Of drunkenness, envy, &c. PROVERBS Fear God and the km 11 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him-with the rod, he (hall not die. 14 Thou (halt beat him with the rod, and (halt deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if thine heart be wile, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16 Yea, my reins fliall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lo R D all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation (hall not be cut off. 19 Hear thou, my son, and be wife, and guide thine heart in the way. so Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton (hall come to poverty: and drowsiness (hall clothe a man with rags. 11 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when (lie is old. 23 Buy the truth, and fell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous fliall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wife child fliall have joy of him. . 25 Thy father and thy mother fliall be glad, and (he that bare thee fliall rejoice. 26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a whore it a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? •who hath contentions? who hath babbling ? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine, they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it givcth his colour in the cup, when it movetli itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and (Ungeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes fliall behold strange women, and thine heart (hall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They nave stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when (hall I awake? I will seek it yet again. CHAP. XXIV. BE not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them: 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge fliall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wife man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength; 6 For by wife counsel thou (halt make thy war: and in multitude of counselled there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his inouth in the gate. 8 He that deviseth to do evil (hall be called a milchievous person. 9 The thought of foolifliness is fin: and the (corner(Van abomination tomen. 10 //'thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth nor he know it? and (hall not he render to every man according to his works? 13 My son, eat thou honey, because //if good; and the honeycomb, •wUci is sweet to thy taste: • 14 So/hall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul •. when thou halt found it, then there fliall be a reward, and thy expectation fliall not be cut off. 15 Lay not Wait, O wicked man. against the dwelling of-the righteons; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again-, but the wickeil (hill fall into mischief. 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, aud let not thine heart be glad when he stuinbleth: 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19 Fret not thyself because of evilwra, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20 For there fliall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked fliall be put out. 2i My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 2* For their calamity fliall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? *j These Observations about kings. . Chap. »3 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgement. s+ He that faith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him (hall the people curie, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him (hall be delight, and a good blessing lhal) come upon them. i6 Every man (hall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. ly Prepare thy work without, and mike it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. iS Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with Lhy lips. 29 Say not, 1 will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. 30 I went by the field of the slothful; and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 31 Then I saw, and considered it weH: I looked upon//, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of themands to sleep: 34 So ssiall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. CHAP. XXV. 1 Observations about kings, % and about avoiding of quarrels, and sundry causes thereof, THESE are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 1 /' is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings // to search out a matter. } The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings u unsearchable. 4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there lhal I come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto 'bee, Come up hither; than that thou fliouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes nave seen. S fl Go not forth hastily to strive, lest xxv. Quarrels to be avoided. I thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put I thee to (hame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himjj'-, and discover not a secret to anothci: 10 Lest he that heareth /"/ put thee to (name, and thine infamy turn not away. 11 A word fitly spoken it like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wile reprover upon an obedient ear. 13 As the cold of" snow in the time of harvest,/o is 3 faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refrefheth the ibul of his masters. 1+ Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. J 5 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 16 Hast thou found honey' eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be rilled therewith, and vomit.it. 17 Withdraw thy soot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and/o hate thee. 18 A man that beareth false witneft against his neighbour it a maul, and a sword, and a (harp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint. * zo As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. ii \f thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty give him water to drink: 22 For thou (halt heap coals of fire upon his head, and tlje Lor D shall reward thee. 23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an, angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 24 // is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman, and in a wide house. * 25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain and a corrupt spring. * 27 It is not good to eat much honey: fofor men to search their own glory is not glory. it He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. H"3 CHAK Os fools, sluggards, 8c. PROVE K V, S CHAP XXVI. i Observations about fools, I-; Jluggards, 17 end contentious busy bodies. AS snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is «Jt seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, left he be wife in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a fling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of took. To The great God that formed all things, both rewardetli the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. u As a dog returneth to his vomit, Jo a fool returneth to his folly. 11 Seeft thou a man wife in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool llian of him. 13 1\ The slothful man faith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hin^ ges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than (even men that can render * reason. 17 ff He that pssseth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a mad 'man who calteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and faith, Am not 1 in sport? 10 Where no wood is, there the fire toeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the- strife ceaseth. _ 21 As coals arc to burning coals, and wood to ftre; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. ■11 The words of a talebearer are as wounds and they go down into the innermoil parts of the belly. 