Proverbs 1
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To
receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give
subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man
will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain
unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the
words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son,
hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy
neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come
with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent
without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as
those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we
shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have
one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from
their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. 17
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay wait
for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. 19 So are the ways
of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners
thereof. 20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in
the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye
love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate
knowledge? 23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto
you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye
refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set
at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at
your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as
desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and
anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not
answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they
hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of
my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the
fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the
turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall
destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be
quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my
commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply
thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and
liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and
searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear
of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out
of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom
for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth
the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou
understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver
thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who
rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15 Whose ways
are crooked, and they froward in their paths: 16 To deliver thee from the
strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17 Which
forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 18
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19 None that
go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. 20 That
thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall
be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my
commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to
thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write
them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good
understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge
him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the
LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to
thy bones. 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of
all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses
shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the
LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he
correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 Happy is the man
that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the
merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain
thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things
thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her
right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of
pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them
that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 19 The LORD
by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the
heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down
the dew. 21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When
thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy
sleep shall be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the
desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the LORD shall be thy
confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 27 Withhold not good from
them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say
not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when
thou hast it by thee. 29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he
dwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have
done thee no harm. 31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the
righteous. 33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he
blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he
giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall
be the promotion of fools.
Proverbs 4
1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend
to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3
For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my
commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither
decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve
thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her,
and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost
embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of
glory shall she deliver to thee. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and
the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taught thee in the way of
wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not
be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold
of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14 Enter not
into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it,
pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they
have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But
the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto
the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what
they stumble. 20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let
thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not
to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 5
1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my
understanding: 2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep
knowledge. 3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her
mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a
two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. 6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou
canst not know them. 7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not
from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh
the door of her house: 9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years
unto the cruel: 10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be
in the house of a stranger; 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and
thy body are consumed, 12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart
despised reproof; 13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined
mine ear to them that instructed me! 14 I was almost in all evil in the midst
of the congregation and assembly. 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and
running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad,
and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only thine own, and not
strangers' with thee. 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife
of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her
breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the
bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he pondereth all his goings. 22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked
himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die
without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Proverbs 6
1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast
stricken thy hand with a stranger, 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy
mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. 3 Do this now, my son, and
deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble
thyself, and make sure thy friend. 4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber
to thine eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and
as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider
her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth
her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt
thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little
sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall
thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. 12 A
naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with
his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth
discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be
broken without remedy. 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are
an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed
innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be
swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he
that soweth discord among brethren. 20 My son, keep thy father's commandment,
and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine
heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee;
when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk
with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs
of instruction are the way of life: 24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from
the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in
thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a
whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt
for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not
be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So he
that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be
innocent. 30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when
he is hungry; 31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give
all the substance of his house. 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman
lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and
dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For
jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of
vengeance. 35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content,
though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 7
1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with
thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. 4 Say
unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: 5 That
they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth
with her words. 6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man
void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he
went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and
dark night: 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot,
and subtil of heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her
house: 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every
corner.) 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said
unto him, 14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15
Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have
found thee. 16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved
works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes,
and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us
solace ourselves with loves. 19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a
long journey: 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at
the day appointed. 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with
the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway,
as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and
knoweth not that it is for his life. 24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye
children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heart decline
to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many
wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way
to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 8
1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her
voice? 2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of
the paths. 3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming
in at the doors. 4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding
heart. 6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips
shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an
abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there
is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him that
understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. 10 Receive my
instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For
wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to
be compared to it. 12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of
witty inventions. 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14 Counsel is
mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15 By me kings
reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all
the judges of the earth. 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me
early shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and
righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my
revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst
of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit
substance; and I will fill their treasures. 22 The LORD possessed me in the
beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from
everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no
depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of
the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he
set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds
above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the
sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he
appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up
with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the
sons of men. 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are
they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the
posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain
favour of the LORD. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:
all they that hate me love death.
Proverbs 9
1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven
pillars: 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also
furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the
highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for
him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and
drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go
in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself
shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not
a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give
instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he
will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be
multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If thou be wise,
thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 14 For she
sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15
To call passengers who go right on their ways: 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn
in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18 But he
knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of
hell.
