Chapter X: Part 10

25:17 The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.

25:18 Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.

25:19 All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.

25:20 As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.

25:21 Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.

25:22 A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach.

25:23 A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.

25:24 Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.

25:25 Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.

25:26 If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.

26:1 Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.

26:2 A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.

26:3 A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.

26:4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.

26:5 There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.

26:6 But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.

26:7 An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.

26:8 A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.

26:9 The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.

26:10 If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.

26:11 Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.

26:12 She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.

26:13 The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.

26:14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.

26:15 A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.

26:16 As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.

26:17 As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.

26:18 As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.

26:19 My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy strength to strangers.

26:20 When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.

26:21 So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.

26:22 An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.

26:23 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.

26:24 A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.

26:25 A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.

26:26 A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.

26:27 A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.

26:28 There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.

26:29 A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.

27:1 Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away.

27:2 As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.

27:3 Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.

27:4 As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so the filth of man in his talk.

27:5 The furnace proveth the potter’s vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.

27:6 The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.

27:7 Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.

27:8 If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.

27:9 The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her.

27:10 As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity.

27:11 The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon.

27:12 If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding.

27:13 The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.

27:14 The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.

27:15 The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.

27:16 Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.

27:17 Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.

27:18 For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbor.

27:19 As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again

27:20 Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.

27:21 As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.

27:22 He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.

27:23 When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.

27:24 I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.

27:25 Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.

27:26 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.

27:27 He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh.

27:28 Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.

27:29 They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.

27:30 Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.

28:1 He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]

28:2 Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.

28:3 One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?

28:4 He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins?

28:5 If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?

28:6 Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.

28:7 Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.

28:8 Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife,

28:9 A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.

28:10 As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man’s strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.

28:11 An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.

28:12 If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.

28:13 Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.

28:14 A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.

28:15 A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.

28:16 Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.

28:17 The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.

28:18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.

28:19 Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.

28:20 For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.

28:21 The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.

28:22 It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.

28:23 Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.

28:24 Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold,

28:25 And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth.

28:26 Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.

29:1 He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.

29:2 Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.

29:3 Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.

29:4 Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.

29:5 Till he hath received, he will kiss a man’s hand; and for his neighbour’s money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.

29:6 If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.

29:7 Many therefore have refused to lend for other men’s ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.

29:8 Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.

29:9 Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.

29:10 Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.

29:11 Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.

29:12 Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.

29:13 It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.

29:14 An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.

29:15 Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.

29:16 A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:

29:17 And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] that delivered him.

29:18 Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.

29:19 A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men’s business for gain shall fall into suits.

29:20 Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.

29:21 The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.

29:22 Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man’s house.

29:23 Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.

29:24 For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.

29:25 Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words:

29:26 Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.

29:27 Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.

29:28 These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.

30:1 He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.

30:2 He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.

30:3 He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.

30:4 Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.

30:5 While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.

30:6 He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.

30:7 He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.

30:8 An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.

30:9 Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.

30:10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.

30:11 Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

30:12 Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.

30:13 Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.

30:14 Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.

30:15 Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.

30:16 There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.

30:17 Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.

30:18 Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.

30:19 What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.

30:20 He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.

30:21 Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.

30:22 The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.

30:23 Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.

30:24 Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.

30:25 A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.

31:1 Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep.

31:2 Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep,

31:3 The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.

31:4 The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth off, he is still needy.

31:5 He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.

31:6 Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.

31:7 It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.

31:8 Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.

31:9 Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.

31:10 Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?

31:11 His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.

31:12 If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on it.

31:13 Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.

31:14 Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.

31:15 Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.

31:16 Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour not, lest thou be hated.

31:17 Leave off first for manners’ sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.

31:18 When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.

31:19 A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.

31:20 Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.

31:21 And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.

31:22 My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.

31:23 Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.

31:24 But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.

31:25 Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.

31:26 The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkeness.

31:27 Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.

31:28 Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:

31:29 But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.

31:30 Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.

31:31 Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him [to drink.]

32:1 If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.

32:2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.

32:3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.

32:4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.

32:5 A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.

32:6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.

32:7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.

32:8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

32:9 If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.

32:10 Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.

32:11 Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.

32:12 There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.

32:13 And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.

32:14 Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour.

32:15 He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.

32:16 They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.

32:17 A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.

32:18 A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.

32:19 Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.

32:20 Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.

32:21 Be not confident in a plain way.

32:22 And beware of thine own children.

32:23 In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.

32:24 He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.

33:1 There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but in temptation even again he will deliver him.

33:2 A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm.

33:3 A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is faithful unto him, as an oracle.

33:4 Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up instruction, and then make answer.

33:5 The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his thoughts are like a rolling axletree.

33:6 A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him.

33:7 Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun?

33:8 By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he altered seasons and feasts.

33:9 Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of them hath he made ordinary days.

33:10 And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of earth:

33:11 In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their ways diverse.

33:12 Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.

33:13 As the clay is in the potter’s hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render to them as liketh him best.

33:14 Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.

33:15 So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are two and two, one against another.

33:16 I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.

33:17 Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.

33:18 Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.

33:19 Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.

33:20 As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.

33:21 For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.

33:22 In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.

33:23 At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.

33:24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.

33:25 If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.

33:26 A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.

33:27 Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.

33:28 Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.

33:29 But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.

33:30 If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.

