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The Proverbs of Solomon

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


 

Chapter 25

These also are the sayings of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah gathered together.
      It is the honor of God to keep a thing secret, but the kings is to search out a thing.
      The heaven is high, the earth is deep, and the kings heart is unsearchable.
      Take the dross from the silver, and there shall be a clean vessel thereof.
      Take away ungodliness from the king, and his seat shall be stablished with righteousness.
      Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and *prease not into the place of great men.
      Better it is that it be said unto thee: Come up hither, than thou to be set down in the presence of the prince whom thou seest with thine eyes.
      Be not hasty to go to the law, lest happily thou order thyself so that at the last, that thy neighbor put thee to shame.
      Handle thy matter with thy neighbor himself, and discover not another mans secret: lest when men hear thereof, it turn to thy dishonor, and lest thine evil name do not cease.
      A word spoken in due season, is like apples of gold in a silver dish.
      The correction of the wife is to an obedient ear, a golden chain and a Jewel of gold.
      Like as the winter cool in the harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that send him, and refresheth his masters mind.
      Whoso maketh great boasts and giveth nothing, is like clouds and wind without rain.
      With patience may a prince be pacified, and with a soft tongue may rigorousness be broken.
      If thou findest honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee: lest thou be over full, and *perbrake it out again.
      Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbors house, lest he be weary of thee, and so abhor thee.
      Who so beareth false witness against his neighbor, he is a very spear, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
      The hope of the ungodly in time of need, is like a rotten tooth and a slippery foot.
      Who so singeth a song to a wicked heart, clotheth him with rags in the cold, and poureth vinegar upon chalk.
      If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink: For so shalt thou heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
      The north wind driveth away the rain, even so doth an *earnest sober countenance a backbiting tongue.
      It is better to sit in the corner under the roof, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
      A good report out of a far country, is like cold water to a thirsty soul.
      A righteous man falling down before the ungodly, is like a troubled well and a spring that is destroyed.
      Like as it is not good to eat to much honey, even so he that will search out high things, it shall be to heavy for him.
      He that can not rule himself, is like a city which is broken down, and hath no walls.

 

* prease = may be from pace or prance, as if to place your self expectantly in their presence. *earnest sober countenance a backbiting tongue. * kjv and other bibles of man = angry countenance. *perbrake :vomit

 

 

 

Chapter 26

      Like as snow is not mete in summer, nor rain in harvest: even so is worship unseemly for a fool.
      As the bird and the swallow take their flight and flee here and there, so the curse that is given in vain, shall not light upon a man.
      Unto the horse belongeth the whip, to the ass a bridle, and a rod to a fools back.
      Give not the fool an answer after his foolishness, lest thou become like him: but make the fool an answer to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
      He is lame of his feet, yee drunken is he in vanity, that committeth anything to a fool.
      Like as it is an unseemly thing to have legs and yet to halt, even so is a parable in a fools mouth.
      He that seateth a fool in a high dignity, that is even as if a man did cast a precious stone upon the *galous.
      A parable in a fools mouth is like a thorn that pricketh a drunken man in the hand.
      **
      A man of experience discerneth all things well, but who so hireth a fool, hireth such one as will take no heed.
      Like as a the dog turneth again to his vomit, even so a fool beginneth his foolishness again a fresh.
      If thou seest a man that is wise in his own conceit, there is more hope in a fool than in him.
      The slothful sayeth: There is a leopard in the way, and a lion in the midest of the streets.
      Like as the door turneth about upon the threshold, even so doth the slothful *welter himself upon his bed.
      The slothful body thrusteth his hand into his bosom, and it grieveth him to put it again to his mouth.
      The sluggard thinketh himself wiser, then seven men that sit and teach.
      Who so goeth by and meddleth with other mens strife, he is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
      Like as one that shooteth arrows and darts out of a privy place, even so doth a dissembler with his neighbor.
      And then sayeth he: I did it in sport.
      Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: and where the backbiter is taken away, there the strife ceaseth.
      Coals kindle heat, and wood the fire: even so doth a brawling fellow stirreth up variance.
      A scaundlers words are like flattery, but they pierce the inward parts of the body.
      Envious lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.      
      An enemy dissembleth with his lips, and in the mean season he imagineth mischief: but when he speaketh fair, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
      Who so keepeth evil will, secretly do hurt, his malice shall be showed before the whole congregation.
      Who diggeth up a pit, shall fall therein: and he that weltereth a stone, shall stumble upon it himself.
      A dissembling tongue hateth one that rebuketh him, and a flattering mouth worketh mischief.