Proverbs 10
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father:
but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness
profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The LORD will not
suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance
of the wicked. 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand
of the diligent maketh rich. 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but
he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 6 Blessings are upon
the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 7 The
memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8 The wise
in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. 9 He that
walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be
known. 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall
fall. 11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth
the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all
sins. 13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod
is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 14 Wise men lay up
knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15 The rich man's
wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The
labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. 17 He
is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof
erreth. 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander,
is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that
refraineth his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the
heart of the wicked is little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many:
but fools die for want of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,
and he addeth no sorrow with it. 23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief:
but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 24 The fear of the wicked, it shall
come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the
whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an
everlasting foundation. 26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to them that send him. 27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth
days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the
righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the
workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked
shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom:
but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what
is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Proverbs 11
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just
weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the
lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the
perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the
day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of
the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own
wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but
transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 7 When a wicked man
dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. 8
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge
shall the just be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city
rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of
the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the
wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of
understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that
is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 14 Where no counsel is, the
people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15 He that is
surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is
sure. 16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. 17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his
own flesh. 18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth
righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so
he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20 They that are of a
froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way
are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be
unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 22 As a jewel of
gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23 The
desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is
wrath. 24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that
withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25 The liberal soul
shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He
that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon
the head of him that selleth it. 27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth
favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28 He that
trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a
branch. 29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool
shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree
of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be
recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 12
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that
hateth reproof is brutish. 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man
of wicked devices will he condemn. 3 A man shall not be established by
wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4 A virtuous
woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness
in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of
the wicked are deceit. 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood:
but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown,
and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8 A man shall be
commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be
despised. 9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that
honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of
his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He that tilleth
his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is
void of understanding. 12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root
of the righteous yieldeth fruit. 13 The wicked is snared by the transgression
of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be
satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's
hands shall be rendered unto him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own
eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 16 A fool's wrath is
presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. 17 He that speaketh truth
sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 18 There is that
speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but
for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the
counsellors of peace is joy. 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the
wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips are abomination to the
LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23 A prudent man concealeth
knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24 The hand of the
diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness
in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The
righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked
seduceth them. 27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting:
but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 28 In the way of righteousness
is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner
heareth not rebuke. 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul
of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth
his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. 4 The soul
of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall
be made fat. 5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and
cometh to shame. 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but
wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet
hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8 The
ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9 The
light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. 11
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour
shall increase. 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire
cometh, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed:
but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise
is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15 Good
understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. 16 Every
prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. 17 A
wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 18
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that
regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the
soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh
with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22 A good
man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the
sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but
there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 24 He that spareth his rod
hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 25 The righteous
eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Proverbs 14
1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish
plucketh it down with her hands. 2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth
the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of
the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of
the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him
that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou
perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to
understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. 9 Fools make a mock at
sin: but among the righteous there is favour. 10 The heart knoweth his own
bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11 The house of
the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall
flourish. 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end
of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his
own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15 The simple
believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise
man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The
evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The
poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21 He
that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy
is he. 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to
them that devise good. 23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the
lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the
foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a
deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26 In the fear of the LORD is strong
confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the
LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28 In the
multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the
destruction of the prince. 29 He that is slow to wrath is of great
understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 30 A sound heart
is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He that
oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy
on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous
hath hope in his death. 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath
understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The
king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that
causeth shame.
Proverbs 15
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir
up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of
fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but
perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father's
instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the
righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The
lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of
the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the
LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is
grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of
the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither
will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but
by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath
understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath
a continual feast. 16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great
treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,
than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife:
but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19 The way of the slothful man
is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise
son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is
joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh
uprightly. 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude
of counsellors they are established. 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth:
and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! 24 The way of life is above to
the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. 25 The LORD will destroy the
house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26 The
thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the
pure are pleasant words. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
but he that hateth gifts shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studieth to
answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 29 The LORD is far
from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of
the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The
ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that
refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof
getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom;
and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 16
1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of
the tongue, is from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own
eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and
thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself:
yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is
an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be
unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the
LORD men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even
his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues without right. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the
LORD directeth his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his
mouth transgresseth not in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the
LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to
kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. 13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify
it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a
cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and
to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! 17 The highway of the
upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better
it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with
the proud. 20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso
trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called
prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is
a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is
folly. 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his
lips. 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to
the bones. 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death. 26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his
mouth craveth it of him. 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips
there is as a burning fire. 28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer
separateth chief friends. 29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth
him into the way that is not good. 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things:
moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. 31 The hoary head is a crown of
glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger
is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a
city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of
the LORD.
Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an
house full of sacrifices with strife. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a
son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the
brethren. 3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the
LORD trieth the hearts. 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar
giveth ear to a naughty tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker:
and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's
children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A
gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it
turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he
that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 10 A reproof entereth more
into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh
only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a
bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso
rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning
of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention,
before it be meddled with. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that
condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. 16 Wherefore is
there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to
it? 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A
man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence
of his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that
exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart findeth
no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that
begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones. 23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of
judgment. 24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a
fool are in the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father,
and bitterness to her that bare him. 26 Also to punish the just is not good,
nor to strike princes for equity. 27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words:
and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he
holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a
man of understanding.
Proverbs 18
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh
and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding,
but that his heart may discover itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh
also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are as
deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 5 It is not good
to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A
fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A
fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The
words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts
of the belly. 9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is
a great waster. 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth
into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an
high wall in his own conceit. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is
haughty, and before honour is humility. 13 He that answereth a matter before he
heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain
his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent
getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man's gift
maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 17 He that is first in
his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 18 The
lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother
offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like
the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his
mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life
are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit
thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of
the LORD. 23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. 24 A
man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that
sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19
1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he
that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without
knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The
foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. 5 A
false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not
escape. 6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend
to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much
more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are
wanting to him. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth
understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and
he that speaketh lies shall perish. 10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much
less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man
deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The
king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the
grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a
wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are the inheritance of
fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a
deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the
commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. 17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath
given will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let
not thy soul spare for his crying. 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer
punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 20 Hear
counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the
LORD, that shall stand. 22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man
is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that
hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 A slothful
man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth
again. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that
hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 26 He that wasteth his
father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth
reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from
the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth
of the wicked devoureth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and
stripes for the back of fools.
Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is
deceived thereby is not wise. 2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion:
whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. 3 It is an honour
for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. 4 The sluggard
will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and
have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of
understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own
goodness: but a faithful man who can find? 7 The just man walketh in his
integrity: his children are blessed after him. 8 A king that sitteth in the
throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I
have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? 10 Divers weights, and divers
measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. 11 Even a child is
known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 12 The
hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. 13 Love
not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be
satisfied with bread. 14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when
he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 15 There is gold, and a multitude of
rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take his garment
that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with
gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make
war. 19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle
not with him that flattereth with his lips. 20 Whoso curseth his father or his
mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. 21 An inheritance may be
gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. 22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save
thee. 23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance
is not good. 24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his
own way? 25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and
after vows to make enquiry. 26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth
the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching
all the inward parts of the belly. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and
his throne is upholden by mercy. 29 The glory of young men is their strength: and
the beauty of old men is the grey head. 30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth
away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 21
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers
of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in
his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 An high look, and a proud
heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent
tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 6 The
getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them
that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they
refuse to do judgment. 8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the
pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop,
than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth
evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is
punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he
receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the
wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoso stoppeth
his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be
heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong
wrath. 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the
workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding
shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall
be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked
shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry
woman. 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man spendeth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and
mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 22 A wise man scaleth the city
of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud
and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25 The desire of
the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth
greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27 The
sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with
a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth
speaketh constantly. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the
upright, he directeth his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor
counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle:
but safety is of the LORD.
Proverbs 22
1 A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and
loving favour rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together:
the LORD is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and
hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the
fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in
the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. 6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not
depart from it. 7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to
the lender. 8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his
anger shall fail. 9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he
giveth of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall
go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. 11 He that loveth pureness of
heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 12 The eyes of
the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the
streets. 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of
the LORD shall fall therein. 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child;
but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 16 He that oppresseth
the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely
come to want. 17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply
thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them
within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be
in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I
written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might
make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer
the words of truth to them that send unto thee? 22 Rob not the poor, because he
is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23 For the LORD will plead
their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. 24 Make no
friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest
thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 26 Be not thou one of them
that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast
nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? 28 Remove not
the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. 29 Seest thou a man diligent
in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean
men.
Proverbs 23
1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently
what is before thee: 2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to
appetite. 3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. 4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes
upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly
away as an eagle toward heaven. 6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an
evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his
heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with
thee. 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy
sweet words. 9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom
of thy words. 10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of
the fatherless: 11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause
with thee. 12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words
of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest
him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and
shalt deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart
shall rejoice, even mine. 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak
right things. 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of
the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation
shall not be cut off. 19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart
in the way. 20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For
the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe
a man with rags. 22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not
thy mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly
rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25 Thy
father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. 26 My
son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a whore is
a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as
for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who
hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without
cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that
go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it
giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it
biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold
strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt
be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the
top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick;
they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet
again.
