The Old Testament - The Middle Books - The New Testament with the Prophets

The 1527 Original Word of God In English


God's Truth To Us

 

 

The Proverbs of Solomon

Chapters 1-15 | 16-24 | 25-end | Next Book


 

Chapter 1

      The proverbs of Solomon the son of David King of Israel: To learn wisdom, instruction, understanding, prudence, righteousness, judgment and equity. That the very babes might have wit, and that young men might have knowledge and understanding. By hearing, the wise man shall come by more wisdom: and by experience he shall be more apt to understand a parable, and the interpretation thereof, the words of the wise, and the dark speeches of the same. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
      My son, hear thy fathers doctrine, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for that shall bring grace unto thy head, and shall be a chain about thy neck. My son, consent not unto sinners, if they entice thee, and say: Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, and lurk privily for the innocent without a cause: Let us swallow them up like the hell, let us swallow them quick and whole, as those that go down into the pit. So we shall find all manner of costly riches, and fill our houses with spoils. Cast in thy lot among us, we shall have all one purse.
      My son, walk not thou with them, refrain thy foot from their ways. For their feet run to evil, and are hasty to shed blood. But in vain is the net laid forth before the birds eyes. Yee they themselves lay wait one for anothers blood and one of them would slay another. These are the ways as all such as be covetous, that one would ravish anothers life.
      Wisdom crieth without and putteth forth her voice in the streets. She calleth before the congregation in the open gates, and showeth her words throw the city saying: O' ye children how long will ye live childishly? how long will the scorners delight in scorning, and the unwise be enemies unto knowledge? O' turn you unto my correction: lo, I will express my mind unto you, and make you understand my words. Seeing then that I have called, and ye refused it, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded it, but all my counsels ye have despised and set my corrections to naught. Therefore shall I also laugh in your destruction, and mock you, when the thing that you fear cometh upon you: even when the thing that ye be afraid of, falleth in suddenly like a storm, and your misery like a tempest: yee when trouble and heaviness come upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not hear: they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: And that because they hated knowledge, and received not fear of the Lord, but abhorred my counsel, and despised my correction. Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way, and be filled with their own counsels: for the turning away of the unwise shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall be their own destruction. But who so hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and have enough without any fear of evil.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

      My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and *keep my commandments by thee, that thine ear may hearken unto wisdom, apply thine heart then to understanding. For if thou criest after wisdom, and callest after knowledge: If thou seekest her as after money, and diggest for her as for treasures: then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For it is the Lord that giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He preserveth the welfare of the righteous, and defendeth them that walk innocently: He keepeth them in the right path, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, judgment and equity, yee and every good path. If wisdom enter into thine heart, and thy soul delight in knowledge: then shall counsel preserve thee, and understanding shall keep thee. That thou mayest be delivered from the evil way, and from the man that speaketh *froward things. From such as leave the high street, and walk in the ways of darkness: Which rejoice in doing evil, and delight in wicked things: Whose ways are crooked, and their paths *sclanderous. That thou mayest be delivered from the strange woman, and from her that is not thine own: which giveth sweet words, forsaketh the husband of her youth, and fogeteth the covenant of her God. For her house is inclineth unto death, and her paths into hell. All they that go unto her, come not again, neither take they hold of the way of life. That thou mayest walk in the *good way, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the just shall dwell in the land, and the *innocent shall remain in it. but the ungodly shall be rooted out of the land, and the wicked doers shall be taken out of it.

 

*keep (KJV and other bibles of man =hide) *froward means: stubbornly contrary.
*sclanderous .( appears that middle English had one word for scandal and slanderous.) *good way, (KJV and other bibles of man = of good men)
*innocent (KJV and other bibles of man =perfect)

 

 

 

