\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Proverbs}

{\MT THE PROVERBS



\par }\ChapOne{1}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:


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

\par }{\Q To discern the words of understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To receive instruction in wise dealing,

\par }{\Q In righteousness and justice and equity;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}To give prudence to the simple,

\par }{\Q To the young man knowledge and discretion:


\par }{\Q \VS{5}That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;

\par }{\Q And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:


\par }{\Q \VS{6}To understand a proverb, and a figure,

\par }{\Q The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

\par }{\Q And forsake not the law of thy mother:


\par }{\Q \VS{9}For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head,

\par }{\Q And chains about thy neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}My son, if sinners entice thee,

\par }{\Q Consent thou not.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}If they say, Come with us,

\par }{\Q Let us lay wait for blood;

\par }{\Q Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause;


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol,

\par }{\Q And whole, as those that go down into the pit;


\par }{\Q \VS{13}We shall find all precious substance;

\par }{\Q We shall fill our houses with spoil;


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Thou shalt cast thy lot among us;

\par }{\Q We will all have one purse:


\par }{\Q \VS{15}My son, walk not thou in the way with them;

\par }{\Q Refrain thy foot from their path:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For their feet run to evil,

\par }{\Q And they make haste to shed blood.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}For in vain is the net spread

\par }{\Q In the sight of any bird:


\par }{\Q \VS{18}And these lay wait for their own blood;

\par }{\Q They lurk privily for their own lives.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain;

\par }{\Q It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{20}Wisdom crieth aloud in the street;

\par }{\Q She uttereth her voice in the broad places;


\par }{\Q \VS{21}She crieth in the chief place of concourse;

\par }{\Q At the entrance of the gates,

\par }{\Q In the city, she uttereth her words:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?

\par }{\Q And scoffers delight them in scoffing,

\par }{\Q And fools hate knowledge?


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Turn you at my reproof:

\par }{\Q Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you;

\par }{\Q I will make known my words unto you.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Because I have called, and ye have refused;

\par }{\Q I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded;


\par }{\Q \VS{25}But ye have set at nought all my counsel,

\par }{\Q And would none of my reproof:


\par }{\Q \VS{26}I also will laugh in
{\ADD{the day of}} your calamity;

\par }{\Q I will mock when your fear cometh;


\par }{\Q \VS{27}When your fear cometh as a storm,

\par }{\Q And your calamity cometh on as a whirlwind;

\par }{\Q When distress and anguish come upon you.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer;

\par }{\Q They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me:


\par }{\Q \VS{29}For that they hated knowledge,

\par }{\Q And did not choose the fear of Jehovah,


\par }{\Q \VS{30}They would none of my counsel,

\par }{\Q They despised all my reproof.


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{32}For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them,

\par }{\Q And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell securely,

\par }{\Q And shall be quiet without fear of evil.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{2}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My son, if thou wilt receive my words,

\par }{\Q And lay up my commandments with thee;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom,

\par }{\Q And apply thy heart to understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Yea, if thou cry after discernment,

\par }{\Q And lift up thy voice for understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}If thou seek her as silver,

\par }{\Q And search for her as for hidden treasures:


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For Jehovah giveth wisdom;

\par }{\Q Out of his mouth
{\ADD{cometh}} knowledge and understanding:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{He is}} a shield to them that walk in integrity;


\par }{\Q \VS{8}That he may guard the paths of justice,

\par }{\Q And preserve the way of his saints.


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

\par }{\Q And equity,
{\ADD{yea}}, every good path.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}For wisdom shall enter into thy heart,

\par }{\Q And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Discretion shall watch over thee;

\par }{\Q Understanding shall keep thee:


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

\par }{\Q From the men that speak perverse things;


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Who forsake the paths of uprightness,

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


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Who rejoice to do evil,

\par }{\Q And delight in the perverseness of evil;


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Who are crooked in their ways,

\par }{\Q And wayward in their paths:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}To deliver thee from the strange woman,

\par }{\Q Even from the foreigner that flattereth with her words;


\par }{\Q \VS{17}That forsaketh the friend of her youth,

\par }{\Q And forgetteth the covenant of her God:


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For her house inclineth unto death,

\par }{\Q And her paths unto the dead;


\par }{\Q \VS{19}None that go unto her return again,

\par }{\Q Neither do they attain unto the paths of life:


\par }{\Q \VS{20}That thou mayest walk in the way of good men,

\par }{\Q And keep the paths of the righteous.


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

\par }{\Q And the perfect shall remain in it.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}But the wicked shall be cut off from the land,

\par }{\Q And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.


\par }{\BB \par }


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

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


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Let not kindness and truth forsake thee:

\par }{\Q Bind them about thy neck;

\par }{\Q Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}So shalt thou find favor and good understanding

\par }{\Q In the sight of God and man.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart,

\par }{\Q And lean not upon thine own understanding:


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In all thy ways acknowledge him,

\par }{\Q And he will direct thy paths.


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

\par }{\Q Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:


\par }{\Q \VS{8}It will be health to thy navel,

\par }{\Q And marrow to thy bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Honor Jehovah with thy substance,

\par }{\Q And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:


\par }{\Q \VS{10}So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

\par }{\Q And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.


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

\par }{\Q Neither be weary of his reproof:


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth,

\par }{\Q Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

\par }{\Q And the man that getteth understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver,

\par }{\Q And the profit thereof than fine gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}She is more precious than rubies:

\par }{\Q And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Length of days is in her right hand;

\par }{\Q In her left hand are riches and honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

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


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

\par }{\Q And happy is everyone that retaineth her.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth;

\par }{\Q By understanding he established the heavens.


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

\par }{\Q And the skies drop down the dew.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}My son, let them not depart from thine eyes;

\par }{\Q Keep sound wisdom and discretion:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}So shall they be life unto thy soul,

\par }{\Q And grace to thy neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely,

\par }{\Q And thy foot shall not stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:

\par }{\Q Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Be not afraid of sudden fear,

\par }{\Q Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For Jehovah will be thy confidence,

\par }{\Q And will keep thy foot from being taken.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{27}Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,

\par }{\Q When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again,

\par }{\Q And tomorrow I will give;

\par }{\Q When thou hast it by thee.


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

\par }{\Q Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Strive not with a man without cause,

\par }{\Q If he have done thee no harm.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Envy thou not the man of violence,

\par }{\Q And choose none of his ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But his friendship is with the upright.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked;

\par }{\Q But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers;

\par }{\Q But he giveth grace unto the lowly.


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

\par }{\Q But shame shall be the promotion of fools.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{4}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Hear,
{\ADD{my}} sons, the instruction of a father,

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


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For I was a son unto my father,

\par }{\Q Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}And he taught me, and said unto me:

\par }{\Q Let thy heart retain my words;

\par }{\Q Keep my commandments, and live;


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Get wisdom, get understanding;

\par }{\Q Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee;

\par }{\Q Love her, and she will keep thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom
{\ADD{is}} the principal thing;
{\ADD{therefore}} get wisdom;

\par }{\Q Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Exalt her, and she will promote thee;

\par }{\Q She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace;

\par }{\Q A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings;

\par }{\Q And the years of thy life shall be many.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;

\par }{\Q I have led thee in paths of uprightness.


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

\par }{\Q And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:

\par }{\Q Keep her; for she is thy life.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Enter not into the path of the wicked,

\par }{\Q And walk not in the way of evil men.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Avoid it, pass not by it;

\par }{\Q Turn from it, and pass on.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For they sleep not, except they do evil;

\par }{\Q And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}For they eat the bread of wickedness,

\par }{\Q And drink the wine of violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light,

\par }{\Q That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The way of the wicked is as darkness:

\par }{\Q They know not at what they stumble.


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

\par }{\Q Incline thine ear unto my sayings.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Let them not depart from thine eyes;

\par }{\Q Keep them in the midst of thy heart.


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Keep thy heart with all diligence;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Put away from thee a wayward mouth,

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


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

\par }{\Q And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Make level the path of thy feet,

\par }{\Q And let all thy ways be established.


