Bible in 90 Days
7 1 An exhortation to wisdom and to the word of God. 5 Which will preserve us from the harlot, 6 Whose manners are described.
1 My son keep my words, and hide my commandments with thee.
2 Keep my commandments, and thou shalt live, and mine instruction, as the [a]apple of thine eyes.
3 Bind them upon thy fingers, and write them upon the table of thine heart.
4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, and call understanding thy kinswoman,
5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, even from the strange that is smooth in her words.
6 ¶ [b]As I was in the window of mine house, I looked through my window,
7 And I saw among the fools, and considered among the children a young man destitute of understanding,
8 Who passed through the street by her corner, and went toward her house,
9 In the twilight in the evening, when the night began to be [c]black and dark.
10 And behold, there met him a woman with an harlot’s [d]behavior, and [e]subtle in heart.
11 (She [f]is babbling and loud, whose feet cannot abide in her house.
12 Now she is without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner)
13 So she caught him and kissed him, and [g]with an impudent face said unto him,
14 I have [h]peace offerings: this [i]day have I paid my vows.
15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, that I might seek thy face: and I have found thee.
16 I have decked my bed with ornaments, [j]carpets and laces of Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us take our pleasure in dalliance.
19 For mine husband is not at home: he is gone a journey far off.
20 He hath taken [k]with him a bag of silver, and will come home at the day appointed.
21 Thus with her great craft she caused him to yield, and with her flattering lips she enticed him.
22 And he followed her straightway, as an [l]ox that goeth to the slaughter, and [m]as a fool to the stocks for correction,
23 Till a dart strike through his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, not knowing that [n]he is in danger.
24 ¶ Hear me now therefore, O children, and hearken to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways: wander thou not in her paths.
26 For she hath caused many to fall down wounded, and the [o]strong men are all slain by her.
27 Her house is the way (A)unto the grave, which goeth down to the chambers of death.
8 1 Wisdom declareth her excellency, 11 riches, 15 power, 22 eternity. 32 She exhorteth all to love and follow her.
1 Doth (B)not [p]wisdom cry? and understanding utter her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of the high places, by the way in the place of the paths.
3 She crieth besides [q]the gates before the city at the entry of the doors,
4 O men, I call unto you, and utter my voice to the children of men.
5 O ye foolish men, understand wisdom, and ye, O fools, be wise in heart.
6 Give ear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall teach things that be right.
7 For my mouth shall speak the truth, and my lips abhor wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous: there is no lewdness, nor frowardness in them.
9 They are all [r]plain to them that will understand, and straight to them that would find knowledge.
10 Receive mine instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than fine gold.
11 For wisdom is better than precious stones: and all pleasures are not to be compared unto her.
12 I wisdom dwell with [s]prudence, and I find forth knowledge and counsels.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate [t]evil, as pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way: and a mouth that speaketh lewd things I do hate.
14 I have counsel and wisdom: I am understanding, and I have strength.
15 By me [u]kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and the nobles, and all the judges of the earth.
17 I love them that love me: and they that seek me [v]early shall find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me: [w]even durable riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even than fine gold, and my revenues better than fine silver.
20 I cause to walk in the way of righteousness, and in the midst of the paths of [x]judgment,
21 That I may cause them that love me, to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasures.
22 The Lord hath possessed me in the beginning of his way: I was [y]before his works of old.
23 [z]I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, and before the earth.
24 When there were no depths, was I begotten, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled: and before the hills, was I begotten.
26 He had not yet made the earth, nor the open places, nor the height of the dust in the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there, when he set the compass upon the deep:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he confirmed the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave his decree to the sea, that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth.
30 Then was I with him [aa]as a nourisher, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him,
31 And took my [ab]solace in the compass of [ac]his earth: and my delight is with the children of men.
32 Therefore now hearken, O children, unto me: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and be ye 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.
34 For he that findeth me, findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.
35 But he that sinneth against me, hurteth his own soul: and all that hate me, love death.
9 2 Wisdom calleth all to her feast. 7 The scorner will not be corrected. 10 The fear of God. 13 The conditions of the harlot.