Chapter 3

      O' my son, forget not my law, but see that thine heart keep my commandments. For they shall prolong the days and years of thy life, and bring thee peace. Let mercy and faithfulness never go from thee: bind them about thy neck, and write them upon the tables of thine heart. So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and men. Put thy trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and he shall order thy goings. Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the Lord, and depart from evil: so shall thy navel be whole, and thy bones strong.
      Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstlings of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness, and thy presses shall flow over with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither faint when thou are rebuked of him. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth: and yet delighteth in him even as a father in his own son. Well is him that findeth wisdom, and obtaineth understanding, for the getting of it is better than any merchandise of silver, and the profit is better than gold. Wisdom is more worth than precious stones, and all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto her. Upon her right hand is long life, and upon her left hand is riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and her paths are peaceable. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and blessed are they that keep her fast.
      With wisdom hath the Lord layed the foundation of the earth, and through understanding hath he stablished the heavens. Through his wisdom the deeps break up, and the clouds drop down of the dew. My son, let not these things depart from thine eyes, but keep my law and my counsel: So it be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy mouth. Then shalt thou walk safely in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble. If thou sleepest thou shalt not be afraid, but shall take thy rest and sleep sweetly. Thou needest not be afraid of any sudden fear, neither for the violent rushing of the ungodly, when it cometh. For the Lord shall besiege thee and keep thy foot that thou be not taken. Refuse not to do good unto him that should have it, so long as thine hand is able to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor: Go thy way and come again, tomorrow I will give thee: where as thou hast now to give him. Intend no hurt unto thy neighbor, seeing he hopeth to dwell in rest by thee. Strive not lightly with any man, where as he hath done thee no harm. Follow not a wicked man, and choose none of his ways: for the Lord abhoreth the froward, but his secret is among the righteous. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the ungodly, but he blesseth the dwellings of the righteous. As for the scornful, he shall laugh them to scorn, but he shall give grace unto the lowly. The wise shall have honor in possession, but shame is the promotion that fools shall have.

 

 

 

Chapter 4

      Hear, O' ye children, the fatherly exhortation, and take good heed, that ye may learn wisdom. Yee I shall give you a good *reward, if ye will not forsake my law. For when I my self was my fathers dear son, and tenderly beloved of my mother, he taught me also, saying: Let thine heart receive my words, keep my commandments, and thou shalt live. Get thee wisdom, get thee understanding, forget not the words of my mouth, and shrink not from them. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. The chief point of wisdom is, that thou be willing to obtain wisdom, and before all thy goods to get understanding. Make much of her and she shall promote thee: Yee if thou embrace her, she shall bring thee unto honor.
      She shall make thee a gracious head, and garnish thee with a crown of glory. Hear, my son, and receive my words, that the years of thy life may be many. I will show thee, the way of wisdom, and lead thee in the right paths. So if thou goest therin, the way of wisdom, there shall no *straiteness hinder thee: and when thou runnest, thou shalt not fall. Take fast hold of doctrine, let her not go: keep her for she is thy life. Come not in the path of the ungodly, and walk not in the way of the wicked. Eschue it, and go not therin: depart aside, and pass over by it. For they cannot sleep, except they have first done some mischief: neither take they any rest, except they have first done some harm. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of *robbery. The path of the righteous shineth as the light, and is ever brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. But the way of the ungodly is as the darkness, wherein men fall, or they be a war.
      My son, *mark my words, and incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them even in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto all those that find them, and health unto all their bodies. Keep thine heart with all diligence, *for there upon hangeth life. Put away from thee a *froward mouth, and let the lips of *sclander be far from thee. Let thine eyes behold the thing that is right, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, so shall all thy ways be sure. Turn not aside, neither to the right hand nor to the left, but withhold thy foot from evil.

 

*reward, (KJV and other bibles of man =doctrine) *robbery. (KJV and other bibles of man =violence) *straiteness: to be brought into "straits" is to be lorded over by the ungodly power rule and spiritual wickedness. Straight before the Lord is to not turn to the left or right, but to keep our eyes straight ahead to the promises of God, plain hearted to his love and his truth.RN *mark my words. here is the "mark" as those marked in the heart are seen of God to love his truth. 2 Thess 2 RN *for there upon hangeth life. KJV and other bibles of man =out of it [are] the issues of life. *froward mouth and *sclander (*See in Ch 2)

 

 

 