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

\par }{\Q Remove thy foot from evil.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{5}{\Q \VerseOne{1}My son, attend unto my wisdom;

\par }{\Q Incline thine ear to my understanding:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}That thou mayest preserve discretion,

\par }{\Q And that thy lips may keep knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}For the lips of a strange woman drop honey,

\par }{\Q And her mouth is smoother than oil:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

\par }{\Q Sharp as a two-edged sword.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Her feet go down to death;

\par }{\Q Her steps take hold on Sheol;


\par }{\Q \VS{6}So that she findeth not the level path of life:

\par }{\Q Her ways are unstable,
{\ADD{and}} she knoweth
{\ADD{it}} not.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}Now therefore,
{\ADD{my}} sons, hearken unto me,

\par }{\Q And depart not from the words of my mouth.


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

\par }{\Q And come not nigh the door of her house;


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Lest thou give thine honor unto others,

\par }{\Q And thy years unto the cruel;


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

\par }{\Q And thy labors
{\ADD{be}} in the house of an alien,


\par }{\Q \VS{11}And thou mourn at thy latter end,

\par }{\Q When thy flesh and thy body are consumed,


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

\par }{\Q And my heart despised reproof;


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,

\par }{\Q Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!


\par }{\Q \VS{14}I was well-nigh in all evil

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


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

\par }{\Q And running waters out of thine own well.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Should thy springs be dispersed abroad,

\par }{\Q And streams of water in the streets?


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let them be for thyself alone,

\par }{\Q And not for strangers with thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Let thy fountain be blessed;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{19}{\ADD{As}} a loving hind and a pleasant doe,

\par }{\Q Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;

\par }{\Q And be thou ravished always with her love.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,

\par }{\Q And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah;

\par }{\Q And he maketh level all his paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}His own iniquities shall take the wicked,

\par }{\Q And he shall be holden with the cords of his sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}He shall die for lack of instruction;

\par }{\Q And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.


\par }{\BB \par }


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

\par }{\Q If thou hast stricken thy hands for a stranger;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth,

\par }{\Q Thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself,

\par }{\Q Seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbor:

\par }{\Q Go, humble thyself, and importune thy neighbor;


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand
{\ADD{of the hunter}},

\par }{\Q And as a bird from the hand of the fowler.


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

\par }{\Q Consider her ways, and be wise:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Which having no chief,

\par }{\Q Overseer, or ruler,


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Provideth her bread in the summer,

\par }{\Q And gathereth her food in the harvest.


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

\par }{\Q When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}{\ADD{Yet}} a little sleep, a little slumber,

\par }{\Q A little folding of the hands to sleep:


\par }{\Q \VS{11}So shall thy poverty come as a robber,

\par }{\Q And thy want as an armed man.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A worthless person, a man of iniquity,

\par }{\Q Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth;


\par }{\Q \VS{13}That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet,

\par }{\Q That maketh signs with his fingers;


\par }{\Q \VS{14}In whose heart is perverseness,

\par }{\Q Who deviseth evil continually,

\par }{\Q Who soweth discord.


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

\par }{\Q On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}There are six things which Jehovah hateth;

\par }{\Q Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

\par }{\Q And hands that shed innocent blood;


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A heart that deviseth wicked purposes,

\par }{\Q Feet that are swift in running to mischief,


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A false witness that uttereth lies,

\par }{\Q And he that soweth discord among brethren.


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

\par }{\Q And forsake not the law of thy mother:


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Bind them continually upon thy heart;

\par }{\Q Tie them about thy neck.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}When thou walkest, it shall lead thee;

\par }{\Q When thou sleepest, it shall watch over thee;

\par }{\Q And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.


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

\par }{\Q And reproofs of instruction are the way of life:


\par }{\Q \VS{24}To keep thee from the evil woman,

\par }{\Q From the flattery of the foreigner’s tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Lust not after her beauty in thy heart;

\par }{\Q Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For on account of a harlot
{\ADD{a man is brought}} to a piece of bread;

\par }{\Q And the adulteress hunteth for the precious life.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Can a man take fire in his bosom,

\par }{\Q And his clothes not be burned?


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Or can one walk upon hot coals,

\par }{\Q And his feet not be scorched?


\par }{\Q \VS{29}So he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife;

\par }{\Q Whosoever toucheth her shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Men do not despise a thief, if he steal

\par }{\Q To satisfy himself when he is hungry:


\par }{\Q \VS{31}But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold;

\par }{\Q He shall give all the substance of his house.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding:

\par }{\Q He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Wounds and dishonor shall he get;

\par }{\Q And his reproach shall not be wiped away.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}For jealousy is the rage of a man;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{35}He will not regard any ransom;

\par }{\Q Neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.


\par }{\BB \par }


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

\par }{\Q And lay up my commandments with thee.


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

\par }{\Q And my law as the apple of thine eye.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Bind them upon thy fingers;

\par }{\Q Write them upon the tablet of thy heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister;

\par }{\Q And call understanding
{\ADD{thy}} kinswoman:


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

\par }{\Q From the foreigner that flattereth with her words.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For at the window of my house

\par }{\Q I looked forth through my lattice;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}And I beheld among the simple ones,

\par }{\Q I discerned among the youths,

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


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Passing through the street near her corner;

\par }{\Q And he went the way to her house,


\par }{\Q \VS{9}In the twilight, in the evening of the day,

\par }{\Q In the middle of the night and in the darkness.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}And, behold, there met him a woman

\par }{\Q With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}(She is clamorous and willful;

\par }{\Q Her feet abide not in her house:


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places,

\par }{\Q And lieth in wait at every corner.)


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

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} with an impudent face she said unto him:


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me;

\par }{\Q This day have I paid my vows.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Therefore came I forth to meet thee,

\par }{\Q Diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,

\par }{\Q With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I have perfumed my bed

\par }{\Q With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning;

\par }{\Q Let us solace ourselves with loves.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}For the man is not at home;

\par }{\Q He is gone a long journey:


\par }{\Q \VS{20}He hath taken a bag of money with him;

\par }{\Q He will come home at the full moon.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield;

\par }{\Q With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}He goeth after her straightaway,

\par }{\Q As an ox goeth to the slaughter,

\par }{\Q Or as
{\ADD{one in}} fetters to the correction of the fool;


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Till an arrow strike through his liver;

\par }{\Q As a bird hasteth to the snare,

\par }{\Q And knoweth not that it is for his life.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}Now therefore,
{\ADD{my}} sons, hearken unto me,

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


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let not thy heart decline to her ways;

\par }{\Q Go not astray in her paths.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For she hath cast down many wounded:

\par }{\Q Yea, all her slain are a mighty host.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Her house is the way to Sheol,

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


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{8}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Doth not wisdom cry,

\par }{\Q And understanding put forth her voice?


\par }{\Q \VS{2}On the top of high places by the way,

\par }{\Q Where the paths meet, she standeth;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Beside the gates, at the entry of the city,

\par }{\Q At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Unto you, O men, I call;

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


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

\par }{\Q And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Hear, for I will speak excellent things;

\par }{\Q And the opening of my lips shall be right things.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For my mouth shall utter truth;

\par }{\Q And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.


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

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


\par }{\Q \VS{9}They are all plain to him that understandeth,

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


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

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


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

\par }{\Q And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{12}I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling,

\par }{\Q And find out knowledge
{\ADD{and}} discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil:

\par }{\Q Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way,

\par }{\Q And the perverse mouth, do I hate.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge:

\par }{\Q I am understanding; I have might.


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

\par }{\Q And princes decree justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}By me princes rule,

\par }{\Q And nobles,
{\ADD{even}} all the judges of the earth.


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

\par }{\Q And those that seek me diligently shall find me.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Riches and honor are with me;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Yea}}, durable wealth and righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold;

\par }{\Q And my revenue than choice silver.


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

\par }{\Q In the midst of the paths of justice;


\par }{\Q \VS{21}That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance,

\par }{\Q And that I may fill their treasuries.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22}Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way,

\par }{\Q Before his works of old.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,

\par }{\Q Before the earth was.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}When there were no depths, I was brought forth,

\par }{\Q When there were no fountains abounding with water.


