The excellencies of wisdom. PROVERBS.—CHAP. IX., X, h Ps. 12.6. i Mi.2.7. 1 c.23.23. k c.3.14,15. 16.16. Ph.3.8,9. m or, subtlety. n Ps. 97.10. c. 16.6. 9 They are all plain to him that understand-1 eth, and right to them that find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not too be compared to it. 12 I wisdom dwell with m prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have ° strength. P Ro. 12.9 1 Th.5.22. IT.219 p Da. 2. 21. q 1 Sa. 2.30. Jn. 14.21. r Is.45.19. » Mat.6.33. tor, walk. u Jn.1.1, &c. v Ps.2.6. w I8.53.8. 15 By me kings reign, and princes decreex or, open justice. places. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even ally or, chief. the judges of the earth. 17 I love them that love me; and those r that seek me early shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. 22 The "LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. V 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. W 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth : z He.1.2. a or, circle. b Job 38.10, 11. Je. 5.22. Mat.3.17. Col.1.13. d Mat.7.24. Lu.11.28 e bring forth. a Ep. 2.20.. 22 b Mat. 22.3, &c. killing. d Ro.10.15. e Jn.c.27. f Mat.7.6. g Ho. 6.3. Its discipline and doctrine. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. CHAPTER IX. 1 The discipline, 4 and doctrine of wisdom. 13 The custom, 16 and error of folly. WISDOM hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She' hath killed her © beasts ; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, e 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. h 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 To call passengers who go right on their ways: 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten Mat. 13.12 in secret is pleasant. h Job 28.23. Ps. 111.10. c.1.7. 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the i c.10.27. dust of the world. a 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 29 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. J Job 35.6,7. Eze.18.20. k c.7.11. 1 of secre- m c.2.18. b Lu. 12.19.. 21. e Da. 4.27. Ph.3.9. d Ps.37.25. 18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. CHAPTER X. From this chapter to the five and twentieth are sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices. THE proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the e substance of the wicked. 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent mae or, wicked keth rich. Of sundry moral virtues, PROVERBS.-CHAP. XI., XII. W 17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof I erreth. 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. n c.6.13. o or be beat en. p P.37.30. 4.7. 1 Pe.4.8. t Mat. 12.35. 13.52. u Ps. 52.7. v 2 Pe. 1.5.. w c.1.25,30. and their contrary vices. 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9 A hypocrite with his mouth aestroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdy Ec.5.2,3 eth his peace. Ja.3.2. z heart. a Ge.24.35. 23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but 31. 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wick-c.13.6. ed no more but the righteous is an everlast-f .7.19. ing foundation. с Zep.1.18. i Es.8.15. 28 The hope of the righteous shall be glad- | 1 he that 29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but "the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. V 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that a winneth souls is wise. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. ledge: but he that hateth reproof is bru 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4 Ab virtuous woman is a crown to her hus Of sundry moral virtues, PROVERBS.-CHAP. XIII., XIV. and their contrary vices. c Mat.7.24 5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. d perverse e or bowels. ment. e P119.163 1 c.20.21. m with the 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath h nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth 'gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth m by labour " shall increase. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be ' destroyed. 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that ima- Job 18.5,6. gine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.kor,candle. 21 There P shall no evil happen to the just: 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but they that deal truly are his delight. but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 23 Aprudent man concealeth knowledge: 25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. p Ps 115.13 his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall 8 n Pa. 128.2. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it c.14.27. stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. 27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. spreadeth u an am- v c.15.5. w ver. 12. 28 In the way of righteousness is life; and x 1Co.15.33. in the pathway thereof there is no death. y broken. z Ps.32.10. a Ec.2.26. b c.19.18. c 2 Th.3.10. b Ps. 25.21. Ro.2.4. de8.9. e. 10.23. EVE a CHAPTER XIV. VERY wise woman buildeth her house : but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. b 2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to under stand his way: but the folly of fools is decei'. 9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Of sundry moral virtues, PROVERBS.-CHAP. XV. 10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; the bitter and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. g ness of his soul. Job 8.15. Mat. 7.26, 27. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the uprighth Ro.6.21. shall flourish. i Ec.2.2 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; 1 c.16.6. and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. m Ja.1.19. n Ps.49.14. Mal.4.3. o c.19.7. and their contrary vices. 5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that for 15 The simple believeth every word: but the the lovers saketh the way: and he that hateth reproof prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly : and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil" bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. of the rich. 23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk Job 34.21. of the lips tendeth only to penury. Je 32. 19. He. 4.13. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the healthe foolishness of fools is folly. ing of the tongue. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16 Better P is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19 The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studieth toanswer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. с 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his for,obeyeth own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. g possess eth a heart. c.17.16. h Ja.4.10. Of sundry noral virtues, THE CHAPTER XVI. PROVERBS.-CHAP. XVI., XVII. a or, dis. Je.10.23. HE preparations of the heart in man, b.20.24. and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. h 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. © Mat.10. d roll. e Ro.9.22 f c.8.13. nocent. h P.85.10. | | c.14.2. J Ro.8.31. c.19.21. 1 divination 7 When a man's ways please the LORD, hem maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Ge.44.15. stones. o c.29.14. p 8.11,19. 9 c.10.9. r Es.6.6,&c. standeth and their contrary vices 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. ETTER is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. 3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a lier giveth ear to a naughty tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fa 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the or under thers. king his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of| death: but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. t maketh u Ps 19.10. v c.12.26. w The soul x boweth y A man of z sendeth 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding rather a Jo.1.7. to be chosen than silver? 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. a or, good cheer. b Je. 17.10. d Job 31.29. e held in- Ps. 127.5. excellency. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: stone of and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are as a "honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a m bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso "rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. 15 Hep that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A merry heart doeth good " like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. 24 Wisdom w is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the The fro ends of the earth. ward of heart. a or, to. c.18.14. E2.14. x Ja.1.19. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. 26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words |