Chapter 5

      My son, give heed unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my *prudence: that thou mayest regard good counsel, and that thy lips may keep nurture. For the lips of a harlot are a dropping honeycomb, and her throat is softer than oil. But at the last she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go down unto death, and her steps pierce through unto hell. She regardeth not the path of life, so unsteadfast are her ways, that thou canst not know them. Hear me therefore, ( O' my son ) and depart not from the words of my mouth. Keep thy way far from her, and come not nigh the doors of her house. That thou give not thine honor unto another, and thy years to the cruel. That other men be not filled with thy goods, and thy labors come not in a strange house. Yee that thou mourn not at the last, ( when thou hast spent thy body and goods ) and then say: Alas, why hated I nurture? why did my heart despise correction? Wherefore was not I obedient unto the voice of my teachers, and hearken not unto them that informed me? I a come almost into all my misfortune, in the midst of the multitude and congregation. Drink of the water of thine own well, and of the rivers that run out of thine own springs. Let the wells flow out abroad, that there may be rivers of water in the streets: but let them be only thine own, and not strangers with thee.
      Let thy well be blessed, and be glad with the wife of thy youth. Loving is the *hind and friendly is the Roo: let her breasts always satisfy thee, and hold thee ever content with her love. My son, wilt thou have pleasure in an harlot, and embrace the bosom of another woman? For every mans ways are open in the sight of the Lord, and he pondereth all their goings. The wickedness of the ungodly shall catch himself, and with the snares of his own sins shall he be trapped. Because he would not be reformed, he shall die: and for his great foolishness he shall be destroyed.

 

*prudence = caution and the ability to see out comes of actions. *hind is from the Hebrew sacrificial ram

 

 

 

Chapter 6

      My son, if thou be surety for thy neighbor, thou hast fastened thy hand with another man: yee thou art bound with thine own words, and taken with thine own speach. Therefore my son, do this: discharge thyself, for thou art come into thy neighbors danger. Go thy way then soon, and entreat thy neighbor: let not thine eyes sleep ner thine eyelids to slumber. Save thyself as a doe from the hand, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. Go to the *Emmet ( thou sluggard) consider her ways, and learn to be wise. She hath no guide, no teacher, no leader: yet in the Summer she provideth her increase, and gathereth her food together in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, thou sluggish man? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yee sleep on still alittle, slumber alittle, fold thy hands together yet alittle, that thou mayest sleep: so shall poverty come unto thee as one that travaileth by the way, and necessity like a weaponed man. A dissembling person, a wicked man goeth with a froward mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he tokeneth with his feet, he pointeth with his fingers, he is ever imagining mischief and frowardness in his heart, and causeth discord. Therefore shall his destruction come hastily upon him, suddenly shall he be all broken, and not healed.
      There be six things which the Lord hateth, and the seventh he utterly abhoreth: A proud look, a *dissembling tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that goeth about with wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to do mischief, a false witness that bringeth up lies, and such one as soweth discord among brethren. My son, keep thy fathers commandments, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Put them up together in thine heart, and bind them about thy neck. That they may lead thee where thou goest, preserve the when thou art a sleep, and when thou awakest, thou mayest talk of them. For the commandment is a lantern, and the law a light: yee chastening and nurture is the way of life: that we may keep thee from the evil woman, and flattering tongue of the harlot: that thou lust not after her beauty in thine heart, and lest thou be taken with her fair looks. An Harlot will make a man to beg for his bread, but a married woman will hunt for that precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burnt? Or can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be hurt? Even so, whosoever goeth in to his neighbors wife, and toucheth her shall not be unguilty. Men do not utterly despise a thief, that stealeth to satisfy his soul, when he is hungry: But if he may be gotten, he restoreth seven times as much, or else he maketh recompense with all the goods of his house. But whoso committeth *advoutry with a woman, he is a fool, and bringeth his life to destruction. He getteth himself also shame and dishonor, such as shall never be put out. For the jealousy and wrath of the man will not be entreated, no though thou wouldest offer him great gifts to make amends, he will not receive them.
 

*Emmet (ant) *a dissembling (KJV and other bibles of man = lying) tongue.
*advouterer: *advouterer: prefix "a" meaning not or without, devout: devotion; plain hearted to God. mark the first sin of Adam. also see James 2 for adultery. kjv replaces this word throughout the text nearly 70 times with "adultery".