1 Wisdom hath built her [ad]house, and hewn out her [ae]seven pillars.
2 She hath killed her victuals, drawn her wine, and [af]prepared her table.
3 She hath sent forth her [ag]maidens, and crieth upon the highest places of the city, saying,
4 Who so is [ah]simple, let him come hither, and to him that is destitute of wisdom, she saith,
5 Come, and eat of my [ai]meat, and drink of the wine that I have drawn.
6 Forsake your way, ye foolish, and ye shall live: and walk in the way of understanding.
7 He that reproveth a scorner, purchaseth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh the wicked, getteth himself a [aj]blot.
8 Rebuke not a [ak]scorner, lest he hate thee: but rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give admonition to the wise, and he will be the wiser: teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of holy things, is [al]understanding.
11 For thy days shall be multiplied by me, and the years of thy life shall be augmented.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for [am]thyself, and if thou be a scorner, thou alone shalt suffer.
13 ¶ A [an]foolish woman is troublesome; she is ignorant and knoweth nothing.
14 But she sitteth at the door of her house on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call them that pass by the way, that go right on their way, saying,
16 Who so is simple let him come hither, and to him that is destitute of wisdom, she saith also,
17 Stolen waters are sweet, and hid bread is pleasant.
18 But he knoweth not, that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depth of hell.
10 In this Chapter, and all that follow, unto the thirtieth, the wise man exhorteth by divers sentences, which he calleth Parables, to follow virtue, and flee vice: and also showeth what profit cometh of wisdom, and what hindrance proceedeth of foolishness.
THE PARABLE OF SOLOMON.
1 A wise (C)son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is an heaviness to his mother.
2 The treasures of [ao]wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3 The Lord will [ap]not famish the soul of the righteous: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
4 A [aq]slothful hand maketh poor: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5 He that gathereth in summer, is the son of wisdom: but he that sleepeth in harvest, is the son of confusion.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the righteous: but iniquity shall cover the mouth of [ar]the wicked.
7 The memorial of the just shall be blessed: but the name of the wicked shall [as]rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but the foolish in [at]talk shall be beaten.
9 He that walketh uprightly, walketh [au]boldly: but he that perverteth his ways, shall be known.
10 He that [av]winketh with the eye, worketh sorrow, and he that is [aw]foolish in talk, shall be beaten.
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a wellspring of life: but iniquity covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up contentions: (D)but love covereth all trespasses.
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding, wisdom is found, and [ax]a rod shall be for the back of him that is destitute of wisdom.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the fool is a present destruction.
15 The rich man’s goods are his [ay]strong city: but the fear of the needy is their poverty.
16 The labor of the righteous tendeth to life: but the revenues of the wicked to sin.
17 He that regardeth instruction is in the way of life: but he that refuseth correction, goeth out of the way.
18 He that dissembleth hatred with lying lips, and he that inventeth slander, is a fool.
19 In many words there cannot want iniquity: but he that refraineth his lips, is wise:
20 The tongue of the just man is as fined silver: but the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous do [az]feed many: but fools shall die for want of wisdom.
22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he doth add [ba]no sorrows with it.
23 It is a pastime to a fool to do wickedly: but wisdom is understanding to a man.
24 That which the wicked feareth, shall come upon him: but God will grant the desire of the righteous.
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is as an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar is to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the slothful to them that [bb]send him.
27 The fear of the Lord increaseth the days: but the years of the wicked [bc]shall be diminished.
28 The patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladness: but the hope of the wicked shall perish.
29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright man: but fear shall be for the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous shall [bd]never be removed: but the wicked shall not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the just shall be fruitful in wisdom: but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things.
11 1 False [be]balances are an abomination unto the Lord: but a perfect [bf]weight pleaseth him.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh [bg]shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The uprightness of the just shall guide them: but the frowardness of the transgressors shall destroy them.
4 (E)Riches avail not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the upright shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall in his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the just shall deliver them: but the transgressors shall be taken in their own wickedness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his hope perisheth, and the hope of the unjust shall perish.
8 The righteous escapeth out of trouble, and the wicked shall come in his [bh]stead.
9 An [bi]hypocrite with his mouth hurteth his neighbor: but the righteous shall be delivered by knowledge.
10 In the prosperity of the righteous the city [bj]rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is joy.
11 By the [bk]blessing of the righteous the city is exalted: but it is subverted by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that despiseth his neighbor, is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding will [bl]keep silence.
13 He that goeth about as a slanderer, discovereth a secret: but he that is of a faithful heart, concealeth a matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but where many [bm]counselors are, there is health.
