Chapter VIII: Part 8

14:28 For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.

14:29 For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life; though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.

14:30 Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols, and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.

14:31 For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is the just vengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence of the ungodly.

15:1 But thou, O God, art gracious and true, longsuffering, and in mercy ordering all things,

15:2 For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.

15:3 For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy power is the root of immortality.

15:4 For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter’s fruitless labour;

15:5 The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so they desire the form of a dead image, that hath no breath.

15:6 Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to have such things to trust upon.

15:7 For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with much labour for our service: yea, of the same clay he maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.

15:8 And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same, out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.

15:9 Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit things.

15:10 His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:

15:11 Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.

15:12 But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.

15:13 For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.

15:14 And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very babes.

15:15 For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as for their feet, they are slow to go.

15:16 For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can make a god like unto himself.

15:17 For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than the things which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once, but they never.

15:18 Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for being compared together, some are worse than others.

15:19 Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and his blessing.

16:1 Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the multitude of beasts tormented.

16:2 Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:

16:3 To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.

16:4 For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.

16:5 For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath endured not for ever:

16:6 But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.

16:7 For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.

16:8 And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is thou who deliverest from all evil:

16:9 For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.

16:10 But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.

16:11 For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words; and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of thy goodness.

16:12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.

16:13 For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the gates of hell, and bringest up again.

16:14 A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when it is gone forth, returneth not; neither the soul received up cometh again.

16:15 But it is not possible to escape thine hand.

16:16 For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.

16:17 For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in the water, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth for the righteous.

16:18 For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the judgment of God.

16:19 And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.

16:20 Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels’ food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man’s delight, and agreeing to every taste.

16:21 For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children, and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man’s liking.

16:22 But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.

16:23 But this again did even forget his own strength, that the righteous might be nourished.

16:24 For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in thee.

16:25 Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to the desire of them that had need:

16:26 That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it is thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in thee.

16:27 For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed with a little sunbeam, soon melted away:

16:28 That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give thee thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto thee.

16:29 For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter’s hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.

17:1 For great are thy judgments, and cannot be expressed: therefore unnurtured souls have erred.

17:2 For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation; they being shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness, and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay [there] exiled from the eternal providence.

17:3 For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished, and troubled with [strange] apparitions.

17:4 For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: but noises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them, and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.

17:5 No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.

17:6 Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.

17:7 As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.

17:8 For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.

17:9 For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,

17:10 They died for fear, denying that they saw the air, which could of no side be avoided.

17:11 For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth grievous things.

17:12 For fear is nothing else but a betraying of the succours which reason offereth.

17:13 And the expectation from within, being less, counteth the ignorance more than the cause which bringeth the torment.

17:14 But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeed intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable hell,

17:15 Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not looked for, came upon them.

17:16 So then whosoever there fell down was straitly kept, shut up in a prison without iron bars,

17:17 For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in the field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness.

17:18 Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of birds among the spreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water running violently,

17:19 Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains; these things made them to swoon for fear.

17:20 For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were hindered in their labour:

17:21 Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they unto themselves more grievous than the darkness.

18:1 Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.

18:2 But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon for that they had been enemies.

18:3 Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire, both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them honourably.

18:4 For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to be given unto the world.

18:5 And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.

18:6 Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer.

18:7 So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the righteous, and destruction of the enemies.

18:8 For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same thou didst glorify us, whom thou hadst called.

18:9 For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise.

18:10 But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.

18:11 The master and the servant were punished after one manner; and like as the king, so suffered the common person.

18:12 So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.

18:13 For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.

18:14 For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her swift course,

18:15 Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,

18:16 And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth.

18:17 Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them unlooked for.

18:18 And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the cause of his death.

18:19 For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.

18:20 Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.

18:21 For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was thy servant.

18:22 So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished, alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.

18:23 For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way to the living.

18:24 For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy Majesty upon the daidem.

18:25 Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.

19:1 As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: for he knew before what they would do;

19:2 How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.

19:3 For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.

19:4 For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was wanting to their torments:

19:5 And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they might find a strange death.

19:6 For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:

19:7 As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:

19:8 Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.

19:9 For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.

19:10 For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.

19:11 But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when, being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.

19:12 For quails came up unto them from the sea for their contentment.

19:13 And punishments came upon the sinners not without former signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.

19:14 For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.

19:15 And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those, because they used strangers not friendly:

19:16 But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.

19:17 Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.

19:18 For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.

19:19 For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things, that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.

19:20 The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the water forgat his own quenching nature.

19:21 On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt to melt.

19:22 For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst assist them in every time and place.

The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus) [The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]

_A Prologue made by an uncertain Author_

This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and called home again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own name, his father’s name, and his grandfather’s; alluring the hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song; moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.

_The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach._

Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we have laboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law.

1:1 All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.

1:2 Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?

1:3 Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom?

1:4 Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.

1:5 The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting commandments.

1:6 To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath known her wise counsels?

1:7 [Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hath understood her great experience?]

1:8 There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting upon his throne.

1:9 He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works.

1:10 She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to them that love him.

1:11 The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

1:12 The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.

1:13 Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.

1:14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb.

1:15 She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed.

1:16 To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits.

1:17 She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase.

1:18 The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.

1:19 Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.

1:20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life.

1:21 The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is present, it turneth away wrath.

1:22 A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury shall be his destruction.

1:23 A patient man will bear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up unto him.

1:24 He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom.

1:25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

1:26 If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee.

1:27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meekness are his delight.

1:28 Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not unto him with a double heart.