 

 

 

Chapter 7

      My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments by thee. Keep my commandments and my law even as the apple of thine eye, and thou shalt live. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them in the table of thine heart. Say unto wisdom: Thou art my sister, and call understanding thy kinswoman: That she may keep thee from the strange woman, and from the harlot which giveth sweet words. From the window of my house I looked through the trellis, and beheld the simple people: and among other young folks I spied one young fool going over the streets, by the corner in the way toward the harlots house in the twilight of the evening, when it began now to be night and dark. And behold, there met him a woman in an harlots apparel ( a deceitful, wanton and an unsteadfast woman: whos feet could not abide in the house, now is she without, now in the streets, and lurketh in every corner.) She caught the young man, kissed him, and was not ashamed, saying: I had a vow to pay, and this day I perform it. Therefore I came forth to meet thee, that I might seek thy face, and so I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings and clothes of Egypt. My bed have I made with to smell of Myrrh, Aloes, and Cinnamon. Come, let us lie together, and take our pleasure till it be day light. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a far off. He hath taken the bag of money with him: who can tell when he cometh home? Thus with many sweet words she over came him, and with her flattering lips she *wanne him.
       Immediately he followed her, as it were an ox to the slaughter ( like as it were to the stocks, where fools are punished ) so long till he had wounded his liver with her dart: like as if a bird hasted to the snare, not knowing that the peril of his life lieth thereupon. Hear me now therefore, O' my son, and mark the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart wander in her ways, and be not thou deceived in her paths. For many a strong man hath she slain. Her houses is the way to hell, where men go down into the chambers of death.

 

*wanne from wane meaning to gradually reduce and subdue. This is to say in the spirit, as she leadeth to hell. RN

 

 

 

Chapter 8

      Doth not wisdom cry? doeth not understanding put forth her voice? Standeth she not in the high places of the streets, and ways? Doeth she not cry before the whole city, and in the gates where men go out and in? Is it you, O' ye men,( sayeth she) whom I call? Unto you ( O' ye children of men ) lift up I my voice. Take heed unto knowledge O' ye ignorant, be wise in heart O' ye fools. Give ear, for I will speak of great matters, and open my lips to tell things that be right. For my mouth shall be talking of the truth, and my lips abhor ungodliness. All the words of my mouth are righteousness, there is no froward nor fallacies therin. They are all plain to such as will understand, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my doctrine therefore, and not silver: and my knowledge, more than fine gold. For wisdom is more worth than precious stones, yee all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto it.
      I wisdom have my dwelling with knowledge, and prudent counsel is my own. With me is the fear of the Lord, and the eschewing of evil. As for pride, disdain, and evil way, and a mouth that speaketh wicked things, I utterly abhor them. I can give counsel, and be a guide: I have understanding, I have strength. Through me, Kings reign: through me, princes make just laws. Through me, Lords bear rule, and all judges of the earth execute judgement. I am loving unto those that love me, and they that seek me early, shall find me. Riches and honor are with me, yee excellent goods and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone, and mine increase more worth than silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, and in the street of judgment.
      That I may send prosperity to those that love me, and to increase their treasure. The Lord himself had me in possession in the beginning of his ways, or ever he began his works afore time. I have been ordained from everlasting, and from the beginning, or ever the earth was made. When I was born, there were neither depths nor springs of water. Before the foundations of the mountains were layed, yee before all hills was I born. The earth and all that is upon the earth was not yet made, no not the ground itself. For when he made the heavens, I was present: when he set up the depths in order: when he hanged the clouds above: when he fastened the springs of the deep: When he shut the sea within certain bounds, that the waters should not go over their marks. When he layed the foundations of the earth I was with him, ordering all things, delighting daily, and rejoicing all the way before him.
      As for the round compass of his world, I make it joyful: for my delight is to be among the children of men. Therefore harken unto me, O' ye children, for blessed are they that keep my ways. O' give ear unto nurture, be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, and giving attendance at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me, findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But whoso offendeth against me, hurteth his own soul. All they that hate me, are lovers of death.

