} a man that speaketh false witnessing against his neighbour.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}A rotten tooth, and a faint foot
{\EM{is}} he, that hopeth on an unfaithful man in the day of anguish,


\par }{\PP \VS{20}and loseth his mantle in the day of cold. Vinegar in a vessel of salt
{\EM{is}} he, that singeth songs to the worst heart. As a moth
{\EM{annoyeth or harmeth}} a cloth, and a worm a tree, so the sorrow of a man annoyeth the heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}If thine enemy hungereth, feed thou him; if he thirsteth, give thou him water to drink;


\par }{\PP \VS{22}for thou shalt gather together coals on his head; and the Lord shall yield to thee.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}The north wind scattereth
{\EM{abroad}} rains; and a sorrowful face
{\EM{destroyeth}} a tongue backbiting.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}It is better to sit in the corner of an house without
{\ADD{[a]}} roof, than with a woman full of chiding, and in a common house.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Cold water to a thirsty man; and a good messenger from a far land.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}A well disturbed with foot, and a vein broken,
{\EM{is}} a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man falling before a wicked man.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}As it is not good to him that eateth much honey; so he that is a searcher of majesty, shall be put down from glory.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}As a city open, and without compass of walls; so
{\EM{is}} a man that may not refrain his spirit in speaking.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 26}{\PP \VerseOne{1}As snow in summer, and rain in harvest; so glory is unseemly to a fool.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}For as a bird flying over to high things, and
{\EM{as}} a sparrow going into uncertain; so cursing brought forth without reasonable cause shall come above into some man.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Beating be to an horse, and a bridle to an ass; and a rod to the back of unprudent men.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Answer thou not to a fool after his folly, lest thou be made like him.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Answer thou a fool after his folly, lest he seem to himself to be wise.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}An halting man in feet, and drinking wickedness, he that sendeth words by a fond
{\ADD{[or foolish]}} messenger.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}As an halting man hath fair legs in vain; so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}As he that sendeth a stone into the broad place of the sling; so he that giveth honour to an unwise man.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}As if a thorn groweth in the hand of a drunken man; so
{\EM{is}} a parable in the mouth of fools.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Doom determineth causes; and he that setteth silence to a fool, assuageth ires
{\ADD{[or wraths]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}As a dog that turneth again to his spewing
{\ADD{[or As an hound that turneth again to his vomit]}}; so
{\EM{is}} an unprudent man, that rehearseth his folly.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}Thou hast seen a man seem wise to himself; an unknowing man shall have hope more than he.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A slow man saith, A lion is in the way, a lioness is in the footpaths.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}As a door is turned in his hinges; so a slow man in his bed.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}A slow man hideth his hands under his armpit; and he travaileth, if he turneth them up to his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A slow man seemeth wiser to himself, than seven men speaking sentences.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}As he that taketh a dog by the ears; so he that passeth, and
{\EM{is}} unpatient, and is meddled
{\ADD{[or mingled]}} with the chiding of another man.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}As he is guilty, that sendeth spears and arrows into death,


\par }{\PP \VS{19}so a man that annoyeth guilefully his friend, and when he is taken, he shall say, I did playing.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}When trees
{\ADD{[or woods shall]}} fail, the fire shall be quenched; and when a privy backbiter is withdrawn, strives rest.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}As dead coals at
{\ADD{[or to]}} quick coals, and trees at the fire
{\ADD{[or wood to fire]}}; so a wrathful man raiseth chidings.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}The words of a privy backbiter
{\EM{be}} as simple; and those
{\ADD{[or they]}} come till to the innerest things of the heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}As if thou wouldest adorn a vessel of earth with the dross of silver, so
{\EM{be}} swelling lips fellowshipped with a full wicked heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}An enemy is understood by his lips, when he treateth guiles in
{\EM{his}} heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}When he maketh low his voice, believe thou not to him; for seven wickednesses be in his heart.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}The malice of him that covereth hatred guilefully, shall be showed in a council.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}He that delveth a ditch, shall fall into it; and if a man walloweth a stone, it shall turn again to him.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}A false tongue loveth not
{\ADD{[the]}} truth; and a slippery mouth worketh fallings.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 27}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Have thou not glory of the morrow, that knowest not what thing the day coming shall bring forth.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}Another man, and not thy mouth praise thee; a stranger, and not thy lips.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A stone is heavy, and gravel is chargeous; but the ire
{\ADD{[or the wrath]}} of a fool is heavier than ever either.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Ire
{\ADD{[or Wrath]}} hath no mercy, and strong vengeance breaking out
{\EM{hath no mercy}}; and who may suffer the fierceness of a spirit stirred?