15 He shall be sore vexed, that is surety for a [bn]stranger, and he that hateth suretiship, is sure.
16 A [bo]gracious woman attaineth honor, and the strong men attain riches.
17 He that is merciful, [bp]rewardeth his own soul: but he that troubleth his own [bq]flesh, is cruel.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but he that soweth righteousness, shall receive a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leadeth to life: so he that followeth evil, seeketh his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart, are abomination to the Lord: but they that are upright in their way, are his delight.
21 [br]Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall escape.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout: so is a fair woman which [bs]lacketh discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the hope of the wicked [bt]is indignation.
24 There is that scattereth, [bu]and is more increased: but he that spareth more [bv]than is right, surely cometh to poverty.
25 The [bw]liberal person shall have plenty: and he that watereth, shall also have rain.
26 He that withdraweth the corn, the people will curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that [bx]selleth corn.
27 He that seeketh good things getteth favor: but he that seeketh evil, it shall come to him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own [by]house, shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be [bz]servant to the wise in heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is as a tree of life, and he that [ca]winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be [cb]recompensed in the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner?
12 1 He that loveth instruction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth correction, is a fool.
2 A good man getteth favor of the Lord: but the man of wicked imaginations will he condemn.
3 A man cannot be established by wickedness: but the [cc]root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A [cd]virtuous woman is the crown of her husband: but she that maketh him ashamed, is as corruption in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the just are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The talking of the wicked is to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the righteous will [ce]deliver them.
7 God overthroweth the wicked, and they are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended for his wisdom: but the froward of heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, [cf]and is his own servant, is better than he that boasteth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man [cg]regardeth the life of his beast: but the mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 (F)He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth the idle, is destitute of [ch]understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the [ci]net of evils: but the [cj]root of the righteous giveth fruit.
13 The evil man is snared by the wickedness of his lips, but the just shall come out of adversity.
14 A man shall be satiate with good things by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands shall God give unto him.
15 The way of a fool is [ck]right in his own eyes: but he that heareth in counsel, is wise.
16 A fool in a day shall be known by his anger: but he [cl]that covereth shame, is wise.
17 He that speaketh truth, will show righteousness: but a false witness useth deceit.
18 (G)There is that speaketh words like the prickings of [cm]a sword: but the tongue of wise men is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be stable forever: but a lying tongue varieth incontinently.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace shall be joy.
21 There shall none iniquity come to the just: but the wicked are full of evil.
22 The lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A wise man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of the fools publisheth foolishness.
24 (H)The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the idle shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man doth bring it down: but a [cn]good word rejoice it.
26 The righteous [co]is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked will deceive them.
27 The deceitful man roasteth not that he [cp]took in hunting: but the riches of the diligent man are precious.
28 Life is in the way of righteousness, and in that pathway there is no death.
13 1 A wise son will obey the instruction of his father: but a scorner will hear no rebuke.
2 A man shall eat good things by the fruit [cq]of his mouth: but the soul of the trespasser shall suffer violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but he that openeth his lips, destruction shall be to him.
4 The sluggard [cr]lusteth, but his soul hath nought: but the soul of the diligent shall have plenty.
5 A righteous man hateth lying words: but the wicked causeth slander and shame.
6 Righteousness preserveth the upright of [cs]life: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 There is that maketh himself rich, and hath nothing, and that maketh himself poor, having great riches.
8 A man will give his riches for the ransom of his life: but the poor [ct]cannot hear the reproach.
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride [cu]doth man make contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.
11 The [cv]riches of vanity shall diminish: but he that gathereth with [cw]the hand, shall increase them.
12 The hope that is deferred, is the fainting of the heart, but when the desire cometh, it is as a tree of life.
13 He that despiseth [cx]the word, he shall be destroyed, but he that feareth the commandment, he shall be rewarded.
14 The instruction of a wise man is as the wellspring of life, to turn away from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding maketh acceptable: but the way of the disobedient is hated.
16 Every wise man will work by knowledge: but a fool will spread abroad folly.
17 (I)A wicked messenger falleth [cy]into evil: but a faithful ambassador is preservation.
18 Poverty and shame is to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth correction, shall be honored.
19 A desire accomplished, delighteth the soul: but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with the wise shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be [cz]afflicted.