 

 

 

Chapter 9

      Wisdom hath builded herself an house, and hewn out seven pillars: She hath killed her vitailes, *poured out her wine, and prepared her table. She hath sent forth her maidens to cry upon the highest place of the city: Whoso is ignorant, let him come hither. And to the unwise she said: O' come on your way, eat my bread, and drink my wine, which I have poured out for you. forsake ignorance, and ye shall live: and see that ye go in the way of understanding. Who so reproveth a scornful person, getteth himself dishonor: and he that rebuketh the ungodly, staineth himself. Reprove not a scorner, lest he owe thee evil will: but rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give a discrete man but occasion, and he will be the wiser, teach a righteous man, and he will increase. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of holy things is understanding. For through me thy days shall be prolonged, and the years of thy life shall be many. If thou be wise thy wisdom shall do thyself good: but if thou thinkest scorn thereof, it shall be thine own harm.
      A foolish restless woman, full of words, and such one as hath no knowledge, sitteth in the doors of her house upon a stool above in the city, to call such as go by, and walk straight in their ways. Who so is ignorant ( sayeth she ) let him come hither, and to the unwise she sayeth: stolen waters are sweet, and the bread that is privately eaten, hath good taste. But they consider not that death is there, and that her guests go down to hell.

 

killed her vitailes, *poured out her wine, and prepared her table. ( KJV and other bibles of man =beasts; she hath mingled her wine )

 

 

 

Chapter 10

      A wise son makes a glad father, but an indiscreet son is the heaviness of his mother.
      Treasures that are wickedly gotten, profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
      The Lord will not let the soul of the righteous suffer hunger, but he puts the ungodly from his desire.
      An idle hand makes poor, but a quick laboring hand makes rich.
      Who so gathers in summer is wise: but he that is sluggish in harvest, brings himself to confusion.
      Loving and favorable is the face of the righteous, but the forehead of the ungodly is past shame, and presumptuous.
      The memorial of the just shall have a good report, but the name of the ungodly shall stink.
      A wise man will receive warning, but fool will sooner be smitten in the face.
      He that leads an innocent life, walks surely: but who so goes a wrong way, shall be known.
      He that winks with his eye, will do some harm: but he that has a foolish mouth shall be beaten.
      The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the ungodly is past shame, and presumptuous.
      Evil will stirs up strife, but love covers the multitude of sins.
      In the lips of him that has understanding a man shall find wisdom, but the rod belongs to the back of the foolish.
      Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
      The rich mans goods are his stronghold, but poverty oppresseth the poor.
      The righteous laboureth to do good, but the ungodly useth his increase unto sin.
      To take heed unto the chastening of nurture, is the way of life: but he that refuseth to be reformed, goeth wrong.
      Disassembling lips keep hatred secretly, and he that speaketh any slander is a fool.
      Where much babbling is, there must needs be offense: he that refraineth his lips is wisest of all.
      An innocent tongue is a noble treasure, but the heart of the ungodly is worth nothing.
      The lips of the righteous feed a whole multitude, but fools shall die in their own folly.
      The blessing of the Lord, maketh rich men, as for careful travail, it doth nothing thereto.
      A fool doth wickedly make sport of it: nevertheless it is wisdom for a man to beware of such.       
      The thing that the ungodly are afraid of, shall come upon them, but the righteous shall have their desire.
      The ungodly is like a tempest that passeth over, and is no more seen, but the righteous remaineth sure forever.
      As vinegar is to the teeth, and as smoke is to the eyes, even so is the sluggish person to them that send him forth..
      The fear of the Lord maketh a long life, but the years of the ungodly shall be shortened.
      The patient abiding of the righteous shall be turned to gladness, but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
      The way of the Lord giveth a courage to the godly, but it is a fear for the wicked doers.
      The righteous shall never be overthrown, but the ungodly shall not remain in the land.
      The mouth of the just will be talking of wisdom, but the tongue of the froward shall perish.
      The lips of the righteous are occupied in acceptable things, but the mouth of the ungodly taketh them to the worst.