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Better is open reproving, than a love hid.
{\ADD{[Better is open amending, than hid love.]}}


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Better be the wounds of him that loveth, than the guileful kisses of him that hateth.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}A man
{\ADD{[ful]}} filled shall despise an honeycomb; but an hungry man shall take, yea, bitter thing for sweet.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}As a bird passing over from his nest, so is a man that forsaketh his place.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}The heart delighteth in ointment, and diverse odours; and a soul is made sweet by the good counsels of a friend.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Forsake thou not thy friend, and the friend of thy father; and enter thou not into the house of thy brother, in the day of thy torment. Better is a neighbour nigh, than a brother afar.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}My son, study thou about wisdom, and make thou glad mine heart; that thou mayest answer a word to a despiser.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A fell man seeing evil was hid; little men of wit passing forth suffered harms.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}Take thou away his cloth, that promised for a stranger; and take thou away a wed from him for an alien man.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}He that blesseth his neighbour with
{\ADD{[a]}} great voice; and riseth by night, shall be like him that curseth.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}Roofs dropping in the day of cold, and a woman full of chiding, be likened together.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}He that withholdeth her, as if he holdeth
{\ADD{[or held the]}} wind; and voideth
{\ADD{[out]}} the oil of his right hand.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Iron is whetted by iron; and a man whetteth the face of his friend.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}He that keepeth a fig tree, shall eat the fruits thereof; and he that is a keeper of his lord, shall be glorified.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}As the cheers of men beholding
{\EM{themselves}} shine in waters; so the hearts of men be open to prudent men.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Hell and perdition shall not be filled; so and the eyes of men be not able to be filled
{\ADD{[or be unfillable]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}As silver is proved in a welling place, and gold
{\EM{is proved}} in a furnace; so a man is proved by the mouth of his praisers.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}Though thou poundedest a fool in a mortar, as with a pestle smiting above dried barley, his folly shall not be done away from him.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Know thou diligently the cheer of thy beast; and behold thou thy flocks.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}For thou shalt not have power continually; but a crown shall be given to thee in generation and into generation{\ADD{[s]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Meadows be opened, and green herbs appeared; and hay is gathered from
{\ADD{[the]}} hills.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Lambs be to thy clothing; and kids
{\EM{be}} to the price of the field.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}The milk of goats suffice to thee for thy meats; into the necessary things of thine house, and to lifelode of thine handmaidens.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 28}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth; but a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man as a lion trusting shall be without fearedfulness.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}For the sins of the land
{\EM{there be}} many princes of it; and for the wisdom of a man, and for the knowing of these things that be said, the life of the duke shall be the longer.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A poor man falsely challenging poor men, is like a great rain, wherein hunger is made ready.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man; they that keep
{\EM{the law}}, be kindled,
{\EM{or stirred}}{\ADD{[up]}}, against him.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Wicked men think not
{\EM{on}} doom; but they that seek the Lord, perceive all things.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Better is a poor man going in his simpleness, than a rich man in
{\ADD{[his]}} shrewd ways.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}He that keepeth the law, is a wise son; but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}He that gathereth together riches by usuries, and free increases, gathereth those
{\ADD{[or them]}} together against poor men.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}His prayer shall be made cursed, that boweth away his ear, that he hear not the law.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}He that deceiveth just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men in an evil way, shall fall in his perishing; and just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall wield his goods.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A rich man seemeth wise to himself; but a poor man prudent shall search him
{\EM{out or know his counsel}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}In
{\ADD{[the]}} enhancing of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men is much glory; when wicked men reign, fallings of men be.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}He that hideth his great trespasses, shall not be made rightful; but he that acknowledgeth and forsaketh them, shall get mercy.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}Blessed
{\EM{is}} the man, which is ever dreadful; but he that is of hard heart, shall fall into evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}A roaring lion, and an hungry bear, is a wicked prince on a poor people.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}A duke needy of prudence shall oppress many men by false challenge; but the days of him that hateth avarice shall be made long.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}No man sustain a man that falsely challengeth the blood of a man, if he fleeth till to the pit.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}He that goeth simply shall be safe; he that goeth by wayward ways, shall fall down