33:31 If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?

34:1 The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.

34:2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.

34:3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.

34:4 Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?

34:5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman’s heart in travail.

34:6 If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.

34:7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.

34:8 The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.

34:9 A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom.

34:10 He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.

34:11 When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.

34:12 I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.

34:13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them.

34:14 Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.

34:15 Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?

34:16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling.

34:17 He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.

34:18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.

34:19 The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.

34:20 Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father’s eyes.

34:21 The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.

34:22 He that taketh away his neighbour’s living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.

34:23 When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?

34:24 When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?

34:25 He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?

34:26 So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?

35:1 He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.

35:2 He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.

35:3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.

35:4 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.

35:5 For all these things [are to be done] because of the commandment.

35:6 The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.

35:7 The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.

35:8 Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.

35:9 In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.

35:10 Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.

35:11 For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much.

35:12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.

35:13 He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.

35:14 He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.

35:15 Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?

35:16 He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.

35:17 The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgment.

35:18 For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;

35:19 Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.

35:20 Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.

36:1 Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:

36:2 And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee.

36:3 Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.

36:4 As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us.

36:5 And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.

36:6 Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works.

36:7 Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy.

36:8 Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works.

36:9 Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people.

36:10 Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we.

36:11 Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as from the beginning.

36:12 O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.

36:13 O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest.

36:14 Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with thy glory:

36:15 Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.

36:16 Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found faithful.

36:17 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God.

36:18 The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than another.

36:19 As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an heart of understanding false speeches.

36:20 A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience will recompense him.

36:21 A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better than another.

36:22 The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man loveth nothing better.

36:23 If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue, then is not her husband like other men.

36:24 He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like unto himself, and a pillar of rest.

36:25 Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning.

36:26 Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from city to city? so [who will believe] a man that hath no house, and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?

37:1 Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.

37:2 Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?

37:3 O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?

37:4 There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.

37:5 There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.

37:6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.

37:7 Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth for himself.

37:8 Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath; for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,

37:9 And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall befall thee.

37:10 Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.

37:11 Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.

37:12 But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.

37:13 And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it.

37:14 For a man’s mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.

37:15 And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way in truth.

37:16 Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before every action.

37:17 The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.

37:18 Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually.

37:19 There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself.

37:20 There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he shall be destitute of all food.

37:21 For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is deprived of all wisdom.

37:22 Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth.

37:23 A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his understanding fail not.

37:24 A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shall count him happy.

37:25 The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel are innumerable.

37:26 A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.

37:27 My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it.

37:28 For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing.

37:29 Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats:

37:30 For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler.

37:31 By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life.

38:1 Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.

38:2 For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the king.

38:3 The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.

38:4 The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.

38:5 Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?

38:6 And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works.

38:7 With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.

38:8 Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,

38:9 My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole.

38:10 Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness.

38:11 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being.

38:12 Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.

38:13 There is a time when in their hands there is good success.

38:14 For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.

38:15 He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.

38:16 My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.

38:17 Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.

38:18 For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength.

38:19 In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart.

38:20 Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the last end.

38:21 Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt thyself.

38:22 Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday for me, and to day for thee.

38:23 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.

38:24 The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise.

38:25 How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?

38:26 He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give the kine fodder.

38:27 So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work:

38:28 The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:

38:29 So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and maketh all his work by number;

38:30 He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:

38:31 All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his work.

38:32 Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go up and down:

38:33 They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges’ seat, nor understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.

38:34 But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all] their desire is in the work of their craft.

39:1 But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.

39:2 He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where subtil parables are, he will be there also.

39:3 He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark parables.

39:4 He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.

39:5 He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.

39:6 When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.

39:7 He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.

39:8 He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.

39:9 Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation.

39:10 Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise.

39:11 If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase it.

39:12 Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am filled as the moon at the full.

39:13 Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field:

39:14 And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.

39:15 Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say after this manner:

39:16 All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.

39:17 And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.

39:18 At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none can hinder, when he will save.

39:19 The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid from his eyes.

39:20 He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderful before him.

39:21 A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for he hath made all things for their uses.

39:22 His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.

39:23 As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherit his wrath.

39:24 As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they stumblingblocks unto the wicked.

39:25 For the good are good things created from the beginning: so evil things for sinners.

39:26 The principal things for the whole use of man’s life are water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.

39:27 All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they are turned into evil.

39:28 There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.

39:29 Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance;

39:30 Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword punishing the wicked to destruction.

39:31 They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come, they shall not transgress his word.

39:32 Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them in writing.

39:33 All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every needful thing in due season.

39:34 So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shall all be well approved.

39:35 And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.

40:1 Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother’s womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.

40:2 Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;

40:3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;

40:4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.

40:5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.

40:6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.

40:7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.

40:8 [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.

40:9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;

40:10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.

40:11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.

40:12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.

40:13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.

40:14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.

40:15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.

40:16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.

40:17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.

40:18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.

40:19 Children and the building of a city continue a man’s name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.

40:20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.

40:21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.

40:22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.

40:23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.

40:24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.

40:25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.

40:26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.

40:27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.

40:28 My son, lead not a beggar’s life; for better it is to die than to beg.

40:29 The life of him that dependeth on another man’s table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men’s meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.