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

\par }{\Q Before the hills was I brought forth;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,

\par }{\Q Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}When he established the heavens, I was there:

\par }{\Q When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,


\par }{\Q \VS{28}When he made firm the skies above,

\par }{\Q When the fountains of the deep became strong,


\par }{\Q \VS{29}When he gave to the sea its bound,

\par }{\Q That the waters should not transgress his commandment,

\par }{\Q When he marked out the foundations of the earth;


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Then I was by him,
{\ADD{as}} a master workman;

\par }{\Q And I was daily
{\ADD{his}} delight,

\par }{\Q Rejoicing always before him,


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Rejoicing in his habitable earth;

\par }{\Q And my delight was with the sons of men.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{32}Now therefore,
{\ADD{my}} sons, hearken unto me;

\par }{\Q For blessed are they that keep my ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Hear instruction, and be wise,

\par }{\Q And refuse it not.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Blessed is the man that heareth me,

\par }{\Q Watching daily at my gates,

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


\par }{\Q \VS{35}For whoso findeth me findeth life,

\par }{\Q And shall obtain favor of Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{36}But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:

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


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{9}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wisdom hath built her house;

\par }{\Q She hath hewn out her seven pillars:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine;

\par }{\Q She hath also furnished her table:


\par }{\Q \VS{3}She hath sent forth her maidens;

\par }{\Q She crieth upon the highest places of the city:


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:

\par }{\Q As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,


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

\par }{\Q And drink of the wine which I have mingled.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Leave off, ye simple ones, and live;

\par }{\Q And walk in the way of understanding.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling;

\par }{\Q And he that reproveth a wicked man
{\ADD{getteth}} himself a blot.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee:

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


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

\par }{\Q Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom;

\par }{\Q And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For by me thy days shall be multiplied,

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


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself;

\par }{\Q And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{13}The foolish woman is clamorous;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{She is}} simple, and knoweth nothing.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}And she sitteth at the door of her house,

\par }{\Q On a seat in the high places of the city,


\par }{\Q \VS{15}To call to them that pass by,

\par }{\Q Who go right on their ways:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither;

\par }{\Q And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Stolen waters are sweet,

\par }{\Q And bread
{\ADD{eaten}} in secret is pleasant.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}But he knoweth not that the dead are there;

\par }{\Q That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{10}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The proverbs of Solomon.

\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q A wise son maketh a glad father;

\par }{\Q But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Treasures of wickedness profit nothing;

\par }{\Q But righteousness delivereth from death.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish;

\par }{\Q But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand;

\par }{\Q But the hand of the diligent maketh rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}He that gathereth in summer is a wise son;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Blessings are upon the head of the righteous;

\par }{\Q But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The memory of the righteous is blessed;

\par }{\Q But the name of the wicked shall rot.


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

\par }{\Q But a prating fool shall fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that walketh uprightly walketh surely;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{10}He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow;

\par }{\Q But a prating fool shall fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life;

\par }{\Q But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hatred stirreth up strifes;

\par }{\Q But love covereth all transgressions.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found;

\par }{\Q But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Wise men lay up knowledge;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The rich man’s wealth is his strong city:

\par }{\Q The destruction of the poor is their poverty.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The labor of the righteous
{\ADD{tendeth}} to life;

\par }{\Q The increase of the wicked, to sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He is in the way of life that heedeth correction;

\par }{\Q But he that forsaketh reproof erreth.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}He that hideth hatred is of lying lips;

\par }{\Q And he that uttereth a slander is a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression;

\par }{\Q But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The tongue of the righteous is
{\ADD{as}} choice silver:

\par }{\Q The heart of the wicked is little worth.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The lips of the righteous feed many;

\par }{\Q But the foolish die for lack of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich;

\par }{\Q And he addeth no sorrow therewith.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness;

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{so is}} wisdom to a man of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him;

\par }{\Q And the desire of the righteous shall be granted.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more;

\par }{\Q But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,

\par }{\Q So is the sluggard to them that send him.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The hope of the righteous
{\ADD{shall be}} gladness;

\par }{\Q But the expectation of the wicked shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright;

\par }{\Q But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The righteous shall never be removed;

\par }{\Q But the wicked shall not dwell in the land.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom;

\par }{\Q But the perverse tongue shall be cut off.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the wicked
{\ADD{speaketh}} perverseness.




\par }\PoetryChap{11}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But a just weight is his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When pride cometh, then cometh shame;

\par }{\Q But with the lowly is wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The integrity of the upright shall guide them;

\par }{\Q But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Riches profit not in the day of wrath;

\par }{\Q But righteousness delivereth from death.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way;

\par }{\Q But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them;

\par }{\Q But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}When a wicked man dieth,
{\ADD{his}} expectation shall perish;

\par }{\Q And the hope of iniquity perisheth.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The righteous is delivered out of trouble;

\par }{\Q And the wicked cometh in his stead.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor;

\par }{\Q But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth;

\par }{\Q And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted;

\par }{\Q But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom;

\par }{\Q But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets;

\par }{\Q But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth;

\par }{\Q But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it;

\par }{\Q But he that hateth suretyship is secure.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A gracious woman obtaineth honor;

\par }{\Q And violent men obtain riches.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The merciful man doeth good to his own soul;

\par }{\Q But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The wicked earneth deceitful wages;

\par }{\Q But he that soweth righteousness
{\ADD{hath}} a sure reward.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}He that is steadfast in righteousness
{\ADD{shall attain}} unto life;

\par }{\Q And he that pursueth evil
{\ADD{doeth it}} to his own death.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But such as are perfect in
{\ADD{their}} way are his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{Though}} hand
{\ADD{join}} in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished;

\par }{\Q But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}{\ADD{As}} a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a fair woman that is without discretion.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The desire of the righteous is only good;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the expectation of the wicked is wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more;

\par }{\Q And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but
{\ADD{it tendeth}} only to want.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The liberal soul shall be made fat;

\par }{\Q And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him;

\par }{\Q But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor;

\par }{\Q But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}He that trusteth in his riches shall fall;

\par }{\Q But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind;

\par }{\Q And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

\par }{\Q And he that is wise winneth souls.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth;

\par }{\Q How much more the wicked and the sinner!




\par }\PoetryChap{12}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge;

\par }{\Q But he that hateth reproof is brutish.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.


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

\par }{\Q But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A worthy woman is the crown of her husband;

\par }{\Q But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The thoughts of the righteous are just;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the counsels of the wicked are deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood;

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


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The wicked are overthrown, and are not;

\par }{\Q But the house of the righteous shall stand.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A man shall be commended according to his wisdom;

\par }{\Q But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant,

\par }{\Q Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast;

\par }{\Q But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;

\par }{\Q But he that followeth after vain
{\ADD{persons}} is void of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The wicked desireth the net of evil men;

\par }{\Q But the root of the righteous yieldeth
{\ADD{fruit}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man;

\par }{\Q But the righteous shall come out of trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth;

\par }{\Q And the doings of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The way of a fool is right in his own eyes;

\par }{\Q But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A fool’s vexation is presently known;

\par }{\Q But a prudent man concealeth shame.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness;

\par }{\Q But a false witness, deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword;

\par }{\Q But the tongue of the wise is health.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The lip of truth shall be established forever;

\par }{\Q But a lying tongue is but for a moment.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil;

\par }{\Q But to the counselors of peace is joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}There shall no mischief happen to the righteous;

\par }{\Q But the wicked shall be filled with evil.


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

\par }{\Q But they that deal truly are his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A prudent man concealeth knowledge;

\par }{\Q But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The hand of the diligent shall bear rule;

\par }{\Q But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop;

\par }{\Q But a good word maketh it glad.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The righteous is a guide to his neighbor;

\par }{\Q But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting;

\par }{\Q But the precious substance of men
{\ADD{is to}} the diligent.


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

\par }{\Q And in the pathway thereof there is no death.




\par }\PoetryChap{13}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A wise son
{\ADD{heareth}} his father’s instruction;

\par }{\Q But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth;

\par }{\Q But the soul of the treacherous
{\ADD{shall eat}} violence.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing;

\par }{\Q But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A righteous man hateth lying;

\par }{\Q But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way;

\par }{\Q But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:

\par }{\Q There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The ransom of a man’s life is his riches;

\par }{\Q But the poor heareth no threatening.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The light of the righteous rejoiceth;

\par }{\Q But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}By pride cometh only contention;

\par }{\Q But with the well-advised is wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished;

\par }{\Q But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Hope deferred maketh the heart sick;

\par }{\Q But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself;

\par }{\Q But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.


