Atocrjfhai ECCLESI

were created} so alfa after they were perfected be looked upon them all.

21 This man lhall he punished in the streets of the city, and where he suipecteth not he shall be taken.

22 Thus it shall go also with the wife that leaveth her huiband, and bringeth in an heir by another.

»3 H For first, (lie hath disobeyed the law of the most high; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man.

24 She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children.

25 Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit.

26 She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach lhall not be blotted out.

27 And they that remain shall know that there isnothingbetter than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.

28 It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.

C HAP. XXIV. » Wisdom deth praise herself, Jheweth her beginning,4 her d-welli/ig,i}/ier glory,^ hi rsruit-,26 her increase andperfedion.

WISDOM lhall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst ot her people.

a If In the congregation of the most High shall she open her mouth, and triumph before his power.

31 came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the earth as a cloud.

4 % I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.

51 alone com passed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the bottom of the deep.

6 In the waves of the sea, and in all the earth, and in every people and nation, I got a possession.

7 With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide?

8 So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and i.tid, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.

9 He created me from the beginning biforctiie world, and I shall never fail.

10 In the holy tabernacle I served before him; ami so was i'established in Sion. ,

. . \i Likewise in the beloved city he

ASTICUS Afscry^ha.

gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power.

11 And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance.

13 H I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon.

14 I was exalted like a palm tree in Engaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field; and grew up as a plane tree by the water.

15 I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet ftorax, and a» the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.

16 As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace.

17 1 As the vine brought 1 forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches.

18 I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am giveD to all my children which are named of him.

19 Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits.

20 For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance than the honeycomb.

21 They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty.

22 He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that work by ice lhall not do amiss.

23 All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God.rtvo the law which Moses commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob.

24 Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave unui him: for the Lord Almighty is GcA alone, and beside him there is no other Saviour.

2j He fillcth all things with his wisdom, asPhifon and as Tigris in the time of the new fruits.

26 U He maketh the understanding to .abound like Euphrates, aud as Jordan in the time of the harvest.

17 He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and as Geon fh the time of vintage.

18 The first man knew hernot perfectly; no more shall the last find her out.

»9 For her thoughts are more than

the Apocrypha. Chap

the sea, and her counsels profounder tis in the great deep.

30 I also came out as a brook from a river, and as a conduit into a garden.

31 I said, I will water my best garden, and will water abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and my river became a sea.

3z 1 will yet make doctrine to mine as the morning, and will fend forth her light afar off.

3 3 1 will yet pour out doctrine a< prophecy, and leave it to all ages for ever.

34 Behold that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all them that seek wisdom.

CHAP. XXV. I What tkingi are beautiful, and what

hateful. 1} Xot/11/ig is worse than a

•wicked woman.

IN three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.

a Three forts of men ray foul hatetb,, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that ic proud, a rich man that lsaliar.andanoldadulterertbatdoateth.

3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou rind any thing in thine age?

4 O how comely a thing is judgement for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel 1

5 O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour!

6 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.

7 There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: a man that hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to fee the fall of his enemy:

8 Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not Hipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself:

9 Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:

10 O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that fcareth the Lord.

11 lint the love of the Lord passeth .nil things for illumination: he that holUcth it, whereto shall he he likened?

12 The fear ef the Lord is the begin

XXvi.' Apocrypha.

ning of his love s and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.

13 S [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:

14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.

1; There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.

16 1 had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.

17 The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.

18 .Her husband sliall fit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it sliall ligii bitterly.

19 All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.

20 As the climbing up a sandy way it to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.

21 Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and defire her not for pleasure.

a» A v.oman.if lhe maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and mush reproach.

a 3 A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart > a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.

24 Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.

25 Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.

26 If (he go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy fiesli, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.

CHAP. XXVI.
Of good and bad ivo?nen.

BLessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double..

2 A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he sliall fulfil the years of hi* life in peace.

3 Agood wife isa good portion, which sliall be given in the portion of them that sear the Lord.

4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he llial! at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.

5 There be three things that mine heart fearech ; and for the fourth 1 was fore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude. Apocrypha. ECCLESI

tude, and a false accusation : all these are worse than death.