 

 

 

Chapter 11

      A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a true weight pleaseth him.
      Where pride is, there is shame also and confusion: but where as is lowliness, there is wisdom.
      The innocent dealings of the just shall lead them, but the unfaithfulness of the despisers shall be their own destruction.
      Riches help not in the day of vengeance, but righteousness delivereth from death.
      The righteousness of the innocent ordereth his way, but the ungodly shall fall by his own wickedness.
      The righteousness of the just shall deliver them, but the dispisers shall be taken in their own ungodliness.
      When an ungodly man dieth, his hope is gone, the confidence of riches shall perish.
      The righteous shall be delivered out of trouble, and the ungodly shall come in his stead.
      Through the mouth of the disassembler is his neighbor destroyed, but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
      When it goeth well with the righteous, the city is merry: and when the ungodly perish, there is gladness.
      When the just are in wealth, the city prospereth: but when the ungodly have the rule, it decayeth.
      A fool bringeth up a sclander of his neighbor, but a wise man will keep it secret.
      A disassembling person will discover privy things, but he that is of a faithful heart, will keep counsel.
      Where no good counsel is there the people decay: but where as many are that can give counsel, there is wealth.
      He that is surety for a stranger, hurteth himself: but he that meddleth not with suretyship, is sure.
      A gracious woman maintaineth honesty, as for the mighty, they maintain riches.
      He that hath a gentle liberal stomach is merciful: but who so hurteth his neighbor, is a tyrant.
      The labor of the ungodly prospereth not, but he that showeth righteousness, shall receive a sure reward.
      Like as righteousness bringeth forth life: even so to cleave to evil bringeth death.
      The Lord abhorreth a *fained heart, but he hath pleasure in them that are undefiled.
      It shall not help the wicked though they lay all their hands together, but the seed of the righteous shall be preserved.
      A fair woman without discreet manners, is like a ring of gold in a swines snout.
      The just labor for peace and tranquility, but the ungodly for disquietness.
      Some man giveth out his goods, and is richer, but the *nigard ( having enough) will depart from nothing, and is yet ever in poverty.
      He that is liberal in giving, shall have plenty: and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself.
      Who so hordeth up his *corn, shall be cursed among the people: but blessing shall light upon the head of him that selleth it.
      He that laboreth for honesty findeth his desire: but who so seeketh after mischief, it shall happen unto him.
      He that trusteth in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
      Who so maketh disquietness in his own house, he shall have wind for his heritage, and the fool shall be servant to the wise.
      The fruit of the righteous is as the tree of life; a wise man also winneth mens souls.
      If the righteous be recompensed upon the earth, how much more then the ungodly and the sinner?

 

*fained here is an obliged/imagined RN *nigard= cheap, miserly, petty. *corn from the Hebrew is "increase" as of the spirit even equity in our dealings with one another. RN

 

 

 

Chapter 12

      Whoso loveth wisdom, will be content to be reformed: but he that hateth to be reproofed is a fool.
      A good man is acceptable unto the Lord: but the wicked will he condemn.
      A man cannot endure in ungodliness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
      A steadfast woman is a crown unto her husband: but she that behaveth herself unhonestly is a corruption in his bones.
      The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the imagination of the ungodly are deceitful.
      The talking of the ungodly is how they may lie wait for blood, but the mouth of the righteous shall deliver them.
      Or ever thou canst turn thee about, the ungodly shall be overthrown: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
      A man shall be commended for his wisdom, but a fool shall be despised.
      A simple man which laboreth and worketh, is better than one that is gorgeous and wanteth bread.
      A righteous man regardeth the life of his cattle, but the ungodly have cruel hearts.
      He that tilleth his land, shall have plenteous of bread: but he that followeth idleness, is a very fool.
      
      The desire of the ungodly hunteth after mischief, but the root of the righteous bringeth forth fruit.
      The wicked falleth into the snare thrown, the malice of his own mouth, but the just shall escape out of peril.
      Every man enjoyeth good according to the innocency of his mouth, and after the works of his hands shall he be rewarded.
      Look what a fool taketh in hand, he thinketh it well done: but he that is wise, will be counseled.
      A fool uttereth his wrath in all the hast, but a discreet man forgiveth wrong.
      A just man will tell the truth, and show the thing that is right: but a false witness deceiveth.
      A scanderlous person pricketh like a sword, but a wise mans tongue is wholesome.
      A true mouth is ever constant, but a disassembling tongue is soon changed.
      They that imagine evil in their mind, will deceive: but the counselors of peace shall have joy following them.
      There shall no misfortune happen to the just, but the ungodly shall be filled with misery.
      The Lord abhoreth deceitful lips, but they that labor for truth please him.
      He that hath understanding can hide his wisdom: but an indiscreet heart telleth out his foolishness.
      A diligent hand shall bear rule, but the idle shall be under tribute.
      Heaviness discourageth the heart of man, but a good word maketh it glad again.
      The righteous is liberal unto his neighbor, but the way of the ungodly decieveth themselves.
      A deceitful man shall find no vantage, but he that is content with that he hath is more worth than gold.
      In the way of righteousness there is life, as for any other way it is the path unto death.