{\ADD{[at]}} once.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}He that worketh his land, shall be filled with loaves; he that pursueth
{\ADD{[or followeth]}} idleness, shall be filled with neediness.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}A faithful man shall be praised much; but he that hasteth to be made rich, shall not be innocent.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}He that knoweth a face in doom, doeth not well; this man forsaketh truth, yea, for a morsel of bread.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A man that hasteth to be made rich, and hath envy to other men, knoweth not that neediness shall come
{\ADD{[up]}} on him.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}He that reproveth a man, shall find grace afterward with him; more than he that deceiveth by flatterings of tongue.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}He that withdraweth anything from his father and from his mother, and saith that this is no sin, is partner of a man-queller.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}He that avaunteth himself, and alargeth, raiseth up strives; but he that hopeth in the Lord, shall be saved.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}He that trusteth in his heart, is a fool; but he that goeth wisely, shall be praised.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}He that giveth to a poor man, shall not be needy; he that despiseth
{\EM{a poor man}} beseeching, shall suffer neediness.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}When unpious men rise, men shall be hid; and when they have perished, just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall be multiplied.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 29}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Sudden perishing shall come
{\ADD{[up]}} on that man, that with hard noll,
{\EM{that is, an obstinate soul}}, despiseth a blamer; and health shall not follow him.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}The commonality shall be glad in the multiplying of just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men; when wicked men have taken princehood, the people shall wail.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}A man that loveth wisdom, maketh glad his father; but he that nourisheth a strumpet, shall lose his chattel
{\ADD{[or substance]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A just king raiseth
{\ADD{[up]}} the land; an avaricious man shall destroy it.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}A man that speaketh by flattering and feigned words to his friend, spreadeth abroad a net to his steps.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}A snare shall wrap a wicked man doing sin; and a just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man shall praise, and make joy.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}A just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} man knoweth the cause of poor men; and an unpious man knoweth not knowing.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Men full of pestilence destroy a city; but wise men turn away strong vengeance.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}If a wise man striveth with a fool, whether he be wroth, or laugh, he shall not find rest.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Men-quellers hate a simple man; but just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men seek his soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A fool bringeth forth all his spirit; a wise man delayeth, and reserveth into time coming afterward.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A prince that heareth willfully the words of leasing, shall have all
{\EM{his}} servants unfaithful.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A poor man and a lender met themselves; the Lord is
{\ADD{[the]}} lightener of ever either.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}If a king deemeth poor men in truth, his throne shall be made steadfast
{\ADD{[into]}} without end.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}A rod and chastising
{\ADD{[or discipline]}} shall give wisdom; but a child, that is left to his
{\EM{own}} will, shameth his mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}Great trespasses shall be multiplied in the multiplying of wicked men; and just
{\ADD{[or rightwise]}} men shall see the fallings of them.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Teach thy son, and he shall comfort thee; and he shall give delights to thy soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}When prophecy faileth, the people shall be destroyed; but he that keepeth the law, is blessed.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}A servant may not be taught by words; for he understandeth that that thou sayest, and he despiseth to answer.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Thou hast seen a man swift to speak; folly shall be hoped more than his amending
{\ADD{[or folly more is to be hoped for than the correction of him]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}He that nourisheth his servant delicately from childhood, shall find him a rebel
{\ADD{[or unobedient]}} afterward.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}A wrathful man stirreth chidings; and he that is light to have indignation, shall be more inclined to sins.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Lowness followeth a proud man; and glory shall up-take a meek man of spirit.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}He that taketh part with a thief, hateth his soul; he heareth a man charging greatly, and showeth not.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}He that dreadeth a man, shall fall soon; he that hopeth in the Lord, shall be raised
{\ADD{[up]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}Many men seek the face of the prince; and the doom of all men shall go forth of the Lord.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}Just
{\ADD{[or Rightwise]}} men have abomination of a wicked man; and wicked men have abomination of them, that be in a rightful
{\ADD{[or the right]}} way.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 30}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The words of him that gathereth, of the son spewing. The prophecy which a man spake, with whom God was, and which
{\EM{man}} was comforted by God dwelling with him, and said,