21 Affliction followeth sinners: but unto the righteous, God will recompense good.
22 The good man shall give inheritance unto his children’s children: and the [da]riches of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the field of the [db]poor, but the field is destroyed without discretion.
24 (J)He that spareth his rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betime.
25 The righteous eateth to the contentation of his mind: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
14 1 A wise woman [dc]buildeth her house: but the foolish destroyeth it with her own hands.
2 (K)He that walketh in his [dd]righteousness, feareth the Lord: but he that is lewd in his ways, despiseth him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is the [de]rod of pride: but the lips of the wise preserve them.
4 Where none [df]oxen are, there the crib is empty: but much increase cometh by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false record will speak lies.
6 [dg]A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy to him that will understand.
7 Depart from the foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the foolishness of the fools is deceit.
9 The fool maketh a mock of [dh]sin: but among the righteous there is favor.
10 The heart knoweth the [di]bitterness of his soul, and the stranger shall not meddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be destroyed: but the tabernacle of the righteous shall flourish.
12 (L)There is a way that seemeth right to a man: but the issues thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughing the heart is sorrowful, [dj]and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14 The heart that declineth, [dk]shall be satiated with his own ways: but a good man shall depart from him.
15 The foolish will believe everything: but the prudent will consider his steps.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil, but a fool rageth, and is careless.
17 He that is hasty to anger, commiteth folly, and a [dl]busybody is hated.
18 The foolish do inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil shall bow before the good, and the wicked [dm]at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the friends of the rich are many.
21 The sinner despiseth his neighbor: but he that hath mercy on the poor, is blessed.
22 Do not they err that imagine evil? but to them that think on good things, shall be mercy and truth.
23 In all labor there is abundance: but the talk of the lips bringeth only want.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, and the folly of fools is foolishness.
25 A faithful witness delivereth souls: but a deceiver speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the Lord is an assured strength, and his children shall have hope.
27 The fear of the Lord is as a wellspring of life, to avoid the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of the [dn]people is the honor of a King, and for the want of people cometh the destruction of the Prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath, is of great wisdom: but he that is of an hasty mind, exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the [do]flesh: but envy is the rotting of the bones.
31 (M)He that oppresseth the poor, reproveth him that made him: but he honoreth him, that hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked shall be cast away for his malice: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding, and is known [dp]in the midst of fools.
34 Justice exalteth a nation, [dq]but sin is a shame to the people.
35 The pleasure of a King is in a wise servant: but his wrath shall be toward him that is lewd.
15 1 (N)A soft answer putteth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools (O)babbleth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is as a tree of life: but the frowardness thereof is the breaking of the mind.
5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction, but he that regardeth correction, is prudent.
6 The house of the righteous hath much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is [dr]trouble.
7 The lips of the wise do spread abroad knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so.
8 The [ds]sacrifice of the wicked is abomination unto the Lord: but the prayer of the righteous is acceptable unto him.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth righteousness.
10 Instruction is evil to him that [dt]forsaketh the way, and he that hateth correction, shall die.
11 [du]Hell and destruction are before the Lord, how much more the hearts of the sons of men?
12 A scorner loveth not him that rebuketh him, neither will he go unto the wise.
13 (P)A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by the sorrow of the heart the mind is heavy.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding, seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of the fool is fed with foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a good [dv]conscience is a continual feast.
16 (Q)Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of green herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 (R)An angry man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to wrath, appeaseth strife.
19 The way of a slothful man is as an hedge of [dw]thorns: but the way of the righteous is plain.
20 (S)A wise son rejoiceth the father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Foolishness is joy to him that is destitute of understanding: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel, thoughts come to nought: but [dx]in the multitude of counselors there is steadfastness.
23 A joy cometh to a man by the answer of his mouth: and how good is a word [dy]in due season?
24 The way of life is on high to the prudent, to avoid from hell beneath.
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud men: but he will stablish the borders of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are abomination to the Lord: but the pure have [dz]pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain, troubleth his own house: but he that beareth gifts, shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the wicked man’s mouth babbleth evil things.
29 The Lord is far off from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, and a good name maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that hearkeneth to the [ea]correction of life, shall lodge among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction, despiseth his own soul: but he that obeyeth correction, getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor goeth [eb]humility.
16 1 The [ec]preparations of the heart are in man: but the answer of the tongue is of the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are [ed]clean in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the spirits.