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

\par }{\Q That one may depart from the snares of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Good understanding giveth favor;

\par }{\Q But the way of the transgressor is hard.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Every prudent man worketh with knowledge;

\par }{\Q But a fool flaunteth
{\ADD{his}} folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A wicked messenger falleth into evil;

\par }{\Q But a faithful ambassador is health.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Poverty and shame
{\ADD{shall be to}} him that refuseth correction;

\par }{\Q But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul;

\par }{\Q But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise;

\par }{\Q But the companion of fools shall smart for it.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Evil pursueth sinners;

\par }{\Q But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children;

\par }{\Q And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Much food
{\ADD{is in}} the tillage of the poor;

\par }{\Q But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that spareth his rod hateth his son;

\par }{\Q But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul;

\par }{\Q But the belly of the wicked shall want.




\par }\PoetryChap{14}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Every wise woman buildeth her house;

\par }{\Q But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for
{\ADD{his}} pride;

\par }{\Q But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Where no oxen are, the crib is clean;

\par }{\Q But much increase is by the strength of the ox.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A faithful witness will not lie;

\par }{\Q But a false witness uttereth lies.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and
{\ADD{findeth it}} not;

\par }{\Q But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Go into the presence of a foolish man,

\par }{\Q And thou shalt not perceive
{\ADD{in him}} the lips of knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way;

\par }{\Q But the folly of fools is deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A trespass offering mocketh fools;

\par }{\Q But among the upright there is good will.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The heart knoweth its own bitterness;

\par }{\Q And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The house of the wicked shall be overthrown;

\par }{\Q But the tent of the upright shall flourish.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}There is a way which seemeth right unto a man;

\par }{\Q But the end thereof are the ways of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;

\par }{\Q And the end of mirth is heaviness.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways;

\par }{\Q And a good man
{\ADD{shall be satisfied}} from himself.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The simple believeth every word;

\par }{\Q But the prudent man looketh well to his going.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil;

\par }{\Q But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that is soon angry will deal foolishly;

\par }{\Q And a man of wicked devices is hated.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The simple inherit folly;

\par }{\Q But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The evil bow down before the good;

\par }{\Q And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}The poor is hated even of his own neighbor;

\par }{\Q But the rich hath many friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth;

\par }{\Q But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Do they not err that devise evil?

\par }{\Q But mercy and truth
{\ADD{shall be to}} them that devise good.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}In all labor there is profit;

\par }{\Q But the talk of the lips
{\ADD{tendeth}} only to penury.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The crown of the wise is their riches;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the folly of fools is
{\ADD{only}} folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A true witness delivereth souls;

\par }{\Q But he that uttereth lies
{\ADD{causeth}} deceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence;

\par }{\Q And his children shall have a place of refuge.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life,

\par }{\Q That one may depart from the snares of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}In the multitude of people is the king’s glory;

\par }{\Q But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}He that is slow to anger is of great understanding;

\par }{\Q But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh;

\par }{\Q But envy is the rottenness of the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker;

\par }{\Q But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}The wicked is thrust down in his evildoing;

\par }{\Q But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding;

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{that which is}} in the inward part of fools is made known.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Righteousness exalteth a nation;

\par }{\Q But sin is a reproach to any people.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely;

\par }{\Q But his wrath will be
{\ADD{against}} him that causeth shame.




\par }\PoetryChap{15}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A soft answer turneth away wrath;

\par }{\Q But a grievous word stirreth up anger.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The eyes of Jehovah are in every place,

\par }{\Q Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A gentle tongue is a tree of life;

\par }{\Q But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A fool despiseth his father’s correction;

\par }{\Q But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In the house of the righteous is much treasure;

\par }{\Q But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The lips of the wise disperse knowledge;

\par }{\Q But the heart of the foolish
{\ADD{doeth}} not so.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But the prayer of the upright is his delight.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} he that hateth reproof shall die.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah;

\par }{\Q How much more then the hearts of the children of men!


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A scoffer loveth not to be reproved;

\par }{\Q He will not go unto the wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance;

\par }{\Q But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}All the days of the afflicted are evil;

\par }{\Q But he that is of a cheerful heart
{\ADD{hath}} a continual feast.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah,

\par }{\Q Than great treasure and trouble therewith.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,

\par }{\Q Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A wrathful man stirreth up contention;

\par }{\Q But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns;

\par }{\Q But the path of the upright is made a highway.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A wise son maketh a glad father;

\par }{\Q But a foolish man despiseth his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom;

\par }{\Q But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed;

\par }{\Q But in the multitude of counselors they are established.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth;

\par }{\Q And a word in due season, how good is it!


\par }{\Q \VS{24}To the wise the way of life
{\ADD{goeth}} upward,

\par }{\Q That he may depart from Sheol beneath.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Jehovah will root up the house of the proud;

\par }{\Q But he will establish the border of the widow.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q But pleasant words
{\ADD{are}} pure.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;

\par }{\Q But he that hateth bribes shall live.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The heart of the righteous studieth to answer;

\par }{\Q But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Jehovah is far from the wicked;

\par }{\Q But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} good tidings make the bones fat.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life

\par }{\Q Shall abide among the wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;

\par }{\Q But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom;

\par }{\Q And before honor
{\ADD{goeth}} humility.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{16}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The plans of the heart belong to man;

\par }{\Q But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;

\par }{\Q But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Commit thy works unto Jehovah,

\par }{\Q And thy purposes shall be established.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Jehovah hath made everything for its own end;

\par }{\Q Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah:

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Though}} hand
{\ADD{join}} in hand, he shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for;

\par }{\Q And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}When a man’s ways please Jehovah,

\par }{\Q He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Better is a little, with righteousness,

\par }{\Q Than great revenues with injustice.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A man’s heart deviseth his way;

\par }{\Q But Jehovah directeth his steps.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A divine sentence is in the lips of the king;

\par }{\Q His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s;

\par }{\Q All the weights of the bag are his work.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness;

\par }{\Q For the throne is established by righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Righteous lips are the delight of kings;

\par }{\Q And they love him that speaketh right.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The wrath of a king is
{\ADD{as}} messengers of death;

\par }{\Q But a wise man will pacify it.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}In the light of the king’s countenance is life;

\par }{\Q And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!

\par }{\Q Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:

\par }{\Q He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Pride
{\ADD{goeth}} before destruction,

\par }{\Q And a haughty spirit before a fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,

\par }{\Q Than to divide the spoil with the proud.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good;

\par }{\Q And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The wise in heart shall be called prudent;

\par }{\Q And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it;

\par }{\Q But the correction of fools is
{\ADD{their}} folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth,

\par }{\Q And addeth learning to his lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Pleasant words are
{\ADD{as}} a honeycomb,

\par }{\Q Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

\par }{\Q But the end thereof are the ways of death.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him;

\par }{\Q For his mouth urgeth him
{\ADD{thereto}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}A worthless man deviseth mischief;

\par }{\Q And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A perverse man scattereth abroad strife;

\par }{\Q And a whisperer separateth chief friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A man of violence enticeth his neighbor,

\par }{\Q And leadeth him in a way that is not good.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}He that shutteth his eyes,
{\ADD{it is}} to devise perverse things:

\par }{\Q He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The hoary head is a crown of glory;

\par }{\Q It shall be found in the way of righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;

\par }{\Q And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}The lot is cast into the lap;

\par }{\Q But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.




\par }\PoetryChap{17}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,

\par }{\Q Than a house full of feasting with strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame,

\par }{\Q And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold;

\par }{\Q But Jehovah trieth the hearts.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}An evildoer giveth heed to wicked lips;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Children’s children are the crown of old men;

\par }{\Q And the glory of children are their fathers.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Excellent speech becometh not a fool;

\par }{\Q Much less do lying lips a prince.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A bribe is
{\ADD{as}} a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it;

\par }{\Q Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that covereth a transgression seeketh love;

\par }{\Q But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding

\par }{\Q Than a hundred stripes into a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}An evil man seeketh only rebellion;

\par }{\Q Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,

\par }{\Q Rather than a fool in his folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoso rewardeth evil for good,

\par }{\Q Evil shall not depart from his house.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The beginning of strife is
{\ADD{as}} when one letteth out water:

\par }{\Q Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarreling.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous,

\par }{\Q Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,

\par }{\Q Seeing he hath no understanding?