15 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 14 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceitwithin him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not:_ for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness flia.ll be shewed before the nvhole congregation. 17 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. CHAP. XXVII. 1 Observations osselflove, 5 of true love, 11 os care to avoid offences, 13 and cs the hou/hold care. BOAST not thyself of to morrow: for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 Astone/Vheavy.and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is ontrageous; but who ;'/ able to stand before envy? 5 fl Open rebuke is better than secret love. *r 6 Faithful <?.r thewounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full foul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rcioice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that n near, than a brother tar oft". 11 ^] My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man forefeeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pai* on, <s«</are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with » loud voice, rising early in the morning, it (hall be counted a curse to him. , ijAcontinualdroppinginaveryrai'iy day and a contentions woman are alike16 Whosoever hideth her liidelh the • •: wind, Observations m Chap. wind,andtheointmentofhisright hand, *Bchick bewrayeth itself. 17 Iron fharpeneth iron; so a man fharpeneth the countenanceof his friend. iS Whoso keepeth the fig tree fliall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. 19 As in water face Ttnfwereth to face, so the heart of man to man. so Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 11 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold-; so U a man to his praise. 21 Though thou moulded bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a peltle, jtt will not his foohshnese depart from him. 23 ^J Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches tire not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grafs mewetii itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the fields 57 And thou Jhalt have goat's milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy houshold, and ./or the maintenance for thy maidens. CHAP. XXVIII. General observations of impiety and religious integrity. THE wicked fiee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion. 1 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the (rate M<rr*o/'ihall be prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgement: but they that seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse a. his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: hut he that is a companion of riotous "en Ihameth his father. . 'He that by usury and unjust gain increased! his substance, he shall gather 'I for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from cxviii. impiety and integrit/. hearing the law, even his prayeryW/ be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he lh3ll fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wile in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searched! him out. iz When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rife a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forlakcth them fliall have mercy. 14. Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardened! his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear j/e is a wicked ruler over the poor people. isi TJie prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness (hall prolong his days. 17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person fliall flee to the pit; let 110 man stay him. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly fliall be saved: but he ihat is perverse 111 his ways fliall fall at once. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth aster vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man fliall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good : for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considcreth not that poverty shall come upon him. 23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour tlmn he that flatterelh with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mouther, and faith,//// no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the I.or D shall be made fat. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor ssiall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes fliall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they peristi, the righteous increase Nn4 CHAP. Of publick government. PROVERBS Agur's eonseffion and prayer. CHAP. XXIX. V Observations of publick government, 15 and of private, 22 Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice, and corruption. HE, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, (hall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice.: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company ■with harlots (pendeth his substance. 4 The king by judgement eftablilherh the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroveth it. 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreaderh a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth fing and rejoice. 7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know //. S Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wife men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his foul. 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wife man keepeth it in till afterwards. iz If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be establissied for ever. 15 ^ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left lo himself bringeth his mother to ssiame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous lhall see their fall. 17 Correct thy ion, and he shall give thee rest: yea, he (hall give delight unto thy foul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he._ 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand, ne will not answer. Jo Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words > tLere is more hope of a fool than of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. 2i^f An angry man stirrethupstiise,and afuriousmanabcundeth in transgression. »J A man's pride stiall bring him low: but honour stiall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth curling, and bewrayeth it not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the I.o R n shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgement cometh from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. CHAP. XXX. 1 Agur's confession of his faith. 7 The till points of his prayer. 10 The meanest are not to be avronged. 11 Four evicted generations. 15 Four things insatiable. 17 Parents are not to be despised. 1S Four things hard to be kno^vn. 21 Four things intolerable. 24 Four things exceeding tvife. 29 Four things stately. 31 Wratnis to be prevented. THE words of Agur theson ofJakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than an, man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath establissied all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest lit reprove thee, and thou he found a liar. 7 ^ Two things have I required ot thee; deny me them not before I die: X Remove far from me vanitv and lies : give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, ami fay. Who is the Lo R D ? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. 10 (ft Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou he found guilty. 11 ^f There is a generation that curfeth their father, and doth not bless their mother. IS fhtn |