3 [ee]Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be directed.
4 The Lord hath made all things for his own sake: yea, even the wicked for the day of [ef]evil.
5 All that are proud in heart, are an abomination to the Lord: though (T)hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By [eg]mercy and truth iniquity shall be forgiven, and by the fear of the Lord they depart from evil.
7 When the ways of a man please the Lord, he will make also his enemies at peace with him.
8 (U)Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without equity.
9 The heart of [eh]man purposeth his way: but the Lord doth direct his steps.
10 A divine sentence shall be in the lips of the king: his mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
11 (V)A true weight and balance are of the Lord: and the weights of the bag are his [ei]work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is stablished [ej]by justice.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and the king loveth him that speaketh right things.
14 The wrath of a king is as [ek]messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life: and his favor is [el]as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 (W)How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding, is more to be desired than silver.
17 The path of the righteous is to decline from evil, and he keepeth his soul that keepeth his way.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an high mind before the fall.
19 Better it is to be of humble mind with the lowly, than to divide the spoils with the proud.
20 He that is wise in his business, shall find good: and (X)he that trusteth in the Lord, he is blessed.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent and [em]the sweetness of the lips shall increase doctrine.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto them that have it: and the [en]instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise guideth his mouth wisely, and addeth doctrine to his lips.
24 Fair words are as an honey comb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 (Y)There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the issue thereof are the ways of death.
26 The person that travaileth, travaileth for himself: for his mouth [eo]craveth it of him.
27 A wicked man diggeth up evil, and in his lips is like [ep]burning fire.
28 A froward person soweth strife: and a taleteller maketh division among princes.
29 A wicked man deceiveth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 [eq]He shutteth his eyes to devise wickedness: he moveth his lips, and bringeth evil to pass.
31 Age is a crown of glory, when it is found in the way of [er]righteousness.
32 He that is slow unto anger, is better than the mighty man: and he that ruleth his own mind, is better than he that winneth a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposition thereof is [es]of the Lord.
17 1 Better is a dry morsel, if peace be with it, than an house full of [et]sacrifices with strife.
2 A discrete servant shall have rule over a lewd son, and he shall divide the [eu]heritage among the brethren.
3 As is the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so the Lord trieth the hearts.
4 The wicked giveth heed to false lips, and a liar hearkeneth to the naughty tongue.
5 (Z)He that mocketh the poor, reproacheth him that made him: and he that rejoiceth at destruction, shall not be unpunished.
6 Children’s children are the crown of the elders: and the glory of the children are their fathers.
7 [ev]High talk becometh not a fool, much less a lying talk a prince.
8 A reward is as a stone pleasant in the eyes of them that have it: it prospereth, whithersoever it [ew]turneth.
9 He that covereth a transgression, seeketh love: but he that repeateth a matter, separateth the [ex]prince.
10 A reproof entereth more into him that hath understanding, than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 A seditious person seeketh only evil, and a cruel [ey]messenger shall be sent against him.
12 It is better for a man to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than [ez]a fool in his folly.
13 (AA)He that rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters: therefore, or the contention be meddled with, leave off.
15 (AB)He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
16 Wherefore is there a [fa]price in the hand of the fool to get wisdom, and he hath none heart?
17 A friend loveth at all times; and a [fb]brother is born for adversity.
18 A man destitute of understanding, [fc]toucheth the hand, and becometh surety for his neighbor.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his [fd]gate, seeketh destruction.
20 The froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a naughty tongue, shall fall into evil.
21 He that begetteth a fool, getteth himself sorrow, and the father of a fool can have no joy.
22 (AC)A joyful heart causeth good health: but a sorrowful mind drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the [fe]bosom to wrest the ways of judgment.
24 (AD)Wisdom is in the face of him that hath understanding: but the eyes of a fool are in the [ff]corners of the world.
25 A foolish son is a grief unto his father, and a (AE)heaviness to her that bare him.
26 Surely it is not good to condemn the just, nor that the princes should smite such [fg]for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge, spareth his words, and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, (when he holdeth his peace) is counted wise, and he that stoppeth his lips, prudent.
18 1 For the desire thereof he will [fh]separate himself to seek it, and occupy himself in all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding: but that his heart may be [fi]discovered.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh [fj]contempt, and with the vile man reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep [fk]waters, and the wellspring of wisdom is like a flowing river.