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A friend loveth at all times;

\par }{\Q And a brother is born for adversity.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A man void of understanding striketh hands,

\par }{\Q And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}He loveth transgression that loveth strife:

\par }{\Q He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good;

\par }{\Q And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that begetteth a fool
{\ADD{doeth it}} to his sorrow;

\par }{\Q And the father of a fool hath no joy.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A cheerful heart is a good medicine;

\par }{\Q But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom,

\par }{\Q To pervert the ways of justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding;

\par }{\Q But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}A foolish son is a grief to his father,

\par }{\Q And bitterness to her that bare him.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Also to punish the righteous is not good,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Nor}} to smite the noble for
{\ADD{their}} uprightness.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that spareth his words hath knowledge;

\par }{\Q And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise;

\par }{\Q When he shutteth his lips, he is
{\ADD{esteemed as}} prudent.




\par }\PoetryChap{18}{\Q \VerseOne{1}He that separateth himself seeketh
{\ADD{his own}} desire,

\par }{\Q And rageth against all sound wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A fool hath no delight in understanding,

\par }{\Q But only that his heart may reveal itself.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt,

\par }{\Q And with ignominy
{\ADD{cometh}} reproach.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The words of a man’s mouth are
{\ADD{as}} deep waters;

\par }{\Q The wellspring of wisdom is
{\ADD{as}} a flowing brook.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}To respect the person of the wicked is not good,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Nor}} to turn aside the righteous in judgment.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A fool’s lips enter into contention,

\par }{\Q And his mouth calleth for stripes.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A fool’s mouth is his destruction,

\par }{\Q And his lips are the snare of his soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,

\par }{\Q And they go down into the innermost parts.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He also that is slack in his work

\par }{\Q Is brother to him that is a destroyer.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The name of Jehovah is a strong tower;

\par }{\Q The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

\par }{\Q And as a high wall in his own imagination.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Before destruction the heart of man is haughty;

\par }{\Q And before honor
{\ADD{goeth}} humility.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}He that giveth answer before he heareth,

\par }{\Q It is folly and shame unto him.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;

\par }{\Q But a broken spirit who can bear?


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge;

\par }{\Q And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}A man’s gift maketh room for him,

\par }{\Q And bringeth him before great men.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that pleadeth his cause first
{\ADD{seemeth}} just;

\par }{\Q But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The lot causeth contentions to cease,

\par }{\Q And parteth between the mighty.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A brother offended
{\ADD{is harder to be won}} than a strong city;

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{such}} contentions are like the bars of a castle.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth;

\par }{\Q With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Death and life are in the power of the tongue;

\par }{\Q And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,

\par }{\Q And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The poor useth entreaties;

\par }{\Q But the rich answereth roughly.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that maketh many friends
{\ADD{doeth it}} to his own destruction;

\par }{\Q But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.




\par }\PoetryChap{19}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity

\par }{\Q Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good;

\par }{\Q And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}The foolishness of man subverteth his way;

\par }{\Q And his heart fretteth against Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wealth addeth many friends;

\par }{\Q But the poor is separated from his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A false witness shall not be unpunished;

\par }{\Q And he that uttereth lies shall not escape.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man;

\par }{\Q And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}All the brethren of the poor do hate him:

\par }{\Q How much more do his friends go far from him!

\par }{\Q He pursueth
{\ADD{them with}} words,
{\ADD{but}} they are gone.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul:

\par }{\Q He that keepeth understanding shall find good.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}A false witness shall not be unpunished;

\par }{\Q And he that uttereth lies shall perish.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Delicate living is not seemly for a fool;

\par }{\Q Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger;

\par }{\Q And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion;

\par }{\Q But his favor is as dew upon the grass.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}A foolish son is the calamity of his father;

\par }{\Q And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}House and riches are an inheritance from fathers;

\par }{\Q But a prudent wife is from Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep;

\par }{\Q And the idle soul shall suffer hunger.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} he that is careless of his ways shall die.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah,

\par }{\Q And his good deed will he pay him again.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope;

\par }{\Q And set not thy heart on his destruction.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty;

\par }{\Q For if thou deliver
{\ADD{him}}, thou must do it yet again.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Hear counsel, and receive instruction,

\par }{\Q That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}There are many devices in a man’s heart;

\par }{\Q But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness;

\par }{\Q And a poor man is better than a liar.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The fear of Jehovah
{\ADD{tendeth}} to life;

\par }{\Q And he
{\ADD{that hath it}} shall abide satisfied;

\par }{\Q He shall not be visited with evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish,

\par }{\Q And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

\par }{\Q And reprove one that hath understanding,
{\ADD{and}} he will understand knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother,

\par }{\Q Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Cease, my son, to hear instruction

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Only}} to err from the words of knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A worthless witness mocketh at justice;

\par }{\Q And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Judgments are prepared for scoffers,

\par }{\Q And stripes for the back of fools.




\par }\PoetryChap{20}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler;

\par }{\Q And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion:

\par }{\Q He that provoketh him to anger sinneth
{\ADD{against}} his own life.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;

\par }{\Q But every fool will be quarreling.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;

\par }{\Q Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Counsel in the heart of man is
{\ADD{like}} deep water;

\par }{\Q But a man of understanding will draw it out.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness;

\par }{\Q But a faithful man who can find?


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A righteous man that walketh in his integrity,

\par }{\Q Blessed are his children after him.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment

\par }{\Q Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Who can say, I have made my heart clean,

\par }{\Q I am pure from my sin?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Diverse weights, and diverse measures,

\par }{\Q Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Even a child maketh himself known by his doings,

\par }{\Q Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,

\par }{\Q Jehovah hath made even both of them.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty;

\par }{\Q Open thine eyes,
{\ADD{and}} thou shalt be satisfied with bread.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer;

\par }{\Q But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}There is gold, and abundance of rubies;

\par }{\Q But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Take his garment that is surety for a stranger;

\par }{\Q And hold him in pledge
{\ADD{that is surety}} for foreigners.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man;

\par }{\Q But afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Every purpose is established by counsel;

\par }{\Q And by wise guidance make thou war.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets;

\par }{\Q Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Whoso curseth his father or his mother,

\par }{\Q His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}An inheritance
{\ADD{may be}} gotten hastily at the beginning;

\par }{\Q But the end thereof shall not be blessed.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Say not thou, I will recompense evil:

\par }{\Q Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah;

\par }{\Q And a false balance is not good.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}A man’s goings are of Jehovah;

\par }{\Q How then can man understand his way?


\par }{\Q \VS{25}It is a snare to a man rashly to say,
{\ADD{It is}} holy,

\par }{\Q And after vows to make inquiry.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}A wise king winnoweth the wicked,

\par }{\Q And bringeth the
{\ADD{threshing}} wheel over them.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah,

\par }{\Q Searching all his innermost parts.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Kindness and truth preserve the king;

\par }{\Q And his throne is upholden by kindness.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}The glory of young men is their strength;

\par }{\Q And the beauty of old men is the hoary head.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Stripes that wound cleanse away evil;

\par }{\Q And strokes
{\ADD{reach}} the innermost parts.




\par }\PoetryChap{21}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses:

\par }{\Q He turneth it whithersoever he will.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Every way of a man is right in his own eyes;

\par }{\Q But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}To do righteousness and justice

\par }{\Q Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A high look, and a proud heart,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Even}} the lamp of the wicked, is sin.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The thoughts of the diligent
{\ADD{tend}} only to plenteousness;

\par }{\Q But everyone that is hasty
{\ADD{hasteth}} only to want.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The getting of treasures by a lying tongue

\par }{\Q Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away,

\par }{\Q Because they refuse to do justice.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked;

\par }{\Q But as for the pure, his work is right.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,

\par }{\Q Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The soul of the wicked desireth evil:

\par }{\Q His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;

\par }{\Q And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{How}} the wicked are overthrown to
{\ADD{their}} ruin.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,

\par }{\Q He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}A gift in secret pacifieth anger;

\par }{\Q And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}It is joy to the righteous to do justice;

\par }{\Q But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding

\par }{\Q Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man:

\par }{\Q He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}The wicked is a ransom for the righteous;

\par }{\Q And the treacherous
{\ADD{cometh}} in the stead of the upright.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}It is better to dwell in a desert land,

\par }{\Q Than with a contentious and fretful woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;

\par }{\Q But a foolish man swalloweth it up.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that followeth after righteousness and kindness

\par }{\Q Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty,

\par }{\Q And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue

\par }{\Q Keepeth his soul from troubles.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name;

\par }{\Q He worketh in the arrogance of pride.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The desire of the sluggard killeth him;

\par }{\Q For his hands refuse to labor.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}There is that coveteth greedily all the day long;

\par }{\Q But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

\par }{\Q How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A false witness shall perish;

\par }{\Q But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}A wicked man hardeneth his face;

\par }{\Q But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}There is no wisdom nor understanding

\par }{\Q Nor counsel against Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The horse is prepared against the day of battle;

\par }{\Q But victory is of Jehovah.