 

 

 

Chapter 13

      A wise son will receive his fathers warning, but he that is scornful, will not hear when he is reproved.
      A good man shall enjoy the fruit of his mouth, but he that hath a froward mind shall be spoiled.
      He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but who so speaketh unadvised, findeth harm.
      The sluggard would faine have, and cannot get his desire: but the soul of the diligent shall have plenty. fained is       an obliged, or required/ willing
      A righteous man abhoreth lies, but the ungodly shameth both other and himself.
      Righteousness keepeth the innocent in the way, but ungodliness shall overthrow the sinner.
      Some men are rich, though they have nothing: again some men are poor having great riches.
      With goods every man delivereth his life, and the poor will not be reproved.
      The light of the righteous maketh joyful, but the candle of the ungodly shall be put out.
      Among the proud there is ever strife, but among those that doeth all things with advisement, there is wisdom.
      Hastily gotten goods are soon spent, but they that be gathered together with the hand, shall increase.
      Long tarring for a thing that is deferred, grieveth the heart: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
      Whoso despiseth the word, destroyeth himself: but he that feareth the commandment shall have peace.
      The law is a well of life unto the wise, that it may keep him from the snares of death.
       Good understanding giveth favor, but hard is the way of the despisers.
      A wise man doeth all things with discretion, but a fool will declare his folly.
       An ungodly messenger bringeth mischief, but a faithful ambassador is wholesome.
      He that thinketh scorn to be reformed, cometh to poverty and shame: but who so receiveth correction, shall come to honor.
      When a desire is brought to pass, it delighteth the soul: but fools abhor him that eschueth evil.
      He that goeth in the company of wise men, shall be wise: but who so is a companion of fools shall be hurt.
      Mischief followeth upon sinners, but the righteous shall have a good reward.
      Which their childrens children shall have in possession, for the riches of the sinner is layed up for the just.
      There is plenteousness of food is in the fields of the poor, and shall be increased out of measure.
      He that spareth his rod, hateth his son: but who so loveth him, holdeth him ever in nurture.
      The righteous eateth, and is satisfied, but the belly of the ungodly hath never enough.

 

 

 

Chapter 14

      A wise woman upholdeth her house, but a foolish wife plucketh it down.
      Who so feareth the Lord, walketh in the right path: and regardeth not him that abhorreth the ways of the Lord.
      In the mouth of the foolish is the boasting of lordship, but the lips of the wise will beware of such.
      Where no oxen are, the crib is empty: but where the oxen labor there is much fruit.
      A faithful witness will not disassemble, but a false record will make a lie.
      A scornful body seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy to come by, unto him that will understand.
      See that thou meddle not with a fool, and do as though thou haddest no knowledge.
      The wisdom of him that hath understanding is, to take heed unto his way, but the foolishness of the unwise deceiveth.
      Fools make but of sport of sin, but there is favorable love among the righteous.
       The heart of him that hath understanding will neither despair for any sorrow, ner be too presumptuous for any sudden joy.
      The houses of the ungodly shall be overthrown, but the tabernacles of the righteous shall flourish.
      There is a way which some men think to be right, but the end thereof leadeth unto death.
      The heart is sorrowful even in laughter, and the end of mirth is heaviness.
      An unfaithful person shall be filled with his own ways, but a good man will beware of such.
      An ignorant body believeth all things, but who so hath understanding, looketh well to his goings.
      A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil, but a fool goeth on presumptuously.
      An unpatient man dealeth foolishly, but he that is well advised, doth other ways.
      The ignorant have foolishness in possession, but the wise are crowned with knowledge.
      The evil shall bow themselves before the good, and the ungodly shall wait at the doors of the righteous.
      The poor is hated even of his own neighbors, but the rich hath many friends.
      Who so despiseth his neighbor, doth amiss: but blessed is he that hath pity of the poor.
      They that imagine wickedness, shall be disappointed: but they that muse upon good things, unto such shall happen mercy and faithfulness.
       Diligent labor bringeth riches, but where many vain words are, truly there is scarceness.
      Riches are an ornament unto the wise, but the ignorance of fools is very foolishness.
       A faithful witness delivereth souls, but a liar deceiveth them.
      The fear of the Lord is a stronghold, for unto his he will be a sure defense.
      The fear of the Lord is a well of life, to avoid the snares of death.
      The increase and prosperity of the commons is the Kings honor, but the decay of the people is the confusion of the Prince.
      Patience is a token of wisdom, but wrath and hasty displeasure is a token of foolishness.
      A merry heart is the life of the body, but rancor consumeth away the bones.
       He that doeth a poor man wrong, blasphemeth his maker: but who so hath pity of the poor, doth honor unto God.
      The ungodly is afraid of every peril, but the righteous hath a good hope even in death.
      Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding, and he will teach them that are unlearned.
      Righteousness setteth up the people, but wickedness bringeth folk to destruction.
      A discreet servant is a pleasure unto the King, but one that is not honest provoketh him unto wrath.