 

*galous = may be gallows **kjv and other bibles of man ;enters this line here. RN = The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth wickeds.
* welter = to waller, roll, and toss about as if in high seas.

 

 

 

Chapter 27

      Make not thy boast of to morrow, for thou knowest not what may happen today.
      Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth: yee other folks lips and not thine.
      The stone is heavy, and the sand weighty: but a fools wrath is heavier than both.
      Wrath is a cruel thing, and furriousness is a very tempest: yee who is able to abide envy?
      An open rebuke is better than secret love.
      Faithful are the wounds of a lover, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
      He that is full, abhoreth the honeycomb: but unto him that is hungry every sour thing is sweet.
      He that often times flitteth, is like a bird that foresaketh her nest.
      The heart is glad of answer, ointment and savor, but a stomach that can give good counsel, rejoiceth a mans neighbor.

      Thine own friend, and thy fathers friend, see thou forsake not, but go not into thy brothers house in time of thy trouble.
      Better is a friend at hand than a brother far off.

      My son, be wise, and thou shall make me a glad heart: so that I shall make answer unto my rebukers.
      A wise man seeing the plague, will hide himself, as for fools they go on still, and suffer harm.
      Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for the *unknown mans sake.
      He that is to hasty to praise his neighbor above measure, shall be taken as one that giveth him an evil report.
      A brawling woman and the roof of the house dropping in a rainy day, may well be compared together.
      He that refraineth her, refraineth the wind, and holdeth oil fast in his hand.
      Like as one iron *wheteth another, so does one man comfort another.
      Whoso keepeth his fig tree, shall enjoy the fruits thereof: he that waiteth upon his master, shall come to honor.
      Like as in one water there appear diverse faces, even so diverse men have diverse hearts.
      Like as hell and destruction are never full, even so the eyes of men can never be satisfied.
      Silver is tried in the mould, and gold in the furnace, and so is a man, when he is openly praised to his face.
      Though thou shouldest bray a fool with a pedestal in a mortar like oat meal, yet will not his foolishness go from him.
      See that thou know the number of thy cattle thy self, and look well to thy flocks.
      For riches abide not away, and the **crown endure not for ever.
      The hay groweth, and the grass cometh up, and herbs are gathered in the mountains.
      The lambs shall clothe thee, and for the goats thou shalt have money to thy husbandry.
      Thou shalt have goats milk enough to feed thee, to uphold thy household, and to sustain thy maidens.

 

*unknown mans sake. * kjv and other bibles of man = a strange woman. *wheteth (sharpens; very sharpened with water and rock...RN ) **crown endure not for ever. Compare kjv and other bibles of man as to the crown enduring for ever. RN

 

 

 