\par }\PoetryChap{22}{\Q \VerseOne{1}A
{\ADD{good}} name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} loving favor rather than silver and gold.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}The rich and the poor meet together:

\par }{\Q Jehovah is the maker of them all.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself;

\par }{\Q But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The reward of humility
{\ADD{and}} the fear of Jehovah

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Is}} riches, and honor, and life.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Thorns
{\ADD{and}} snares are in the way of the perverse:

\par }{\Q He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Train up a child in the way he should go,

\par }{\Q And even when he is old he will not depart from it.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The rich ruleth over the poor;

\par }{\Q And the borrower is servant to the lender.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity;

\par }{\Q And the rod of his wrath shall fail.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;

\par }{\Q For he giveth of his bread to the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out;

\par }{\Q Yea, strife and ignominy will cease.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}He that loveth pureness of heart,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{For}} the grace of his lips the king will be his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The eyes of Jehovah preserve
{\ADD{him that hath}} knowledge;

\par }{\Q But he overthroweth the words of the treacherous man.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The sluggard saith, There is a lion without;

\par }{\Q I shall be slain in the streets.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The mouth of strange women is a deep pit;

\par }{\Q He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}He that oppresseth the poor to increase his
{\ADD{gain}},

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} he that giveth to the rich,
{\ADD{shall come}} only to want.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{17}Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,

\par }{\Q And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee,

\par }{\Q If they be established together upon thy lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}That thy trust may be in Jehovah,

\par }{\Q I have made
{\ADD{them}} known to thee this day, even to thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Have not I written unto thee excellent things

\par }{\Q Of counsels and knowledge,


\par }{\Q \VS{21}To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,

\par }{\Q That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{22}Rob not the poor, because he is poor;

\par }{\Q Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For Jehovah will plead their cause,

\par }{\Q And despoil of life those that despoil them.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger;

\par }{\Q And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Lest thou learn his ways,

\par }{\Q And get a snare to thy soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Be thou not one of them that strike hands,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Or}} of them that are sureties for debts.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}If thou hast not wherewith to pay,

\par }{\Q Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Remove not the ancient landmark,

\par }{\Q Which thy fathers have set.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings;

\par }{\Q He shall not stand before mean men.




\par }\PoetryChap{23}{\Q \VerseOne{1}When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,

\par }{\Q Consider diligently him that is before thee;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}And put a knife to thy throat,

\par }{\Q If thou be a man given to appetite.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Be not desirous of his dainties;

\par }{\Q Seeing they are deceitful food.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Weary not thyself to be rich;

\par }{\Q Cease from thine own wisdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?

\par }{\Q For
{\ADD{riches}} certainly make themselves wings,

\par }{\Q Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,

\par }{\Q Neither desire thou his dainties:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For as he thinketh within himself, so is he:

\par }{\Q Eat and drink, saith he to thee;

\par }{\Q But his heart is not with thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up,

\par }{\Q And lose thy sweet words.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Speak not in the hearing of a fool;

\par }{\Q For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Remove not the ancient landmark;

\par }{\Q And enter not into the fields of the fatherless:


\par }{\Q \VS{11}For their Redeemer is strong;

\par }{\Q He will plead their cause against thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Apply thy heart unto instruction,

\par }{\Q And thine ears to the words of knowledge.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Withhold not correction from the child;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{For}} if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Thou shalt beat him with the rod,

\par }{\Q And shalt deliver his soul from Sheol.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}My son, if thy heart be wise,

\par }{\Q My heart will be glad, even mine:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Yea, my heart will rejoice,

\par }{\Q When thy lips speak right things.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let not thy heart envy sinners;

\par }{\Q But
{\ADD{be thou}} in the fear of Jehovah all the day long:


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For surely there is a reward;

\par }{\Q And thy hope shall not be cut off.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Hear thou, my son, and be wise,

\par }{\Q And guide thy heart in the way.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Be not among winebibbers,

\par }{\Q Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty;

\par }{\Q And drowsiness will clothe
{\ADD{a man}} with rags.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Hearken unto thy father that begat thee,

\par }{\Q And despise not thy mother when she is old.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Buy the truth, and sell it not;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Yea}}, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;

\par }{\Q And he that begetteth a wise child will have joy of him.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Let thy father and thy mother be glad,

\par }{\Q And let her that bare thee rejoice.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}My son, give me thy heart;

\par }{\Q And let thine eyes delight in my ways.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}For a harlot is a deep ditch;

\par }{\Q And a foreign woman is a narrow pit.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber,

\par }{\Q And increaseth the treacherous among men.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?

\par }{\Q Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause?

\par }{\Q Who hath redness of eyes?


\par }{\Q \VS{30}They that tarry long at the wine;

\par }{\Q They that go to seek out mixed wine.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,

\par }{\Q When it sparkleth in the cup,

\par }{\Q When it goeth down smoothly:


\par }{\Q \VS{32}At the last it biteth like a serpent,

\par }{\Q And stingeth like an adder.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}Thine eyes shall behold strange things,

\par }{\Q And thy heart shall utter perverse things.


\par }{\Q \VS{34}Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea,

\par }{\Q Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.


\par }{\Q \VS{35}They have stricken me,
{\ADD{shalt thou say}}, and I was not hurt;

\par }{\Q They have beaten me, and I felt it not:

\par }{\Q When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.




\par }\PoetryChap{24}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Be not thou envious against evil men;

\par }{\Q Neither desire to be with them:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For their heart studieth oppression,

\par }{\Q And their lips talk of mischief.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Through wisdom is a house built;

\par }{\Q And by understanding it is established;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}And by knowledge are the chambers filled

\par }{\Q With all precious and pleasant riches.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A wise man is strong;

\par }{\Q Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war;

\par }{\Q And in the multitude of counselors there is safety.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Wisdom is too high for a fool:

\par }{\Q He openeth not his mouth in the gate.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that deviseth to do evil,

\par }{\Q Men shall call him a mischief-maker.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The thought of foolishness is sin;

\par }{\Q And the scoffer is an abomination to men.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}If thou faint in the day of adversity,

\par }{\Q Thy strength is small.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Deliver them that are carried away unto death,

\par }{\Q And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this;

\par }{\Q Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it?

\par }{\Q And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?

\par }{\Q And shall not he render to every man according to his work?


\par }{\Q \VS{13}My son, eat thou honey, for it is good;

\par }{\Q And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:


\par }{\Q \VS{14}So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul;

\par }{\Q If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward,

\par }{\Q And thy hope shall not be cut off.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous;

\par }{\Q Destroy not his resting place:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again;

\par }{\Q But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth,

\par }{\Q And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown;


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Lest Jehovah see it, and it displease him,

\par }{\Q And he turn away his wrath from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Fret not thyself because of evildoers;

\par }{\Q Neither be thou envious at the wicked:


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For there shall be no reward to the evil man;

\par }{\Q The lamp of the wicked shall be put out.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} company not with them that are given to change:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For their calamity shall rise suddenly;

\par }{\Q And the destruction from them both, who knoweth it?


\par }{\BB \par }
{\PP \VS{23}These also are
{\ADD{sayings}} of the wise.

\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q To have respect of persons in judgment is not good.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous,

\par }{\Q Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him;


\par }{\Q \VS{25}But to them that rebuke
{\ADD{him}} shall be delight,

\par }{\Q And a good blessing shall come upon them.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He kisseth the lips

\par }{\Q Who giveth a right answer.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Prepare thy work without,

\par }{\Q And make it ready for thee in the field;

\par }{\Q And afterward build thy house.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause;

\par }{\Q And deceive not with thy lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me;

\par }{\Q I will render to the man according to his work.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}I went by the field of the sluggard,

\par }{\Q And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;


\par }{\Q \VS{31}And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns,

\par }{\Q The face thereof was covered with nettles,

\par }{\Q And the stone wall thereof was broken down.