Proverbs 24
1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be
with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of
mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is
established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious
and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth
strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of
counsellors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not
his mouth in the gate. 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a
mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an
abomination to men. 10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is
small. 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those
that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not
he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not
he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? 13 My
son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to
thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast
found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut
off. 15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth
up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. 17 Rejoice not when thine
enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the
LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19 Fret
not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked: 20 For
there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put
out. 21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that
are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth
the ruin of them both? 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good
to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou
are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to
them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon
them. 26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. 27 Prepare
thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards
build thine house. 28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and
deceive not with thy lips. 29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to
me: I will render to the man according to his work. 30 I went by the field of
the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo,
it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof,
and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it
well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a
little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty
come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Proverbs 25
1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of
Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing:
but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and
the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the
dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established
in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and
stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto
thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of
the prince whom thine eyes have seen. 8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest
thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee
to shame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a
secret to another: 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine
infamy turn not away. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures
of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise
reprover upon an obedient ear. 13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of
his masters. 14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind
without rain. 15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue
breaketh the bone. 16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for
thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. 17 Withdraw thy foot from
thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 18 A man
that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a
sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a
broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 20 As he that taketh away a garment in
cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an
heavy heart. 21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be
thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his
head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 23 The north wind driveth away rain: so
doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 24 It is better to dwell in the
corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 25 As
cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A
righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a
corrupt spring. 27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their
own glory is not glory. 28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a
city that is broken down, and without walls.
Proverbs 26
1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is
not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so
the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the
ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest
he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a
fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not
equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a
sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the
hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools. 10 The great God
that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest
thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the
streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his
bed. 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it
again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men
that can render a reason. 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife
belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a mad
man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth
his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 20 Where no wood is, there the
fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As
coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle
strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a
potsherd covered with silver dross. 24 He that hateth dissembleth with his
lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him
not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered
by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. 27
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will
return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a
flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Proverbs 27
1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what
a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth;
a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty;
but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is
outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than
secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy
are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul
every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a
man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so
doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend,
and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in
the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother
far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that
reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but
the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a
stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesseth his
friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a
curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious
woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of
his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man
sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall
eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. 19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and
destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 As the
fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though
thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not
his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy
flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth
the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender
grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are
for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And thou shalt
have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for
the maintenance for thy maidens.
Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous
are bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes
thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be
prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which
leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as
keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they
that seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in
his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men
shameth his father. 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his
substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that
turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be
abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he
shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in
possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath
understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is
great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his
sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart
shall fall into mischief. 15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a
wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is
also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit;
let no man stay him. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is
perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have
plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty
enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste
to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good:
for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hasteth to be rich
hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. 23 He
that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth
with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no
transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a
proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall
be made fat. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh
wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack:
but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise,
men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 29
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall
suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in
authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people
mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company
with harlots spendeth his substance. 4 The king by judgment establisheth the
land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 5 A man that flattereth his
neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man
there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous
considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. 8
Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a
wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no
rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. 11 A
fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If
a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the
deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king
that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his
mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth:
but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give
thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no
vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 19 A
servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not
answer. 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a
fool than of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child
shall have him become his son at the length. 22 An angry man stirreth up
strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 A man's pride shall
bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is
partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it
not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the
LORD shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment
cometh from the LORD. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he
that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Proverbs 30
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the
man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish
than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned
wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven,
or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the
waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is
his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God
is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not
unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7 Two things
have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me
vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food
convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD?
or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. 10 Accuse
not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. 11
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their
mother. 12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is
not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are
their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation, whose
teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off
the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 The horseleach hath two daughters,
crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four
things say not, It is enough: 16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that
is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. 17 The eye
that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the
valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. 18 There be three
things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: 19 The way
of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in
the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. 20 Such is the way of
an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done
no wickedness. 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which
it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled
with meat; 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is
heir to her mistress. 24 There be four things which are little upon the earth,
but they are exceeding wise: 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they
prepare their meat in the summer; 26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make
they their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth
all of them by bands; 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in
kings' palaces. 29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in
going: 30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising
up. 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast
thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth
forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing
of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Proverbs 31
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother
taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of
my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which
destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink
wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and
pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that
is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him
drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open thy
mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of
spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She
seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like
the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while
it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her
maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands
she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and
strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her
candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her
hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she
reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her
household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh
herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband
is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She
maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of
idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and
he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest
them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth
the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let
her own works praise her in the gates.
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