Chapter 28

      The ungodly fleeth no man chasing him, but the righteous standeth fast as a lion.
      Because of sin the land doth often change her prince: but through men of understanding and wisdom a realm endureth long. Compare kjv as to this text. RN
      One poor man oppressing another by violence, is like a continual rain that destroyeth the fruit.
      They that forsake the law praise the ungodly: but such as keep the law, abhor them.
      Wicked men discern not the things that is right, but they that seek after the Lord, discuss all things.
      A poor man leading a godly life, is better than the rich that goeth in froward ways.
      Whoso keepeth the law, is a child of understanding: but he that feedeth riotous men, shameth his father.
      Who so increaseth his riches by vantage and winning, let him gather them to help the poor withal.
      He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be abhorred.
      Whoso leadeth the righteous in to an evil way, shall fall into his own pit, but the just shall have the good in possession.
      The rich man thinketh himself to be wise, but the poor that hath understanding, can perceive him well enough.
      When righteous men are in prosperity, then doth honor flourish: but when the ungodly come up, the state of men changeth.
      He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but whoso knowledgeth them and forsaketh them, shall have mercy.
      Well is him that standeth always in awe: as for him that hardeneth his heart, he shall fall into mischief.
      Like as a roaring lion and a hungry bear, even so is a ungodly prince over the poor people.
      Where the prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong: but if he be such one as hateth covetousness, he shall long reign.
      He that by violence sheddeth any mans blood, shall be a renegade unto his grave, and no man shall be able to succure him.
      Who so leadeth a godly and innocent life, shall be safe: but he that goeth froward ways, shall once have a fall.
      He that tilleth his land, shall have plenteousness of bread: but he that followeth idleness, shall have poverty enough.
      A faithful man is to be greatly to be commended, but he that maketh to much haste to be rich, shall not be unguilty.
      To have respect of persons in judgement is not good: And why? he will do wrong, yee even for a piece of bread.
      He that will be rich all to soon, hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
      He that rebuketh a man, shall find no favor at the last, than he that flattereth him.
      Whoso robbeth his father and mother, and saith it is no sin: the same is like unto a murderer.
      He that is of a proud stomach, stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be well fed.
      He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that dealeth wisely, shall be safe.
      He that giveth unto the poor, shall not want: but he that turneth his eyes from such as be in necessity, shall suffer great poverty himself.
      When the ungodly are come up, men are faine to hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

 

 

 

Chapter 29

      He that is stiff necked and will not be reformed, shall suddenly be destroyed without any help.
      Where the righteous have the over hand, the people are in prosperity: but where the ungodly beareth rule, there the people mourn.
      Whoso loveth wisdom, maketh his father a glad man: but he that keepeth harlots spendeth away that he hath.
      With true judgment the king setteth up the land, but he be a man that taketh gifts, he turneth it upside down.
      Who so flattereth his neighbor, layeth a net for his feet.
      The sin of the wicked is his own snare, but the righteous shall be glad and rejoice.
      The righteous considereth the cause of the poor, but the ungodly regardeth no understanding.
      Wicked people bring a city in decay, but wise men set it up again.
      If a wise man go to the law with a fool ( whether he deal with him friendly or roughly) he getteth no rest.
      The bloodthirsty hate the righteous, but the just seek his soul.
      A fool poureth out his spirit altogether, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
      If a prince delight in lies, all his servants are ungodly.
      The poor and the lender meet together, the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.
      The fear of the King that faithfully judgeth the poor, shall continue sure for ever more.
      The rod and correction minister wisdom, but if a child be not looked unto, he bringeth his mother to shame.
      When the ungodly come up, wickedness increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
      Nurture thy son with correction, and he shall comfort thee, yee, he shall do the good at thine heart.
      Where no Prophet is, there the people perish: but well is him that keeps the law.
       A servant will not be the better for words, for though he understand, he will not regard them.
       If you see a man that is hasty to speak unadvised, you may trust a fool than of him.
       He that delicately brings up his servant from a child, shall make him his master at the length.
       An angry man stirs up strife, and he that bears evil well in his mind, does much evil.
       After pride comes fall, but a lowly spirit brings great worship.
       Whoso keeps company with a thief, hates his own soul: he hears blasphemes and tells it not forth.
       He that fears men, shall have a fall: but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall come to honor.
       Many there be that seek the Princes favor, but every mans judgement comes from the Lord.
       The righteous abhors the ungodly: but as for those that be in the right way, the wicked hate them.