5 It is not good to [fl]accept the person of the wicked, to cause the righteous to fall in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 A fool’s mouth is his own destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as flatterings, and they go down into the [fm]bowels of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work, is even the brother of him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth [fn]unto it, and is exalted.
11 (AF)The rich man’s riches are his strong city: and as an high wall in his imagination.
12 (AG)Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before glory goeth lowliness.
13 He that answereth a matter before he hear it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity: but [fo]a wounded spirit, who can bear it?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh learning.
16 A man’s gift [fp]enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
17 [fq]He that is first in his own cause, is just: then cometh his neighbor and maketh inquiry of him.
18 The lot [fr]causeth contentions to cease, and [fs]maketh a partition among the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and their contentions are like the [ft]bar of a palace.
20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that [fu]love it, shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 He that findeth a [fv]wife, findeth a good thing, and receiveth favor of the Lord.
23 The poor speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to show himself friendly: for a friend is nearer [fw]than a brother.
19 1 Better (AH)is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that abuseth his lips, and is a fool.
2 For without knowledge the mind is not good, and he that hasteth with his feet, sinneth.
3 The foolishness of a man perverteth his way, and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
4 Riches gather many friends: but the poor is separated from his neighbor.
5 (AI)A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that speaketh lies, shall not escape.
6 Many reverence the face of the prince, and every man is friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more will his friends depart far from him? though he be instant [fx]with words, yet they will not.
8 He that possesseth understanding, [fy]loveth his own soul, and keepeth wisdom to find goodness.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that speaketh lies, shall perish.
10 [fz]Pleasure is not comely for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of man deferreth his anger: and his glory is [ga]to pass by an offence.
12 (AJ)The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion: but his favor is like the dew upon the grass.
13 (AK)A foolish son is the calamity of his father, (AL)and the contentions of a wife are like a continual [gb]dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of the fathers: but a (AM)prudent wife cometh of the Lord.
15 Slothfulness causeth to fall asleep, and a deceitful person shall be affamished.
16 He that keepeth the commandment, keepeth his own soul: but he that despiseth his ways, shall die.
17 He that hath mercy upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord: and the Lord will recompense him that which he hath given.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his murmuring.
19 A man of much anger shall suffer punishment, and though thou [gc]deliver him, yet will his anger come again.
20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 Many devices are in a [gd]man’s heart: but the counsel of the Lord shall stand.
22 That that is to be desired of a man, is his [ge]goodness, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leadeth to life: and he that is filled therewith, shall continue, and shall not be visited with evil.
24 (AN)The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not put it to his mouth again.
25 (AO)Smite a scorner, and the [gf]foolish will beware: and reprove the prudent, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that destroyeth his father, or chaseth away his mother, is a lewd and shameful child.
27 My son, hear no more the instruction, that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 A wicked witness mocketh at judgment, and the mouth of the wicked [gg]swalloweth up iniquity.
29 But judgments are prepared for the scorners, and stripes for the back of the fools.
20 1 Wine [gh]is a mocker, and strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not wise.
2 (AP)The fear of the King is like the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him unto anger [gi]sinneth against his own soul.
3 It is a man’s honor to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
4 The slothful will not plow, because of winter: therefore shall he beg in summer, but have nothing.
5 The counsel in the heart of [gj]man is like deep waters: but a man that hath understanding, will draw it out.
6 Many men will boast every one of his own goodness: but who can find a faithful man?
7 He that walketh in his integrity, is just, and blessed shall his children be after him.
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment, [gk]chaseth away all evil with his eyes.
9 (AQ)Who can say, I have made mine heart clean, I am clean from my sin?
10 Divers [gl]weights, and divers measures, both [gm]these are even abomination unto the Lord.
11 A child also is known by his doings, whether his word be pure and right.
12 The Lord hath made both these, even the ear to hear, and the eye to see.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come unto poverty: open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone apart, he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of precious stones: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 (AR)Take his [gn]garment, that is surety for a stranger, and a pledge of him for the stranger.
17 The bread of deceit is sweet to a man: but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
18 Establish thy thoughts by counsel; and by counsel make war.
19 He that goeth about as a slanderer, discovereth (AS)secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
20 (AT)He that curseth his father or his mother, his light shall be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An heritage is hastily gotten at the beginning, but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.