\par }{\PP \VS{2}I am the most foolish of men; and the wisdom of men is not with me.


\par }{\PP \VS{3}I learned not wisdom; and I knew not the knowing of holy men.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}Who ascended
{\ADD{[or went up]}} into heaven, and came down? Who held together the spirit
{\EM{or wind}} in his hands? who bound together waters as in a cloth? Who raised
{\EM{up}} all the ends of
{\ADD{[the]}} earth? What is the name of him? and what is the name of his son, if thou knowest?


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Each word of God
{\EM{is}} a shield set afire, to all that hope in him.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Add thou not anything to the words of him, and thou be reproved, and be found a liar.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}I prayed thee
{\EM{for}} two things; deny not thou
{\EM{them}} to me, before that I die.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Make thou far from me vanity and words of leasing; give thou not to me begging and riches;
{\EM{but}} give thou only necessaries to my lifelode;


\par }{\PP \VS{9}lest peradventure I be full-filled, and be drawn to deny, and say, Who is the Lord? and lest I be compelled by neediness, and steal, and forswear the name of my God.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Accuse thou not a servant to his lord, lest peradventure he curse thee, and thou fall down.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}A generation that curseth his father, and that blesseth not his mother.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}A generation that seemeth clean to itself, and nevertheless is not washed from his filths.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}A generation whose eyes be high, and the eyelids thereof be raised
{\ADD{[up]}} into high things.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}A generation that hath swords for teeth, and eateth with his cheek teeth; that it eat
{\ADD{[the]}} needy men of
{\ADD{[the]}} earth, and the poor-alls
{\ADD{[or the poor]}} of men.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}The water leach hath two daughters, saying, Bring, bring. Three things be unable to be filled, and the fourth, that saith never, It sufficeth;


\par }{\PP \VS{16}hell; and the mouth of the womb; and the earth that is never filled with water; but fire
{\EM{that}} saith never, It sufficeth.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}Crows of the strand
{\ADD{[or the streams]}} peck out that eye, that scorneth the father, and that despiseth the child-bearing of his mother; and the young of an eagle eat that eye.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}Three things be hard to me, and utterly I know not the fourth thing;


\par }{\PP \VS{19}the way of an eagle in heaven; the way of a serpent on a stone; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; and the way of a man in
{\EM{his}} young waxing age.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}Such is the way of a woman adulteress, which eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I wrought not evil.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}The earth is moved by three things, and
{\EM{by}} the fourth thing, which it may not sustain;


\par }{\PP \VS{22}by a servant, when he reigneth; by a fool, when he is filled with meat;


\par }{\PP \VS{23}by an hateful woman, when she is taken in matrimony; and by an handmaid, when she is heir of her lady.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}Four
{\ADD{[things]}} be the least things of
{\ADD{[the]}} earth, and those be wiser than wise men;


\par }{\PP \VS{25}ants, a feeble people, that make ready meat in harvest to themselves;


\par }{\PP \VS{26}a hare, a people unmighty, that setteth his bed in a stone;


\par }{\PP \VS{27}a locust hath no king, and all goeth out by companies;


\par }{\PP \VS{28}a lizard enforceth
{\EM{or endeavoureth}} with hands, and dwelleth in the houses of kings.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Three things there be, that go well, and the fourth thing, that goeth richly,
{\EM{either by prosperity}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}A lion, strongest of beasts, shall not dread, at the meeting of any man;


\par }{\PP \VS{31}a cock, girded
{\ADD{[up]}} the loins; and a ram,
{\EM{and a king}}, and none there is that shall against-stand him.