6 But a grief of heart and sorrow Is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.

7 An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.

8 A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and the will not cover her own (hame.

9 The whoredom of a woman may be knowp iu her haughty looks and eye lids.

io If thy-daughter be shameless, keep lier in straitly, left Ihc abuse herself through overmuch liberty.

n Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.

n She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will (he sit down, and open her quiver against every ar

i j The grace of a wife delighteth her bufband, and her discretion will fatten bis bones.

14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.

15 A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.

16 As the fun when it ariscth in the nigh heaven; so is the beauty of a good wile in the ordering of her house.

17 As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.

18 As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.

19 My son, keep the flower of thine age found; and give not thy strength to strangers. . ,

ao When thou haft gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.

at So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.

ai An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; l>ut a married woman is a tower against denth to her husoand.

»3 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man; but a godly ■woman is given to him that reaieth the Lord.

14 A dishonest woman contemneth

A S T I C U S JpMTjpA*.

shame: but an honest woman will reference her husoand.

»5 A shameless woman (hall be counted as a dog; but (he that is shamefaced will sear the Lord.

»< A woman that honoureth her husband (hall be judged wise of all ■, but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.

17 A loud crying woman and a scold shall he sought out to drive away the enemies.

18 There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that soffereth poverty; arid men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord preparetb such an one for the sword.

a9 A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.

CHAP. XXVII.

I Of fins in selling and buying; aj Ar thai

diggetk a pit fitsll jail into it.

MANY have finned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away.

a As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth fin ftick close between buying and selling.

3 Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, hit house (hall soon be overthrown.

4 As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remainetb; so the filth of man in his talk.

5 The furnace proveth the potter'i vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.

6 The fruit dedareth if the tree haTc been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.

7 Praise no man before thou hearts him speak; for this is the trial of men.

8 If thou ioliowest righteousness, thoa (halt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.

9 The birds will resort unto their like; se will truth return unto them that practise in her.

10 As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so fin for them that work iniquity.

II The discourse of a gods) man ii always with wisdom; but a fool cbangeth as the moon.

iz If thou be among the indiscreet, oblerve the time; but be continually among men of understanding.

13 The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.

Apocrjpha. Chap.

14 The talk of him that sweareth much, makeththe hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.

15 The strife of the proud is b!oodihedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.

16 Whoso discovereth secret6, loscth his credit; and shall never find a friend to his mind.

17 Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou bewrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.

18 For as a man hath destroyed his enemy t so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour.

19 As one that letteth a bird go out of bis hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again.

ao Follow after him no more, for he is too far off, he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.

Si As for a wound it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that bewrayeth secrets is without hope.

12 He that winketh with the eyes, worketh evil; and he that knoweth him, will depart from him.

»3 When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy ■words: but at the last he will writhe bis mouth, and slander thy sayings.

141 have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.

a 5 U Whoso casteth a stone on high, casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shalt make wounds.

26 Whoso diggeth a pit, (hall fall therein : and he that setteth a trap, shall be taken therein.

»7 He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he (ball not know whence it cometh.

a8 Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance as a lion (hall |ie in wait for them.

19 They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous, shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.

30 Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.

CHAP. XXVIIT. I Against revengt, 8 quarrelling, 10 anger, 15 and backbiting. HE that revengeth, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely ktep his fins [in remembrance.]

a Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so (hall thy sins

Hviii. . Apocrjpha.

also be forgiven when thou prayeft.

3 One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?

4 He (heweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins i

5 If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?

6 Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember]corruptionanddeatb, and abide in the commandments.

7 Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.

8 H Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife.

9 A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.

xof As the matter of the fire is, so it burnetb: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger ril'eth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be insiamed.

11 An hasty contention kindltth a sire: and an hasty fighting Iheddeth blood.

ia If thou blow the spark, it shall burn 1 if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.

13 Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.

14 A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.

15 1! A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived then* of their labours.

16 Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.

17 The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.

18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword; but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.

19 Well is he that is defended from it, and hath not passed through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.

ao For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof arc bands of brass.

« The