\par }{\Q \VS{32}Then I beheld, and considered well;

\par }{\Q I saw, and received instruction:


\par }{\Q \VS{33}{\ADD{Yet}} a little sleep, a little slumber,

\par }{\Q A little folding of the hands to sleep;


\par }{\Q \VS{34}So shall thy poverty come as a robber,

\par }{\Q And thy want as an armed man.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{25}{\PP \VerseOne{1}These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{2}It is the glory of God to conceal a thing;

\par }{\Q But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,

\par }{\Q So the heart of kings is unsearchable.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Take away the dross from the silver,

\par }{\Q And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Take away the wicked
{\ADD{from}} before the king,

\par }{\Q And his throne shall be established in righteousness.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king,

\par }{\Q And stand not in the place of great men:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither,

\par }{\Q Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince,

\par }{\Q Whom thine eyes have seen.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Go not forth hastily to strive,

\par }{\Q Lest
{\ADD{thou know not}} what to do in the end thereof,

\par }{\Q When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Debate thy cause with thy neighbor
{\ADD{himself}},

\par }{\Q And disclose not the secret of another;


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Lest he that heareth it revile thee,

\par }{\Q And thine infamy turn not away.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A word fitly spoken

\par }{\Q Is
{\ADD{like}} apples of gold in network of silver.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}{\ADD{As}} an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a faithful messenger to them that send him;

\par }{\Q For he refresheth the soul of his masters.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}{\ADD{As}} clouds and wind without rain,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded,

\par }{\Q And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee,

\par }{\Q Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor’s house,

\par }{\Q Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor

\par }{\Q Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble

\par }{\Q Is
{\ADD{like}} a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}{\ADD{As}} one that taketh off a garment in cold weather,
{\ADD{and as}} vinegar upon soda,

\par }{\Q So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat;

\par }{\Q And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head,

\par }{\Q And Jehovah will reward thee.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}The north wind bringeth forth rain;

\par }{\Q So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,

\par }{\Q Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}{\ADD{As}} cold waters to a thirsty soul,

\par }{\Q So is good news from a far country.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}{\ADD{As}} a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}It is not good to eat much honey;

\par }{\Q So
{\ADD{for men}} to search out their own glory is grievous.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}He whose spirit is without restraint

\par }{\Q Is
{\ADD{like}} a city that is broken down and without walls.




\par }\PoetryChap{26}{\Q \VerseOne{1}As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,

\par }{\Q So honor is not seemly for a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying,

\par }{\Q So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass,

\par }{\Q And a rod for the back of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Answer not a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q Lest thou also be like unto him.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Answer a fool according to his folly,

\par }{\Q Lest he be wise in his own conceit.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool

\par }{\Q Cutteth off
{\ADD{his own}} feet,
{\ADD{and}} drinketh in damage.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The legs of the lame hang loose;

\par }{\Q So is a parable in the mouth of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}As one that bindeth a stone in a sling,

\par }{\Q So is he that giveth honor to a fool.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}{\ADD{As}} a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard,

\par }{\Q So is a parable in the mouth of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}{\ADD{As}} an archer that woundeth all,

\par }{\Q So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}As a dog that returneth to his vomit,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a fool that repeateth his folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?

\par }{\Q There is more hope of a fool than of him.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way;

\par }{\Q A lion is in the streets.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}{\ADD{As}} the door turneth upon its hinges,

\par }{\Q So doth the sluggard upon his bed.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish;

\par }{\Q It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit

\par }{\Q Than seven men that can render a reason.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}He that passeth by,
{\ADD{and}} vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him,

\par }{\Q Is
{\ADD{like}} one that taketh a dog by the ears.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}As a madman who casteth firebrands,

\par }{\Q Arrows, and death,


\par }{\Q \VS{19}So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor,

\par }{\Q And saith, Am not I in sport?


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For lack of wood the fire goeth out;

\par }{\Q And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}{\ADD{As}} coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire,

\par }{\Q So is a contentious man to inflame strife.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,

\par }{\Q And they go down into the innermost parts.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Fervent lips and a wicked heart

\par }{\Q Are
{\ADD{like}} an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}He that hateth dissembleth with his lips;

\par }{\Q But he layeth up deceit within him:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}When he speaketh fair, believe him not;

\par }{\Q For there are seven abominations in his heart:


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Though
{\ADD{his}} hatred cover itself with guile,

\par }{\Q His wickedness shall be openly shown before the assembly.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein;

\par }{\Q And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded;

\par }{\Q And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.




\par }\PoetryChap{27}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Boast not thyself of tomorrow;

\par }{\Q For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth;

\par }{\Q A stranger, and not thine own lips.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty;

\par }{\Q But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming;

\par }{\Q But who is able to stand before jealousy?


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Better is open rebuke

\par }{\Q Than love that is hidden.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

\par }{\Q But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The full soul loatheth a honeycomb;

\par }{\Q But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}As a bird that wandereth from her nest,

\par }{\Q So is a man that wandereth from his place.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Oil and perfume rejoice the heart;

\par }{\Q So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend
{\ADD{that cometh}} of hearty counsel.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not;

\par }{\Q And go not to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity:

\par }{\Q Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,

\par }{\Q That I may answer him that reproacheth me.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}A prudent man seeth the evil,
{\ADD{and}} hideth himself;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} the simple pass on,
{\ADD{and}} suffer for it.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Take his garment that is surety for a stranger;

\par }{\Q And hold him in pledge
{\ADD{that is surety}} for a foreign woman.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,

\par }{\Q It shall be counted a curse to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}A continual dropping in a very rainy day

\par }{\Q And a contentious woman are alike:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}He that would restrain her restraineth the wind;

\par }{\Q And his right hand encountereth oil.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Iron sharpeneth iron;

\par }{\Q So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof;

\par }{\Q And he that regardeth his master shall be honored.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}As in water face
{\ADD{answereth}} to face,

\par }{\Q So the heart of man to man.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;

\par }{\Q And the eyes of man are never satisfied.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold;

\par }{\Q And a man is
{\ADD{tried}} by his praise.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain,

\par }{\Q Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{23}Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{And}} look well to thy herds:


\par }{\Q \VS{24}For riches are not forever;

\par }{\Q And doth the crown endure unto all generations?


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself,

\par }{\Q And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The lambs are for thy clothing,

\par }{\Q And the goats are the price of the field;


\par }{\Q \VS{27}And
{\ADD{there will be}} goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household,

\par }{\Q And maintenance for thy maidens.


\par }{\BB \par }


\PoetryChap{28}{\Q \VerseOne{1}The wicked flee when no man pursueth;

\par }{\Q But the righteous are bold as a lion.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;

\par }{\Q But by men of understanding
{\ADD{and}} knowledge the state
{\ADD{thereof}} shall be prolonged.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A needy man that oppresseth the poor

\par }{\Q Is
{\ADD{like}} a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}They that forsake the law praise the wicked;

\par }{\Q But such as keep the law contend with them.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Evil men understand not justice;

\par }{\Q But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,

\par }{\Q Than he that is perverse in
{\ADD{his}} ways, though he be rich.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son;

\par }{\Q But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,

\par }{\Q Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,

\par }{\Q Even his prayer is an abomination.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way,

\par }{\Q He shall fall himself into his own pit;

\par }{\Q But the perfect shall inherit good.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The rich man is wise in his own conceit;

\par }{\Q But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;

\par }{\Q But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper;

\par }{\Q But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Happy is the man that feareth always;

\par }{\Q But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}{\ADD{As}} a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{So is}} a wicked ruler over a poor people.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}A man that is laden with the blood of any person

\par }{\Q Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered;

\par }{\Q But he that is perverse in
{\ADD{his}} ways shall fall at once.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;

\par }{\Q But he that followeth after vain
{\ADD{persons}} shall have poverty enough.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}A faithful man shall abound with blessings;

\par }{\Q But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}To have respect of persons is not good;

\par }{\Q Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches,

\par }{\Q And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor

\par }{\Q Than he that flattereth with the tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression,

\par }{\Q The same is the companion of a destroyer.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife;

\par }{\Q But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;

\par }{\Q But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;

\par }{\Q But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;

\par }{\Q But when they perish, the righteous increase.