\par }{\PP \VS{32}He that appeareth a fool, after that he is raised
{\ADD{[up]}} on high; for if he had understood, he had set
{\EM{his}} hand on his mouth.


\par }{\PP \VS{33}Forsooth he that thrusteth strongly teats, to draw out milk, thrusteth out butter; and he that smiteth greatly, draweth out blood; and he that stirreth ires, bringeth forth discords.




\par }\Chap{CHAPTER 31}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The words of Lemuel, the king; the vision by which his mother taught him.


\par }{\PP \VS{2}What, my darling? what, the darling of my womb? what, the darling of my desires?


\par }{\PP \VS{3}Give thou not thy chattel
{\ADD{[or thy substance]}} to women, and thy riches to do away kings.


\par }{\PP \VS{4}A! Lemuel, do not thou give wine to kings; for no privacy there is, where drunkenness reigneth.


\par }{\PP \VS{5}Lest peradventure they drink, and forget dooms, and change the cause of the sons of a poor man.


\par }{\PP \VS{6}Give ye cider to them that mourn, and wine to them that be of bitter soul.


\par }{\PP \VS{7}Drink they, and forget they their neediness; and think they no more on their sorrow.


\par }{\PP \VS{8}Open thy mouth for a dumb man, and open thy mouth for the causes of all sons that pass forth.


\par }{\PP \VS{9}Deem thou that that is just, and deem thou a needy man and a poor man.


\par }{\PP \VS{10}Who shall find a strong woman? the price of her
{\EM{is}}{\ADD{[a]}} far, and from the last
{\ADD{[or utmost]}} ends.


\par }{\PP \VS{11}The heart of her husband trusteth in her; and he shall not have need to robberies.


\par }{\PP \VS{12}She shall yield to him good, and not evil, in all the days of her life.


\par }{\PP \VS{13}She sought wool and flax; and wrought by the counsel of her hands.


\par }{\PP \VS{14}She is made as the ship of a merchant, that beareth his bread from
{\ADD{[a]}} far.


\par }{\PP \VS{15}And she rose by night, and gave lifelode to her menials, and meats to her handmaidens.


\par }{\PP \VS{16}She beheld a field, and bought it; of the fruit of her hands she planted a vinery
{\ADD{[or a vineyard]}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{17}She girded her loins with strength, and made strong her arm.


\par }{\PP \VS{18}She tasted, and saw, that her merchandise was good; her lantern shall not be quenched in the night.


\par }{\PP \VS{19}She put her hands to the wharve, and her fingers took the spindle.


\par }{\PP \VS{20}She opened her hand to the needy man, and stretched forth her hands to a poor man.


\par }{\PP \VS{21}She shall not dread for her house of the colds of snow; for all her menials be clothed with double
{\EM{clothes}}.


\par }{\PP \VS{22}She made to her a ray-cloth; bis,
{\EM{either white silk}}, and purple
{\EM{is}} the cloth{\ADD{[ing]}} of her.


\par }{\PP \VS{23}Her husband
{\EM{is}} noble in the gates, when he sitteth with the senators of
{\ADD{[the]}} earth.


\par }{\PP \VS{24}She made linen cloth, and sold
{\EM{it}}; and gave a girdle to a merchant.


\par }{\PP \VS{25}Strength and fairness
{\EM{is}} the clothing of her; and she shall laugh in the last day.


\par }{\PP \VS{26}She opened her mouth to wisdom; and the law of mercy
{\EM{is}} in her tongue.


\par }{\PP \VS{27}She beheld the paths of her house; and she ate not bread idly.


\par }{\PP \VS{28}Her sons rose up, and preached her most blessed; her husband
{\EM{rose}}, and praised her.


\par }{\PP \VS{29}Many daughters gathered riches; thou passedest
{\EM{them}} all.


\par }{\PP \VS{30}Fairness is deceivable grace, and vain; that woman, that dreadeth the Lord,
{\ADD{[she]}} shall be praised.


\par }{\PP \VS{31}Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands; and her works praise her in the gates.


\par }