Chapter 30

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh

      *The prophecy of a true and faithful man, whom God hath helped, whom God had comforted and nourished.
      For though I am least of all, and have no mans understanding ( for I never learned wisdom) yet have I understanding, and am well informed in Godly things. Who hath climbed up into heaven? Who hath come down from thence? Who hath holden the wind fast in his hands? Who hath comprehended the waters in a garment? Who hath set all the ends of the world? What is his name, or what is his sons name? Canest thou tell? All the words of God are pure and clean, for he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Put thou nothing unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
      Two things I require of thee, that thou will not deny me before I die. Remove from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches, only grant me a necessary living. Lest I be so full, I deny thee, and say: What fellow is the Lord? And lest I being constrained through poverty, fall unto stealing, and foreswear the name of my God. Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he speak evil of thee also, and thou be hurt. He that bringeth up an evil report upon the generation of his father and mother, is not worthy to be commended.
      The generation that think themselves clean, shall not be cleansed from their filthiness. There are people that have a proud look, and cast up their eyelids. This peoples teeth are swords, and their chaft bones they consume and devour the simple of the earth, and the poor from among men.
      This generation which is like an horseleach, hath two daughters: the one is called fetch hither, and the other bring hither.
      There are three things that are never satisfied, and the fourth sayeth never hoo. The hell, a womans womb, and the earth hath never water enough. As for fire, it sayeth never, *hoo. Whoso laugheth his father to scorn, and setteth his mothers commandment to naught: the ravens pick out his eyes in the valley, and devoured be he of the young eagles.
      There be three things too high for me, and as for the fourth, it passeth my knowledge. The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent over a stone, the way of a ship in sea, and the way of a man with a young woman. Such is the way of an wife that breaketh wedlock, which wipeth her mouth like as when she hath eaten, and saith. As for me, I have done no harm. Through three things the earth is disquieted, and the fourth may it not bear: Through a servant that beareth rule, through a fool that hath great riches, through an idle housewife, and through an handmaiden that is heir to her mistress.
      There be four things in the earth, the which are very little: but in wisdom they exceed the wise. The *Emmettes are but a weak people, yet gather they their meat in the harvest. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their couches among the rocks. The grasshoppers have not a guide, yet go they forth together by heaps. The spider laboreth with her hands, and that in the Kings palace.
      There be three things that go stiffly, but the going of the fourth is the godliest of all. A Lion which is King of beasts, and giveth place to no man: A cock ready to fight: A ram and a King that goeth forth with his people. If thou be so foolish to imagine thyself, or meddlest with any such thing, then lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Who so churneth milk, maketh butter: he that rubbeth his nose, maketh it bleed: and he that causeth wrath, bringeth forth strife.

 

*The prophecy of a true and faithful man, whom God hath helped, whom God had comforted and nourished. kjv has this line... spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, RN *hoo (whoa, stop ). *Emmettes (ants) cap E.

 

 

 

Chapter 31

The words of King Lemuel,
and the Prophecy that his mother taught him.

      My son, thou son of my body: O' my dear beloved son, give not over thy substance and mind unto women, which are the destruction even of Kings. O' Lamuel. give Kings no wine, give Kings and Princes no strong drink: Lest they being drunk forget the law, and regard not the cause of the poor, and of all such as be in adversity. Be thou an advocate and stand in judgement thyself, to speak for all such as be dumb and socourless. With thy mouth defend the thing that is right, and the cause of the poor and helpless.

Aleph
      Who so findeth an honest faithful woman, she is much more worth then pearls.

Beth
      The heart of her husband may safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoils.

Gimel
      She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Daleth
      She occupieth wool and flax, and laboreth gladly with her hands.

He
      She is like the merchants ship, that bringeth her vitailes from afar.

Vav
      She is up in the night season, to provide meat for her household, and food for her maidens.

Zain
      She considereth land, and buyeth it, with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Heth
      She girdeth her loins with strength, and courageth her arms.

Teth
      And if she perceiveth that her housewifery dooth good, her candle goeth not out by night.

Yod
      She layeth her fingers to the spindle, and her hand taketh hold of the rock.

Caph
      She openeth her hand to the poor, yee she stretcheth forth her hands to such as have need.

Lamed
      She feareth not that the cold of winter shall hurt her house, for all her household folks are double clothed. kjv has: clothed with scarlet.

Mem
      She maketh herself fair ornaments, her clothing is white silk and purple.

Nun
      Her husband is much set by in the gates, when he sitteth among the rulers of the land.

Samech
      She maketh cloth of silk and selleth it, and delivereth a girdle unto the merchant.

Ain
      Strength and honor is her clothing, and in the latter day she shall rejoice.

Phe
      She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of grace.

Zade
      She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not her bread with idleness.

Koph
      Her children arise, and call her blessed: and her husband maketh much of her.

Res
      Many daughters there be that gather riches together, but thou goest above them all.

Sin
      As for favor, it is deceitful, and beauty is vain thing: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she is worthy to be praised.


Thau
      Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 

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


 

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