\par }\PoetryChap{29}{\Q \VerseOne{1}He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck

\par }{\Q Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice;

\par }{\Q But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father;

\par }{\Q But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth
{\ADD{his}} substance.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The king by justice establisheth the land;

\par }{\Q But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A man that flattereth his neighbor

\par }{\Q Spreadeth a net for his steps.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare;

\par }{\Q But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor;

\par }{\Q The wicked hath not understanding to know
{\ADD{it}}.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Scoffers set a city in a flame;

\par }{\Q But wise men turn away wrath.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man,

\par }{\Q Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect;

\par }{\Q And as for the upright, they seek his life.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}A fool uttereth all his anger;

\par }{\Q But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood,

\par }{\Q All his servants are wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}The poor man and the oppressor meet together;

\par }{\Q Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The king that faithfully judgeth the poor,

\par }{\Q His throne shall be established forever.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The rod and reproof give wisdom;

\par }{\Q But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth;

\par }{\Q But the righteous shall look upon their fall.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest;

\par }{\Q Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;

\par }{\Q But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}A servant will not be corrected by words;

\par }{\Q For though he understand, he will not give heed.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?

\par }{\Q There is more hope of a fool than of him.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child

\par }{\Q Shall have him become a son at the last.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}An angry man stirreth up strife,

\par }{\Q And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}A man’s pride shall bring him low;

\par }{\Q But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul;

\par }{\Q He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The fear of man bringeth a snare;

\par }{\Q But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}Many seek the ruler’s favor;

\par }{\Q But a man’s judgment
{\ADD{cometh}} from Jehovah.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous;

\par }{\Q And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{30}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the oracle.

\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q The man saith unto Ithiel, unto Ithiel and Ukal:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Surely I am more brutish than any man,

\par }{\Q And have not the understanding of a man;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}And I have not learned wisdom,

\par }{\Q Neither have I the knowledge of the Holy One.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Who hath ascended up into heaven, and descended?

\par }{\Q Who hath gathered the wind in his fists?

\par }{\Q Who hath bound the waters in his garment?

\par }{\Q Who hath established all the ends of the earth?

\par }{\Q What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou knowest?


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{5}Every word of God is tried:

\par }{\Q He is a shield unto them that take refuge in him.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Add thou not unto his words,

\par }{\Q Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{7}Two things have I asked of thee;

\par }{\Q Deny me
{\ADD{them}} not before I die:


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Remove far from me falsehood and lies;

\par }{\Q Give me neither poverty nor riches;

\par }{\Q Feed me with the food that is needful for me:


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Lest I be full, and deny
{\ADD{thee}}, and say, Who is Jehovah?

\par }{\Q Or lest I be poor, and steal,

\par }{\Q And use profanely the name of my God.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}Slander not a servant unto his master,

\par }{\Q Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{11}There is a generation that curse their father,

\par }{\Q And bless not their mother.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes,

\par }{\Q And
{\ADD{yet}} are not washed from their filthiness.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!

\par }{\Q And their eyelids are lifted up.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}There is a generation whose teeth are
{\ADD{as}} swords, and their jaw teeth
{\ADD{as}} knives,

\par }{\Q To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{15}The horseleech hath two daughters,
{\ADD{crying}}, Give, give.

\par }{\Q There are three things that are never satisfied,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Yea}}, four that say not, Enough:


\par }{\Q \VS{16}Sheol; and the barren womb;

\par }{\Q The earth that is not satisfied with water;

\par }{\Q And the fire that saith not, Enough.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}The eye that mocketh at his father,

\par }{\Q And despiseth to obey his mother,

\par }{\Q The ravens of the valley shall pick it out,

\par }{\Q And the young eagles shall eat it.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{18}There are three things which are too wonderful for me,

\par }{\Q Yea, four which I know not:


\par }{\Q \VS{19}The way of an eagle in the air;

\par }{\Q The way of a serpent upon a rock;

\par }{\Q The way of a ship in the midst of the sea;

\par }{\Q And the way of a man with a maiden.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}So is the way of an adulterous woman;

\par }{\Q She eateth, and wipeth her mouth,

\par }{\Q And saith, I have done no wickedness.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{21}For three things the earth doth tremble,

\par }{\Q And for four,
{\ADD{which}} it cannot bear:


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For a servant when he is king;

\par }{\Q And a fool when he is filled with food;


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For an odious woman when she is married;

\par }{\Q And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{24}There are four things which are little upon the earth,

\par }{\Q But they are exceeding wise:


\par }{\Q \VS{25}The ants are a people not strong,

\par }{\Q Yet they provide their food in the summer;


\par }{\Q \VS{26}The conies are but a feeble folk,

\par }{\Q Yet make they their houses in the rocks;


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The locusts have no king,

\par }{\Q Yet go they forth all of them by bands;


\par }{\Q \VS{28}The lizard taketh hold with her hands,

\par }{\Q Yet is she in kings’ palaces.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{29}There are three things which are stately in their march,

\par }{\Q Yea, four which are stately in going:


\par }{\Q \VS{30}The lion, which is mightiest among beasts,

\par }{\Q And turneth not away for any;


\par }{\Q \VS{31}The greyhound; the he-goat also;

\par }{\Q And the king against whom there is no rising up.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{32}If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself,

\par }{\Q Or if thou hast thought evil,

\par }{\Q {\ADD{Lay}} thy hand upon thy mouth.


\par }{\Q \VS{33}For the churning of milk bringeth forth butter,

\par }{\Q And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood;

\par }{\Q So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.


\par }{\BB \par }


\Chap{31}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{2}What, my son? and what, O son of my womb?

\par }{\Q And what, O son of my vows?


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Give not thy strength unto women,

\par }{\Q Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;

\par }{\Q Nor for princes
{\ADD{to say}}, Where is strong drink?


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Lest they drink, and forget the law,

\par }{\Q And pervert the justice
{\ADD{due}} to any that is afflicted.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,

\par }{\Q And wine unto the bitter in soul:


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Let him drink, and forget his poverty,

\par }{\Q And remember his misery no more.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Open thy mouth for the dumb,

\par }{\Q In the cause of all such as are left desolate.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Open thy mouth, judge righteously,

\par }{\Q And minister justice to the poor and needy.


\par }{\BB \par }
{\Q \VS{10}A worthy woman who can find?

\par }{\Q For her price is far above rubies.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The heart of her husband trusteth in her,

\par }{\Q And he shall have no lack of gain.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}She doeth him good and not evil

\par }{\Q All the days of her life.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}She seeketh wool and flax,

\par }{\Q And worketh willingly with her hands.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}She is like the merchant ships;

\par }{\Q She bringeth her bread from afar.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}She riseth also while it is yet night,

\par }{\Q And giveth food to her household,

\par }{\Q And their task to her maidens.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}She considereth a field, and buyeth it;

\par }{\Q With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}She girdeth her loins with strength,

\par }{\Q And maketh strong her arms.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable;

\par }{\Q Her lamp goeth not out by night.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}She layeth her hands to the distaff,

\par }{\Q And her hands hold the spindle.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;

\par }{\Q Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}She is not afraid of the snow for her household;

\par }{\Q For all her household are clothed with scarlet.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;

\par }{\Q Her clothing is fine linen and purple.


\par }{\Q \VS{23}Her husband is known in the gates,

\par }{\Q When he sitteth among the elders of the land.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}She maketh linen garments and selleth them,

\par }{\Q And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}Strength and dignity are her clothing;

\par }{\Q And she laugheth at the time to come.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

\par }{\Q And the law of kindness is on her tongue.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}She looketh well to the ways of her household,

\par }{\Q And eateth not the bread of idleness.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}Her children rise up, and call her blessed;

\par }{\Q Her husband
{\ADD{also}}, and he praiseth her,
{\ADD{saying}}:


\par }{\Q \VS{29}Many daughters have done worthily,

\par }{\Q But thou excellest them all.


\par }{\Q \VS{30}Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;

\par }{\Q {\ADD{But}} a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.


\par }{\Q \VS{31}Give her of the fruit of her hands;

\par }{\Q And let her works praise her in the gates.


\par }