1:29 Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest.

1:30 Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.

2:1 My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation.

2:2 Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble.

2:3 Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end.

2:4 Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate.

2:5 For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity.

2:6 Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him.

2:7 Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall.

2:8 Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail.

2:9 Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy.

2:10 Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him?

2:11 For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction.

2:12 Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways!

2:13 Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not; therefore shall he not be defended.

2:14 Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you?

2:15 They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they that love him will keep his ways.

2:16 They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law.

2:17 They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight,

2:18 Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

3:1 Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe.

3:2 For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.

3:3 Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:

3:4 And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.

3:5 Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.

3:6 He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.

3:7 He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters.

3:8 Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them.

3:9 For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.

3:10 Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father’s dishonour is no glory unto thee.

3:11 For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.

3:12 My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth.

3:13 And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.

3:14 For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.

3:15 In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.

3:16 He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed: of God.

3:17 My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.

3:18 The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.

3:19 Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek.

3:20 For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.

3:21 Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.

3:22 But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret.

3:23 Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand.

3:24 For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.

3:25 Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not.

3:26 A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein.

3:27 An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.

3:28 In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.

3:29 The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.

3:30 Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.

3:31 And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.

4:1 My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long.

4:2 Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in his distress.

4:3 Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not to give to him that is in need.

4:4 Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn away thy face from a poor man.

4:5 Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none occasion to curse thee:

4:6 For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of him that made him.

4:7 Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to a great man.

4:8 Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.

4:9 Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in judgment.

4:10 Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High, and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.

4:11 Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that seek her.

4:12 He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.

4:13 He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever she entereth, the Lord will bless.

4:14 They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her the Lord doth love.

4:15 Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.

4:16 If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in possession.

4:17 For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.

4:18 Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shew him her secrets.

4:19 But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin.

4:20 Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.

4:21 For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which is glory and grace.

4:22 Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall.

4:23 And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.

4:24 For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word of the tongue.

4:25 In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the error of thine ignorance.

4:26 Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course of the river.

4:27 Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither accept the person of the mighty.

4:28 Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for thee.

4:29 Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss.

4:30 Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy servants.

4:31 Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldest repay.

5:1 Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.

5:2 Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:

5:3 And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.

5:4 Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.

5:5 Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:

5:6 And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.

5:7 Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.

5:8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.

5:9 Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.

5:10 Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.

5:11 Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.

5:12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

5:13 Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.

5:14 Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.

5:15 Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.

6:1 Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.

6:2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]

6:3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.

6:4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

6:5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

6:6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

6:7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

6:8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.

6:9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.

6:10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.

6:11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.

6:12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.

6:13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.

6:14 A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.

6:15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.

6:16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.

6:17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.

6:18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.

6:19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.

6:20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.

6:21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.

6:22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.

6:23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,

6:24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.

6:25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.

6:26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.

6:27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.

6:28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.

6:29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.

6:30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

6:31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.

6:32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.

6:33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

6:34 Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.

6:35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.

6:36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

6:37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine own desire.

7:1 Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.

7:2 Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from thee.

7:3 My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold.

7:4 Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.

7:5 Justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king.

7:6 Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity; lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.

7:7 Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people.

7:8 Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.

7:9 Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.

7:10 Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.

7:11 Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth.

7:12 Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.

7:13 Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.

7:14 Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.

7:15 Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.

7:16 Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.

7:17 Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms.

7:18 Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.

7:19 Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold.

7:20 Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil, nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.

7:21 Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty.

7:22 Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy profit, keep them with thee.

7:23 Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth.

7:24 Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheerful toward them.

7:25 Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.

7:26 Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyself over to a light woman.

7:27 Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy mother.

7:28 Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee?

7:29 Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.

7:30 Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers.

7:31 Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy things.

7:32 And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected.

7:33 A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for the dead detain it not.

7:34 Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.

7:35 Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be beloved.

7:36 Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.

8:1 Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.

8:2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.

8:3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.

8:4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.

8:5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

8:6 Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.

8:7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.

8:8 Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.

8:9 Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.

8:10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.

8:11 Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words

8:12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.

8:13 Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.

8:14 Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.

8:15 Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.

8:16 Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.

8:17 Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.

8:18 Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.

8:19 Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.

9:1 Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not an evil lesson against thyself.

9:2 Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy substance.

9:3 Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.

9:4 Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken with her attempts.

9:5 Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that are precious in her.

9:6 Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance.

9:7 Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary place thereof.

9:8 Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another’s beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.

9:9 Sit not at all with another man’s wife, nor sit down with her in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine; lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire thou fall into destruction.

9:10 Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.

9:11 Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what shall be his end.

9:12 Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in; but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.

9:13 Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him, make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon the battlements of the city.

9:14 As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult with the wise.

9:15 Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in the law of the most High.

9:16 And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy glorying be in the fear of the Lord.

9:17 For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.

9:18 A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash in his talk shall be hated.

10:1 A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of a prudent man is well ordered.

10:2 As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.

10:3 An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited.

10:4 The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable.

10:5 In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.

10:6 Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do nothing at all by injurious practices.

10:7 Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.

10:8 Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.

10:9 Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.

10:10 The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to day a king to morrow shall die.

10:11 For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things, beasts, and worms.

10:12 The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his Maker.

10:13 For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.

10:14 The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set up the meek in their stead.

10:15 The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place.

10:16 The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed them to the foundations of the earth.

10:17 He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth.

10:18 Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that are born of a woman.

10:19 They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed.

10:20 Among brethren he that is chief is honorable; so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes.

10:21 The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.

10:22 Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.

10:23 It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man.

10:24 Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.

10:25 Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.

10:26 Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself in the time of thy distress.

10:27 Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.