Chapter 4

20:023:017 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

20:023:018 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

20:023:019 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20:023:020 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

20:023:021 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

20:023:022 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

20:023:023 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

20:023:024 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

20:023:025 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

20:023:026 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

20:023:027 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

20:023:028 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

20:023:029 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

20:023:030 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

20:023:031 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

20:023:032 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

20:023:033 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

20:023:034 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.

20:023:035 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

20:024:001 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

20:024:002 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

20:024:003 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

20:024:004 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

20:024:005 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

20:024:006 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

20:024:007 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

20:024:008 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

20:024:009 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

20:024:010 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

20:024:011 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

20:024:012 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

20:024:013 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

20:024:014 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

20:024:015 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

20:024:016 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

20:024:017 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

20:024:018 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

20:024:019 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

20:024:020 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

20:024:021 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

20:024:022 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

20:024:023 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

20:024:024 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

20:024:025 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

20:024:026 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

20:024:027 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

20:024:028 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

20:024:029 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

20:024:030 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

20:024:031 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

20:024:032 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

20:024:033 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

20:024:034 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

20:025:001 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

20:025:002 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

20:025:003 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

20:025:004 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

20:025:005 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

20:025:006 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

20:025:007 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

20:025:008 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

20:025:009 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

20:025:010 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

20:025:011 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

20:025:012 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

20:025:013 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

20:025:014 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

20:025:015 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

20:025:016 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

20:025:017 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

20:025:018 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

20:025:019 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20:025:020 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.

20:025:021 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

20:025:022 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

20:025:023 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

20:025:024 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

20:025:025 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

20:025:026 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

20:025:027 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

20:025:028 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

20:026:001 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

20:026:002 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

20:026:003 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

20:026:004 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

20:026:005 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

20:026:006 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

20:026:007 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

20:026:008 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

20:026:009 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

20:026:010 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

20:026:011 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

20:026:012 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

20:026:013 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

20:026:014 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

20:026:015 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

20:026:016 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

20:026:017 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

20:026:018 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

20:026:019 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20:026:020 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

20:026:021 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

20:026:022 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

20:026:023 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

20:026:024 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

20:026:025 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

20:026:026 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

20:026:027 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

20:026:028 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

20:027:001 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

20:027:002 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

20:027:003 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

20:027:004 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

20:027:005 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

20:027:006 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

20:027:007 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

20:027:008 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

20:027:009 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

20:027:010 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

20:027:011 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

20:027:012 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

20:027:013 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

20:027:014 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

20:027:015 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

20:027:016 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

20:027:017 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

20:027:018 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

20:027:019 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

20:027:020 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

20:027:021 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

20:027:022 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

20:027:023 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

20:027:024 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

20:027:025 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

20:027:026 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

20:027:027 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

20:028:001 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

20:028:002 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

20:028:003 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

20:028:004 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

20:028:005 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

20:028:006 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

20:028:007 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

20:028:008 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

20:028:009 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

20:028:010 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

20:028:011 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

20:028:012 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

20:028:013 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

20:028:014 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

20:028:015 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

20:028:016 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

20:028:017 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

20:028:018 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

20:028:019 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20:028:020 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

20:028:021 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

20:028:022 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

20:028:023 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

20:028:024 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

20:028:025 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

20:028:026 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

20:028:027 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

20:028:028 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

20:029:001 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

20:029:002 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

20:029:003 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

20:029:004 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

20:029:005 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

20:029:006 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

20:029:007 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

20:029:008 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

20:029:009 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

20:029:010 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

20:029:011 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

20:029:012 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

20:029:013 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

20:029:014 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

20:029:015 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

20:029:016 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

20:029:017 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

20:029:018 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

20:029:019 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20:029:020 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

20:029:021 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

20:029:022 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

20:029:023 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

20:029:024 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

20:029:025 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

20:029:026 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

20:029:027 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

20:030:001 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

20:030:002 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

20:030:003 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

20:030:004 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

20:030:005 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

20:030:006 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

20:030:007 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

20:030:008 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

20:030:009 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

20:030:010 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

20:030:011 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

20:030:012 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

20:030:013 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

20:030:014 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

20:030:015 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

20:030:016 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.