 

 

 

Chapter 15

      A soft answer putteth down displeasure, but froward words provoke to anger.
      A wise tongue commendeth knowledge, a foolish tongue babbleth out nothing but foolishness.
      The eyes of the Lord look on every place, both upon the good and the bad.
      A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but he that abuseth it, hath a broken mind.
      A fool despiseth his fathers correction, but he that taketh heed when he is reproved, shall have the more understanding.
      In the house of the righteous are great riches, but in the increase of the ungodly there is misorder.
      A wise mouth poureth out knowledge, but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
      The Lord abhorreth the sacrifice of the ungodly, but the prayer of the righteous is acceptable to him.
      The way of the ungodly is an abomination unto the Lord, but who so followeth righteousness, him he loveth.
      He that forsaketh the right street, shall be sore punished: and who so hateth instruction shall fall to death.
      The hell with her pain is known to the Lord, how much more then the hearts of men?
      A scornful body loveth not the one that rebuketh him, neither will he come among the wise.
      A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but an unquiet mind maketh it heavy.
      A wise heart will seek after knowledge, but the mouth of fools meddle with foolishness.
      All the days of the poor are miserable, but a quiet heart is as a continual feast.
      Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure, for they are not without sorrow.
       Better is a mess of potage with love, than a fat ox with evil will.
      An angry man stirreth up strife, but he that is patient stilleth discord.
      The way of the slothful is full of thorns, but the street of the righteous is well cleansed.
      A wise son maketh a glad father, but an undiscreet body shameth his mother.
      A fool rejoiceth in foolish things, but a wise man looketh well to his own goings.
      Unadvised thoughts shall come to naught, but where as men are that can give counsel, there is steadfastness.
      O' how joyful a thing it is, a man to give a convenient answer?
      O' how pleasant is a word spoken in due season.
      The way of life leadeth unto heaven, that a man should beware of hell beneath.
      The Lord will break down the house of the proud, but he shall make fast the borders of wisdom.
      The Lord abhorreth the imaginations of the wicked, but pure words are pleasant to him.
      The covetous man rooteth up his own house, but who so hateth rewards, shall live.
      A righteous man *museth in his mind how to do good, but the mind of the ungodly imagineth, how he may do harm.
      The Lord is far from the ungodly, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
      Like as the clearness of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, so doth a good name feed the bones.
      The ear that harkeneth unto wholesome warning, and enclineth thereto, shall dwell among the wise.
      He that refuseth to be reformed, despiseth his own soul: but he that submitteth himself to correction, is wise.

 

*museth (amuses, thinks upon joyfully )

 

Chapters 1-15 | 16-24 | 25-end | Next Book


 

The Old Testament - The Middle Books - The New Testament with the Prophets

This Website is Copyright © 2023. It may not be reproduced in total or in part for the purpose of sale.